WW2 civilian deaths in Solomon Islands?

[Sue from Southend]

I've looked on Ancestry and FMP with no joy and have Googled etc but found nothing! Just wondering, on the off chance, if anyone knows of any information available on deaths/prisoners of war from the South Pacific, the British Solomon Islands in particular?

Thanks

[HarrysMum]

Not sure if this is any help...

http://ww2db.com/battle_spec.php?battle_id=8

[Sue from Southend]

Thanks for that Libby. It's a very interesting website - it's told me lot about the campaign out there! However the man I'm looking for isn't listed. He just disappears. I know he was in the Solomon Islands in 1937 so I'm just guessing that got he caught up in the action and died there.

Maybe more records will come on line one day...

Thanks again

[HarrysMum]

Have you looked here in Australia?

I'm happy to have a poke around for you.

[Sue from Southend]

That would be great, Libby if you could! I have free access to Australian records on Ancestry for today only but not much experience in research down under.

His name is Arthur Cant, b1891 in Upminster, Essex. He left UK in 1910 for New York, but in 1913 is a seaman on board a ship sailing between Sydney and the Solomon Islands (see my other thread about deciphering!)

He came back to the UK for a 6mth visit in 1937 and today I've found a fascinating newspaper article about him on FMP from that visit that suggests he was in Australia for 10 years before settling in the Solomons. The article's timings are little suspect so whether he made it into a census I don't know.

I also don't know what he did during WW1, he would have been of combat age.

Arthur was OH's great uncle and my late father in law remembered his visit and was sure that the family never heard from him again after WW2 which is why I suspect he died at that time.

Any pointers would be lovely, thanks again,

[HarrysMum]

Okay......will have a look around.

[HarrysMum]

I know a few Cant names here in Brisbane, but probably no relation.

Here is a pic with an Arthur approx. 1947. Just hang on to it (just in case)

http://www.photosau.com.au/Canterbury/scripts/ExtSearch.asp?SearchTerm=100270

[HarrysMum]

Add this one just in case I lose it and it's needed later.

http://museum.wa.gov.au/whats-on/unveiled/rita-beard-and-arthur-cant

[Sue from Southend]

I've just found a piece on Trove! His sister appeals for information on his whereabouts in October 1946. The family have not heard from him since January 1946. She suggests that he served in US small ships(?) She gives her contact address in UK and an alternative "Miss Cant" of Seacliff, South Australia. Off to investigate further.

Libby I'm astonished that there are photos of any Arthur Cants whether they're mine or not! Thanks for looking.