Location
Baisen Island is located north of the Pepasala Peninsula on Pavuvu Island. Also known as "Baizen" or "Maizen".

Wartime History
On January 28, 1943 in the evening, the Japanese Navy landed 300 personnel on Baisen Island as a diversionary action, to to establish a temporary Daihastu Landing Barge base and cover the withdrawal of all Japanese forces from Cape Esperance during "Operation Ke" during early February 1943. The Japanese force was evacuated on February 7, 1943 by the final "Tokyo Express" run to Cape Esperence on Guadalcanal. On February 11, 1943 the Japanese withdrawal was reported by a coastwatcher to American forces.

On February 21, 1943 the USMC 3rd Marine Raider Battalion landed on the Pepasala Peninsula then occupied Baisen Island, declaring it secured by noon. Although the Marines met no resistance, they captured some abandoned weapons including a Japanese Type 96/97 150mm infantry mortar.

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Last Updated
February 8, 2022