THE WAR COLLEGE-Rio Bravo (A) v. El Lobo (J)

[Rio Bravo]

ORIGINAL: CaptHaggard

ORIGINAL: Rio Bravo

[center]July 16, 1943[/center]


Highlight for Today


Captain Haggard's submariners trashed Palm Tree Hut on Wake Island causing the MPs to converge on the hut in record numbers and causing over $350.00 in damage to the bar. When asked to account for his destructive submariners, Captain Haggard replied, "The boys were just blowing off steam and having a little fun." The good news is that only minimal casualties were inflicted on the hookers.

Admiral,

We here at Haggard Group HQ applaud our boys for rating a "Highlight for Today" mention, and we look forward to being featured again real soon.

As to the ladies: with all gentlemanly deference to the fair sex, the only one worthy of mention was 86'ed from "Howlin' Ed's" in Rabaul and found her way to Wake on a rogue AMc out of Melbourne (that no one knows to this day what to do with). Boatswain's Mate Ford of Tuna thinks she might be the reason the Emperor skipped attacking Wake, and in this case, any peripheral damage to the attendant fair sex was inadvertent when chairs and tables were upended in the rush to get away "'cause she got her gander up", according to Fireman Rodgers of Snook.

Plus the local MPs can't seem to get laid. Can't Army request uglier ladies for these poor guys?

Respectfully,

Hag

Captain Haggard-

Need I remind you again that only authorized military personnel are permitted to board USN submarines?

*chuckling*

Your pal,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

[center]July 19, 1943[/center]


Highlight for Today


The Allies clamor into Rangoon.


Synopsis of Combat Action for Today


1.) Japanese bombed Chungking. Both sides received minimal casualties.

2.) Allies bombarded near Toungoo (hex 56,51). Both sides received minimal casualties.

3.) Allies shock attacked Rangoon. Both sides received minimal casualties.

Attached below as a link is the entire Combat Report for July 19, 1943.

Best regards,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

[center]July 20, 1943[/center]


Highlight for Today


I made yet another mistake. I neglected to check the Allied ground forces at Bassein. An infantry brigade crossed the river into Rangoon triggering another shock attack. I had not intended to attack Rangoon again. The results were not good for the Allies.


Synopsis of Combat Action for Today


1.) Japanese bombed Chungking. Both sides received minimal casualties.

2.) Japanese deliberately attacked near Chengtu (hex 76,41). Japanese won the battle. However, both sides received minimal casualties. The Chinese held their turf.

3.) Japanese deliberately attacked near Tsuyung (hex 68,45). Chinese won the battle. However, both sides received minimal casualties. The Chinese held their turf.

4.) Allies shock attacked Rangoon. Not a pretty picture.

5.) Allies bombarded near Toungoo (hex 56,51). Both sides received minimal casualties.

Attached below as a link is the entire Combat Report for July 20, 1943.

Best regards,

-Terry

[CaptHaggard]

HAGGARD GROUP
Official Communique
July 20, 1943

Gentlemen,

CINCPAC and Admiral Bravo have authorized the release of upcoming operations in the Pacific Theater.

These operations are as follows:


OPERATION STOCKPILE

Build-up of Marianas to main Pacific Base for Allied Pacific Forces

Countdown: 26 days

Leave Pearl: August 15, 1943 (proximate date)

Arrive Marianas: September 1, 1943.

Operation Stockpile is designed to transform the Marianas as close to “Pearl Harbor status” as is possible at this time.

Every available squadron of land-aircraft—as well as support vessels of every stripe—will transfer for permanent duty from that location. This will enable all subsequent operations to begin in the Marianas, fully fit and armed.

CINCPAC is placing this start-date (as well as the others, below) as proximate because, according to Admiral Bravo, as soon as these forces are assembled and ready to sail, off they go.


OPERATION BOTTLE

Invasion of Takao, Formosa

Countdown: 62 days

Leave Marianas: September 20, 1943 (proximate date)

Arrive Takao: October 1, 1943

See notes, below.


OPERATION CORK

Invasion of Pescadores

Countdown: 62 days

Leave Marianas: September 20, 1943 (proximate date)

Arrive Pescadores: October 1, 1943.

Operation Bottle and Operation Cork are simultaneous invasions intended to begin the process of sealing off and thus denying resources to the enemy war machine.

As a historical note, one of Admiral Kincaid’s aides—in arguing for the invasion of Formosa in lieu of the Philippines—told the Admiral the impact of such an invasion would be like “putting a cork in the bottle”. Hence our operational names.

As a personal note, I did consider trying to convince Admiral Bravo to name the invasion of Takao “Operation Winnie”.

During my service, the ATF upon which I served concluded brown-water ops along the Viet coast and was granted R&R in Hong Kong, en route to Sasebo. A day out of Hong Kong the ship encountered the worst typhoon in the Taiwan Strait since 1944.

In danger of sinking if we kept on course, or of capsizing if we veered toward sanctuary, we eventually nursed our sorry act into Kaohsiung (Takao).

We had been paid out (and spent out) in HK; advance pay was not granted. It was in this destitute state that I happened (as sailors do) upon a young lady, whose name was Winnie. Winnie knew better than I that we were leaving the next day, and she soon found out I did not have a cent.

Nevertheless, that evening with Winnie in Kaohsiung was perhaps the best evening I ever had in the service. Winnie was very generous. I had a steak dinner. I enjoyed an upscale room in a nice hotel. She even paid for the water taxi to the ship so that I could make the 2 AM curfew.



OPERATION JOHN B. HOOD

Invasion of Amoy, China

Countdown: 103 days

Leave Pescadores: November 1, 1943 (proximate dat)

Arrive Amoy: November 1, 1943.

The entire sequence of these operations is not only to starve Japan of vital resources, but to relieve pressure on our brave Chinese allies, particularly those armies located in Chungking, who have been waging war against the enemy without supplies for many months.

This operation is named after a Confederate general who was renown for his impetuousness and his bravery. This courage and reckless nature may have made him on occasion foolish in strategy and tactics. Be that as it may; his spirit exemplifies this final step of these upcoming operations.

As a personal note, Admiral Bravo and I once wrote a novel entitled “The Sojourn”. One of the characters we developed was one John B. Hood, who owned a ranch out San Antonio way with his wife Dorothy.

Being a middle-aged man, John B.’s main desire was to bring back the original grasses and foliage to the prairie, which he cultivated on his property with prideful zeal.

And yet, after meeting a certain drunk during a weekend getaway in Las Vegas, this Texan gentleman leaves Dorothy and his grasses behind, in order to battle terrorists in faraway locations rife with danger.

By now, to Rio and myself, the character is almost part of the family, so to speak.

***
We thank you for any and all advice and commentary regarding these operations,

Captain Haggard, USN

[Rio Bravo]

[center]July 21, 1943[/center]


Highlight for Today


The 3rd New Chinese Corps inflicts revenge on Japan's 4th Infantry Division due east of Bassein (hex 55,52).


Synopsis of Combat Action for Today


1.) Allies deliberately attacked near Rangoon (hex 55,52). The Chinese won the battle. However, Japan's 4th Infantry Division held their ground.

2.) Allies bombarded near Toungoo (hex 56,51). Both sides received minimal casualties.

Attached below as a link is the entire Combat Report for July 21, 1943.

Best Regards,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

Captain Haggard-


Nice job advising the War College of Upcoming Events.

You provided a clear synopsis of impending Allied operations, some interesting history, and laced us once again with your sense of humor.

I will send out a search party for Winnie when we hit the beach at Takao.

Your pal,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

[center]July 22, 1943[/center]


Highlight for Today


Allies capture Toungoo.


Synopsis of Combat Action for Today


1.) Japanese bombed Chungking. Only this time, for the first time, Japanese bombers targeted Light Industry and Manpower.

2.) Japanese deliberately attacked near Chengtu (hex 74,71). The Japanese won the battle, but the Chinese held their turf. Japanese casualties were minimal whereas Chinese casualties were light.

3.) Allies deliberately attacked Toungoo, but couldn't find a single Japanese to shoot. Evidently, the Japanese had retreated south the night before.

4.) Allies bombarded near Toungoo (hex 56,51). Both sides received minimal casualties.

Attached below as a link is the entire Combat Report for July 22, 1943.

Best Regards,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

[center]July 23, 1943[/center]


Highlight for Today


BB Colorado is still afloat limping toward Midway.


Synopsis of Combat Action for Today


1.) Japanese bombed Chungking's Light Industry and Manpower again today.

2.) Allies bombarded near Toungoo. Both sides received minimal casualties.

Attached below as a link is the entire Combat Report for July 23, 1943.

Best Regards,

Terry

[Rio Bravo]

[center]July 24, 1943[/center]


Highlight for Today


Only a few ships remain in the repair yard at Pearl Harbor and those will be fully fit for service within three days.


Synopsis of Combat Action for Today


1.) Japanese bombed Chungking creating thousands of fires and damaging light industry.

2.) Japanese deliberately attacked near Tsuyung. The Japanese won the battle with both sides receiving minimal casualties.

3.) Japanese deliberately attacked near Chengtu. The Japanese won the battle receiving minimal casualties while inflicting moderate casualties on the Chinese.

4.) Allied artillery bombarded near Tuongoo. Both sides received minimal casualties.

Attached below as a link is the entire Combat Report for July 24, 1943.


Best Regards,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

[center]July 25, 1943[/center]


Highlight for Today


El Lobo advised that he left a case of Saki behind at Toungoo buried under an outhouse. Allied engineers are busy searching for the Saki.


Synopsis of Combat Action for Today


1.) Japanese bombed Chungking, once again causing thousands of fires and damaging light industry.

2.) Japanese bombarded near Toungoo. Both sides received minimal casualties.

3.) Allies bombarded near Toungoo. Japanese received minimal casualties while the Allies didn't suffer a single casualty.

4.) Japanese deliberately attacked near Kweiyang inflicting heavy casualties and forcing the Chinese to retreat.

5.) Allies deliberately attacked near Toungoo. The Allies won the battle inflicting moderate casualties on the Japanese while receiving minimal casualties.

Attached below as a link is the entire Combat Report for July 25, 1943.


Best Regards,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

[center]July 26, 1943[/center]


Highlight for Today


Allied artillery in Burma is inflicting heavier casualties.


Synopsis of Combat Action Today


1.) Not much.

2.) Japanese bombed Chungking.

3.) Allies bombarded near Toungoo.

Attached below as a link is the entire Combat Report for July 26, 1943.


Best Regards,

-Terry

[Rusty1961]

Very excited about your next operation!

[Rio Bravo]

ORIGINAL: Rusty1961

Very excited about your next operation!

Rusty-

Thank you.

Hag and I are excited too though I suspect Takao and Pescadores are going to be bloody affairs. I anticipate that Japanese land based aircraft will converge on the area quickly and that the Allies will suffer substantial losses.

I figure that we have to fight El Lobo somewhere so it might as well be at his back doo. *knock knock...chuckling*

Best Regards,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

[center]July 27, 1943[/center]


Highlight for Today


A World War II Poem:

As Flak Goes By

You must remember this
That flak don't always miss
And one of you may die.
The fundamental thing applies
As flak goes by---

And When the fighters come
You hope you're not the one
To tumble from the sky
The odds are always too damned high
As flak goes by---

110's and 210's knocking at your gate
Come on you jokers, come on kill that rate
And should a bomb hang, salvo don't wait
The targets passing by---

It's still the same old story
A tale that's too damned gory
Some brave men have to die
The odds are always high
As flak goes by.

- Anonymous


Synopsis of Combat Action for Today


1.) Japanese bombed Chungking, continuing with their latest tactic of bombing Manpower and Light Industry.

2.) Japanese deliberately attacked near Kweiyang forcing the 29th and 38tth Chinese Corps' to retreat.

3.) Japanese deliberately attacked near Chengtu. The Japanese won the battle, but the Chinese held their turf.

4.) Allies bombarded near Toungoo. Both sides received minimal casualties.

Attached below as a link is the entire Combat Report for July 27, 1943.

Best Regards,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

[center]China
Is El Lobo Giving up on Capturing Chungking?
July 27, 1943[/center]


During the month of July, 1943, El Lobo has reduced his Garrison at Chungking from 57 units to 40 units. During this same time period, El Lobo has redistributed the bulk of his units in China as follows:

-10 Units (Paoshan)
-20 Units (Due West of Paoshan)
-12 Units (Chengtu)
-7 Units (Due East of Chengtu)
-40 Units (Chungking)
-17 Units (Southwest of Chungking)
-6 Units (Kweiyang)

For the time being, it appears that El Lobo has given up his effort to capture Chungking, but rather is distributing his troops in China to block the Allies at Paoshan from entering China from Burma and to track down and destroy rogue Chinese units attemting to disrupt Japanese supply routes.

Does The War College concur?

A map of China as of July 27, 1943 is below.

Best Regards,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

[center]July 28, 1943[/center]


Highlight for Today


The Allies will have twenty-five aircraft carriers for Operation Bottle and Operation Cork, the simultaneous invasion of Takao, Formosa and Pescadores.


Synopsis of Combat Action for Today


1.) Captain Haggard's Destroyer dents El Lobo's Submarine near Rossel Island (hex 106,139).

2.) Japanese shock attacked near Chungking (hex 77,46). Chinese won the battle. Both sides received moderate casualties.

3.) Japanese deliberately attacked near Tsuyung (hex 68,45). Both sides received minimal casualties.

4.) Allies bombarded near Toungoo (hex 56,51). Both sides received minimal casualties.

Attached below as a link is the entire Combat Report for July 28, 1943.

Best Regards,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

[center]July 29, 1943[/center]


Highlights for Today


1.) El Lobo continues to slowly retreat his army south toward Rangoon and Pegu. Southeast of Toungoo (hex 57,51), only one Japanese infantry Division remained and it was beat-up again today.

2.) Captain Haggard, El Lobo, and I had engaged in private communications which somehow got leaked to the Germans. Initially, I suspected that the Adjutant (Captain Haggard's wife) was responsible for the leak. However, El Lobo has since produced evidence incriminating his wife as potentially being a German spy. El Lobo's spouse has been taken into custody by Allied MPs and is currently interned at the Mall of America located at Minneapolis, Minnesota until a thorough investigation may be conducted and completed. El Lobo is quite concerned that interning his wife at a mall will cost him substantially as she enjoys nothing better than shopping! For further pertinent information regarding this espionage, please contact either El Lobo or Captain Haggard.


Synopsis of Combat Events for Today


1.) Captain Haggard's DD Piet Hein put another dent into El Lobo's Submarine SS I-175 off the coast of Rennell Island (hex 110,139).

2.) Japanese bombed Chungking damaging Manpower, Light Industry, and causing thousands of fires.

3.) Japanese deliberately attacked near Chengtu (hex 76,41). Japanese won the battle suffering minimal casualties and inflicting moderate casualties on the Chinese. However, the Chinese held their turf.

4.) Japanese deliberately attacked near Chungking (hex 76,47). Japanese won the battle suffering minimal casualties and inflicting moderate casualties on the Chinese. However, the Chinese held their turf.

5.) Allies deliberately attacked near Toungoo (hex 57,51). The battle was basically a tie with each side suffering moderate casualties.

6.) Allies bombarded near Toungoo (hex 56,51). Both sides received minimal casualties.

Attached below as a link is the entire Combat Report for July 29, 1943.

Best Regards,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

[center]July 30, 1943[/center]


Highlight for Today


*shrugs shoulders*


Synopsis of Combat Action for Today


1.) Japanese bombard Chungking.

2.) Japanese deliberately attacked near Tsuyung (hex 68,45). The battle was a tie. Both sides received minimal casualties. The Chinese held their turf.

3.) Allies bombarded near Toungoo (hex 56,51). Both sides received minimal casualties.

Attached below as a link is the entire Combat Report for July 30, 1943.

Best Regards,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

[center]Burma

July 31, 1943[/center]


Background


As many of you may recall, from day one of the outbreak of hostilities between Japan and the Allies, the Allies commenced preparations for Operation Land Shark, the Allied strategy to engage the enemy in a land battle. The Allies sent considerable ground forces and aircraft to India. On October 15, 1942, the Allies crossed the border into Burma. Operation Land Shark's Objective was and remains to take back Burma and China and to capture Manchukua and Korea.

The Allies had anticipated that El Lobo would dedicate considerable assets in an attempt to conquer all of China. As anticipated, the brave Chinese faced and continue to face approximately twenty Japanese Infantry Divisions with armor, artillery, and aircraft support.

The Allies had not anticipated that El Lobo would dedicate an equal force of assets to Burma. The Allies had originally anticipated to have taken back Burma by January 31, 1943 and to have crossed into China no later than February 1, 1943. El Lobo has substantially delayed the progress of Operation Land Shark.

To date, El Lobo has been quite stubborn in Burma. Although El Lobo is retreating in Burma, his retreat is a slow, fighting withdrawal.


Disposition of Japanese Ground Forces in Burma


2 Hexes South of Taung Gyi: 9 units.

2 Hexes SE of Prome (hex 56,51): 52 units; 219,060 troops, 4,300 AV.

2 Hexes E of Bassein (hex 56,52): 3 units.

3 Hexes E of Bassein (hex 57,52): 1 unit.

Rangoon: 25 units.

Pegu: 6 units.


The End Game


Both sides have suffered considerable casualties. Several Japanese Infantry Divisions are at less than 50% of their original strength. A few Allied Infantry Divisions are at less than 25% of their original strength.

The Allies are attempting to block El Lobo's retreat south to Rangoon and Pegu and are attempting to trap and destroy as many Japanese units as possible.

As soon as the Allies have booted the bulk of El Lobo's ground forces from Burma, the Allies will cross the border into China.


Attached below as a link is a map of Burma as of July 31, 1943.

Best Regards,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

[center]China

July 31, 1943[/center]


It was not a surprise to the Allies that El Lobo would attempt to conquer all of China and El Lobo dedicated substantial assets to that Japanese goal.

However, China is a difficult nut for Japan to crack. The Chinese just keep coming back as reinforcements.

The brave Chinese fought a slow retreat to Chengtu and Chungking while leaving behind rogue Chinese units hidden in the jungles and forest only to reappear in an attempt to disrupt Japanese supply as the Japanese moved along the roads towards Chengtu and Chungking.

El Lobo captured Chengtu, but his attacks on Chungking have cost him dearly.

The Chinese presently hold the Himalaya Mountains, Chungking with over 6,000 AV and a level 5 Fort, and have numerous Chinese units strung-out south of Chungking in an effort to continue to disrupt Japanese supply lines to Chengtu, Chungking, and Paoshan.

It appears that El Lobo, at least for the time being, has given-up on capturing Chungking. He has reduced his siege of Chungking from 57 units to 40 units. Several Japanese Infantry Divisions have left Chengtu and are presently situated either due east of Paoshan or in Paoshan. Several Japanese Infantry Divisions have left Chungking and are presently tracking down the brave Chinese strung-out south of Chungking.

The Allies presently have 1,775 AV in China due east of Paoshan. It is anticipated that an additional approximate 6,000 Allied AV will leave Burma and enter China during the month of September, 1943. Further, it is anticipated that on or before November 1, 1943, Operation John B. Hood will land an additional 2,500 Allied AV and a half million supply on the southern coast of China.

Operation Land Shark is alive and well with its gaping jaw aimed at Fusan.


Attached below as a link is a map of China as of July 31, 1943.

Best Regards,

-Terry