By late 1943, facing mounting Allied victories in the Pacific – particularly in New Guinea and Guadalcanal, and following the devastating defeat at Midway in 1942 – Imperial Japan was compelled to reassess its war strategy. Overstretched across vast territories, Japan recognized the need to consolidate its forces. This strategic contraction aimed to buy crucial time for defensive preparations against the anticipated renewed Allied offensives.
In the Pacific, Admiral Nimitz prepared to invade the Gilbert Islands. General MacArthur continued his advance along the New Guinea coast, supported by Admiral Halsey's forces in the South Pacific, targeting the Bismarck Archipelago. In the Solomons, Halsey's campaign aimed to capture New Georgia and Bougainville, further isolating the vital Japanese stronghold at Rabaul.
https://ahevents.net/index.php/fso-setups/37-pacific-theatre/1356-bougainville-1943-thunder-over-the-solomonsFRAME 1: 10 January 2025
FRAME 2: 17 January 2025
FRAME 3: 24 January 2025
