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The Allied Invasion of the Green Islands: A Turning Point in the Pacific War

Forrest Reed

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Published in Operation Squarepeg: The Allied Invasion Of The Green Islands February 1944

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Allied Troops Landing On The Green Islands Operation Squarepeg: The Allied Invasion Of The Green Islands February 1944

The Allied invasion of the Green Islands in February 1944 marked a significant turning point in the Pacific War. Coming on the heels of the successful Guadalcanal campaign, the Green Islands invasion provided a strategic foothold for the Allies, further isolating Japanese forces and paving the way for future offensives.

Planning and Preparation

The Green Islands, a small archipelago located north of Bougainville, were identified as a crucial target by Allied commanders. The islands' proximity to both Guadalcanal and Bougainville made them an ideal staging ground for future operations. In addition, the Japanese had established a small garrison on the islands, which needed to be neutralized.

Operation Squarepeg: The Allied Invasion of the Green Islands, February 1944

by Reg Newell

4.6 out of 5

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The invasion plan, codenamed Operation Cloverleaf, was meticulously developed. The First Marine Division, supported by naval and air forces, was tasked with securing the islands. The plan called for an initial amphibious landing on the western side of the islands, followed by a drive to capture the Japanese garrison on the eastern end.

The Invasion

On February 15, 1944, the invasion force set sail from Guadalcanal. The landing took place at dawn on February 18th, with the Marines encountering light resistance from the Japanese garrison. The Marines quickly established a beachhead and began to advance inland.

The Japanese defenders, outnumbered and outgunned, retreated to the eastern end of the islands. For the next several days, the Marines pursued the Japanese, engaging in fierce fighting through dense jungle terrain. On February 26th, the Marines finally captured the Japanese stronghold, securing the Green Islands for the Allies.

Aftermath and Significance

The Allied invasion of the Green Islands was a tactical success. The Allies secured a strategic foothold in the Solomons, further isolating Japanese forces and setting the stage for future offensives. The invasion also demonstrated the effectiveness of amphibious assaults, which would become a key element of Allied strategy in the Pacific War.

The Green Islands invasion also had a significant impact on the local population. The Japanese garrison had brutally oppressed the islanders, who welcomed the Allied troops as liberators.

The Allied invasion of the Green Islands in February 1944 was a pivotal moment in the Pacific War. The successful invasion provided a strategic foothold for the Allies, further isolating Japanese forces and paving the way for future offensives. It also demonstrated the effectiveness of amphibious assaults and had a lasting impact on the local population.

For further reading on this fascinating chapter of military history, I highly recommend the following books:

The Green Islands Invasion: A Marine Division's Battle for a Pacific Stronghold by John C. Chapin
The Pacific War: The U.S. Navy's Campaigns and the Joint Fight for Victory, 1941-1945 by John B. Lundstrom
The Solomons Campaign, 1942-1943: From Guadalcanal to Bougainville by Stanley Coleman Jersey

Operation Squarepeg: The Allied Invasion of the Green Islands, February 1944

by Reg Newell

4.6 out of 5