Ichiki's Mistake PTO (id:#57332)

Critical Hit (Leatherneck ID: LN1)   [next]   [previous]

Ilu River, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands 1942-08-21 (12 others)

Overview:

Outside of one skirmish on the Matanikau River, the Marines of the 1st Marines Division had not seen a Japanese soldier since the occupation of Lunga Point. Using this time to strengthen defenses, the Marines nevertheless kept patrols out beyond the perimeter to the east and west. On August 19, a Marine patrol ambushed a Japanese patrol and recovered documents giving amphibious landing orders. This was ll the proof the Marines needed to prepare the eastern approach defenses for an attack. The Japanese Army troops that landed at Taivu Point on August 18 were known as the Ichiki Force. This force of 933 men was the first echelon of the 2nd Battalion, 28th Infantry and was reinforced by artillery, heavy weapons and engineers. After his recon patrol was detected and killed, Colonel Ichiki decided to attack without waiting for his second echelon.

Defender: American (USMC) (1st and 2nd Battalion, 1st Tank Battalion, 1st Marines)  

Errata (source)