Buna Airfield

Buna Airfield was an aerodrome located near Buna, Papua New Guinea. Built as an emergency landing ground, it was extended during the Second World War by the Imperial Japanese. A new runway was under construction until both runways were neutralized by Allied air bombing in late 1942.

American Bombing Attacks

Buna was first subjected to American fury during the early days of 1942. A few half-hearted bombing raids by the disillusioned & discouraged Fifth Air Force's A-20, B-17, and B-25 bombers was about the worst Buna suffered. Then, in July 1942, General George C. Kenney assumed command of what was by this time, little more than a motley collection of exhausted men and exhausted planes.

Japanese Units based at Buna Airfield

• 2nd Kōkūtai (A6M3 Hamp, D3A2 Val)
• Tainan Kōkūtai (A6M3 Hamp)

References

• Brune, Peter (2003). A Bastard of a Place: The Australians in Papua. Crows Nest: Allen and Unwin. ISBN 1-74114-403-5.

External links

• Buna Airfield (Old Strip)
• Buna Airfield (New Strip)