Japanese Long Campaign

[sigeena]

Situation at Turn 13

A Coy has destroyed the first wave of armoured cars but now face a fresh platoon of light tanks.

B Coy's point platoon (Platoon 5) is overrun by the pace of enemy armour thrust. There's nothing else blocking the main road, unless Platoon 4 can get back in time.

C Coy also destroyed the first wave of armoured cars but not face a fresh platoon of light tanks as well as infantry pushing up. Platoon 9 has lost at least 1 section, and the ATG platoon is hurrying to place themselves before the enemy armour pops up.

D Coy is almost in danger of being overrun as well. They have destroyed the lighter tanks but the T-28 M1932 tanks are very tough to crack.

All in all, it doesn't look too good for the Battalion as a whole, and the next 5-8 turns could decide whether we will be totally overrun in all sectors.

I estimate at least 2 enemy armour squadrons at least.

[gila]

First of all,a very interesting ARR on a japanese campaign.
Like the situation maps,but would be better and cleaner if you maybe first turn off the hex grid?

[sigeena]

Situation at Turn 20

A Coy sector remains pretty much the same. Pl 3, the point platoon is holding off the enemy armour splendidly.

B Coy has been split by the speed of enemy armour. About half of Platoon 5 remains, and I've decided to withdraw them if possible. Platoon 4 is now stranded and I decide that they should remain largely where they are.

C Coy's sector is somewhat stabilising. The ATGs have almost knocked out all enemy armour. However, Platoon 9 is no longer effective and they will be withdrawn. Platoon 7 and 8 will remain to frustrate the enemy infantry.

D Coy has been the most disastrous sector. Platoon 11 is almost completely dispersed by the enemy armour, and the enemy thrust is aimed directly at my soft underbelly, between B and D Coy. Platoon 12 will continue to delay while Platoon 10 hurry to set-up the next position.

I'm beginning to withdraw my HMG Coy. They have been very difficult to deploy and I hardly think its worth spending them needlessly in such an unfavourable terrain and mission.

The current plan for the next 5-8 turns is to deploy A Coy's reserve platoons (Pl 1 and 2) to prepare to meet the enemy armour that is thrusting from D Coy's sector. If that goes awry, it's pretty much a write-off for the entire battalion in this one.

[sigeena]

Situation at Turn 27

A Coy is attempting to conduct a fighting withdrawal to cover the remnants of C Coy that is in full retreat. A Coy will continue to keep the corridor open for Platoon 8 and 9.

B Coy may have to be entirely sacrificed. They are left stranded too far ahead and the safest course of action may be for Platoons 4 and 6 to remain in the forests and defend.

C Coy is in full retreat from the enemy infantry. Platoon 8 is the only remaining effective unit.

D Coy is also in full retreat and Platoon 10 remains the only effective unit.

The Battalion Infantry Guns have been over-run. Our Battalion HQ is moving towards the rear.

It is very unfortunate that the yellow units (destroyed) are wholly my own units in this mission.

[sigeena]

Situation at Turn 37

A Coy is benefiting from the close terrain and making the enemy armour pay for each yard they gain. I estimate approx. 8 armoured wrecks around the first platoon's position, but the enemy reserves appears inexhaustible, and more keep advancing. Enemy artillery is beginning to find the range on our positions and though it feels natural to pull them back, it is perhaps much safer for them if they remain in cover. Their retreat route to the east is too open.

B Coy is also benefiting from the close terrain and fighting enemy infantry that attempts to close. Only enemy artillery will be able to dig these guys out.

C and D Coy's sector has been quiet and my intention is for them to remain on the battlefield till the end.

The ATG and Armoured Cars (AC) are combining well. The ATG has taken out another 5 enemy tanks while the AC is delaying the enemy infantry. However, I estimate they will most likely only be able to hold for the next 3 turns.

Nothing much positive to report. I may lose all VLs but I expect our guys to extract a terrible price on the enemy.

[sigeena]

Situation at End Battle (Turn 58)

A Coy stuck around till the end and repulsed numerous infantry advances, as well as subjected to constant artillery bombardment. The most upsetting issue has been the lack of accurate counter battery fire.

We managed to achieve a Draw for which I had set out at the start of the mission. And achieving that at the loss of 250+ loss while destroying more than 60 enemy tanks gave me a strong impression of how I should better use my infantry against armour next time.

Next battle, I decided to continue the campaign in Manchuria with the new sector being a Defend mission in Mongolia.

[sigeena]

Thought I'll add a screenshot of A Coy's positions at the end of the battle.

This experience is going to heavily influence my planning in my upcoming Defend mission against the Russians.