The so-called Battle of Guadacanal or Operation Watchtower was the first
offensive launched by the Allies against the Empire of Japan on August
7, 1942 and lasted until February 9, 1943. It was one of the longest battles of the Pacific. 30,000 people died. U.S.
forces landed on the islands of Guadalcanal, Tulagi and Florida with
the main objective of taking the airport to break the Empire base of the islands. There were several attacks that culminated with the Naval Battle of
Guadalcanal when the Japanese were forced to withdraw its troops after a
failed landing.
VISIT THE ISLAND GUADALCANAL
Solomon Islands tourism is quite expensive if we start from Europe (about 1300 euros the entire trip by plane). There are direct flights from Brisbane (Australia) , where the plane transfer should be done to reach the airport from Honiara, the capital of the island of Guadalcanal. The
Solomon Islands are tropical and full of wild vegetation. The islands keep a lot of war relics from the battle.
There are companies that offer battlefield tours around the islands. Please note that the currency is the SBD (Solomon Islands Dollar) and 1 SBD = 0.10 euros.
Moving around Guadalcanal: accessibility to certain areas of the island is not good, if we want to do it by public transport. Honiara has a network of taxis and buses but only goes through the main roads. Renting a car is almost essential if you want to explore the area. There are car rentals at the airport or at the city center.
More information about the islands: http://www.visitsolomons.com.sb
Image: Vvulto
REMAINS OF THE BATTLE AND MEMORIALS
These are some things you can find on the island.
Museum of World War II (Vilu War Museum):
Location here .
Normal ticket: 25 SBD (2.5 euros)
It has not official website.
This museum has many relics, such as vehicles, aircraft and weapons both
Japanese and American, extending the land occupied by the museum.
Photo Gallery competence: https://www.facebook.com/VisitSolomonIslands
American Memorial in Honiara:
Location here .
Erected by the American Battle Monuments Commission to commemorate the Americans killed in the battle.
The remains of the Kinugawa Maru
Location here .
The
Kinugawa Maru ship belonging to the Japanese Imperial Navy's mission
was to land on the island of Guadalcanal in November 1942. It was discovered and sunk by American artillery fire. Today is only partially visible but can be seen in full scuba diving.
The Kinugawa Maru partially sunk.
It's remains today ( photo: http://www.diveshow.com.au )
