Location
Lat 4° 7' 60S Long 152° 28' 0E  Duke of York Island is the largest island in the in the Duke of York Island Group (Duke of York Islands) located in Saint George's Channel between Rabaul, the Gazelle Peninsula and New Ireland. The Duke of York Islands include Ulu Island (Mauke, Pig), Rakanda Island (Rakunda, Makada), Utaun (Utan), Kabakon Island (Kaka Kon), Kerawara. Borders Rakanda Island (Rakanda) to the southwest, Mioko Island and Mioko Harbor to the southeast and Makada Harbor to the northwest. Further to the southwest are the Credner Islands (Pigeon Islands). Today located in East New Britain Province in Papua New Guinea (PNG).

Prewar
In 1767, named "Duke of York Islands" by English explorer Philip Carteret to honour Prince Edward, Duke of York. During the German administration, the islands were known as "Neulauenburg".

Wartime History
In middle of 1942 Japanese forces occupied the Duke of York Islands and undertook labor projects and farming. During 1944, the Duke of York Islands were attacked by Allied aircraft including fighters and bombers.

Allied missions against Duke of York Islands
March 4, 1944–June 1, 1944

At the end of the Pacific War, the garrison was commanded by Colonel Yanagiya. In September 1945, after the official surrender of Rabaul, a group of Australian Army troops arrived in the Duke of Yorks Islands to accept the surrender of the Japanese, collect weapons and oversee the occupation.

Jacquinot Point
Located to the southeast of the island bordering Mioko Harbor. The point extends towards Mualim Island.

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Last Updated
March 20, 2022