Leyte 1944, Scenario One: The Return Begins

A small amphibious landing scenario and good practice one, for when you take on a larger ones, like scenario two. You get to practice your skills and get your feet wet sort of speak.

The Americans have three objectives to win a major victory and the Japanese simply have to defend against them as the victory levels are progressive in that the more or less achieved determines the victory level for each side. The Japanese major part in this scenario besides defending, is their setup of units and minefields and barbwire counters.

The Americans entered the map on turn one from the ocean and spent two turns softening up Japanese beach positions with their LCI (G), LCI (Rocket) and LVT (A)-4 units as well as some off map naval fire. The Japanese don’t have any major guns to fire back with, so all they can do is bunker in and await the assault and take some potshots with their tiny 20mm gun and small off board artillery support.

Good thing I didn’t hide the minefield counters as both turned out to be the 3 value type, which could have put a lot of hurt on the Americans. It took the Americans just 14 turns to secure all three of their objectives for the loss of only three units, all lost in assault combat, two Infantry steps and one LVT-4. While the Japanese lost all their units but one Infantry step, one HMG step and two leaders that scatter back into the Jungle.

It was good to get the Airfield counter back out on the playing map again and this scenario does favor the Americans, unless you would hide the mines and step up your Japanese units better than I did, as I had too many setup close to the beach, where they can be hammer away. Next time I’ll try a different strategy.

Leyte has a lot more fun looking scenarios to play of all types. I am looking forward to trying out the Japanese parachute drops again after all these years to name a few. All kind of actions and situations are in Leyte and don’t forget the caves! It great to see Panzer Grenadier return to the Pacific again.

This small scenario has an Army force landing against a smaller Japanese force. The Army troops need to secure an airfield just a short trip inland, and secure a road that leads inland without taking more casualties than the Japanese defenders. The U.S. Troops get artillery support from a big ship (30 factors) and some direct fire support from two LCIs. Today, the U.S. Dice ran from lukewarm to hit while the defenders had one of those "couldn't hit a barn" days. At the end of 11 turns, one solitary demoralized reduced platoon and 3 leaders were all that was left of the defenders, and the U.S. Army suffered only minor cuts and abrasions as they dismounted from their Amtracs. The two classmates and the 20mm gun fell quickly, the airfield a short time later, and the town on the northeast coast fell on turn 8. Enjoyable game.

Once the defensive line of the Japanese was broken, it was a quick matter to mop up the remainder of the forces arrayed against the Americans and achieve all three objectives. The Japanese did the best they could and it nearly worked for them. Another approach for the Americans would have been to attempt an end run on the situation.... but it could have backfired in that the airfield might have been out of reach.

Tried to defend half the map. Bruce pointed out the the US army has to kill X IJA steps and exit off a road. The Japanese should pick a spot around 10 hexes along the road from the exit end. Then defend along the road in Jungle hexes.

Since I spread out the US army was able to separate me and defeat me in detail. Pay attention to victory condition. Is this alternative strategy realistic compared to how the Japanese fought? No. Better chance to win the scenario probably.

Using the maps from Saipan and Marianas game means, I guess, the jungle hexes are heavy. THis based on game specific rules for Saipan.