Check out the show notes for the Guadalcanal series.
148 - The Battle of Henderson Field - Guadalcanal 1942
The Principles of War - Lessons from Military History on Strategy, Tactics, Doctrine and Leadership.
This episode is the 14th episode in our Guadalcanal series. We look at the Battle of Henderson Field, which is the decisive terrain for the campaign. Had the airfield been lost, it is likely that the US would not have been able to hold Guadalcanal.
We discuss:
How do you defend critical terrain against a numerically superior force?
How should defensive positions exploit terrain to maximize effectiveness?
How do you integrate combined arms in the defense?
How does poor communication affect tactical coordination?
How do you integrate unfamiliar units into ongoing operations?
The 164th got their introduction into combat at Henderson Field. They were a North Dakota National Guard unit and had only been on Guadalcanal for 10 days. They were bought up to bolster the heavily outnumbered defences. Rather than have the unit deploy into the line and take over a part of the line, Puller had small groups lead into their positions next to Marines. Piecemeal deployment, the last thing you want to happen to your Regiment, but it employed the green troops to fight next to seasoned Marines. At the end of the fight, Chesty Puller said, "These farm boys can fight!"
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 static defence, combined arms, terrain and leadership.
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
99 - The Death of a CO
This is the fourth episode in our Kokoda Track series looking at the performance of the 53rd Battalion. The 53rd, a militia Battalion, had some incredibly brave men. Virtually untrained, poorly equipped, with inexperienc…
98 - Creating the doctrinal and cultural changes for effective Mission Command with Jim Storr
This is part 2 of our interview with Dr Jim Storr, the author of Something Rotten: Land Command in the 21st Century. We discuss the correct size for a Headquarters. We discuss the selection and training of officers withi…
97 - Time and the importance of timeliness in orders with Jim Storr
This episode is with Dr Jim Storr, the author of Something Rotten. Preparing a set of orders is a core function of a Headquarters. Why have today's procedures changed from the what was done in WW2, what have we learnt an…
96 - The 53rd Battalion at Isurava during the Kokoda Campaign
This is the third episode in our Kokoda Track series looking at the performance of the 53rd Battalion. The 53rd, a militia Battalion, had some incredibly brave men. Virtually untrained, poorly equipped, with inexperience…
95 - A militia Battalion on the Kokoda Trail
This is the second episode in our Kokoda Track series looking at the performance of the 53rd Battalion. The 53rd, a militia Battalion, had some incredibly brave men. Virtually untrained, poorly equipped, with inexperienc…
94 - The 53rd Battalion on the Kokoda Trail
This episodes starts a new series looking at the Kokoda Track at the tactical, operational and strategic levels. This series will look for lessons from the experience of the 53rd Battalion. The 53rd is a sister Battalion…
93 - Chinese Deception Planning on the Yalu River, 1950
This episodes looks at PLA doctrine in 1950 and how it was used to surprise the UN forces on the Yalu River as well as looking at how deception is employed in contemporary PLA doctrine. Check out the show notes for the p…
92 - Deception and self deception on the Yalu River - 1950
Stunning intelligence failures, rigidity of mind and excellent Chinese tactical camouflage led to a stunning reversal of fortunes for the UN forces in late 1950 on the Yalu River? What deception measures did the Chinese…
91 - Principles for Employment of Artillery at 2nd Alamein
This episode looks at the the principles of employment for artillery 2nd Alamein and is part of our Battles of Alamein series. We discuss Why the German artillery performed so poorly. How Montgomery's use of artillery re…
90 - Counter Battery Fires at 2nd El Alamein
This episode looks at the Counter Battery battle at 2nd Alamein and is part of our Battles of Alamein series. Ramsay and Kirkman denied Axis Artillery the ability to interfere with the commencement of Op Lightfoot. How d…
