|
 |
|
|
| Missing In Action (MIA) | Prisoners Of War (POW) | Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) |
| Chronology | Locations | Aircraft | Ships | Submit Info | How You Can Help | Donate |
|
 RAAF December 14, 1942 |
Location Mambare Bay is located on the north coast of New Guinea. The mouth of the Mambare River (Mamba River) empties into the sea at this location. Also known as Mamba Bay. Today located in Oro Province in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Wartime History On December 14, 1942 at 2:00am five Japanese destroyers: Arashio, Asashio, Yugumo, Inazuma and Inazuma depart Rabaul traveling via the Admiralties to avoid air attack then turned southward before arriving at Mambare Bay at the mouth of the Mambare River. They unloaded landing craft and troops under the command of Maj. Gen. Kensaku Oda (who replaced Horii who drowned in the Kumusi River). Supplies were dropped into the sea in waterproof cases lashed to drums and buoys that floated ashore with the tide. Due to bad weather, the Japanese force arrived undetected and unloaded successfully and the unloading was completed by 6:00am and the destroyers departed. Although the landing had been successful, they were immediately detected by Lt. Noakes and reported by radio to Port Moresby. That same morning, Allied aircraft bombed the force and sank several barges. Arashio suffered light damage including casualties from a near miss bomb. During December 1942 to February 3, 1943, Japanese submarines I-32, I-36, I-25, I-176 and I-4 arrive at Mambare Bay to unload at the mouth of the Mambare River to unload limited amounts of cargo and evacuate casualties. Sometimes, they are unable o locate ground forces or driven away by U.S. Navy PT Boats. Allied missions against Mambare Bay October 16, 1942–February 6, 1943 References The Brisbane Courier "Mambare River Massacre" March 1, 1897 U.S. Army in World War II - Victory In Papua Chapter 12 pages 218-21 2/7th Australian Cavalry Regiment page 29 Wings of Destiny: Wing Commander Charles Learmonth pages 175-176 The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.) Friday 6 April 1945 - page 16 "The War Department at Washington announces the award of the Legion of Merit Degree Legionnaire to six Australians for 'exceptionally meritorious conduct.' They are: LIEUTENANT LYNDON C. NOAKES, for air services from November, 1942, to March, 1943, after the enemy landed at the mouth of the Mambare River. Noakes and his party killed several enemy, and maintained a constant watch on the remainder." Contribute
Information Last Updated
|
 Map 1942 Map 1943  Photo Archive |
| Discussion Forum | Daily Updates | Reviews | Museums | Interviews & Oral Histories |
|
