History


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The islands were probably observed by Luis Váez de Torres in 1606, but Malay and Chinese sailors may have visited the islands earlier. Louis Antoine de Bougainville named them in 1768 for Louis XV, the king of France. Visits were also paid by Admiral Bruni d'Entrecasteaux in 1793 and Captain Owen Stanley in 1849. The 1942 Battle of Coral Sea was fought nearby, after Japanese occupation in the same year.

Created by Rhea . Last Modification: Thursday 12 of November, 2009 11:06:31 EST by Rhea .
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