Operation Ke

Guadalcanal soon became a focal point for both sides with heavy commitments of troops and ships in the battle for Guadalcanal. By the start of 1943, the Japanese were defeated on the island (Guadalcanal) and withdrew their troops. Operation Ke was a largely successful withdrawal of Japanese forces from Guadalcanal. The operation took place between 14 January and 7 February 1943. The withdrawal was carried out on the nights of 1, 4, and 7 February by destroyers. And on 9 February, Allied forces realized that the Japanese were gone and declared Guadalcanal secure, ending the six-month campaign for control of the island.