Trip to Guadalcanal

[Mark VII]

Just a few pics tonight. After the Gifu we then proceeded a ways to Henderson Field. Tried to get to the old tower but a Japanese construction company had set up operations right next to the tower but had fenced it all in. John was very upset that they had fenced it in and did not think they could do that to public property. There were a couple of stone markers just off the pic to the right which we could not get to. Photo taken from minor road, note the fence.

When looking at Henderson from Mt. Austen, tower would of been at closer end of field just to the left side of the cleared area behind the trees.

[Brady]

I wounder if they finced it to protect it, while they did their construction prodject?, such action is common while working around things that nead be kept seperat or out of bounds during some kinds of work.

[Mark VII]

No, this was not the low kind of fence that you see to keep debris out, it was the tall chain link to keep people out.

[Mark VII]

Now over at the current terminal. When the airport was expanded a couple of years ago much WW II stuff was relocated. I believe some kind of Japanese AAA gun(more pics coming) and some other stuff.

[Mark VII]

The gun, is it Japanese and what model? Any help out there please?

[Nikademus]

A military relic is usually fenced in or cut off in some way to prevent people from climbing over it or on it. I imagine many people would try to climb the tower despite the removal of the lower stairs. After all these years its probably unsafe to do so.....not that that would stop many intrepid climbers who want to view things from the sharp end as the soldiers did. (air controllers in this case)

[Mark VII]

This is to the left of the gun of first pic and I am standing next to it in second gun pic. Its a marker for a unknown Marine.

[Mark VII]

John said this was the first time he had seen it fenced in like that. The construction company was doing road paving and would of had nothing to do with the tower as there was no construction any where near it. John and John have run many large and small tours over here and he was surprised.

ORIGINAL: Nikademus

A military relic is usually fenced in or cut off in some way to prevent people from climbing over it or on it. I imagine many people would try to climb the tower despite the removal of the lower stairs. After all these years its probably unsafe to do so.....not that that would stop many intrepid climbers who want to view things from the sharp end as the soldiers did. (air controllers in this case)

[Mark VII]

Close-up of marker. Don't know if this was orginal location or if it was moved during airport upgrade.

[Mark VII]

Wider shot looking back to AAA gun which provides better view of its base in case that helps in ID. I would guess its a 75mm.

In background to the center right is the Solomon Islands Memorial Garden filled with a bunch of stone markers that had been moved.

[Mark VII]

Entrance

[Mark VII]

Coastwatcher memorial

[Mark VII]

Coastwatch closeup

[Mark VII]

Marine stone with coastwatcher just behind.

[Mark VII]

Marine close-up

[Mark VII]

That's all for tonight, probably none on Wednesday. So sorry....terry

[Brady]

Type 88 75 mm AA gun, would be my gues.

[Bodhi]

ORIGINAL: Mark VII

That's all for tonight, probably none on Wednesday. So sorry....terry

Terry, fascinated by these photos and your commentary, thanks for sharing. [8D] Can't wait until Thursday. [:D]

[Speedysteve]

Yup still excellent pics. Nice Terry. Thanks.

Would be cool to do a tour of Pacific Island WW2 battle sites. Doubt it would be cheap though. Don't forget though if you want to go to Truk you must pronounce it Chuuk! [;)]

[TAIL GUNNER]

yeah, thanks for the pictures.....relics from WWII are fascinating...

Was wondering if you've ever read Dr. Robert Ballard's book on Guadalcanal?

He found and explored many of the wrecks in Iron Bottom Sound...

Chad