In a series of concentric flanking movements, the Japanese 55th Infantry Division enveloped the forward divisions of the XV Indian Corp, cutting off their supplies and communications. A defensive “box” was formed around the 7th Indian Division’s Admin Area. As units pulled back into the Box they were diverted to various sectors of the perimeter, much of which was still unmanned. Two Gurkha companies were ordered to occupy the area known as the “eastern gate” and the dominating height of Point 315 to its northeast. Before reaching Point 315, they ran head-on into advancing Japanese troops. . .
The instant-win VC where the Gurkhas do not reach hex-row G on Board 37 could only happen if the Japanese make a dangerous, hard push with their onboard column AND the Gurkhas gack their initial entry and moves. Likely the Japanese column would be heavily attrited in the attempt. I moved my onboard Japanese to attempt to slow Dan's Gurkhas down along the line of the path (printed road) toward the hill on Board 36 until my other columns could arrive. Following their avoidance of an instant loss, the Gurkhas have a choice. In our game, Dan attempted to press on toward the hill to try to make it difficult for me as the Japanese to inflict the required number of CVP. In our game, Dan's Gurkhas ran up against a couple nasty positions (in one position, my Japanese 9-1 became heroic - THAT does not happen often...) and his main effort was repulsed. During our post-game discussion, Dan and I realized the Gurkhas - after avoiding the instant-loss VC - could simply pull back into the area of their entry and set up mutually supporting fire-lanes and cross-fires. This move would force the Japanese to attack the Gurkhas; additionally, at least one Japanese column will not reach the Gurkhas until late in the game. Although the 12 CVP requirement is certainly still obtainable for the Japanese, it will cost them many casualties - and probably force them to banzai. If I were to play this as the Gurkhas, I would attempt this defense. On an interesting note, it does offer the use of Animal Pack guns; however, in our game it ended before I could get them unpacked.
2017-11-09
(D) Jeff B
vs
Andreas Reimer
Gurkha win
8 hrs
The early-ending VC has got to be one of the silliest I've ever seen, as no Gurkha officer worth his stripes would ever let this happen. For that matter this should be 7.5 turns long, with the Japanese setting up on Board 35, and the Gurkha column entering into their LOS their Turn 1. Because any other Japanese positioning is most likely bound to end in a loss for them. They simply cannot let the Gurkhas make it to the hill before they do, or it will simply become one of those tedious fighting withdrawal PTO scenarios with bodies to block the way. I could easily see this being the highly enjoyable clash and race to the hills it was meant to be, though probably slightly difficult for the Gurkhas.