Ambitious Plans PTO (id:#56393)

Multi-Man Publishing (Backblast # 2 ID: BB16)   [next]   [previous]

(Revision: MMP: HSASL 1 - Operation Watchtower HS9)

Point Cruz, Guadalcanal 1942-09-27 (14 others)

Overview:

After a series of Bloody Ridge engagements earlier in the month, General Vandegrift knew that a sizable Japanese force was operating from Matanikau village east of Point Cruz. A series of ambitious offensives in regimental strength were planned to clear out the enemy. Forced under the command of Colonel Edson and Lt. Col. Lewis “Chesty” Puller attacked the Japanese forces from the east, but met with very heavy Japanese resistance. A message sent to Edson led him to mistakenly believe that the Marines were making good progress. In order to exploit this misinterpreted success, Edson sent Chesty Puller’s 1st Battalion, 7th Marines to land west of Point Cruz and attack Matanikau from the rear, supported by fire from the destroyer Monssen. No sooner had the first ridge been gained when two Japanese columns attacked the flanks of the battalion and cut it off from the shore.

Defender: American (USMC) (1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division with ad hoc Landing Craft Flotilla)  

Errata (source)