Guadalcanal 1942-43: Japan's bid to knock out Henderson Field and the Cactus Air Force

This new title tells the story of Japan's long-range air campaign to destroy the “Cactus Air Force” on Guadalcanal, why Henderson Field was so vital to both sides, and how the Allies defeated the previously all-conquering Japanese.

The campaign for Guadalcanal, which stretched from August 1942 until February 1943, centered on Henderson Field. The airfield was captured by the US on 8 August and placed into operation by 20 August. As long as the airfield was kept operational and stocked with s...