A typical Marine Patrol on Cape Gloucester. (scanned by HOS Bandit)

Cape Gloucester

The bodies of three Japanese soldiers are examined by a patrol of Marines on Cape Gloucester. (scanned by HOS Bandit)

On November 21, 1943, on the Island of Bougainville, the unsupported vanguard company of 2/21 Marines blundered into a Japanese blocking position at the junction of Numa Numa and East-West trails as it sought to occupy the same position. Outnumbered 3 to 1, as the rest of their battalion rushed to their defence, all units were able to consolidate behind a screen of artillery, fired by this and other 105mm Howitzers. (scanned by HOS Bandit)