Located on the northern tip of Bougainville, across the Buka Passage
from Buka
Island.
History
Occupied by the Japanese in April 1942,
they developed an airfield. After the American landings at Empress
Augusta Bay on November 1, 1943, a three-pronged Allied drive contained
remaining Japanese forces to the Bonis
/ Buka areas after the occupation of road junction at Ruri Bay on May
11, 1944. Australian forces formed a line to the south of Bonis by late
May. with the y 55th/53rd Battalion was relieved on May 19th by the 26th
Battalion and on the 3 June the 31st/51st Battalion came forward from Torokina to assist in strengthening the line. A potential threat to the Australian flank was posed
by Japanese artillery from the offshore islands of Saposa and Taiof.
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 multipe 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.
