Key Facts
- Operation codename
- Operation Backhander
- Duration
- 26 December 1943 – 16 January 1944
- Objective
- Capture two Japanese airfields near Cape Gloucester
- US unit
- 1st Marine Division
- Japanese defender
- Elements of the Japanese 17th Division
- Part of
- Operation Cartwheel, South West Pacific Area
Strategic Narrative Overview
US Marines landed on 26 December 1943, splitting into a western diversionary force that cut the coastal road near Tauali and a main eastern force advancing toward the airfields. Swampy terrain funneled troops onto a narrow trail, and a Japanese counterattack temporarily slowed progress. Despite these difficulties, marines secured both airfields by the end of December. Fighting continued south toward Borgen Bay through early January 1944.
01 / The Origins
By late 1943, Allied strategy in the South West Pacific centered on Operation Cartwheel, a campaign to neutralize the major Japanese base at Rabaul by capturing surrounding positions. Japanese airfields at Cape Gloucester on New Britain posed a threat to Allied shipping through the Vitiaz Strait. Capturing these airfields would extend Allied air cover and further isolate Rabaul, making Operation Backhander a key component of the broader strategic plan.
03 / The Outcome
Organized Japanese resistance ended on 16 January 1944 with the marine assault on Hill 660. Mopping-up operations persisted in surrounding areas until April 1944, when US Army forces relieved the Marines. Allied possession of the Cape Gloucester airfields extended air coverage over the Vitiaz Strait and contributed to the progressive isolation of the Japanese stronghold at Rabaul.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
1 belligerent
Kinetic Engagement Axis
Scroll horizontally to view full axis. Events plotted relatively.