Location
Located at Bena Bena, in the New Guinea Highlands, inland from Madang in the Bismark Range. Also sometimes spelled 'Benabena'.
Construction
Prewar airfield.
Wartime History
In mid-1942 the airfield had a hard dry surface, 1,100 x 75 x 5,300 yards with aproaches from the south-west to north-east and a 5% grade. Facilities were described as one house and native houses, food and water. Could be lengthened 300 yards.
This airfield was further developed to support the 'Bena Force'. The Japanese incorrectly believed this airfield was a combat airfield and attacked it with aircraft and was the target of Army troops.
The Australian 2/7 Independent Company was flown to Bena Bena Airfield in May 1943 to prevent the Japanese taking the Bena Bena Airfield which is located between the Finisterre and Bismark Ranges.
In June 1943 the 2/2nd was flown to Bena Bena Airfield to support the 2/7th Independent Company in patrolling the Ramu River area. In the second week of July the 2/2nd moved into position, with its headquarters at Bena Bena and with its platoons’ occupying neighbouring positions.
Although Bena Bena Airfield had not been expanded at the end of July 1943, nor were any planes based there it was attacked by Japanese Army Aircraft.
Japanese Missions Against Bena Bena
July 24, 1943
Today
Unknown.
References
Notes about New Guinea airfields, recorded circa May - July, 1942 by Oliver C. Doan via Jean Doan research Edward Rogers
4th Kokugun Takes Charge by Richard Dunn
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