Overview
Henderson Field was the strategic heart of the Guadalcanal campaign, and control of its runway became essential to the struggle for the Solomon Islands. Japanese forces began constructing the airfield at Lunga Point in July 1942, intending it to support aircraft operating across the southern Solomons and nearby sea routes.
On 7 August 1942, United States Marines landed on Guadalcanal and seized the unfinished airfield. American engineers quickly completed the runway, and it was named Henderson Field in honour of Major Lofton R. Henderson, a Marine aviator killed during the Battle of Midway. By 20 August, Marine aircraft were operating from the field, forming the nucleus of the force that became known as the Cactus Air Force.
Henderson Field gave the Americans a crucial base from which fighters and bombers could challenge Japanese attempts to reinforce and supply troops on Guadalcanal. Japanese warships frequently operated around the island at night, while artillery, aircraft and naval bombardments repeatedly targeted the airfield. Despite damage, American ground crews worked continually to keep aircraft operational.
Henderson Field on Guadalcanal in late August 1942, soon after Allied aircraft began operating out of the airfield.
The fiercest struggle for the airfield came in October 1942. The Japanese 17th Army launched a major offensive against the American perimeter between 23 and 26 October. Repeated attacks struck Marine and US Army positions, but the defenders held. The failure of the offensive left Henderson Field firmly in American hands and badly weakened Japanese prospects on Guadalcanal.
As Japanese supply difficulties increased, possession of the airfield steadily strengthened the Allied position. Following further defeats at sea and on land, Japan decided to evacuate Guadalcanal, completing the withdrawal in February 1943. Henderson Field had survived months of bombardment, air attack and ground assault, becoming a powerful symbol of American determination and a vital base for further Allied operations throughout the Solomon Islands.