The isthmus of Salamaua was captured by the Japanese in early 1942. To hit back the Australians sent in a Commando Company to wreak havoc amongst the unsuspecting Japanese garrison. Two sections of the 2/5th Independent Company, some local ex-patriate riflemen and a mortar detachment stole into the town in darkness and carried off a vicious act of retribution against the invaders. AFTERMATH: While not achieving all of its objectives, the attack was declared a resounding success. Around 100 Japanese were killed within an hour, with numerous buildings set alight or turned into matchwood with TNT sticky bombs and incendiary flares. Three vehicles and a bridge were also destroyed, though prepared charges failed to go off at the wireless transmission towers and the hangar. Remarkably, Australian losses amounted to just three wounded.
Attacker: Australian (2/5 Independent Company and New Guinea Volunteer Rifles)
Defender: Japanese (82nd Garrison Battalion)
5.5 turns
Players: 2 OBA: None Night: Yes
Unit Counts:
Squads: A:9.5 D:7.0
AFVs: A:0
AFVs: D:0
Guns: A:0 D:0
Misc Rules:
NQ (A20.3), Night Lite rules. A: Stealthy, D: Lax with variable OoB.
Interesting scenario. Dan and I played it to the end with the Japanese counterattack nearly securing the win. At game end, the Japanese had retaken 5 buildings, but needed 6 for the win. So the Australians managed to get the win.
