Check out the show notes for the Guadalcanal series.
147 - The Japanese tank attack in the Battle of Henderson Field - Guadalcanal
The Principles of War - Lessons from Military History on Strategy, Tactics, Doctrine and Leadership.
This episode looks at the Sumiyoshi's tank attack across the Matanikau - an attempt to draw defenders away from the perimeter of Henderson Field. We also discuss why Muryama coundn;t synchronise his forces and the dysfunction within the Japanese Headquarters.
We look at -
What are the consequences of relieving a subordinate commander on the eve of battle? (And what role did Tsuji play in Kawaguchi's dismissal?)
What happens when multiple attacking elements operate independently without coordination?
How should armour, infantry, and artillery be coordinated in an assault?
What is the value of pre-registered artillery fires in defense?
How can the Japanese achieve tactical surprise despite proximity?
What is the purpose and risk of outposts forward of the main defensive line?
Dave Holland is an ex-Marine and was posted to Guadalcanal with the Australian Federal Police. He regularly leads battlefield study tours through the area. He is a world-leading expert on the battles of Guadalcanal and author of Guadalcanal's Longest Fight - The Pivotal Battles of the Matanikau Front.
https://www.patreon.com/cw/principlesofwar - if you've learnt something from this episode and you can afford it, please support the podcast at Patreon.
Looking for YouTube PME videos? Check out the Principles of War YouTube Channel.
Great Professional Military Education for your Unit. This episode covers co-operation, the employment of armour and command dysfunction.
The Principles of War - Lessons from Military History on Strategy, Tactics, Doctrine and Leadership.
Hosted by James Eling, The Principles of War-Lessons from Military History on Strategy, Tactics, Doctrine and Leadership is a deep dive into the timeless patterns of conflict. This isn't just a recitation of dates and troop movements. Instead, each episode takes a pivotal historic battle and examines it through the lens of enduring military principles, extracting practical insights on strategy, combined arms, and command. The discussions are structured to serve as a resource for professional military education, condensing complex analyses into focused, thirty-minute sessions. You'll hear how decisions made centuries ago still resonate within modern doctrine, offering lessons on leadership and tactical execution that are applicable far beyond the battlefield. The aim is to provide these lessons in a compelling narrative format, moving beyond dry after-action reports. For anyone fascinated by how history informs present-day thinking in governance, organizational leadership, and strategic planning, this podcast functions as a regular, thought-provoking seminar. Tune in to explore the fundamental concepts that have shaped outcomes throughout military history and continue to define success in high-stakes environments.
Podcast Episodes
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149 - Why did the Marines stop 1,000 yards short of victory at 4th Matanikau - Guadalcanal
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148 - The Battle of Henderson Field - Guadalcanal 1942
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145 - 973 rounds in 83 minutes. The Battleship Bombardment of Henderson Field
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144 - Situational Awareness and the fight for Guadalcanal's Key Terrain - 3rd Battle of the Matanikau
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143 - Inside the Japanese OODA loop on Guadalcanal - Vandegrift and 3rd Matanikau
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