MOMI BATTERY HISTORIC PARK

Words by Robin Yarrow

Momi Bay, about half an hour drive out of Nadi, played a key role during World War II. As the shadow of WWII blanketed the planet, Fiji become a prime target for attacks due to its strategic location amid the waters of the Pacific. Determined to keep the Fijian islands from falling into enemy hands, the New Zealand Expeditionary Forces constructed defenses at various points throughout Viti Levu. Momi was selected in order to protect the Navula Passage, a vulnerable break in the western reef.

Today, visitors can walk through Momi Battery Historic Park’s gun site and explore the well preserved buildings that make up the gun battery, the command posts, magazine room and other structures. View extensive displays at the new Visitor Information Centre to learn more about a proud period in Fiji’s history. Enjoy spectacular views out over Momi Bay and the Mamanuca Islands, an ideal location for photography. Managed by the National Trust of Fiji the site is open Monday to Sunday and on public holidays. Open 8am to 4:30pm. Tel: 4501353.

This is one of the very few coast artillery batteries in the world still in possession of its original guns – a fact Fiji can be very proud of. That it is now a major tourist attraction is most pleasing, as not all of Fiji’s built heritage is fortunate to be in this preserved and accessible position. The support provided by the Government of Fiji in the restoration process of the Momi site and in particular, with funding the new Visitor Center, is indeed commendable.

It is important that we value and protect our built past to benefit future generations, both residents and visitors alike, and of the opportunity to better understand and appreciate the past contribution to the nation’s rich and diverse history to development

- in this case of a military nature, by way of an interpretive original facility, such as that at Momi. The strategic value of Momi Battery, being in an elevated position directly opposite the main Navula Passage, through which ocean-going vessels to Lautoka Port and Vuda Point fuel terminal have to pass, was an absolute strength.

Momi Battery is one of seven coastal defensive emplacements, including Bilo Battery opposite Suva, which were constructed during the early part of WWII, in preparation for what became the planned invasion of Fiji by Japan. The seriousness of the situation was reflected in the night-time blackouts and curfews in place in Suva-Nausori

and Lautoka-Nadi, from 11:00 pm to 5:30 am, during mid-1942.

It was recognised soon after the war commenced, that the capture of Fiji would be critical to New Zealand’s interests as large areas of the North Island would then become accessible by bombers. The infrastructure specifically-constructed for this purpose was significant, extending well beyond coastal defense and aircraft/airport facilities over a wide area of Viti Levu, from offshore islands like Malolo to as far north as Vatukoula and in particular within the Lautoka-Nadi-Momi and Suva-Nausori corridors. These included hospitals, roads, much improved port facilities, the ex-RNZAF site at Laucala Bay which now hosts USP, communication sites, the Black Rock site in Nadi and underground tunnel facilities in Suva. (These had shelter space for 15,000 people). It is not widely known that at the peak of the war preparation operations in Fiji, some three additional airfields were constructed as part of Nadi Airfield, namely Narewa, Nakavu and Drasa.

Peniette & Isireli wed at the park. Photo: Infinity Images Fiji.

In addition to the range of infrastructural facilities, some 40,000 service personnel were deployed in Viti Levu at the end of 1942, a very large number when compared to Fiji’s then population of 220,000. This total comprised 10,000 personnel from New Zealand and a further 15,000 American infantry plus support staff, with the balance being largely from Fiji. Although no Australian troops served, a range of military officers played individual roles and Australia also supported the defence effort by supplying naval patrols, arms and ammunition, plus food provisions. The Fiji personnel comprised the Fiji Infantry Regiment (4 battalions) the Fiji Guerillas (5 units) the Fiji Home Guard, the Fiji Medical Corps and the Fiji Labour Corps, to name the main components. The manner in which all of the personnel, from overseas and Fiji, interacted was a standout in the eyes of the key overseas command staff.

Many of the infrastructural improvements made during the war are still in use and serve as a wonderful legacy to the support and efforts

of Fiji’s friends at a time of great need. A number of Suva’s streets are named after military officers including Mead Road (after Major General O. H. Mead, a commanding officer of the forces in Fiji) and Cunningham and Grantham roads.

Although Fiji was not invaded, the period of WWII deserves a special place in the country’s history because of the way in which allies and friends mobilized in partnership with Fiji, to jointly prepare so well for this strong eventuality and very real threat. This effort also provided the foundation for the 2,200 Fijian soldiers who proceeded to

Photo: Infinity Images Fiji.

combat in the Solomon Islands and then serve in an exemplary manner there. Fijian soldiers have subsequently served with distinction in helping to preserve world peace in the Malayan and numerous other campaigns throughout the world, and continue to do so to the present day.

Principal reference source – “Fortress Fiji” by Robert Lowry (2006).

Robin Yarrow is the immediate past chairperson of the National Trust of Fiji and a former permanent secretary in the Government of Fiji.

Compiled by EXPLORE Fiji. Photo: Treasure Island Fiji.