A Japanese defensive victory at Bairoko in July 1943 delayed the American advance during the New Georgia campaign of the Pacific War.
Key Facts
- Date
- 20 July 1943
- Location
- New Georgia Island, Dragons Peninsula
- US forces involved
- 2 Marine Raider battalions + 2 Army infantry battalions
- Outcome
- Japanese repulsed American assault; US withdrew to Enogai
- Bairoko eventually captured
- End of August 1943
- Campaign
- New Georgia campaign, Pacific War, World War II
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
As part of the broader New Georgia campaign in the Pacific War, US forces sought to capture Bairoko port on the Dragons Peninsula to neutralize a key Japanese supply and reinforcement point. American troops had advanced from Enogai and Triri following earlier operations in the region.
On 20 July 1943, two battalions of US Marine Raiders from the 1st Marine Raider Regiment, supported by two US Army infantry battalions, launched a direct assault on the Japanese garrison defending the port of Bairoko. After a full day of fighting, the Japanese successfully repulsed the attack.
The failed assault forced US troops to withdraw to Enogai with their wounded. American forces continued patrolling and intelligence operations in the area until Bairoko was finally captured at the end of August 1943, after the Munda airfield fell and additional reinforcements advanced on Bairoko from the south.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
1 belligerent