Dagua Airfield
Former airfield in East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Dagua Airfield, also known as But East Airfield, is a former World War II airfield near the village of Dagua in East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea.
Dagua Airfield.svg) | |
|---|---|
| Dagua, East Sepik Province in Papua New Guinea | |
| Site information | |
| Type | Airfield |
| Condition | Abandoned |
| Location | |
  Dagua Airfield Shown within Papua New Guinea | |
| Coordinates | 3°24′06″S 143°18′25″E |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1941 |
| In use | 1943 - 1945 |
| Fate | Disused |
History
Dagua Airfield began construction by the Imperial Japanese Army in January 1943, and by February, a 1,400 meter long runway was built, capable of handling heavy bomber aircraft. By 9 September, 1943, the runway was extended to 2,042 meters long. On the northern side of the runway, revetments for 33 fighter aircraft were built.[1]
On March 21, 1945, Dagua Airfield was captured by the Australian Army 2/2nd Battalion. They established a temporary camp at the airfield, before advancing eastward towards Wewak. The airfield was abandoned after the war.[1][2]
Units
The following lists the units that were based in Dagua Airfield at one point:
- 24th Hiko Sentai May 1943 - November 1943, equipped with Ki-43
- 68th Hiko Sentai June - November 1943, equipped with Ki-61
- 78th Hiko Sentai June - November 1943, equipped with Ki-61
- 7th Hiko Sentai November 1943, equipped with Ki-49
- 208th Hiko Sentai mid-1943, equipped with Ki-48
- 59th Hiko Sentai November 1943, equipped with Ki-43[1]
