Tarawa - Geen Beach WWII 15mm

   Got a chance to play a good Tarawa scenario with the group at Mark's house for a Thursday night fight.  The focus was on the Marine landing at Green beach and their success.  Lots of surprises from the Japanese in bunkers and concealed positions.
   The Marines had amphibious landing craft that really kept them protected.  They also had some armor and close air support.  The air support turned out to be decisive.  Anything in the open was doomed. 
   The Japanese were able to pop from concealed positions and had machine guns, some anti tank guns, as well as snipers.  They were able to hold the initial Marine advances but could not reinforce any successes and eventually fought to the last.

Japanese underground at this point.

The start of the Marine landings. 

Marines coming ashore.



Early Japanese fire.

A real fight develops just inside the sea wall.

Lots of fire starting to come from the Japanese positions. 

Armor on the beach.

Watch out for strafing runs.  Took a real pounding from these.

Japanese sniper in the trees

Marines with support slugging it out for every inch of ground.

Japanese anti tank guns are the last line of defense.