Location
Located at Wau. Unique because the runway required aircraft to land uphill at a 5% - 10% grade.

Construction
The runway was constructed during 1927 by Cecil Levien with the assistance of native labors. First used on April 19, 1927 by Lt. Ernest 'Pard' Mustar who landed a De Haviland DH-37 owned by Guinea Gold, flying from Lae to Wau.

Wartime History
In middle 1942 the airstrip was 1500 x 100 x 4000 yards, land uphill, 5-10% grade. Surfaced with sod, dry, smooth, hard, poorly temporary barricade. Good approach (ENE x WSW), Allied troops, well equipped
hospital (doctor) food & water, some servicing (80-90 octane).

In early January 1943 the Japanese sent 3,000 troops from Salamaua and Mubo along a winding jungle tracks to seize the Wau Airfield from the Australians. This final Japanese offensive in New Guinea was stopped by the Australians but they did not have the strength to go on the offensive.

The Victorian 17th Brigade (2/5th, 2/6th and 2/7th Battalions) were flown to Wau Airstrip, which became the headquarters of the "Kanga Force", completely dependent on air supply and reinforcement. At the height of the crisis on January 30, 1943, Japanese fire was reaching the airfield.

Japanese Missions Against Wau
February 6 - June 13, 1943

C-47 Dakota Serial Number ?
Crashed January 18, 1943

CAC Wirraway Serial Number A20-504
Destroyed February 6, 1943 at Wau Airfield after a Japanese air raid

C-47 Dakota Serial Number A65-92
Crashed October 22, 1960

Today
Into the 1980s there was some wartime aircraft wreckage at the strip, P-39 fuselages and other aircraft parts behind the strip. These relics have since been scrapped or otherwise disappeared. The airport is still in use today, but only by light aircraft.

Wau War Memorial
A memorial is located at edge of the airfield. The plaque reads: "Wau - Around this airfield and to the south and east in the Wau valley Australian soldiers fought a desperate defensive battle against a Japanese force which advanced from Salamaua through Wanduni."

References
Notes about New Guinea airfields, recorded circa May - July, 1942 by Oliver C. Doan via Jean Doan research Edward Rogers
The Battle For Wau by Phil Bradley page 1-2
Gold Dust and Ashes page 200-209

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Last Updated
October 1, 2009

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