| Place | Oceania: Pacific Islands, Tonga, Lifuka Island |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | P10751.003 |
| Collection type | Photograph |
| Object type | Transparency |
| Maker |
Church, Michael |
| Place made | Pacific Islands: Tonga |
| Date made | 1982 |
| Conflict |
Period 1980-1989 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: Commonwealth of Australia copyright |
Sapper Mick 'Dirka' Hadley cooking up some local rations, a pig on a spit at Pangi village, ...
Description
Sapper Mick 'Dirka' Hadley cooking up some local rations, a pig on a spit at Pangi village, Lifuka Island. This image relates to the service of Michael Church, 17 Construction Squadron, who was a member of the Cyclone Isaac mission in 1982, in Tonga. Cyclone Isaac killed 12 people and caused extensive damage to Tonga when it struck on 3 March 1982. Hercules from No 36 and No 37 Squadron flew relief supplies, personnel and equipment during the period 4-21 March. Two Iroquois from 9 Squadron were deployed, providing aero-medical evacuations, distribution of relief supplies, and transport of passengers in the area. A team of 70 Australian Engineers and communications personnel were also deployed to assist the reconstruction effort.