Guadalcanal and Tulagi - Part 1

The Solomon Islands campaign during World War II was a pivotal moment in the Pacific Theater, marking the first major Allied offensive against the Japanese forces. This eight-part series will focus on a series of land and naval battles in the lower Solomons that were crucial in turning the tide of war in favor of the Allies.

The Guadalcanal campaign was characterized by intense and grueling warfare, both in the dense jungles and across the vast ocean. This episode explores not only the tactical maneuvers and strategic decisions that shaped this campaign but also emphasizes the resilience, valor, and sacrifices of the Marines involved.


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  • References

  • Chapin, J. C. (1997). Top of the Ladder: Marine Operations in the Northern Solomons. United States: Marine Corps Historical Center.

  • Hough, F. O., Crown, J. A. (1952). The Campaign on New Britain. United States: Historical Division, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps.

  • Melson, C. D. (1993). Up the Slot: Marines in the Central Solomons. United States: History and Museums Division, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps.

  • Mersky, P. B. (1993). Time of the Aces: Marine Pilots in the Solomons, 1942-1944. United States: History and Museums Division, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps.

  • Rentz, J. N. (1948). Bougainville and the Northern Solomons. United States: Historical Sect., Division of Public Information, Headquarters, Marine Corps.

  • Rentz, J. N. (1952). Marines in the Central Solomons. United States: Historical Branch, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps.

  • Shaw, H. I., Kane, D. T. (2013). Isolation of Rabaul: History of U. S. Marine Corps Operations in World War II, Volume II. United States: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.

  • Shaw, H. I. (1996). First Offensive: The Marine Campaign for Guadalcanal. (n.p.): DIANE Publishing Company.

  • Zimmerman, J. L. (1949). The Guadalcanal Campaign. United States: Historic Division, Headquarters, U. S. Marine Corps.