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    Madang Harbor Madang Province Papua New Guinea (PNG)
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AWM Oct 1914

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AWM May 1941

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December 19, 1943
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AWM April 30, 1944

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Justin Taylan 1993
Location
Madang Harbor borders Madang and the harbor includes many small islands and reefs including Kranket Island, Biliau Island and further to the north is Siar Island. Today located in Madang Province in Papua New Guinea (PNG).

World War I
In late September 1914, SMS Cormoran left Madang Harbor just before the arrival of Allied forces. On September 24, 1914, the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force (AN&MEF) entered Madang Harbor and occupied Madang without any opposition. During October 1914, SS Matunga was the first commercial vessel to use Madang Harbor to dock at Madang wharf.

World War II
On December 18, 1942 during the night, the Japanese force entered Madang Harbor and the Japanese Army lands unopposed at Madang. On December 23, 1942 in the early morning hours, Japanese Army soldiers embark on barges then land unopposed at Alexishafen and Bogadjim occupying both without opposition.

During the Japanese occupation, Madang Harbor was used by the Japanese as an anchorage and targeted by Allied bombers and fighters that sank several ships.

Allied missions against Madang Harbor
December 13, 1942–April 26, 1944

On April 24, 1944 the Australian Army occupied Madang. Afterwards, Madang Harbor was used by Allied ships as an anchorage and as an flying boat base until the end of the Pacific War.

Madang Seaplane Base (Madang Anchorage)
Area of Madang Harbor used for seaplane operations by RAAF after liberation

Biliau Island
Located in Madang Harbor directly north of Madang Airport

Siar Island
Island off Madang and Madang Harbor

Binnen Harbor
Small harbor near Madang Harbor.

HMAS Terka (TR)
Sunk March 26, 1945

References
The Last New Guinea Salvage Pirate by Fritz Herscheid, page 107:
"I negotiated the purchase of several wrecks from W. R. Carpenters (TPNG) Limited. They originally purchased the wrecks from the Administration in August 1946. The Administration records showed there were some fifteen smaller wrecks scattered in and around Madang, mostly LCM, luggers but also Japanese freighters."

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Last Updated
June 2, 2023

 

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