CDG 32 – Marines at Tarawa 1943
Thus far, if anything could go wrong it has in the invasion of Betio, the main island of the Tarawa atoll. Coral reefs exposed by unexpectedly low tides kept most landing craft from reaching shore, and the Japanese seem to have shrugged off the intense pre-invasion naval bombardment. Any Marine who managed to wade safely ashore through the hail of bullets can consider himself lucky. You find yourself in command of a composite company on Red Beach 1, pondering what to do next. You can attack to the east and try to link up with other companies. You can attack south and try to take out the main Japanese guns to reduce losses in the reinforcement waves. Either way risks being left vulnerable to a banzai attack after darkness falls, so it may be best to consolidate your position and defend in place for now.
Which will you choose? Download the map and entry form from the link above.
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Sitting on the beach with the sea at your back would be suicide. It is essential that the company move off the beach towards their comrades to the east. The addition of the two tanks has provided a perfect opportunity for a breakout. They will provide perfect cover for the brutal small arms fire the company will come under while providing a much needed punch when attacking enemy positions as they try to link up. Communiction with the offshore ships will be able to provide rolling gunfire ahead of your company and soften enemy positions allowing you to link up with friendly forces faster.