- Aitape-Wewak campaign
Infobox Military Conflict
conflict = Aitape-Wewak campaign
partof =World War II ,Pacific War
caption = Australian infantrymen resting on a river bank before attacking Japanese positions near Matapau in January 1945
date = November 1944 - August 1945
place =Aitape /Wewak /Sepik region,Territory of New Guinea
result = Allied victory
combatant1 =
combatant2 =
commander1 =?
commander2 =?
strength1 =
strength2 =
casualties1= 442 killed; 1,141 wounded
casualties2= 9,000 killed; 269 prisonersThe Aitape-Wewak campaign took place in northern
New Guinea between November 1944 and August 1945.Aitape had been occupied by the Japanese in 1942 and then recaptured by an American landing on22 April 1944 , it was developed as a base area to support the continuing drive towards thePhilippines . In order to free American troops for the Philippine operations, defence of the area was passed to Australian forces. Troops of the 3rd Base Sub Area and the 6th Division began progressively relieving the Americans from early October 1944.References
*Cite web |url=http://www.awm.gov.au/units/event_280.asp |title=Aitape-Wewak Campaign |publisher=Australian War Memorial |work=Australia Military Units |accessdate=2007-06-01
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