Solomon Islands Scouts and Coastwatchers

Solomon Islands Scouts and Coastwatchers. . , Pride of Our Nation , Honouring the bravery, loyalty and courage of , Solomon Scouts Coastwatchers, “The Coastwatchers saved Guadalcanal and Guadalcanal saved the Pacific” , Admiral Bull Halsey USN, Pride of Our Nation , Honouring the bravery, loyalty and courage of , Solomon Scouts and Coastwatchers , The Solomon Islands Scouts and Coastwaters Memorial trust would like to thank all Solomon Islanders who played a role in assisting the allies during World War Two. They and their descendant can be proud of the help, support and protection given to the Allies during the critial turning point of the Pacific War. , Dedicated on the 70th Anniversary of the landing of US Marines on Guadalcanal in 1942 August the 7th. by the Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands: Hon Gordon Darcy Lilo, On the 7th of August 2012., Those who served , Names of British Solomon Islands Defence Force and Other Solomon Scouts and Coastwatchers (Islanders) and European Coastwatchers and Members of British Solomon Islands Defence Force not transcribed, This monument was dedicated on 7th August 2011 , By his Excellency Sir Frank Utu Ofagioro Kabui GCMG CSI OBE , Governor-General of the Solomon Islands , In the presence of Solomon Scouts Thomas Titulu, Edward Lulumani and Alfred A Bisili, Frank Haikiu CSI , Designer and creator of the sculpture Pride of the Our Nation , Frank's artistic vision symbolizers the role played by all Allied coastwatchers who served in hazzardous conditions behind the front-lines during world War II. His life-like sculpture portrays one with binoculars, another operating a radio, the look out pointing and a further scout crouching on guard with his rifle. The work constructed of locally sourced materials, stands as a monument to the enduring bravery, courage and sacrifice of the Solomons Scouts and Coastwatch protecting the people and territory of the Solomon Islands. It is testament to frank's creativity and the technical excellence of his craft-skills , "It is a sculpture that anyone could view and say 'this could be me" -Frank Haikiu , Dedicated 7th August 2015, The Royal Australia Navy established the Coastwatchers Network in Northen Australia, Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands in 1934. Ably supported, protected and gethering critical intelligence by the Solomon Scouts this invaluable network that resulted aided most dramatically the Battle of Guadalcanal and then for Solomon Islands. This combination was the catalyst for victory. Pilots and ship wrecked sailors caught behind enemy lines were provided with a safety line to their own territory., This partnership is recognized with an Anchor from a serving Royal Australian Navy ship, the same as those of HMAS Canberra. It is fitting completion and unifying acknowledgement of this critical partnership which forged the victory of the Solomon Islands, Unveiled by Rear Admiral James Goldrick, AO, CSC, RAN on 7th August 2013 on behalf of the Royal Australian Navy