Vol. II in the Pacific war series Amphibious Operations in the South Pacific in WWII by William L. McGee
Winner of the Silver Medal Award for History from the Military Writers Society of America
Two months after the Battle of Midway, 4-6 June 1942, the first major turning point in the Pacific war, came the Solomons Campaigns.
From 7 August 1942 to 25 November 1943, bloody battles were fought in the Solomon Islands. When they were over, these battles became known as the Solomons Campaigns - the second major turning point in the Pacific war.
Under one cover, award-winning WWII military historian William L. McGee provides a definitive account of all the Solomons campaigns.
Part I, The Southern Solomons Campaigns covers the bloody six-month struggle for Guadalcanal. The relationship between ground fighting, naval warfare, and air combat is described in detail, as first one side and then the other gains the advantage. Seven major naval engagements are recounted.
Part II, The Central Solomons Campaigns chronicles the amphibious operations in the New Georgia Islands group, including the five separate landings at Rendova, Segi Point, Viru Harbor, Wickham Anchorage, three more significant naval battles – Battle of Kula Gulf, Battle of Kolombangar, Battle of Vella Gulf – and the occupation of Vella Lavella.
Part III, The Northern Solomons Campaigns recounts the Seizure of the Treasury Islands, the Choiseul Diversion, the Bougainville campaign, plus the Battle of Empress Augusta Bay and the Battle of Cape St. George. Finally, the many valuable lessons learned during the Solomons Campaigns are summarized, ranging from logistic support and force requirements to offshore toeholds and leapfrogging, most becoming doctrine in later Pacific campaigns.
310 B&W photographs, 44 maps, plus charts, notes, appendices, bibliography, and index. Paperback 6” x 9”
OTHER TITLES IN THE SERIES
Vol. I, The Amphibians Are Coming! Emergence of the ‘Gator Navy and its Revolutionary Landing Craft
Vol. III, Pacific Express: The Critical Role of Military Logistics in World War II
A mighty task to encompass the entire Solomons campaigns in a single, detailed study. The result is a masterpiece.
The second of a three-volume set that will form a definitive account of naval, sea, and land operations in the South Pacific.
A thoroughgoing historical record and analysis that historians and scholars will find invaluable.
Enough gripping drama, heroism, and heartbreak in McGee’s almost encyclopedic “The Solomons Campaigns” to supply Hollywood with material for a century.
Incredibly detailed and exhaustingly researched.
