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Choiseul Island (Lauru) Choiseul Province Solomon Islands

Location
Lat 7° 4' 60S Long 157° 0' 0E Choiseul Island is a long narrow island on the eastern side of "The Slot". To the northwest is Bougainville. Choiseul Island is also known as "Lauru" in the local language. Offshore is Zinoa Island. Today located in Choiseul Province in Solomon Islands.

Wartime History
During 1942, Choiseul Island coastal areas were occupied by Japanese forces. During October 1942, USS Grampus (SS-207) landed several coastwatchers on the island. Coastwatcher Lt. Carden W. Seton operated from Choiseul during 1942 until October 1943, when he was removed by U. S. Navy PBY Catalina and joined the U. S. Marines during their raid on Voza during October 28 - November 3, 1943.

During late August 1943 until September 1943, "Tokyo Express" runs from Choiseul rescued more than 3,800 Japanese troops from Kolombangara to Choiseul. US Navy PT-Boats operated with success around the island as did larger ships, including USS Nicholas (DD 449) which patrolled between August 18 - 26, 1943.

Between October 28 - November 2, 1943 US Marines from the 1st Parachute Regiment landed at Voza to harass the Japanese and as a diversion for the landing at Empress Augusta Bay on Bougainville. The Marines were evacuated by PT Boats. Afterwards, Choiseul was bypassed leaving the remaining Japanese forces isolated.

During January 21, 1944 until February 19, 1944 Technical Air Intelligence did a probe of Japanese aircraft wrecks on Choiseul. They were inserted at Ruravu Mission in the south of the island, and covered hundreds of miles by foot and in canoes with the help of locals and coastwatchers. They reported many wrecks including a Sonia, Oscar, Zero and Judy that was later recovered.

American missions against Choiseul
January 28, 1943 - March 4, 1944

Today
Following Solomon Island independence on July 7, 1978, Choiseul was part of Western Province. On February 25, 1992 Choiseul Province was established. The administrative headquarters for Choiseul Province is located at Taro.

PBY-5A Catalina Bureau Number 48259
Pilot Burkhardt crashed March 8, 1944

B-24D Liberator Serial Number 42-40864
Pilot Greear MIA October 25, 1943

Voza
Located on the southern coast of Choiseul. USMC landed October 28 - November 3, 1943.

Zinoa Island
Island offshore of Voza.

Choiseul Bay
Located at the northwest tip of Choiseul island. Prewar, there was a copra plantation on the offshore islands of Redman and Guppy.

Visi Point
Located to the south of Choiseul Bay on Choiseul Island.

Warrior River
River located to the northwestern portion of Choiseul, east of Choiseul Bay. Moth is to the west of Nukiki village.

On November 2, 1943, US Marines from "Bigger's Force" of the 2nd Parachute Battalion, 1st Marine Parachute Regiment (Paramarines) were withdrawn this location. One LCVP landing craft hit a reef after leaving he beach and began to take on water. Then its engine died and it drifted toward enemy-held territory. PT-59 and PT-236 came on the scene and took aboard the men on that boat. Three aircraft appeared at the same time and covered the operation by strafing the shore.

Moli (Moli Point)
Located on the northwest tip of Choiseul Island near Choiseul Bay.

Cape Kamboro
Located on the northeast coast of Choiseul Island.

Boe (Mboe)
Located on the southern coast of the center of Choiseul Island.

Batua Point
Located on Choiseul Island

Varunga Point
Located on the north coast of Choiseul Island.

Kolokapisi (Kolokapasi)
Located on the southern coast of Choiseul Island near Luti Bay.

Sangigai (Sanggighae, Sagigai, Sanggigae)
Located to southeast of Voza on southern coast of Choiseul. Japanese barge station, USMC diversionary landing.

Nokiki
Located to the southeast of Choiseul Bay.

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Last Updated
October 23, 2019

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