Lavishly illustrated, this book studies the role of airpower in the New Guinea battles of 1942–43, as the Allies checked and halted Japan's last significant offensives.

Mark Stille and John Rogers offer a new history of a previously neglected part of the South Pacific air war - the battles over New Guinea and the waters around it. The first of two books on the subject, drawing on Japanese, American and Australian sources, it details operations from February 1942 until April 1943, which saw the Allies stop the last Japanese efforts to expand their faltering empire.

Allied air operations focused on denying the Japanese the use of the sea to send reinforcements to New Guinea, during the battles for Buna and Gona, the unsuccessful and little-known Japanese invasion at Milne Bay, and the Battle of the Bismarck Sea in which a major Japanese effort to move troops to New Guinea was crushed by air power. While the Japanese had over-extended and lost operational focus, the Allies were successful in interdicting sea movement of Japanese forces to New Guinea. However, immature tactics meant air power was largely ineffective supporting their ground campaign.

Packed with photos, superb original battlescenes, 3D diagrams and maps, this book explains the roles of Japanese and Allied air power in the crucial battle of New Guinea.

New Guinea 1942-43 is an action-packed and informative introduction to the air war in that part of the Pacific theatre during a crucial phase in the war. * Neil Smith *
New Guinea 1942-43 provides a richly detailed and valuable analysis of Japanese and Allied operations in and around New Guinea in 1942-43. * The Naval Review *
This is an excellent addition to the superb Air Campaign series * Flypast Magazine *
This is a fascinating insight into an area of history that is often overlooked. Copious maps help to explain the strategic and tactical situations, and an excellent selection of photographs illustrate much of the activity involved. * IPMS Magazine *
A worthy addition to any reference collection * Scale Aircraft Modelling *
This was an interesting and educational read. It was part of the Pacific Campaign that this reviewer was not aware of. There is an absolute wealth of information crammed into the ninety seven pages and the author has obviously rigorously researched a subject he knows well and is heavily invested in. * Army Rumour Service *

Mark Stille is the author of numerous books on the Pacific War. He recently concluded a nearly 40-year career in intelligence, including tours on the faculty of the Naval War College, on the Joint Staff, and on US Navy ships.

John Rogers is a retired US Navy captain who saw operational service in the Mediterranean and Southwest Asia. He is also a retired senior intelligence analyst with the DoD.

Jim Laurier is a renowned aviation artist with paintings on permanent display at the Pentagon.