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    Gneisenau Point Morobe Province Papua New Guinea (PNG)

Rainsford Feb 24, 1944
Location
Lat 5° 57′ 36″ S Long 147° 23′ 51″ E  Gneisenau Point is located on the northern side of the Huon Peninsula on the north coast of eastern New Guinea. Prewar and during the Pacific War part of Morobe District in the Territory of New Guinea. Today located in Morobe Province in Papua New Guinea (PNG).

Wartime History
On December 24, 1943 while PT Boats PT-151 and PT-192 were returning from a patrol, they spotted what they believed was a large barge heading for the beach at Gneisenau Point. As they approached, they identified it as a submarine and attacked with gunfire causing it to catch fire and settled by the bow in shallow water then attacked a barge, picket boat and stores in gunny sacs on the beach.

The Australian Army 9th Division, 2/17th Infantry battalion landed at this location and scaled a sheer face ashore in pursuit of the Japanese. When the area was captured, the Allies examined and photographed the wreckage of a cargo submersible and small boat at this location.

Japanese Patrol Boat
Sunk at Gneisenau Point likely by PT Boats on December 24, 1943.

Oogata Unkato (Large Type Cargo Transporting Tube) Gneisenau Point
On December 24, 1943 sunk by PT Boats and later investigated

References
At Close Quarters (1962) pages 216-217 (December 24, 1943)

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Last Updated
December 16, 2025

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