The exhibition for “Ratu Sukuna and First World War” at the Fiji Museum will allow members of the public to see rare photographs of events during the First World War.
Speaking at the launch last night, His Excellency the President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau said this is also an opportunity for Fijians to celebrate the life of one of Fiji’s most famous sons, Ratu Josefa Lalabalavu Vanayaliyali Sukuna, who was decorated for bravery as a result of his contribution to World War 1.
Ratu Epeli said the exhibition over the next few months will provide people with a rare glimpse into one of the determining events of modern world history and gives the public another chance to appreciate Ratu Sukuna and reassess his legacy.
“This exhibition, by courtesy of the Ambassador of France, who initiated this very noble idea to have an exhibition to commemorate the First World War and ably assisted by the French Embassy and in collaboration with the Fiji National Archives, the Fiji Museum, the i-Taukei Trust Fund and the University of the South Pacific will enable us to reflect on the way in which Fiji experienced the war as a British colony,” Ratu Epeli said.
“It has been estimated that Fiji’s total financial contribution to the war was over £600,000, a significant amount of money in 1914.”
Ratu Epeli said the first contingent of 57 Fijis, as they were affectionately known in England, left the colony on 31st December, 1914.
“A second contingent of 64 men was sent to the battle front in July 1915. Reinforcements were sent through over the next two years. A third contingent made up essentially of part-Europeans and Polynesians was formed in 1918 and sent to New Zealand to train in Devonport, Auckland.
“According to reports, the total number of men in the official Fiji contingents was 357, over 100 of who were commissioned. Eighty six of them were decorated for their war service while 180 were killed in action,” Ratu Epeli added.
He highlighted about the most famous of i-Taukei soldiers, Ratu Sukuna and his younger brother Ratu Tiale Wimbledon Thomas Vuiyasawa.
The exhibition also features a photo of the Fiji Labour Corps departing Suva from the National Archives.
“The Labour Corps was generally engaged in manual labour and did not see active combat. These non-combatants performed the less glamorous but essential task of loading and unloading war-related cargo.
“The exhibition is intended to shed light on the ordinary aspects of everyday life in Fiji during WW1. There are personal stories and items to take us back. The exhibition is also intended to acknowledge the special place occupied by Ratu Sukuna in the war and in Fiji’s political history,” the President said.
The exhibition utilizes various mediums, from archival documents and photographs to audio-visual recordings and viewers will also find on display personal memorabilia, such as medals, and other items that are being held at the Fiji museum.