Nauru

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Historical sites and World War 2 relics

Japanese occupation. In August 1942, Nauru became one of the many island strongholds in the Empire's defensive chain protecting its Pacific conquests. Expecting an Allied attack any day, the Japanese strongly reinforced the little atoll, building numerous pillboxes and gun emplacements. The garrison also included four Type 95 light tanks - all of which were found parked under canvas next to one of the burnt-out oil tanks by the Australians when they occupied the island in 1945.