| Place | Oceania: Pacific Islands, Tonga, Lifuka Island |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | P10751.015 |
| Collection type | Photograph |
| Object type | Transparency |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Place made | Pacific Islands: Tonga |
| Date made | 1982 |
| Conflict |
Period 1980-1989 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: Commonwealth of Australia copyright |
Outdoor informal group portrait back row from left to right, Sappers' Bob Rootering, Michael ...
Description
Outdoor informal group portrait back row from left to right, Sappers' Bob Rootering, Michael Church, and David Tunbridge with local children and some chocolate at Pangi village, Liuka 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.