Australian occupation of Nauru, South Pacific, WW1

The Australian occupation of Nauru (also known as Pleasant Island), a small island in the South Pacific, during the First World War. The island was previously part of German New Guinea, until Australian naval forces removed its German officials on 4 August 1914. Australian occupation began on 7 September 1914, and the island became part of British Western Pacific Territories, administered by Australia. It was briefly occupied by Japan during the Second World War, but then returned to British control. The island eventually became independent in 1968, as the Republic of Nauru. In this photo, troops, European residents and natives gather to witness the hoisting of the Union Jack. Date: 7 November 1914