Battle of Vella Lavella
Vella Lavella, Solomon Islands
What happened
US and New Zealand forces under Theodore Wilkinson, Oscar Griswold and Harold Barrowclough fought a Japanese garrison under Noboru Sasaki. Instead of attacking the strongly defended island of Kolombangara, the Allies landed on Vella Lavella, further along the chain. US troops came ashore at Barakoma on 15 August 1943, and New Zealand troops later took over the advance. The Japanese were pushed to the north coast and taken off by sea in early October.
Why it matters
Why it matters: Vella Lavella was less well defended and closer to Bougainville and Rabaul. Taking it ended the New Georgia campaign.
What came next
The Allies landed in the Treasury Islands and on Bougainville. The island's airbase was later used in the campaign against Rabaul.
Did you know?
Major Gregory Boyington's fighter squadron, VMF-214, was based on Vella Lavella.
Timeline
- 30 June 1943The New Georgia campaign begins.
- 15 August 1943US troops land at Barakoma.
- 6 October 1943The Japanese evacuate the island.
- 7 October 1943The New Georgia campaign ends.