November 27, 1942


Circa 1943

November 27, 1943


Justin Taylan, 2003

Location
Located five miles from the town of Port Moresby.

Construction
Airfield was built built by the Australians in the middle of 1942, and surfaced by American engineers. The construction was led by Australian Lt. Col. K. H. Ward, CO of the 53rd battalion (militia). The airfield was developed into two parallel 6,000' x 100' runways, with an extensive taxiway and revetment area to the east of the runways.

Naming Honors
Named 'Wards Drome' in honor of Australian Lt. Col. K. H. Ward, who was involved with its construction and was KIA on August 27, 1942, during the fighting at Isurava on the Kokoda Trail. Also, known as 5-Mile or 5-Mile Drome by Americans, for its distance from Port Moresby.

Wartime Usage
In 1943, it was the busiest aerodrome in the southern hemisphere. Mainly used for Cargo aircraft and larger planes, Ward's was nearest to 7 Mile Drome, and at its height, its taxiways actually connected with those of 7-mile.

USAAF Units based at Wards:
374th TCG
90th BG 320th BS (B-24s)
90th BG 321st BS (B-24s)
RAAF Units Based at Wards:
9th Group, 22nd Squadron (A-20)
9th Group, 30th Squadron (Beaufighter)

Today
Disused since the war, it is developed into the Waigani area of Port Moresby, where most of the government buildings and embassies are located. One can still drive along the main runway. In the post war years, most of its aircraft revetments were bulldozed flat, and a scrap dealer operated there, melting down aluminum from aircraft remains. Locals would siphon gasoline from the aircraft fuel tanks for their own use well into the 1950's.

5th Air Force Operations HQ
General Kenney's 5th AF Operations HQ was located at the strip. Reportedly, its cement slab foundations still remain today.

374th Troop Carrier Group Camp Area
In the small valley straight ahead when the road bends towards the golf club, was the camp area for the 374th.

27th Air Depot
Based between 5 Mile and 7 Mile, this group was responsible for assembling crated aircraft delivered by ship docked in Fairfax Harbor from the United States.  Brand new aircraft were delivered to Port Moresby assembled and then flown to other bases. Ships continued to dock at Port Moresby until mid-1945 when transports switched to Manila Bay.  For pilots wishing to pick up a brand new plane, they would have to go all the way back to Port Moresby

5th AF Operations HQ
Located on a hill behind Wards Drome. A large 5th Air Force insignia and USAAF star, drawn into the concrete.   Concrete steps, a garden and path that went up the ridge towards the HQ. In the 1980's traces of the paint still remained.  Today, both the 5th AF logo and USSAF are partially broken, and the area is overgrown, but it still offers commanding views and an impressive remnant of the American era at Ward's Drome.

This marking is still present to this day, on a small ridge off the main hill and this overlooks the Chinese Embassy. To visit the slab, drive down Sir John Guise Drive, cross the intersection with Independence Way and Godwit Street and keep going in the direction of the golf club.  When that road begins to make a left turn, there is a hill on your right.

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