Germans created 'Ratavul Tunnel' or 'Ratavul Pass Road' to connect Rabaul to Talili Bay, cutting through the ridgeline and passes Observatory Ridge (Volcano Observatory). After an earthquake, the tunnel collapsed and was expanded into a roadcut but was still known as 'Tunnel Hill'. During the war, the Japanese built tunnels into the sides of the road, including several 6th Kempei Tai prison tunnels for Allied POWs. Many were executed
at this location on March 3/4, 1944.
Photos German Colonial Period Prewar
