Location
Horoniu is located on the northern coast of Vella Lavella in Western Province in the Solomon Islands. Allied wartime spelling "Horoniu". Japanese spelling "Horaniu". Borders Kokolope Bay to the north. To the east is Kimbolia and Lambu Lambu Cove (Lambulambu).
Wartime History
During the night of August 18, 1943 a Japanese Naval force including landing barges plans to land at Horoniu to establish a barge base. On August 19, 1943 in the early morning, intercepted by U.S. Navy force that sinks 2 submarine chasers, 2 torpedo boats, and 1 barge while other barges manage to land at at Horoniu and unload.
After American landing at Barakoma, the New Zealand Army advanced northward to Horoniu during September 1943. The remaining Japanese withdrew towards the north coast of Vella Lavella.
By early October 1943 roughly 600 Japanese were assembled at Horoniu to await evacuation. During the night of October 6, 1943 the remainder of the Japanese forces at Horaniu were evacuated by a destroyer-transports during the Naval Battle of Vella Lavella.
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Last Updated
October 4, 2022
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