1942 - US Army Center Of Military History

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Road to Myitkyina; the road is eventually to link with
Burma Road.
EGYPT—Enemy counterattacks strongly against
Kidney Ridge, committing reinforcements that have
moved up from the S, and is repulsed with heavy
losses. Br Eighth Army continues regrouping for
breakout assault. 7th Armd Div, reinf by brig of
44th Div, brig of 50th Div, and Greek Brig, is transferred
from 13 to 30 Corps. 1st Armd Div of 10
Corps is withdrawn into reserve.
28 October
NEW GUINEA—2d Bn of 126th Inf, U.S- 32d
Div, and portable hospital begin difficult march
from Jaure toward Natunga and Bofu, preceded by
Cos E and F, which are to secure dropping grounds.
EGYPT—After probing Br positions in Kidney
Ridge area, enemy begins forming for attack but is
forced by Allied aircraft to abandon it. During night
28–29, Aus 9th Div of 30 Corps, Br Eighth Army,
begins northward attack toward the sea in effort
to eliminate enemy’s coastal salient and secure
coastal road and RR. Narrow wedge is driven almost
to the road despite stubborn opposition from
Thompson’s Post, key point in enemy’s coastal
positions.
29 October
WESTERN HEMISPHERE—Alaska Military Highway
opens to traffic.
ALEUTIAN IS.—Japanese reoccupy Attu.
GUADALCANAL—Japanese, having suffered heavy
casualties in recent battles, begin general withdrawal
about this time toward Koli Pt and Kokumbona.
1st Mar Div prepares for offensive to drive enemy
westward beyond Poha R. 2d Marines ( — 3d Bn)
is ordered to Guadalcanal from Tulagi to assist in
the offensive; 3d Bn, which has been operating as
mobile reserve in Lunga area, is to return to Tulagi
for garrison duty. Attack is to begin on 1 November
after outposts have been established W of the
Matanikau and bridges have been constructed across
the river.
NEW GUINEA—Japanese commit fresh forces
from beachhead to hold heights at Oivi in order to
cover withdrawal across Kumusi R.
EGYPT—Australians withstand determined
enemy attacks against their wedge in N sector of
30 Corps and Br Eighth Army front. Gen Montgomery,
learning of the presence of strong German
reinforcements on N coast, alters breakout plan.
Instead of pushing W along coast, he decides to
shift axis of advance S in order to drive against
Italians.
[ 28 OCTOBER–2 NOVEMBER 1942 ]
30 October
EGYPT—Br Eighth Army renews assault on N
flank of 30 Corps during night 30–31. Aus 9th Div
drives N to the sea, then pushes E, trapping large
enemy force. Allied planes provide excellent tactical
support, attacking accurately in small area to neutralize
Thompson’s Post. Most of the pocketed
enemy force subsequently succeeds in escaping when
tanks from W break through to assist.
31 October
GUADALCANAL—1st Mar Div completes preparations
for offensive. 5th Marines and 2d Marines
( — ) move into attack positions along the Matanikau.
During night 31 October–1 November, Co E
of 5th Marines crosses the Matanikau and outposts
W bank, and 1st Engr Bn constructs 3 footbridges.
1 November
GUADALCANAL—1st Mar Div, with arty, naval
gunfire, and air support, launches attack toward
Poha R. 5th Marines, followed by 2d Marines (less
3d Bn) in reserve, crosses footbridges over Matanikau
R and drives W about 1,000 yards in 2 columns
to positions short of Pt Cruz, 1st Bn, the right flank
column, meeting considerable delaying opposition
along coast. Whaling Group (3d Bn of 7th Marines
and scout-sniper detachment) crosses the river upstream
and advances W on inland route to protect
left flank of 5th Marines. To forestall expected
enemy landings in Koli Pt area, E of Lunga
perimeter, 2d Bn of 7th Marines starts E toward
Metapona R.
USSR—Close combat between Soviet garrison
of Stalingrad (62d and 64th Armies) and German
6th and 4th Pz Armies of Army Group B continues,
but the garrison has proved itself capable of weathering
maximum effort of enemy. In the Caucasus, Red
Army has frustrated every enemy effort to reach
Grozny and is containing attacks toward Tuapse,
but German Army Group A captures Alagir, blocking
Ossetian Highway, which extends from Alagir
to Kutais.
2 November
GUADALCANAL—5th Marines envelops enemy on
coast at Pt Cruz. 3d Bn joins 1st Bn in coastal battle
E of Pt Cruz while 2d Bn, on left, drives N to coast
W of Pt Cruz and turns E, trapping enemy. 2d
Marines ( — 3d Bn) moves forward on left of 5th
Marines to continue westward attack. Stores, ammunition,
and 1 Army and 1 Marine Corps 155-mm
gun battery arrive at Lunga Pt. The 2 batteries are
the heaviest U.S. arty to reach the island and the first