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![]() ![]() Asahi Shimbun c1942 ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() 5th AF c1943 ![]() Australian Army October 20, 1945 ![]() David Paulley 1982 |
Location Lat 2° 34' 46S Long 150° 48' 29E Kavieng Airfield is located at Kavieng on the North Cape of New Ireland. Also known as "Kawieng Airfield". Today known as "Kavieng Airport". Prewar and during the Pacific War located in the Territory of New Guinea. Today located in Kavieng Urban LLG of Kavieng District in New Ireland Province in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Construction During 1942 the Australian administration built a single runway at this location. World War II Pacific Theatre History On January 21, 1942 Kavieng and Kavieng Airfield were attacked by Japanese Navy carrier aircraft from Akagi and Kaga. During the night of January 23-24, 1942 a Japanese landing force occupied Kavieng with virtually no opposition. Japanese missions against Kavieng January 21–24, 1942 Before withdrawing, Australian commandos blew craters into the runway then retreated through the nearby swamps. Occupied by the Japanese, Kavieng Airfield was expanded and improved. During the war, the single runway spanned 5,000' with large taxi and dispersal area on each side of the runway. Japanese Navy units based at Kavieng Junyō detachment (23 x A6M2 Zero, 6 x B5N2 Kate) Junyō January 17, 1943 Wewak returns January 24, 1943 Zuihō detachment (20 x A6M2, 8 x B5N2) Zuihō Feb 18-19, 1943 Wewak returns Feb 28 - March 1-3, 1943 Truk 252 Kokutai (A6M Zero) 253 Kokutai (A6M Zero) 251 Kokutai (G4M1 Betty) Vunakanau November - December 1943 751 Kokutai (G4M1 Betty) American missions against Kavieng January 21, 1942 - April 8, 1944 Post
War Brian
Bennett recalls: Today A6M2 Model 21
Zero Manufacture
Number 51553 References Contribute
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