Vella Lavella

New Georgia Islands with Vella Lavella at upper-left

Vella Lavella is an island in the Western Province of the Solomon Islands. It lies to the west of New Georgia, but is considered one of the New Georgia Group. To its west is the Treasury Islands.

The sea around the island was the site of the Naval Battle of Vella Lavella in World War II.

During World War II, Vella Lavella was the home base for VMF-214 (the "Black Sheep," led by Gregory Boyington). For convenience, the TV series Baa, Baa, Black Sheep renamed the island to "Vella La Cava."

Google Earth overhead images show what may be the remains of the Marines' airfield.

Gallery

• 

  Taken on 10 December 1943, this photo shows Vought F4U-1 Corsair aircraft of VMF-123 and VMF-124, Grumman F6F-3 Hellcats, a Douglas SBD Dauntless, and RNZAF Curtiss Kittyhawk Mk.IV (P-40F) on the primitive runway at Vella Lavella

• 

  Vella Lavella girl with painted face and shell ear ornaments, c. 1900

Links

• "My Journey to Vella Lavella" A travelogue by a rare Western visitor to the island, from September 1997.