Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
the United States
Mexico
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Australia
Fiji
New Zealand
War memorial · Alotau, Milne Bay
Turnbull Field Memorial
Memorial at the former Runway No. 3, between Gurney Airport and Alotau, marking the spot where the Japanese advance in Milne Bay was halted in 1942.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Turnbull Field Memorial
The Turnbull Field Memorial sits on the road between Gurney Airport and Alotau, in the area of the former Runway No. 3, which the allies built in 1942. It marks the place where the Japanese advance toward the airstrips was finally stopped during the Battle of Milne Bay.
The strip was named for Squadron Leader Peter Turnbull, commander of No. 76 Squadron of the Royal Australian Air Force, who was killed on 27 August 1942 when his aircraft crashed during an attack on Japanese positions near the KB mission. He was later buried in the Bomana War Cemetery at Port Moresby.
Today the site is a memorial park, with a plaque and a monument. On the other side, the road continues east, passing the former KB mission, where some of the earliest fighting of the battle took place.
The stop is commonly included in guided tours of the 1942 history and can be visited en route between the airport and the town.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 30 minutes.
Best time
On the route between the airport and Alotau, or as part of a guided tour about the battle’s history, in the morning or late afternoon.
How to get there
On the road between Gurney Airport and Alotau. Go with your accommodation transfer and ask the driver to stop, or join a guided tour.
Tip
Ask your airport transfer driver to stop at the memorial: it’s on the way and saves an extra trip.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Turnbull Field Memorial
Who was Turnbull?
Squadron Leader Peter Turnbull, commander of No. 76 Squadron of the Royal Australian Air Force, killed on 27 August 1942 during the Battle of Milne Bay. Runway No. 3 was named after him.
Where is the Turnbull Field Memorial?
On the road between Gurney Airport and Alotau, in the area of the former Runway No. 3.
What does the Turnbull Field Memorial mark?
The spot where the Japanese advance toward the allied airstrips was stopped in 1942.