Category: War of Resistance AAR 2 (Page 3 of 3)

Aug II 37

(Mud Zone 12, clear elsewhere)

Japanese Player Turn

Formation of the 1st and 2nd XXXX’s occurs, and attacks are agin put in across the river defences, but attacks by the Senda, 10th Lt, NCG Lt [XX] result in stalled attacks. Again the 20th Lt XX disgraces itself in battle against the rag-tag Hopei infantry and flees from battle. The 5th Mnt XX attacks Manchurian/MNF forces across the Yang River and, despite losses (HX) advance across the river. North of Peking, the 6th XX destroys a MNF force in wooded rough terrain and frees up the advance route to link with Jehol and Manchukuo forces who advance to surround Kalgan with interlocking ZOCs. Air attacks on the rail system result in a break on the Tsinpu RR north of Tehsien. Generally a disappointing period for the Japanese High command who expected greater results and less resistance from the Chinese. Two amphibious landings planned for the next month.

Chinese Player Turn

Within Shansi, units begin to fall back from Kalgan, bidding farewell to the surrounded garrison and burning joss sticks in their memory. Along the Yang River, Manchurian forces fall back to the Machang River to join the supported CA XX’s. Hopei units also fall back from the Yang River south of Peking with CA XX’s but a gap of two swamp hexes is opened between the CA XX’s. Around Shanghai the CA waits patiently for the command from Chiang Kai Shek, which is ‘attack, attack, attack!’. massive dogfights erupt in the skies above the city as IJN and CAF pilots test their skills. Both available IJN units are returned to base, but the CAF lose their Mixed Fighter unit. Calculation of odds reveals odds of 3:2, totally inadequate planning by the General Staff, who blame their faults on the easy accessibilty of opium around the International Cantonment. Cursing his lick, Chiang rolls a 6 which modifys to an EX…. very lucky. Celebrations are heard throughout the city on news of its liberation from the threat of Japanese troops. All IJN air, ground and naval forces are lost. A black day for the pride of the navy. As part of the exploitation, Wosung is occupied by a 4-6 XX.

Aug I 37

(Mud Zone 7,1,2,9 – clear elsewhere)

Political Developments

KMT diplomats sign a treaty with the Regional government of Shangtung, promising greater development and investment in the province over the next few years, sweetened with an immediate boost to the provincial treasury and a personal ‘salary’ to the ruling warlord. A warm and ongoing relationship between provincial and national governments is predicted. (Bribes help to bring Shangtung into cooperation with the KMT). Dissappointment further south as the Kwangtung Provincial Governemnt cite ongoing displeasure with national policy and its concentration on ‘northern affairs’ to the detriment of the south’s economic development. An immediate grant of government treasury bonds fails to sway local opinion (Kwangtung goes uncooperative!)

Japanese Player Turn

Reinforcements begin to arrive from Manchukuo and Japan and local commanders begin attacking Chinese forces to quickly break the line and begin the expected sweep across northern China. wading through the mud, the Senda Mechanised XX and newly motorised 1DK Lt X attack across the Yang River a Hopei infantry corp (Three Inf XX) but (un)surpringly meet with little success (AS). Of greater concern was the failure of a much vaunted attack by the 20th Lt XX across the river defence line on Hopei units, but as troops were disembarking from loaclly commandeered junks and fishing craft used to cross the river, spirited defence panicked the attackers who fled in disorder and could only be rallied by their distraught officers some 16 miles from their start line (AR).

In Tsientsin, the 5th Mountain XX takes the last hex held by a lone Ho Pol X. In the air, Japanese bombs rain down on the transportation network. In defence of their homeland, the pilots of the Hawk II, specially trained and awaiting this oppurtunity attempt to intercept the attacking waves of Ki-2-1 bombers, only to be shot from the skies in suffcient numbers to send the counter to the aborted box. Obviously non-plussed by the brave showing of the chinese, the bomb aimers miss their runs and the bombs fall wide, and all rail lines north remain open. Amphibios operations planned against Wosung (and are planned each turn until needed)

Chinese Player Turn

CA XX’s deployed behind the Yang and Machang Rivers, bolstered by Hopei, MNF and Manchurian units. In Shansi, local Warlord cavalry units with help from MNF and CA units advance to the hills around Kalgan, putting forward and aggresive defence. Behind them, construction begins of fortifications along selected ‘choke’ points along the Shansi railway. Around Shanghai, the CA XX’s are finally emplaced in positions ready to get revenge on the Japanese Marines for 1932. CA units in Canton are redeployed to Fukien.

July II 37

Japanese Player Turn

Manchukuo and Jehol cavalry and militia units attack the MNF Warlord units stationed at Kalgan but are surprisingly thrown back (AR). Within the Peking/Tsientsin Special District, a mass of overruns are conducted by available forces, taking much of the region from the pitiful Chinese units, with the 1 DK Light X securing Peking. There are limited exploitation moves due to caution on the Japanese behalf.

Chinese Player Turn

CA Divisions and assorted units head for the fortified ring around Shanghai, staff officers careful to avoid undue antagonism towards the Japanese forces in the region by keeping a safe distance from the city hexes. Six CA XX are railed north to behind the main defence line along the Yungting River, accompanied by a mass of MNF Warlord units, eager to show their patriotism for the cause, who flock to Hopei and Shansi provinces. MNF Cavalry units march to positions west of Kalgan to support the garrison in the city and make it difficult for the unpatriotic Puppets (may their ancestors find no peace). The CAF flies into Shihkiachuang its modern fleet of Hawk II fighters, ready to provide an unbreakable umbrella over the groundpounders. In distant Shensi, the 8th Route army begins marching to the far off sound of battle, the rough terrain it faces, sure to delay arrival at the front for several weeks.