Burma Road AAR

[best75]

Hi and welcome to my AAR of the Burma Road campaign. Its been awhile since I played OOB but I am still fairly familiar with the game mechanics. I will be playing on medium difficulty. Now we off to Southeast Asia, where the already depleted British must face off against the Japanese.





Our first scenario is operation krohcol and is a preemptive attack into Thailand to slow down the Japanese advance.
The Thai will be pressed between us and the Japanese. Once the Thai are gone we just need to hold out against the Japanese. The minimum needed for victory would be to capture and hold Betong till the end but this scenario can end early if all secondary objectives are completed.



Our forces are split into 3 columns, a Indian column controlled by the allied AI on the west to secure the Thai checkpoints, our core British column, and a Australian column that is expected to arrive later on the eastern roads. I my initial resources to buy a BL 5.5 inch artillery with truck, heavy infantry, and engineer.



The Indian column advances along the road and encounter the Thai Royal Police



On turn 3 the Australian column arrives to assist us. I use additional resources to buy another buy a BL 5.5 inch artillery.



After brief resistance from the Thai Police, Betong is captured. It is not long before we encounter Japanese land forces. Already Japanese bombers are striking the artillery and the Australian anti-air unit is quickly moved to cover the artillery. My artillery do take constant hits from the bombers and a suitable amount of resource are used to get them back to strength but the cover of the Australian anti-air unit eventually destroys the bomber threat.



Our troops hold well against the Japanese and beat them back, even isolating and destroying one of their tank units.



By turn 15, all 3 enemy tank units have been destroyed. This allows Henry Sanders to join our forces as a unique tank commander



With Japanese forces cleared we now focus on blowing up the hillside rocks to block the ledge. The entrenched Japanese infantry are swept aside and the hillside rocks are destroyed, blocking the road. Soon the last Thai checkpoint is captured.



All our objectives are completed, allowing the scenario to end in a victory for us. A fairly interesting first scenario, the Indian column captured the first Thai checkpoint but face difficulty once this meet the Japanese. Thankfully despite losing several of their units, they were able to resist the Japanese attack and not lose their first checkpoint.

[best75]

Force Z, a naval squadron consisting of the battleship Prince of Wales, battlecruiser Repulse, and several destroyers have been sent to intercept a Japanese invasion fleet. However the squadron has been spotted and is under heavy fire from Japanese aircraft. Aircraft must be sent to protect the ships. We will be aided by squadrons of Australians.




Immediately the Repulse takes a fatal hit.




For my core I purchase and deploy a Spitfire Mk.V B on the first turn. On turn 2 more aircraft squadrons are available for deployment. 2 additional spitfires, and a fairly battle bomber are deployed.



As a reward for completing a second objective on the pervious scenario, on turn 3 a veteran squadron of pilots flying the Hurricanes Mk. II arrive.



Our fighters engage the Japanese aircraft. Unfortunately the Prince of Wales sinks. Our main focus now is to protect the destroyers.

[best75]

Squadron 453 arrives to aid us and we spot Japanese naval units for bombing.



More destroyers arrive to search for survivors. Our fairly battle bomber with the help of the Australian bomber unit destroys a Japanese naval unit and we gain a pilot.



A another wave of Japanese aircraft arrive. The east most destroyer takes a beating but fighters arrive to save it and we destroyed our 10th Japanese aircraft, granting us a pilot.



Several more aircraft in the last few turns of the scenario. The destroyers have taken some damage but they all survive. The lost of the heavier ships has cripple Force Z and the japanese invasion of Malayan Peninsula can no longer be contested but we were able to save the lives of many sailors.

[best75]

In between the scenarios I purchase the tank school specialisation.



Fall of Singapore
With Force Z crippled, the Japanese invasion of Malaya proceeds uncontested. Despite significant casualties on the beaches, the Japanese have established a firm foothold on the Malayan Peninsula and are advancing down towards Singapore.



Our main goal is to hold Paya Lebar and the secondary goal is to retake Nee Soonfrom from Japanese infiltrator units.



The Australians hold the western sections of the frontline.



The eastern sections are almost completely unopposed and it will be up to our core forces to move up and hold the eastern sections.



Our core forces are deployed further south from the frontlines. In terms of unit purchases, 2 Matilda II were purchased and a Hurricanes Mk. II unit was upgraded to the Tryphoon Mk IB.



The Japanese quickly relieve Nee Soon and advance close to Paya Lebar. The few British forces deployed on the east struggle but the matilda tank is able to move into Paya Lebar and holds it against the Japanese.



Nee Soon is retaken, completing the secondary objective.



On the west, the Australians continue to hold against the Japanese.



While we hold Nee Soon for a few turns, it is soon left to the Japanese and our units move south.

[best75]

On turn 10 we receive new orders to evacuate 5 units.



While our positions have held, the Australian positions are starting to fall under the pressure of the Japanese and their tanks have been spotted moving forward.



There is no need to hold Paya Lebar anymore so our troops abandon the city and retreat south into the evacuation hexes.



While our troops have managed to escaped. The lost of Singapore is a huge blow to the allies and Singapore will likely endure a brutal occupation under the Japanese.

[GabeKnight]

Nice going! Thanks.

[best75]

Between the scenarios the specialised training specialization is purchased.



Kawkareik Pass
The Japanese are invading Burma from Thailand. We have been ordered to defend Kawkareik.



Our first actions will be to delay them by holding the mouth of the pass and beat back the Japanese paratroopers in the centre. Other Japanese units are invading from the flanks, other commonwealth forces are deployed against them but its unlikely they will hold. Infiltrator units are also in the rear areas.





The commonwealth forces on the flanks are quickly swept aside. Myapadaing is soon taken by Japanese infiltrator units and link up with the Japanese forces advancing along the northern flanks.



With Japanese forces advancing around the border defences. We must recapture Myapadaing to avoid the encirclement.



Fighting in the mouth of the Kawkareik Pass has proven to be successful. Japanese casualties are significant and we have delayed their advance. While a little south the Japanese paratroopers are held back.



With the news of a larger and more powerful Japanese force advancing down the pass. We no longer need to hold the mouth of the pass or Kawkareik. We will retreat from our positions and move to recapture Myapadaing.

[best75]

Our core forces retreat along the roads. Engineers lay mines in an attempt to slow down the Japanese advance and we encounter Japanese infiltrator units along our retreat path.



A Matilda tank is placed behind a bit to deplay the lost of Kawkareik and preserve our supply.



Unfournately a blunder led to the lost of the only source of supply for my core forces. It was quickly taken back the next turn but the time it takes for the supply to be restored and our units to regained their efficiency has caused a significant delay.



Our infantry capture the town before Myapadaing but Japanese armor units counterattack and push our infantry out of the city.



With the armor counterattack dealt with. Our units advance towards Myapadaing.



It was a close battle with Myapadaing being captured in the last turns before the scenario ends.



The primary objectives are not marked as completed but the game does still count this as a victory. This was a really close scenario. Despite some misplays by me, I still managed to capture Myapadaing on the last turn.

[best75]

The war economy specialisation is purchased between the scenarios.



Sittang River
As part of our withdraw, we must retreat across the Sittang River along with the 17th Indian Division



Japanese forces have already taken Sittang. We must retake Sittang and hold it against the enemy counter attack for the Indian units to retreat across Sittang.



Of note. I had difficulty in the beginning of the scenario and failed several times. The Indian infantry unit is controlled by the AI and moves forward with no regard to its safety. Several times it moved ahead of my main force to the front of Sittang. The Japanese turn takes place after my allies so there is no opportunity to respond so the Indian unit gets killed by the Japanese on their turn.

Our regular infantry are upgraded to 42 weapons and a BL 5.5 inch artillery unit is purchased.



Our forces advance along the road and swept aside the Japanese forces opposing us. On turn 5 the Indian infantry moved ahead of the main force. Luckily he doesn't move ahead too far and the Japanese don't immediately rush and kill him. This is the part where I failed the scenario many times before and this time I am able to succeed.



My forces rush ahead and capture Sittang.



Soon Japanese units are spotted from the north counterattacking in an attempt to take back Sittang.

[best75]

The Matilda hold out against the Japanese attack but infantry unexpectedly comes further south.



The first Indian unit has retreated and the 2nd Indian unit has arrived.



Infantry is shifted south to keep the artillery safe.



Sittang is kept safe and the 2nd Indian unit safely retreats.



The 3rd and final Indian unit arrives.



While a few Japanese units appear to come from the east, they are successfully held back and the Indian unit retreats safely.



The situation in Burma is bleak and it seems the Japanese advance throughout the region is unstoppable but our victory here at least prevented a disaster.

[GabeKnight]

The primary objectives are not marked as completed but the game does still count this as a victory. This was a really close scenario. Despite some misplays by me, I still managed to capture Myapadaing on the last turn.

Thanks for posting, because that one is *not* okay. I'll have to check the triggers when I find the time...although I have the feeling that this bug was reported before...

And the "floating"/remnant green frame on your last screenshot (bottom left), too...

[best75]

The primary objectives are not marked as completed but the game does still count this as a victory. This was a really close scenario. Despite some misplays by me, I still managed to capture Myapadaing on the last turn.

Thanks for posting, because that one is *not* okay. I'll have to check the triggers when I find the time...although I have the feeling that this bug was reported before...

And the "floating"/remnant green frame on your last screenshot (bottom left), too...

Nice catch, I am not exactly sure what is the cause of the green thing.

[best75]

Rangoon Falls
Our forces have reached Rangoon but the situation is desperate. The city has suffered repeated bombing attacks and a evacuation has been ordered.



We must first defeat the Japanese scouting force and then evacuate a total of 5 units through one of the 3 routes to the north. We should also, if possible destroy the equipment in Rangoon to prevent their use by the Japanese. Japanese bombers are present in large numbers, luckily the American Flying Tigers are providing air support.

This scenario did give me difficulty. On my first try I failed. When I was attempting to evacuate my core forces I took the right route and was unable to push pass the Japanese force blocking me and was eventually out of supply.



Our core forces start south east of Rangoon and move to meet the Japanese scouting force.



While the Japanese scouting force is engaged, some of our our infantry start blowing up the equipment in Rangoon.



Heavy losses are dealt to the Japanese scouting force. A Japanese tank unit unexpectedly breaks into Rangoon



The Japanese scouts are dealt with.



Around half of the equipment in Rangoon are destroyed.



We receive reports the main Japanese force is advaincing on Rangoon and we should exit the area. The last of the equipment are being destroyed and then we will be able to evacuate in full, however our Matildas seem to be lagging behind.

[best75]

All the equipment in Rangoon has been destroyed and we can now fully focus on our evacuation.



We need to move quickly as the main japanese forces have been spotted advancing and includes more aircraft units.



There are 3 roads leading to the evacuation hexes. We will advance up the middle road. In the air, our fighters contest the sky with the Japanese.



Along with a head on attack, forces come in from the jungles to the south-west.



We capture the town and are able to advance more freely to the evacuation hexes now. In my rear, the Japanese hit my Matildas.



Unfortunately as we advance, the Japanese main force start capturing many of the supply heavy areas in Rangoon. This causes a supply issue for our forces and slows down our movement.

[best75]

With the way clear, my core forces move along the road. However a Japanese engineer unit strikes my exhausted heavy infantry.



Luckily further up the road, the first of my units are reaching the evacuation hexes.



The evacuation proceeds well and more units reach the evacuation hexes.



In the rear, the Japanese engineer unit is taken care of.



By turn 26, enough of my units have evacuated for the scenario to end.

[best75]

I have reached the midway point of the campaign. My core force seems to be in fairly good shape, through the first half of the campaign did feel like a slap in the face at times. Despite best efforts and successes. Malaya and Burma are ultimately lost to the Japanese. Fortunately at this point, as per history, we won't be losing any major territory in this theater and will fight back to regain our territory eventually.

[GabeKnight]

The primary objectives are not marked as completed but the game does still count this as a victory. This was a really close scenario. Despite some misplays by me, I still managed to capture Myapadaing on the last turn.

Thanks for posting, because that one is *not* okay. I'll have to check the triggers when I find the time...although I have the feeling that this bug was reported before...

And the "floating"/remnant green frame on your last screenshot (bottom left), too...

Nice catch, I am not exactly sure what is the cause of the green thing.

That's a green frame around the "save" icon on the turn overview window. But I know it's not always there. Last turn only or from a replay or something like that...

[best75]

The female factory leader specialisation is purchased between the scenarios.



Quit India Denied
Mahatma Gandhi has demanded a immediate British withdraw from India and has stirred up massive protests in Bombay. Our response must be swift and ruthless to ensure the protest is contained.



Our tasks are to clear the main road into Bombay of the rioting factory workers to their barracks, secure the two Colonial Administration buildings under siege, and arrest Mahatma Gandhi. However we must avoid civilian casualties and use force only when absolutely necessary.



Military police units have supplemented my core force. While they don't fare as well in combat as our regular units, their high shock stat makes them idea to push back the rioting factory workers without high casualties.



For the first few turns, our forces advance along the main road and fire warning shoots at the rioting workers to push them into the barracks.



With the main road clear we must now proceed towards the admin buildings under siege by bandits.

[best75]

Several units of bandits are attacking the Colonial Administration buildings but our forces can quickly relieve them.



Additional units have arrived to support the suppression of the riot and 10 land command points hav been added. The bandits attacking the western Colonial Administration buildings are quickly taken care of with the help of reinforcements.




With the exception of the gurkha unit the bandits are generally no match for our well trained and equipped forces. However it seems the bandits have managed to capture a few anti tank guns and artillery.



The bandits attacking the eastern Colonial Administration buildings take a bit longer to defeat. With the siege relieved, we must now advance deeper into Bombay to find and arrest Mahatma Gandhi

[best75]

We are to try to move our way around any rioters we encounter. Our forces are mainly split into 2 groups, 1 advancing mainly along the west and the other on the east. The eastern group takes the jail and docks.



The western group advances to the hospital.



The eastern group keeps advancing and takes the goods yards.



Mahatma Gandhi is spotted at the museum.



3 of my units move next to Gandhi and this allows us to arrest him.



This scenario was somewhat of a breather. While no air units can be deployed the land force is more then capable to deal with the riot. The most annoying units are the few artillery units scattered around but the many bandit units are easily dealt with.



The replay. I figured out adding these and the replays for pervious scenarios have been added.