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

Wartime History
On the evening of January 28, 1943 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 Esperence during "Operation Ke" during early February 1943. This force was evacuated on the last "Tokyo Express" run on February 7, 1943. Their withdrawal was reported by a coastwatcher on February 11, 1943.

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.

Contribute Information
Do you have photos or additional information to add?

Last Updated
October 23, 2019