Qaravi Na’i Tavi
They Did Their Duty
Soldiers from Fiji in the Great War
by Christine Liava’a
ISBN 987 1 877332 62 3
Published: 1 January, 2009
Price: NZ$120.00 plus pack & post
Published by Polygraphia Ltd
www.polygraphianz.com
(NOTE: It appears this book is not currently available. Contact Polygraphia Ltd)
At the beginning of the Great War 1914-1918, Lord Kitchener put out a call to arms to the British Empire. Fiji, a small colony in the South Pacific, responded disproportionately to its size, with over 1100 of the European population of approximately 4000 serving overseas and in home service. Some were born and bred in Fiji, others from Britain, Australia and New Zealand, were living and working there. The indigenous Fijians were also involved; the Fiji Labour Corps served in Europe in 1917 and 1918.
This book provides a full listing of all these people, with genealogical and military details, and historical information concerning the war service of the Fiji Platoon of the King’s Royal Rifles Corps, which many joined. Others enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force and the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, and a few in the French, South African, Canadian, and American forces.
All awards received by the soldiers and nurses, documents such as letters from the soldiers, and many photographs are included in this volume.
Christine Liava’a has produced a valuable source of information about individuals and families in Fiji, which will be of great interest both to genealogists and military historians, as well as others with connections to the people of Fiji.
Purchasing the Book
The book may be purchased direct from the Publisher, Polygraphia Ltd, P O Box 167 Westpark Village, West Harbour, Auckland 0661, New Zealand. Phone: 09 416 1437, Fax: 09 416 1438.
Purchases may also be made online from the Publisher’s secure web site at www.polygraphianz.com.
There is a link on the Home Page; the book can also be found under Latest Releases. This will probably be the most convenient way for overseas buyers. We accept payment by Visa and MasterCard.
Copies of the book are also available from the author, Christine Liava’a, 156 Hillside Road, Papatoetoe, Manukau City 2025, New Zealand. Phone: 09 278 4134.