Introduction

August 7, 1942 – Seized by the Japanese on 4 May 1942, the Americans invade to take back Tulagi, 17 miles from Guadalcanal Island. This is where our story of the Americans attack on the Solomons begins.

During the day, the Americans have set up a beachhead and captured two-thirds of the island with minimal losses. They were unable to roust the Japanese from their caves when night settled.

A platoon of raiders is settled in the east tip of the island.

American Goal Hold the line and suffer minimal casualties (less than 3 steps)

Japanese Goal Inflict casualties (at least 5 steps)

American Casualties will be presented by (#).

The Battle

2000 – The SNLF opens fire as the Japanese Seaplane Base personnel fight the raiders in the east. The raiders lose half a platoon (1).

Americans send some reinforcements to the east. This will be slow as they are disrupted at the end of every move (special rule).

2015-2030 – Stalemate by the caves. The line is holding.

2045 – Japanese SNLF takes their first casualty and their HMG is broken. Americans can’t risk an assault though (due to post-movement disruption special rule). The US Raider in the east is eliminated (2)

play note: Americans can’t pull back, move forward, nor assault (they would all get disrupted). Jungle also gives the defender first fire. Frustrated and knowing the Japanese have 40 turns of rolling to score a hit, the mission is aborted and restarted with the Americans starting BEHIND the line. Premise: They can hold off the Japanese with direct fire and advance near dawn to deny Japanese control if required.

The Battle – Take Two

2000 – All quiet on the Pacific Front.

2015-2045 – In the east the Raider fought off the Japanese, who have lost a step and retreat into the jungle to recover.

2100 – SNLF advances toward the line into the empty caves. 1 SNLF is demoralized by direct fire.

2115-2130 – SNLF recovers under fire, and begins to exchange fire

2145 – First American Casualty from SNLF fire (“box cars”) (1)

2200-2215 – SNLF fire in the darkness eliminates an American platoon! “snake eyes”.

THE AMERICANS GIVE UP!

Aftermath

Facing 3 step losses already, and with the fate of the eastern Raiders doubtful, the Americans decide to concede the night rather than roll dice for the next few hours.