Lat
7° 45' 0S Long 156° 40' 0E Island located to the west of
Kolombangara bordering Vella Gulf to the east, and Wilson Strait
to the south.
History
The
Barakoma area was surveyed by an advanced party of American forces
for a site for suitable airfield construction, to bypass
Kolombangara Island. Assaulted
on August 15, 1944 by the 35th RCT of the 25th Infantry Division
with 4 Marine Defense Battalion, and later one battalion of the
145 Infantry regiment. The Japanese were driven to the north
of the island, betweeen Praso Bay and Mundi Mundi awaiting reinforcements.
A flanking movement was used to attack the Japanese, with the New Zealand 37th
Battalion going around the eastern coast, and 35th to the west.
On September 18th, the Americans were relieved by the 3rd
New Zealand Division.
American & Japanese
Missions Against Vella Lavella
February 27 - October 2, 1943
Japanese Stragglers
The handfull of Japanese there
were quickly mopped
up, but about 300 were abandoned and feld into the interior of the
island. At least one Japanese
holdout surrendered 1965. Due to
its rapid captured, the island was spared excessive damage to
its
jungles
and
palm groves.
David Cram adds:
"I have a surrender notice leaflet that I found in the bush in Vella la
Vella in 1995 that was dropped by the Japanese Embassey when they were looking
for Japanese stragglers in the
1960s. I'll get a scan of that for you if you like. It was printed on water proof
paper and as such was able to survive relatively intact."
Barakoma
Site of the American landing,
and adjacent beach to the airstrip.
Barakoma Airfield
Built by American SeaBees used primarily as a fighter strip during 1943.
Biloa
Located on the sothern tip of the island.
Site of prewar mission station.
Liapari Island
Located opposite Biloa. Remains of a US built road connect Liapari
to Ruruvai. PT Boat base was initially built at this location
Niarovai
Located on the eastern coast between Ruravai to the
north and Gill's Plantation to the south. War Memorial to NZ forces who
landed in September 1943 located at this location.
Gill's
Plantation
Americans established division HQ,
and feild hospital. The only European building on the island
was located here, it was used as a rest house for soldiers.
Lambu
Lambu Cove (Lambulambu)
Located on the north-eastern coast of the island,
Kimbolia is located further to the north. PT Boat base was relocated
here from Laipari which proved to be unsuitable. Japanese frieghter sunk
here in 12m, reportedly visibility is poor.
Kimbolia
American radar station built at this
location.
Vorambare
Bay
Location of the last battles between the Japanese
and American forces during the recapture of the island. Japanese
holdout sighting in 1989.
P-40F Warhawk
Piloted by Lewis MIA February 27, 1943
