COASTWATCHERS' MEMORIAL BEACON

This 30 m high point honors the memory of Australian soldiers who had remained hidden in the jungle during the Japanese invasion to inform the Allies of enemy troops movements. Captured in 1942 by the Japanese, in order to secure their main Japanese naval base, the Madang region was the scene of violent clashes. Madang's strategic position was ideal: with its protected bay, the city represented an ideal anchor for the Japanese fleet. As allied forces launched the great Finisterre offensive in September 1943, which was to mark the end of the Japanese occupation of New Guinea a year later, Madang appears to be the last frontal line held by the imperial army. In order to defend it, the Japanese army had regrouped on the hills of Shaggy Ridge, a ridge of about 6 kilometers wide and growing at 1,497 meters at its highest peak. The Japanese had established a set of fortifications there. Australians had to run several offensives and resist several counter-attacks before taking the ridge line. The Japanese army had no choice but to retreat, weakened by the guerrilla operations carried out by Australian commandos behind enemy lines. The city of Madang was taken up without too much difficulty by an Australian division.

To the left of the monument stands a huge ficus, much more impressive than the memorial… The seafront promenade along Coastwatchers Avenue and along the golf course on Coronation Avenue is full of approval.