Islands of Destiny: RA 5.0 Japanese Side

[John 3rd]

May 6, 1942

The skies over Changsha are full of aircraft as Raid after Raid pummel the Chinese defenders. The litany is the same as the previous day:

Raid 1: 2 Zero 34 Bombers--65th Corps 69 Cas
Raid 2: 4 Z 59 B--72nd Corps 193 Cas
Raid 3: 12 F 6 B--7 Cas and Runway Hits
Raid 4: 76 B--49th Corps 252 Cas
Raid 5: 37 Cas--72nd Corps 169 Cas

The exhausted troops gird themselves for the assault about to hit them. The recent arrival of nearly 40,000 fresh Japanese Infantry has been reported and morale is quite low. Supply is gone. Hope is gone.

The sun sets and massed Artillery barrage opens on the very Corps so hard hit during the day. The beleaguered 65th and 72nd Corps collapse and open the way for the Japanese to pour into the city. Quickly the Assault gains speed and the Chinese simply put---FLEE! Thousands are killed, wounded, and/or taken prisoner.

Changsha is now JAPANESE!

Japanese Deliberate Attack: 3-1 (2187--637)
Japanese Casualties: 3,771
Chinese Casualties: 14,285



The Chinese flee across the river. The Japanese head NW crossing the river. They also move NE cutting in behind 2 Chinese Corps and an HQ. They move SE cutting into the rear of 2 more Chinese Corps and another HQ unit. First job is to destroy these units while at the same time try to trap the THIRTY units now in Siangtan and nine units in Hengyang!

BANZAI BABY!!!

[Prydwen]

Hi,

I was curious where the KB was because I meant they should go along on the raid. A West coast raid should probably be an all or nothing affair. If you do head that way I would go towards Panama. Or go to the Indian ocean. I expect he is using off map movement to supply India and Oz. It's safer that way for him. In any case, where you go depends on what your objective is. If you want to sink ships anywhere will do but if you have a bigger goal you'll have to weigh that against your capabilities and opponent.

Congrats on Changsha by the way! That place is always a bear to take. That urban terrain is a killer.

Joe

[pws1225]

Nice work at Changsha, John. Looks like you've pushed through CR's main defensive line in China. Once you've taken care of the remaining LCUs around Changsha, what are your plans for the rest of China?

[John 3rd]

Spoke with Michael for quite a while today as I was driving on store business. He asked for a screenshot with hexside control in the Changsha Area. There are 20 units in Siangtan (14 were forced to retreat from Changsha), 9 units in Hengyang, and 3 units west of there. As you can see (I hope) the noose is tightening. I had an Inf Div smash across the river from Changsha and absolutely CRUSH a Chinese Corps there cutting the road exiting Siangtan. That Corps was nailed by 90 Bombers who REALLY inflicted some pain doing almost 900 Casualties. The Japanese 1st Raiders (Para) are moving into the hex NE of the forested hex NE of Shaoyang (NW of Siangtan).

Any Chinese unit that moves out of the box will be nailed by LBA. You can see the arrows denoting his attempts at movement currently. Over 200 Bombers are assigned to hit Chinese LCUs slowing their movement. I, realistically, don't think I can bag all these troops but I can kick the living HELL out of them while they are exposed and trying to flee!

[John 3rd]

ORIGINAL: pws1225

Nice work at Changsha, John. Looks like you've pushed through CR's main defensive line in China. Once you've taken care of the remaining LCUs around Changsha, what are your plans for the rest of China?

We'll shoot for the capture of Siangtan and Hengyang while Liuchow and that other town NE of there will also be blasted out. I want to force a withdrawal all the way back to the River NW.

[John 3rd]

ORIGINAL: ItsAMadhouse

Hi,

I was curious where the KB was because I meant they should go along on the raid. A West coast raid should probably be an all or nothing affair. If you do head that way I would go towards Panama. Or go to the Indian ocean. I expect he is using off map movement to supply India and Oz. It's safer that way for him. In any case, where you go depends on what your objective is. If you want to sink ships anywhere will do but if you have a bigger goal you'll have to weigh that against your capabilities and opponent.

Congrats on Changsha by the way! That place is always a bear to take. That urban terrain is a killer.

Joe

Hey Joe.

I am certain that CR is moving troops and convoys just at the edge of Emily range from Cocos. Cocos is also sticking out there and and is a mighty fine target to try for Dan to re-take. I now have the 5th ID, an Atoll Defense Unit, and Air Flotilla unloading. At the same time I will lift off 6 Engineering Units to move onto the Western Sumatra Coast to begin Fort construction. Am starting this NOW just incase Dan truly decides to do something foolish... [:'(]

[John 3rd]

May 11, 1942

The Chinese are scattering in their attempt to flee the Japanese encirclement. I've drawn arrows in black for their movement. Japanese movement is in Red and two attacks were launched netting one good and one promising result. The Northern attack at 81,49 gets a 2-1 and we will drive that Chinese Corps out tomorrow. The attack east of Changsha misses a 1-1 by only 20 points. Shock Attack tomorrow with 100 bombers supporting the assault.

[John 3rd]

This day sees the implementation of other facets of developing planning and strategy:

Australia
1. I have allowed two TF to be seen moving down the west coast of Australia. They are 12-15 hexes from the coast and have been caught every so often by PBYs. GOOD. I want him to think these are amphibs moving for the western hook into Australia.
2. Paras descend and capture Cue and Meekatharra E and NE of Geraldton. Lends credence to the illusion of the attack.
3. Sweep Geraldton and encounter just P-40s where I found them and F4Fs yesterday. My Sea Eagles do OK shooting down at least 2-1.

Sho-1
1. Ndeni is done with unloading and TF are returning to their bases. Base Expansion is going rapidly. Two Emily units arrive and shall Recon Suva--Nadi tomorrow.
2. My last two Inf Div for Sho-1 are just passing Port Moresby and are headed to Milne Bay. Plan to begin loading and final prep in two days.
3. 4 BBs hit Luganville on the 10th and spotted a Marine Defense Bn as well as a USN Base Force. Looks to be about all that is there: GOOD.
4. Split the BBs by Divisions to hit Koumac and Efate while doing recon of those bases.
5. KB returns to Truk for fuel and panes then shall depart immediately to make its presence felt Covering the Invasions.
6. Lunga looks GREAT as 11th Air Fleet joins the Air Flotilla already present. Will hit Lvl-3 AF in days. Level 4 will come quickly after that. There are now 72 Zeros present with 36 in Rabaul and also Port Moresby. Betty/Nell are on the way...

ASW
1. Banner day as my ASW PLanes hit SIX of Dan's SS. An ASW TF accounts for damage to a 7th. Pretty good there.

SW Area
1. Cocos looks great with nearly all troops unloaded. Base will be about 4,000 over limit. Don't like that but want to make sure any assault is COSTLY!
2. Dan left behind a Javanese Inf unit at Christmas IO. Time to deal with that. Begin loading an Inf Reg to take it.

[John 3rd]

May 11, 1942

Attacks at two points in the China line yield victories as the hex NE of Changteh is cleared with a 5-1 result. Japanese Casualties are 624 to 3,598 Chinese. NICE! The assault east of Changsha also got 2-1 and forced one of three units to retreat. Casualties here are more even: 1,454 Japanese to 1,730 Chinese.

An Inf Div enters Siangtan from Shaoyang and heavy bombing occurs all up and down the line.

[John 3rd]

May 15, 1942

China
Siangtan is taken by an Inf Div as the Chinese--of all directions--are fleeing SW of the Changsha Area. Thirty units are on the move and they are a mess. I had an Inf Div Combat Command easily handle a six unit Chinese attack (1-99) as they crossed the river taking large casualties. Continue vectoring in troops for try and corral the Chinese. REGARDLESS of how troops fall the immediate goals of this massive campaign are all almost met. Changsha, Siangtan, and Shaoyang are Japanese and it appears Hengyang will be quite soon. Pretty wild to think how quickly things have shaken apart...

Sho-1
Operational Orders are finalized and all TF begin forming up on May 13th with the GO order sent on the 15th. Objective List: 2nd ID to take Luganville (held by a Marine Defense Bn and USN BF), Imperial Guards Birgade for Efate (no units known to be there), and the 6th, 14th, and 56th IDs to land at Koumac. There are troops there but not too many.

KB departs Rabaul on the 14th heading SSE.

The Surface assets to protect the convoys are gathered at Tulagi. A total of 4 BB, 6 CA, 5 CL, and 27 DD will comprise the escorting, cover, and bombardment TF.

Lunga is AF 3 about to go to 4 and Ndeni just went to Lvl-1 with 2 not too far away. Over 100 Betty are about to make their presence known at Lunga with a day or two.

Australia
Paras grab Cue and Meekatharra and immediately draw B-26 raids that are met by LRCAP Zeros. Nice results. Order the 6 units north of Geraldton to advance south. Two 'Invasion TF' dangle SE of Perth. It is ALLLLLLL BS. Nothing will actually happen and in one days everything will be ordered home. The decoy--if it worked at all--is done. Time to focus on Sho-1.

[John 3rd]

Dan and I are getting the turns cranked out this morning. Two in the book with another for certain before the afternoon gets here. Pretty good.

Would like to do a comprehensive update later today before the Invasion Forces are spotted approaching Luganville, Efate, and Koumac. All troops are loaded and moving out. The KB is about cross the Solomons and enter the Coral Sea. Cover Forces leave tomorrow from Tulagi to join-up to protect the Invasion TF. BUSY!

[John 3rd]

Sho-1 is now in full swing. The KB refuels and moves NW of Rennel Islands. It will swing then SSE to move down to New Caledonia and pass of its south side.

Three Invasion TF move slowly SE waiting for their escorts to arrive. The plan is to attempt to to coordinate the three landings to happen at the same time or within a two days of each other.

Lunga is now AF-4 with 63 Zero and 108 Betty--Nell. The cat will, OFFICIALLY, be out of the bag tomorrow as I fly recon over all targets. KB's planes are set to CAP 60% (Stacked at 22, 17, 12, 7,000 Ft), Vals 12K, and Kates 8K. Just to restate the KB composition: Akagi, Kaga, Hiryu, Soryu, Shokaku, Zuikaku, Ryujo, Shoho, Zuiho, and Rjuho.

[John 3rd]

May 20, 1942

The Japanese Offensive in China achieves its last major objective of the Spring Campaign by taking Hengyang. IJA Bombers hit six different Chinese units during the day resulting in nearly 2,000 casualties. Nearly 210 Sally and Helen unload their deadly cargo onto the Chinese troops helping to facilitate three Infantry Division's assault from the NE. The China never have a chance as an 8-1 result occurs and all of those units retreat into the forested hex due west of Hengyang. For this victory the Japanese lose 1,338 troops and the Chinese take 6,350 casualties. Nearly thirty broken units now sit in that hex west of town...

BANZAI!

[John 3rd]

Burma Theatre

Should also note that things have been slowly heating up over in Burma. I've started reconning the trees and found units spread throughout the area. As China peaked, I have been slipping more fighters and some bombers into the arena. Have been conducting Sweeps over Kohima, Imphal, and several other places joining in battle with Hurricane's, P-400s, and P-40s. Results have been pretty steady at a 2-3 to 1 swap in planes. Pilots loss hasn't been too bad.

Seeing what might be a trap has led me to load my 3rd Inf Div for that Theatre right now. The slow troops build-up will accelerate some as I pull my Southern Army troops out of China. Figure to have 5 or 6 ID in Burma by late-July. This should be enough to hold the area (I hope!).

Don't think I mentioned the big news of cutting the Burma Road taking Myitkyina on the 18th with an 8-1 Assault. EXCELLENT!

[Capt. Harlock]

Don't think I mentioned the big news of cutting the Burma Road taking Myitkyina on the 18th with an 8-1 Assault. EXCELLENT!

No, you didn't and it *is* significant. Stick a fork in the Chinese; they're done.

How is the victory Point count going?

[obvert]

ORIGINAL: Capt. Harlock

Don't think I mentioned the big news of cutting the Burma Road taking Myitkyina on the 18th with an 8-1 Assault. EXCELLENT!

No, you didn't and it *is* significant. Stick a fork in the Chinese; they're done.

How is the victory Point count going?

I had originally thought the Burma road also included Myitkyina, but someone (Alfred? PanzerjaegerHortland?) told me it is only the road system from Rangoon to Lashio and up to Paoshan. I've been operating under that assumption for some time now.

AM I MISINFORMED?

[koniu]

ORIGINAL: obvert

ORIGINAL: Capt. Harlock

Don't think I mentioned the big news of cutting the Burma Road taking Myitkyina on the 18th with an 8-1 Assault. EXCELLENT!

No, you didn't and it *is* significant. Stick a fork in the Chinese; they're done.

How is the victory Point count going?

I had originally thought the Burma road also included Myitkyina, but someone (Alfred? PanzerjaegerHortland?) told me it is only the road system from Rangoon to Lashio and up to Paoshan. I've been operating under that assumption for some time now.

AM I MISINFORMED?

Also to have Burma road open Rangoon must be in allied hands. At lest under beta patch.
And it is road connection between Rangoon and Tsuyung.

I will have to confirm that. About Burma Road there is 1000 versions when he is open and when not

[Capt. Harlock]

Also to have Burma road open Rangoon must be in allied hands. At lest under beta patch.
And it is road connection between Rangoon and Tsuyung.

I will have to confirm that. About Burma Road there is 1000 versions when he is open and when not

That doesn't seem right. The Allies managed to re-open a land supply route to China at the end of January 1945, which was called the "Ledo Road", but it did connect to the Burma Road. Rangoon was not retaken until the beginning of May 1945 (and just barely in time to beat the monsoon rains).

[witpqs]

ORIGINAL: Capt. Harlock

Also to have Burma road open Rangoon must be in allied hands. At lest under beta patch.
And it is road connection between Rangoon and Tsuyung.

I will have to confirm that. About Burma Road there is 1000 versions when he is open and when not

That doesn't seem right. The Allies managed to re-open a land supply route to China at the end of January 1945, which was called the "Ledo Road", but it did connect to the Burma Road. Rangoon was not retaken until the beginning of May 1945 (and just barely in time to beat the monsoon rains).

It's true that the in-game mechanism is inaccurate in the way you describe. It's an accommodation to the game-engine mechanisms. Not so bad, just have to understand it and make decisions according to it.

[John 3rd]

Thanks for the discussion guys. I always thought it was only when you got to Myitkyina that the Road was cut. REGARDLESS: There are even less supplies lowing into China right now.

I am now pummeling Chinese troops through ground attacks and air assault. I doubt if I can go too much further but this has turned fun simply in seeing how many Chinese Squads I can destroy so it takes longer and longer for Dan to rebuild the striking power of China. Even just 6-9 months of time would be delightfully accepted! Just took 82,53 SE of Changsha and inflicted another 4,500 casualties in exchange for 770 Japanese. Total Chinese Casualties is pushing 30,000+ at the moment. My goal is for over 50,000 before this is over.

Haven't done very many turns due to major remodeling project going on in my home. We pulled down three ceilings of lath-and-plaster, then shored up those very same ceilings, widened doorways, drywalled, primed, painted, and have now been tiling. The tiling is what stopped things. I've only got AE on my PC so I could not get down to my man cave while they were finishing the Dining Room. Gladly done now and just sent Dan back the May 21st turn.