Location
Lat 6° 44' 0" Long 155° 42' 0" Located near the village of Kara and 5km from Buin. Built on the land of a prewar Catholic Mission.
Naming
Known by the Japanese as 'Kara' or 'Toripoil'. The Allies called the airfield 'Kara'. To add to the confusion, post war this airfield was known as 'Buin Airport' when used by Air Niugini.
Construction
Built by the Japanese, this airfield became operational in September 1943. A single runway 4,000' x 280' with "U' shaped revetments on the eastern side and a control tower at the northern end.
Wartime Usage
Japanese used this airfield primarily as a fighter strip. On October 1, 1943 Allied reconnaissance observed no aircraft at the airfield.
American Missions Against Kara
September 15, 1943 - June 3, 1944
After the Japanese surrender, this area was occupied by Australian forces. Used by Australian forces for local flights in September 1945.
Today
This airfield was known as "Buin Airport" and used by Air Niugini for flights to the Buin area until the 1989 'Bougainville Crisis'. Since then, it has been abandoned again and is overgrown.
Referenes
AWM F07335 film footage, September 15, 1945
A6M3
Zero Manufacture
Number 3844 Tail 2-182
Damaged on the ground, repaired and surrendered to New Zealand
Type
88 75mm Anti-Aircraft Gun
Emplaced
off the Kara Airstrip, and overgrown to this day.
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