Jacquinot Bay is a wide deep harbor on the south coast. Located between Gasmata to the west and Wide Bay and Rabaul to the north-east.

History
Prewar Palmalmal Plantaion. Occupied by the Japanese, and abandoned in late 1944.  Liberated in November 1944 by the Australian 5th Division.  In August 1944, 6th Brigade landed at Jacquinot Bay. Building of the base at Jacquinot began under hampering rain. Base and divisional areas were spread out around the bay. The only means of moving from one point to another was by barge, and these were fully employed unloading the larger ships. Company "B" of the US 594 Engineer Boat and Shore Regiment, was the only American unit in the operation.

American Missions Against Jacquinot Bay
December 30, 1942 - May 16, 1944

Fifth Division Arrives
By the end of November 1944, advanced headquarters of the Fifth Division, under the command of Major-General A H Ramsay, had been set up at Jacquinot, and 6th Brigade had handed over the defense of the area to 13th Brigade, recently arrived from the Northern Territory.

Commando Operations
At the end of the war, RAAF No. 311 Radar station arrived at Jacquinot Bay.

Jacquinot Bay Airfield
Built by Australians, used by RNZAF until the end of the war, still in use today

 

Gasvala Lagoon
Lagoon off Jacquinot Bay

E13A1 Jake Constructors Number 2326
Surrendered in October 14, 1945, sunk in Gasvala Lagoon

C-47 Dakota Serial Number A65-54
Pilot Hanrahan crashed November 15, 1945