The Ambush

Japanese soldiers of the 6th Division have prepared for the last several weeks for an offensive against the American forces at Bougainville. Divided into three assault units, they advanced against the American positions. Fierce fighting defined these battles that occurred at all levels of command. The Japanese of Magata Unit …

1944-03-14

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Japanese soldiers of the 6th Division have prepared for the last several weeks for an offensive against the American forces at Bougainville. Divided into three assault units, they advanced against the American positions. Fierce fighting defined these battles that occurred at all levels of command. The Japanese of Magata Unit advanced along a logging trail against the American 37th Infantry Division around Taylor and Cox’s Creek. Initially successful, the Magata Unit would drive back the Buckeye Division. Supported by armor, the 37th would counterattack to regain the lost ground each time. As each separate action concluded, lulls in the fight would ensue, followed by a renewed effort by the Soldiers of the Magata Unit to again take the US positions. This back and forth fight would go on for eight days with each side advancing and retreating over the same land.

Bougainville, New Guinea

The Bougainville campaign was a series of land and naval battles of the Pacific campaign of World War II between Allied forces and the Empire of Japan, named after the island of Bougainville. It was part of Operation Cartwheel, the Allied grand strategy in the South Pacific. The campaign took place in the Northern Solomons in two phases. The first phase, in which American troops landed and held the perimeter around the beachhead at Torokina, lasted from November 1943 through November 1944.

Wikipedia: Bougainville campaign

American

Japanese