Location
Lat 8° 28' 0S Long 140° 19' 60E  Merauke is located on the south coast of New Guinea. To the south roughly 180 away is Horn Island. Prewar, part of Dutch New Guinea.

Wartime History
Before the Pacific War, the population Merauke was evacuated. In December 1942 the AMF 62nd Battalion was deployed to Merauke to guard the remote western flank of the Allied forces in Dutch New Guinea.

By the end of March 1942 the Japanese had made nineteen air raids against Merauke, bombing the dock area, The last Japanese air raid was during May 1943. During 1943, Japanese barge activity and troop strengthening in the vicinty saw the Torres Strait Light Infantry sent to Merauke for patrol duty.

Today
The town of Merauke is the capital of the Merauke regency. It is located on the south coast, near the southernmost point of Irian Jaya, at the mouth of the Merauke River. The forests in the surrounding areas are home to crocodiles, kuskus, birds of paradise, cassowary, wild ducks, black cockatoos, white cockatoos and deer. There is a nature reserve near the town of Merauke, as well as hot water springs. Kiman Island, near Merauke, is inhabited by the Kiman tribe. The forests on this island are home to wild boar and are popular among hunters.

Merauke Airfield
Built by Australian forces and used during 1943 until the end of the war, still in use today.

P-40N Warhawk
Pilot Haye

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Last Updated
October 23, 2019