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    Mount Talawe West New Britain Province Papua New Guinea

Location
Mount Talawe is located five miles inland from Cape Gloucester. Also known as "Mt. Talawe".

Wartime History
During middle December 1942, the Japanese Army 51st Division, 65th Infantry Brigade, 141st Infantry Regiment under General Matsuda established their headquarters near Mount Talawe
at Kalingi, along the coastal trail northwest of Mount Talawe.

After the US Marine Corps landing at Cape Gloucester, the Marines advanced inland to this location. On January 30, 1944 this headquarters was captured by the 7th Marines. Buried documents revealed the general and units had escaped to the northwest.

A trail led to the south, and despite the documents, it was suspected the Japanese fled southward. Lt. Col. Puller organized a patrol from Aguupella to Gilnit on the Itni River, inland of the south coast and Cape Bushing. Puller commanding the 1st Battalion 5th Marines too less than 400, supplied by 150 native carriers to march to Gilnit. They were supplied from the air, but killed only 75 enemy and took one prisoner, and made contact with U.S. Army patrols from Arawae on February 16, 1944.

Ki-51 Sonia Manufacture Number 959
Crashed near Mt. Talawe

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Last Updated
October 23, 2019

 

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