This fifth volume of Solomons Air War chronicles aerial warfare throughout the Solomons theatre from 1 March until 28 June 1943. It can be read alone or as part of the ongoing Solomons Air War series.
This pivotal period marked a fierce new post-Guadalcanal phase of the Solomons campaign, spurred by Japan's audacious Operation I-Go, a huge air assault designed to crush Allied defences. The operation forced a temporary retreat of US naval forces, but ultimately sealed the fate of its revered mastermind, Admiral Yamamoto Isoroku, who was eliminated in a brilliant, long-range American fighter interception.
Meanwhile, Allied air power continued to consolidate on both Guadalcanal and the Russell Islands, primed for an advance into the northern Solomons. Alongside Operation I-Go, the March to June 1943 period saw repeated large-scale aerial combat, culminating in the campaign's largest clash to date resulting from the obscure Operation Se.
Against this background Cactus Air Force utilised diverse land-based US Navy carrier squadrons while its heavy bombers established a permanent presence at Carney Field. In other developments USMC F4U Corsairs assumed a prominent role in fighter operations, TBF Avengers pioneered offensive aerial minelaying and B-25 Mitchells made their Solomons combat debut in June. Sourced directly from primary Allied and Japanese records, this chronicle delivers a raw, factual and immersive account of the increasingly complex Solomons theatre.