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    Kokengola Hill (Kokenggolol) New Georgia | Western Province Solomon Islands
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U.S. Army August 1943

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USN August 11, 1943

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Justin Taylan 2006
Location
Kokengola Hill is a feature located to the north of Munda (Munda Point) and Munda Airfield on New Georgia Island. Known to the Japanese as Bakudan Oka (Bomb Hill) due to the heavy air raids against this feature.

Prewar and during the Pacific War part of the British Solomon Islands Protectorate (BSIP). Today located in Western Province in the Solomon Islands.

Wartime History
During the middle of November 1942 occupied by the Japanese who built defenses on the hilltop. During early August 1943, this hill became a battlefield during the Battle of Munda between the defending Japanese against the advancing U.S. Army. On August 5, 1943 the Kokengola Hill was captured by the Americans. Due to the extensive bombing and battle, most vegetation was destroyed in the area leaving the hill virtually bare.

After the battle, a U.S. control tower was built atop the hill for flight operations completed by August 11, 1943 to control aircraft taking off and landing at Munda Airfield. As the airfield was further developed, additional facilities were established and built atop this feature.

Today
Disused since the war, the hilltop is overgrown with vegitation and jungle.

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Last Updated
August 10, 2022

 

Map
January 8, 1943

Map
June 1944

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