By Georgina Maka’a

The death of 517 British soldiers on the island of Ballalae, Western Province, in World World II was one of the tales highlighted at a Remembrance Day service held in Honiara this morning.

The soldiers were prisoners of war captured in the fall of Singapore and brought over to Ballalae in 1942 by the Japanese imperial force to build an airfield.

Many died of exhaustion and tropical diseases while hundreds were killed by Allied bombing. The remaining 57 were executed when Imperial Japan lost the war.

Their bodies were discovered in a mass grave in 1945.

Today, Ballalae, in the Shortland islands, hosted a war monument built to remember the fallen British soldiers, as well as a designated WWII site in Solomon Islands.

Remembrance Day is  held each year on November 11 to remember those who have given their lives in service, as well as to reflect on the historical events that led to this day.

British High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Thomas Coward, whose office organised today’s event, said:

“We stand together today to remember servicemen who have given their lives for our freedom and peace.

“We pause to remember their sacrifice that we cannot repay.”

^{Diplomatics corps that took part in the Remembrance Service}

Held at the Cenotaph within the grounds of the Central Police Station, the Remembrance Day event was attended by reps from the diplomatic corps, military and police personnel from Fiji, Australia and New Zealand, Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, Solomon Islands Scouts, Salvation Army and St John Ambulance Service.

Originally known as Armistice Day, it was renamed Remembrance Day after World War Two to commemorate those who were killed in both World Wars. 

Today the loss of lives from all wars and conflicts is commemorated on Remembrance Day.