Simultaneously, the batteries of the 12th Marines were struggling to
get their artillery pieces ashore and set to fire. One battery, in
support of the 2d Raider Battalion, waded through a lagoon to find
firing positions. Amtracs (amphibian tractors), supplemented by rubber
boats, were used to ferry the men and ammunition to the beaches. The
90mm antiaircraft guns of the 3d Defense Battalion were also brought
ashore early to defend against the anticipated air attacks.
The Japanese had been quick to respond to this concentration of
American ships. Before the first assault boats had hit the beach, a
large flight of enemy carrier planes was on its way to attack the
Marines and their supporting ships. New Zealand and Marine fighters
met them in the air and the covering destroyers put up a hail of
antiaircraft fire, while the transports and cargo ships took evasive
action. Successive Japanese flights were beaten off; 26 enemy planes
were shot down.
[Illustration: THE SOLOMON ISLANDS
1943]
[Illustration: