Location
Village located on the south-east corner of Vella Lavella, along Barakoma Bay.

Wartime History
On August 15, 1943, PT boats landed 45 Army and Navy troops at Barakoma to mark channels and beaches, select defensive positions and camp areas, also take the surrender of Japanese POWs held by natives. After the party landed at 3:20am, they found no prisoners and learned of Japanese survivors on the island from ships sunk during the Battle of Vella Gulf on August 6-7,1943, some armed with weapons. At 4:45am another group of troops was landed to defend the area. During the morning of the 15th, the main landing force occupied the area without opposition. After occupation, an airfield was rapidly developed at this location.

Barakoma Airfield
Built by American SeaBees used primarily as a fighter strip during 1943

References
At Close Quarters PT Boats in the United States Navy page 134-135

Contribute Information
Do you have photos or additional information to add?

Last Updated
October 6, 2009