NZDF joins commemoration of amphibious landing in Solomon Islands
New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) representatives attended ceremony marking the 75th anniversary of the New Zealand and United States landings at Falamai Bay on Mono Island.
The opposed amphibious military landings took place on 27 October, 1943, at the bay on Mono Island in Western Province. Forty New Zealanders and 12 Americans died in action as the Allied Forces liberated the island from occupying Japanese forces.
The people of Mono commemorate the landings every year with a New Zealand Day.
New Zealand High Commissioner to the Solomon Islands Don Higgins, Defence Attaché to the Solomon Islands Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Hunter and the Surveillance Planning and Liaison Officer, Forum Fisheries Agency Honiara, Lieutenant Commander Phil Rowe joined the commemorations on the remote island.
They were joined by families of some of the soldiers who fought and died at Mono. They had made the journey from New Zealand to experience the place where their relatives fought.
Following a spirited “warrior’s welcome”, representatives from the Council of Chiefs greeted the party as it arrived on the beach at Falamai. The welcoming group included Roy Kelosi, who was eight when the Japanese landed at his village.
A moving service was held at the Mono Memorial and wreaths were laid, followed by the Last Post and a minute’s silence.
“It is only right that we come here not only to honour the sacrifices made by New Zealand and American soldiers, we also join the people of Falamai to maintain that unique bond established by our military forces 75 years ago,” Mr Higgins said.
Lieutenant Colonel Hunter said it was a great honour to travel to Mono Island and commemorate the 75th anniversary of the landing with the people of Falamai.
“It is very humbling to witness the display of friendship and regard in which the people of Falamai have held and retained for New Zealand and New Zealanders since that event,” he said.
