Additional information for Chapter 12 - Colonel Sverdrup and building of airfields at Safia, Fasari (Gasari), Embessa, Kinjaki, and Pongani

 

 

The information below has been sourced from the website pacificwrecks.com/airfields/png/abel/index.html

“Located at Kinjaki (Kinjaki Barige) along the Korala Creek. Also known as ‘Kinjaki Airfield’ or ‘Kinjaki-Barige Airfield’.

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Construction
During November 1942, built by the US Army, 114th Engineering Battalion, Company C under the command of Col Leif Sverdrup with the help of native labor.

 

World War II Pacific Theatre History
On October 30, 1942 US Army General Harding proposed that the 32nd Infantry Division, 126th Infantry Regiment, 1st and 3rd Battalions be flown across the Owen Stanley Mountains to Pongani Airfield and Kinjaki Barige Airfield. Australian Army General Blamey approved the plan, and asked General MacArthur's concurrence for the transfer by air of the two battalions and their supplies.

 

 

Used by C-47 Dakota transport to air lift troops and supplies to support the Allied advance to Buna-Gona-Sanananda, along with Embessa Airfield, Kinjaki, Abel's Field (Gasari) and Pongani Airfield.

 

References
HyperWar US Army in WWII - Victory in Papua pages 116”