Island Life: Guadalcanal 1942 - part 1

This was a WW2 played last month in Sheffield.  Five of us gathered to push toys around.  I  had very loosely based the scenario on bits of the Guadalcanal campaign but disguised this in the payer briefings.

Thanks are due to all the players (Russell, Pete, Diego & John) for making it such a great game and to the first three for the use of their photos.

Doug wasn't here but I have the figure so it seemed only reasonable to have him striding ashore. 

Japanese briefing

Following Japan’s attack at Pearl Harbor last December, our glorious forces have rapidly

extended the area under Imperial control. Recently the Imperial Navy has constructed an

airfield on the obscure island of East Pitkerro – part of the Mearns group. This will threaten

the supply route between the USA and Australia.

The American landing on the island a few days ago has seized the airfield approaches.

Retain or re-capture the airfield and expand the perimeter in order to make it useable for

Japanese forces.

The Jap forces amounted to a reinforced infantry regiment.

US briefing

Following Japan’s attack at Pearl Harbor last December, Japanese forces have rapidly extended the area under their control. Intelligence has been received that the Japanese Navy has constructed an airstrip on the island of East Pitkerro (part of the Mearns group). This would threaten the supply route between the USA and Australia. It has therefore been decided to carry out a landing in reinforced division strength on the island. The landing will be facilitated by a large US fleet and a flotilla of specialized landing craft. The Japanese will be defeated by overwhelming force, using a combination of courage and technology.

Capture the airfield and expand the perimeter in order to make it useable for US forces.

US forces comprised a 2-battalion Marine regiment plus some supports.

Me taking photos while John lurks in the background

Japanese aviation gathers

A US battalion: 3 companies, 2 MG platoons, mortar plt, Assault detachment, HQ.

The action opened with a Japanese air raid

Initially all units were represented by cards and only revealed as they became visible.  Further cards were used to determine the order of play.