Guadalcanal and its neighbor islands lie at the southern end of the Solomon Islands chain. Their climate of these islands is among the most severe on Earth because it is at sea level in the tropical climate zone near the equator. Guadalcanal had a rugged mountain range that runs along its entire length and divides the island. Most of the island’s flat land is on the northern side and inhabited by a small number of native and European settlers .

Extremely dense jungle growth covers most of the island with some small hills in the north covered by tough Kanai grass. In 1942, a few dirt roads crossed over the relatively flat terrain. When it rained — it did so quite often — thick mud, deep enough for most trucks to sink to their axles, covered the roads. Just a few narrow trails crossed the rugged mountain range. Creatures of every description common to such hot, humid climates thrived. Hordes of mosquitos continuously covered the islands. After being on Guadalcanal, almost everyone suffered from tropical diseases such as malaria, dysentery, and dengue fever.

Fighting a war is a deadly business under any circumstance. However, the humans fighting battles in places like Guadalcanal faced additional burdens because of its climate, terrain, and incredibly dense vegetation. Never in the history of warfare had larger and difficult conflicts been fought than in the tropics in the South Pacific in World War II. The struggle to capture and hold onto Guadalcanal was the first of such monumental clashes. It tested the determination and courage of the Americans and Japanese soldiers, marines, and sailors who fought there. The two nations spent their blood and wealth to gain victory.

Copyright Kenneth I. Friedman © 2007-2008 - All rights reserved