4° 37' 60S Long 145° 58' 0E Karkar Island is located off the north coast
of New Guinea between Alexishafen and Ulingan
Harbor. Also spelled "Kar Kar" in some wartime spellings. To the southeast is Bagabag Island. Today located in Madang Province in Papua New Guinea (PNG).
Occupied by the Japanese Army. During early 1944 attacked by Allied aircraft. During March 1944 Japanese forces withdrew from Karkar. On June 2, 1944 the Australian Army 37th/52nd Battalion landed on the island.
On June 6, US Navy PT-Boats landed Australian troops at Biu Bay and Kavilo Bay.
Allied missions against Karkar Island
April 7, 1944 - June 6, 1944
B-24D Liberator 41-24269
Pilot Almond, MIA May 19, 1943 Rammed by a Japanese fighter, likely crashed in the vicinity
B-25D "Stingeroo" 41-30020
Pilot ? ditched April 16, 1944
Do you have photos or additional information to add?
March 12, 2019