the japanese troops in aitape consisted of approximately 30,000 to 35,000 men from the japanese 18th army. this force had suffered heavily during the salamaua–lae campaign in 1943–1944, as well as its failed attack on the american garrison at aitape in july 1944. as a result, the australian planning staff believed they faced three japanese divisions—the 20th, 41st and 51st divisions—all of which had been reduced to brigade-strength. the japanese lacked air and naval support, and many troops were sick and short of food, with resupply efforts being limited to occasional deliveries by aircraft or submarines. in contrast, the australians were better equipped and better fed, and their medical and other support services were superior. they also had a moderate amount of air support, which was provided by no. 71 wing raaf, which included nos. 7, 8 and 100 squadrons, equipped with beaufort light bombers, while aerial reconnaissance was provided by boomerang and wirraway aircraft of no. 4 squadron. a naval force, known as wewak force, supported the landing at dove bay, and included hma ships "swan", "colac", "dubbo" and "deloraine" as well as ships from the 1st new guinea m.l. flotilla, under the command of bill dovers, captain of "swan".