World War II

World War II had a major impact on the island. Not long after the attack on Pearl Harbor the U.S. decided to set up a supply base on Bora Bora. It was chosen because its one entry to the island was the easiest to defend. The U.S. forces had up to 6000 men stationed on Bora Bora from early 1942 to 1946. Some remnants of the American military presence can still be observed on the island, including impressive gun installments and submarine accommodations.

Bora-Borians know and remember war. Allthogh their picture of the war differs from the european and especially russian one. For them water battles are more important and appear to be more dramatic, which is understandable. What was really strange is to get to know that a lot of inhabitants of Bora Bora think that the war was won by Americans.

But primary school teachers Moerani (Sleepy Sky) and Ranitea (Clear Sky) from Anau — their portrait will appear in some seconds in the right — know the history very good.

Zoom in (left mousebutton) to look in the eyes of the winner. Zoom out (right mousebutton) to get an otherview over Perl Harbor, Pacific and North African campaigns.