Battle of Mubo

Battle of Mubo
Part of World War II, Pacific War

An Australian patrol rests along the Mubo track, July 1943
Date22 April 1943 – 14 July 1943
Location05°30′S 141°00′E / 5.500°S 141.000°E / -5.500; 141.000
Result Allied victory
Belligerents
 Australia  Japan
Commanders and leaders
Australia Murray Moten Empire of Japan Hidemitsu Nakano
Units involved

17th Brigade

51st Division

Strength
Three battalions 500 – 600

The Battle of Mubo was a series of actions in the Mubo area of the Territory of New Guinea between Australian and Japanese forces which took place between 22 April and 14 July 1943, during World War II. The battle formed part of the wider Salamaua–Lae campaign, and was fought in the early stages of the campaign. The battle followed the successful defence of the airfield around Wau by the Australians in late January 1943, after the Japanese had attempted to infiltrate the Australian positions with two infantry battalions.

After the fighting around Wau, the Japanese withdrew to the high ground around Mubo, where they were followed up by elements of the Australian 17th Brigade. In late April and early May, the Australians made several attempts to take several Japanese positions around Mubo, but were subsequently turned back by the Japanese who fought stubbornly to hold their positions. In early May, the Japanese launched a heavy counter-attack which fell against an isolated Australian company, who fought off the attack and inflicted heavy losses. After flanking moves failed in early July, Australian efforts to secure Mubo were renewed and the Japanese were finally forced to withdraw from the area towards Mount Tambu in mid-July.