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| Location Addu Atoll is the southernmost atoll in the Maldives Islands, includes the islands of Hulhudhoo, Maradhoo, Meedhooo, Fedu (Feydhoo), Gan, Maradhoo-Feydhoo, Hitaddu (Hithadhoo) and many smaller islands ringing a deep lagoon. Wartime History During August 1941, net layer HMS Guardian landed a Royal Navy construction crew at Addu Atoll in to begin work on a secret naval base code named "Port T" for the British Eastern Fleet, in the event that Singapore, Ceylon or India fell into enemy hands. Also, because the location was away from civilian populations or spies. The Japanese were not aware of this base until after April 1942. The lagoon at Addu Atoll was used as an anchorage for the Royal Navy. A pair of Australian refrigerator ships were requisitioned in Sydney, loaded with canned foods, cigarettes and 5,200 gallons of rum, and were stationed in the lagoon to supply British warships. These had Chinese crews and Australian civilian officers, and most of the work was performed by Maldivian locals. Six of the atoll's islands were defended by shore batteries and anti-aircraft guns manned by 1st Royal Marine Coast Defence Regiment. Jettys and an light railway line across a causeways were built on the western islands. Submarine nets blocked the entrances, leaving only Gan Channel open to ships. On March 9, 1944 German submarine U-183 torpedoed and sank the tanker MV British Loyalty by firing a torpedo through a gap in the anti-torpedo nets surrounding the atoll. Addu Seaplane Base Located in the lagoon inside Addu Atoll. Hitaddu Island (Hithadhoo) Located on the western edge of Addu Atoll bordering the lagoon to the east. During the war, developed by the British. On the eastern shore, jetties, and oil jetty for refueling and submarine power cable were built. At the center of the island was the RAF communication station. Gan Island Southernmost island in Addu Atoll, pronounced "Yahn". Gan Airport spans the width of the island east to west. Gan Airfield Located on Gan Island in Addu Atoll. Addu City 0.6413°S 73.158°E Contemorary city spanning the islands of Hulhudhoo and Maradhoo MV British Loyalty Scuttled January 15, 1946 References Peak of Limuria The Story of Diego Garcia pages 64 Contribute
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 Map 1971 |
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