New Zealand and the Tonga Defence Force 1939-1945

Abstract

Little public attention has been drawn to the garrisons which served in such groups as the Tongan or Friendly Islands. The Tonga Defence Force did not go into action, but it played a by no means unimportant part in the war effort. The wartime contact and co-operation underlying the defence of Tonga is more significant still for the future of the Pacific, especially as far as Tonga and New Zealand are concerned. Such a garrison as the Tonga Defence Force becomes involved in the everyday life of the country. To really appreciate the work of this garrison and its impact on Tonga, we must therefore first consider this kingdom and its people and government. The British protectorate of Tonga is a group of nearly 200 small islands scattered over an area of 250 square miles to the east of Fiji. Not all the islands are inhabited, others have little contact with the outside world and even the more accessible are seldom visited by foreigners, as the group is off the main shipping routes and discourages tourists. Nukualofa, the centre of government and home of the Queen, is on Tongatabu, or Sacred Tonga, the largest and most important Island. As its name signifies, Tongatabu holds an especial place in the affections of the people and it is also of strategic importance, for it has a seaplane anchorage and the best aerodrome and harbour facilities in the group. Although some of the islands are volcanic, Tongatabu, like the majority, is flat and of coral formation - its highest point is less than 100 feet. This island is our chief centre of interest, as here the main defensive work was carried out and most New Zealand troops were stationed.