Solomons Air War

Volume 1 - Guadalcanal August – September 1942

by Michael Claringbould and Peter Ingman

Imprint: Avonmore Books

248 Pages, 6.93 x 9.84 in, full color

Paperback
9780645246933
March 2023
In Stock

$48.95

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Praise

“The level of detail in the book is far greater than I have ever seen before about the story of Guadalcanal and the Solomons, and most especially, that it is I think fairly balanced with detail for both sides, right down to individual aircrew names. Well written, this was a book I thoroughly enjoyed reading and couldn't put down once started. Easy one to recommend in my view.” - Military Model Scene

This first volume of Solomons Air War chronicles aerial warfare in the opening phase of the war in the Solomons Islands theater, being the critical period of August-September 1942.

After occupying the Solomon Islands capital of Tulagi with ease in May 1942, the Imperial Japanese Navy commenced building an airfield on the adjacent island of Guadalcanal. The indispensable airfield was over 600 miles distant from their main base of Rabaul and promised to extend the reach of their aircraft into the Allied occupied island chains of Fiji, the New Hebrides and New Caledonia. Much was at stake and the airfield would be held at all costs.

Then, in early August 1942 a bold American invasion of both Tulagi and Guadalcanal caught the IJN completely off guard. Nevertheless, Japanese air power responded swiftly and in some cases desperately. So began the knife-edge struggle for Guadalcanal.

An ever-increasing variety and number of IJN units was poured into the struggle, met initially with USN carrier-based Wildcats backed up by SBD Dauntless dive-bombers and the new TBF torpedo bomber. These were soon joined by USAAF fighters operating from the newly operational Henderson Field.

From late August, Japanese carriers entered the fight, adding more complexity to the intense and frenzied air battles. For the first time belligerents are closely matched and the rationale of the IJN’s sometimes erratic response is explained. The full extent of both Japanese and US involvement is outlined to a level of detail never before presented.

"...well-written, easy to comprehend, and supported by its index and resources. It is an excellent source for the Pacific air war researcher and enthusiast alike." ~The Journal of the Air Force Historical Foundation

"This new volume cements the authors' reputations as two of Australia's leading authorities on the air war in the South Pacific. This work is beautifully illustrated, and the narrative is well-detailed with battle stories and information on both the tactical and operational levels of the aerial combat around Guadalcanal." ~WWII History Magazine

“…both volumes offer a superbly detailed and richly illustrated look at the pivotal campaign in the air that defined the turning of the tide in the epic 1941-1945 war in the Pacific. I highly recommend these books to anyone interested in the fighting in the skies over the Solomons during the August-October 1942 period…” ~Globe at War

"Why we love this book is that it deep-dives into details of the incredible air war at the opening of the Solomons Campaign like never before." ~South Pacific WWII Museum

“This was an easy read over five nights that was hard to put down.” ~IPMS/USA

“The level of detail in the book is far greater than I have ever seen before about the story of Guadalcanal and the Solomons, and most especially, that it is I think fairly balanced with detail for both sides, right down to individual aircrew names. Well written, this was a book I thoroughly enjoyed reading and couldn't put down once started. Easy one to recommend in my view.” ~Military Model Scene

“These "air campaign" books from Claringbould are always a pleasure to read, packed with minute details and comparisons of both the Allied and Japanese air forces. This one is no different.” ~Historical Minatures Gaming Society

"This work… offers up some worthwhile coverage of quite a few aircraft in that theater…” ~Large Scale Planes

“This book is highly recommended for anyone interested in the Guadalcanal campaign. It’s an easy read despite considerable detail. Modelers should find the color illustrations useful.” ~The Journal of the Air Force Historical Foundation