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    Gulf of Papua (Papua Gulf) Gulf Province Papua New Guinea (PNG)
Location
The Gulf of Papua is located off the southern coast of New Guinea. Also known as Papua Gulf. Prewar and during the Pacific War part of the Territory of Papua. Today, borders Gulf Province, Central Province and Western Province (Fly) in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Some of New Guinea's largest rivers, such as the Fly River, Turama River, Kikori River and Purari River (Parrarri River), flow into the gulf, producing a large delta region. The southern border gulf is defined as a line from the southwestern corner of the Fly River delta to the west, and to the east at Cape Suckling, roughly 70km northwest of Port Moresby. Also known as "Papuan Gulf".

Wartime History
During World War II, Allied aircraft and ships transited the Gulf of Papua. On March 10, 1942 United States Navy (USN) Task Force 11 (TF-11) including the USS Lexington (CV-2) and USS Yorktwon (CV-5) launched carrier aircraft from the Gulf of Papua then flying over the Owen Stanley Range to attack Salamaua and Lae on the north coast of New Guinea. During August 1942, Japanese submarine RO-33 operated in the Gulf of Papua. Several Allied aircraft were lost in the Gulf of Papua due to accidents.

MV Mamutu
Sunk August 7, 1942 by Japanese submarine RO-33.

S.23 "Calypso" A18-11
Pilot F/L Michael V. Mather crashed August 8, 1942 in heavy seas attempting a rescue.

B-17F Flying Fortress 41-24383
Pilot Christopher ditched January 7, 1943

B-17F "Pluto" 41-24384
Pilot Ramey MIA March 26, 1943

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Last Updated
August 17, 2023

 

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