I'm not sure if there is another event to account for a Syndicalist Indochina, but I know that if you took Saigon, then the Germans might offer you peace.
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The Mandate of Heaven is no match for heavy machine gun fire - on for the Republic!
@satilisu - I had a look at Europe after the war,
France lost a bit of land but still fighting. It's like WW1 all over again.
@Duke of Awesome - Let's see what happens.
@Dr. Gonzo - Our machine guns will cut them into shreds!
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------------------------------------------------
The Last Hurrah
Back to the what was dubbed as the “Chinese Civil War”, the vulnerable Millennial headquarters was attacked by the Nationalists. All units under the HQ's command were too far to give help.
Up in the mountainous Shaanxi province, all attempts to proceed from Yan'an have all ended in failure. The latest advance was towards Pingliang, but powerful counter-attacks made holding the province impossible. Another attack on Tongguan, again, resulted in a defeat.
The KMT was successful on driving a wedge between Zhu De's forces, and just as expected, the forces on Wanxian are surrounded. Two infantry and one HQ divisions were destroyed. The best general of the Millennarian Movement Army was captured.
January went past and the days of February slowly decreasing, their push towards Tonguan were a success. Another attempt to advance farther than Yun'an failed when KMT forces were expelled by counter-attacks. A two pronged assault on Xi'an would cut off the rest of Zhu De's army from their base areas.
Tianshoui fell to the Nationalists when they were attacked on three sides, and overwhelmed. They were routed.
Leaderless, the remnants of Zhu De's army went out east to escape the NRA. Destroying and scourging anything they could laid their hands on in Central China. The commanders of NRA have never expected this.
The commanders of the NRA ordered another push into Shangqing homeland. 15 divisions into Baoji in the south and 10 into Pingliang persoanlly commanded by the Generalissimo. It is the largest offensive into Shaanxi since the early days of the war. The well-entrenched Millennials were difficult to dislodge, and KMT casualties are piling up fast. The offensive ended in a humiliating defeat.
By the opening of April, the 'lost divisions' trail of uncontrolled scourge has been contained. It went all the way down to Huangshi. Five days later, the last of the 'lost divisions' were finally wiped out.
The still intact main army are holed up in their mountains in the North West as always, but the situation was getting worse and worse for them. All attempts to retake the capital was futile. Several of the fanatics cannot stay religious any more, and the Millennial leaders know this too. As an act of ultimate desperation, a final massive attack was called to “turn the tide”.
Millennial artillery pound on the lines, but they are too few to make significant damages. The KMT responded in kind by howling their artillery brigades. Later, waves of Millennials charged the Nationalist trenches firing their rifles with fixed bayonets. Some even use their secondary weapons of spears and swords. Some carries the flag of the theocratic state. The KMT artillery kills first in bunch, then the greater range of the MG32 shredded through the fence of meat, next comes the standard rifle of the NRA, the Kar98k. To the surprise of the defenders, the Millennials manage to assault the trenches and engage the Nationalists in hand-to-hand combat. After the penetration on the lines, the waves stopped and replaces by a single monstrous stampede.
The NRA are holding their line against the flood
Millennial massed assault
The massed assault was a success and it may seem that the KMT can be defeated through exhaustion, but it wasn't the turn of the tide they were dreaming of, it demoralised the soldiers as their desperate attack only achieved little, and it increased the rate of surrenders. Strategically, the Shangqing Tianguo was also exhausted, and the effects were more devastating towards them than the Nationalists. The Nationalists, despite heavy casualties can always bring more troops into the frontline and can replace whatever equipment ruined. The Millennials are different, without the capital, Yan'an, and the destruction of their entire industry (based in Yulin, and Pingliang), they are no longer capable to fight in the long term. It was the Shangqing Tianguo's last hurrah, and now they are out of breath.
The Millennarian Movement Army collapsed by the 5th of April. Both officers and foot soldiers surrendered en-massed in exchange for amnesty from Nanjing. For the first time, the NRA can now move into Shaanxi without difficulty. Several divisions were ordered to stay and clean up the place. Cluster of fanatics still litters the province putting up petty resistance and suicide charges against NRA, only to be snuffed out. By the end of April, KMT control on Shaanxi is complete.
-----------------------------
The sub-par performance of the National Revolutionary Army was put into scrutiny by Nanjing. It seems that the dominant philosophy of 'Long Attacks' wasn't the most ideal. The usual excuse was, of course, it's a “foreign Syndicalist garbage” and must be discarded, despite the fact that most of it was crafted by native Chinese thinkers like Chiang Kai-shek and Mao Zedong. The Generalissimo, himself, was also targeted as he is an ardent follower.
The NRA generals have looked at their former enemy, the Millennials. The generals have called the Millennial's style of fighting as 'Massed Assault' and this have been used several times throughout the war, mostly successful. Many strategists within the military started to adopt this way of fighting and add their variants to it. This enthusiasts to this style of warfare were called the 'School of Grand Battle'. With the School of Superior Firepower diminished, it is now the new contender against the students of 'Long Attack'.
NRA officers are not just fighting the war in Shaanxi but also within the army bureaucracy
End of Chapter
------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
The fight against the theocratic country is over. I'd say the free troops made it difficult than I expected.
As for anyone who wants to play as Republic of China, I would say that I really don't recommend joining alliance with Shangqing. First, they didn't do anything against AOG, they dragged me into war against Qing, in which at that time, the event where Yunnan would go to war with me would fire, throwing me into a two-front war. I don't have enough troops to hold them both. I only got lucky that Yunnan gave in.
After some time, that's when Qing usually gets the event chain to starts where she gets aggressive and expands. AOG doesn't exist so Shangqing was targeted first via decision.
So yeah. You can manage to defeat the others by yourself.
The next update will solely about the rest of the world. A quick look outside would be a break from this very local-focused and Sino-centric AAR.
@Duke of Awesome - Let's see what happens.
@Dr. Gonzo - Our machine guns will cut them into shreds!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------
The Last Hurrah
Back to the what was dubbed as the “Chinese Civil War”, the vulnerable Millennial headquarters was attacked by the Nationalists. All units under the HQ's command were too far to give help.
Up in the mountainous Shaanxi province, all attempts to proceed from Yan'an have all ended in failure. The latest advance was towards Pingliang, but powerful counter-attacks made holding the province impossible. Another attack on Tongguan, again, resulted in a defeat.
The KMT was successful on driving a wedge between Zhu De's forces, and just as expected, the forces on Wanxian are surrounded. Two infantry and one HQ divisions were destroyed. The best general of the Millennarian Movement Army was captured.
January went past and the days of February slowly decreasing, their push towards Tonguan were a success. Another attempt to advance farther than Yun'an failed when KMT forces were expelled by counter-attacks. A two pronged assault on Xi'an would cut off the rest of Zhu De's army from their base areas.
Tianshoui fell to the Nationalists when they were attacked on three sides, and overwhelmed. They were routed.
Leaderless, the remnants of Zhu De's army went out east to escape the NRA. Destroying and scourging anything they could laid their hands on in Central China. The commanders of NRA have never expected this.
The commanders of the NRA ordered another push into Shangqing homeland. 15 divisions into Baoji in the south and 10 into Pingliang persoanlly commanded by the Generalissimo. It is the largest offensive into Shaanxi since the early days of the war. The well-entrenched Millennials were difficult to dislodge, and KMT casualties are piling up fast. The offensive ended in a humiliating defeat.
By the opening of April, the 'lost divisions' trail of uncontrolled scourge has been contained. It went all the way down to Huangshi. Five days later, the last of the 'lost divisions' were finally wiped out.
The still intact main army are holed up in their mountains in the North West as always, but the situation was getting worse and worse for them. All attempts to retake the capital was futile. Several of the fanatics cannot stay religious any more, and the Millennial leaders know this too. As an act of ultimate desperation, a final massive attack was called to “turn the tide”.
Millennial artillery pound on the lines, but they are too few to make significant damages. The KMT responded in kind by howling their artillery brigades. Later, waves of Millennials charged the Nationalist trenches firing their rifles with fixed bayonets. Some even use their secondary weapons of spears and swords. Some carries the flag of the theocratic state. The KMT artillery kills first in bunch, then the greater range of the MG32 shredded through the fence of meat, next comes the standard rifle of the NRA, the Kar98k. To the surprise of the defenders, the Millennials manage to assault the trenches and engage the Nationalists in hand-to-hand combat. After the penetration on the lines, the waves stopped and replaces by a single monstrous stampede.
The NRA are holding their line against the flood
Millennial massed assault
The massed assault was a success and it may seem that the KMT can be defeated through exhaustion, but it wasn't the turn of the tide they were dreaming of, it demoralised the soldiers as their desperate attack only achieved little, and it increased the rate of surrenders. Strategically, the Shangqing Tianguo was also exhausted, and the effects were more devastating towards them than the Nationalists. The Nationalists, despite heavy casualties can always bring more troops into the frontline and can replace whatever equipment ruined. The Millennials are different, without the capital, Yan'an, and the destruction of their entire industry (based in Yulin, and Pingliang), they are no longer capable to fight in the long term. It was the Shangqing Tianguo's last hurrah, and now they are out of breath.
The Millennarian Movement Army collapsed by the 5th of April. Both officers and foot soldiers surrendered en-massed in exchange for amnesty from Nanjing. For the first time, the NRA can now move into Shaanxi without difficulty. Several divisions were ordered to stay and clean up the place. Cluster of fanatics still litters the province putting up petty resistance and suicide charges against NRA, only to be snuffed out. By the end of April, KMT control on Shaanxi is complete.
-----------------------------
The sub-par performance of the National Revolutionary Army was put into scrutiny by Nanjing. It seems that the dominant philosophy of 'Long Attacks' wasn't the most ideal. The usual excuse was, of course, it's a “foreign Syndicalist garbage” and must be discarded, despite the fact that most of it was crafted by native Chinese thinkers like Chiang Kai-shek and Mao Zedong. The Generalissimo, himself, was also targeted as he is an ardent follower.
The NRA generals have looked at their former enemy, the Millennials. The generals have called the Millennial's style of fighting as 'Massed Assault' and this have been used several times throughout the war, mostly successful. Many strategists within the military started to adopt this way of fighting and add their variants to it. This enthusiasts to this style of warfare were called the 'School of Grand Battle'. With the School of Superior Firepower diminished, it is now the new contender against the students of 'Long Attack'.
NRA officers are not just fighting the war in Shaanxi but also within the army bureaucracy
End of Chapter
------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
The fight against the theocratic country is over. I'd say the free troops made it difficult than I expected.
As for anyone who wants to play as Republic of China, I would say that I really don't recommend joining alliance with Shangqing. First, they didn't do anything against AOG, they dragged me into war against Qing, in which at that time, the event where Yunnan would go to war with me would fire, throwing me into a two-front war. I don't have enough troops to hold them both. I only got lucky that Yunnan gave in.
After some time, that's when Qing usually gets the event chain to starts where she gets aggressive and expands. AOG doesn't exist so Shangqing was targeted first via decision.
So yeah. You can manage to defeat the others by yourself.
The next update will solely about the rest of the world. A quick look outside would be a break from this very local-focused and Sino-centric AAR.
Last edited:
So. You've got the juicy parts of the country. Can't stop there, eh?
You need more of historical China, at least up to their greatest historical extent. Oh, and a Co-Prosperity Sphere. Can't forget that.
You need more of historical China, at least up to their greatest historical extent. Oh, and a Co-Prosperity Sphere. Can't forget that.
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------------------------------------------------
State of the World 1939
For the first time, peace reigns on the new republic. However, its quest to reunify itself is still unfinished, and so war will happen some time in the future. But while the Nationalists are not at war, and its soldiers rest after two years of nearly continuous fighting, the rest of the world still firing their rifles to each other.
The war in the vast stretch of Siberia is still on-going. Tokyo have already sent peace feelers to the Russians to strike a bargain with the lands they occupied, in order to prepare against the rapidly rising China, but the Russians are not interested in peace until their former lands are back to their hands.
The war between the Alash Orda and the Turkestan is not finished yet but it seems that Turkestan will win.
Europe is at war again. The Papist North Italy is the first to fall against the combined power of South Italy and France.
The recently unified Italy then escalate the tensions with Austria regarding the region of Venice, claiming it as theirs.
Syndicalists:
Britain
France
unified Italy
Ukraine
Mitteleuropa:
Germany
Flanders-Walloonia
White Ruthenia
United Baltic Duchy
Australasia Confederation
Denmark
Liberia
Kingdom of Spain (who only holds Gibraltar)
Across the Pacific, the Federalists have been defeated by the radicals from both wings and petty warlords have set up on some places. The Syndicalists have been driven out of their base areas. Without those, it would be a matter of time before they fall. Recapturing them still doesn't guarantee their survival against the Firsters.
The Khan of Mongolia decided that the time is right and declare war against his homeland. He also send an envoy asking for an alliance but the Japanese are reluctant on dealing with this evil baron.
On the 30th of August 1939, Turkestan have conquered their northern neighbours, the Alash Orda. They proclaimed that they have achieved the first step on rebuilding the caliphate. They refused to go to war against Russia, instead they went to war against the Cossacks.
The Bharitiya Commune have received what was called, the Phalanstere project, where Britain and France gives substantial investment and aid into the less developed Syndicalists countries around the globe. The Indians would only benefit little from these petty gifts from Paris and London.
The Syndicalists in Central America have also made their moves on exporting their Red ideology. The planted rebellion in Honduras failed. The frustrated Centroamerica then declared war to aid the rebellion, but they were too late to save the rebels.
Back in the USA, the Firsters have crushed the Syndicalist Americans. All that is left of them are the stronghold cities of Kansas and Chicago. The later is more fortified, and serves as the capital of the Syndicalists. It is also noted that petty warlords still exists in some places where the Firsters still haven't exert their authority.
------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------
State of the World 1939
For the first time, peace reigns on the new republic. However, its quest to reunify itself is still unfinished, and so war will happen some time in the future. But while the Nationalists are not at war, and its soldiers rest after two years of nearly continuous fighting, the rest of the world still firing their rifles to each other.
The war in the vast stretch of Siberia is still on-going. Tokyo have already sent peace feelers to the Russians to strike a bargain with the lands they occupied, in order to prepare against the rapidly rising China, but the Russians are not interested in peace until their former lands are back to their hands.
The war between the Alash Orda and the Turkestan is not finished yet but it seems that Turkestan will win.
Europe is at war again. The Papist North Italy is the first to fall against the combined power of South Italy and France.
The recently unified Italy then escalate the tensions with Austria regarding the region of Venice, claiming it as theirs.
Syndicalists:
Britain
France
unified Italy
Ukraine
Mitteleuropa:
Germany
Flanders-Walloonia
White Ruthenia
United Baltic Duchy
Australasia Confederation
Denmark
Liberia
Kingdom of Spain (who only holds Gibraltar)
Across the Pacific, the Federalists have been defeated by the radicals from both wings and petty warlords have set up on some places. The Syndicalists have been driven out of their base areas. Without those, it would be a matter of time before they fall. Recapturing them still doesn't guarantee their survival against the Firsters.
The Khan of Mongolia decided that the time is right and declare war against his homeland. He also send an envoy asking for an alliance but the Japanese are reluctant on dealing with this evil baron.
On the 30th of August 1939, Turkestan have conquered their northern neighbours, the Alash Orda. They proclaimed that they have achieved the first step on rebuilding the caliphate. They refused to go to war against Russia, instead they went to war against the Cossacks.
The Bharitiya Commune have received what was called, the Phalanstere project, where Britain and France gives substantial investment and aid into the less developed Syndicalists countries around the globe. The Indians would only benefit little from these petty gifts from Paris and London.
The Syndicalists in Central America have also made their moves on exporting their Red ideology. The planted rebellion in Honduras failed. The frustrated Centroamerica then declared war to aid the rebellion, but they were too late to save the rebels.
Back in the USA, the Firsters have crushed the Syndicalist Americans. All that is left of them are the stronghold cities of Kansas and Chicago. The later is more fortified, and serves as the capital of the Syndicalists. It is also noted that petty warlords still exists in some places where the Firsters still haven't exert their authority.
------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
America sure is a mess. So are Asia. And Europe soon could become it. Well, such is life in KR.
@Van5 - I have to unify first.
@satilisu, @Milites - Next update would just be an intro update. So, consolidation and Manchurian issue.
@Nikolai - The cores are only IRL China + Mongolia, sadly.
@Davisx3m - Definitely. Spanish reinforcements would be great for the French.
@satilisu, @Milites - Next update would just be an intro update. So, consolidation and Manchurian issue.
@Nikolai - The cores are only IRL China + Mongolia, sadly.
@Davisx3m - Definitely. Spanish reinforcements would be great for the French.
This might be one of the few AARs where the Internationale might actually win. I'm already suprised Germany didn't steamroll France yet.
And also the CSA ain't there to support the Internationale, which makes it even more rare.
@SovietAmerika - Yeah. America is one. That Mexico peace event ruined the border.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter VI: Against the Warlords
“It takes 15,000 casualties to train a major general.”
- Ferdinand Foch
------------------------------------------------
North and South
The NRA was put into a philosophy crisis again. The dominant theory was criticise as unsuitable to future warfare, against the remaining independent cliques, and China's neighbours like Japan and Russia. The current theory was abandoned in favour of the 'Grand Battle'. Following the ways of the Millennials, the NRA must focus on defence and counter-attacks, but if they are going to attack, the offence must be whole, massive, strong, and decisive supported by an array of artillery brigades in the rear.
The officer training was also changed on its foundation. The new reforms spelled out that the new education system would follow the British style of training where officers will be educated on military matters only, in comparison with the old system where the military education was mixed with higher education. The new system allows faster creation of competent military officers.
National Revolutionary Army officers
Generalissimo Sun Li-Gen is now fighting a bureaucracy battle to retain his position. Several 'Grand Battle' generals eyes the office with ambition, but the stubborn field marshall succeed on retaining his position. As a consolation, Field Marshall Li Mi was replaced by a 'Grand Battle' general Gu Zhutong. The Marshall of the Air Force was replaced too, along with a new mindset that the air force should focus on small fighter planes to control the sky.
Nanjing have ordered the production of more army units and reservist militias (also known as; 'the Blue Shirts') under the request of the NRA to set up defences on its massive coastline. Six corps were set up. Three in the south and another three in the centre, each three are commanded by a general. Each corps (or coastal unit) consists of three divisions, one infantry and two reservists. They are complemented by three support brigades of artillery. The entire defence was overseen by a general stationed in Nanjing, defended by a full garrison. The NRA have also started building fortifications.
The Shanghai Arsenal have created a new outfit for the NRA infantry. The footsoldiers will soon have mortars equipped to them, and better weapons. The airforce continues to improve the prototype fighter model they have. They have also created the first bomber prototype, very similar to the bombers they gained from the Treaty Cities. Soon the NRA shall have air beasts to dominate the skies. The navy also gained its first prototype model of a destroyer. They will serve as escorts of its carrier fleet.
Ever since the defeat of the Millennials, the issue regarding Manchuria, which was controlled by the warlord state 'Fengtien Clique', have become the most important issue in the country. The Liberals and the Leftist doves have argued for a plebiscite, but the Conservatives, and the Leftist hawks have argued that such plebiscite is a waste of time, and should pressure the warlord's surrender through a show of force and an ultimatum. This debate remained inconclusive, by political manoeuvring of the President Madame Sun, until a large skirmish at the border between the two sides have erupted. Now, a choice has to be taken. In the end, the General Assembly have sent an ultimatum to the Fengtien Clique, demanding their submission. The NRA was also ordered on stand-by for a war.
The warlord of Fengtien Clique, Zhang Zoulin, responded with equal aggression. Stating that he shall claim all of China and the Dragon Throne for himself, and declares war to the Kuomintang. The Japanese, who were bogged down on Siberia, refused to assists their client.
On the less focused issue is the land reforms where the redistribution of the land to the peasants, and the destruction of several agricultural monopolies through the massive country. The Leftist and the Liberals supported it, for it is a remnant of the ancient regime, and also destroys the power of the aristocrats, many of whom are in the Conservative faction.
The Conservatives, of course, are aggressively against it. Desperate to hold back the two factions, they rally to the most powerful pro-Conservative force in the Republic; Long Yun, the warlord of Yunnan.
Now with the focus is primarily on the Manchurians, the warlord and his cohorts have prepared. With the declaration of war against the Republic. They now have the opportunity to defy Nanjing, however, they are still now fully prepared yet, with their private army still outdated compare the NRA. Still, it's now or never. Long Yun declared war against Nanjing.
The plan is simple in Operation Three Victory. All front line units shall focus on the penetration of the Manchurian lines in Changde. A continuous barrage of artillery starting from the dusk of the 3rd of January 1940 until the morning of the 6th, where the 'Mass Assault' will occur. Afterwards, the main priority would be the heart of Manchuria: Harbin, Jilin, and Changchun. Once the heart is gone, the clique is powerless. Its secondary priority is to capture the remaining infrastructure and industry.
Operation Three Victory
Right after the declaration of war, the General Assembly have passed a bill of press censorship. It did help quell and contain any discontent, and it also gave more control to the Leftist faction who manages the government.
The assault was carried out against the Manchurians on the 6th of January 1940, right on schedule. The pounded defenders were overwhelmed by the sheer mass of the Kuomintang.
By January 20, Changde was captured and the Nationalist momentum was unstoppable.
Down against the traitors: the coastal units that are tasked to defend to beaches were reassigned to smash the Yunnan rebellion. The commanders have gambled that the rebellion would be crushed before the Japanese would turn their attention to China. The NRA planned an encirclement on the north, and hitting the northern industries at the same time. The army in the south would advance into the capital, Kunming. The warlord's army have already staged raids into our lands. They must be stopped before they cause more damage.
Operation Timekeeper
------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: I looked ahead and I decided to choose Attritional Containment (+25% Morale) over Operational Stages (+15% ORG, plus battle events).
Defensive focus tree was chosen, as mentioned earlier, as a roleplay of reforming the NRA into a professional Western European style (Britain/France) army and I just want to try something different.
If you're playing as Republic of China, I suggest you edit the save or unlock the other trees via custom event. You can go through Manpower focus (the most obvious choice).
For cheaper alternatives would be the light infantry tree then Infiltration if you're only sticking to INFs and Marines, Mountains and such. Or light mobility if you want to play with MOTs, Xue Yue will help you in this.
You can get what I just got too. The Grand Battle Plan tree. Although, I still think that it's inferior (v1.02), I'm not sure if this has been improved on v1.03. I hope it does.
As for Sun Li-Gen, I still retain him because of his +10% speed bonus. I don't really need the manpower growth bonus since I'm China. I'm not sure if the +20% ORG regain is better. So feel free to give some feedback.
'The warlord has risen up' and 'The warlord's private army' are custom events. I feel unsatisfied annexing Yunnan so easily back then.
Regarding Japan, I don't know whether them not joining is good or not for this AAR. I don't get to fight them now, but they are fighting in Siberia so it seems unfair (to them).
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter VI: Against the Warlords
“It takes 15,000 casualties to train a major general.”
- Ferdinand Foch
------------------------------------------------
North and South
The NRA was put into a philosophy crisis again. The dominant theory was criticise as unsuitable to future warfare, against the remaining independent cliques, and China's neighbours like Japan and Russia. The current theory was abandoned in favour of the 'Grand Battle'. Following the ways of the Millennials, the NRA must focus on defence and counter-attacks, but if they are going to attack, the offence must be whole, massive, strong, and decisive supported by an array of artillery brigades in the rear.
The officer training was also changed on its foundation. The new reforms spelled out that the new education system would follow the British style of training where officers will be educated on military matters only, in comparison with the old system where the military education was mixed with higher education. The new system allows faster creation of competent military officers.
National Revolutionary Army officers
Generalissimo Sun Li-Gen is now fighting a bureaucracy battle to retain his position. Several 'Grand Battle' generals eyes the office with ambition, but the stubborn field marshall succeed on retaining his position. As a consolation, Field Marshall Li Mi was replaced by a 'Grand Battle' general Gu Zhutong. The Marshall of the Air Force was replaced too, along with a new mindset that the air force should focus on small fighter planes to control the sky.
Nanjing have ordered the production of more army units and reservist militias (also known as; 'the Blue Shirts') under the request of the NRA to set up defences on its massive coastline. Six corps were set up. Three in the south and another three in the centre, each three are commanded by a general. Each corps (or coastal unit) consists of three divisions, one infantry and two reservists. They are complemented by three support brigades of artillery. The entire defence was overseen by a general stationed in Nanjing, defended by a full garrison. The NRA have also started building fortifications.
The Shanghai Arsenal have created a new outfit for the NRA infantry. The footsoldiers will soon have mortars equipped to them, and better weapons. The airforce continues to improve the prototype fighter model they have. They have also created the first bomber prototype, very similar to the bombers they gained from the Treaty Cities. Soon the NRA shall have air beasts to dominate the skies. The navy also gained its first prototype model of a destroyer. They will serve as escorts of its carrier fleet.
Ever since the defeat of the Millennials, the issue regarding Manchuria, which was controlled by the warlord state 'Fengtien Clique', have become the most important issue in the country. The Liberals and the Leftist doves have argued for a plebiscite, but the Conservatives, and the Leftist hawks have argued that such plebiscite is a waste of time, and should pressure the warlord's surrender through a show of force and an ultimatum. This debate remained inconclusive, by political manoeuvring of the President Madame Sun, until a large skirmish at the border between the two sides have erupted. Now, a choice has to be taken. In the end, the General Assembly have sent an ultimatum to the Fengtien Clique, demanding their submission. The NRA was also ordered on stand-by for a war.
The warlord of Fengtien Clique, Zhang Zoulin, responded with equal aggression. Stating that he shall claim all of China and the Dragon Throne for himself, and declares war to the Kuomintang. The Japanese, who were bogged down on Siberia, refused to assists their client.
On the less focused issue is the land reforms where the redistribution of the land to the peasants, and the destruction of several agricultural monopolies through the massive country. The Leftist and the Liberals supported it, for it is a remnant of the ancient regime, and also destroys the power of the aristocrats, many of whom are in the Conservative faction.
The Conservatives, of course, are aggressively against it. Desperate to hold back the two factions, they rally to the most powerful pro-Conservative force in the Republic; Long Yun, the warlord of Yunnan.
Now with the focus is primarily on the Manchurians, the warlord and his cohorts have prepared. With the declaration of war against the Republic. They now have the opportunity to defy Nanjing, however, they are still now fully prepared yet, with their private army still outdated compare the NRA. Still, it's now or never. Long Yun declared war against Nanjing.
The plan is simple in Operation Three Victory. All front line units shall focus on the penetration of the Manchurian lines in Changde. A continuous barrage of artillery starting from the dusk of the 3rd of January 1940 until the morning of the 6th, where the 'Mass Assault' will occur. Afterwards, the main priority would be the heart of Manchuria: Harbin, Jilin, and Changchun. Once the heart is gone, the clique is powerless. Its secondary priority is to capture the remaining infrastructure and industry.
Operation Three Victory
Right after the declaration of war, the General Assembly have passed a bill of press censorship. It did help quell and contain any discontent, and it also gave more control to the Leftist faction who manages the government.
The assault was carried out against the Manchurians on the 6th of January 1940, right on schedule. The pounded defenders were overwhelmed by the sheer mass of the Kuomintang.
By January 20, Changde was captured and the Nationalist momentum was unstoppable.
Down against the traitors: the coastal units that are tasked to defend to beaches were reassigned to smash the Yunnan rebellion. The commanders have gambled that the rebellion would be crushed before the Japanese would turn their attention to China. The NRA planned an encirclement on the north, and hitting the northern industries at the same time. The army in the south would advance into the capital, Kunming. The warlord's army have already staged raids into our lands. They must be stopped before they cause more damage.
Operation Timekeeper
------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: I looked ahead and I decided to choose Attritional Containment (+25% Morale) over Operational Stages (+15% ORG, plus battle events).
Defensive focus tree was chosen, as mentioned earlier, as a roleplay of reforming the NRA into a professional Western European style (Britain/France) army and I just want to try something different.
If you're playing as Republic of China, I suggest you edit the save or unlock the other trees via custom event. You can go through Manpower focus (the most obvious choice).
For cheaper alternatives would be the light infantry tree then Infiltration if you're only sticking to INFs and Marines, Mountains and such. Or light mobility if you want to play with MOTs, Xue Yue will help you in this.
You can get what I just got too. The Grand Battle Plan tree. Although, I still think that it's inferior (v1.02), I'm not sure if this has been improved on v1.03. I hope it does.
As for Sun Li-Gen, I still retain him because of his +10% speed bonus. I don't really need the manpower growth bonus since I'm China. I'm not sure if the +20% ORG regain is better. So feel free to give some feedback.
'The warlord has risen up' and 'The warlord's private army' are custom events. I feel unsatisfied annexing Yunnan so easily back then.
Regarding Japan, I don't know whether them not joining is good or not for this AAR. I don't get to fight them now, but they are fighting in Siberia so it seems unfair (to them).
A professional, highly trained NRA using massed artillery barrages as a prelude to a mass charge, supported by tanks and airplanes.
Awesome. Just bloody awesome.
Awesome. Just bloody awesome.
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Very enjoyable AAR, to say at least! Just got trough and now I'm eagerly waiting for more.