Battle Report: Following the battle of “Edson’s Ridge”, Japanese survivors from the 4th and 124th Infantry Regiments were returning back to their bases along the Matanikau River by mid-afternoon on September 24, 1942. Marines from the 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Division moved west through dense jungle in an effort to cut them off and clear the area. Meanwhile, other units from the Japanese 124th Infantry Regiment moved east along the coastal track and joined units from the 3rd Cure and 5th Yokosuka SNLF in Matanikau village at 1530 hours. By 1630, Japanese survivors moving north connected with the infantry reinforcements from the coastal track and combined groups engaged the Marine units emerging from the jungle. Most skirmishes here occurred on the north ridge of the large hill south of the river outlet, and there were extensive casualties on both sides. As night fell, a brief thunderstorm dampened the area and skirmishing ebbed. Units from both sides refreshed, regrouped and re-positioned overnight although there was some confusion due to the darkness. As dawn broke, the Americans were positioned on the ridges East and SE of the village, while the Japanese line covered the edge of the jungle opposite them. Shortly thereafter, Japanese observers spotted units from the 2nd Marine Battalion coming from the East and stood down.

Analysis: This is a lengthy 120-turn scenario that covers over 24 hours of fighting with both hex control and step loss objectives for both sides. Both sides are also affected by disorientation the entire scenario, and disruption when moving during the night hours. The objective hexes for victory by either side are in close proximity southeast of the mouth of the Matanikau, but there is little need for early hex control; this is particularly true for the Americans, since they must remove six units from map 16 turns after losing two steps. Getting the Japanese survivors to a safe area is important early in the game, as there are a number of reduced units that can be easy pickings for the US to gain step losses. So, despite the movement impediments and disorientation, they were moved as quickly as possible along a safe route toward the area west of the village. During that process, a fortuitous “2” on an assault die roll caused two US step losses, so the US had to remove six units from play on Turn #31. Neither side had the requisite step losses needed for victory as night fell, and fighting diminished during the night hours due to limited visibility, the disruption penalty for movement and a similar die roll penalty for recovery rolls. The US had been carful not to bring the SNLF units into play and continued to stay back defending the area around the US objective hex only. With the advent of US reinforcements literally on the horizon, the Japanese moved to get the requisite number of US steps (7 steps) for victory; however, they were unable to do so before losing 19 steps, which allowed for an American victory. The game ended on Turn #67, one turn prior to the arrival of US reinforcements, and was declared a draw. The scenario plays out very well, albeit long, and gives a historical feel of the battle.