Navy Department Communique No. 183

NOVEMBER 6, 1942

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. During the night of November 4-5:
   • (a) Japanese troops launched several strong counterattacks against U. S. forces in the area west of the Matanikau River on Guadalcanal Island. These attacks were repulsed with heavy losses to the enemy.
   • (b) Our air forces strafed enemy troops during continuous air patrols which were maintained over the enemy lines.
2. There has been no change in our eastern positions in the vicinity of Koli Point.
   • (a) U. S. troops continued successful attacks against enemy positions west of the Matanikau River. Three field pieces, twelve 37-mm. light artillery guns and 30 machine guns were captured and 350 Japanese were killed.
   • (b) During the night of November U. S. naval forces shelled 3-4 enemy positions near Kokumbona.
   • (c) During the night of November 3-4, further enemy forces were landed on the north coast of Guadalcanal, east of Koli Point. After an initial repulse at dawn on November 4th, U. S. Marines are pressing their attack on these enemy troops.