Lat
10° 43' 0S Long 152° 22' 0E Small island group is made up of
several small islands in the north-west of the Louisiade Archipelago. It had a brief role as a Japanese base during the Battle
of the Coral Sea. To the north-east of Deboyne Group is Misima
Island.
Deboyne Lagoon
Japanese forces in the area in May 1942 numbered 10 ships,
including the Kamikawa Maru (seaplane tender), a destroyer, cruiser, and transports.
The Japanese capture 8 POWs in the area (3 Australian Army Signalers and 5 natives).
During the Battle
of
the Coral
Sea, a total of five Zeros ditched in the vincinty. On May 7, 1942 a total of four A6M2 Zeros led by Lt. Notomi diched at Deboyne after Shoho was sunk. On May 8, 1942 after the sinking of Zuikaku one A6M2 Zero piloted by PO2c Okira Shigeru sucessfully ditched at Deboyne. References via The First Team, page 257, 341.
Panaeati (Panniet) Island
Site of the brief Japanese base during
the battle of the Coral Sea, in early 1942. A village was located at Panaeati on the south coast. A Wesleyan Mission is located on the western point.
Deboyne Seaplane Base
Used by the Japanese during the Battle of the Coral Sea
B-26
Maruader Serial
Number 40-1402
Pilot Royall, MIA May 10, 1942
Panepompom
Island
Large Island in the Deboyne group, north of Nivani Island. One Zero from the Shoho ditched at the island after the Battle of the Coral Sea and their carrier was sunk.
Nivani Island
Small island south of Panapompom.
