Interesting information on Morotai

wendovertom · **Posted:** Wed Jan 05, 2005 2:13 pm

Seems like what we need is a WIXer who LIVES THERE!!

It could be of great help. I have a friend who is from Cebu, she knows of 3-4 wrecks on the island that no one, other than locals, have ever visited. They (locals) just consider it kind of a "safe" place to let their children go and "play army".

What kind of planes? you ask, since she is not really a WWII buff she does not know but her husband claims one of the planes is a twin tail airframe, but here is a 1lb chunk of salt to go with that.

Tom P.
www.wendoverairbase.com

HarvardIV · **Joined:** Mon Oct 04, 2004 9:08 pm **Posts:** 1437

Hi Tom:

This raises more questions about possible wrecks in the Ambon, Ceram, and Halmahera areas. These areas were frequently used by the Japanese. Also, could you pm her email to me, so I can do further interrogations? I promise no brow beatings.

Thanks,

Chris

wendovertom · **Posted:** Wed Jan 05, 2005 2:23 pm

Here is the link to the State Department's info page on Indonesia - sounds like a great place eh?

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_918.html

Tom P.

HarvardIV · **Joined:** Mon Oct 04, 2004 9:08 pm **Posts:** 1437

Hey Folks:

I'm considering a trip to Morotai in a couple months. Maybe I'll get lucky and find something.

Chris

HarvardIV · **Joined:** Mon Oct 04, 2004 9:08 pm **Posts:** 1437

This has got to be the most fascinating topic yet on WRG. Here's a quote from a website about Halmahera:

"Halmahera is the largest island in the Maluku archipelago. Because of the mountainous landscape it is however the most sparsely populated, considering the size. Population is about 130.000, and there are no large cities here. Only on the northern peninsula there are some infrastructure and villages of any significance, there are some villages on the southern peninsula as well. The population are mainly Muslim with a mix of ethnic backgrounds; Arabs, Indians, Portuguese, Dutch and Malay. The island is full of remains after WW2, but also lovely beaches and a beautiful landscape where you can walk to and visit traditional villages. These days there are no regular flights here, but there is a boat from Manado once a week and also boats from Ternate and Morotai. On the island there are quite good and regular bus routes in areas with roads of adequate standard. Most facilities for travelers can be found in the town of Tobelo on the northern tip, this is also a hub for bus and boat transport."

Apparently, Halmahera has quite a few wrecks itself.

stuart murdoch · **Joined:** Tue Sep 14, 2004 12:05 am **Posts:** 73

Guys,

Got bored, so really started looking into the area, found a birdwatching site that although a little out of date had this lovely description of Halmahera,

" Halmahera has become popular with special interest tourists, walks in the tropical forest are also possible, although much of Halmahera remains unknown to tourists, or even scientists, so this is a good place for the intrepid."

other links I found with interesting info:
The first shows a map of both Morotai and Halmahera
The second is a travel advisory
The third is a search for a downed WWII plane.

http://www.infomaluku.net/res/maps/halmahera.html

http://www.kbri.kiev.ua/malaku.htm

http://rmv.to/UncleJack/searchforplane.htm

Reading these sites has made me sure that getting there is not easy, traveling around is not easy, but it sounds like fun for some "intrepid" and enterpising person.

Stuart

HarvardIV · **Joined:** Mon Oct 04, 2004 9:08 pm **Posts:** 1437

Very good info Stuart:

This ones going to be a little long, but here's a combat chronology from Dec '44 of the concerned area. There most be dozens of planes around Halmahera Island alone:

5 DEC '44 (Far East Air Force): On Halmahera Island, B-24s strike Hate Tabako, Galela, and Djailolo Airfields while B-25s and A-20s lightly raid Miti and Kaoe Airfields. B-25s hit Langoan on Celebes Island while B-24s flying in pairs hit targets of opportunity nearby and in N Borneo. Fighter-bombers over the C Philippine Islands area hit Japanese positions, barges, and communications targets.

7 DEC '44 On Halmahera Island, B-25s hit Miti, Kaoe, Galela, and Lolobata Airfields. Other FEAF aircraft fly armed reconnaissance and harassing missions over Mindanao Island, N Borneo, and Makassar, Celebes Island areas, attacking various targets of opportunity.

9 DEC '44 Far East Air Force): In Borneo, B-24s bomb the Lingkas tank farm, Dondang River bridge and Sanga Sanga oil installations, and 3 airfields in the Ambon Island-Ceram Island area. P-38s hit Old Namlea Airfield on Buru Island. B-25s attack the Wasile Bay area in the Moluccas Islands.

11 DEC '44 B-25s bomb airfields on Boeroe Island in the Sunda Islands and Ambon Island in the Moluccas Islands, and fighter- bombers pound storage facilities and targets of opportunity in the C Philippine Islands.
In major air activity B-24s bomb Mandurriao Airfield on Cebu Island

12 DEC '44 B-24s pound Kendari Airfield on Celebes Island. In the Ambon-Ceram-Boeroe Islands area B-25s hit 3 airfields and attack barges. A-20s hit the airfield on Efman Island, New Guinea.

13-Dec-44 B-25s bomb San Roque Airfield on Mindanao Island; Haroekoe Airfield on Haroekoe Island, Moluccas Islands; Amahai Airfield on Ceram Island; Old Namlea Airfield on Buru Island; and Liang Airfield on Ambon Island. B-25s, P-38s, and P-47s on small raids hit shore positions at Galela Bay on Halmahera Island, while covering an attempted rescue of a downed pilot by a PT boat, and bomb the Goeroea supply area in the Moluccas Islands. Other B-25s and B-24s on reconnaissance hit targets of opportunity in the Sulu Archipelago. The 2d Photographic Charting Squadron, 311th Photographic Wing (attached to FEAF), moves from Hollandia, New Guinea to Morotai Island with F-7s.

15 DEC '44 B-25s hit airfields on Ceram and Ambon Islands. Miscellaneous armed reconnaissance and light raids by fighters and bombers are flown against airfields on Boeroe and Halmahera Islands; shipping and other targets of opportunity are attacked at several points throughout the Netherland East Indies.

17 DEC '44 . B-24s and fighter-bombers attack Jesselton Airfield in Borneo and Laha Airfield on Ambon Island.

18 Dec '44 B-25s hit San Roque Airfield on Mindanao Island; fighter-bombers attack Tanao harbor and airfield and targets of opportunity in the Tarakan Island, Borneo area, strafe seaplane facilities at Sanga Sanga, Borneo, and bomb Haroekoe Airfield on Haroekoe Island.

20 Dec '44 B-24s hit Malang Airfield on Java and B-25s hit Haroekoe Island. Numerous other single FEAF flights and small forces attack a large variety of targets of opportunity throughout the Netherland East Indies and the Philippine Islands. HQ 8th Fighter Group and the 35th, 36th and 80th Fighter Squadrons move from Morotai Island to San Jose, Mindoro Island, Philippine Islands with P-38s.

22 Dec '44 In the Moluccas Islands, B-25s pound Goeroea, Anggai, and Lolobata on Halmahera Island.

24 Dec '44 B-24s bomb Clark Field on Luzon Island, Puerto Princesa Airfield on Palawan Island, and Kudat Airfield in Borneo. B-25s and fighter-bombers blast the Goeroea area in the Moluccas Islands

25 Dec '44 B-24s, with fighter support, bomb Mabalacat Airfield on Luzon Island, Sasa Airfield on Mindanao Island, and Sandakan and Jesselton Airfields in Borneo.

28 Dec '44 B-25s pound airfields at Laha on Ambon Island, Kairatoe on Celebes Island and Haroekoe on Haroekoe Island while fighter-bombers hit Namlea Airfield on Buru Island. In the Soembawa-Flores Island area in the Lesser Sunda Islands, B-24s attack Japanese shipping. FEAF fighters and bombers on numerous small raids hit targets on Palawan, Mindanao, Borneo, Celebes, Halmahera, Timor and Tanimbar Islands, the Lingayen Gulf, and W of Mindoro Island. The 38th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, Thirteenth AF [attached to 4th Photographic Group (Reconnaissance)], moves from Hollandia, New Guinea to Morotai Island with F-5s (first mission is 21 Feb 45).

29 Dec '44 B-24s bomb Sasa Airfield on Mindanao Island while B-25s and fighter-bombers hit Namlea on Buru Island. Fighter-bombers hit NE Celebes airfields while B-24s bomb Limboeng on Celebes Island. FEAF aircraft fly small strikes against a wide range of targets in N Borneo, the C Philippine Islands, S Luzon Island, and on Timor Island.

31 Dec '44 (Far East Air Force): B-24s and B-25s bomb airfields in the C Philippine Islands, on Luzon and Mindanao Islands. Other B-24s bomb Ambesia Airfield on Celebes Island, hit Dili on Timor Island, and pound airfields and supply areas throughout Halmahera Island. Fighter-bombers are active against airfields, shipping, AA guns, and various targets of opportunity on Halmahera Island and on N Celebes Island. The 63d Troop Carrier Squadron, 403d Troop Carrier Group, based on Biak Island with C-47s, ceases operating from Noemfoor Island. The ground echelon of the 82d Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, 71st Tactical Reconnaissance Group, begins a movement from Morotai Island to Luzon Island (air echelon is operating from San Jose, Mindoro Island with F-6 and P-40s). The 550th Night Fighter Squadron, XIII Fighter Command, based at Hollandia, New Guinea with P-61s, sends a detachment to operate from Middleburg Island.

HELLDIVERS · **Joined:** Sun Nov 07, 2004 3:38 pm **Posts:** 642

WHEN DOES THE HOT TUB TURN INTO A STEW POT?

LOOK OUT FOR THE POTATOES N CARROTS,HAPPY HUNTING :shock:

george · **Joined:** Wed Dec 15, 2004 10:20 pm **Posts:** 435

Harvard - Its looking pretty positive that Morotai and the surrounding islands are loaded with WWII aircraft, but if you read Colonel Rohr's post, and the State Dept. warning, I am afraid its just too dangerous for you to travel there. Wendovertom has a good point-you need someone who lives there to tell you what is there, and more importantly how dangerous it is. Maybe Stuart could find out when Eddie was on Morotai, and if he felt in danger while there. Col. Rohr said that without proper permission, you cannot even look at the planes, so you would have a lot of logistics and paperwork to do before you even considered going.

On a side note, the approximately 30 fighters and bombers that Mr. Voll saw there were, according to him, all combat veterans. They probably all took part in the raids on the neighboring islands that you listed.

DaveM2 · **Posted:** Thu Jan 06, 2005 1:16 am

Guys

Instead of all the optimistic speculation, can't someone ask the US Govt. for a look at sat. photos of the area..being a 'hot spot' like Indonesia I am sure there must be folders bulging with them. I am sure most are 'classified' but might be worth asking at least.

Dave

stuart murdoch · **Joined:** Tue Sep 14, 2004 12:05 am **Posts:** 73

Guys,

Eddie and his friends were there in '99, the troubles between Christians and Moslems erupted in 2000 though 2002 and possibly longer.

I don't want to put a damper on anyones fun, but it looks to be an area which could be a great place to visit with friendly people, but it may also be a tad dangerous as there are still reports of violence erupting now and again.

Please read carefully the link regarding searching for his uncles plane, he stated that the locals had recovered almost everything for scrap, including the engines.

Stuart

HELLDIVERS · **Joined:** Sun Nov 07, 2004 3:38 pm **Posts:** 642

HI :IT WOULD BE GREAT TO SEE MORE RECOVERYS FROM THESE AREAS! I WOULD LIKE TO ENCOURAGE YOU TO GO FOR IT.MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT MOST OF THESE WRECKS BELONG TO THE PROPERTY OWNERS ON WHICH THEY LAY.IT WOULD BE GREAT TO SEE AS MUCH RECOVERED AS POSSIBLE,YOU MUST KEEP US POSTED ON YOUR RECOVERY EFFORTS!!WE WOULD ALSO LOVE TO SEE YOUR T-6 PROJECT.GOOD LUCK AND AVOID ANY QUESTIONABLE HOT TUB PARTYS WHEN YOUR THERE!!THANKS MIKE

HarvardIV · **Joined:** Mon Oct 04, 2004 9:08 pm **Posts:** 1437

Quote:

HI :IT WOULD BE GREAT TO SEE MORE RECOVERYS FROM THESE AREAS! I WOULD LIKE TO ENCOURAGE YOU TO GO FOR IT.MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT MOST OF THESE WRECKS BELONG TO THE PROPERTY OWNERS ON WHICH THEY LAY.IT WOULD BE GREAT TO SEE AS MUCH RECOVERED AS POSSIBLE,YOU MUST KEEP US POSTED ON YOUR RECOVERY EFFORTS!!WE WOULD ALSO LOVE TO SEE YOUR T-6 PROJECT.GOOD LUCK AND AVOID ANY QUESTIONABLE HOT TUB PARTYS WHEN YOUR THERE!!THANKS MIKE

Hi Mike:

As far as I know you are correct. At Babo, for instance a gentleman from BP told me the landowners control everything. The Indonesian gov't intervenes very little. You could probably recover whatever remains with a little negotiating with them. If anybody would like the gentlemans email from BP drop me a PM.

Mike I sure appreciate that, and I was going to ask you about your Helldivers. I'll have to read that thread on your project from a couple months back.

Thanks,

Chris

HarvardIV · **Joined:** Mon Oct 04, 2004 9:08 pm **Posts:** 1437

Hello in response to this voice:

Quote:

Here is the link to the State Department's info page on Indonesia - sounds like a great place eh?

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_918.html

Here is what Indonesia photo's website says:

Quote:

· How is the political situation in Indonesia which parts do I have to evoid ? posibly I´ll go in december2003

First, don't get too intimidated by what is written in the western press, most of Indonesia is safe with very friendly people, as you soon will discover when you go there.

Indonesia has about 220 million people, unfortunately among these there is a small group of religious fanatics who don't respect any human life. In recent years a number of bombs have been set off in the big cities like Jakarta, Medan and Manado. As far as I know no western tourists have been killed in these bomb attacks that has mainly been targeted at shopping malls and churches. The exception is of course the terrible terrorist attack on two nightclubs on Bali 12th of October 2002 which claimed more than 200 lives and many more injured. There is now a trial going on in Bali against those who were behind the bombing.

In Maluku there has been religious fightings between Muslims and Christians since 1998, more than 6000 have died. Northern Maluku is now opened for travellers again, while Ambon and South Maluku is still a little bit restless, and you need a permit to travel there (as of June 2003). However some people have travelled to Banda and Kai islands with no problems, and have organized the permit with the local police there, I would however prefer to do that beforehand, in order to avoid to have to pay excessive bribes (fines). Keep an eye on the situation though, as renewed problems may arise.

The OPM guerilla on Irian Jaya have been fighting for independence for decades, and now and then there are reports of trouble there, like kidnapping of foreigners. Travelers may need permits to visit certain regions in the Irian Jaya province. Staying in the big cities is considered to be safe, and check the conditions before you visit the more remote areas, many travellers visit irian Jaya every year without problems.

Aceh at the northern tip of Sumatra should be avoided at the time beeing. Officially all foreign tourists have been banned to enter Aceh from June 2003.

Sulawesi is safe, except for the Poso district in Central Sulawesi which has seen clashes between Christians and Muslims. According to Lonely Planet the Philippine terrorist organization Abu Sayyaf is said to be active in North Sulawesi. I have never seen that mention anywhere else, I was there recently, and this is a very safe place to visit.

West-Timor was considered to be unsafe the months before and after the independence of East-Timor, and you should still keep an eye open if you visit this area.

Fightings between the indigenous Dayak population and migrant Madurese on West Kalimantan has occurred several times, eight times in the last two decades. Actually many Madurese were beheaded during the worst clashes, today thousands of Madurese refugees are sheltering in the West Kalimantan capital, Pontianak. I have not seen any reports of violence here lately.

Lombok island east of Bali saw some religious unrest in January 2000, with several people dead and many churches burnt down. The situation is today under control, and Lombok is considered to be a safe destination.

As you can see from the above, Indonesia has it's share of problems, and to say it is a perfectly safe place would be a lie. But you should have in mind that this is a huge country with more than 220 million people, and there is very few reports of travellers who have encountered any problems. On the contrary, the large majority feel very safe and get along very well with the friendly people of Indonesia. In general looting and other criminality is relatively rare here, even if it has increased considerably since the monetary crisis.

Just stay away from the trouble spots like Aceh, don't be naive and keep your eyes open, as you would in any country, and you will enjoy your time here!

HarvardIV · **Joined:** Mon Oct 04, 2004 9:08 pm **Posts:** 1437

Hi Folks:

I've got another piece to this puzzle, which will cast some light on Halmahera Island: From that Indonesia photo site:

Quote:

Halmahera is the largest island in the Maluku archipelago. Because of the mountainous landscape it is however the most sparsely populated, considering the size. Population is about 130.000, and there are no large cities here. Only on the northern peninsula there are some infrastructure and villages of any significance, there are some villages on the southern peninsula as well. The population are mainly Muslim with a mix of ethnic backgrounds; Arabs, Indians, Portuguese, Dutch and Malay. The island is full of remains after WW2, but also lovely beaches and a beautiful landscape where you can walk to and visit traditional villages. These days there are no regular flights here, but there is a boat from Manado once a week and also boats from Ternate and Morotai. On the island there are quite good and regular bus routes in areas with roads of adequate standard. Most facilities for travelers can be found in the town of Tobelo on the northern tip, this is also a hub for bus and boat transport.

Major products from Halmahera is copra and cacao. Area of Halmahera is 17.780 sq. km, of which most is covered by inaccessible mountains, the highest point is Gunung Gamkonora, an active volcano that reaches an elevation of 1.635 m. The island is composed of four peninsulas, separated by wide bays.

The Kao Bay to the north were during World War II a base for large numbers of Japanese forces, more than 300 fighter planes, a lot of bombers and about 60.000 soldiers. Almost the entire force were annihilated during an allied attack under the command of General McArthur. This took place in the last phase of the war in order to take control over the strategic Morotai island north of Halmahera. Surviving Japanese soldiers escaped into the dense forests, and a local story tells about a soldier who came out of the forest in 1975, unaware that the war was over. The locals say there are still surviving Japanese soldiers on the island (fascinating, but not very likely). An allied airbase were established on Morotai with long runways for bombers, a base that was of great importance in the continuing efforts to conquer the Philippines and Japan. Many plane and ship wrecks can still be seen here as a memorial of the war.

Morotai is the northernmost island in the Maluku, the largest cities are Wayabula, Berebere, Busubusu, Sangowo and Daruba. Daruba at the east coast has an airport with some irregular flights and some accommodation. This is also the largest town on the island and a hub for transport, the only large road starts from here and continue to the northeast. The conditions for diving are supposedly good on this island, and this is also a nice place for hiking in the relatively flat landscape.

West of Halmahera there are five small islands that were the original Maluku, and for hundreds of years they were an important destination for traders from many nations. This was the famous Spice Islands, and with their exotic spices they represented enormous values. One of them, Ternate, was in former days the undisputed power and trade center of Maluku. Today Ambon has taken over this role, but Ternate is still number two when it comes to importance. The population on this island is about 80.000, most live in the city of Ternate. This was the first island in Maluku to accept Islam, and today a majority of the population here are Muslim. Most important products are (of course) spice, fruit and copra.

Ternate is mountainous, the highest top is Gunung Gamalama, an active volcano rising to an elevation of 1.721 m, in fact this mountain is the island. It is possible to climb to the top, preferably with a guide. The view on a clear day is said to be great. All villages are located at the slopes of Gunung Gamalama. In Ternate town you can see the Sultan's palace, built around 1250 AD and now turned into a museum. Other attractions are an old Dutch fort, Benteng Oranye, which was built in 1607 on the ruins of a Malay fort, it was the headquarters of the Dutch until 1619 when the power were transferred to Batavia (Jakarta). There are some accommodation in this town. The Danau Laguna lake is covered by Lotus flowers and some holy crocodiles are said to live here. Along the coast line there are some nice beaches and good fishing conditions.

Ternate's neighbor island Tidore was also a powerful Islamic Sultanate that claimed parts of Halmahera and Irian Jaya. The rivalry between Ternate and Tidore led to several wars, and first in 1814 peace was established in the area. For travelers Tidore has less facilities than Ternate, and is maybe best to visit on a day trip from Ternate. From there you will arrive in the village of Rum, where a road continues to Soa Siu on the east coast, the largest city on the island. From Rum you can also travel with boat to the small Pulau Maitara island on the west coast, here you will find excellent conditions for swimming and snorkeling. The Gunung Api Keimatubu volcano, 1.730 m, can be climbed with the assistance from a local guide, the climb to the top will normally take about five hours.

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