John 3rd
Posts: 17178
Joined: 9/8/2005 From: La Salle, Colorado Status: offline
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May 10, 1944 Burma-Thai Gambit The decision process is based on WHERE can we hit the Allies causing damage but still be able to do this while minimizing risk? I cannot fight the Allies anywhere at sea due to there bringing overwhelming bombardment power to the table. Dan just sets his sights on--say Okinawa--brings the maximum available troops, bombs and bombards it to all Hell and then takes the base. While it might take a bit of time, the decision is certain. This thinking rules out fighting on land here. We'll reinforce the bases, strengthen them, and delay the enemy as much as possible. Can only delay and not win. Very simple. OK. What do we do? Burma is in full retreat. I have been bellyaching to Dan over the last two turns about my troops not moving out by rail from Rangoon PRIOR to his army arriving. While somewhat true--I had two Brigades sit at the tracks for TWO days prior to his troops arriving and stopping rail movement--this has been a smokescreen to make things LOOK far worse then they are. Am going to fight and fall back on Moulmein while evacuating anything possible. In particular we want Base Forces and Engineers moved out as well as a few Inf units so they can rebuild in Bangkok. While falling back I shall lament on the terrible Gods of Fate and how this really blows up the situation but the theatre is really secondary now so it doesn't really matter. Terrible. I will play act and attempt to lure him into a false sense of security. The reality is that I plan to lure him into the jungle south and east of Moulmein while all the while preparing a counter-stroke. Five days ago I gave orders for the 2 full strength ID in Soerbaja to shift prep to Moulmein. Same goes for two ID in Tokyo. A fifth ID got the orders in Shanghai. It is about to be bought out for deployment. Add in 4 TK Reg, a full TK Division and one has the making of a serious bellyache for the Allies. The goal will be the destruction of all Allied forces south/east of Moulmein. Obviously this will take time. Need Prep to get to at least 50% before pulling the trigger. Also need to move the units to Singers. He'll have lots of airpower and that is why I want to land at Moulmein where I can move into the jungle ASAP. Notes have been made regarding the use of 4EB and bases that I intend to discuss with my next opponent. Their power is simply frightening. We'll have to get away from the base quickly. The Japanese will do their best to keep Rangoon, Pegu, and Moulmein's AF damaged so Forts won't grow quickly. I know that this doesn't blunt the main Allied attack but I don't truly see much choice for options presently. Need a victory that gains Victory Points and forces his troops pools to be drawn upon. This appears to be a good option... Expect a bunch of naysayers so have at it, provide thoughts, suggestions, and IDEAS! The landing will be covered by every heavy ships and as many CVs as possible. Already have the 3 CV and 4 CVL down there and they should be enough to protect the invasion TFs. LBA will also be used to provide cover. EDIT: This Operation requires an anvil for the Allies to hit. Three full strength Brigades will be delivered to Bangkok in about 2-3 days. Thy will move north and work to slow/retard the Allied advance.
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< Message edited by John 3rd -- 2/22/2017 4:13:58 PM >
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