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 38th BG August 17, 1943  38th BG August 21, 1943  5th AF Nov 2, 1943   90th BG c1944    AWM March 21, 1945  Justin Taylan 2003  Justin Taylan 2005 |
Location Dagua Airfield was located at Dagua on the north coast of New Guinea. Known to the Japanese as "But East" and known to the Allies as "Dagua Airfield" for nearby Dagua. To the east is Dugau and beyond is Wewak. To the west is But and wartime But Airfield (But West). Prewar and during the Pacific War located in the Territory of New Guinea. Today located in Wewak District, East Sepik Province (ESP) in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Prewar The Dagua Catholic mission was established at this location. Construction The Japanese Army began constructing an airfield at this location during January 1943. By the end of February a single runway was built 1,400 x 80 meters, considered suitable for heavy bombers. By September 9, 1943, it was expanded to 6,700' in length. Revetments were built for 33 fighters were built on the northern side of the runway along the sea. The southern side had bomber and fighter dispersal areas with an additional 32 revetments. Along the center of the strip were 14 more bomber and fighter revetments. Wartime History Dagua Airfield was used by the Japanese Army Air Force (JAAF) as a base for bombers and fighter aircraft, along with But Airfield (Dagua West). Dagua Airfield was an important Japanese airfield for missions against Allied targets in New Guinea and was resupplied from Hollandia with replacement aircraft. Japanese units based at Dagua Airfield 24th Hiko Sentai (24th Flying Regiment) (Ki-43) Sumatra / Babo May 1943–November 1943 Japan 68st Sentai (Ki-61) June - November 1943 78th Sentai (Ki-61) June - November 1943 7th Sentai (Ki-49) November 1943 208th Sentai (Ki-48) mid-1943 59th Sentai (Ki-43) November 1943 Dagua Airfield was targeted by Allied bombers and fighters that left the runway unservicable by early 1944. By late April 1944, Dagua Airfield was bypassed by the US Army landings at Aitape and Hollandia. American missions against Dagua May 28, 1943–August 13, 1944 On March 21, 1945 Dagua was captured by the Australian Army 2/2nd Infantry Battalion, which established their bivouac at the airfield, before advancing eastward towards Wewak. Allied intelligence examined the wrecked Japanese planes at Dagua Airfield, noting 6 x Ki-46 Dinah, 25 (26) x Ki-49 Helen, 24 x Ki-48 Lily, 55 (48) Ki-43 Oscar, 3 x Ki-21 Sally, 2 x Ki-51 Sonia and 18 (16) Ki-61 Tony wrecks. Another survey noted slightly different numbers: 6 x Ki-46 Dinah, 26 x Ki-49 Helen, 24 x Ki-48 Lily, 48 Ki-43 Oscar, 3 x Ki-21 Sally, 2 x Ki-51 Sonia and 16 Ki-61 Tony wrecks. Repaired by the Australians, a RAAF C-47 Dakota was the first Allied aircraft to land at Dagua Airfield. Used to transport cargo and supplies to the Australian forces advancing eastward. Post War In 1974, an Australian Army weapons disposal team did a clean up of weapons and wreckage, but wreck hunters and locals have since found aircraft machine guns and munitions. The Dagua Catholic mission has built its church and school on the former runway, about halfway down the strip. Today Since the war, disused as an airfield. Today, overgrown with kunai grass, but the runway still visible to this day. The Dagua mission has built a school at the center of the strip, and a few houses line the shoreline. There are few bits of wrecks on the strip, due to scrapping and the passage of time. Many smaller bits of aluminum, wreckage, landing gear, vehicle and roller are there. Ki-21 Sally Wreckage remained until 1970s scrapped or otherwise removed. Ki-49 Helen Manufacture Number 3140 Abandoned at the airfield. Ki-48 Lily Manufacture Number 2214 Abandoned at the airfield. Ammann Steam Roller Remains in situ at the airfield Contribute
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