THE WAR COLLEGE-Rio Bravo (A) v. El Lobo (J)

[Rio Bravo]

ORIGINAL: Commander Cody

I always figured it was Reverend Lovejoy, but you learn something new every day.

Cheers,
CC

Commander Cody-


I have a feeling that the Marines in China are going to need a Reverend.

Best Regards,

-Terrty

[Rio Bravo]

[center]CULPEPPER CATTLE COMPANY

September 26, 1943[/center]


BACKGROUND

Operation Land Shark

On the eve of October 14, 1942, the Allies had established a massive force in India along the border of Burma from Cox’s Bazar to Ledo. This force consisted of U.S. Army, Australian, British, and Indian Infantry Divisions supported by numerous armor, artillery, anti-aircraft, and engineers along with hundreds of fighters, bombers, search, and transport aircraft that had also been shipped to India. It had taken the Allies ten (10) months to consolidate such a massive force along the India-Burma border.

The next day, after the end of the Monsoon Season, on October 15, 1942, the Allies launched Operation Land Shark.

The primary Objective of Land Shark is to march from India to Manchukua and Korea; thereby liberating Burma and China and conquering Manchukua and Korea.

The Allies had initially thought that they would easily roll through Burma and be in China in force prior to the first day of February, 1943. However, the Allies were surprised when they learned that they were facing the equivalency of twenty (20) Japanese Infantry Divisions in Burma. It took the Allies until September 24, 1943 to boot the Japanese from Burma into Thailand.

As of September 26, 1943, Operation Land Shark has an Assault Value of 2,000 in China situated due West of Paoshan. The balance of the U.S. Army, Australian, and British Land Shark forces are in route from Burma to China. Within the first couple weeks of October, 1943, Land Shark will have an approximate Assault Value in China of 7,500.

Operation Sea Shark

On June 4, 1943, Operation Sea Shark left Pearl Harbor. Sea Shark ground forces consisted of a U. S. Marine Assault Value of 3,200 and a combined U.S. Army, Canadian, and New Zealand Assault Value of 2,900 along with numerous armor, artillery, anti-aircraft, engineers, and 1,600 fighters, bombers, search, and transport aircraft.

The primary Objectives of Operation Sea Shark were to capture the four Southern Marianas Islands to provide a staging area for upcoming Operations Bottle (the invasions of Takao, Formosa), Cork (the invasion of Pescadores), and John B. Hood (the invasion of Amoy, China) and to provide the Eastern lynchpin for the upcoming naval blockade of Japan proper (Operation name to be identified and provided to The War College members in the near future).

On June 23, 1943, Sea Shark forces captured Saipan, Tinian, Rota, and Guam.

Operations Bottle, Cork, and John B. Hood

On September 10, 1943, Operations Bottle, Cork, and John B. Hood left the four Southern Marianas islands. Bottle, Cork, and Hood ground forces consisted of a U.S. Marine Assault Value of 3,200 and a U.S. Army Assault Value of 2,000 along with numerous armor, artillery, anti-aircraft, and engineers.

The primary Objectives of Operations Bottle, Cork, and John B. Hood were to provide a logistics path to China, to provide the Western lynchpin for the upcoming naval blockade of Japan proper, and to provide bases to bomb aircraft factories on Japan proper.

On September 24, 1943, The U.S. Army captured Takao, Formosa and Pescadores, and the U.S. Marines captured Amoy, China.

These three operations are presently unloading the balance of troops, supply, and fuel at the above three locations.

Present Day China

Within the first month of the outbreak of hostilities with Japan, it was evident that El Lobo intended to conquer all of China. El Lobo has dedicated approximately the equivalent of twenty (20) plus infantry divisions along with substantial air assets to accomplish this goal.

To date, El Lobo controls all of China except for the following areas:

1.) The Himalayas (i.e., the road from Chengtu southwest through the mountains to Tsuyung)
2.) Chungking.
3.) South of Chungking to Chihkiang.
4.) Amoy.
5.) West of Paoshan to the Burmese border.

Presently, El Lobo has distributed the vast bulk of his troops in China as follows and he has a substantial force that fled Burma to Chiang Mai Thailand as follows:

Chungking

5,176 AV

10 Division
20 Division
23 Division
32 Division
35 Division
40 Division
58 Division
63 Division
104 Division
110 Division
2 Ind. Mixed Brigade
11 Ind. Mixed Brigade
69 Infantry Regiment
3 Tank Regiment
5 Tank Regiment

One Hex SE of Chungking (77,46)

3,072 AV

3 Division
14 Division
34 Division
36 Division
37 Division
41 Division
7 In. Mixed Brigade
11 Tank Regiment

Approximately 20 other units between Chungking and Chihkiang. AV unknown.

One Hex W of Paoshan (64,45)

2,859 AV

6 Division
13 RGC Temp Division
22 Division
39 Division
60 Division
58 Infantry Regiment
61 Infantry Brigade
71 Infantry Brigade
138 Infantry Brigade
3 Tank Division
7 Ind. Tank Brigade

Paoshan

11 units; 33,800 troops; 206 guns; and 227 AFV.

Chiang Mai Vicinity

5,199 AV

1 RTA Division
2 Division
2 Guards Division
4 Guards Division
5 Guards Division
17 Division
19 Division
33 Division
38 Division
48 Division
52 Division
56 Division
Guards Mixed Brigade
7 Guards Infantry Regiment
11 Militia Regiment
23 Indian Mixed Brigade
41 Infantry Regiment
Guards Tank Division
1 Tank Regiment
4 Tank Regiment

Presently, the Allies have the following ground forces either in China or in route to China:

Himalaya Mountains

1,500 Assault Value (Chinese Troops).

Chungking

6,671 Assault Value (Chinese troops).

South of Chungking to Chihkiang

6,668 Assault Value (Chinese Troops).

Amoy

3,200 Assault Vale (U.S. Marines).

Paoshan Vicinity

2,000 Assault Value (U. S. Army).

In Route from Burma to China

1,500 Assault Value (U.S. Army).
2,500 Assault Value (Australians).
1,500 Assault Value (British).

OPERATION CULPEPPER CATTLE COMPANY

Objectives

1.) Open a logistics path from Amoy to Chihkiang to get supply to the Chinese that have already fled Chungking and are marching south to meet the Marines at Chihkiang.
2.) Build airbases and forts along the logistical path from Amoy to Chihkiang.
3.) Disrupt Japanese supply to Japanese troops in the north and those in the vicinity of Paoshan.
4.) Apply pressure on Japanese troops to encourage El Lobo to withdraw all or at least a portion of the Japanese that have laid siege to Chungking.

Ground Forces

The following United States Marine Infantry and Armor units along with eleven (11) Marine Corps Defense Battalions and numerous engineers have captured and are presently situated at Amoy, China:

1 Marine Division
2 Marine Division
3 Marine Division
4 Marine Division
22 Marine Regiment
1 Marine Raider Battalion
2 Marine Raider Battalion
3 Marine Raider Battalion
4 Marine Raider Battalion
1 USMC Parachute Battalion
2 USMC Parachute Battalion
3 USMC Parachute Battalion
1 USMC Corps Tank Battalion
1 USMC Tank Battalion
2 USMC Tank Battalion
3 USMC Tank Battalion
4 USMC Tank Battalion
640 TD Battalion

The Route to Chihkiang

Amoy
Kukong
Henyang
Shaoyeng
Chihkiang

Perhaps, depending upon circumstances, the Marines will also capture Kanhsien, Kweilin, and Singatan.

Commencement Date

Operation Culpepper Cattle Company is scheduled to commence on September 29, 1943 after Operation John B. Hood has fully unloaded approximately 650,00 of supply at Amoy.

Special Correspondent Updates

Captain Haggard has imbedded a Special Naval War Correspondent (F. Q. Bloomquist-Rose, of SPECOP Haggard Group) with the First Marine Division and will provide updates regarding the Marines progress with Operation Culpepper Cattle Company.

End Note

I do not expect El Lobo to welcome the Marines with open arms and cordially invite them to the “Annual Chungking Fall Roundup and Barbecue.”


Attached below is a map of China as of September 26, 1943.

Best Regards,

-Terry

[adarbrauner]

Hi Rio Bravo;

Although El Lobo has not renewed neither updated his AAR since long, my first impression is that you've been excessively ambitiuos here;

my impression is that you're engulfing yourself in an unpredictable, on the positive side for you, campaign in China;

not enough you placed your naval assets under the theets of superior Japanese air and under unfavorable logistic conditions, not only in the Marianas which would have be more than enough to keep against the balance of the whole Japanese combined fleet close to Mainland and many other major bases, a more than enough challange per se,

but even more you poked your nose in invading Formosa, and now the culpepper cowboy/cavalry ride to Chungking [X(][X(][X(][X(][X(];

in first place, full congratulations for the audacity, organization and clear and keen strategic overall vision, besides your deciveness in applying the plans;

and now, much is due to EL Lobo and his subsequent behaviors, because he's been given a range of options and possible reactions rarely matched in any of the wargames played here on this platform, if at all; also for the potential results he may gain;

regardless, it'll be very interesting to follow;

[Rio Bravo]

ORIGINAL: adarbrauner

Hi Rio Bravo;

Although El Lobo has not renewed neither updated his AAR since long, my first impression is that you've been excessively ambitiuos here;

my impression is that you're engulfing yourself in an unpredictable, on the positive side for you, campaign in China;

not enough you placed your naval assets under the theets of superior Japanese air and under unfavorable logistic conditions, not only in the Marianas which would have be more than enough to keep against the balance of the whole Japanese combined fleet close to Mainland and many other major bases, a more than enough challange per se,

but even more you poked your nose in invading Formosa, and now the culpepper cowboy/cavalry ride to Chungking [X(][X(][X(][X(][X(];

in first place, full congratulations for the audacity, organization and clear and keen strategic overall vision, besides your deciveness in applying the plans;

and now, much is due to EL Lobo and his subsequent behaviors, because he's been given a range of options and possible reactions rarely matched in any of the wargames played here on this platform, if at all; also for the potential results he may gain;

regardless, it'll be very interesting to follow;

adarbrauner-


Welcome back to The War College!

I had previously and erroneously advised The War College that El Lobo had returned to his home in Thailand. However, El Lobo and I had a lack of understanding as El Lobo has extended his stay in the states until October 31, 2017. Accordingly, he has still been very busy taking care of stateside chores and visiting his friends in the states. Recently, he told me that he has been taking screenshots so that when he gets back to Thailand (in November) he can update his AAR.

I agree with you in that El Lobo has a wide-range of options to address and some interesting decisions to make.

El Lobo, Captain Haggard, and I have had lots of laughs and a good time prosecuting The War in the Pacific.

I am pleased that you find our war interesting and that you intend to follow our progress.

Best Regards,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

[center]Fog of War[/center]


Earlier reports indicating that El Lobo had left the states and had arrived home in Thailand safely were in error.

El Lobo extended his stay in the states until tomorrow, October 31, 2017.

He has been a busy man partying hard in the states and taking care of stateside chores which has slowed down our war considerably.

However, once El Lobo is back in Thailand, after a couple days rest, we will no doubt fall back into our comfortable routine of prosecuting the war one turn per day.

Best Regards,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

[center]Barges[/center]


Does anyone have experience using Barges?

I would like to put a few in the middle of the Philippine Sea.

I am hoping to be able to use the Barges to support Catalina search missions.

Any thoughts, comments, advice?

Best Regards,

-Terry

[BBfanboy]

Even if you escorted the short-ranged barges to the middle of the Philippine Sea, how would you expect them to support PBYs?

Some AVs can support Cats at sea, but only the few that can be carried on board. The AVs that do not carry any seaplanes cannot support them at sea.

[Rio Bravo]

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

Even if you escorted the short-ranged barges to the middle of the Philippine Sea, how would you expect them to support PBYs?

Some AVs can support Cats at sea, but only the few that can be carried on board. The AVs that do not carry any seaplanes cannot support them at sea.

BBfanboy-

Well damn.

What the heck good are barges? Can they refuel ships?

Any creative ideas for the use of barges?

Best Regards,

-Terry

[BBfanboy]

Barges can do very short runs between islands to maintain garrisons, but their main use is to help ferry stuff to shore from ships. Create some barges from your amphib TF supplies just before unloading and they will help get stuff ashore sooner. That's why the Allied ones are called Landing Craft, Tank.

[pontiouspilot]

What the hell happened to the IJN? Did I blink and miss something, or have they shown themselves as cowards?

[Rio Bravo]

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

Barges can do very short runs between islands to maintain garrisons, but their main use is to help ferry stuff to shore from ships. Create some barges from your amphib TF supplies just before unloading and they will help get stuff ashore sooner. That's why the Allied ones are called Landing Craft, Tank.

BBfanboy-


Thank you for the information.

I can cross off "Barges" from my WITP "To Do List."

Best Regards,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

ORIGINAL: pontiouspilot

What the hell happened to the IJN? Did I blink and miss something, or have they shown themselves as cowards?

pontiouspilot-


The last time I saw the KB it was rocking on the waves just East of the Bonin Islands just before the Allied Invasion Fleet turned due West to head toward Formosa.

I thought for sure the KB would show at Formosa. Evidently, El Lobo does not think the odds are in his favor enough to commit the KB.

Best Regards,

-Terry

[HansBolter]

Have to ask what is defending the Pacific rim if all of your ground troops are in China?

I'm amazed El Lobo isn't exploiting the paucity of defense you must have everywhere.

[HansBolter]

ORIGINAL: Rio Bravo

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

Barges can do very short runs between islands to maintain garrisons, but their main use is to help ferry stuff to shore from ships. Create some barges from your amphib TF supplies just before unloading and they will help get stuff ashore sooner. That's why the Allied ones are called Landing Craft, Tank.

BBfanboy-


Thank you for the information.

I can cross off "Barges" from my WITP "To Do List."

Best Regards,

-Terry

Barges are also great for supply. fuel and troop movements within island chains like the Marshals and Solomons.
I typically assign one major base within the area as my supply and fuel hub and use xAKLs and barges for distribution.

[CaptHaggard]

ORIGINAL: HansBolter

Have to ask what is defending the Pacific rim if all of your ground troops are in China?

I'm amazed El Lobo isn't exploiting the paucity of defense you must have everywhere.

Hans—

I realize your question is addressed to Rio and I shall certainly let him respond with his own inimitable strategic philosophy.

However, if you don't mind, I'm curious as to where—among the presumed thinly-defensed points—you might exploit as Japanese commander.

A wall-sized strategic map, a pointer, and a pretty wave refilling our drinks from the liquor trolley would be nice... alas.

However, given that it is nearly October, 1943, and we possess Wake (but not the Aleutians to DH), Southern Marianas, Takao, Pescadores and Amoy, as well as all of Burma—where might Emperor Hans strike?

Thanks for any response,

Hag

[HansBolter]

What immediately comes to mind is what kind of garrisons do you have in essential locations like Brisbane, Sydney, Auckland, Noumea, Darwin, Pearl and the West Coast.

After seeing Lowpe mount a nearly viable mid war invasion of the WC I always wonder about the possible capabilities of a Japanese player with a mostly intact navy for mid war spoiling invasions of sparsely defended rear areas.

With so much force forward I would be constantly worried that my ass is uncovered.

[Rio Bravo]

ORIGINAL: HansBolter

Have to ask what is defending the Pacific rim if all of your ground troops are in China?

I'm amazed El Lobo isn't exploiting the paucity of defense you must have everywhere.

HansBolter-


You are perceptive and have hit the nail on the head, Hans.

The Allies have approximately 450 AV on each of the four Southern Marianas Islands; close to 800 AV on Pescadores, and close to 1,200 AV at Takao, Formosa. Burma should be fine as after the Americans, Australians, and British have all left Burma for China, Burma will still have a garrison of approximately 4,500 AV.

The Allies have the Sixth U.S. Army Infantry Division and a Marine Corps Tank Battalion in route to the Marianas Islands. However, these two units are earmarked to invade Babeldaod.

The Allies are weak everywhere else, including Pearl Harbor, and the Allies do not get anymore infantry reinforcements on the West Coast until the New Year.

As you are no doubt aware, the Allies have taken some substantial risks and have been rather aggressive in establishing footholds where the Allies want them in order to prosecute the war in China, to be in a position to bomb Japan Proper by the end of 1943, and to be able establish a Naval Blockade of Japan Proper by then end of 1943.

I am banking on the following calculated guesses:

1.) El Lobo's desire not to expand the Evil Empire past his present Empire's control.

2.) El Lobo's desire not to risk his carriers by keeping them very close to Japanese LBA to help protect the carriers.

3.) El Lobo fretting more about the Allies being at the Marianas Islands, Formosa, Pescadores, and in China in relative strength versus thinking about behind the Allied front lines.

Sometimes I worry about my bank going bust. *laughing hard*

In a nut shell, Hans, you are right-on target; the Allies have left several back-doors open that El Lobo could walk through and trespass rather easily.

Best Regards,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

ORIGINAL: HansBolter

What immediately comes to mind is what kind of garrisons do you have in essential locations like Brisbane, Sydney, Auckland, Noumea, Darwin, Pearl and the West Coast.

After seeing Lowpe mount a nearly viable mid war invasion of the WC I always wonder about the possible capabilities of a Japanese player with a mostly intact navy for mid war spoiling invasions of sparsely defended rear areas.

With so much force forward I would be constantly worried that my ass is uncovered.

HansBolter-


As far as I am concerned, El Lobo can have Australia and Noumea. The Allies don't need them to be successful in accomplishing the goals associated with the Allied Grand Strategy.

However, Pearl is a bit of a concern for two reasons:

1.) I have stuffed Pearl with supply and fuel.

2.) It would make it rather difficult to supply the troops in the Marianas Islands, Formosa, Pescadores, and China.

I will live with the fear of El Lobo invading Pearl Harbor for the next three months.

Upon the New Year, the Allies will have numerous U.S. Army Infantry Divisions ferrying from the West Coast through Pearl to the front lines. Accordingly, if the Allies can slide until the New Year, the Allies can avoid a major disaster.

I have weighed the risks versus the benefits and have chosen the benefits over the risks.

Will the Allied Grand Strategy work? At this date in the war, I haven't a clue. *laughing*

Best Regards,

-Terry

[CaptHaggard]

ORIGINAL: HansBolter

What immediately comes to mind is what kind of garrisons do you have in essential locations like Brisbane, Sydney, Auckland, Noumea, Darwin, Pearl and the West Coast.

After seeing Lowpe mount a nearly viable mid war invasion of the WC I always wonder about the possible capabilities of a Japanese player with a mostly intact navy for mid war spoiling invasions of sparsely defended rear areas.

With so much force forward I would be constantly worried that my ass is uncovered.

Hans—

I will just add to what Terry said: El has not shown any proclivity for such bold strategic moves such as OZ, NZ or the WC.

I add this: El Lobo is playing his very first war game—not just WitPAE, but ANY war game, computer or board. I don't think before this he'd ever seen one (though maybe, years ago, he saw WITP board game set up in the office? I don't remember).

When he plays again, I believe he will truly be lethal in the "bold moves" dept.

Now just watch—next turn he'll hit Seattle *laughing, but not all that hard*

HOWEVER, I too fear for Pearl—that's certainly not out of the question. The only defense against attack there is a large air presence. He'd pay a price.

And because I'm the sub / ASW / support ship guy, I fear for such places as Wake and Midway. No strategic disaster looms, true, but he'd wreak havoc on the vital rear-line ship inventory.

Thank you for your response, Hans.

Hag

[Rio Bravo]

[center]Allied Capital Ships Sunk

as of September 26, 1943[/center]


El Lobo has safely returned to his home, his dogs, and to his wife in Thailand.

Below is a screen shot providing a list of Allied Capital Ships sunk.

In addition to the screen shot list of ships, three other Destroyers have been sunk: The Sterett, Wilson, and Warramunga.

Best Regards,

-Terry