World War Ii Pacific Island Guide

Covering all Pacific islands involved in World War II military operations, this book is a detailed, single source of information on virtually every geo-military aspect of the Pacific Theater. Arranged regionally and, to the extent possible, chronologically according to when islands entered the war, entries provide complete background information. Along with island names, nicknames, Allied code names, location, and wartime time zones, the entries include such topics as the island's physical characteristics, weather, health hazards, historical background, native population, natural resources, and military value. Japanese and Allied strategies and operations, military problems caused by terrain, military installations, Japanese units and key commanders, Allied units and key commanders, and brief battle descriptions are also covered along with the island's postwar status. A valuable resource for researchers, historians, military history enthusiasts, and war gamers, the book provides complete background information on the geo-military aspects of the Pacific Ocean region, its islands, and the roles they played in the war. 108 maps provide specific information. Until now, geo-military information could only be found by searching four to ten publications on each island.

Covering all Pacific islands involved in World War II military operations, this book is a detailed, single source of information on virtually every geo-military aspect of the Pacific Theater. Arranged regionally and, to the extent possible, chronologically according to when islands entered the war, entries provide complete background information. Along with island names, nicknames, Allied code names, location, and wartime time zones, the entries include such topics as the island's physical characteristics, weather, health hazards, historical background, native population, natural resources, and military value. Japanese and Allied strategies and operations, military problems caused by terrain, military installations, Japanese units and key commanders, Allied units and key commanders, and brief battle descriptions are also covered along with the island's postwar status. A valuable resource for researchers, historians, military history enthusiasts, and war gamers, the book provides complete background information on the geo-military aspects of the Pacific Ocean region, its islands, and the roles they played in the war. 108 maps provide specific information. Until now, geo-military information could only be found by searching four to ten publications on each island.

Covering all Pacific islands involved in World War II military operations, this book is a detailed, single source of information on virtually every geo-military aspect of the Pacific Theater. Arranged regionally and, to the extent possible, chronologically according to when islands entered the war, entries provide complete background information. Along with island names, nicknames, Allied code names, location, and wartime time zones, the entries include such topics as the island's physical characteristics, weather, health hazards, historical background, native population, natural resources, and military value. Japanese and Allied strategies and operations, military problems caused by terrain, military installations, Japanese units and key commanders, Allied units and key commanders, and brief battle descriptions are also covered along with the island's postwar status. A valuable resource for researchers, historians, military history enthusiasts, and war gamers, the book provides complete background information on the geo-military aspects of the Pacific Ocean region, its islands, and the roles they played in the war. 108 maps provide specific information. Until now, geo-military information could only be found by searching four to ten publications on each island.

"A detailed study of three major naval operations of World War II. These three, initiated by imperial Japan, took place in the Pacific and resulted in the battles of the Coral Sea, Midway/Aleutians, and the Philippine Sea. All the cases provide ample background on the geographic and strategic context of the operations, as well as an account of the unfolding of the action utilizing much primary source material in, especially, American and Japanese archives"--Provided by publisher.

Highlights decisive WWII military operations in Polynesia, Micronesia, and Melanesia, and their effects on the islands. Illustrations, maps, and index.

World War II defined the 20th century and shaped the contemporary world; from the decolonization of Africa to the rise and fall of the Berlin Wall. This comprehensive series, edited by one of the worlds leading military historians, offers a focused overview of this complex and volatile era, taking into account the political, economic and social factors, as well as military circumstances of the road to war and its consequences. Augmented by a full length and detailed introduction by the editor, each volume gathers together the seminal articles on specific arenas of the war, providing a convenient and essential resource for researchers and general readers alike.

Explains why it was necessary for allied forces to make their way through islands up the Pacific on the way to invading and conquering Japan.

World War Two brought unimaginable destruction to the British Solomon Islands Protectorate, a remote colonial possession set in the vastness of the South-West Pacific. A global war, which had started in Europe in September 1939 had finally reached this 'fragment of Empire' so far away. For the people of Solomon Islands, who had led a traditional village existence for countless centuries, the early days of 1942 brought terror and hardship. Japanese Imperial naval, air and ground units swept into their lives from bases in neighbouring New Guinea, the horror of modern, mechanised warfare bringing fear and torment. Against the invading foe, the people of Solomon Islands stood firm and honoured their commitment and loyalty as protected persons of the British Empire. Redemption came on the 7th August 1942 when an Allied armada, spearheaded by the US Marines, landed on the northern coast of Guadalcanal, seizing the airstrip then under Japanese construction. The resulting Battle of Guadalcanal, which raged until early 1943 and cost thousands of Allied and Japanese lives, marked a turning point in the fortunes of the wider Pacific war. This book, by the late John Innes, recounts the experience of World War Two in Solomon Islands. John was, arguably, the most respected military historian in Solomon Islands and he spent years exploring the battlefields, researching in archives and speaking with veterans from home and abroad. His expertise won him the title of Honorary Marine, conferred by the US Marine Corps, honorary status with the US Marine Raiders' Association and a reputation as a skilled tour guide, raconteur and author. For his community and military history efforts, the Solomon Islands Government honoured John with the Solomon Islands Medal (SIM). Although John is, sadly, no longer with us, it is a pleasure to have his important book re-published to both mark the Battle of Guadalcanal and to recognise the courage and loyalty of the Solomon Islanders who fought in WWII. Their exemplary service, and that of US, British, Australian, New Zealand and Fijian military personnel, enabled the Pacific to have the freedom and peace which it enjoys today.