New Zealand coast watchers executed by the Japanese
15 October 1942
17 New Zealand coast watchers captured in the gilbert Islands in ww2. They were beheaded at betio tarawa. During august and september 1942, 17 military coast watchers and 5 civilians were captured as Japanese forces overran the Gilbert Islands. Imprisoned on Tarawa atoll, they were all beheaded following an american air raid on the island.







