Matalau in East New Britain Province
Destination Guide Papua New Guinea

Operation Cartwheel

Operation Cartwheel (1943–1944) was a major military strategy for the Allies in the Pacific theater of World War II. Cartwheel was a twin-axis of advance operation, aimed at militarily neutralizing the major Japanese base at Rabaul. The operation was directed by the Supreme Allied Commander in the South West Pacific Area (SWPA)—General Douglas MacArthur—whose forces advanced along the northeast coast of New Guinea and occupied nearby islands.

Located at -4.19613, 152.173 (Lat. / Lng.), about 2 miles away.
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Conflicts in 1943, Conflicts in 1944, Battles of World War II involving Australia, Battles of World War II involving the United States, Battles and operations of World War II involving Papua New Guinea, Battles and operations of World War II involving the Solomon Islands, 1943 in Papua New Guinea, 1944 in Papua New Guinea, 1943 in the Solomon Islands, 1944 in the Solomon Islands, South West Pacific theatre of World War II, Operation Cartwheel, United States Marine Corps in World War II, World Digital Library related

Tavurvur

Tavurvur is an active volcano that lies near Rabaul in Papua New Guinea. It is a sub-vent of the Rabaul caldera and lies on the eastern rim of the larger feature. The volcano is most well known for its devastating eruptions over Rabaul. Mt Tavurvur is the most well known volcano in Rabaul caldera, and has erupted as recently as January 2009.

Located at -4.239, 152.21 (Lat. / Lng.), about 3 miles away.
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Stratovolcanoes, Subduction volcanoes, Volcanoes of New Britain, East New Britain Province, Active volcanoes

Bombing of Rabaul (November 1943)

The Allies of World War II conducted an air attack upon a cruiser force at the major Japanese base of Rabaul in November 1943. In response to the allied invasion of Bouganville, the Japanese had brought a strong cruiser force down from Japan to Rabaul in preparation for a night engagement against the allied supply and support shipping.

Located at -4.19944, 152.168 (Lat. / Lng.), about 2 miles away.
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Conflicts in 1943, 1943 in Papua New Guinea, South West Pacific theatre of World War II, United States Marine Corps in World War II, World War II aerial operations and battles of the Pacific Theatre, Battles of World War II involving the United States, Battles and operations of World War II involving Papua New Guinea, Battles of World War II involving Australia, Battles of World War II involving Japan, Battles and operations of World War II involving New Zealand, Naval aviation operations and battles

Japanese destroyer Suzunami

Japanese destroyer Suzunami was a Yūgumo-class destroyer of the Imperial Japanese Navy. On 11 November 1943, Suzunami was sunk in a U.S. carrier air raid on Rabaul, New Britain. Reportedly she took a direct bomb hit while loading torpedoes near mouth of Rabaul Harbor . She blew up and sank; 148 were killed including Commander Kamiyama.

Located at -4.21667, 152.183 (Lat. / Lng.), about 1 miles away.
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Yūgumo-class destroyers, World War II destroyers of Japan, Ships sunk by aircraft, World War II shipwrecks in the Pacific Ocean, 1943 ships

Lakunai Airfield

Lakunai Airfield was an aerodrome located near Rabaul, East New Britain, Papua New Guinea. The airfield was later known as Rabaul Airport. It is located at the foot of Tavurvur volcano, near Matupit Island. The airport was destroyed by the 1994 eruption that destroyed the town of Rabaul and subsequently the new airport was built and opened at Tokua, on the opposite side of the Rabaul caldera.

Located at -4.21667, 152.183 (Lat. / Lng.), about 1 miles away.
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Transport in Papua New Guinea, Airports in Papua New Guinea, East New Britain Province