Operation Giantsbane (1940s) XXVIII
Battle of Bloody Ridge
Fri 26 Jan 2024
Ended
Operation Giantsbane (1940s) XXVIII
Operation order
Situation
Background Information
After taking Henderson airfield, the Marines on a patrol discovered a Japanese resupply base and uncovered plans to attack the airfield in the near future. Believing that the assault will likely come at the Bloody Ridge (since the ridge offers a natural avenue of approach to the airfield) the marines began fortifying it. This intelligence was reinforced with the reports from the native island scouts, confirming large troop movements towards the airfield perimeter.
On September 11th, heavy bombing of the perimeter caused little damage. Now a day later, the marines are prepared for a head-on assault.
NOTE: This will be a NIGHTTIME DEFENSIVE mission
Friendly Forces
"Easy" Rifle Platoon with attachments;
- 3x Mortar
- 3x Mortar
Supporting Assets
Members of the 1st Parachute Battalion are positioned to the east of the ridge,
Members of the 1st Raider Battalion are positioned to the west of the ridge.
Members of the 1st Raider Battalion are positioned to the west of the ridge.
Enemy Forces
Due to dense jungle and scout reporting, only infantry is expected.
The exact plan of the enemy is unknown, but we expect an attack from the south.
The exact plan of the enemy is unknown, but we expect an attack from the south.
Mission
Tasking
Defend and hold Bloody Ridge.
End-state
Success Bloody Ridge successfully defended.
Failure Bloody Ridge taken by enemy force.
Execution
Commander's Intent
My intent is to setup planned defences at Bloody Ridge and to hold it at any cost, in the event of all or part of the ridge falling, my intent is to counter-assault and take it back.
Tasks and Sequencing
Departing Henderson Airfield in the late afternoon ALL CALLSIGNS will disembark at the Command Post.
EASY 1 shall setup a defensive position at South Ridge, while EASY 2 shall setup at North Ridge and ANVIL 4 will man the Mortar Pit.
During the late afternoon EASY will prepare defences and mine expected in-routes in preparation for an expected attack while ANVIL 4 will coordinate with the Platoon Forward Observer planning fire positions for mortar fire in expected attack directions.
Specifics of the defensive plan can be found on the map provided.
We will then wait until darkness falls for the expected attack to commence. Tripwires laid by the Platoons combat engineers will give us early warning of an attack, to which we will open fire and commence mortar fire on the nearest fire position, as well as laying down sustained machine-gun fire.
Should South Ridge fall EASY 1 will fall back to North Ridge with EASY 2 and we will Mortar the enemy position at South Ridge until it can be retaken. Units should ensure bayonet's are attached in the event of being overrun and if possible, engineers should mine positions as we fall back.
Should North Ridge fall, we will fall back to the Command Post to organise a counter-assault.
Loss of the command post is not an acceptable option.
During the late afternoon EASY will prepare defences and mine expected in-routes in preparation for an expected attack while ANVIL 4 will coordinate with the Platoon Forward Observer planning fire positions for mortar fire in expected attack directions.
Specifics of the defensive plan can be found on the map provided.
We will then wait until darkness falls for the expected attack to commence. Tripwires laid by the Platoons combat engineers will give us early warning of an attack, to which we will open fire and commence mortar fire on the nearest fire position, as well as laying down sustained machine-gun fire.
Should South Ridge fall EASY 1 will fall back to North Ridge with EASY 2 and we will Mortar the enemy position at South Ridge until it can be retaken. Units should ensure bayonet's are attached in the event of being overrun and if possible, engineers should mine positions as we fall back.
Should North Ridge fall, we will fall back to the Command Post to organise a counter-assault.
Loss of the command post is not an acceptable option.Administration/Logistics
Resupply
Ammo Bearers from EASY will run the resupply route from South and North Ridge to the Command Post and back.
Medical
Medical support will be conducted in field (PAK in Field)
Fire Support Plan
Mortar Fire provided by ANVIL 4 and authorised via EASY 7, in accordance with SOP.
Command/Signal
Considerations
The Platoon Leader will coordinate with EASY Squad Leaders through their radio operators.
The Forward Observer will coordinate with ANVIL's Fire Support Chief directly over radio
All other communication will take place off-radio.