Lt Col Higginbotham's ANZAC Force Long Campaign

[KG Erwin]

(This is the Brit Long campaign, with ANZAC forces substituted.)

April 1942: Lashio-- Lt. Col Higginbotham reporting , sir. I have designated my battalion as the "Alamo Force" , in deference to our poor American brethren fighting on secondary fronts.

They have seen fit to supply us with some of their most modern tanks, undoubtedly to ensure that they will be properly used.

I have three companies of his majesty's finest foot, augmented by the finest and most modern equipment available. We are well equipped with machineguns and mortars, supplemented by ample artillery support. We are prepared to give these savage Orientals a dose of modern warfare in the English fashion.

Quick note: I didn't know much about these guys, and didn't buy any engineers or recon. Infantry, tanks, light mortars and machine guns. That's it. The basics.

In my first battle, I'm delaying against the Japanese. I deliberately spread my force thin. My whole line is essentially an outpost line, to prevent infiltration. No reserves to speak of, except for the tanks. Thank god I have them.

[Alby]

Alamo force...LOL
you are not planning on getting wiped out are you..
[:D]

[KG Erwin]

Absolutely not, Alby.  I have faith in these guys. Let's see how they hold up. 

[KG Erwin]

The Thin Red Line? I supplied my men with a plethora of fire support. I learned of Japanese assault tactics from Chinese sources. Therefore, I added more machine guns and mortars to my core force. When they appear, I will hit them with a wall of fire. Let them come.

[KG Erwin]

Lashio, April 2, 1942: Japanese AFVs appear. They don't stand a chance against even the 37mm guns of the imported American "Lee".

[KG Erwin]

OK, quick timeout:  this is early on, so I immediately notice that the Marines don't have to face Japanese tanks in their first battles --  it makes no difference, as the Stuart light tanks and 37mm ATGs can make quick work of them. 

The reason I bring it up is because this is one of the subtle differences in the "big six" long campaigns.   I also gotta say right now that the ANZACs are some tough SOBs -- I like 'em. 

[sabrejack]

ORIGINAL: KG Erwin

I also gotta say right now that the ANZACs are some tough SOBs -- I like 'em. 

Antipodeans tend to be fairly hardy souls...

[azraelck]

ORIGINAL: sabrejack

Antipodeans tend to be fairly hardy souls...

Ok, I'll give an imaginary empty shell casing to know what the frag he just said...

[robot]

Not sure but I think does not walk upright. Or something to that effect.

[h_h_lightcap]

Aussies were tough!!! At Tobruk the Aussies defeated Rommel---First German Battle loss!! In New Guinea, the Aussies gave the Japanese army their first defeat!!!!


Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oi, Oi, Oi!!!!



HH