Lae, a small town in eastern New Guinea, became significant during World War II. After Rabaul fell to the Japanese in January 1942, Lae was chosen as the new capital of Australian-mandated New Guinea. However, it was occupied by Japanese forces on March 8, 1942, before preparations were complete.
Allied plans to recapture Lae began in July 1942 as part of a larger operation to secure the Huon Peninsula. The strategy involved a pincer movement: an amphibious landing east of Lae and an airborne force at Nadzab in the Markham Valley.
On September 4, 1943, the 9th Australian Division landed east of Lae. The next day, American paratroopers captured Nadzab airstrip, allowing the 7th Australian Division to be flown in. Both divisions advanced on Lae, reaching it on September 16, with the 7th Division entering first.
The operation resulted in about 1,500 Japanese killed and 2,000 captured, while 6,500 escaped. Australian casualties were relatively light. Lae was subsequently developed as a major Allied base and now hosts a large Commonwealth War Graves cemetery, commemorating over 2,700 Australians.
