Canoerebel
Posts: 21100
Joined: 12/14/2002 From: Northwestern Georgia, USA Status: offline
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At the time DS departed to escort the empties part way home, the Kuriles troops were about 40% prepped. I would've considered triggering the invasions at 50%+, mainly because the force to be applied was overwhelming (huge numbers of troops, plus DS and combat TFs to handle security and bombardments). I had a general notion that the invasions of the upper bases would take place in July. At that point, I had divisions prepping for targets from Paramushiro down to Etorofu. I changed those for the lower bases about a month or six weeks ago, boosting the commitment to the upper bases (Uruppu to Paramushiro) in light of Erik's reinforcements of the islands. The Kuriles are strongly defended now, but cannot withstand the Allied attack if the Allies have control of air and sea. Erik will have to defend, though he'll pick and choose his spots. It should be bloody. The fact that his spear has been somewhat blunted should be helpful. He has considerably less subs, DDs, CLs, riff-raff, and planes. I lost plenty, too, but most of my first team hasn't been on the field. It is big and strong and nearly ready for action. A lot of my assault shipping and most of my assault troops are on Sikhalin, except for one target. For that target, about 75% of the assault troops are in the Aluetians. I won't replace troops drawn from Sikhalin to invade the Kuriles. I'll tackle a base or two at a time, leaving plenty to guard Sikhalin. More importantly, Death Star will be on station. If there is a carrier battle, it becomes essential that I prevail (if not, I have problems beyond measure). If Erik doesn't seek battle, then the Allies control the seas as Death Star can provide security for Sikhalin, if needed. This is why the possibility of a carrier battle is paramount. Win it, and tackling the Kuriles becomes pretty straightforward. Lose it and I cannot hold Sikhalin.
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