Turnbull Field Memorial Park

Turnbull Field was No. 3 Strip, the Allied airstrip closest to the Japanese advance in 1942. At the end of August Japanese troops reached its eastern end but were driven back in fierce night fighting, the high-water mark of their attack on Milne Bay. The field was named after Squadron Leader Peter Turnbull of No. 76 Squadron RAAF, killed during the battle. Today the site is a tidy memorial park beside the Charles Abel Highway, with memorials to the Australian, US and RAAF units, guns and information plaques. Local caretakers maintain the grounds and usually ask a small fee or donation. There is little shade, so go in the morning and bring water. Most local van tours from the wharf include it.