The South Australian Museum holds a twelve-page typescript catalogued as Isikeli’s [Hau’ofa] Report 1942, within the Harry K Bartlett archive.
The catalogue describes events following the order for Europeans to evacuate Misima on 25 January 1942. It records a disrupted local administration and islanders’ observations during the period of the Battle of the Coral Sea.
A named account, not the whole story
The museum also notes Lieutenant Roy Mader’s arrival in November 1942 and a meeting held that month to establish what had happened during the preceding period.
This is a specific archival record, with its own perspective and historical language. Families may hold other accounts that add to, challenge or explain what appears in the written record.
Explore the original museum catalogue — AA 21/5/3
The cover shows Misima from the founding photographic collection; it is not a wartime photograph.