1937 Revisionist War v01j

[RhinoBones]

1937 Revisionist War, v01i (test version)

1937 Revisionist War is designed as a scenario that provides the challenge of mounting a successful campaign against an enemy of approximately equal strength. The design is such that introduction of the protagonist’s capital cities, allied cities and military force options are initiated by random events. Final selection of most scenario variables is controlled by the players. This results in campaigns, which are substantially different from game to game. There are no map edges as boundaries and there are abundant Theater Options, ensuring a unique strategic experience against each opponent.

This AAR describes the civil war waged by the radical Leftists (06 Maestro) against the Imperial forces (RhinoBones). Leftist’s forces are colored in brown/red tones and the Imperialists forces are in green.

Background

Ever since the Labor Wars of 1923 large segments of the population have been dissentious of the Emperor, his use of the military to enforce working class protocols and the execution of union leadership. The surviving radicals do not allow the situation to stabilize, rather they move to quietly develop resistance cells, organize political opposition and enlist the aid of sympathetic military leaders.

In December 1936 the Leftists, as the radicals are now commonly called, gain the political and military support of the Eastern People’s Volunteer Army. The EPVA pledges to come to the support of the Leftists should open warfare break out. Armed with this knowledge, the Leftist approach Imperial commanding officers known to be sympathetic to their cause and begin to organize a third column movement within the Imperial forces.

On the political front, the Leftists form a cabal of city state mayors, senators and union leaders, all with the express purpose of driving the Emperor from power and delivering utopia to the working class. On August 9th, 1937 the cabal openly publishes the “Rights of Man” at the conclusion of the United Convention of the People’s Heroes and Peasants.

August 10th the Emperor responds by declaring martial law.

September 19th through October 3rd a series of bloody riots occur as Leftists supporters clash with Imperial troops. Over 3,000 rioters and killed, seven Government facilities are gutted by fire and the military becomes completely polarized.

October 4th the National Union of People and Worker’s Headquarters is devastated by a massive explosion. 97 union workers are killed. The Emperor disclaims responsibility for the destruction. To protect against further violence, he stages the army for full mobilization.

October 5th General Zeth Caltino is proclaimed Proconsul of the People’s Republic. Representatives of the EPVA are present as General Caltino reads the “Rights of Man” to the world audience and issues orders for mobilization. Leftists everywhere are in motion.

October 6th, 1937 civil war is declared.

Turns 1 – 7, October 6th thru 27th

Imperial Strategic Situation

The imperial capital of Dalan Dzadagad enlists the aid of Bayan Khongor and Tszaq to defend the Empire from the Leftist radicals. These cities dispatch probes in all directions to pacify the countryside, secure rail lines and acquire resources. The small Bayan fleet sails from its homeport to the west and consolidates with the larger Dalan imperial fleet.

With in three weeks the Imperial Air Lift and Rail/Road Transportation Commands become fully mobilized to support the war effort.

Leftists Strategic Situation

On October 6th, 1937 Leftists in the city state of Chunya declare independence from the empire. The cities of Kongwa and Manyoni quickly join the Leftists alliance. Kongwa and Manyoni send probes to ensure the countryside supports their cause and to clear rail lines. Some of the probes are focused on occupying supply and replacement centers.

A small landing force is dispatched from Chunya and captures the strategic supply center on Tenkodogo Island, located directly east of Kongwa. Follow on forces secure the island, aerodrome and ports. The operation is completed without interference from the Imperialists.

Occupation of the Tenkodogo Island Supply Center increases force supply by 15 points.

The Leftists originally start with a small amphibious capability gathered from merchant craft stranded in Chunya Bay as a result of the declaration of independence. By October 23rd all seamen loyal to the Leftists cause are called into port and Chunya establishes full merchant marine transport capability. Air transport assets are mobilized from occupied aerodromes.

Tenkodogo Island Operations

Leftist’s forces make an unopposed landing in the Southern port and quickly deploy to the neighboring village. Subsequent landings take place in the town of Tenkodogo and on the Northern shore. Within a week the island, supply center and aerodrome are secure. Fortified outposts are established around the island to guard against Imperial counter attacks.

[RhinoBones]

Turns 8 – 11, October 30th thru November 6th

Imperial Strategic Situation

Imperial forces are primarily concerned with expanding their zone of control, clearing communication lines and acquiring resources. To aid in this process the cities of Undur Khan, Sair Usa and Yusun Bulak pledge allegiance to the Empire.

Units from Dalan Dzadagad sail north to secure the local Recruitment Center. Troops from Yusun Bulak, Sair Usa, Undur Khan, Dalan Dzadagad and Tszaq all work to reconnoiter and control the surronding geography and expand their spheres of influence. One group of troops leaves Undur Khan and heads southwest specifically to subjugate the coastal plains north of Yusun Bulak.

Troops from Bayan Khongor encounter Leftists resistance as they enterer Kobdo. Reinforcements are called and a battle to control Kobdo ensues. At the same time, another two brigades from Bayan Khongor enter Geita only to be surprised by a much larger force of leftists.

During this period the Imperialists manage to occupy two Supply Centers, adding 30 supply points to total force supply. The Imperialists are also able to recall sufficient merchant marine assets so that sea transport TO&E is brought to full strength.

As a counter to the Leftists amphibious threat, the Emporer orders the submarine forces to conduct full-unrestricted warfare. This champaign requires the diversion of 20 supply points to the submarine forces, with which the high command expects to cripple the Leftist merchant marine. In addition, Imperial high command orders the activation of an intelligence gathering service with in Leftists occupied territory. This requires a small expense of supply point to fund and maintain.

Leftists Strategic Situation

In this period the Leftists gain four new allies. The cities of Liwate, Songea, Geita and Kobdo all join the rebel alliance. This gives the Leftists a numerical advantage of seven cities against six. Songea, Kongwa, Manyoni and Liwate all send forces into open territory surrounding their cities. Railroads are secured, roadways cleared of Imperial threats and logistics lines opened. Troops movements within the capital of Chunya are unclear, but it is anticipated that some of these troops will soon be sailing north to reinforce mainland formations.

In Geita and Kobdo Leftists are faced with an immediate threat. Forces in Geita and Kobdo declare their allegiance for the Leftists cause just as Imperial forces are entering the cities. Sharp fighting breaks out as the lead elements for the Imperial reconnaissance probe venture into Leftist controlled territory.

In support of the war ample numbers of merchant marine captains bring their vessel into Chunya. With the addition of these surface assets Chunya now fields a full sea transport capability.

At this time it is unknown whether the generalissimo of Chunya has decided to purse a greater range of options, such as unrestricted submarine warfare, railroad interdiction campaign or establishment of a spy network with in the Empire.

Geita Operations

Imperial troops arrive in Geita just as the city declares allegiance to the Leftist cause. Unfortunately for the Imperialists, action in the Kobdo had picked up a few days earlier and all available reinforcement were diverted to the north. Surprised and unable to disengage, the Leftists are able to quickly surround and destroy the armored and mechanized brigades. With in a week the defeat of the Imperialist is total except for a pair of air units, which are able to escape to friendly held aerodromes. The Emperor is angered by the treachery of Geita, since the mayor of Geita had originally committed to join the Empire.

Kobdo Operations

Imperial units move into Kobdo and soon discover Kobdo has declared for the Leftist side. Reinforcements from Bayan Khongor, Undur Khan and Dalan Dzadagad are rushed to the scene and quickly drive the Leftist forces from the city. By the end of a week the remnants of the Leftist forces are confined to a small pocket east of Kobdo. In addition to ground troops, heavy units of the Imperial fleet sail to the west and meet the small Kobdo task force at the entrance to Kobdo Bay. All surface units of the Kobdo fleet are annihilated and the fleet stays on station to provide naval gunfire support. This operation clears all leftists’ forces from the city of Kobdo and prevents the Leftists from using Kobdo to stage rebuilding of units lost.

[RhinoBones]

Turns 12 – 14, November 10th thru 20th

Imperial Strategic Situation

Imperialist advanced forces from Undur Khan and Dalan Dzadagad complete the sweep of the coast and plains north of Yusun Bulak. This operation successfully completes the rail system linking all six of the Imperialist cities and the Leftist strong hold in Kobdo. Imperial forces are now able to swiftly respond to enemy activity and rapidly deploy forces for the offensive.

As the Leftist forces near Kobdo are eliminated, new fighting breaks out south of Yusun Bulak, in the mountain valley east of Liwate, in the Lake Natron region and in the coastal region SSE of Sair Usa. The engagement east of Liwate is a short fight, which drives off the intruding Leftists force. Imperialists are able to destroy a Leftist Recruitment Center located near the head of the mountain valley.

Imperialists are also successful in occupying two Supply and two Recruitment Centers. The additional Supply Centers add 30 to total force supply and the Recruitment Centers raise available replacements to 56% above normal.

Leftists Strategic Situation

Leftists continue to consolidate the southern hemisphere. Troops from Kongwa have nearly marched all the way across Pangani Island with two prongs converging on the western tip. Probes from Geita and Songea are advancing along the south western shores and cleansing the area of Imperial influence. These forces will soon meet in the Mwadui area and then be available to move north to support offensive operations.

In the center, units from Liwate and Manyoni are moving toward each other and will soon be meeting in the area north of Bukoba. When this and the west coast operation are both complete, the Leftist will have established north/south communication lines in the western, central and eastern portions of the continent. Expect that soon the east/west links will be established and the leftists will have full movement among the fronts.

The Leftists have lost Kobdo. The key loss will be that units designated to reconstitute in Kobdo are now blocked from entering. This effectively removes 18 units from the Leftists Order of Battle.

A skirmish in the mountain valley east of Liwate has ended badly for the Leftists. The loss in men and equipment was insignificant, however, a Leftists Recruitment Center was captured and destroyed by the Imperialists. This facility is out of commission for the duration of the war.

Meeting engagements are breaking out in the areas south of Yusun Bulak, Natron Lake and SSE of Sair Usa.

During this period the Leftists are able to occupy two Recruitment Centers. One of the centers was subsequently lost and the net result is an increase in replacement rate to 17% above normal.

Kobdo Operations

Leftists’ forces from Kobdo are encircled in the open outside of the city. A combined force of Imperial troops from Bayan Khongor, Undur Khan and Dalan Dzadagad, supported with fire from fleet units, will soon complete operations to eliminate Leftists resistance. The only units, which appear able to escape capture, are the air units located in aerodromes east of the city.

Lake Natron Operations

On both the east and west shores of Lake Natron advance units of Imperialists (from Sair Usa) and Leftists (from Manyoni) are involved in a meeting engagement. A bit further to the east along the coast, SSE from Sair Usa, another meeting engagement is building. In this area units from both Chunya and Manyoni appear intent on making a break through toward Sair Usa. So far only some skirmishing has occurred, however, both side have reserves, which can be quickly transported to the battle.

Yusun Bulak Operations

Another meeting engagement is brewing in the area south of Yusun Bulak between forces from Liwate and Yusun Bulak. To date the fighting is little more than probes, however, reinforcements from Geita appear to be moving toward the action along with additional units from Liwate. It remains to be seen whether Liwate will be able to defend the mountain pass to the east from Imperial incursions and also support the attack against Yusun Bulak. The Leftists need to rapidly complete the north/south communications lines so that troops from Songea, and possibly Kongwa, can reinforce the fronts.