Location
Dawapia Rocks are a pair of volcanic rock outcroppings in the center of Simpson Harbor west of Matupi Island and east of Malaguna and south of Rabaul. Also known as "The Beehives" due to their shape or as simply "Two Stones". Between 1884 until September 1914 part of Deutsch Neu Guinea (German New Guinea). Prewar and during the Pacific War part of the New Britain District in the Territory of New Guinea. Today located in East New Britain Province of Papua New Guinea (PNG).
Wartime History
During the Japanese occupation of Rabaul, every Japanese warship and vessel entering or leaving Simpson Harbor passed Dawapia Rocks. During the Pacific War, some American air crews reported anti-aircraft fire coming from Dawapia Rocks. It is unclear if the Japanese had any gun emplacements on the rocks, or if the fire was instead from vessels in Simpson Harbor or shore batteries.
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Last Updated
June 26, 2023
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