Location
Lat 3° 24' 1S Long 143° 18' 24E  Dagua is located on the north coast of New Guinea. To the north is Walas Island. To the east is Dugau and further east is Wewak. To the west is But. Today located in East Sepik Province in Papua New Guinea.

Wartime History
During 1943, occupied by the Japanese Army who constructed Dagua Airfield parallel to the coast. Occupied by the Japanese until late March 1945.

American missions against Dagua
May 1943 - August 13, 1944

On March 21, 1945, Australian Army troops occupied Dagua Airfield and But Airfield. Prior to the landing, the Japanese withdrew from the coastal area and were defending five knolls along the Dagua-Wonginara Mission track leading to Tokoku Pass, and were able to fire artillery to harass the Australian on the coast. Assaulting these positions, on March 25, 1945 during fighting near Dagua, Lt. Albert Chowen earned the Victoria Cross (VC).

Dagua Airfield (But East)
Built by the Japanese. Neutralized by Allied bombing attacks, it was occupied by Australian troops on March 21, 1945. Disused since the war.

References
Australian Army in New Guinea - Dagua

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Last Updated
September 9, 2018