Gilbert and Ellice Islands until 1977. A protectorate was generally established over this area (but not over these islands) by the Pacific Islanders Protection Act of 1857 and then in 1877 for the Western Pacific Territories. The sixteen islands of the Gilberts were declared a British Protectorate by Captain Davis R.N., of between 27 May and 17 June 1892. The Ellice Islands were declared a British Protectorate by Captain Gibson R.N., of , between 9 and 16 October of the same year. The British Western Pacific Territories (BWPT) were administered by a High Commissioner resident in Fiji. A Resident Commissioner, Charles Swayne, was appointed
Solomon Islands Independence Medal stripes of blue, yellow, white, yellow, and green. Solomon Islands Independence Medal The Solomon Islands Independence Medal was created in 1978 to commemorate the transition from self-government to the full independence of the Solomon Islands. It is a part of the Solomon Islands honours system. The medal is round, made of silver coloured metal. The obverse bears the Cecil Thomas portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, surrounded by the inscription "Elizabeth II Dei Gratia Regina F:D:". The reverse bears the Coat of Arms of the Solomon Islands surrounded by the inscription "Solomon Islands Independence Medal 1978". The medal is held by