Recognition of Gallant

Service Empire Medal for Mrs. Ruby Boye, of Vanikoro

FOR valuable work in the Allied cause, while isolated by the Japanese occu pation of the Solomons in 1942-43, Mrs. Ruby Olive Boye, of Vanikoro. Santa Cruz Group, has been awarded the British Empire Medal.

When all other Europeans were with drawn from the Group (which is 450 miles south-east of Tulagi), Mr. and Mrs. Boye

remained behind. Then, although in con stant danger of capture by the Japs, Mrs.

Boye, on her tele-radio, transmitted meteorological data from her own read ings. to Allied headquarters. This and other information she supplied, proved of great value to our aircraft operating over the area.

Mr. Boye is manager of the Kauri Tim ber Company and formerly was attached to Burns Philp & Co. He has an exten sive knowledge of the whole area.

In peacetime, Mrs. Boye worked for the timber company as a wireless operator.

She is Australian-born, but has lived 20 years in the Islands, and is widely known for her hospitality and kindness. Last year she was made an honorary third officer of the Women’s Royal Australian Naval Service.

They have two sons—Ken, in the RAAF: and Don, who lives with an aunt in Sydney.

Because of ill-health, Mr. A. H. Phil lips, Director of Education, has left Fiji on six months’ leave of absence.

A rcent picture of Mr. and Mrs. S. S. Boye, at their Vanikoro home, reprinted from June "TIM.”