Location
Lat 4° 17' 60S Long 152° 7' 60E Coastwatchers Lookout is located at Malmaluan overlooking Simpson Harbor, off the Vuruga Road (Burma Road). This location offers
excellent views towards Rabaul, Karavia Bay and Simpson Harbor. Although nicknamed "Coastwatchers Lookout" this area was never used by any Allied Coastwatcher during the Pacific War.
Wartime History
Occupied by the Japanese. During 1942-1943, strong anti-aircraft defenses and fire control facilities were emplaced at this location plus a network of tunnels and bunkers.
Japanese Bunkers
There are several Japanese bunkers at this location. There are several reinforced
concrete bunker entrance on the ridge. Villagers sometime use
the old bunker entrances as outhouses.
Coastwatchers Memorial
A memorial park was established here by the Rabaul Lions Club or Rabaul Rotary Club, circa 1960s or certainly by the early 1970s. Also know as Coastwatchers Lookout, Coastwatchers Hill, Coastwatchers Memorial or Coastwatchers Reserve, but this name has no connection to Allied Coastwatcher activity associated with this specific location.
Monument
A modest monument
was dedicated in 1968, but seems to has disappeared today.
A6M2 Model 21 Zero
formerly displayed at this location. This Zero was displayed atop a pole until 1979
Propeller
Displayed at this location
25mm Anti-Aircraft Gun Type 96 (Triple Barrel)
Displayed at this location
6" Naval Gun
Japanese gun emplaced on a base overlooking Karavia Bay. During the 1970s, this gun freely rotated on its base.
75mm Anti-Aircraft Gun Type 88
Pair of guns flank the approaching road.
Anti-Tank Guns
Displayed at this location
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Last Updated
March 20, 2022
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