This Volume Four of Pacific Adversaries conveys detailed stories of aerial warfare in the Solomons theatre, chosen because both Japanese and Allied records can be matched for an accurate accounting. Often the actual outcomes are very different to the exaggerated claims made by both sides as outlined in most traditional histories. In some cases, this factual approach enables long-standing mysteries to be solved. Further, for each chosen story photographic or other evidence enables accurate depictions of the aircraft involved. Through these chosen snapshots, Pacific Adversaries portrays the South Pacific conflict as accurately as possible. This fourth volume focuses exclusively on confrontations between the Japanese Naval Air Force (JNAF) and Allied air power in the Solomons theatre between 1943 and 1944. Following the bloody 1942 Guadalcanal campaign, the JNAF fought a largely defensive war in the Solomons against gathering Allied forces. Perhaps surprisingly, right through to the end of 1943, the JNAF offered significant resistance to the Allies and never ceded air superiority in the vicinity of its key base of Rabaul. Only in 1944, when units were withdrawn to the Central Pacific and the Philippines, was the JNAF presence in the South Pacific finally wound down to just a token force. Never before have detailed accounts matched up adversaries so closely, and in doing so, shine light on key events in Pacific skies so many years ago.

About the Author
Raised in Port Moresby, Michael Claringbould is a globally recognised expert on the New Guinea air war and Japanese aviation in particular.

Reviews
...very well researched volume presenting the aerial actions of both sides giving us a balanced perspective of the events in the Solomon Islands. [...] This book is a welcome addition to the library of anyone interested in the Pacific War. * Scale Military Modelling 19/07/2021 *



Book Information
ISBN 9780648926221
Author Michael Claringbould
Format Paperback
Page Count 112
Imprint Avonmore Books
Publisher Avonmore Books