Seaborne Paratroopers v. 1.1 - The Matrix Games version of Rising Sun

Gavutu and Tanambogo Islands, Solomon Islands Chain, Southwest Pacific Ocean. Historical. {best played as allied or against human opponent). While the Marine Raiders were assaulting Tulagi, the Marine 1st Parachute Battalian had the job of amphibiously assaulting the two tiny islands of Gavutu and Tanambogo, which were located 3,000 yards east of Tulagi and 20 miles north of Guadalcanal. The taking of these islands was necessary to secure the immeadiate area around Guadalcanal and to deny the Japanese a forward base of operations. Naval support for the Marine paratroopers came in the form of three destroyers with 5 inch guns, one cruiser with 6 inch guns and the aircraft carrier USS Wasp with SBD divebombers and F4F fighters. In addition, the 3rd Battalian/2nd Marine Regiment was in reserve if needed and "B" Company 2nd Battalian/1st Marine Regiment were availible and would be attatched to the Para Marines after their recon of Florida Island. Defending Gavutu and Tanambogo was a battalian of the 3rd Kure Special Naval Landing Force. Both islands had a steep coral and jungle covered hill, which were infested with caves. The Japanese had improved on the natural defenses of the islands and were dug in and ready. For the Marines, the element of surprise was gone, due to the fact that nearby Tulagi had been under attack for over four hours, and with little room for manouver, this would be a very tough fight. Toe to toe with the Japanese! (Authors note: I had to triple the size of the islands for playability reasons. The islands are so small, that if I had used the proper scale they would have been little more than 3 to 5 hexes long and 1 to 3 hexes wide. A very cramped area for three battalians at platoon strength. Therefore, each hex eguals about 80 yards. MW)