In April 1944, American forces landed at Aitape, thereby bypassing Wewak, which was the last Japanese base on the mainland of Papua New Guinea. In November 1944, the Australian 6th Division set out to capture the base.
The Japanese 18th Army had four divisions, each reduced to the strength of a regiment. The 20th Division was positioned on the coast between Aitape and Wewak, and the 41st Division in the Torricelli Range. Two divisions were at Wewak. The Australians therefore made two parallel advances.
In the mountains, it was difficult to move along rugged jungle tracks and to transport supplies or casualties using New Guinean carriers. On the coast, movement was easier for the Australians because small ships could transport stores. On both fronts, Japanese troops often made suicidal last stands, and casualties mounted. The Australians often used Beaufort bombers to "soften up" positions before attacking.
Wewak fell in May 1945. In 10 months of campaigning, the Australians advanced 70 miles along the coast and in the mountains but 442 men were killed and 1,141 wounded. The Japanese lost 9,000 men with 269 taken prisoner, and others who died of disease or starvation. But many considered it had been an "unnecessary campaign".
Aitape–Wewak:
Overview text Longer text Images FJ Quinn MapClick images to enlarge.
AWM 093451
AWM OG2338
