|
|
 |
For a few years after the reorganisation of the company, life was quiet on the Island, but in 1939 the Second World War broke out and Ascension once more became an important hub because of its strategic position in the centre of the Atlantic Ocean.
Telegraph cables were a very valuable means of communications at this time, in spite of the advent of radio. Unlike radio, cables were secure, the messages being passed along them could not be read by others. As in WW1, HF radio stations were installed on Ascension to provide vital communications with ships in the Atlantic.
In 1941 the Cable & Wireless manager received a request that would have a long-term impact on the future of the Island. He was asked to take soil samples on Waterloo Plain, near Wideawake Fairs. The following year, U.S. Army Engineers arrived and built an airstrip, taking only a few months to complete the task. For the remainder of the war planes flew into Ascension to refuel during Atlantic crossings.
To strengthen the defences of the Island two guns, which had been removed from the ill-fated HMS Hood during a refit, were shipped out and installed near to Governor's Lodge on Cross Hill. In addition, a number of observation positions were established around the coast. In total there were 4000 personnel on the Island at this time. Obviously there was a problem getting fresh food, so in addition to the farm, the Americans built a hydroponics farm on Donkey Plain.
As the war ended all the servicemen left and life returned to normal.
 A new era dawns
Back to top 
|
|
|