SGT Glanville Wellington Lalabalavu and Private Josefa Cakobau

Sgt Glanville Wellington Lalabalavu and Private Josefa Cakobau of the Fiji Labour Corps both hailed from Somosomo village, Taveuni. They were two of the 101 iTaukei who were recruited for service in France and Italy. Ratu Glanville was the son of a former Tui Cakau, Ratu Josefa Lalabalavu (1860-1905). For his service in Italy Ratu Glanville was awarded the British Meritorious Service Medal (MSM). After the war he returned to Fiji and succeeded to the title of Tui Cakau in 1925 which he held until his death in 1946. He saw service in World War 2 (1939-1945) as a Captain in the Fiji Labour Corps. Ratu Josefa Cakobau was the son of Ratu Isoa Gavidi and Vasemaca Valelau. They were two of several chiefs from throughout Fiji who were recruited for service with the Fiji Labour Corps. Some of these chiefs included Ratu’s JLV Sukuna of Bau, Tailevu; Joni Lewenilovo of Somosomo, Taveuni; Keni Naulumatua of Lomaloma, Lau; Tevita Kaloulasulasu of Vatoa, Bau, Tailevu and Jale Colata of Yale, Kadavu who was also awarded the British Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) for his war service. He died in April 1934 aged 46 years and was buried with military honours at the Old Suva Cemetery (Lovonilase).