Some 1,500 Japanese soldiers at Tulagi were also killed. Virtually unopposed, the Marines secured the airfield under construction and killed, captured. In all, some 19,000 Marines were sent ashore at points near Lunga Point and Tulagi. Navy - landed on Guadalcanal on August 7th, 1942. Having played mostly on the defensive up to this point in the Pacific War, American forces - led by the U.S. Australian reconnaissance showed additional forces beginning construction of an airfield at Guadalcanal and, upon receiving the word of the Japanese intent, American General Douglas MacArthur recognized the danger and acted quickly. This step-by-step doctrine would ensure that the Allies could bring a much more coordinated and fully-backed response against a determined foe.īy May of 1942, the Japanese forces in the Solomons had increased to considerable numbers. Navy and Marines and their allies to secure the region island-by-island in what became known as 'Island Hopping'. Additionally, this forward staging area could be used by the Japanese Army and Navy to harass, and ultimately disrupt, vital shipping lanes between the United States and Australia in effect placing a stranglehold on the island.Ĭonversely, American control of Guadalcanal could net an important forward airfield to bring the fight to the enemy. Should the Japanese maintain control of the island, they would construct an airfield suitable for fighters and bombers that could target the Australian mainland in preparation for an all-out ground invasion. Guadalcanal would now become an important staging area for both sides. As such, forces from the United States and the British Royal Navy, as well as Commonwealth participants, all attempted to stem the tide of Japanese aggression. Additionally, the United States maintained several key interests in the region and was also an ally to Australia. To the south, Australia was attempting to prevent all-out invasion from the Japan, a power whose reach began to encompass more than was deemed comfortable for the island nation. The largely overlooked Guadalcanal Island in the Solomon Island chain held little to no value for most prior to the Pacific War of World War 2 and its importance came to bear during the period of Japanese expansion which threatened overall stability in the region.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |