Location
Located on the northern tip of Bougainville, across the Buka Passage from Buka Island. Roads connect Bonis to Ruri via Sorum.

Wartime History
Occupied by the Japanese in April 1942. Construction was begun on Bonis Airfield during early July 1943 and completed by October. After the Allied landings on November 1, 1943 at Empress Augusta Bay, a three-pronged Allied drive contained remaining Japanese forces to the Bonis / Buka areas after the occupation of the road junction at Ruri Bay on May 11, 1944. Australian forces formed a line to the south of Bonis by late May. The 55th/53rd Battalion was relieved on May 19th by the 26th Battalion and on June 3, the 31st/51st Battalion came forward from Torokina to strengthen the line. A potential threat to the Australian flank was posed by Japanese artillery emplaced on offshore Saposa Island and Taiof Island.

Today
The small town of Bonis has only a few buildings close to the beach, across from Buka.  A terminus for PMV bus traffic, and small boats crossing the  Buka Passage.

Bonis Airfield
Japanese built airfield, disused since the war.

Japanese Bunker
Located near the Buka passage. This large bunker had multiple entrances, and excellent construction. Today, a contemporary building is built nearby, and uses the bunker for storage.  Wooden doors are built over two of the entrances visible.

Australian Matilda Tank
Reportedly in the vicinity. Blown upside down by a the blast of a Japanese land mine which killed the crew.

Munitions Caches
Unexploded shells recovered by workmen widening the Buka Passage / Tinputz road in the early 1980's.

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Last Updated
January 28, 2012