|
 |
|
|
| Missing In Action (MIA) | Prisoners Of War (POW) | Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) |
| Chronology | Locations | Aircraft | Ships | Submit Info | How You Can Help | Donate |
|
 RAAF October 1943  USAAF October 24, 1943  RAAF January 31, 1944 |
Location Lat 8°30' 21"S Long 151° 4' 52E Kiriwina Airfield is located at an elevation of 27' above sea level in roughly the center of Kiriwina Island in the Trobriand Island Group (Trobriand Islands) in the Solomon Sea. To the east is Muiau Bay and to the south Losuia. Initially known as Kiriwina Airfield, after the completion of Kiriwinia North Drone, this airfield also became known as Kiriwinia South Drome, South Drome or Losuia Airfield for nearby Losuia. Prewar and during the Pacific War located in the Territory of Papua. Today located in Milne Bay Province in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Construction During July 1943, the U.S. Army engineers with assistance from calvary troops began construction of an airfield at this location. A single coral surfaced runway was built measuring 6,000' x 150' single runway for fighters and bombers. On August 2, 1943 the first aircraft to land was a C-47 Dakota. At the request of the U.S. Army, during September 1943 a detachment of U.S. Navy (USN) Seabees from Woodlark arrived to expand the runway, building a 7,000' fighter taxiway, completed as of October 12, 1943 plus 25 fighter hardstands. Also a 5,300' taxiway and 16 bomber hardstands were finished a week later. By October 28, 1943 construction was completed and the Seabees returned to Woodlark. Wartime History Kiriwina Airfield was used by both American and Australian aircraft. During the middle of 1943, Kiriwina was the most forward Allied airfield to Japanese occupied New Britain and Rabaul, allowing fighter aircraft the shortest flight distance to the target and back. During October 1943–November 1943 used as a forward base for U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) 5th Air Force (5th AF) P-38 Lightnings to escort bombers over Rabaul and give them the maximum range. Starting in the middle of August 1943 targeted by Japanese planes that bombed Kiriwina until the end of December 1943. The Japanese air raids failed to inflict significant damage. Japanese missions against Kiriwina August 11, 1943–December 20, 1943 Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) units based at Kiriwina No. 76 Squadron (P-40) No. 78 Squadron (P-40) December 1943–January 1944 departs Nadzab No. 79 Squadron (Spitfire) Vivigani arrives August 18, 1943–March 16, 1944 departs Momote Spitfire "Tasmanian Devil" A58-178 Tail UP-G Abandoned at the airfield, recovered in 1973 Spitfire A58-213 Tail UP-G Abandoned at the airfield, recovered in 1973 In the 1970s, other aircraft wrecks reported at the strip included a Vultee Vengeance and P-38H Lightning. Today Still in use today as the only airfield servicing Kiriwina Island, used by light aircraft and secondary airlines including Airlines PNG and missionary aircraft. Today, known as "Losuia Airport". Airport codes: IATA: LSA, ICAO: AYKA. Contribute
Information Last Updated
|
 Map 1943Map Fallingrain  View in Google Earth |
| Discussion Forum | Daily Updates | Reviews | Museums | Interviews & Oral Histories |
|
