Ascension Island
played a significant role during World War II as a strategic military base. Initially uninhabited, it was garrisoned by the British in 1815 and later became vital for the U.S. military after the construction of Wideawake Airfield in 1942. This airfield facilitated transatlantic flights and anti-submarine operations against German U-boats in the South Atlantic. The island's location made it a crucial refueling and staging point for Allied forces, contributing to campaigns in North Africa and beyond. Post-war, it continued to serve military purposes and remains important for logistical operations today.
Tuvalu
then known as the Ellice Islands, served as a strategic base for Allied forces. American troops arrived in 1942, constructing airfields on Funafuti, Nanumea, and Nukufetau to support operations against Japanese-held territories in the Pacific. The islands acted as staging posts for attacks on nearby Gilbert Islands during significant battles, including Tarawa and Makin.
Local islanders assisted U.S. forces by helping build infrastructure and unloading supplies. Remnants of this military presence, such as old runways and plane wrecks, can still be found today, particularly on Funafuti and Nanumea.
Also noted!
Ascension Island served as a critical military base for the Allies, particularly the U.S. and British forces, facilitating operations in the Atlantic and supporting campaigns in North Africa. Meanwhile, Tuvalu (then the Ellice Islands) became important for the U.S. Navy as a forward base in the Pacific, particularly after the establishment of Naval Base Funafuti in 1942.
Troops could be rotated between these locations based on strategic needs, as both islands played vital roles in different theaters of the war—Ascension in the Atlantic and Tuvalu in the Pacific. This movement was part of broader military logistics to respond to threats and support operations across vast distances.
At the peak of World War II, approximately 4,000 servicemen were stationed on Ascension Island in mid-1943. This number significantly declined by the end of the war, with only about 225 men remaining by the end of 1945 as military operations wound down and personnel were withdrawn
Tuvalu saw a significant presence of American and allied troops stationed in Tuvalu, particularly at the Naval Base Funafuti. While exact figures are not specified . However it's known that the base was a significant logistical hub for operations in the Pacific, with substantial troop presence to support air and naval operations against Japanese forces. The U.S. Navy constructed facilities and airstrips on Funafuti and other islands within Tuvalu, making it a critical location for the Allied war effort.