Combat· World War II
Russell Islands (Operation CLEANSLATE)
The Russell Islands sit just northwest of Guadalcanal.
Once the enemy abandoned Guadalcanal, the Allies wanted these islands as a forward base where engineers could build airfields and stage supplies for the next push up the Solomons. Planners expected a fight, so the landing force came in ready for one. Marines of a raider battalion went ashore on Pavuvu while Army troops landed on Banika. To everyone's relief, the Japanese had already gone, and the troops met no resistance. Marine antiaircraft gunners set up quickly and were soon the only ones in action, firing at enemy planes that raided the new beachhead. Seabees built airstrips within weeks. The bloodless landing gave the Allies a key stepping stone and a base from which aircraft could cover the coming attack on New Georgia.
Podcast episodes on World War II
Record no. 565