Bloody Banzai PTO (id:#60470)

(Dispatches from the Bunker #28 ID: DB070)   [next]   [previous]

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

Overview:

The Marine landings on Guadalcanal had surprised the Japanese. Having little regard for the fighting capabilities of the U.S. Marines and hoping to easily brush them aside using "bamboo spear" tactics, Colonel Ichiki ordered a headlong attack across the sandbar at the mouth of the Ilu River. The mouth of the Ilu River, nicknamed "Alligator Creek", was a shallow sluggish tidal lagoon that formed an excellent defensive barrier. The Marines had prepared a nasty reception for the Japanese, including heavy machineguns and canister-firing 37mm AT guns.

Defender: American (USMC) (Elements of Company G, 2/1 Marines and 1st Special Weapons Bn)  

Errata (source)