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2/22/42 IJA Briefing on the Siberian Russian Campaign

AIR CAMPAIGN:

Although the weather is rather tame for this time of year, air activity was relatively light. Hailar was bombed twice this day with losses being light. IJAF conducted air strikes on the 79th Rifle Division, 102 Regional Fortress and the 7th Base Force with dissappointing results.

WESTERN FRONT:

Activity along this front was light with bomardment and counter-bombardment being exhanged. Unfortunately, IJA forces got the worst of the exchange. Russian forces appear to be pausing in light of the stiff resistance provided by the IJA near Tamsag.

Russian high command has yet to react to the presence of three Mongolian Cavalry Divisions now entering their rear area just North and West of Borzya. We hope that their presence hasn't been detected due to their vigorous activity in and around Hailar.

EASTERN FRONT:

A well coordinated attack by IJA's 20th Army in the Blagoveshchensk area resulted in severe losses to the Soviet forces defending the city. IJA losses were moderate, but given the fact that our forces took the offensive, the size of the Soviet losses were impressive. Soviet bombardment was with little effect.

The presence of the 35th Rifle Division in Sunwu is being hotly contested by units of the IJA's 4th Army. Although the Soviet Division managed to cross the Amur River it has lost heavily in the subsequent shock attack and bombardments by IJA while they plan an attack within the next two days.

The IJA's 3rd Army appears to have stablized the the center for the time being. Soviet activity in this area has been quite as we suspect they are trying to regroup before IJA reinforcements arrive from China. Several measures are being undertaken to stop their advance - one of which may be a shortness of supply in the area for the Soviet forces.

The IJA's 5th Army conducted another attack on the Soviet forces just Northwest of Uglahamensk. Each side sustained about the same amount of losses but the Soviet force is substantially smaller and may not be able to take further losses of this nature. The 5th Army will again attack tomorrow to see if they can be dislodged on our drive the Iman [which may well relieve the pressure we are experiencing in the center with the 3rd Army.

We note that another Soviet unit [another Rifle Division] is moving on Vladivostock from the Korean border. the 29th and 11th Infantry Divisions will be therre to greet this unit.

Losses for this day:

IJA: 1,867 men, 96 guns and 8 vehicles
USSR: 3,354 men, 65 guns and 16 vehicles.

2/23/42 - IJA Briefing on the Siberian Russian Campaign.

AIR CAMPAIGN:

This day reslted in a very light day of air activity. Numerous air strike occurred over the theather. Losses were light in both men and material.

WESTERN FRONT:

Mongolian Cavalry moved into Ulan Bator and prepared a reconn-by-artillery [bombardment] on the town before undertaking any attack. The only other action was around Hailar with bombardment and counter-bombardment - resulting in light losses to both sides.

EASTERN FRONT:

The 20th Army attacked once more with even results on both sides. IGS is of the opinion that the Russians are low on supply. There appears to be no reaction to the three Mongolian Cavalry Divisions moving deeply into the Russian western front - for now.

The 4th Army is holding Sunwu and bombarding the 35th Rifle Division outside of the city. The 35th RD is in trouble.

Russian units around Mishan [3rd Army] have bombarded but with little effect. Units in Mishan still hold with a grip of steel.

The 5th Army continuesw their attck on the Russian units North of Ulgahamensk infilicting losses in an attritiion type battle - they cannot last long.

The 11th and 29th IDs in Vladivostock have noted the arrival of the 40th Russian RD and will strike it today hoping to force its surrender in several days.

Total Losses to date:

Men Guns Vehicles
IJA 40,158 1,752 79
USSR 40,088 932 92

We hope that tomorrow, nealry a month into the campaign, that the strength of the Imperial Army and Air Force, with bring us victory!

2/24/42 - IJA Briefing on Siberian-Russian Campaign:

AIR CAMPAIGN:

Very light air activity has been reported this day. IJAF air strikes on the 40th Russian RD at Vladivostock and the 7th Russian Base Force at Hailar reported light losses to the Soviets.

WESTERN FRONT:

6th Army Area:

The bomardment recon on Ulan Bator resulted in light losses to the Mongolian CD in the area. A bold, yet uncounseled counter-attack by the Soviet units in the city, resulted in substantially more losses to the Soviets. It is clear to IJA staff that the Soviets have moved into position units that have not been noted in the general reinforcement lists of the USSR [i.e., be careful boys the game brings in divisions not noted in the rules].
Hailar area undergoes bombardment and counter-bombardment with the IJA getting the worst of the lot.

EASTERN FRONT:

20th Army:

Battery and counter-battery fire from both sides yields equal heavy losses on both sides. However, the Soviets do not appear to have noticed that three Mongolian CDs that have penetrated deeply into their Eastern Front and are now in position to take Rukhlovo and penetrate deep toward Chita. Hopefully, this will relieve pressure along our Western Front.

4th Army:

Bombardment of Sunwu by the Soviet 35th RD yields little results for the Soviets - however, losses for the Soviets are 6 to 1 against.

3rd Army:

Air recon notes that three Soviet units are moving toward Harbin from Chiamussu with three units and three more move behind them. IJA units at Harbin will be reinforced by the 59th ID from China within two to three days and five [5] additional divisions within the week. The loss of Harbin would result in the isolation of the 6th, 20th and 4th Armies to its North - an unacceptable situation to the Emperor!. IJA staff believe that the Soviets will be stopped.

5th Army:

The bulk of the 5th Army is still attacking toward Inman with less than impressive progress - the terrain has a great deal to do with this problem - however the 5th Army appears to have the upperhand in this fight.
THe Soviet Attack of Vladivostock failed with substantial losses to the Soviet forces - the counter-attack of the IJA present resulted in further heavy losses to the Soviet 40th RD. IJA intelligence still has yet to account for the Soviet 32nd and 105th RD reported to be in the area of the Korean border.

Losses 2/24/42:

IJA - 2,046 men - 46 guns - 5 vehicles
USSR - 2,334 men - 85 guns - 7 vehicles

Total Losses to date:

IJA - 42,204 men - 1,771 guns - 84 vehicles
USSR - 42,422 men - 1,020 guns - 99 vehicles

2/25/42 - IJA Briefing on Siberian-Russian Campaign:

AIR CAMPAIGN:

Air activity along all fronts has been light as had the day before. There have been reported fighter sweeps in the Hailar area of the 6th Army. Air strikes in the Hailar area have resulted in light losses to both sides. Major air movements have been done into the Vladivostock area by the IJAF in an attempt to re-position our fighter and bomber squadrons to better deal with the set-backs in the area of the 3rd Army [central portion of the Eastern Front].[8|]

WESTERN FRONT:

6th Army:

In the Hailar area, forces have exchanged artillery fire with the IJA taking most of the losses [we believe that this is due to some faulty fortification construction that is presently being corrected].

The Mongolian Cavalry Division was driven from Ulan Bator by, what we believe is, the 325th Soviet Rifle Division with moderate losses to the Division. 6th Army HQ believes that the deep penetrations of the Mongolian Cavalry Divisions in this area have been blunted and must be placed into a defensive mode at this point. This request is presently being considered in light of all other events in this theater.

We have reports that the 5th Mongolian Cavalry Division [from the 20th Army] has captured the Soviet town of Ruhklovo deep in the Russian rear along the Western Front. IJA considers this welcome news since it may require the Soviets to rethink their offensive operations in the Hailar area as well as points to the south of that city.

EASTERN FRONT:

20th Army:

Both sides have conducted rather ineffectual bombardment operations resulting in small losses to both sides. Supply and fatigue may be playing a factor.

4th Army:

Rather disturbing losses were sustained by the Army in their attack on the 35th Rifle Division outside of Sunwu. [:@] Considering removing the Army commander, but will see how this critial battle progress in the next couple of days.[:-]

3rd Army:

Harbin has been reinforced by the 59th Infantry Division and this should bolster the defense of that city pending the arrival of several more divisions from China. The removal of the 35th Rifle Division from Sunwu would greatly aid the Harbin defenders.

Mishan was bombarded today with light losses.

5th Army:

Bombardments were exchanged with the Soviet forces to the Northeast of Vladivostock with the Soviets getting the worst of the fight. Our attack on the 40th Rifle Division in the Vladivostock area resulted in lighter losses to each side than anticipated - the attack will continue over the next week while the air forces area assembled in the city.

Today's Losses:

IJA - 1,510 men, 52 guns, 9 vehicles
USSR - 535 men, 17 guns, 3 vehicles

TOTAL LOSSES TO DATE:

IJA - 43,719 men, 1,823 guns, 93 vehicles
USSR - 42, 957 men, 1,037 guns, 102 vehicles

I have a dumb question... I am at work and do not have access to the manual.

It is clear to IJA staff that the Soviets have moved into position units that have not been noted in the general reinforcement lists of the USSR [i.e., be careful boys the game brings in divisions not noted in the rules].

If the IJA invades the US West Coast, it triggers the game engine to automatically advance (land units only?) the reinforcement schedule of the US by some (6?) months.

Does this also apply to Russia, Australia, and India, for their respective national forces?

ORIGINAL: mlees

I have a dumb question... I am at work and do not have access to the manual.

It is clear to IJA staff that the Soviets have moved into position units that have not been noted in the general reinforcement lists of the USSR [i.e., be careful boys the game brings in divisions not noted in the rules].

If the IJA invades the US West Coast, it triggers the game engine to automatically advance (land units only?) the reinforcement schedule of the US by some (6?) months.

Does this also apply to Russia, Australia, and India, for their respective national forces?

No - this only happens if the West Coast of N.A. is invaded. A Japanese player can invade the Soviets, India or Australia without any negative impact.

Why, you may ask?

1 - Because the original designers of the Game believed that no one would invade Siberia, and if they did the weather would stop them. Unfortunately, weather does not stop LCUs.

2 - Because the original designers of the Game believed that no one would go all the way to Karachi to capture it and that any invasions of India would begin and end in the Bay of Bengal and the Burmese border.

3 - Because the original designers of the Game believed that an invasion of Australia was historically possible but that the distances involved, as well as the Japanese supply lines, would cause any such invasion to bog down. (They may well do so - I'm not aware of anyone who has conquered all of Australia.)

BTW - There is a period in 1942 during which the US player doesn't get much as far as combat troops are concerned. An invasion of N.A. in early 1942 would cause a lot of engineers and base forces to appear, but few good infantry divisions. And against a multi-division invasion of crack Japanese infantry, you need all the good infantry divisions that you can get.

Cheers -

Dave Baranyi

ORIGINAL: ADavidB

ORIGINAL: mlees

I have a dumb question... I am at work and do not have access to the manual.

It is clear to IJA staff that the Soviets have moved into position units that have not been noted in the general reinforcement lists of the USSR [i.e., be careful boys the game brings in divisions not noted in the rules].

If the IJA invades the US West Coast, it triggers the game engine to automatically advance (land units only?) the reinforcement schedule of the US by some (6?) months.

Does this also apply to Russia, Australia, and India, for their respective national forces?

No - this only happens if the West Coast of N.A. is invaded. A Japanese player can invade the Soviets, India or Australia without any negative impact.

Why, you may ask?

1 - Because the original designers of the Game believed that no one would invade Siberia, and if they did the weather would stop them. Unfortunately, weather does not stop LCUs.

2 - Because the original designers of the Game believed that no one would go all the way to Karachi to capture it and that any invasions of India would begin and end in the Bay of Bengal and the Burmese border.

3 - Because the original designers of the Game believed that an invasion of Australia was historically possible but that the distances involved, as well as the Japanese supply lines, would cause any such invasion to bog down. (They may well do so - I'm not aware of anyone who has conquered all of Australia.)

BTW - There is a period in 1942 during which the US player doesn't get much as far as combat troops are concerned. An invasion of N.A. in early 1942 would cause a lot of engineers and base forces to appear, but few good infantry divisions. And against a multi-division invasion of crack Japanese infantry, you need all the good infantry divisions that you can get.

Cheers -

Dave Baranyi

I would respectfully disagree with ya ADavidB. My pre-war intelligence indicated that the Soviets will receive only engineer units as reinforcements during the entire spand f the war. I also carefully noted the dispositions of the Soviet forces in Siberia and did not note the Infantry division that I just ran into at Ulan Bator [325th RD I believe].[&:]

In this invasion I have run into several infantry and armoured units not noted in the reinforcement schedule and such is not noted in the rules.[X(]

Additionally, the manual clearly indicates that if IJA forces cross map reference 132, 132 that it releases several 4 to 6 Infantry Divisions in the USA [now these may be National Guard, but at least your warned about the possibility].[;)]

In my case there is no such warning - one would assume that because Stalin was so focused on his German "friends" that the availavility of reinforcements to deal with the Japanese would have to wait until he dealt with the Germans - the much more immediate and dangerous threat.

I would respectfully disagree with ya ADavidB. My pre-war intelligence indicated that the Soviets will receive only engineer units as reinforcements during the entire spand f the war. I also carefully noted the dispositions of the Soviet forces in Siberia and did not note the Infantry division that I just ran into at Ulan Bator [325th RD I believe].

In this invasion I have run into several infantry and armoured units not noted in the reinforcement schedule and such is not noted in the rules.

Additionally, the manual clearly indicates that if IJA forces cross map reference 132, 132 that it releases several 4 to 6 Infantry Divisions in the USA [now these may be National Guard, but at least your warned about the possibility].

In my case there is no such warning - one would assume that because Stalin was so focused on his German "friends" that the availavility of reinforcements to deal with the Japanese would have to wait until he dealt with the Germans - the much more immediate and dangerous threat.

That's interesting news. I've only played the Soviets vs Japanese (and reverse) in the late war scenario, not in 1941/42, so I haven't seen that.

I do seem to remember that additional Soviet units were added to the Game in one of the early revs because the original forces could be overrun almost instantly.

A number of us have suggested that additional Soviet troops should be released upon invasion in a manner analogous to the way that Thai units are released if Allied Chinese units invade Indo-China.

Maybe one of the Devs can clear this up.

As far as the US release goes, I've heard and read conflicting comments. Some say that it is 6 month's worth of land forces moved ahead, others say that it is 6 National Guard units. Again, I've never played a match where this was triggered so I can't say for myself.

Thanks for the input -

Dave Baranyi

ORIGINAL: ADavidB

I would respectfully disagree with ya ADavidB. My pre-war intelligence indicated that the Soviets will receive only engineer units as reinforcements during the entire spand f the war. I also carefully noted the dispositions of the Soviet forces in Siberia and did not note the Infantry division that I just ran into at Ulan Bator [325th RD I believe].

In this invasion I have run into several infantry and armoured units not noted in the reinforcement schedule and such is not noted in the rules.

Additionally, the manual clearly indicates that if IJA forces cross map reference 132, 132 that it releases several 4 to 6 Infantry Divisions in the USA [now these may be National Guard, but at least your warned about the possibility].

In my case there is no such warning - one would assume that because Stalin was so focused on his German "friends" that the availavility of reinforcements to deal with the Japanese would have to wait until he dealt with the Germans - the much more immediate and dangerous threat.

That's interesting news. I've only played the Soviets vs Japanese (and reverse) in the late war scenario, not in 1941/42, so I haven't seen that.

I do seem to remember that additional Soviet units were added to the Game in one of the early revs because the original forces could be overrun almost instantly.

A number of us have suggested that additional Soviet troops should be released upon invasion in a manner analogous to the way that Thai units are released if Allied Chinese units invade Indo-China.

Maybe one of the Devs can clear this up.

As far as the US release goes, I've heard and read conflicting comments. Some say that it is 6 month's worth of land forces moved ahead, others say that it is 6 National Guard units. Again, I've never played a match where this was triggered so I can't say for myself.

Thanks for the input -

Dave Baranyi

I must admit I was troubled by this revelation, but if I was warned that "it will trigger additional forces from Western Russia" I would have not complaint [fore-warned is fore-armed].[&o]

As for the US - I would assume that any Divisions "released" would be National Guard type [i.e., Vietnamese].[:D]

I must admit I was troubled by this revelation, but if I was warned that "it will trigger additional forces from Western Russia" I would have not complaint [fore-warned is fore-armed].

As for the US - I would assume that any Divisions "released" would be National Guard type [i.e., Vietnamese].

Okay, I just tested this out on a head-to-head game and I confirmed the following:

1 - A Chinese invasion of Hanoi brings three "VM" divisions into various Indo-Chineses cities.

2 - A Japanese invasion of the Soviet Union doesn't bring any additional troops to the Soviets, nor does it speed up the release of the ones that are due later.

3 - A Japanese invasion of the West Coast of the US causes the upcoming six months of land and air replacements to appear, not "National Guardsmen".

I have a save of the game if you want to check it out yourself. I will post a more detailed report in the main Forum section.

Dave Baranyi

FWIW ...I've been working on a revised Soviet OoB in my spare time for another project....

The OoB in stock is a joke and hopefully if the Soviets are ever revised the "Northern Option" will no longer be an option for the Japanese....

I can't quote exact numbers off the top of my head but lets just say that the starting Soviet divisions should be corps and multiply the artillery by 10.

ORIGINAL: ADavidB

I must admit I was troubled by this revelation, but if I was warned that "it will trigger additional forces from Western Russia" I would have not complaint [fore-warned is fore-armed].

As for the US - I would assume that any Divisions "released" would be National Guard type [i.e., Vietnamese].

Okay, I just tested this out on a head-to-head game and I confirmed the following:

1 - A Chinese invasion of Hanoi brings three "VM" divisions into various Indo-Chineses cities.

2 - A Japanese invasion of the Soviet Union doesn't bring any additional troops to the Soviets, nor does it speed up the release of the ones that are due later.

3 - A Japanese invasion of the West Coast of the US causes the upcoming six months of land and air replacements to appear, not "National Guardsmen".

I have a save of the game if you want to check it out yourself. I will post a more detailed report in the main Forum section.

Dave Baranyi

Thanks Dave.

How far out did you do the USSR? Because any reinforcements may arrive 10-15 days after an initial attack. Also any indication that the Soviet Air Force gets accelerated replacements?

I ask this because the Chinese invasion actually brings in 3 VM Divisions immediately and a 4th a day later in Hue.

How far out did you do the USSR? Because any reinforcements may arrive 10-15 days after an initial attack. Also any indication that the Soviet Air Force gets accelerated replacements?

I ask this because the Chinese invasion actually brings in 3 VM Divisions immediately and a 4th a day later in Hue.

I only went out to December 19. I didn't see any change in the dates of the Soviet replacements, nor did I see any Soviet replacements "appear" as with the VM units in Indo-China.

I've never seen any reports of late arriving Soviet reinforcements. I would expect that they would be mentioned in the notes just as the VM troops and the US 6-month pull-up are mentioned. The fact that the Devs added more Soviet units to the OOB in one of the early revisions of the Game suggests to me that there aren't any units "waiting behind the curtain" to appear.

Once again, maybe the Devs can comment upon this just in case there are any "Easter Eggs" for an early Soviet activation.

Thanks -

Dave Baranyi

IJA Briefing - 2/26/42 - Siberian-Russian Campaign

AIR CAMPAIGN:

Mutual air strikes today in the Blagoveshchensk and Hailar areas of the front. Losses on both sides were modest.

WESTERN FRONT:

6th Army:

This front was very quite this day with only a Soviet bombardment along the Hailar defensive lines to break what was otherwise a silent day. Mongolian Cavalry Divisions continue to penetrate the Soviet line to the North ot Hailar with no apparent reaction, yet, by Soviet forces.

EASTERN FRONT:

20th Army:

Bombardment and counter-bombardment was the order-of-the-day. Forces exchanged artillery fire all day with the Soviets by far taking the worst of the punishment.

4th Army:

Japanese Forces still control Sunwu and conducted a bombardment of the 35th Rifle Division with no apparent results that affected the Soviet unit.

3rd Army:

Soviets conducted another daily bombardment of Mishan with light losses to IJA forces besieged in that city. Soviet forces are moving on Mutachiang just South of Mishan in an attempt to seize that city - they will be surprised by the presence of IJA combat units. Soviets appear to be holding up their advance on Harbin. This bodes well for the IJA since forces from China are now much closer to the city.

5th Army:

Most of the ground combat occurred with this Army today. the 23rd and 19th IJA Divisions attacked the Soviet 40th Rifle Division outside Vladivostock. It appears that the Soviet is holding on by mere threads.

Just to the Northwest of Vladivostock IJA forces attacked to rifle divisions and a frontier artillery unit with resuling heavy losses - however, Soviet fortifications in the area have been substantially reduced.

DAILY LOSSES:

IJA - 1,283 men, 29 guns, 3 vehicles
USSR - 1,000 men, 43 guns, 4 vehicles

CAMPAIGN LOSSES TO DATE:

IJA - 45,002 men, 1,852 guns, 96 vehicles
USSR - 43,957 men, 1,080 guns, 106 vehicles

ORIGINAL: treespider

FWIW ...I've been working on a revised Soviet OoB in my spare time for another project....

The OoB in stock is a joke and hopefully if the Soviets are ever revised the "Northern Option" will no longer be an option for the Japanese....

I can't quote exact numbers off the top of my head but lets just say that the starting Soviet divisions should be corps and multiply the artillery by 10.

just remember that a Russian Tank Corps is the size of a Western Armoured Div (about 190 tanks and 3 infantry battallions plus support)

IJA Briefing - 2/27/42 - Siberian-Russian Campaign

AIR CAMPAIGN:

Air strikes were the order of the day in and around Hailar causing moderate to light losses to both sides. An airstrike on the 40th Rifle Division in the Vladivostock area resulted in light losses to the Soviet. For some reason, the 40th RD was able to move north into the city of Uglahamensk - the 29th ID is in pursuit.

A fighter sweep over Inman resulted in a 3 to 1 fighter loss ratio in favor of the IJAF.

WESTERN FRONT:

6th Army:

Mongolian Cavalry continue to move deep into the Soviet rear area. There is some indication that the Soviet has moved a unit to block our force moving south from Ruhlov. Two additional cavalry divisions are moving along the rail toward Chita. A surprisingly heavy bombardment on Hailar results in substantial loss of life to the Hailar garrison. Our counter-bombardment yielded highly unsatisfactory results by comparison.

WESTERN FRONT:

20th Army:

Bombardment and counter-bombardment is the reported activity here with similar resulting losses.

4th Army:

Bombardment of the Soviet around the city of Sunwu results in little except expended ammunition. Five IJA soldiers were lost when a faulty artillery round exploded prematurely.

Army G-2 reports that the Soviet is moving three units up from the South. Will attack the Soviet 35th Rifle Division tomorrow - in the hope of driving it out of Sunwu before the arrival of their reinforcements.

3rd Army:

No reported activity from this Army.

5th Army:

A vigirous attack by the 19th and 29th ID on the 40th Rifle Division resulted in lop-sided losses for the IJA. The 40th has now moved North into Uglahamensk [how they slipped through our lines is under investigation - we suspect a Soviet spy].

IJA units from China have entered Manchuko - headed for Harbin.

DAILY LOSSES:

IJA - 1,819 men, 38 guns, 5 vehicles
USSR - 517 men, 8 guns, 1 vehicle

CAMPAIGN LOSSES:

IJA - 46,821 men, 1,890 guns, 101 vehicles
USSR - 44,474 men, 1,088 guns, 107 vehicles