Waddell, Alexander Nicol Anton KCMG DSC (Sub Lieutenant)

Reports by Sub Lieutenant Waddell and Lieutenant C W Seton regarding their experiences as coastwatchers on Choiseul (Lauru) Island in the Solomons between October 1942 and March 1944, establishing and operating DEL radio station. From behind enemy lines, Waddell and Seton were able to provide intelligence of Japanese naval movements (particularly to/from Shortland base) and air traffic, such intelligence being especially useful to U.S. forces during the battle for Guadalcanal. The reports describe organisation, training and arming of natives and the importance of native scouts, stores and equipment, the rescue of American airmen, the Japanese evacuation of Guadalcanal and Kolombangara, reconnaissance patrols, and conducting commando activities. The collection also includes a diary and logbooks with signals in and out, ship recognition cards, an original map of the island (with annotated copy), photographs from the period and also from a return visit in 1968, and an article entitled "The ancient order of the Rubber Rafters of Choiseul" further describing the rescue of U.S. airmen shot down around the island.