This fourth volume of Pacific Adversaries conveys detailed stories of
aerial warfare in the Solomons theater, chosen because both Japanese and
Allied records can be matched for an accurate accounting. Often the
actual outcomes are very different to the exaggerated claims made by
both sides as outlined in most traditional histories. In some cases,
this factual approach enables long-standing mysteries to be solved.
Further, for each chosen story photographic or other evidence enables
accurate depictions of the aircraft involved.
Through these chosen snapshots, Pacific Adversaries portrays the South
Pacific conflict as accurately as possible. This volume focuses
exclusively on confrontations between the Japanese Naval Air Force
(JNAF) and Allied air power in the Solomons theatre between 1943 and
1944.
Following the bloody 1942 Guadalcanal campaign, the JNAF fought a
largely defensive war in the Solomons against gathering Allied forces.
Perhaps surprisingly, right through to the end of 1943, the JNAF offered
significant resistance to the Allies and never ceded air superiority in
the vicinity of its key base of Rabaul. Only in 1944, when units were
withdrawn to the Central Pacific and the Philippines, was the JNAF
presence in the South Pacific finally wound down to just a token
force.
Never before have detailed accounts matched up adversaries so closely,
and in doing so, shine light on key events in Pacific skies so many
years ago.
