Gurney Airfield (No. 1 Strip, Fall River)

This airfield, which is still in use, was established by the U. S. Army 46th Engineering Regimen in June 1942. On 14 September 1942, it was re-named to honor of RAAF Squadron Leader C.R. Gurney.

Practical information for visiting Milne Bay
Anyone planning a visit to PNG might think that they need to spend thousands of dollars on an escorted tour, but it’s not the case, at least to get a feel for the fighting around Milne Bay (Alotau is the airport).

Two national airlines on PNG fly from Port Moresby, the capital, to Alotau (Gurney Airport).

Alotau has several hotels and lodges which are more than suitable for a visit.

The Napatana Lodge (picture 2 and 3) consists of lush gardens, the main building (where there are rooms), independent bungalows, and a stylish restaurant looking out on the water. (If you are dining alone, the handsome restaurant cat will keep you company.) You can swim there, but it’s a touch murky.

Then to get around to the various war memorials and sites, the lodge can engage a car and driver. Two days, one night, would be adequate to see everything.

Warning: reservations often go missing or never arrive in PNG, but don’t let that put you off from visiting Alotau.

In autumn 1943 the American First Marine Division (Guadalcanal) stopped briefly in Milne Bay on its way from R & R in Melbourne to the campaign in New Britain (off the north coast of PNG).

Do you have more information about this location? Inform us!

Source

• Text: Matthew Stevenson + Kaj Metz
• Photos: Matthew Stevenson (1, 2), Australian War Memorial (3), Anthony (Sharky) Ward (4, 5)
• Pacific Wrecks