Location
Lat 5° 31' 0S Long 148° 31' 0E  Iboki is located on the northern coast of New Britain. To the east is the Ketengi anchorage. Prewar, Iboki plantation a copra plantation planted with coconut palms.

Wartime History
During 1943, the Iboki area was used as a Japanese as a barge hideout and supply base. During early December 1943, the Japanese Army's 1st Battalion, 81st Infantry including the headquarters group, two rifle companies and the machine gun company landed at Iboki and departed on an overland trail towards Arawe. After being defeated, the survivors retreated towards Iboki during February 1944. After their defeat at Cape Gloucester, Iboki became a rallying point for Japanese forces retreating eastward towards Rabaul.

American missions against Iboki
September 1, 1943 - February 25, 1944

On February 25, 1944, the United States Marine Corps (USMC), 5th Marines, 2nd Battalion make an amphibious landing at Iboki Plantation, and developed it into a staging base for the landing against Talasea further to the east.

Iboki Airfield
Spotter plane airstrip used during early 1944.

Today
After the war, plantation owners were acquiring metal from Kaliai villagers, everything from brass propellers to live ammunition. In 1971 cases of live hand grenades were discovered near an old camp at the plantation.

Kaliai Village
Marston matting from the spotter plane strip are used by the villagers. In 1966, two children were killed while trying to open a beached sea mine with screwdrivers.

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

Last Updated
October 23, 2019