British Western Pacific Territories

Alliance Allies - Minor Member Nation or Possession
Possessing Power United Kingdom

Contributor:

ww2dbaseBritish Western Pacific Territories was established in 1877. It encompassed British colonies in the Pacific Ocean. It included the Canton and Enderbury Islands, Cook Islands, Fiji, Gilbert and Ellice Islands, Nauru, New Hebrides, Savage Island, Pitcairn Islands, Solomon Islands, Tonga, and the Union Islands. During the war, many of the islands were occupied by the Japanese, some of which such as Solomon Islands and Gilbert Islands saw a number of major battles during the war.

ww2dbaseSir Harry Charles Luke was the appointed High Commissioner for the British Western Pacific Territories between 16 Sep 1938 and 1942. Between 1942 and 1945 the position was suspended as the territory was governed by the British military during war time. Sir Alexander William George Herder Grantham was appointed the High Commissioner after the war.

ww2dbaseMost, but not all, of the islands were given independence by the 1970s, thus the British Western Pacific Territories was abolished on 2 Jan 1976.

ww2dbaseSource: Wikipedia

Last Major Update: Jun 2010

People
Vouza, Jacob


Events Taken Place in British Western Pacific Territories
Guadalcanal Campaign7 Aug 1942 - 9 Feb 1943
Solomon Islands Campaign23 Aug 1942 - 25 Dec 1943


Facilities
Henderson FieldAirfield
Kahili AirfieldAirfield

Weather

WW2-Era Weather Data for British Western Pacific Territories

Photographs

Lunga Point Airfield while under construction, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, Jul 1942Lunga Point Airfield/Henderson Field, seen from USS Saratoga aircraft, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, Aug 1942United States Marine preparing to throw a Mark II “pineapple” grenade on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, 1942. Note Browning Automatic Rifle at left.Japanese facilities afire, Tanambogo Island, east of Tulagi, Solomon Islands, 7 Aug 1942
See all 188 photographs of British Western Pacific Territories in World War II

Maps

USMC Map 104 showing the northern coast of Guadalcanal in the Lunga areaMap depicting Japanese and US Naval movements during the Second Naval Battle of Guadalcanal the night of Nov 14, 1942.Map noting the Solomon Islands situation in 1943US Pilot’s Strip Chart of “The Slot” in the Solomon chain with ranges indicated from Henderson Field, Guadalcanal. US aircraft flying from Henderson Field were colloquially known as the “Cactus Air Force” after their radio call sign.
See all 5 maps of British Western Pacific Territories in World War II


British Western Pacific Territories in World War II Interactive Map




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British Western Pacific Territories in World War II Photo Gallery
Lunga Point Airfield while under construction, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, Jul 1942
See all 188 photographs of British Western Pacific Territories in World War II




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"With Germany arming at breakneck speed, England lost in a pacifist dream, France corrupt and torn by dissension, America remote and indifferent... do you not tremble for your children?"

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