March 21, 1944
Major development has the troops moving out of Makassar. This upsets the whole applecart. My troops moving to cutoff his retreat are still 4 days (hence the March 25th D-Day) out. He will get out prior to that. CRAP!
OK. Time to amend the plan.
The 19th bombards the base and finds a very weak (less then 100 AV) 1st Aust ID, 1st Aust Corps, 1st USMC TK Bn (also beat-up), and the 9th RAAF M/W Sqn Eng Bn. The BBs hit the base and troops nicely doing over 500 Casualties and starting numerous fires.
His troops are SOOOOOOO weak. Order the 19th to Shock Attack tomorrow. The BBs will hit again and I order ALL Theatre air to hit the troops. This should be over 250 bombers. Place over 150 Fighters on LRCAP over Makassar. We'll force the retreat and open the Base for Japan.
Continuing the watch his shipping and see no movement towards anything. GREAT!
A Brigade arrives at Watampone and the hex north of it. Order a bombardment of Watampone to get an idea of what--exactly--is present.
Assuming we take Makassar next turn we'll then pursue into corner hex and drive him to Watampone. If no movement by Dan then we'll force the surrender there. Once again, if there is movement and/or imminent danger then we lift off the 2nd TK and 19th ID.
