Michael Field's South Pacific Tides

Michael Field's South Pacific Tides

Share this post

Michael Field's South Pacific Tides
Michael Field's South Pacific Tides
'Yes, I am ready to die'

'Yes, I am ready to die'

A Last Secret 17

Michael J Field's avatar
Michael J Field
May 19, 2022
∙ Paid
1

Share this post

Michael Field's South Pacific Tides
Michael Field's South Pacific Tides
'Yes, I am ready to die'
Share

The tragic fate of Ocean Island - today the mostly abandoned Banaba and part of modern Kiribati — is linked to the coast watcher story.

They had a shared massacre that is as unknown as that of the Tarawa killings. At the opening of the 20th century Banabans were living in a lush paradise; 50 years on the landscape was a blasted ruin, its phosphate rich topsoils stolen for a pittance to enhance the weak soils of Australia and New Zealand. Its people were so completely dispossessed it is hard to imagine how any civilisation allowed it to happen.

Keep reading with a 7-day free trial

Subscribe to Michael Field's South Pacific Tides to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.

Already a paid subscriber? Sign in
© 2025 Michael J Field
Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start writingGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture

Share