Pacific War Maps | Nihon Kaigun
Pacific Naval Battles in World War II




The Pacific War was the largest naval conflict in history. Across the huge expanses of the Pacific, the two most powerful navies in the world found themselves locked in a death struggle. The war was fought in every possible climate, from Arctic conditions in the Aleutians, to the appalling heat and swelter of the South Pacific. Every conceivable type of naval activity was represented: carrier aviation battles, surface engagements, bitterly fought night-fights, the largest amphibious landings of the entire war, and the stealthy, brutal battles waged by and against submarines.

I have compiled information on a number of the more important (and, I think, interesting) battles of the war, including a synopsis, tabular displays of the forces involved, and in some cases ship movement track charts. Just click on the battle map you want to see. Alternately, use the text-driven menu below the maps.


(Map developed from Evans, 'The Japanese Navy in World War II.')


Legend:

= Battle = Campaign (a series of battles)


General Pacific Actions Solomons Campaign
#1 = Attack on Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941
#2 = Sinking of the Prince of Wales and Repulse, December 10, 1941
#3 = Raids into the Indian Ocean, March 31 - April 9, 1942
#4 = Battle of the Coral Sea, May 7-8, 1942
#5 = Battle of Midway, June 4, 1942
#6 = Battle of the Komandorski Islands, March 26, 1943
#7 = Destruction of Truk, February 17-18, 1944
#8 = Battle of the Phillipine Sea, June 19-20, 1944
#9 = Sinking of Yamato, April 7, 1945
#10 = Final Destruction, July 24 & 28, 1945

J = Java Naval Battles, 1942
S = Solomon Islands Naval Battles, 1942-1943
G = Guadalcanal Naval Battles
L = Leyte Naval Battles, October-November, 1944

Aftermath of the Pacific War


#1 = Battle of Eastern Solomons, August 23-25, 1942
#2 = Battle of Santa Cruz, October 25-27, 1942
#3 = Battle of the Bismarck Sea, March 3-4, 1943
#4 = Battle of Kula Gulf, July 6, 1943
#5 = Battle of Vella Gulf, August 6-7, 1943
#6 = Battle off Horaniu, August 18, 1943
#7 = Battle of Vella Lavella, October 6, 1943
#8 = Battle of Empress Augusta Bay, November 2, 1943
#9 = Carrier Raid on Rabaul, November 5, 1943
#10 = Battle of Cape St. George, November 26, 1943

G = Guadalcanal Naval Battles

Aftermath of Solomons Campaign



Java Campaign Guadalcanal Campaign Leyte Campaign
#1 = Battle of Makassar Strait, February 4, 1942
#2 = Battle of Badung Strait, February 19-20, 1942
#3 = Battle of the Java Sea, February 27 - March 1, 1942
#4 = Battle of Sunda Strait, March 1, 1942

Aftermath of Java Campaign

#1 = Battle of Savo Island, August 9, 1942
#2 = Battle of Cape Esperance, October 11, 1942
#3 = First Naval Battle of Guadalcanal, November 13, 1942
#4 = Second Naval Battle of Guadalcanal, November 14, 1942
#5 = Battle of Tassafaronga, November 30, 1942

Aftermath of Guadalcanal Campaign

#1 = Ambush in the Palawan Passage, October 23, 1944
#2 = Battle of Sibuyan Sea, October 24, 1944
#3 = Battle of Surigao Strait, October 24-25, 1944
#4 = Battle off Samar, October 25, 1944
#5 = Battle of Cape Engano, October 25, 1944
#6 = Battle of Ormoc Bay, November 11, 1944

Aftermath of Leyte Campaign



Key To Vessels:
Vessel TypesJapanAmericanOther Allied (British, Dutch)
Fleet Carriers
Light Carriers
Escort Carriers Not Depicted
Battleships
and
Battlescruisers



Heavy Cruisers
Light Cruisers
Destroyers
Destroyer Escorts Not Depicted Not Depicted
Submarines Not Depicted
Aircraft Not Depicted







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