AWA Teleradio 3BZ used by coastwatchers during the war Source: Australian War Memorial (P01035 .006)
Here is a great site about the AWA 3BZ Wireless set:
AWA 3B SET
Here's a good article about the Coastwatchers:
Guadalcanal 1943
I've been interested in the Solomon islands lately because my wife and I have been watching a YouTube video channel about a family living on Uepi island:
Uepi is right on "the slot," near New Georgia.
There are WWII remnants still visible (underwater) at Uepi:
AI Overview
Uepi Island in the Solomon Islands is famous today for its World War II history, particularly its abundant, accessible WWII wreck dives (aircraft & ships) in Marovo Lagoon, a key battleground during the Solomon Islands Campaign, offering divers a tangible connection to the fierce fighting between US and Japanese forces. The area, near major WWII sites like Guadalcanal, features underwater artifacts like Japanese Zeroes and US Corsairs, with the modern Uepi Island Resort preserving these historical relics within its dive operations.
Uepi's WWII Significance
- Location: Uepi is situated in the Marovo Lagoon, part of the Solomon Islands, which were central to the brutal Pacific Campaign of WWII.
- Wreck Dives: The waters surrounding Uepi are a "treasure trove" of sunken WWII aircraft (like P39 Air Cobra, Japanese Zeroes) and shipwrecks, making it a prime destination for historical diving.
- Preservation: The Uepi Island Resort actively manages and promotes responsible diving at these sites, emphasizing that removing artifacts is illegal.
Key WWII Sites & Wrecks Near Uepi
- Wickham Harbour: Located near Uepi, this area contains significant WWII wrecks, accessible via boat trips from the island.
- Aircraft: Divers can find Japanese Zeroes, American Corsair fighters, and potentially B24 bombers, often in challenging conditions, with efforts to move some to cleaner areas.
- Marovo Lagoon: As one of the world's largest saltwater lagoons, it holds numerous historical remnants from the intense fighting.
