GUADALCANAL

4 August 1942  -  7 February 1943

After failing to capture Port Moresby by amphibious 
assault during the Battle of the Coral Sea, Japan 
attempts its capture by crossing the Owen Stanley
Mountains along the Kokoda Trail.

The Allies have plans of their own. After learning that 
the enemy is building an airfield on Guadalcanal, the 
Allies undertake Operation "Watchtower", the invasion of 
Tulagi and the capture of the airfield on Guadalcanal.

Meanwhile, the Allies continue to develop Port Moresby 
as a major air base, which they consider critical to 
Southwest Pacific strategic plans. To cover Port
Moresby's eastern flank from further seaborne threats,
the Allies have established a base at Gili Gili on the
eastern tip of New Guinea.
 
