Map Description

History Map of WWII: The Solomons and New Guinea June 1943 - April 1944


Illustrating:

OPERATION CARTWHEEL

21 June 1943 - 26 April 1944

Operation Cartwheel was a major Allied campaign in the Southwest Pacific during World War II, designed to neutralize the heavily fortified Japanese base at Rabaul on New Britain by isolating it rather than capturing it directly.

The operation involved a series of coordinated land, sea, and air offensives across the Solomon Islands and New Guinea.

It was jointly directed by General Douglas MacArthur, Supreme Commander of Allied Forces in the Southwest Pacific Area, and Admiral William F. Halsey, commander of the South Pacific Area.

The campaign employed a strategy of bypassing major enemy strongholds, seizing key islands and constructing airfields to establish a network of forward bases. This incremental advance allowed the Allies to apply continuous pressure on Japanese defenses, setting the stage for the liberation of the Philippines and the eventual push toward Japan.

While the “island hopping” concept is more commonly associated with Central Pacific operations, the strategic principles were similarly employed in Operation Cartwheel to great effect.

Map ⓐ

The Solomons: New Georgia and Vicinity

South Pacific Area Operations: Capture of New Georgia, 21 June - 27 August, 1943

The New Georgia campaign (21 June – 27 August 1943) aimed to secure the central Solomon Islands as a staging ground for operations against Rabaul. Allied forces, primarily American, conducted a series of amphibious landings and engaged in intense jungle warfare to capture Munda Point, where the Japanese had constructed a strategically important airfield. Resistance was fierce, and progress was hampered by difficult terrain and determined Japanese counterattacks. However, the Allies employed a strategy of encirclement, supported by naval gunfire and airpower, to isolate and weaken enemy positions. After more than two months of combat, the Japanese were forced to withdraw, and the airfield at Munda was secured, providing a vital base for further advances up the Solomon chain.

Map ⓑ

The Solomons: Bougainville and Vicinity

South Pacific Area Operations: Advance to Bougainville, 27 October - 15 December, 1943

The Bougainville campaign began with amphibious landings at Cape Torokina on 1 November 1943, as part of a broader effort to neutralize Rabaul by cutting it off from supply and reinforcement. Rather than attempting to seize the entire island, which was held by a large Japanese garrison, Allied forces focused on establishing a secure perimeter on the island’s western coast. Within this zone, they rapidly constructed airfields to support sustained aerial bombardment of Rabaul and other Japanese bases. The strategy of holding a limited area allowed the Allies to avoid costly frontal assaults while tying down tens of thousands of Japanese troops in static defensive positions. Although Japanese forces launched several counterattacks into early 1944, the Allied foothold held firm, fulfilling its strategic purpose.

Map ⓒ

New Guinea: Lae, Wau, and Salamaua:

New Guinea Force Operations: Capture of Salanaua and Lae, 29 June - 16 September, 1943

The Lae–Salamaua campaign (29 June – 16 September 1943) in eastern New Guinea demonstrated the Allies’ growing proficiency in combined arms and maneuver warfare. The operation involved Australian and American forces advancing from multiple directions: one element moved overland from Wau, while another conducted an amphibious landing east of Lae. In a dramatic airborne operation, U.S. paratroopers landed at Nadzab, disrupting Japanese supply lines and facilitating a rapid thrust toward Lae. After intense fighting, Lae fell on 16 September, followed by the withdrawal of Japanese forces from Salamaua. The campaign deprived the Japanese of vital logistical bases on the Huon Gulf and marked a significant shift in the balance of power in New Guinea.

Please note: The earlier Buna campaign took place from November 1942 to January 1943 and served as a precursor to these operations, but it was not part of Operation Cartwheel.

Map ⓓ

New Guinea and Western New Britain

New Guinea and Alamo Force Operations: Clearing the Huon Peninsula and Securing the Straits, 19 September, 1943 - 26 April, 1944

From 19 September 1943 to 26 April 1944, Allied forces focused on securing the Huon Peninsula and adjacent areas of western New Britain. Key objectives included the towns of Finschhafen, Saidor, and Cape Gloucester, and control of the Vitiaz and Dampier Straits, vital sea lanes between New Guinea and New Britain. The campaign featured coordinated amphibious landings, jungle advances, and the rapid construction of forward airfields. Rather than directly engaging all Japanese positions, the Allies adopted a policy of isolation and bypass, leaving enemy garrisons stranded and unable to influence future operations. This approach minimized casualties and preserved momentum.

By the conclusion of these operations, Allied forces had effectively encircled Rabaul, neutralizing its strategic value without the need for direct assault.

Credits

Courtesy of the United States Military Academy Department of History.

Related Links

About World War II
WWII Timelines