#45_1104_5: Ariake Bay: Beaches to Breakout - PzC 22 Japan '45

Date: November 4, 1945 - Size, Medium - Location: Southern Kyushu, Japan - Intended for Head to Head or Solo play as either side. For Solo Victory Conditions see the file "J45-Solo-Vic-Cond.pdf" in the main game folder. Narrative: The landings at Ariake Bay had faced the best troops so far of the three landing locations. The crack 86th Japanese division had caused the US forces tremendous losses. Later the Kamikaze planes and suicide torpedo craft had dealt the reinforcements a real blow. Losses were high for the XI Corps. The second wave landed and by the late afternoon had finally gotten off of the beaches in the south. In the north it was another matter. The terrain favored the defender and the right flank of the US forces got nowhere. By the end of the first day the landings were struggling to get inland. The left flank fared the best - a three kilometer dent in the Japanese lines. By the second day the US forces had gained an additional six kilometers on the left and the center was finally breaking out and was nine kilometers inland when the Japanese reinforcements struck their lines. More US reinforcements arrived but there never seemed to be enough troops to go around. The right flank finally moved inland on the third day. Their hold was tenuous at best. By the end of the fourth day the Japanese bolt had been shot but neither side could claim a victory. The battle had been a bloody draw up to this point. The US player needs to drive inland to take the key objectives in order to win while at the same time trying to keep their lines intact. The Japanese player needs to be wise in the use of their reinforcements. The US left flank is vulnerable but harder to reach. Their center is more than likely going to be the main target. See how well you can do in either role in this slug-fest!