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    Wewak Harbor Wewak District | East Sepik Province Papua New Guinea (PNG)
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5th AF November 18, 1943

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Air Niugini c1980
Location
Wewak Harbor borders the north coast of New Guinea spanning from Wewak (Wewak Point) to the west, Cape Boram to the east and Mission Point and Wirui to the south. Beyond to the north is the Bismarck Sea. To the west is Wewak and Dallman Harbor (West Wewak Harbor) and beyond Cape Wom. To the east is Cape Boram and beyond Cape Moem. Prewar and during the Pacific War located in the Territory of New Guinea. Today, located in the Wewak District of East Sepik Province in Papua New Guinea (PNG).

Wartime History
On December 18, 1942 at 8:00pm four Japanese transports arrive in Wewak Harbor and began landing the Japanese Army 20th Division unopposed between Wewak to Wirui. By December 19, 1942 at 2:00am unloading had completed with roughly 2,000 troops and supplies on the beach.

On December 21, 1943 the 15th Wewak Resupply Convoy (Wewak No. 15 Convoy) including Yamagiku Maru, Kayo Maru, Samarang Maru and Umegawa Maru escorted by minelayer Shirataka, subchaser CH-32 and auxiliary subchaser CHa-3 that left Palau for days prior anchors in Wewak Harbor and begins unloading. On December 22, 1943 the ships are targeted by B-25 Mitchell strafers from the 345th Bomb Group (345th BG) that claim several hits on ships. In fact, only two are hit but were not seriously damaged and after they finished unloading depart by night.

During the Japanese occupation of the Wewak area, used by the Japanese as an anchorage area for ships and barges. Used by the Japanese until May 1945 when Australian forces liberated the area.

A6M2 Model 21 Zero
Ditched in Wewak Harbor

Japanese "Ammunition Ship"
Japanese ship sunk in Wewak Harbor possibly on September 2, 1943.

Japanese Landing Barges
Sunk into Wewak Harbor off Kreer on the road towards Boram Airfield. Located at the beach between Kreer Market and the hospital are rusting Japanese landing barges.

MV Busama
Sunk during 1959

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Last Updated
November 16, 2022

 

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