In August 1943, Barrowclough was advised that his division was to participate in the Solomon Islands campaign. It would eventually participate in three major amphibious operations. The first of these was in September 1943, when the 14th Brigade conducted a series of landings around the coast of Vella Lavella during the Battle of Vella Lavella. It was a satisfactory performance by the New Zealanders and Barrowclough was congratulated by American commanders for the division's work.