What was
where

We’ve recently updated our interactive map of Espiritu Santo—bringing together years of research into one place.

As with the earlier version, the map shows the locations of key Allied infrastructure built during World War II. Airfields, roads, ports, hospitals, fuel depots, maintenance facilities—and even cinemas and bakeries—once spread across the south-east corner of the island.

This latest update goes further. Using information from a previously undiscovered map, we’ve been able to fill in many of the gaps and refine our understanding of how the base was laid out. The result is the most complete picture we’ve assembled to date, layered over current satellite imagery of Luganville.

Click on any of the coloured markers and an information panel will open, providing more detail about that location. Where available, images can be viewed in a carousel at the top of the panel—clicking any image will expand it to full screen.

At the bottom of each panel, you’ll also find a directions link, allowing you to map a route between locations—whether driving, walking, or riding. It’s a simple way to explore these historic sites for yourself if you visit Santo.

In the top left corner, you can toggle between present-day imagery and a 1943 aerial photograph, offering a striking comparison between past and present.

And finally, look out for the yellow ‘play’ icons across the map. These link to our short video collection—each one helping pinpoint exactly where history unfolded.

If you want, I can tighten it even further (more punchy, less explanatory), but this version sits nicely with the tone of your other pages.

The map covers the area from Aore Island in the South all the way up the east coast to Turtle Bay Fighter Airfield, so there’s lots to explore.