ORDER OF BATTLE // December 26, 1943
Battle of Cape Gloucester
Estimated force strength by side, with confidence labels per surviving record.
Forces engaged
2 sides catalogued · combined 22,000 estimated
États-Unis
16,000
Medium-confidence figure
Empire du Japon
6,000
Medium-confidence figure
Battle context
The Battle of Cape Gloucester, codenamed Operation Backhander, was part of Operation Cartwheel, the main Allied strategic effort in the South West Pacific Area during 1943–1944. By targeting the two Japanese airfields near Cape Gloucester on New Britain, Allied planners aimed to extend air coverage and constrain Japanese freedom of movement in the region. The operation committed approximately 16,000 U.S. troops against a Japanese defending force of around 6,000, resulting in roughly 1,083 U.S. and 2,000 Japanese casualties. For the U.S. 1st Marine Division, it was their second amphibious landing of the war, following Guadalcanal, reinforcing their role as a primary assault force in the Pacific campaign.
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