Location
Hill 281 is located at the center of Tulagi Island.

Wartime History
This high ground was the main Japanese defensive position and headquarters on Tulagi Island with tunnels and fighting positions built in the area. Designated "Hill 281" by the Americans. After the Battle of Tulagi, Americans emplaced machine guns and anti-aircraft guns atop Hill 281 to defend the area.

Japanese Type 93 (1933) 13.2mm machine gun emplacement
During 1942, the Japanese emplaced a 13mm machine gun on a mount atop Hill 281. After the battle, the machine gun was removed. Until at least 2002 he mount was still standing and during 2003 was toppled sideways.

Justin Taylan adds:
"When I visited In August 2003, the mount was tipped over. I was told vandal kids did it recently. It was the only war relic left on the island, sad".

Harold C. Holden Dog Tag
1st Marine Raider Battalion, D Company. Discovered in 2003 by a local resident near Hill 281 returned to Holden by John Innes.

References
Thanks to John Innes and Peter Flahavin for additional information

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Last Updated
March 20, 2022