Mauritian Reminiscence - The “Coastal Defence Squadron” (1941) fortifies Ile de la Passe
Written by Editor Wednesday, 06 October 2010 14:36
The Ile de la Passe has been considered as an important outpost in the system of defence set up by the colonial masters of Isle de France/Mauritius up to the first half of the 20th century. The last important move of the British colonial administration to consolidate the system of defence was taken in the course of World War II (1939-1945). “In WW II Mauritius, like other far flung colonies, was made to feel a part of what began, at least, as a European War.”(1)
Despite the fact that“Mauritius was no longer of significant strategic importance… Grand Port, the deepest and thus the best naval harbour and the southern side of Mauritius, warranted some sort of defence.”(Ibid) An intricate system of defence was set up in the south-east of the island and all the islets in that region including Ile de la Passe as well as Mahebourg were fortified for that purpose: “In the Second World War, Ile de la Passe is part of an integrated defensive system, for southern Mauritius, which also includes Ile aux Aigrettes and Pointe du Diable. Two naval guns, searchlights and an aiming system are installed by a garrison of 100 Mauritian troops. Earlier structures are modified, generator halls built in the Ditch and temporary buildings erected over concrete platforms.”(2)
The “Coastal Defence Squadron” in action
Mahebourg harbour was reorganized to facilitate the entrance of Allied ships and provision them. A special fleet was constituted to that end. “Les navires de guerre qui furent chargés de ravitailler les navires fréquentant cette partie de l’océan Indien se nommaient le HMS Mauritius, HMS Gambia et HMS Liverpool entre autres.”(3)
It is in that line that the “Coastal Defence Squadron” was created in 1941 with the specific assignment to build up batteries at Pointe du Diable, on Ile de la Passe and Ile aux Aigrettes as well as oil tanks at Bois des Amourettes.
Among Mauritians who served in that special squadron were Guy Houbert and Benoit Arouff. (See photos) A special appeal is launched to readers of Mauritius News who can help identify the other Mauritians appearing in the various photos.
This is admittedly a difficult exercice as all the photos have been taken in the 1940’s, but we are trying our luck. Any helpful hint can be communicated to Mauritius News or by e-mail to
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
No doubt, any letters, photographs, memoirs or other accounts of troops who were posted on Ile de la Passe in World War II would be welcome.
References
Geoffrey and Françoise Summers, Ile de la Passe, The Key to the Indian Ocean, A Pocket Guide to the French and the British Defences on a Coral Islet, National Heritage Fund, 2009
Geoffrey and Françoise Summers, Ile de la Passe, Key to the Indian Ocean, Clé de l’Océan Indien (brochure, 2009)
Benjamin Moutou, Ile Maurice: Récits de son histoire contemporaine, Alfran Co. Ltd
