sentences:  When war came to the Pacific at the end of 1941, Feldt's responsibilities for his Coastwatchers increased, as the Japanese advance left the island screen as the front line.He insisted the Coastwatchers be given military standing which would provide them some income and protection for their widows via a pension, should the worst outcome occur.In April 1942 the Coastwatchers became members of the Royal Australian Navy Volunteer Reserve RANVR.