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 USMC Feb 21, 1943  Google Earth 2008  USN August 1944  USMC 1944  Google Earth 2008 |
Location Lat 9° 4' 0S Long 159° 11' 60E Pavuvu Island is a large island located in the Russell Island Group (Russell Islands)in Central Province in the Solomon Islands. Pavuvu is roughly nine miles across from north to south and eight miles across from east to west. To the east is the Sunlight Channel, Hai Island and Banika Island. Borders Pepesala Bay on the north center of the island. Prewar, owned by the Levers Brothers and developed into a plantation with coconut palm trees for harvesting copra. Pepasala Peninsula Peninsula and point located on the northern side of the island. To the north is Baisen Island. Red Beach On February 21, 1943 as part of "Operation Cleanslate", the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC), 3rd Marine Raider Battalion landed at "Red Beach" along Patty Bay on the eastern side of the Pepasala Peninsula and occupied the area, then proceeded to Baisen Island to the north. They depart on March 19 and return to Lunga Point on Guadalcanal. 1st Marine Division Camp Area During March 1944, the 1st Marine Division (1st MARDIV) established their divisional camp area to the west of Pepasala Point, on the next peninsula over. Prewar, this area was a coconut palm plantation. The camp area included a tent city for Marines, Amtrack and vehicle park. Between March 1944 until September 1944 Marines were station on Pavuvu to recover and refit after Cape Gloucester until they departed for the invasion of Peleliu. Afterwards, used as a staging area for the invasion of Okinawa. Postwar, little trace of the camp remains and it has been replanted with palm trees. Pavuvu Pier Pier area on the eastern side of the peninsula. Connected by the shore road to the camp area. During late July 1944, the pier was damaged, and immediately repaired during the Division's pre-Peleliu maneuvers. An open, crushed coral area next to the pier was a parade ground where they did award ceremonies and training. On August 7, 1944 Bob Hope's USO show performed on a stage at this location to entertain the Marines. Other performers included Jerry Colonna, Patty Thomas and Francis Langford. Today, the pier portion is removed or otherwise missing. Pavuvu Airfield (Cub Strip) Portion of the shore road References Thanks to Herbert Caloud for additional information Contribute
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