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Historical galleries

Santo
beginnings

A growing archive of the Pacific war

The South Pacific World War II Museum is building what we hope will become one of the most comprehensive photographic archives of the Pacific Theatre.

As our collection continues to grow, it is no longer possible to present every image on a single page. Instead, the archive is organised into a series of galleries, each representing a key aspect of the wartime story on Espiritu Santo and across the South Pacific.

Select any of the galleries below to explore the images and stories in more detail.

USS ABSD-1 Floating Dry Dock

A massive floating dry dock assembled on Espiritu Santo in 1943 from ten prefabricated sections shipped from the United States.

The 25th Evacuation Hospital

Constructed in the Santo jungle, this hospital treated up to 750 patients and played a critical role in frontline medical support.

Aore Island

A strategic hub for fuel storage, ammunition, and naval recreation facilities supporting Allied operations across the Pacific.

Elwood J Euart Memorial

A tribute to Captain Elwood J Euart, who gave his life rescuing men aboard the SS President Coolidge.

Navy Aviation Maintenance

Extensive repair and maintenance facilities built to service the wide range of aircraft operating from Santo.

US Navy Bakery

Large-scale bakeries supplied fresh bread daily to the thousands of personnel stationed on the island.

US Navy Hospital No. 3

One of several major hospitals on Santo, treating wounded Allied servicemen evacuated from combat zones.

US Navy Hospital No. 6

Another key medical facility providing care for injured and ill personnel returning from the front lines.

Jungle Combat Training Centre

Specialised training facilities prepared troops for the harsh realities of jungle warfare in the Pacific.

Eleanor Roosevelt’s Visit

In 1943, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt visited Santo as part of a morale-boosting tour of Pacific bases.

Ship Replenishment

Fuel depots and wharves on Aore Island enabled rapid resupply of naval vessels operating in combat areas.

Signal Tower

Vast fuel storage installations supported the enormous logistical demands of Allied naval operations.

The Fuel Farms

Vast fuel storage installations supported the enormous logistical demands of Allied naval operations.

Simonson’s Wharf

One of many wartime wharves along the Segond Channel, some of which remain in use today.

Vehicles on Santo

Thousands of vehicles supported operations across Santo and surrounding islands during the war.

Santo Wharves

A dense network of wharves and docking facilities contributed to the largest naval base in the South Pacific in WWII.

Other Santo Wharves

Additional docks and jetties extended beyond Segond Channel to support wider Allied activity.

Boat Repair Dock

A major naval repair facility located in the heart of Luganville and is still used today for the maintenance of boats of all sizes.

Bomber Airfield No. 1

Built along the shores of Palikulo Bay, this was the first of Santo’s massive major bomber airfields.

Bomber Airfield No. 2

Located closest to Luganville, this airfield is was resurrected post-war and is now Santo’s international airport.

Bomber Airfield No. 3

Positioned on elevated ground, offering strategic oversight of Segond Channel it ws the biggest of Santo’s bomber airfields.

SS President Coolidge

A luxury liner turned troopship, lost after striking sea mines on entering the Segond Channel.