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  38th BG June 16, 1944  312th BG 1944 |
Location Lat 0° 55' 35S Long 131° 7' 16E Jefman Airfield was located at an elevation of 10' above sea level on Jefman Island (Efman). Also known as Jefman Island Airfield. The Japanese also referred to this location as "Sorong Airfield" for nearby Sorong. This airfield was one of the most western Japanese airfields on New Guinea. To the east is Sorong on the Vogelkop Peninsula at the northwestern tip of New Guinea. To the west four miles away is Samate Airfield (Semate) at Samate. Prewar and during the Pacific War located in the Netherlands East Indies (NEI). Today located in Sorong Regency in West Papua Province (West Irian Jaya) of Indonesia. Wartime History During 1942 occupied by the Japanese as they occupied Dutch New Guinea. Used by the Japanese as a military aircraft for bombers and fighters. Starting in early April 1944, targeted by U.S. bombers and fighters until the end of the year. During late May 1944, Japanese aircraft from the Sulawesi (Celebes) were temporarily based at Jefman to attack American forces occupying Biak. By the end of 1944, Jefman Airfield was bypassed. Occupied by the Japanese until the official surrender of Japan in September 1945. American missions against Jefman (Efman) April 5, 1944–December 12, 1944 Postwar After the Pacific War, Jefman was repaired and used by the Dutch as an airport. During the early 1960s used as military airfield and based Hawker Hunter fighters. During May 1962 defended by 40mm anti-aircraft guns from the Dutch military de 7e afd Li. Lua (7th Li Division), Bofors platoon Today During late 1962 Jefman Airport became part of Indonesia and continued to be used as a small airport to provide air service for the Sorong area. Also known as Sorong-Jefman Airport. The single runway was oriented 22/04 measures 5,414' x 98' surfaced with asphalt. Airport codes: ICAO: WASS, IATA: SOQ. By the early 2000, Jefman Airport was over overcapacity and unable to be expanded as the runway spanned nearly the length of the island and could only accomidate smaller planes and passengers had to travel by boat to the mainland. In 2004, Domine Eduard Osok Airport was opened and Jefman Airport was closed and the runway became overgrown. References Welkom in mijn fotoalbum over Nieuw Guinea - Jefman 1962 (photos) Welkom in mijn fotoalbum over Nieuw Guinea - Jefman 1998 (photos) Contribute
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