World War II Archaeology in Fiji: Assessing the Material Record

World War II was a global conflict that dramatically changed societies and landscapes around the world. It also left behind a vast and diverse material record. Although the battles of the conflict never reached Fiji, a British colony in the South Pacific, the War's impact on the island group is clear. Through 1942 and part of 1943, while under threat of Japanese invasion, defensive installations and occupation facilities were built on the island. In the later years of the war, Fiji became a forward base for the Allied forces. This resulted in the construction of transportation infrastructure, and an influx of Allied troops and supplies. This paper presents an inventory of the significant World War II heritage sites on the main island of Fiji, Viti Levu. The study also discusses how the war impacted Fiji and laid the groundworkfor aspects of modern life in the island nation.