21 June 1943
U.S. Forces Land on New Georgia
After securing Guadalcanal the next target for the U.S. offensive in the Solomon Islands was New Georgia. Landings began on June 21 at Segi Point on the southern tip of the island, while further landings took place over the next week and a half. Rather than meeting the enemy on the beaches, the Japanese opted to entrench themselves on the southwestern tip of the island, around the airfield of Munda. Japanese forces in the area were being supplied through a series of convoys--which Americans quickly dubbed the “Tokyo Express”—and over the next several weeks a number of naval engagements were fought as ships of the U.S. Navy tried to stop the flow of supplies. They met with only limited success, however, and the Japanese were able to launch a series of counter-attacks in mid-July that penetrated the Allied lines at certain points. Nevertheless, on August 5 American troops captured Munda, and by the end of that month the island had been cleared of all Japanese forces.

Histories:
The Solomons Campaign
Northern Solomons

Campaign Maps:
CARTWHEEL Operations, 1943-1944
CARTWHEEL Operations, 1943-1944

Photograph:
Landing operations on Rendova Island, Solomon Islands, 30 June 1943