What happened at Christmas Island?
What happened at Christmas Island? 900 Japanese troops invade and occupy Christmas Island, imprisoning remaining Europeans and hunting 1000 Malay and Chinese workers in the jungle. Islander sabotage and allied submarines lead to suspension of mining. In 1943, half the population is sent to prison camps in Indonesia when food runs low.
What are some fun facts about Christmas Island?
- It's a tropical jungle paradise. ...
- It's home to one of Australia's most remote and exclusive eco-lodges. ...
- It's closer to Asia than mainland Australia. ...
- It has some of Australia's best – and most hidden – beaches. ...
- There are secret swimming spots to discover.
Why do they call it Christmas Island?
Christmas Island began appearing on the charts of English and Dutch navigators from the early 1600s. But it wasn't until 1643 that Captain William Mynors of the British East India Company named the island after sighting it on Christmas Day.
Can you work on Christmas Island?
Working at Christmas Island is a challenging but immensely rewarding experience for anyone who wants to make a difference in a unique and highly fragile wilderness environment. Our current job vacancies are advertised on the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water website.
What happened on Christmas Island in the 50s?
Operation Grapple was four series of British tests of atomic and hydrogen bombs carried out in 1957 and 1958 at Malden Island and Kiritimati—Christmas Island—in the Pacific ocean as part of the British hydrogen bomb programme.
Do people still live on Christmas Island?
The island's phosphate mining heritage brought workers here from all over the region. Today Christmas Island has around 2000 residents.
Who owns Christmas Island?
Christmas Island became an Australian territory on 1 October 1958 – a day still celebrated on the island as Territory Day.
Why is Christmas Island so famous?
Nicknamed the Galapagos of the Indian Ocean, the island is famous for its red crabs, sea birds, whale sharks and spectacular coral reefs. Closer to Asia than mainland Australia, it's home to a captivating mix of cultures and some of the world's most spectacular natural wonders.