Ichiki's Folly PTO (id:#58594)

On All Fronts (On All Fronts #114 ID: O114.1)   [next]   [previous]

(Revision: CH: OAF Pack 1 OAF6)

Upstream of the Tenaru River, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands 1942-08-21 (12 others)

Overview:

The first major Japanese attack against the American landing on the island was made by Colonel Kiyoano Ichiki’s crack 28th Infantry Regiment. If he failed to recapture Henderson Field, Ichiki was to set up a position nearby to harass the Marines and await reinforcements. On the night of August 20th, Ichiki launched repeated furious assaults against the prepared Marine defense at the mouth of Alligator Creek. His banzai tactics failed to drive the marines back and cost the Japanese dearly. Ichiki withdrew to a large coconut grove 200 yards to the east and, perhaps mindful of orders, chose to remain there at daybreak. Lt. Lenard Cresswell was ordered to take the initiative by maneuvering his reserve battalion inland to encircle and destroy Ichiki’s entrenched position.

Defender: Japanese (Ichiki Detachment, 28th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division)  

Errata (source)