Kiriwina is the largest of the Trobriand Islands, with an area of 290.5 km2 (112.2 sq mi).[1] It is part of the Milne Bay Province of Papua New Guinea. Most of the 12,000 people who live in the Trobriands live on Kiriwina. The Kilivila language, also known as Kiriwina, is spoken on the island. The main town is Losuia. The island falls under the administrative division of Kiriwina Rural LLG.
"In September 1943, at the request of the 6th Army, 12 officers and 306 men of the 60th Naval Construction Battalion were sent to Kiriwina to assist in the airfield development. The primary task of the Seabees was the construction of two taxiways, one 7,000 feet (2,100 m) long, with 25 fighter hardstands; the other, 5,300 feet (1,600 m) long, with 16 bomber hardstands. The first taxiway was completed on October 12, two days ahead of schedule, in time to support a major air raid against Rabaul. About a week later, the second taxiway was completed."[3]No. 73 Wing RAAF was based at this field in August 1943.
A seaplane base was constructed at Losuia, consisting of an anchorage and jetty.
^Kiriwina, Chapter XXVI
Bases in the Southwest Pacific, Building the Navy's Bases in World War II, History of the Bureau of Yards and Docks and the Civil Engineer Corps, 1940-1946, Volume II, UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE, WASHINGTON, 1947, p.291 [1]
^Kiriwina, Chapter XXVI
Bases in the Southwest Pacific, Building the Navy's Bases in World War II, History of the Bureau of Yards and Docks and the Civil Engineer Corps, 1940-1946, Volume II, UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE, WASHINGTON, 1947, p.291 [2]
