135 - How the Marines Prepared for Guadalcanal | Operation Watchtower Explained

This is the first in a major series of podcasts looking at the Battles of Guadalcanal. This is an interview with Dave Holland.

This episode looks at:

Guadalcanal's strategic significance
Terrain and Climate of Guadalcanal
Development of Marine Amphibious Doctrine
Combat experience within the 1st Marine Division
Strength and structure of a Marine Division
US intelligence preparation before the landings
Japanese intelligence and intentions
US decision to land on Guadalcanal and Tulagi
Operation Shoestring

Dave is an ex-Marine and was posted to Guadalcananal 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.