Big Guns at Bibilo PTO (id:#57834)

Heat of Battle (Buckeyes! ID: Buck06)   [next]   [previous]

Bibolo Hill, New Georgia Island 1943-08-03 (3 others)

Overview:

The main runway at Munda ran east-west alongside the coast. Sasaki chose to try and defend two hills at the western end of the airfield. The 230th Regiment was posted on Kokengola Hill, nearest to the runway. The 229th Regiment was posted on Bibolo Hill, a little to the north-east. The 13th Regiment was posted on the far left of the line. Sasaki knew that he wasn't going to receive any more reinforcements, and he had been ordered to fight to the last. 2 August saw an intense battle for the airfield break out. By the end of the day the 43rd Division had secured the low hills to the east of the airfield, while the 37th Division was approaching from the south. Munda Airfield soon after being captured Munda Airfield soon after being captured On 3 August the fighting reached the airfield itself. The 43rd Division captured the southern part of Bibolo Hill and the 37th moved around to the north-west of the air field. Japanese troops were now trying to flee from the area, but at least one force was intercepted on the trail to Bairoko.

Defender: Japanese (229th Infantry Regiment)  

Errata (source)