NICE SUSPENSE!!! An invasion you say?? Haha, and I thought you had it in the bag.
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an invasion of 1 infantry army, i think rembel and his commanders can sort this out, dont forget to charge them for their holiday expences!!!
Wow! That is a lot worse than it might look first, the AI has a habit of landing with one division and a bit later start pouring troops from everywhere. The invasion has to be stopped immediately, but that is rather hard to do as there are no combat-ready troops nearby.
What is the situation and composition of anti-partisan forces in China? IIRC there are a lot of Siamese and Mengkukuoan units. They could stop and even eliminate that one division, but they're no match for anything else. A lot depends now on naval superiority: IJN needs complete blockade of entire Chinese coast and it has to be done fast! Unfortunately I think that the rest of those 15 missing American divisions are already enroute to China...
Anyway, this just got even more interesting. Even ten enemy divisions landed in China succesfully would cause all Remble's offensice actions to stop, as every 'extra' unit would be needed in China.
What is the situation and composition of anti-partisan forces in China? IIRC there are a lot of Siamese and Mengkukuoan units. They could stop and even eliminate that one division, but they're no match for anything else. A lot depends now on naval superiority: IJN needs complete blockade of entire Chinese coast and it has to be done fast! Unfortunately I think that the rest of those 15 missing American divisions are already enroute to China...
Anyway, this just got even more interesting. Even ten enemy divisions landed in China succesfully would cause all Remble's offensice actions to stop, as every 'extra' unit would be needed in China.
Aha, so you have been experimenting. How nice. I'm sure that the crew of the Chitose signed up for the navy to do just that. 
Regarding the US-troops: finaly some unexpected action! Don't you think that Itabana is starting to get bored and would enjoy a trip south?
Regarding the US-troops: finaly some unexpected action! Don't you think that Itabana is starting to get bored and would enjoy a trip south?
Feel like gambling, Remble? It might be just the thing to take out some American divisions by letting some more land in your backyard. You can starve them out by convoy hunting.
If the americans *do* try to reinforce their landing, they'll have to put their valuable transports within striking distance.
It's not like you have a lot of IC or resources to lose in China, anyway.
-- Beppo
If the americans *do* try to reinforce their landing, they'll have to put their valuable transports within striking distance.
It's not like you have a lot of IC or resources to lose in China, anyway.
-- Beppo
He still has. He can redeploy some airpower to kill the invaders and send BC Division 1 to block further reinforcements. I dont think that invasion will be a major setback.
its good to see you are put on the back foot for a few seconds hehehehe.
a couple of very good updates remble. it is good to see the americans finally realising ceylon is a very poor place to invade, and that it is easier to invade mainland china.
a couple of very good updates remble. it is good to see the americans finally realising ceylon is a very poor place to invade, and that it is easier to invade mainland china.
If I remember correctly, the AI doesnt have any naval range limits.
when i first see the posted picture American troops in China i said "haaaaa!!!!" (like what! in English) unintentionally and my friend in the same room was surprised and asked for what happened. of course my explanation was no impact on him
i think a few air wings will be able to take care of the situation but if the vanished troops from Yemen appear there, then it can turn out to be a major problem. especially, if they capture the adjacent airbased province and send some fighters there.
T-54s . i wonder what Chandra Bose thought or said when he first faced with those tanks :rofl:
this AAR is getting more enjoyable day by day . thanks for 3 updates btw
i think a few air wings will be able to take care of the situation but if the vanished troops from Yemen appear there, then it can turn out to be a major problem. especially, if they capture the adjacent airbased province and send some fighters there.
T-54s . i wonder what Chandra Bose thought or said when he first faced with those tanks :rofl:
this AAR is getting more enjoyable day by day . thanks for 3 updates btw
I'd use the invasion as an opportunity to sink some transports preferably loaded one as well as to sink some convoys. Also, I forget but what is in the build que anyway?
Also, I forget but what is in the build que anyway?
Not good.
Three weeks is way to long a time, hopefully you can get ther ebefore they start pumping those troops in.
Actually a rather sneaky move by the Americans, and if they do it right, it could cause you a fair bit of trouble.
Three weeks is way to long a time, hopefully you can get ther ebefore they start pumping those troops in.
Actually a rather sneaky move by the Americans, and if they do it right, it could cause you a fair bit of trouble.
The tendency to follow up landings will have an interesting effect at such a long range. Based on my experience the follow up troops aren't sent until the first foothold has been obtained. This means that they will take a long time to arrive and, in particular, will continue to arrive even after the initial landing has been eliminated. This means the area will probably be a problem for a long time (possibly months) but also yields opportunities for sinking transport fleets as well as destroying divisions.
I had a similar issue in southern Australia in the Fatherland AAR which required dedicated air support left on site which is not something Japan can afford.
I had a similar issue in southern Australia in the Fatherland AAR which required dedicated air support left on site which is not something Japan can afford.
genbrad - Its not over until the proverbial Fat Lady Sings.
Reado - Oh its not only one division
Velko - Pretty much accurate on the AI's normal invasion routine. With the exception of Japanese Garrison divisions all other troops in China are from my puppets and most of them are from Mengkukuo in this area, which makes them the worse ground troops I have anyway.
Sokraates - The crew of the Chitose signed up to serve the Emperor who is remarkably vague about what he needs his ships crews to accomplish. He is after all a Diplomat.
I am a little surprised myself that they invaded anywhere let alone in China. I think it probably has something to with them planning to do that about 3 years ago and just now getting around to it. Itabana. Correct of course, he was bored
Beppo - Interesting idea and I was tempted. My small rules concerning fighting as fairly as I can prevent me from taking such a big advantage of the AI though, so it will be handled swiftly.
Manziel - Ah, you are thinking like the Emperor
BobaFett696 - I was very surprised as I already said. The only way I can think of that that invasion could have got there is by coming from the south or south east as I have constant air patrols around Japan. I might need to consider expanding my search area a little more.
ColossusCrusher, Roman_legion, Raaritsgozilla - Realistically Attu Island is the closest and that -might- be in range but only if the American Transports have around 6,000 mile range. Technically speaking both Roman_legion and Raaritsgozilla are correct, the AI is cheating
harezmi - Your friend needs to be converted to the ways of HoI If the Americans capture an air and naval base things could get a lot more interesting. Chandra Bose probably just looked up to sea Japanese Dive bombers heading towards the Armour. Your welcome. Three updates was because I felt the need for a cliffhanger which I haven't had for quite a while
darthkommandant - I will try and sink whatever I can find. Current builds are 2 x BC, 2 x CV, 4 x TAC, 4 x Escort Fighters, 2 x CAG, 1 x Garrison and 1 x Police.
Maj. von Mauser - Not very good no. What still amazes me is the AI's total lack of any attempt on Hawaii. That would make more sense and it could win that fight eventually.
Kanitatlan - I remember the problems you had in Australia and it could turn out like that here. There are some differences though. The Americans don't have a very big Transport fleet as I destroyed it almost completely and it has not been replaced enough to support much of a landing. The AI has learnt from its mistakes against you and sent the follow-up force with the invading fleet. I would expect some late arrivals though.
Time to unravel the cliffhanger a little ...
Reado - Oh its not only one division
Velko - Pretty much accurate on the AI's normal invasion routine. With the exception of Japanese Garrison divisions all other troops in China are from my puppets and most of them are from Mengkukuo in this area, which makes them the worse ground troops I have anyway.
Sokraates - The crew of the Chitose signed up to serve the Emperor who is remarkably vague about what he needs his ships crews to accomplish. He is after all a Diplomat.
I am a little surprised myself that they invaded anywhere let alone in China. I think it probably has something to with them planning to do that about 3 years ago and just now getting around to it. Itabana. Correct of course, he was bored
Beppo - Interesting idea and I was tempted. My small rules concerning fighting as fairly as I can prevent me from taking such a big advantage of the AI though, so it will be handled swiftly.
Manziel - Ah, you are thinking like the Emperor
BobaFett696 - I was very surprised as I already said. The only way I can think of that that invasion could have got there is by coming from the south or south east as I have constant air patrols around Japan. I might need to consider expanding my search area a little more.
ColossusCrusher, Roman_legion, Raaritsgozilla - Realistically Attu Island is the closest and that -might- be in range but only if the American Transports have around 6,000 mile range. Technically speaking both Roman_legion and Raaritsgozilla are correct, the AI is cheating
harezmi - Your friend needs to be converted to the ways of HoI
If the Americans capture an air and naval base things could get a lot more interesting. Chandra Bose probably just looked up to sea Japanese Dive bombers heading towards the Armour. Your welcome. Three updates was because I felt the need for a cliffhanger which I haven't had for quite a while darthkommandant - I will try and sink whatever I can find. Current builds are 2 x BC, 2 x CV, 4 x TAC, 4 x Escort Fighters, 2 x CAG, 1 x Garrison and 1 x Police.
Maj. von Mauser - Not very good no. What still amazes me is the AI's total lack of any attempt on Hawaii. That would make more sense and it could win that fight eventually.
Kanitatlan - I remember the problems you had in Australia and it could turn out like that here. There are some differences though. The Americans don't have a very big Transport fleet as I destroyed it almost completely and it has not been replaced enough to support much of a landing. The AI has learnt from its mistakes against you and sent the follow-up force with the invading fleet. I would expect some late arrivals though.
Time to unravel the cliffhanger a little ...
Operation Lynchpin
15
15
1800 February 22nd 1948.
Chief of Staff Offices. Tokyo, Japan.
The plans made by Tanigawa's subordinates were not earth shattering and were probably not going to be liked much by Kawabe but they seemed to be good enough at first glance.
"We are not planning to send any ground reinforcements to the invasion area because it would take too long." Satoru began as the Joint Chiefs outlined the plans. "The Kwantung Army will have to handle the situation with local forces only."
"I will let you inform Kawabe of that." Tanigawa replied.
"We will deal with the plan Sir." Osami continued. "There are going to be forces sent to help. They will all arrive fairly swiftly and should be able to both contain the invasion and provide enough support to crush it."
"We are not planning to send any ground reinforcements to the invasion area because it would take too long." Satoru began as the Joint Chiefs outlined the plans. "The Kwantung Army will have to handle the situation with local forces only."
"I will let you inform Kawabe of that." Tanigawa replied.
"We will deal with the plan Sir." Osami continued. "There are going to be forces sent to help. They will all arrive fairly swiftly and should be able to both contain the invasion and provide enough support to crush it."
"Admiral Koga is in the process of making ready for sea and will sail for the Yellow Sea as soon as he is able. He will be tasked with hunting down the invasion fleet and preventing any other troops being able to arrive to suppliment those ashore already."
"And if the invasion is supported by a Carrier Task Force?" asked Tanigawa.
"Our other assets moving to the area can carry out reconnaisance and handle that threat if it exists." Jun stated.
"So you are sending some aircraft as well I take it?"
"I am Sir. We have several squadrons not heavily engaged with supporting the offensive against the Soviets as well as the local Siamese squadrons."
"And if the invasion is supported by a Carrier Task Force?" asked Tanigawa.
"Our other assets moving to the area can carry out reconnaisance and handle that threat if it exists." Jun stated.
"So you are sending some aircraft as well I take it?"
"I am Sir. We have several squadrons not heavily engaged with supporting the offensive against the Soviets as well as the local Siamese squadrons."
"As we speak two full bomber groups are heading for eastern China. Lt. General Itabana has been ordered to move his Tactical bombers to Jinan from his base in Irkutsk. He was on his way to bomb enemy troops when he was recalled. A second bomber group, that of Air General Shimoyama, is heading for Hangzhou from Singapore. Neither of these groups was particularly busy and can be spared for a while. We also have the newest Tactical bomber wing in Tokyo which is waiting for its Escort Fighters which are due shortly."
"Are you sending anything else?"
"Not at this time no. The forces we are sending are more than sufficient to control anything but a massive invasion with the majority of the United States Navy in support. Should that be the case then we shall have to reconsider our plans a little. The Americans failed to capture an airbase during their surprise invasion which is likely to cost them dearly." Satoru replied.
"You have thought about a massive invasion as well I hope?"
"Yes Sir. Further reinforcements would take longer to arrive and some could impact on our progress in Asia and the Soviet Union. Both Carrier Groups can return home if needed as well as both of our other bomber groups and the Tactical bomber wing patrolling the Hawaiian Islands. Ground forces can be spared from the Kwantung Army in the north and the North China Army if it gets to the point where we need more troops."
"A fairly minor reaction to a possibly huge problem it shall be then. The Red Army over reacted to our offensive in Manchuria and look where that got them, so small is good for the time being. Carry on Gentlemen."
"Are you sending anything else?"
"Not at this time no. The forces we are sending are more than sufficient to control anything but a massive invasion with the majority of the United States Navy in support. Should that be the case then we shall have to reconsider our plans a little. The Americans failed to capture an airbase during their surprise invasion which is likely to cost them dearly." Satoru replied.
"You have thought about a massive invasion as well I hope?"
"Yes Sir. Further reinforcements would take longer to arrive and some could impact on our progress in Asia and the Soviet Union. Both Carrier Groups can return home if needed as well as both of our other bomber groups and the Tactical bomber wing patrolling the Hawaiian Islands. Ground forces can be spared from the Kwantung Army in the north and the North China Army if it gets to the point where we need more troops."
"A fairly minor reaction to a possibly huge problem it shall be then. The Red Army over reacted to our offensive in Manchuria and look where that got them, so small is good for the time being. Carry on Gentlemen."
0000 February 23rd 1948.
Kwantung Army Headquarters. Qiqihar, Manchukuo.
Kawabe had been hoping for some troops but wasn't too disappointed with the assets being sent to support him. The Imperial Japanese Airforce had a well deserved reputation and the Americans would have to send a massive force to be able to prevent them from destroying the bridgehead. He would wait for the first aerial reconnaisance reports before he took any more direct action.
The upgrading of the first Garrison division had just been completed and this would help to control the partisans in China if it remained in Japanese hands.
1300 February 23rd 1948.
The Skies Above Damascus.
No new orders had arrived for Obata so he carried on with the task at hand. The destruction of anything that moved that was hostile to Japanese forces.
Only two British divisions were still alive and both were in Damascus. Neither would be likely to survive for long against the elite of the Japanese Airforce.
2200 February 23rs 1948.
Kwantung Army Headquarters. Qiqihar, Manchukuo.
Kawabe did not have to wait long for his reconnaisance reports to arrive from the newly arrived bomber groups. They had been sent to patrol the Yellow Sea and to attack the bridgehead in Lianyungang. He had also received a further update from Mj. General Zhao Qiuhang which did not provide him with a good feeling at all. The Americans were apparently a little serious about their invasion.
Itabana had found one large Transport fleet in the South Yellow Sea and the Siamese Tactical bomber squadron had found another to the north east in the Tsushima Strait. Both fleets were heading away from the Yellow Sea. The report from the invasion site was not good. Another four American divisions had already arrived to support the bridgehead and Kawabe had no doubt that these troops would begin to advance once they had recovered from their landing.
The report from Shimoyama would have informed Kawabe of the enemy numbers if he had not already been known. The report from the bombers did include what type of enemy divisions had arrived so far. All very modern and most with support brigades as well as one Armoured division. The snow still in the region would hopefully hamper any advances and give the bombers time to reduce the bridgehead and stop any further enemy troops from arriving. At least Kawabe could be fairly sure that only five enemy divisions had been sent so far as only five Transport Divisions had been sighted. The speed of the follow-up forces arrival was a surprise though.
0900 February 24th 1948.
BB Division 1 Flagship. IJN Fuso, East Gulf of Aden.
2300 February 24th 1948.
Kwantung Army Headquarters. Qiqihar, Manchukuo.
0500 February 25th 1948.
East Asia Army Headquarters. Krasnoyarsk, Soviet Union.
0200 February 26th 1948.
BB Division 1 Flagship. IJN Fuso. East Gulf of Aden.
BB Division 1 Flagship. IJN Fuso, East Gulf of Aden.
The Japanese fleet had responded to the Allied invasion in China so Ozawa was being kept well informed of what his assets were up to. BC Division 1 was still in transit to the Yellow Sea which allowed Ozawa to concentrate on things closer to his current position.
Banzai had made another successful landing. Mascate was now back in Japanese hands and would deprive the British of at least some factories and resources. Unfortunately Mukalla could not be invaded as the coastline was not condusive to such a move so Banzai would have to march overland.
At 1700 hours BC Division 1 made contact with the larger of the two enemy Transport fleets in the Tsushima Strait. Only the already badly damaged Transport Division would be sunk with no ship being able to claim the killing blow. Itabana's bombers had caused enough damage to this one Flotilla during their initial contact in the South Yellow Sea. Koga would not pursue the Transports but would head for the South Yellow Sea to enforce a blockade.
"Sir."
"Yes?" Ozawa replied already knowing something was amiss as the sounds of Action Stations reverberated throughout IJN Fuso.
"An enemy fleet is approaching." came the reply from the messenger.
"I will get a briefing on the bridge." Ozawa stated as he headed in that direction. His fleet was in a precarious position as there were no air patrols this far south and enemy fleets were never a good thing to find without warning.
"Sir."
"Yes?" Ozawa replied already knowing something was amiss as the sounds of Action Stations reverberated throughout IJN Fuso.
"An enemy fleet is approaching." came the reply from the messenger.
"I will get a briefing on the bridge." Ozawa stated as he headed in that direction. His fleet was in a precarious position as there were no air patrols this far south and enemy fleets were never a good thing to find without warning.
Fortunately for Ozawa it was only the Brazilian Heavy Cruiser NRB Santa Catarina which was already badly damaged from several encounters with Japanese air patrols throughout the Pacific. IJN Fuso's guns would soon have the enemy fleet heading for the bottom of the East Gulf of Aden.
2300 February 24th 1948.
Kwantung Army Headquarters. Qiqihar, Manchukuo.
No further enemy ships had been sighted by any patrolling aircraft but that did not mean there were not more enemy troops on the way. The heading of the departing fleets almost certainly meant that they were heading for the nearest friendly port which was on Attu Island.
Kawabe did not have to wait long for the Americans to recover from their invasion. Mj. General Zhao Qiuhang was ordered to withdraw towards Jinan as his Militia division had no chance of halting the three enemy divisions decending upon it. All sixteen Japanese bomber squadrons were now targetting the enemy bridgehead and the casualties were beginning to mount for the Americans.
The first division would be destroyed twenty four hours later as the bombers continued to pummel the enemy troops. There would be no more support for them as BC Division 1 was now on station in the South Yellow Sea. An enemy fleet could still arrive unannounced but only if it came from the south where there were no Allied Naval bases for thousands of miles.
0500 February 25th 1948.
East Asia Army Headquarters. Krasnoyarsk, Soviet Union.
While most of the attention centred around China the other Japanese Armies were still hard at work trying to advance into hostile territory.
Lt. General Sumida encountered another hastily deployed Soviet division in Barguzin to the east of Terauchi's line. Support arrived immediately from General Okabe in Mogosha which would allow Sumida to continue his forward progress. Seven hours later he would arrive in Barguzin and his exhausted troops would begin to dig in and recover from their long march northwards.
0200 February 26th 1948.
BB Division 1 Flagship. IJN Fuso. East Gulf of Aden.
Dawn was an hour away when Ozawa was awoken. He had been expecting a knock on his cabin door from his personal steward but it would be the very loud sirens of IJN Fuso that would disturb his sleep. He was out of bed and half dressed before he did hear a knock on the door.
"Enter."
"Sir, Admiral Ban Masami requires you on the bridge urgently." the messenger stated.
"Any idea why?" Ozawa asked just in case the messenger actually had any information.
"No Sir."
"Very well. Inform the Admiral I will be there shortly."
It took Ozawa very little time to hastily dress and head to the bridge of IJN Fuso. "Admiral what needs my attention so urgently this fine morning?" Ozawa asked.
"Not that fine Sir." Ban Masami replied as he briefed Ozawa on the situation.
"Enter."
"Sir, Admiral Ban Masami requires you on the bridge urgently." the messenger stated.
"Any idea why?" Ozawa asked just in case the messenger actually had any information.
"No Sir."
"Very well. Inform the Admiral I will be there shortly."
It took Ozawa very little time to hastily dress and head to the bridge of IJN Fuso. "Admiral what needs my attention so urgently this fine morning?" Ozawa asked.
"Not that fine Sir." Ban Masami replied as he briefed Ozawa on the situation.
"We have one hour until daylight Admiral, lets be about closing with the USS Franklin before we give it even more time to cause us considerable harm."
"Aye, Aye Sir." came the reply as IJN Fuso accelerated to maximum speed and headed directly for the fleet of Admiral Martin.
The USS Franklin was the first of the new Kitty Hawk Class Aircraft Carriers that had been spotted and it was about to be tested by the main Battlefleet of the Imperial Japanese Navy. Unlike the USS Phillipine Sea this Carrier had Escorts, which would need to be dealt with first before Ozawa could target the much more valuable USS Franklin.
He silently altered his previous comment. "Too fine a morning" he thought to himself.
"Aye, Aye Sir." came the reply as IJN Fuso accelerated to maximum speed and headed directly for the fleet of Admiral Martin.
The USS Franklin was the first of the new Kitty Hawk Class Aircraft Carriers that had been spotted and it was about to be tested by the main Battlefleet of the Imperial Japanese Navy. Unlike the USS Phillipine Sea this Carrier had Escorts, which would need to be dealt with first before Ozawa could target the much more valuable USS Franklin.
He silently altered his previous comment. "Too fine a morning" he thought to himself.
Well... I thought that after turning point against SOV, the war and this AAR could become less interesting.
That was a huge mistake!
Thank you to US AI! And to You!
That was a huge mistake!
Thank you to US AI! And to You!
Ouch. Double ouch... a well-planned amphibious landing with follow-up troops and a level 9 carrier! I think I've never seen a level 9 carrier in "normal" games so far...
Double cliffhangers; America's on a roll!
The Allies are stepping up the efforts it seems. First the British woke up and rallied their puppets to war and now the USA is showing up in force with a Death Star carrier in tow. Just in time when your bombers are finding Soviet targets to be rarer and rarer. I think Spring might be busier than the Japanese Empire expected.
The Allies are stepping up the efforts it seems. First the British woke up and rallied their puppets to war and now the USA is showing up in force with a Death Star carrier in tow. Just in time when your bombers are finding Soviet targets to be rarer and rarer. I think Spring might be busier than the Japanese Empire expected.