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Britain and France declare war on Nazi Germany
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An invasion force of 5000 Japanese soldiers attacks Rabaul shortly after midnight. Japanese ships entered the harbour while the soldiers landed on Blanche Bay. The fighting ends in just a few hours when the Australian Commander orders a retreat. Rabaul becomes Japans main base for spreading across the Pacific islands in the area.
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In late April, 1943, the allies made their plans for attacking Rabaul, codenaming it "Operation Cartwheel". It involved soldiers approaching from the south-west through New Guinea and the southern Bismarks, with more soldiers coming through the Solomons. The two forces would form a pincer attack that would close in on Rabaul.
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US Marines land on Empress Augusta Bay, an access point to the north of Bougainville, the largest and westernmost island in the Solomon chain.
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The US troops have firmlit established themselves in control of Bougainville.
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The first battle of the New Britain Campaign between the Allies and Japanese forces at Arawe with the objective of serving as a diversion before the larger attack at Cape Gloucester later in the month.
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The New Britain Campaign begins in an attempt to contain the Japanese forces in the capital of New Britain, Rabaul, their main military base for campaigns in New Guinea and the Solomon islands.
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A full allied assualt to take back New Britain. US and Australian forces attempt to capture the Japanese airfield at Cape Gloucester. The main opertion began with a naval attack on japanese positions by U.S Navy and R.A.N warships, followed by air attacks by the U.S Army Air Force and the RAAF. After this U.S marines attacked as a ground force.
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The Allies have successfully gained control of Cape Gloucester and its large airstrip.
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U.S. Carrier-based and land-based aeroplanes attack and destroy the Japanese base at Rabaul
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The Battle of Arawe finishes with the Allies victorious,
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Autralian and New Guinea forces landed at Jacquiont Bay and were unopposed by Japanese forces.
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Australian Army troops land at Wide Bay with the objective of isolating the Japanese forces to the Gazelle Peninsula. The Australians are victorious.
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Germany surrenders to the Allies
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The Allied forces complete the campaign victoriously and have taken back control of New Britain.
