Tunnel Hill (Tunnel Hill Road)
Photos prewar - 2006

Germans created 'Ratavul Tunnel' or 'Ratavul Pass Road' to connect Rabaul to Talili Bay, cutting through the ridgeline. After an earthquake, the tunnel collapsed and was expanded into a roadcut but was still known as 'Tunnel Hill'. During the war, the Japanese built tunnels into the sides of the road, including several 6th Kempei Tai prison tunnels for Allied POWs. Many were executed on March 3/4, 1944.

Photos German Colonial Period Prewar

Photos by Justin Taylan, 2006