During World War II Saint George's Channel was used by the Imperial Japanese Navy connecting Rabaul to the open sea and for ships bound for the Solomon Islands.

[1][2] In the course of Pacific War the Japanese used the Cape to watch out for American bombers from Guadalcanal heading towards Rabaul.

Apart from its association with the war in the Pacific and particularly in the New Guinea Islands region, "Cape St. George" is traditionally known in the local Siar language as Lain Silou – this is in reference to its protruding point into the outer sea and the fact that it is quite dangerous during rough seas to ships sailing past/around it.

On the return flight he strafed the lighthouse on Cape St. George, New Ireland, that served as an enemy flak tower and observation post.

Hanson tried to ditch but his wing dug into the water and the Corsair cartwheeled and crashed, leaving an oil slick and scattered debris.