| Operation codename: Toenails |
In order to prevent the Allies in the process of Solomon Islands farther to the northwest, the Japanese mainly focused on maintaining their positions in the central part, a group of islands known as the greatest of them New Georgia. (Miloš Hubáček - Ofenziva v Pacifiku, Mladá fronta, 2000)
Article on English Wikipedia| Scenario in dates: |
| March 12, 1942: |
On the Solomon Islands - The Japanese complete the conquest of the Buka Island. |
| May 27, 1942: |
South Pacific - The infantry division Americal is activated on the New Caledonia Island as the only US division built outside the United States. In spite of the fact that the US Army divisions are numbered numerically, at the request of its first commander, Major General Alexander Patch, who formed it from three individual National Guard regiments sent hurriedly from the United States after Pearl Harbor attack, accepts the name resulting from the abbreviation "American, New Caledonian Division". The division will later fight in Guadalcanal, Bougainville, and mop-up operations in the Philippines, but will be most notoriously known for the massacre in the village of My Lai during the war in Vietnam. |
| December 15, 1942: |
In the Solomon Islands - Admiral Tanaka´s supply flotilla begins missions to aid the building of an airfield on New Georgia to support the Japanese positions on Guadalcanal. |
| January 4, 1943: |
In New Georgia - US Task Force 67, commanded by Admiral Ainsworth, bombards the Japanese base at Munda. A second group of cruisers and destroyers is in support of the effort. During attack of Japanese aircrafts on returning vessels, the American light cruiser USS Helena (CL-50) uses proximity fuses for antiaircraft ammunition for the first time. |
| January 24, 1943: |
In the Solomon Islands - a US naval task force attacks Kolombangara Island in the New Georgia group of islands. On Guadalcanal, American forces push west of Kokumbona. |
| February 12, 1942: |
Guadalcanal - The first 12 new F4U-1 Corsair fighters arrive on Henderson Field. Due to the current difficulties in operating on aircraft carriers, aircrafts of this type are assigned to the Marine Corps for land based operations. |
| February 14, 1943: |
At the Panama Canal - from the Atlantic to the Pacific, passes through the canal the British aircraft carrier HMS Victorious. The ship is loaned to US Navy after the USS Hornet (CV-8) was sunk and USS Enterprise (CV-6) badly damaged at the Battle of Santa Cruz Islans. Under the name of USS Robin, together with the USS Saratoga (CV-3) become the only operational aircraft fleet carriers of the American Pacific fleet, but for the time of this state, the Japanese due to losses of pilots can not take advantage of their superiority in this vessel category. |
| February 21, 1943: |
In the Solomon Islands - Operation Cleanslate. Troops of the US 43rd Division (commanded by General Hester) occupy Banika and Pavuvu in the Russell Islands. There is no Japanese resistance. By the end of the month about 9000 American troops occupy these islands. |
| March 6, 1943: |
In the Solomon Islands - Three American light cruisers USS Cleveland (CL-55), USS Denver (CL-58) and USS Montpelier (CL-57) and three destroyers Conway (DD-507), USS Cony (DD-508) and USS Waller (DD-466) of Task Force 68 bombard Japanese airfields at Munda and Vila. Little damage is done, however, TF68 encounteres two Japanese destroyers Murasame and Minegumo. In a short battle, both Japanese vessels are sunk. |
| April 26, 1943: |
From Washington - New plans are approved for the Solomon Islands operatoins (code named "Cartwheel"). Admiral Halsey´s South Pacific Area forces are to advance through New Georgia and Bougainville. MacArthur´s Southwest Pacific Area is to continue its advance northwest along the coast of New Guinea until he and Halsey can link up to isolate the Japanese bases at Rabaul and Kavieng. |
| May 8, 1943: |
In the Solomon Islands - Three Japanese destroyers Oyashio, Kagero, and Kuroshio strike the American mines surrounding New Georgia Island. Kuroshio sinks immediately, Kagero and Oyashio sinks later this day after being attacked and further damaged by U.S. aircraft from Henderson Field. |
| June 16, 1943: |
In the Solomon Islands - US fighters from Henderson Field claim to have shot down 93 Japanese aircraft from a force attacking shipping assembled for operations against New Georgia Island. |
| June 21, 1943: |
In the Solomon Islands - On New Georgia, the 4th Marine Raider Battalion lands at Segi Point in the south. There is no Japanese garrison there. |
| June 22, 1943: |
In the Solomon Islands - On New Georgia, American reinforcements arrive without incident. |
| June 27, 1943: |
In the Solomon Islands - On New Georgia, the marines are ferried farther up the coast from Segi Point to Regi to begin an overland advance on Viru Harbor. |
| June 29, 1943: |
In the Solomon Islands - A squadron of American cruisers and destroyers shells the Japanese base at Shortland while other vessels lay mines in the area. A US convoy heading for New Georgia is sighted by the Japanese but it is mistakenly believed to be carrying supplies to Guadalcanal. |
| June 30, 1943: |
In the Solomon Islands - American forces land on several islands of the New Georgia group. Rendova island is targeted, in particular. All the landings are successful. There is heavy Japanese resistance on Vangunu. The American forces engaged for these landings are principally the 43rd Division (General Hester) with naval support by Task Force 31 (Admiral Turner) and land-based aircraft commanded by Admiral Fitch. |
| July 1, 1943: |
In the Solomon Islands - The marines from Segi Point capture Viru Harbor. |
| July 2, 1943: |
In the Solomon Islands - The American buildup on Rendova Island continues but the Japanese garrison continues to resist. During the night a Japanese naval force bombards the American positions with little effect. |
| July 3, 1943: |
In the Solomon Islands - On New Georgia, American forces land at Zanana, about 8 miles east of Munda. There is no Japanese resistance and the beachhead is quickly consolidated. |
| July 4, 1943: |
In the Solomon Islands - On New Georgia, US forces advancing from Zanana to Munda encounter heavy Japanese resistance. The Japanese land 1200 troops from 3 destroyers at Vila on Kolombangara. |
| July 5, 1943: |
In the Solomon Islands - On New Georgia, American force of regimental strength lands in the north at Rice Anchorage. Fighting on the Zanana-Munda track continues. During the night (July 5-6) Japanese destroyers bring nearly 3000 more troops to Vila. Admiral Ainsworth, with 3 cruisers and 4 destroyers, engages elements of the Japanese force and sinks destroyer Niizuki and demages heavily destroyer Nagatsuki while losing light cruiser USS Helena (CL-50). |
| July 6, 1943: |
In the Solomon Islands - The beached and abandoned Japanese destroyer Nagatsuki, from the force that delivered troops to New Georgia, is bombed and destroyed by air attack. The fighting on New Georgia continues along the Barike River. |
| July 8, 1943: |
In the Solomon Islands - On New Georgia, US forces make some gains near the Barike River. |
| July 9, 1943: |
In the Solomon Islands - On New Georgia American forces attack toward Munda. Heavy Japanese resistance limits the advance. Meanwhile, Americans send reinforcements to Rendova and the Japanese send reinforcements to Kolombangara. |
| July 10, 1943: |
In the Solomon Islands - The American attack on New Georgia is held by the Japanese. American troops are having difficulty receiving supplies. |
| July 12, 1943: |
In the Solomon Islands - Off Kolombangara, Admiral Ainsworth´s Task Force (3 cruisers and 10 destroyers) encounter a Japanese squadron (1 cruiser and 9 destroyers) under the command of Admiral Izaki. Japanese light cruiser Jintsu obliterated by the radar-directed gunfire of the American cruisers but the Japanese sink destroyer USS Gwin (DD-433) and damage three light cruisers USS Honolulu (CL-48), USS St. Louis (CL-49) and HMNZS Leander with torpedo attacks. In addition, two american destroyers, USS Buchanan (DD-484) and USS Woodworth (DD-460) are demaged by collision. |
| July 13, 1943: |
In the Solomon Islands - American reinforcements arrive on Rendova and New Georgia. The attack on New Georgia makes more progress against, continued, heavy Japanese resistance. |
| July 15, 1943: |
In the Solomon Islands - General Griswold replaces General Hester in command of operation in New Georgia. There is an air battle over Rendova in which the Americans lose 3 aircraft and claim to shoot down more than 40 Japanese planes. |
| July 16, 1943: |
In the Solomon Islands - During the night, more than 100 hiding survivors of the sunken (see July 5, 1943) light cruiser USS Helena (CL-50) are evacuated from the Japanese-controlled island of Vella Lavella in collaboration with coastwatchers. The only white local man, Methodist Missionary Reverend Wharton Silvester, will be honored for his contribution to rescuing the sailors with US highest civilian honor, the Medal of Merit. |
| July 17, 1943: |
In the Solomon Islands - Americans conduct a large air raid on Bougainville. Shipping offshore and airfields between Buin and Faisi are targeted. Japanese destroyer Hatsuyuki is sunk. |
| July 20, 1943: |
In the Solomon Islands - New American forces take over the front on New Georgia. New road construction alleviates the supply problem. Americans are losing Battle of Bairoko, the day-long assault on well-prepared Japanese defensive positions of garrison guarding the port of Bairoko is unsuccessful. The Japanese supply destroyers Kiyonami and Yūgure are bombed and sunk northwest of Kolombangara by U.S. aircraft, with only one survivor from Kiyonami. |
| July 21, 1943: |
In the Solomon Islands - A small American force lands on Vella Lavella to determine whether significant forces can be landed there, by-passing the Japanese stronghold of Kolombangara. On New Georgia, Griswald plans an new offensive. |
| July 25, 1943: |
In the Solomon Islands - A new American offensive on New Georgia begins. The US 43rd and 37th Divisions are supplemented with the 25th Division. Some progress is made near Bartley Ridge. |
| July 26, 1943: |
In the Solomon Islands - US forces continue to make slow progress on New Georgia with heavy air and artillery support. Tanks and flame throwers are also used. |
| July 28, 1943: |
In the Solomon Islands - On New Georgia the American attack continues. The present objective is Horseshoe Hill. |
| August 1, 1943: |
Solomon Islands - In a night collision at Kolombangara island, the Japanese destroyer Amagiri sinks the American patrol torpedo boat PT-109. Eleven survivors arrive after a few hours on Kosolo Island, among them the commander of the ship, Lieutenant John F. Kennedy, the later (60th) US President. |
| August 2, 1943: |
In the Solomon Islands - On New Georgia, American forces have advanced to the edge of Munda airfield. The Japanese have decided not to reinforce the garrison on New Georgia. Some of its garrison are withdrawn to Kolombangara where the Japanese intend to make their next stand. |
| August 4, 1943: |
In the Solomon Islands - On New Georgia, Americans capture Munda and the air field. |
| August 6, 1943: |
In the Solomon Islands - In Vela Gulf there is an encounter engagement between 6 American destroyers and 4 Japanese destoyers carrying troops and supplies to Kolombangara. Three of the Japanese vessels are sunk, Arashi, Hagikaze and Kawakaze. Arashi is most famous for its involvement in the Battle of Midway when after attack to submarine USS Nautilus (SS-168) she in an attempt to catch up with the main Japanese force created a long wake, which acted as a direction arrow to the American aviators, guiding them to the Japanese carriers. |
| August 8, 1943: |
In the Solomon Islands - On New Georgia fighting continues. US forces are attempting to prevent further Japanese evacuations to Kolombangara. |
| August 15, 1943: |
In the Solomon Islands - Elements of the US 25th Division (General McLure) occupy Vella Lavella. About 4500 troops land. Admiral Wilkinson, commanding Task Force 31, provides naval support. |
| August 17, 1943: |
In the Solomon Islands - A small number of Japanese reinforcements land on Vella Lavella. There is an inconclusive battle between American destroyers and the Japanese transport force. |
| August 25, 1943: |
In the Solomon Islands - The last Japanese resistance on New Georgia is eliminated, around Bairoko. Many Japanese troops have been evacuated to Arundel or Kolombangara. |
| August 26, 1943: |
At the Panama Canal - from the Pacific back to the Atlantic returns the British aircraft carrier HMS Victorious. The ship was loaned to US Navy after heavy losses of US aircraft carriers in 1942 until the first units of new Essex-class aircraft carriers will be operational. Ship made a major contribution to operations in New Georgia. |
| August 27, 1943: |
In the Solomon Islands - American forces land on Arundel. Elements of the 43rd Division occupy Nauro Peninsula in the southeast of the island without oppostion. |
| September 1, 1943: |
In the Solomon Islands - On Vella Lavella the US force reaches Orete Cove. |
| September 4, 1943: |
In the Solomon Islands - On Arundel, American forces begin to advance out of their beachhead after a quiet period of consolidation. |
| September 6, 1943: |
In the Solomon Islands - On Arundel the Japanese begin to resist American attempts to advance. |
| September 8, 1943: |
In the Solomon Islands - American and Japanese reinforcements arrive on Arundel. Fighting continues. |
| September 10, 1943: |
In the Solomon Islands - There is heavy fighting on Arundel island. More American reinforcements are sent to the island. |
| September 11, 1943: |
In the Solomon Islands - The US 27th Infantry Regiment lands on Arundel, reinforcing American forces. |
| September 13, 1943: |
In the Solomon Islands - An American battalion lands on Sagekarasa Island. |
| September 14, 1943: |
In the Solomon Islands - On Vella Lavella, American and New Zealand forces are advancing. Reinforcements are sent to the US battalion on Sagekarasa because of Japanese attacks. |
| September 18, 1943: |
On the Solomon Islands - Fighting continues on Arundel. New Zealand General Barrowclough takes command of Allied forces on Vella Lavella. |
| September 20, 1943: |
In the Solomon Islands - American forces on Sagekarasa discover that the Japanese forces have been evacuated. |
| September 21, 1943: |
In the Solomon Islands - American forces on Arundel discover that the Japanese forces have been evacuated. |
| September 25, 1943: |
In the Solomon Islands - The Japanese begin to evacuate the garrison on the island of Kolombangara. |
| October 4, 1943: |
In the Solomon Islands - The Japanese complete the evacuation of Kolombangara. About 9400 men of General Sasaki´s garrison force have been safely left the island on ships under the command of Admiral Ijuin. About 1000 men and a number of small boats have been lost to American interventions (primarily destroyers). |
| October 6, 1943: |
In the Solomon Islands - The US 25th Division lands unopposed at Vila on Kolombangara. During the night (October 6-7), two Japanese destroyers are sent to evacuate 600 troops from Vella Lavella. Six escorting destroyers are engaged by 3 American ships. The Japanese lose destroyer Yugumo, the Americans lose destroyer USS Chevalier (DD-451) others two are damaged. |
| September 12, 1945: |
San Francisco - the St. Francis Hotel holds a party of former members of the VMF-214 Marine Squadron, known as the "Black Sheep", to welcome his commander, Major "Pappy" Boyington, who has returned from Japanese captivity. The coverage of the party by Life magazine will mark the first time that the magazine had ever showed people consuming alcohol. One of the celebrities is also the fighter ace Christopher Magee, who will soon go into the fight again. In 1948 he will take part as a volunteer in the Israeli War of Independence, in which he will complete in České Budějovice, at that time paradoxically in already communist Czechoslovakia, a retraining course for Messerschmitt Bf 109G machines, resp. Avia S-199. |
| December 29, 1945: |
United States - Discharged Navy Lieutenant James A. Michener returns to San Francisco aboard the aircraft carrier USS Kwajalein (CVE-98) as part of a repatriation cruise. During the war, he traveled throughout the South Pacific Ocean on various assignments, and at its end was employed by the Navy as a naval historian. Although he never took part in the fighting, thanks to his perceptive, cognitive and literary abilities, he got to know and at the same time describe the war, its participants, the local environment, life and local residents like few others. Now he has more than a year of struggle to publish his book Tales of the South Pacific, which will soon be awarded the prestigious Pulitzer Prize and even filmed twice, in 1958 and in 2001. Although he will publish his first work at the age of 40, it will be the beginning of a rich writing career full of quality bestsellers. |
|
| Literature sources: |  | Šnajdr, Miroslav: Airacobra v amerických službách : USAAF 1941-1944 (Aircobra in US service), Votobia, 1996, Olomouc |  | Jordan, David, Wiest Andrew: Atlas Of World War II., Ottovo nakladatelství, 2006, Praha |  | Moskin, J. Robert: The U.S. marine corps story, Laser - books, 1997, Plzeň |  . | Swanston, Alexander & Malcolm: The Historical Atlas of World War II, Columbus, 2007, Praha | | . | Šnajdr, Miroslav: Flying Marines, Akcent, 2015, Třebíč |  | Hammel, Eric: Munda trail, Naše vojsko, 2009, Praha |  | Hrbek, Jaroslav, Hrbek Ivan: Námořní válka vrcholí (War at sea culminates), Naše vojsko, 1995, Praha |  | Hara, Tameči: Teikoku Kaigun No Saigo / Japanese Destroyer Captain, Omnibooks, 2013, Neratovice |  | Hubáček, Miloš: Ofenzíva v Pacifiku (Offensive in Pacific), Mladá fronta, 2000, Praha |  | Kolektiv, : War in the Pacific, Naše vojsko, 2006, Praha |
|
