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 Australian Army December 9, 1943 |
Location Lat 6° 25' 47S Long 147° 47' 14E Wareo is located at an elevation of 1,669 / 508m on the eastern end of the Huon Peninsula on the north coast of New Guinea. Connected by the Bonga-Wareo Track. Prewar and during the Pacific War known as Morobe District in the Territory of New Guinea. Today located in Morobe Province in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Prewar During the German administration, a Lutheran mission was established at Wareo. The church bell was donated "from friends in Nurnberg to Wareo, 1918". Wartime History During late 1943, defended by elements of the Imperial Japanese Army (IJA) 20th Division. In late November 1943, the Australian Army 9th Division 26th Infantry Brigade began operations north of Sattelberg. Their advance was led by the 2/23rd Infantry Battalion that advanced to Masangkoo with their flank was protected by the 2/4th Commando Squadron and a platoon from the Papuan Infantry Battalion (PIB). Overcoming difficult terrain, they advanced northeast to Fior and crossed the Song River. On November 30, 1943 rains began causing tracks to become muddy and impassible. On December 1, 1943 the Australians captured Kuanko overwhelming the Japanese defenders. The next day, they advanced towards Wareo, the Japanese were defending a ridge dubbed Peak Hill and at sunset launched a counterattack that failed. The Australians launched a night attack supported by artillery that also failed. By morning, both sides exchanged small arms fire and at night the Japanese attempted to encircle their position. As a result, a company from 2/24th Infantry Battalion joined but also came under heavy fire until outflanked and they were able to link up with the 2/23rd. Over the next several days, the Australians stockpiled supplies then attempted to outflank the Japanese to the west. On December 6, 1943 the other three companies from the 2/23rd joined the battle and advanced to Peak Hill and found abandoned enemy positions with an artillery bombardment against Wareo. The Australian attacks were repulsed and they were unable to outflank further to the north due to dense jungle and dug in. Overnight and into the early morning, the remaining Japanese withdrew and on December 7, 1943 the Australians occupied Peak Hill but while advancing were stopped by gunfire 600 yards from Wareo. Overnight, the Japanese withdrew from Wareo further to the north. On December 8, 1943 by the middle of the morning, the 2/24th Infantry Battalion captured Wareo, where the remaining Japanese had withdrawn. Afterwards, the Australians established a line eastward to Gusika on the north coast. Afterwards, the Australian Army awarded battle honours for "Wareo" to the The 1st Tank Battalion, 2/23rd Infantry Battalion and 24th Infantry Battalion. Contribute
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