Jale Bainisika (1914/1915 February 2020) was a Fijian military officer and the oldest and the last surviving veteran of World War II from Fiji. He was also the only surviving officer of Fiji to have fought in

Malayan campaign The Malayan campaign, referred to by Japanese sources as the , was a military campaign fought by Allies of World War II, Allied and Axis powers, Axis forces in British Malaya, Malaya, from 8 December 1941 – 15 February 1942 during the World War ...

, the

Solomon Islands campaign The Solomon Islands campaign was a major military campaign, campaign of the Pacific War during World War II. The campaign began with the Empire of Japan, Japanese seizure of several areas in the British Solomon Islands and Bougainville Island, B ...

, and the Bougainville campaign. He was one of the 30 military personnel who voluntarily became a part of the 1st Commando Unit to work with the

United States Army The United States Army (USA) is the primary Land warfare, land service branch of the United States Department of Defense. It is designated as the Army of the United States in the United States Constitution.Article II, section 2, clause 1 of th ...

for spying on opponents during World War II in

Guadalcanal Guadalcanal (; indigenous name: ''Isatabu'') is the principal island in Guadalcanal Province of Solomon Islands, located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, northeast of Australia. It is the largest island in the Solomons by area and the second- ...

. Bainisika was also one of the first Fijian to be assigned by Fiji Commandos with duties on spying on opponent.

Biography

Bainisika was born in

Tailevu Province Tailevu is one of the 14 provinces of Fiji. Its main town is Nausori, which lies along the banks of the Rewa River. Overview One of the eight provinces based in Viti Levu, Fiji's largest island, Tailevu's 755 square kilometers occupy the sout ...

. He joined the

Fiji Infantry Regiment The Fiji Infantry Regiment is the main combat element of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces. It is a light infantry regiment consisting of six battalions, of which three are regular army and three are Territorial Force. The regiment was formed ...

in 1942 and became a member of the 3rd Battalion. After enlisting in the army, his duty begun in March 1944 until he returned on 7 September. He was discharged from the service on October 17, 1945.

Biography

References

Further reading