Occupied! A preliminary archaeological examination of the remains of the Japanese invasion and occupation of Christmas Island, Indian Ocean during World War II

Abstract

ABSTRACT The Japanese occupation of Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean has been little mentioned in Australian wartime histories. There is scant reference during Australian memorials or in historical publications about the island’s experiences during the World War II (WWII), when ties with Australia were close. Christmas Island is 488 km from Jakarta and in WWII was in a key position between Japanese-occupied Papua New Guinea and the Indian sub-continent, the coveted next step in Japanese control of the Indian Ocean during this major conflict. Highly strategic, but poorly defended, the island fell to the Japanese in early 1942, and was occupied for 3 years. Recording and reporting on the remains of the Japanese occupation of Christmas Island places the island and its people more securely within the Australian wartime narrative, and within the pantheon of occupied territories.