Enclave said:Because he is one of the most navy-loving gamers in our MP games.
Still I don't think the IJA or the emperor for that matter would take too kindly to Japan under the control of the navy
.-
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Still I don't think the IJA or the emperor for that matter would take too kindly to Japan under the control of the navy
.
To Winner:
Americans are really not important at the moment. With a limited IC for production (20-30 IC) I have to build
what I need now, not later. When I get more IC and resources from China, then I will be able to think about carriers.
But for now the starting ones will have to do.
To SouthCarolinian:
After I run out of manpower I will start building ships again. Mostly cheap stuff at first (destroyers, heavy cruisers).
And, if war goes as planned, I will gradually shift to battleships and carriers.
To thatguy:
Firstly, I'm not using the flag - the mod is. Secondly, it is Japanese military flag (both Army and Navy), so it perfectly
fits the mood: war, fight, smash, crush...
Americans are really not important at the moment. With a limited IC for production (20-30 IC) I have to build
what I need now, not later. When I get more IC and resources from China, then I will be able to think about carriers.
But for now the starting ones will have to do.
To SouthCarolinian:
After I run out of manpower I will start building ships again. Mostly cheap stuff at first (destroyers, heavy cruisers).
And, if war goes as planned, I will gradually shift to battleships and carriers.
To thatguy:
Firstly, I'm not using the flag - the mod is. Secondly, it is Japanese military flag (both Army and Navy), so it perfectly
fits the mood: war, fight, smash, crush...
FOR THE EMPEROR!
1938, January – February
One year has passed since the Japanese victory in Shanxi. The new border with China was calm all year long. Both Chinese and Japanese soldiers keep an eye on each other as they stand on guard. A friendly exchange of cigarettes with the "enemy" takes place from time to time, but there is tension in the air. Everybody is cautious, because a simple message from HQ or an order from a commander could instantly turn those people across the road into deadly foes. Japanese civilians are also warned to be careful. Politicians, monks, merchants and other Chinese residents of Japanese origin are advised to leave China. Even the Japanese Shanghai garrison is gradually evacuated from the city. It must be clear for Chiang Kai-shek, that war is at hand.
Newly built infantry divisions will be very useful, but what the IJA really needs are some fast units. Tanks come to mind, but Japanese armor still has a lot of flaws and engineers are currently working on better designs, not to mention the high cost of full armored divisions. Kanin Kotohito proposes a more economical solution – cavalry. IJA already has 6 cavalry divisions and Kanin asks to increase the number to 15. The proposal is accepted by the majority of the military leaders and the training begins.
On February 3rd, a new air base is built in former Shanxi capital – Taiyuan. This strategically important base will allow IJAF to conduct military operations over Communist China, in case they dare to attack Japanese territories.
The Incident
1938, March 20th
A secret meeting is held in the Imperial Palace. Hirohito is anxious of what the Army report about their readiness is. Chief of the Army Kotohito comes forward and starts reading his report to the audience of selected few: “52 IJA divisions, including 2 garrison and 4 Chinese divisions, are stationed all along the border with Communist and Nationalist China. Opposing Guomindang forces consist precisely of 50 divisions, while communists have around 12 divisions. We do not posses the strength in numbers, but we have better Air Force and land doctrines. Furthermore, Chiang Kai-shek has dedicated a large portion of his troops to guard the Chinese coastline, in fear of our invasion. This will give our frontline troops a short advantage, until he diverts his divisions to the North”. “And then we will land our troops to the empty beaches!” – interrupts Osumi Mineo. “Precisely!” – agrees Kotohito and continues: “Our aim will be to capture as much of their industry as possible and entrench for the winter, behind rivers and mountains, if possible.” Hirohito listens carefully to the rest of the report and is pleased with what he hears. IJN and IJAAF reports also confirm their readiness for battle and, after listening to all the comments and opinions, Hirohito announces: “I am convinced with the strength of our Army. We are prepared, but how do we make the Chinese attack us first?”
1938, March 28th
Early in the morning, a group of Chinese border guards spot something strange. About 500 Chinese soldiers are crossing the Yellow river right in front of them. But what’s strange, is that they are coming from the Japanese side. Minutes later a large group of Japanese arrive near the river and start shooting at the running Chinese soldiers on the other side of the river. Border guards quickly contact their superiors, report what they are witnessing and request support. Nearby Guomindang forces rush to the river and, when they arrive, they see that a group of Chinese are already counterattacking the Japanese. They cross the river once more and pursue the, now retreating, Japanese soldiers. Confused Guomindang officers order their soldiers to assist them and join the Japanese pursuit. They quickly cross the river with conveniently placed boats, and enter the Japanese territory. After hours of marching they fail to locate both the retreating Japanese and the advancing colleagues and decide to garrison a near by village. When Nationalist troops enter the village they discover that it is completely empty. They try to contact their HQ, but minutes later, thousands of Japanese soldiers, supported by air and artillery, storm the village.
Next day, the major Japanese newspaper headlines claim: “China Attacks Japanese Territory”, “Chiang Kai-shek Declares War”, “Chinese Capture Japanese Village” et cetera. The “incident” is a major success…
1938, April
Hirohito gives an order to “retaliate” and Japanese launch their carefully crafter offensives. General Hata leads the offensive through the plains to the city of Xuzhou, while Koiso attacks the Chinese positions in the swamps around Anyang. Chiang Kai-shek reacts immediately and organizes a very sneaky attack of his own. 11 Guomindang divisions strike behind the main Japanese lines with hopes of cutting off the bulk of IJA in Jinan. Such an early and well planned attack makes some of the Japanese generals panic, but two days later, on April the 2nd, the enemy forces in Anyang are defeated and Chiang Kai-shek is left alone in his attack on Yucheng. With equal forces on both sides the defending Japanese eventually win. This failed Chinese attack greatly benefits the advancing Japanese, since Chiang Kai-shek loses an opportunity to reinforce his crumbling flanks.
The Imperial Japanese Navy also joins the hostilities. China Theater fleet blocks Shanghai harbor, trapping the entire Chinese Navy in it.
One enemy light cruiser tries to brake through the blockade, but is ripped apart by the many guns of Nagano’s fleet. All Chinese merchant ships are also targeted, while foreign ships are warned and not allowed to pass.
On April 5th, the city of Xuzhou is captured and the operation to encircle Chinese forces in Shandong Peninsula begins. 60 IJN transport ships unload 6 IJA divisions, including 3 cavalry divisions, near the coastal city of Lianyungang. Sugiyama’s Korean cavalry corps march inland and link up with General Hata in Xuzhou, while Yamashita secures the coastal city. 15 Chinese divisions are trapped and 10 more are retreating from Xuzhou. It will be hard as hell to contain this pocket…
Chiang Kai-shek escapes the possible capture days before the loss of Xuzhou. On April 6th, he summons all the warlords to Nanjing and forms the Unified Front against the Japanese aggression. Yunnan, Guangxi, Sinkiang and Ma warlords join Nationalist China. Their generals pledge loyalty to Chiang Kai-shek and their lands are placed under direct Guomindang control. Communist China also joins the cause, but Mao categorically refuses to unite completely. He claims that this is a temporary alliance and decides to fight the Japanese separately. Hirohito takes the news about an Unified Front very seriously. Nationalist China not only gains some extra IC and resources, but also takes control over thousands and thousands of warlord soldiers. There was no way of stopping this from happening and now Japanese success in China depends solely on the skill of the IJA commanders and on their abilities to exploit Chinese mistakes.
Hours later, some good news reach Tokyo from Berlin. Japanese Foreign Minister Arita Hachiro makes it sure, that Germans choose the right side to support in this war. He persuades Germans to recall Alexander von Falkenhausen and his mission from China. This strikes Chinese unexpectedly and Chiang loses one of his most talented generals and, most importantly, a valuable tech-team.
On April 10th, four days after joining the war, Mao decides to test the Japanese defenses in Taiyuan. 80 000 communist soldiers storm across the river into the mountains, but are quickly stopped by the local Chinese forces. Former warlord soldiers were resisting communists for years before Japanese came, so they know how to deal with Mao’s men. After a 24 hour battle the communists retreat. The border is secure, for now. But it is clear that IJA needs to devote at least 2 more divisions to completely stop the communists from attacking.
I see. I wasn't actually aware that linking was overlooked, but thanks for killing my confusion.
with the extra men the chinese might be able to stall you if they focus all their men on the border, but then their rear is exposed to amphibious assaults. What is your manpower situation like? how long will you be able to keep making regular army divisions?
and this is a great aar btw.
and this is a great aar btw.
Good luck, you will need it. In my pervious WIF games, Japan (controlled by the AI) has never defeated China. They captured large parts of it, but they always seemed to start losing ground by 1943-44.
But you're human, so I expect you'll do much better
But you're human, so I expect you'll do much better
I'm glad to have you back as a writAAR and with such an excellent AAR, too!
WIF seems to be giving insane bonuses to the AI, at least on your level of difficulty. I just hope you know what you are doing, lest we won't be able to enjoy this piece of AARt for very long.
WIF seems to be giving insane bonuses to the AI, at least on your level of difficulty. I just hope you know what you are doing, lest we won't be able to enjoy this piece of AARt for very long.
To SouthCarolinian:
At the moment Japan has 220 manpower and 8 divisions in production. These will be the last land divisions for now.
After they are finished I will focus on ships/air planes and try to save up some manpower for the reinforcements. Japanese manpower growth isn't that small, but it dropped significantly after the declaration of war (from +0.68 to +0.44). That means i will have to think before I build.
To Sokraates:
I hope I know what I am doing too. But seriously, what is the worst thing that could happen? Defeat in China,
loss of Manchuria and, maybe, Korea (and it happened to me once). So what? I will still be able to vent my anger on America and the rest of the Allies :]
At the moment Japan has 220 manpower and 8 divisions in production. These will be the last land divisions for now.
After they are finished I will focus on ships/air planes and try to save up some manpower for the reinforcements. Japanese manpower growth isn't that small, but it dropped significantly after the declaration of war (from +0.68 to +0.44). That means i will have to think before I build.
To Sokraates:
I hope I know what I am doing too. But seriously, what is the worst thing that could happen? Defeat in China,
loss of Manchuria and, maybe, Korea (and it happened to me once). So what? I will still be able to vent my anger on America and the rest of the Allies :]
FLOOD AND BLOOD
1938, April 12th
1938, April 12th
Early in the morning, under the cover of darkness, another Chinese cruiser tries to escape the siege of Shanghai. But as soon as the sun
goes up, it is spotted by IJN battleships and sunk after a series of direct hits. Chief of the Navy wants to send the Special Task fleet to Shanghai, but Nagano objects – “There is no reason to risk our carriers. I have the situation under complete control. The best, that Chinese navy could achieve during this war, is survive.”
The same day, IJA captures the city of Anyang and quickly crosses the Yellow River near Zhengzhou. With no divisions available to defend this important industrial city with a vital railway junction, Chiang Kai-shek orders to carry out an unprecedented operation.
Defend Xuzhou!
1938, April 6th – April 20th
Battle for Xuzhou begins right after Korean cavalry corps reach the city. Generals Sugiyama and Hata are ordered to hold Xuzhou at all costs. All casualties are to be ignored and the enemy must be stopped from opening the Shangdong pocket. At first they are attacked by an equal Chinese forces, but with every day more and more Nationalist soldiers join the attack. On April 10th, a staggering number of 300 000 enemy soldiers assault the city, but Hata manages to delay them, allowing Yamashita to support the defense. The coast is abandoned and all forces are concentrated in Xuzhou. Three days later 10 IJA divisions arrive from Jinan and the odds even out. But this is a dangerous gamble, since the city of Jinan is now exposed to an enemy attack. However, Chinese ignore Jinan and continue pressing Xuzhou until the April 18th, when 3 more IJA divisions are shipped in from Japan.
The hard battle is won and the pocketed Chinese exhaust themselves, making it easier to destroy them in the future. Nevertheless,
IJA loses 8 000 men and a lot of organization. All these losses right at the start of the war… But, if Xuzhou continues to hold, Chiang Kai-shek will lose much more than that.
Second Chinese attempt to retake Xuzhou comes much earlier than expected – five hours after their last defeat. General Sakai,
supported by the IJAAF, attacks the encircled enemy divisions, preventing them from assisting the attack on Xuzhou. This maneuver
saves thousands of Japanese lives, since Chinese cancel their doomed attack only two days later.
1938, April 20th – April 25th
IJA can’t sit and wait for another Chinese attack, so they decide to take back the initiative and attack the encircled Guomindang forces. Chinese generals desperately try to save their men and order another attack – this time on Jinan. What makes things even worse, is that days earlier, 3 Japanese garrison divisions arrived in Jinan and now face possible annihilation. Something has to be done!
Kotohito personally cancels the advance through the flooded territories and orders to counterattack the Chinese in Kaifeng – this is the only way to stop the Chinese. The Nationalists, faced by a counterattack from four directions, retreat from Jinan and set up defenses in Kaifeng. Japanese stronghold in Jinan is saved, but IJA loses a lot of time and men. Meanwhile, the battles around Qingdao are going rather well. Exhausted and poorly supplied Chinese soldiers are being slowly pushed northwards – further reducing their chances of breaking through.
The final assault on the city of Qingdao takes place on April 25th. Nagano cancels the blockade of Shanghai just to provide naval
support for this operation. It is extremely important to defeat the Chinese here and now and any support is welcomed. So far the Japanese lost 10 400 men and 10 aircraft in the battles around Qingdao. How many more lives will this province claim?
1938, April
from 12 IC to 6 IC. Japanese intelligence suspect that Nanjing and Hangzhou will be the next cities stripped of their factories. A group of
20 000 Japanese soldiers are landed near Nantong on April 12th. Their mission is to capture the Chinese capital and secure their industry. So far little stands in their way.
Right after the China incident, Soviet Union and USA officially condemns Japan and announces their support for China. Americans cancel
a lot of important trade deals, placing Japan in a temporary economical crisis. But, eventually, most of the trades are restored, since there is no official war between China and Japan. Both warring sides benefit from this, because most of the Western countries refuse to support foreign wars. However, Nationalists seem to be gaining more from this “peace”.
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so far so good. hopefully the dams being blown won't hold you up too much. When you close that pocket the chinese are gonna be hurting from it.
Gah! Must you always post at 2am??? Every day I finish my rounds in GuildWars around 2:30 or 3, check forums quickly for new posts, and there it is, your colossal monolith of an update! At least last night I decided I best save it for the morning.