Tarawa and Abemama were occupied in force by the Japanese in September 1942 and during the next year garrisons were built up on Betio (Tarawa Atoll), and Butaritari (Makin Atoll).
Tarawa e Apamama foron ocupadas á forza polos xaponeses en Setembro de 1942, e durante o ano seguinte construíronse guarnicións en Betio (Atol Tarawa), e Butaritari (Atol Makin).