Guadalcanal 1942 - 'O'Group.

This game was based on the fighting around the Matanikau River 21st October 1942. 

The American Marines have formed a defensive line to the East of the river, one flank is against the sea the other extends into the jungle.

The table set-up with the American lines to left of picture, holding the river line and with the beach area closest to camera.

The Japanese objective is to break through this defence and for one of there units to exit on the coastal road on Eastern table edge.

For this game the rules chosen were O Group by Reisswitz Press.

An initial bombardment was quite brutal on the Marines and they lost a platoon.

Then the Japanese opened the attack with heavy weapons whilst advancing to the river. This was driven back when the Marines exposed their position and fired upon the advancing Japanese. 

Following this initial setback the Japanese started to deploy their infantry platoons for an attack on the exposed ridge. As they could deploy Combat Patrols from the Southern table edge the ridge was in danger of being flanked. Therefore the Marines started sending reinforcements to this area.

However by the time they arrived onto the ridge the Marines front line had collapsed as the Japanese initiated Close Combat assaults.

Things were not looking good for the Americans, however time had run out and the game had to finish.

Technical Stuff

At present there are no official order of battles for the Pacific War so I compiled my own battalion organisation which is attached.

The Japanese were based on the 1940 lists (poor artillery etc) but they were made confident as they were very sure they were going to win. I also, used some ideas suggested by the Lardies Forum.

https://toofatlardies.co.uk/forum/viewforum.php?f=45&sid=48232f5a1f2809e34a75e3c23ef7df5a

The US Marines were based on the US list from the rules but using bolt action rifles. 

Changes to the rules were minimal. Jungles had to be traversed by infantry in column. All motorised units had to throw for bogging if off the road or beach. 

Thanks to Gregory, Vince, Dave and Stephen for playing the game in the fun manner it was intended.