ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The basis of much of the information contained on this site and on the storyboards was sourced from the painstaking collation of relevant military records by Hardy Spoehr of Honolulu,Hawai'i. Hardy's work resulted in five very extensive manuscripts that are invaluable to any student or researcher interested in this period of the Cook Islands' history. [see Downloads]
Encouragement for the project concept and financial support for the storyboards:
William A. Douglass, Reno, Nevada, USA
Timothy Welch of Woodland, WA, USA
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Project inception,information compilation and scripting for the storyboards and website are the work of Rowan Strickland.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SOURCES:
The internet and in particular Wikipedia were an enormous aid to sourcing additional information and images. Where appropriate, links to internet sources are provided.
Archives New Zealand : Maps and Drawings, 1942 (R20086298)
Amuri Field, Aitutaki, Cook Islands – Layout of Airfield and Appurtenances – Sheet 3
AAPR / W3141 / 1 / AL3990 – Map/Plan
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The following residents on Aitutaki provided valuable information and support:
Dora Harrington, Katapu White, Rae Tekii, Maitoe Henry, Misepa Isamaela, His Worship the Mayor of Aitutaki Tekura Bishop, Miimetua Blenkarn, JJ Browne, Cook Islands Airport Authority, Lawton Story, Rata Ramea, Paul Knight
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The following overseas residents generously provided information and valuable leads:
Gail Trapp, Greenfield, Wisconsin, USA
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Chris and Bill Hadfield, Portland, Oregon, USA, for sharing diary extracts and photos taken by their father, Sgt. Walter (Walt) Hadfield, US Army paymaster at Aitutaki 1942-1944.
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John and Wendy (nee Hickling) Cooper, Auckland, New Zealand, for sharing photos and information collected by Hubert Henry Hickling - NZ Government Resident Agent, Aitutaki 1942-1948.
Barry O'Sullivan, researcher and author of pre - 1948 New Zealand militaria (contact: barrylisa@xtra.co.nz), for contribution of his articles to this site, on The Aitutaki Home Guard and The Cook Islands Local Defence Force.
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