#45_1119_1: The Advance to the North - PzC 22 Japan '45

Date: November 19, 1945 - Size, Large - Location: Southern Kyushu, Japan - Intended for Head to Head play or Solo as the Allied player. Narrative: The US forces had broken out of the beachhead areas and had linked up. The advance to the north got underway on the 19th. Initially the advance was smooth but soon they ran into determined resistance. The first entrenched positions were finally taken but the early losses concerned many of the commanders. Reinforcements from the floating reserve had been committed and were advancing forward to join the attack. Then the real challenge came: the attack on the Mt. Kirishima and Mt. Takachiho fortress. The Japanese had dug tunnels connecting the trenches. The 5th Marine Division formed the left flank of the attack with the 43rd Division attacking from the south. Finally the 41st Division attacked from the east. The initial attack was a bloodbath with both sides taking horrendous losses. The US forces were unable to dislodge the defenders but they had gained a toehold on the mountain ridges. Meanwhile, the 57th and 351st Divisions along with the 4th Armored Brigade launched an attack to relieve the fortress. It was beaten back with serious loss on both sides. Finally, a second attack was launched on the Kirishima position. It was costly but eventually after four days of attacking the US forces emerged victorious. Only 36 Japanese were captured. The rest perished in the fighting. The attack had cost the US forces 4,500 casualties but it opened up the way to the north without fear of an attack from the rear. No longer would the Japanese be able to freely observe the airfields and harbors to the south. The Allies had reached their objective stop line. Note: Losses have been deducted for losses from previous action and in the case of the Japanese reinforcements those losses due to US interdiction efforts. Note: Losses have been deducted for losses from previous action and in the case of the Japanese reinforcements those losses due to US interdiction efforts. The Allied forces received numerous replacements from the 15th through the 18th.