A small French possession 320 miles to the west of Samoa, east of Fiji and south-east of Tuvalu.

History
French Missionary came to the island before the war. Occupied by Free French forces on May 26, 1942.  Codenamed 'Lameduck' by the Americans. 2nd Construction Battalion, Companies A & B (with C & D in British Samoa) were the first to arrive to develop the base, but were held on Tutuila until negotiations were completed. The following day under agreement with the Frenchi its defense was to be an Americans responsibility. Marine divisions to be prepared to furnish troops for the garrisoning of Wallis in late March. 7th Defense Battalion was sent to Upolu on 28 March, and a small detachment was established on Savaii.

Today
On 29 July 1961, the archipelago was detached from New Caledonia, and is today an overseas territory of France. 

Wallis Island (Uvea)
Largest island in the group 7 miles long by 4 miles wide. Located to the eastern side of the island group. 8th Defense Battalion of Tutuila, became the major element of the Wallis garrison. At the end of March, the 8th Defense Battalion (Reinforced) under Colonel Raphael Griffin moved into Wallis.  During the US Navy Seabee's occupation, they build 70 miles of road on the island, storehouses, a 72 bed hospital and housing facilities. Later, by January 1944, a 15 x 500 gallon tank farm for fuel was also established on the island. The construction activities on Wallis were the first major construction work by Seabees during the war. CBMU 504 (Naval Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit) arrived May 1942 and worked on the island until early 1944. By February 19, 1944 dismantling of the base was begun here and througout Samoa. Materials salvaged were taken back to Tutuila, to be used at more forward bases. USMC Colonel Griffin was in charge of the island.

Hihifo Airfield (Wallis Island Airport)
Built by US Navy during October 1942. Still in use today as the island's only airport.

Mata'Utu
Located on the eastern coast, near the center of the island, overlooking Mata Utu Harbor. Present day capital of Wallis.

Gahi Harbor
Gahi village is located on the south-eastern coast of Wallis Island. US Navy Seabees built a causeway 75' long of logs, filled with rock and covered with coral and sand over the reef into deep water.

Halalo
Lat 13° 20' 60S Long 176° 10' 60W Located near the south-west of the island.

Hihifo Seaplane Base
Built by the US Navy during October 1942

Fighter Strip
Built by the US Navy late in 1942.

Futuna
Large island to the west of Wallis Island.

Contribute Information
Do you have photos or additional information to add?

Last Updated
October 1, 2009