R.A. Dillon Kneeling on Deck of YANKEE

black-and-white photograph

PHOTOGRAPHS
Dillon, R.A. (Dr.)
Oceania, Gilbert Islands, Phoenix Islands, Kanton
1940-03; 1940-04
paper
overall: 2 3/4 x 2 3/4 in.

Black and white photograph 2 3/4in x 2 3/4in. Reverse inscription: “0587”; “R A Dillon” (stamp; blue ink). R.A. Dillon, wearing diving goggles, shows off a large shell retrieved from the reef on a wooden pier. Dive equipment (a hand-powered air pump and anchors) is visible on the floor. Although contested, Canton was part of the British-controlled Gilbert and Ellice Islands before WWII. Currently, Canton is considered part of the Phoenix Islands of the Republic of Kiribati. The airfield at Canton was used by both British and American forces during WWII and after the war continued to be used as a major stop for commercial trans-Pacific airlines.

2010.11.41