The Battle for Vella Lavella - by Reg Newell (Paperback)

About the Book

"During World War II, the Solomon Islands became the scene of a titanic struggle between Allied and Japanese forces. This book is the first detailed examination of the struggle for Vella Lavella, covering the ground, air and sea battles and the involvement of American and New Zealand soldiers, the coastwatchers, South Pacific Scouts and the Islanders"--

Book Synopsis

During World War II, the Solomon Islands became the scene of a titanic struggle between Allied and Japanese forces. After their victory on Guadalcanal, Americans advanced into the New Georgia Group with horrendous casualties. Admiral Halsey then implemented an "island hopping" strategy, bypassing Japanese strongpoints. The first was an obscure island called "Vella Lavella."

This book is the first detailed examination of the struggle for Vella Lavella, covering the ground, air and sea battles and the involvement of American and New Zealand soldiers, the coastwatchers, South Pacific Scouts and the Islanders.

Review Quotes

"Reg Newell illuminated an obscure part of WWII history. The book is a positive testament to those New Zealand and American soldiers who perished there. Thanks for writing it!"-Dick Arnold, 35th (Cacti) Infantry Regiment Association.

About the Author

Reg Newell has a doctoral degree from Massey University, Palmerston North (with a dissertation on New Zealand's Third Division in the Pacific) and continues researching the Pacific War. He lives in Upper Hutt, New Zealand.