Point Break
June 30, 1943

Allied Briefing

by Allen Ray Garbee

Intelligence:

The majority of Japanese troop strength in the area is believed to be to the north and west. Enemy strength in the immediate vicinity of the beachhead is believed to number 300 personnel.

Objective:

MacKetchnie Force is tasked with seizing a beachhead on the shores of Nassau Bay. Terrain objectives include a line inland 1000 yards from the beach as well as securing the flanks to the Bitoi River to the north and the Tabali River to the south. Once these objectives have been achieved, defend the perimeter and await reinforcement.

Deployment:

The landing force is detailed in the order of battle. A landing plan must be developed assigning troops to specific craft and assigning craft to specific landing waves. A detachment of the 2/6th Australian Infantry will display marker lights defining the landing beaches.

Allied Order of Battle

Elements, 2/6th Infantry, with;
2 recon patrols

MacKetchnie Force; (Experienced, Morale 8)

    Force Headquarters, with; 1 command stand (Col. MacKetchnie) and 1 support stand

Company, 116th Engineer Combat Bn., with;

    1 command engineer stand
    2 engineer stands

Portable Surgical Hospital, with;

    1 command stand
    3 support stands

C battery, 209th Coast Artillery, with;

    1 command stand
    2 AAMG stands

Elements, 218th Field Artillery (- ), with;

    1 command stand
    1 155L20 howitzer
    1 gun crew (ds)
    1 light truck
    1 light ammo truck

A Co. Papuan Infantry Bn., with;

    1 command infantry stand
    2 infantry stands

1/162nd Infantry, with;

    Headquarters, with; 1 command stand and 1 jeep Headquarters Company, with;
      1 command stand
      1 jeep
      1 gun crew
      1 37L53 AT gun
    3 Rifle Companies, each with;
      1 command stand 3 infantry stands
      1 weapons stand
    Heavy Weapons Company, with;
      1 command stand
      1 jeep
      2 jeeps with light ammo trailers
      1 81 mm mortar stand (ds)
      2 MMG stands

532nd EB&S Regiment , with;

    A Company, with;
      1 command LCVP
      7 LCVP
      1 LCM
    PT Boat Division, with;
      4 PT Boats
      2 barges

Notes:

1. Set up: The patrols of the 216th are placed along the beach, midway between the Bitoi and Tibali rivers, and no closer than 8" to each other. These stands are providing marker lights to the landing force and must remain stationary during night turns. If forced to move by enemy activity, add one (1) to the die rolls for damage from heavy surf (see environment and weather section in the referee's notes).

MacKetchnie Force should be formed into at least two waves and begin the scenario with the 1st wave 10' from the shore. Subsequent waves are placed according to the landing plan. After all craft are deployed, roll 1d10 and 1d6 per wave. Consult the deviation table for direction and apply the 1d6 roll as distance.

2. TO&E changes: The above TO&Es deviate from the 'book' TO&Es for a number of reasons. The requirement to squeeze the troops onto the available landing craft meant the majority of the heavy vehicles were left behind.


Point Break The Allied Landing at Nassau Bay June 30, 1943


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