Tourism Solomons pays tribute to WWII historian John Innes

Image: ABC

Tourism Solomons board chairman, Wilson Ne'e has led the board and staff in paying tribute to WWII historian John Innes who passed away on 01 September 2018 aged 77.

Acknowledging Mr Innes as the world's foremost expert on military history in the Solomon Islands, a published author on the Guadalcanal campaign of 1942 and 'keeper' of the Guadalcanal story, Mr Ne'e said Mr Innes himself by his actions had become a treasured part of Solomon Islands history.

"Thanks to John's efforts the story of the Guadalcanal campaign and the brave men from both sides who fought and died in those terrible battles will live on forever and all of us are indebted to him for that," Mr Ne'e said.

"While John may not have been there himself during those times, his wealth of knowledge and detailing of those events even today plays a key role in letting the world remember that these Solomon Islands were the very place that freedom for the Pacific was born.

"And for that we will always be eternally grateful to John.

"May he rest in peace."

 Image: ABC