Solomons Rc

Awarded CMG For Notable Service

11THEN the Japanese invaded the TT Solomons in the early part of this year, the Resident Commissioner.

Lieut.-Colonel W. S. Marchant, and a number of his officers, refused to leave the Protectorate. They stayed on in Tulagi: but, recognising that an enemy occupation of Tulagi was likely, they made certain preparations.

Air raids on Tulagi at the end of April showed that the Japs were coming, and the RC and his staff moved away to certain places elsewhere in the groun, where they had assembled a considerable quantity of essential supplies.

The enemy fully occupied Tulagi in May; but Lieut. Colonel Marchant with drew to his new headquarters. He carried on for four months—April, May, June and July—and then, when the Americans recaptured the Tulagi zone, and drove the Japanese northwards, the administrative personnel were able to co operate at once with our Allies.

Details of what was accomplished bv the RC cannot be published; but it is significant that, in the BBC radio trans mission on November 7. his conduct was warmly praised, and it was announced that he had been awarded the distinction of CMG (Companion of the Order of St.

Michael and St. George).

Mr. V, Fox-Strangways, who arrived in Australia from Nyasaland. en route to take up the position of Resident Com missioner of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands, at the end of 1941, and who was prevented by the Japanese war from pro ceeding further, has assumed duty for mally as Resident Commissioner. He has had charge of G. &' E. affairs from August 22.