{"product_id":"under-the-southern-cross-the-south-pacific-air-campaign-against-rabaul","title":"Under the Southern Cross: The South Pacific Air Campaign Against Rabaul","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cblockquote\u003eDuring World War II, the US Navy experienced its most challenging campaign in the Solomons and New Guinea, resulting in high personnel losses. Despite being under-resourced, the Navy managed to prevent a Japanese conquest of New Guinea and eventually forced Japan to retreat from the South Pacific. The book \"Under the Southern Cross\" examines these campaigns and their significance in the Allied victory. \u003c\/blockquote\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\\n                                                            \u003cstrong\u003eFormat\u003c\/strong\u003e: Hardback\u003cbr\u003e\\n                              \u003cstrong\u003eLength\u003c\/strong\u003e: 352 pages\u003cbr\u003e\\n                              \u003cstrong\u003ePublication date\u003c\/strong\u003e: 13 May 2021\u003cbr\u003e\\n                              \u003cstrong\u003ePublisher\u003c\/strong\u003e: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC\u003cbr\u003e\\n                          \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe United States Navy engaged in a grueling and challenging campaign between August 7, 1942, and February 24, 1944, which is considered to be the most difficult in its history. This period witnessed the deployment of the 1st Marine Division on Guadalcanal and the eventual withdrawal of the Imperial Japanese Navy from its primary South Pacific base at Rabaul. The US Navy suffered significant casualties during this time, with estimates suggesting that over 100,000 sailors lost their lives. For years, the Navy withheld the total casualty figures, out of respect for the fallen sailors.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Solomons campaign marked a low point for the US Navy. With the loss of many carriers and other vessels during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the Navy was forced to rely on older ships and units that had been hastily transferred to the Pacific. The USS Enterprise, the only pre-war carrier left in the South Pacific, played a crucial role in the defense of the region. However, the Navy faced a significant challenge in the face of Japanese naval power, and a third major fleet action would have likely resulted in a complete defeat for the US forces.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAt the same time, another campaign unfolded on the island of New Guinea. The Japanese attempted to reinforce their position there, leading to the Battle of the Coral Sea in May and the subsequent Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands in October. These battles were intense and costly, but American and Australian armed forces managed to prevent a Japanese conquest of New Guinea.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe end of 1942 saw the Japanese forces halted in both the Solomons and New Guinea. However, it would take another 18 months of intense fighting before Japan was finally forced to retreat from the South Pacific. The Solomons and New Guinea campaigns laid the groundwork for Allied victory in the Pacific War, paving the way for the eventual liberation of Australia and New Zealand.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn his book, Under the Southern Cross: The Solomons and New Guinea Campaigns, 1942-44, author James Holland delves into the details of these campaigns. Drawing on extensive first-hand accounts and new analysis, Holland provides a comprehensive account of the challenges faced by the US Navy and the sacrifices made by the sailors during this period. The book also sheds light on the strategic importance of these campaigns and their impact on the course of the war.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOne of the key themes of the book is the resilience and determination of the US Navy in the face of overwhelming odds. Despite the loss of ships and personnel, the Navy continued to fight and adapt, using innovative tactics and technology to overcome the Japanese forces. The book also highlights the importance of teamwork and coordination among the Allied forces, as well as the contributions of individual sailors and commanders.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAnother important aspect of the book is the human cost of the war. Holland emphasizes the devastating impact that the Solomons and New Guinea campaigns had on the sailors and their families. Many men lost their lives, and others were wounded or suffered from mental trauma. The book also explores the legacy of these campaigns, including the impact on the veterans who returned home and the cultural and social changes that occurred in the United States and Australia.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOverall, Under the Southern Cross is a valuable addition to the literature on the Pacific War. It provides a detailed and insightful account of the Solomons and New Guinea campaigns, which laid the groundwork for Allied victory in the Pacific. The book is a testament to the resilience and determination of the US Navy and the sacrifices made by the sailors during this period. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of World War II and the Pacific theater.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\\n                            \u003cstrong\u003eWeight\u003c\/strong\u003e: 782g\\n                            \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimension\u003c\/strong\u003e: 163 x 244 x 39 (mm)\\n                            \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eISBN-13\u003c\/strong\u003e: 9781472838223\\n                            \\n                          \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Thomas McKelvey Cleaver","offers":[{"title":"Hardback","offer_id":44100345921786,"sku":"9781472838223","price":17.85,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0522\/4297\/2845\/products\/f200765bee6f87fc86378aec95f158ca.jpg?v=1632536229","url":"https:\/\/shulphink.com\/products\/under-the-southern-cross-the-south-pacific-air-campaign-against-rabaul","provider":"Shulph Ink","version":"1.0","type":"link"}