 Meanwhile , native island scouts — directed by British government official and officer in the British Solomon Islands <unk> Defence Force , Martin <unk> — told the Marines of Japanese troops at <unk> , near the village of <unk> , about 17 mi ( 27 km ) east of <unk> . <unk> launched a raid against the Japanese troops at <unk> . Destroyer transports USS McKean and <unk> and two patrol boats took <unk> of <unk> 's men to <unk> in two trips . <unk> and his first wave of <unk> troops landed at <unk> at 05 : 20 ( local time ) on 8 September . <unk> by aircraft from Henderson Field and gunfire from the destroyer transports , <unk> 's men advanced towards <unk> village but were slowed by Japanese resistance . At 11 : 00 , the rest of <unk> 's men landed . With this reinforcement and more support from the Henderson Field aircraft , <unk> 's force pushed into the village . The Japanese defenders , believing a major landing was underway after observing the concurrent approach of an Allied supply ship convoy heading towards <unk> Point , retreated into the jungle , leaving behind 27 dead . Two Marines were killed . 
