|
 |
|
|
| Missing In Action (MIA) | Prisoners Of War (POW) | Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) |
| Chronology | Locations | Aircraft | Ships | Submit Info | How You Can Help | Donate |
|
 USAAF September 1943  USAAF September 1943 |
Location Baker Island is an uninhabited atoll located just north of the equator at the northern end of the Phoenix Islands (Rawaki) surrounded by the Pacific Ocean. Today, Baker Island is an unincorporated unorganized territory of the Minor Outlying Islands of the United States of America (USA). The nearest island is Howland Island roughly 68km to the north. Baker Island is roughly halfway between the Hawaii and Australia Roughly 1,670 nautical miles / 3,100km to the northeast is Honolulu. Wartime History In 1935, an attempt at colonization was begun on Meyerton, as well as on nearby Howland Island. The settlement had a population of four American civilians that were evacuated in early 1942 after the start of the Pacific War. Wartime History On July 11, 1943 Coast Guard cutter USCGC Taney (WPG-37) reconnoitering Baker Island is bombed by a Japanese flying boat but not damaged. On August 11, 1943, U.S. Army Lt Gen Robert C. Richardson, Jr., organizes a small Task Force of the 804th Aviation Engr Bn, prov AAA Bn, prov air service support sq, fighter sq, and service units) to develop Baker Island to support coming offensive in Central Pacific. On September 1, 1943 U.S. Navy Task Group 11.2 (TG 11.2) commanded by Rear Admiral A. W. Radford aboard flagship USS Princeton CVL-23 arrives off Baker Island and lands personnel to begin construction of Baker Airfield. During September 1-14, Baker Island was covered by carrier aircraft from the carrier's with Air Group 23 their fighter claim an H8K2 Emily shot down. Also, Navy patrol bombers from Canton patrol the area. Baker Island Airfield (Baker Airfield) Located on Baker Island Today After the war, the island was left uninhabited. The island is now a National Wildlife Refuge managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as an insular area under the U.S. Department of the Interior. Today, Baker Island is an unincorporated and unorganized territory of the United States of America. Contribute
Information Last Updated
|
| Discussion Forum | Daily Updates | Reviews | Museums | Interviews & Oral Histories |
|
