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War is declared
Britain and France declare war on Nazi Germany -
Period: to
WWII timespan
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Japanese invasion force takes Rabaul
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. -
Operation Cartwheel
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. -
Troops land on Empress Augusta Bay
US Marines land on Empress Augusta Bay, an access point to the north of Bougainville, the largest and westernmost island in the Solomon chain. -
Bougainville is captured
The US troops have firmlit established themselves in control of Bougainville. -
Battle of Arawe begins
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. -
New Britain Campaign begins
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. -
Period: to
The New Britain Campaign
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Battle of Cape Gloucester begins
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. -
Battle of Cape Gloucester finishes
The Allies have successfully gained control of Cape Gloucester and its large airstrip. -
Japanese Rabaul base destroyed
U.S. Carrier-based and land-based aeroplanes attack and destroy the Japanese base at Rabaul -
Battle of Arawe ends
The Battle of Arawe finishes with the Allies victorious, -
The Landing at Jacquinot Bay
Autralian and New Guinea forces landed at Jacquiont Bay and were unopposed by Japanese forces. -
The Battle of Wide Bay
Australian Army troops land at Wide Bay with the objective of isolating the Japanese forces to the Gazelle Peninsula. The Australians are victorious. -
The War finishes
Germany surrenders to the Allies -
New Britain Campaign ends
The Allied forces complete the campaign victoriously and have taken back control of New Britain.
