The battle of Guadalcanal was a decisive battle of the Pacific war fought between the forces of the United States, Australia, New Zealand and Japan on and around the island of Guadalcanal (one of the Solomon Islands).
The islands were of strategic importance because the Japanese could use them as a base from which to launch an offensive on Australia, while the Allies could use them as bases from which to launch an offensive on Japan.
The Japanese had setup a seaplane base on the island of Tulagi, to the north-east of Guadalcanal in May 1942 and in June 1942 began constructing an airbase on the island of Guadalcanal.
On 7th August 1942 an allied force landed on a number of the Soloman Islands, including Guadalcanal. Although they were expecting Japanese resistance the landing on Guadalcanal was largely unopposed. The Allies initial offensive was to reach the airfield. This was achieved within 24 hours, however, the supporting naval force was attacked and forced to retreat leaving the soldiers without backup.
On August 18th the Japanese landed a force on Guadalcanal. Their mission was to defeat the allied marines. The Japanese attacked on August 21st but were pushed back by the marines. On September 12th the Japanese launched a further offensive on the south of the airfield. However, the marines had pre-empted the Japanese and with most of their artillery well placed the Japanese were unable to advance to the airfield. The Japanese launched further attacks on October 23rd and 24th but were beaten back both times.
In November 1942 the Allies launched an offensive on the Japanese. Despite sending reinforcements to Guadalcanal the Japanese were continually beaten back and in December 1942 the Japanese were ordered to withdraw. The last Japanese forces left the island on 9th February 1943 ending the battle of Guadalcanal.
