Western New Guinea campaign

Western New Guinea campaign
Part of World War II, Pacific War
Australian infantrymen resting on a river bank before attacking Japanese positions near Matapau in January 1945
Date 22 April 1944 – 15 August 1945 Location Territory of New Guinea and Netherlands New Guinea Result Allied victory
Belligerents
United States Australia Netherlands United Kingdom	Imperial Japan
Strength
~	~
Casualties and losses
1,922+ killed or missing 8,000+ wounded	42,000+ dead and nearly 1,000 POWs

The Western New Guinea campaign was a series of actions in the New Guinea campaign of World War II. United States and Australian forces assaulted Japanese bases and positions in the northwest coastal areas of Netherlands New Guinea and adjoining parts of the Australian Territory of New Guinea. The campaign began with Operations Reckless and Persecution, which were amphibious landings by the U.S. I Corps at Hollandia and Aitape on 22 April 1944. Fighting in western New Guinea continued until the end of the war.

Major battles and sub-campaigns

• Operations Reckless and Persecution
  • Landing at Aitape
  • Battle of Hollandia
• Battle of Wakde
• Battle of Lone Tree Hill
• Battle of Morotai
• Battle of Biak
• Battle of Noemfoor
• Battle of Driniumor River
• Battle of Sansapor
• Aitape-Wewak campaign