Tuesday 23rd October.

49 Days to go.

Well, never mind about the recent sad events, I am not one to dwell on the situation. A surprise awaited me at work on Monday, Austin Powers turned up at work. I like Austin. Loads of fun to spend time with and as a former Fiji Rugby player we had a lot to talk about the RWC Final.

Made a couple of breakthroughs in work too. A couple of my projects have been implemented and now I am in the maintenance phase for them. Which is nice. I am now working on another that will probably last until I leave.

Guru had a problem today, see the picture at the top. Either look very closely or click on it to enlarge the photo. I thought that things like this were urban myths until I saw it with my own eyes.

Back to the battles of WW2. Also during November the Western perimeter was increased across the Matanikau River. The increase continued until they were halted by a large Japanese force.
In early December, a further Infantry Regiment arrived to strengthen the Eastern perimeter.

On the 8th of December, more Infantry Battalions arrived. On the 9th the command was changed. The Marines were relieved and the Army took over. For some it was the end of 4 months battle against a superior numbered enemy, harsh conditions and disease. The medical opinion was that 2 months was the maximum that these conditions could be endured. Not for the first time man has endured far greater punishment than believed possible in the face of adversity.

As the US were comfortable in their achievements the opportunity was taken to shuffle the manpower. From early December through to early January 1943 Battalions and Regiments were moved either off the Island for rest or return home, others moved onto the island. Thanks to those leaving, they could arrive to a more stable place and not have to fight for every step they took.

The US forces were contained on the Island now to an area 5 miles East and South of Henderson and about 20 miles west. With the airport and a landing area now secure they were to attempt to gain control over the whole Island. The biggest threat was from Mt. Austen. This was the peak from which the Japanese controlled their own attacks and they could monitor the movements of the US troops.