Location
Local Island is located inside Walter Bay. Known in the Mouto language as "Manubada" meaning "big bird island" due to the island's resemblance to a bird. To the north is Scone Island and beyond the southern coast of New Guinea including Koki (2-Mile), Ela Beach and Port Moresby. To the east is Joyce Bay and beyond Pari.
Ray Fairfield recalls from the 1960-1970s:
"Bombs were dropped seemingly indiscriminately, either for practice or to unload before landing. I was in the SCUBA club, and we had a standing arrangement if we found any ordnance in relatively shallow water or where it might be a problem. If the area could be cleared an [Australian] Army Sergeant would bring a selection of explosives, & we would set a demolition charge and 'light the blue touchpapaer'. We found bombs of varying sizes on most islands, including Local Island and Idihi Island. I still remember the safety radius for a 500-pounder was two miles."
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Last Updated
April 11, 2021
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