Scene on the Mulinu'u Peninsula, Upolu

This is a photograph of the ceremonial unveiling of a monument to British and United States sailors and marines who were killed during fighting in Samoa during April 1899. It was taken on Sunday July 29, 1900 on the Mulinu’u Peninsula near Apia, on the island of Upolu.

A guard of marines from the H.M.S. Pylades and another from U.S. Abarenda with their officers and commanders can be seen on each side of the memorial site. Flags from the United States of America and Great Britain cover the monument. According to newspaper reports at the time, the Rev. Walter Huckett of the London Missionary Society in Apia conducted the service for the unveiling. Also in attendance were Dr. W. H. Solf (Governor of Samoa), Captain Tupper, of H.M.S. Pylades, Commander Tilley, U.S.N. (Governor of Tutuila) and Sir Hamilton Hunter, The United States Consul General.

The Battle of Vailele

The deceased men had died in a battle with forces loyal to the Samoan chief Mata’afa Iosefo at Vailele just south east of Apia. The following inscription appears on the monument: P. V. Lansdale, Lieut U.S.N; J.R. Monaghan, ensign; U.S.N.; N.E. Edsall, 0.S., U.S.N.; James Butler, cox.; U.S.N.; John E. Mudge, pvt, U.S.M.C.; Thomas Holloway, pvt U.S.M.C. of the U.S.F.S. Philadelphia; Angel Hope Freeman, Lieut, R.N.,H.M.S. Tauranga: John Long, leading seaman; Albert M. Prout, leading seaman; A. H. J. Thornberry , A.B.; Montague Rogers, 0.S.; Edmond. Halloran, O.S. of H.M.S. Royalist. Killed in action, April, 1899.

On the back of the monument is inscribed “Erected by the officers and men of the U.S. Flagship Philadelphia, and H.B.M. ships Tauranga, Royalist, Porpoise, and Torch."

Photographer of Samoa

This image is part of a large collection of photographs taken Thomas Andrew, a New Zealander who lived in Samoa from 1891 to 1939. Andrew is best known for his studio portraits, but he ventured well beyond that controlled environment. He photographed political events, recorded daily life, and shot idyllic scenes for the tourist market, as his diverse portfolio reveals.

References:

MEMORIAL TO SAILORS KILLED IN SAMOA. New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 11453, 17 August 1900, Page 3

THE BATTLE OF VAILELE. Press, Volume LVI, Issue 10319, 13 April 1899, Page 6