During WWII, the Japanese occuped many areas of
the country, and the island became the frontlines of MacArthur's Pacific
war. An estimated million Americans, 75,000 Japanese and 50,000 Australians
served there. The Papuan people were instrumental in the war, serving
on the side of both the Japanese and Allies as guides, laborers, carriers,
spotters and soldiers. Today, Papua New Guinea is an independent country
rougly the same size as California.
National Capital District |
(NCD) includes Port Moresby and vicinity |
| Central
Province |
Includes the NCD and souther coastal areas |
| |
Rabaul
area was a major Japanese base during WWII |
| |
Western
half of New Britain, Hoksins and USMC landings |
| |
Wewak Japanese
Army Headquarters and airfield complex |
|
Borders Irian Jaya, includes
Aitape and Tadji |
| |
Madang,
Alexishafen, Saidor, Gusap |
| |
Japanese
and after liberation, a major Allied base |
| |
Japanese
airfield and wrecks |
| |
Lae,
Finchafen, Tsili-Tsili, Wau |
| |
Kavieng
Japanese base bypassed by Allies |
| |
Popondetta,
Dobodura, Buna, Gona |
| |
Located
to the west of Port Moresby on the southern coast |
| |
Fly
River, Allied ferry route for aircraft |
| |
Goroka
airport and JK McCarthy Museum |
|
|
Mt. Hagen |
|
Located in the Highlands |
|
Mount
Wilhelm tallest peak in Papua New Guinea |
| |
Japanese
occupied and site of campaigns to liberate |
| Bismarck
Sea |
Battle
of the Bismarck Sea |
| |
Battle
of the Coral Sea |
|
