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  US Army April 22, 1944  RAN April 11, 1945 |
Location Aitape Harbor (Aitape Road) borders Aitape and Rohm Point and Lapar Point on the north coast of New Guinea. The anchorage area to the east is known as Aitape Road. The northern edge is formed by Tamara Rock, Lamak Rock and Tumleo Island (Tamara) to the northeast. To the southeast is Hunter Rocks and borders the western end of Babelsberg Strait and Ali Island, Tapel Rock, Seleo Island and Angel Island. Between 1884 until September 1914 part of Deutsch Neu Guinea (German New Guinea). During the German colonial era also known as Bodinhafen, Berlinhafen or Berlinhafen (Berlin Harbor). Prewar and during the Pacific War part of the Sepik District in the Territory of New Guinea. During the 1960s became part of West Sepik Province. Today located in the Aitape-Lumi District of West Sepik Province (Sandaun Province) in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Wartime History During early 1943 occupied by the Japanese and used as an anchorage for barges, luggers and small vessels. Also, used as a staging point for barge traffic between Hollandia and Wewak. Starting in the middle of January 1944, targeted by Allied bombers and fighters. American missions against Aitape January 19, 1944–August 10, 1944 Aitape was the objective of the U.S. Army amphibious landing "Operation Persecution" under the command of Brigadier General Jens A. Doe to occupy the Aitape area to secure the eastern flank for the U.S. landing at Hollandia. One objective was to capture Tadji Airfield, and prevent any Japanese counter attack from Wewak further to the east. Another objective was to establish light naval facilities at Aitape to support future operations. On April 22, 1944 the U.S. Army 32nd Division (32nd ID) landed from Aitape Harbor without opposition to occupy at Aitape to secure the eastern flank for the U.S. landing at Hollandia and prevent any Japanese counter attack from Wewak. Afterwards, light naval facilities were established at Aitape Harbor to support operations. On April 11, 1945 eight Australian Army Z Special Unit (Z Force) commandos were embarked aboard HMAS HDML 1321 in Aitape Harbor for "Operation Copper" and depart for Muschu Island to land them. Contribute
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