Location
Queen Carola Harbor is located on the western coast of Buka Island in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (Bougainville Province) in Papua New Guinea (PNG).

Wartime History
On March 9, 1942 in the morning an Imperial Japanese Nav (IJN) warships entered Queen Carola Harbor and landed a force on Buka Island, then carried out mopping-up and mine sweeping operations around the anchorage until the next day. Afterwards, used by Japanese warships and transports as an anchorage.

On May 3, 1942 Crudiv 6 enters Queen Carola Harbor then departed for Shortlands then to occupy Tulagi Harbor.

On May 12, 1942 cruisers Aoba and Kako arrive at Queen Carola Harbor. While entering the harbor, Kako grounded on a coral reef, but was sucessfully refloated the next day. On May 14, 1942 departs with Aoba bound for Truk.

Queen Carola Harbor was used by Japanese warships and transports during 1942 until early 1944 when use of the anchorage became untenable due to Allied aerial attacks.

Allied missions against Queen Carola Harbor
November 24, 1943 - February 17, 1944

References
Japanese Cruisers of the Pacific War page 301

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

Last Updated
September 4, 2023