When did the Guadalcanal campaign begin and end?
The Guadalcanal campaign began on the 7th of August 1942 when U.S. Marines landed on the island and ended in December 1943 when Japanese forces evacuated their last troops by the 9th of February 1943.
Questions about Guadalcanal campaign
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who commanded the Allied invasion force during the Guadalcanal campaign?
U.S. Admiral Ernest King conceived the plan for the Guadalcanal campaign while Robert L. Ghormley held operational command under Chester W. Nimitz with Vandegrift leading the Marine landing force.
Why was the airfield at Lunga Point important to the Guadalcanal campaign?
The airfield at Lunga Point became critical because it allowed Allied aircraft to establish Henderson Field which protected sea lines of communication between the United States and Australia from Japanese long-range bombers.
What happened during the Battle of Savo Island in the Guadalcanal campaign?
During the Battle of Savo Island on the night of the 9th of August four allied cruisers were sunk and one was heavily damaged by a Japanese force commanded by Vice Admiral Gunichi Mikawa without any Japanese ships lost.
How did Australian coastwatchers contribute to the success of the Guadalcanal campaign?
Australian coastwatchers on Bougainville and New Georgia islands provided advance notice of approaching Japanese air strikes which allowed U.S. fighters time to take off and position themselves to attack the Japanese aircraft as they approached.