Papua New Guinea Rabaul (East New Britain) History



Rabaul is a small town on the island of New Britain in the East New Britain Province of Papua New Guinea. It is located near the tip of the Gazelle Peninsula on the island's northernmost coast, and is the provincial capital and largest settlement in the province. Rabaul is a former administrative center of the German New Guinea and was the administrative center of the Australian mandated Territory of New Guinea until 1937 when it was occupied by the Japanese.

Rabaul has a rich and fascinating history, stretching back to the days of the German New Guinea. The town was first settled in 1878 by the German government, which used it as a trading post and port. The Germans established a small fort and a number of other buildings, including a hospital, a school, and a church. During the late 19th century, Rabaul became a major trading port, with ships from all over the world calling there.

During World War I, Rabaul was occupied by the Australian military, and the town was used as a base for the Australian and New Zealand forces fighting in the region. After the war, Rabaul was administered by the Australian mandate, and in 1937 it was occupied by the Japanese. The town was heavily bombed during the war, and many of the buildings were destroyed.

After World War II, the town was rebuilt and became a major port and trading center for the region. In the 1950s and 1960s, Rabaul was a major tourist destination, with many visitors from Australia and New Zealand coming to visit the town and its surrounding areas.

Today, Rabaul is a bustling port town and a popular tourist destination. It is home to a number of interesting attractions, such as the Rabaul Museum, the Rabaul Library, and the Rabaul War Memorial. Rabaul is also home to a number of churches, including the Anglican Church, the Roman Catholic Church, and the Lutheran Church.

Rabaul is a fascinating place to visit, with its rich history and beautiful scenery. It is a great place to explore the culture and history of Papua New Guinea, and it is a great place to visit for anyone interested in the history and culture of the region.