"The Pacific was the scene of some of the fiercest conflicts of the Second World War, and the savage battles for the Solomon Islands were no exception. Bougainville, the most northerly island of the group, was the prize in an epic three-year fight against Japanese occupation. The terrain was appalling, with high volcanic mountains dissolving into mangrove swamps, few tracks and heavy rains. [...] Intelligence was the key to successful operations in such an unyielding theatre, and it was there that the Coast Watching service, set up by the Australians, came into its own, while plantation owners and other civilians provided essential information to ensure the successful Allied guerilla campaign. In this dramatic and detailed story of bravery and initiative, Dick Horton - who served in the Solomons himself throughout the years - provides the final chapter to his magnificent history of these vital islands."--Provided by the publisher.