Battle of Wareo

Part of the Huon Peninsula campaign of World War II

Troops from the Australian 2/23rd Infantry Battalion raise the Union flag over Wareo, 9 December 1943

Date	27 November – 8 December 1943
Location	Wareo, Territory of New Guinea
Result	Allied victory

Belligerents

Australia

Japan

Commanders and leaders

Units involved

Strength

~ 13,000

~ 4,600

Casualties and losses

47 killed, 332 wounded

451 killed and 1 captured

9th Division

20th Division

The Battle of Wareo (27 November – 8 December 1943) was fought by Australian and Japanese forces in New Guinea during the Huon Peninsula campaign of World War II in the later part of 1943. Coming after the capture of Sattelberg by the Allies, the battle took place amidst the Australian advance north towards Sio. The Australians committed elements from four infantry brigades from the Australian 9th Division with supporting elements including artillery, engineers and tank support, while the Japanese force consisted primarily of two depleted infantry regiments from the 20th Division, with limited artillery support.

The Australian advance in this region developed into three drives. In the west, forces advanced north from Sattelberg following its capture, while in the east, an advance was made from North Hill on the coast, north of Scarlet Beach, where the Australians had landed earlier in the campaign. A smaller drive was made in the centre from Nongora, which lay in between the two, although this was limited and subsequently linked up with the coastal drive. Although possessing significant forces, the Australian advance proved slow. Heavy rain and harsh terrain slowed the Australian resupply efforts and reduced the mobility of their manoeuvre elements. Disease and fatigue also heavily depleted their infantry, with more casualties being suffered from illnesses than combat.

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