Remington700
Posts: 1057
Joined: 5/16/2021 Status: offline
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Philippine Islands S-day arrives! The long-anticipated invasion of Luzon has begun. The attack starts out with four days of continuous airstrikes against positions of the dug-in 45th Japanese division at Legaspi. As the US 2nd Corps lands south of the port and prepares to attack, two more days of airstrikes pound the enemy. Upon the arrival of Task Force 57 the first assault against the 45th Division is launched causing 50% casualties (5 SPs), but the unit holds. Allied losses are light. A second assault causes another 2 SPs in damage, forcing the enemy to retreat to the north. The arrival of an Australian Marine division is timely as they land on the secured beach and push into the Port of Legaspi. This will soon be a key airbase to support the advance on Manila. Two hundred miles to the south, in preparation of a crossing of the Surigao Strait a small battle group consisting of light cruisers and destroyers arrive offshore of Baybay to blockade the port. The force includes the CVL Boise carrying additional supply that will be used to resupply the US 7th Corps before their attack. I made a mistake with my move as the Port of Baybay is on the west side of the island opening to the Camotes Sea, while the blockading force is in Leyte Gulf. However due to the scale of the game the blockade will still be in place. Personally, I like naval hex movement and am more than willing to put up with these small issues rather than going to a “zone” approach. I am looking forward to WP2 to see how Alvaro’s use of hexes within zones (if I understand it correctly) works out. I think it is a wonderful idea. Regardless, I am disappointed in my sloppy play with the blockade. On the norther tip of Luzon, the US 6th Corps and the 4th Marine Division land under cover of carrier-based aircraft. Following an airstrike from B-24s of the 5th Bomber group, the US ground forces move inland and assault the 6th SNLF around the port at Aparri. Surprisingly the enemy puts up little resistance and soon surrenders in mass. The port is now in allied control. Following the capture of the two key ports at both ends of the island, the focus is now on cutting off all supply to the enemy. Task Force 58, consisting of six US carriers moves offshore of Lingayen and blockades the port. The size of the US force ensures nothing will get through to the enemy. To the south, a battle group comprised of the heavy cruisers Glasgow and Canberra supported by light cruisers and destroyers move into Manila Bay to shut down the key port. Luzon is now shut down and all enemy movement on or off the island is terminated! The first step in securing the naval facilities in Manila has been successful. The port is needed for naval repair and effectiveness recovery in support of the invasion of Japan. It will need to fall soon as the Wet Monsoon season is due to start in June.
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