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 bigpigeon.us webpage WWII Japan > South & SW Pacific > Isolating Rabaul, © 2025 by Robert A. Christiansen, updated by RAC 29 May 2025
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Operation Cartwheel, Isolating Rabaul, the main Japanese base, April 1943 - April 1944​
By the beginning of February 1943, Australian and US advances in the Solomon Islands and New Guinea had removed the threat to Australian communications lines. For the next fourteen months, Allied operations would focus on the neutralization of the main Japanese base at Rabaul on the north edge of the New Britain Island in the Bismarck Archipelago.​

Rabaul is on the north end of New Britain Island in the Bismarck Archipelago. Rabaul had been captured from Australian militia forces early in 1942.

Rabaul was well-located with a suburb harbor and protected by multiple air fields. 
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Most ground combat during Phase 2 operations was handled by Australian forces in northeast New Guinea and US forces in the Bismarck Archipelago and the Solomon Islands. 

S & SW Pacific, Phase 2, The Operation Cartwheel Area

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The key to isolating Rabaul was to develop a ring of secure Allied air bases within easy striking distance of Rabaul.

As Operation Cartwheel drew to a close in early 1944:

• Marine Corps forces were withdrawn to use in the Central Pacific Campaign, which began earlier, in November 1943 with the invasion of the Gilbert Islands.
• Australian forces were relieved from offensive operations to perform occupation duties and begin preparing for future landings in the Dutch Indies.

300-Mile Radius from Rabaul