WesWorld

28th August 1943 - Combat Office Beijing - early morning

"Are the reports credible ?" the chinese prime minister asked the head of the chinese secret service Admiral Yibo Yunsheng.

"Without any doubt ! We now have two eyewitness reports of survivors", Yunsheng replied with a trembling voice. "Such unimaginable atrocities ......" he did not continue his speak because his voice broke at the thought of the report which he held in his hands.

"..... will not and must not go unpunished." completed his Majesty the Emperor of China the sentence."I hereby authorize you to do everything humanly possible to stop these barbarians. They have to make their experience on first-hand how we repay such atrocities. We must and will give the Koreans a blow from which they will not recover quickly."

He stood up and looked for a long time on the battle map on the wall ...... then he turned around and said only two words ......."Erase Chongjin". This city is a major transport hub with its port and railway station, and also a focus of military production with its steel mills. In addition, it is located on the Sea of Japan, and thus far away from the combat zones. They will certainly not expect an attack there.."

"Yes, Your holy Majesty !" said the present people unanimously.

29th August 1943, Dalian, Headquarter of the 3rd Infantry Corps

Combat report no. 3:

Overview map
Map will follow soon

In the headquarters of the 3rd Infantry Corps still prevailed bewilderment of reports on the massacre of Fencheng.

The 19th Tank Division defended along with the 29. Armored Division the coastal area around Zhuanghe. By applying large tank traps and minefields, the attack of the armed forces of Chosen could be stopped.

Our 22 Infantry Division has also established a defensive perimeter around Xiuyan. Again, the enemy's advance was halted. Although it has come here to bigger losses among our armed forces.

The Fengtian Tank Division arrived in time to relieve and assist the two heavy battered territorial regiments. Here also the further advance Chosen's was prevented. The morale of the troops in this area was nearly collapsed, after the news of the massacre became public. But the collapse could be prevented.

The supply of the two enclosed divisions is currently very difficult because our transports are often attacked and so the supply of goods has to be partially stopped. We are estimating that the basin can be held to one week. Then are our troops out of ammo and have unfortunately to surrender after self-sacrificing struggle.

The units of the 6th ICs move back to the defensive line Baishan - Tonghua.

30th August 1943 - early morning - Xiaonangou airfield

The alarm shooed the sleeping Chinese pilots of the cots. The ground staff made in less than ten seconds, the aircrafts ready, the pilots climbed into their cockpits and connected the radio to find out what happened.

»Strong enemy influx from the east«, announced the regimental commander. »Plan three. Repeat: Plan three.«

The Chinese pilot had been practicing diligently in the past. In two minutes rolled off the first couple of the fighters, within nine were all up in the air and were waiting for the enemy.


[size=1]aerial victory of Chow Ting-Fong[/size]

summary of the Chosen attack:
All in all, the attack of the enemy's air forces must be regarded as a nearly defeat. The air defense of the refinery had shot a large number of enemy aircraft, but also the added protection with own fighters could not prevent the attack entirely.

The destruction are fortunately not as strong as first thought.Initial estimates had to be assumed that about 33% of the refinery are destroyed or damaged and a repair will last a year or two. Some storage tanks were set in flame, but the actual refinery towers were fortunately not hit.

Meanwhile, a detailed investigation has shown,however, that the damage are not so serious as thought and it can be expected a nearly 100% capacity again in two or three months.

4th September 1943, Zhuanghe area

Second Lieutenant Xing Ping - he was too tired to think because of his promotion - wondered how seriously they took this little tank battle at the HQ.

The command in his sector of the front had a colonel, who arrived recently and inspected all defenses. Tough little guy, thought Xing - adhesive plaster covered the face so he has already made some battle experiences. If the Koreans will break through our defense here, they could directly drive to Dalian. For this reason the struggle for Zhuanghe was so important - he said to himself.

Xing commanded the southern group, found the last line of prepared positions southeast of the village, he walked from his section, and communed with each tank commander and with the tank destroyers. The pioneers had done a thorough job. Positions, where nothing grew, were camouflaged with transplanted bushes.

Xing's loader and driver repaired something on the chain of his tank. Even before they were finished, artillery shells exploded nearby .... the Koreans attacked again.


[size=1]Chinese Anti-Tank Guns position near Zhuanghe[/size]

19th Tank Division near Zhuanghe, Late August

Colonel Obregon surveyed the field in front of him. To the right and left of him hiding in the bushes and behind a stone wall, were the other tanks of the 19th Chinese tank division. To the front could be seen the dust kicked up by the approaching Chosen forces. The crushing defeat of a Chinese tank brigade a few weeks back was fresh on the minds of everyone, but the disturbing rumor was of a massacre at Fencheng. Obregon shuddered at the thought, hoping it was not true, but if it was, he was glad to be fighting on the Chinese side.

A fountain of dirt in front brought him back to reality; the Chosenian artillery had opened fire. Apparently the artillery was firing blind as all the shells fell forward and the left of the hidden tanks and their supporting infantry. However, the barrage had the unfortunate effect of kicking up dust and obscuring the battlefield.

"Ta Ma Duh!" he had hoped to engage the enemy at the guns maximum effective range of 1000 yards, well beyond the range the moving Chosen tanks could accurately shoot. It was not to be as visibility had been cut to half that. "Colonel, orders from battalion commander, fire at will."

"Very well, gunner load APC round, make your sights for 500 yards, primary target is any tank with radio antennas, those will be the commanding officers tanks, they should be coming out anytime soon."

A rumbling sound could be heard over that of distant artillery barrages.

"Colonel, the 3rd Regiment has engaged the enemy; they are reporting CET-2B tanks."

Those were modern medium tanks armed with a 55mm gun, not a good sign. There... a shadow in the dust... here they came. One, two, three... Regiment level attack against their battalion.

"Target nine oclock, fire at will."

CRACK

A puff of smoke on the target spoke of a direct hit, a blast of flames from its gun showed it was still dangerous.

"Wong Ba Duhn! Same target, fire!"

CRACK

BOOM

The whole tank shook as a 50mm shell hit the turret and fortunately skipped away. The gorram Chosen tanks kept coming.

CRACK

Their target finally stopped; smoke pouring out from its engine compartment as the crew bailed out.

Two fountains of dirt blocked the Colonels visibility as the shells hit in front of his tank. The Chosen tanks where shooting more accurately as the distance dropped to 200 yards.

"New target eleven oclock, fire!"

CRACK

"Colonel, we have been ordered to retreat to the next position!"

"About time! Lieutenant, get us out of here. Pop smoke."

The light tank jumped back, the powerful engine accelerating the tank just as another enemy round found the patch of ground where the tank had just been. The Colonel observed the battlefield as the battalion retreated minus two tanks, one burning fiercely to the right, the other abandoned after being tracked. They had bloodied the enemy and slowed the attack, two CET-2B tanks could be seen burning, another three damaged. However, the enemy had more tanks, could they stop them? That was the question.

As the LT-15 settled into its next prepared position, Obregon began writing his report of the battle. The suspension and engine had held up well thought neither had seen much use. The slopped armor, although light had saved their lives. However, the 37mm cannon just didnt have enough power to stop a modern tank. He wondered if the 47mm cannon on the AT-40s being sent over would be enough, but he was glad that the MK II would mount a very powerful 76.2mm cannon instead.

28th August - 4th September 1943, Pyongyang, Headquarters of the Armed Forces of Chosen



Weekly combat report no. 6

While we suffered high casualties this week and particularily the airforce lost many valuable aircraft our troops are still on the move deep into enemy territory. Friendly troops in the Zhuanghe area secured evidence that Mexican volunteers are fighting with the Chinese enemies.
Supreme command decided to speed up the operation, therefore the newly formed 9th Army with the subortinated units IC5 (from the 22nd Army) and IC7 (from the 8th Army) will be redeployed to Zhuanghe and tasked with capturing Dairen as quick as possible.

MC1/A2: With a bold maneuver the 1st Motorized Corps was able to outflank the Chinese 19th Tank Division at Zhuanghe. Unfortunatly the Chinese troops retreated just in time and we failed to encircle them. However, Zhuanghe has been captured and the bulk of MC1 can advance northwest to capture Gaizhou now.

IC22/A2: IC22 was held up by the Chinese ID22. As the Chinese Infantry Division suffered heavy casualties, we expect that IC22 will overcome the Chinese defenders within the next three days.

IC1/A2: IC1 is advancing slowly further north. Two Chinese Fengtian Regiments and a Fengtian Tank Division are offering stiff resistance and slowing down the advance of IC1.

IC40/A2: currently redeploying to Xiunyan.

IC28/A2: Advancing as planned. Encountering very little resticance but is slowed down by the heavy terrain.

MtnC1/A1: Advancing as planned to Xinbin. Encountering weak and unorganized resistance.

IC4/A1: IC4 reached the outskirts of Tonghua. Chinese police and paramilitary units with some regular army troops are defending certain positions fanatically. The Chinese defensive on an operative scale is however still highly disorganized.

air activity: A strategic airstrike against enemy airfields and the petrochemical industry around Fushun was conducted. Friendly casualties were high and the damage inflicted on the enemy was moderate. All other planned air operations in the Fushun area are cancelled until further notice.


Chosen Infantry is clearing out a Chinese trench just a few kilometres south of Tonghua.

casualty report week 6:

KIA: 6732
WIA: 9873
MIA: 408
POW: 134
tanks: 26
light tanks: 21
armored vehicles: 78
unarmored vehicles: 89
art. guns: 34
fighter planes: 37
bomber planes: 42
recce planes: 12

deployments: -

HQ of the III. Sqdr /Air Battle Force - Fuxin Air Force Base - 11th September 1943 - 01:00

"Attention!"

Two hundred men in olive-green pilot suits jumped from their seats, as Air Force Major Fan Han-chieh and his staff entered the large meeting room.

»At ease!« said Air Force Major Fan Han-chieh loudly as he walked towards the podium. The men sit down again and whispered uneasily together until Han-chieh stepped to the podium.

After he had shortly greeted the crews, he now came to the actual topic. "As we all know, our enemy has done a terrible massacre in Fencheng. Now it's time to pay it back to him."

thunderous applause

"The main target of our attack is ........ Chongjin", at these words he drew the curtain behind him to the side and presented a great overview map.



"Here are the details" he continued his speech. "The whole operation runs under the code name: 'Thunderstorm' .........."

Quoted

OPERATION: "Thunderstorm "

Assigned to Units:
Bombing Group:
Bomber-Group I. Sqdr ABF: 10x SH-15 / 18x EW-301G
Bomber-Group II. Sqdr ABF: 18x GA-5 / 10x EW-301G

Diversionary attack group:
3rd Bomber Division / I. Bomber Regiment: 26x Guoyong G-25B

Fighter Escort:
I. & II. Sqdr. ABF: 40x EW-205C / 27x SH-45A


In retaliation for the massacre of Fencheng, "Operation Thunderstorm" was decided. The aim was, among other, to give the defense industry of Chosen a hit. For this reason, the armaments factories in and around Chongjin were attacked.

The plan provides details of three steps:

a) Diversionary Attack:
At the same time to the actual attack on Chongjin, the two airfields in Kyongsong and Sungamini are attacked. This attack is intended to serve as a diversionary attack and should draw the air defense (fighters) on himself.

Sungamini Airfield Bombergroup: 13 G-25B (loaded with explosive bombs) with Fighter Escort: 10 EW-205C

Kyongsong Airfield Bombergroup: 13 G-25B (loaded with explosive bombs) with Fighter Escort: 10 EW-205C

b) Free Hunting:
To engage enemy fighters as early as possible in a fight 12 SH-45A for free hunting on the attack area were assigned.

over attacking area: 12 SH-45A with external fuel tanks

c) Main Target: Chongjin
The actual targets in Chongjin include the central station, the port and the industrial zone in the harbor. The attack on Chongjin is covered by 20 EW-205Cs and 15 SH-45As.

- Railway Station
- Harbour Facilities
- Industrial Harbor

Chongjin Bombing Group: 10x SH-15 / 18x GA-5 / 28x EW-301G (loaded with explosive bombs & incendiary bombs) with a Fighter Escort: 20 EW-205C / 15 SH-45A

"Jia you ! (chinese 'here we go') " screamed Air Force Major Fan Han-chieh and all present soldiers answered with one voice also "Jia you " .

"Start release in 30 minutes. Dismiss !" after these words Air Force Major Fan Han-chieh left the podium.

13 September 1943

From: Government of Iberia
To: Government of Chosen

The Government of Iberia requests permission to attach observers to the Chosenian land, air, and naval forces. Such observers will allow Iberia to learn about Chinese tactics and strategy, and may provide a useful alternate perspective for Chosenian forces in development of their own strategy and tactics.

Headquarter 4th Airfleet, Shenyang - 7th September 1943 - 10:18pm

Message via long-distance call from Air Force General Chang Jui-kuei (2nd CiC - 4th Airfleet) to Army HQ in Beijing:

"The aircrafts which were tonight over Yuanbao have observed no more fighting actions. Korean soldiers seen in front of division headquarters. Also crews who still had believed to see something, had to confess the uncertainty about their observation. The first 12 supply aircrafts have returned - another 6 are still in use. SAC-52 are no longer used, they were handed over to the Air Force for new transport tasks. "

Summary of Operation Thunderstorm:

Diversionary Attack:
The Sungamini Airfield Bombergroup attacked at 17:00, causing major damage to the airfield facilities. 18 JFM F-12D2Cs rose to meet the raiders, claiming to have shot down four EW-205Cs (two unconfirmed), four G-25B and damage seriously another G-25B. 3 JFM F-12D2Cs were shot down from the escort.

The Kyongsong Airfield Bombergroup attacked almost at the same time, destroying about 30 aircraft (13 Ki-27 & 17 SSC-60) and causing heavy destruction in general. Due to the destruction, the airfield is temporarily unusable.Two G-25B were shot down by AA-Fire.
The escort led by squadron commander Cheng Sung-Ting shot down three korean aircraft (SSC-60s) in an air battle. Their own losses were two EW-205Cs and one pilot. Zhang Yongzhang baled out of his burning fighter but the parachute failed to open and he was killed. The other pilot Zhao Yuankong made a forced landing in his badly damaged fighter and survived but were captured.


Free Hunting:
The 12 SH-45As on CAP (combat air patrol) over the target areas hit also troops, bridges, horses, and other targets of opportunity at many locations.

The CAF reported that a korean force of four fighters was intercepted in the Nanam area by six aircrafts at 17:20 - it's likely that these were aircrafts of the Sungamini Airfield. The Chinese held an altitude advantage as well as a numerical advantage and they claimed three fighters shot down. One SH-45 was lost while another was damaged.


Main Target: Chongjin
The main bombing force pounded a warehouse area near the railway station, causing several fires and secondary explosions, also bombed the railroad yards itself. Additional the barracks area near the harbor was blasted. Using incendiary bombs a fire storm was ignited and so wide area of the town was in flames and were destroyed. Two GA-5s and 3 EW-301Gs were shot down by AA-Fire. Parts of the crews baled out and survived.


[size=1]G-25B on their way to the target[/size]


[size=1]smoke over Chongjin[/size]

Conclusion:
Operation Thunderstorm was an overwhelming success.

Lost:
6x EW-205C
6x G-25B
1x SH45A
2x GA-5
3x EW-301G

Destroyed:
6 JFM F-12D2C
13 Ki-27
20 SSC-60
major damage to Sungamini Airfield
Kyongsong Airfield temporarily unusable
heavy damage at Chongjin railway station and railway yard
heavy damage at Chongjin harbor facilities

4th September - 11th September 1943, Pyongyang, Headquarters of the Armed Forces of Chosen



Weekly combat report no. 7

Our ground offensive gained even more momentum during this week. Chinese forces are retreating and offering organized resistance only in a few sectors. On the 7th of September the remaining Chinese troops in Yuanbao finally surrendered, 27,670 Chinese soldiers and officers are taken prisoner and various pieces of enemy equipment have been captured. With the capture of Tonghua on the 9th September another strategically important city has been conquered.
Parts of the 9th Army arrived at the front and are advancing to Dairen.

MC1/A2: Spearheads of the MC1 reached the village of Yadangou and are pushing further north along the road G305.

IC5/A9: IC5 arrived at the frontline and launched its advance along the coastline in order to push to Dairen. Moderate resistance is encountered.

IC22/A2: IC22 was able to advance quickly and forced the Chinese defenders to retreat. Spearheads of IC22 are currently located just 50 kilometres southeast of Haicheng.

IC40/A2: Advancing on the northern flank of IC22 and moving through mountainious terrain along the road S320.

IC1/A2: IC1 captured Huanglinzi just 35 km south of Benxi. Advancing as planned. Benxi is expected to fall within 5 days.

IC28/A2: Corps is advancing as planned and will approach Benxi from the east. Forward units are 25km east of Benxi.

MtnC1/A1: Advancing as planned. Corps is expected to reach the important Fangshen-intersection during the next week.

IC4/A1: IC4 was able to capture the city of Tonghua after heavy fighting with Chinese forces. IC4 is currently taking up defensive positions along the northern flank.

air activity: Despite our heroic achievements on the ground the enemy air activity increased considerably while or own airforce is still handicapped due to recent casualties. As a reaction to the Chinese bombing Chongjin which caused considerable infrastructure damage two Fighter Regiments have been retreated from the frontline and will be redeployed to defend the Chosen homeland.
casualty report week 6:

KIA: 2432
WIA: 5373
MIA: 103
POW: 34
tanks: 8
light tanks: 11
armored vehicles: 41
unarmored vehicles: 61
art. guns: 17
fighter planes: 37
bomber planes: 16
recce planes: 2

deployments: Rifle Division No. 9


Even though Chosens air defence was caught by suprise some Chosen fighter planes were able to intercept the Chinese bombers raiding Chongjin during the 11th September.

14th September 1943, Pyongyang, Ministry of Defence, 2nd floor


Hwang Lee-Moon (minister of defence) was waiting since nearly an hour now for a meeting with Jong-Un to discuss the current situation at the frontline. Unfortunately Jong-Un was still held up with other duties...at least his secretary said so and therefore Hwang Lee-Moon could do nothing but wait. Hwang Lee-Moon was lost in thoughts when he heard the stentorian voice of Jung Ho-Jun (Minister of foreign affairs).

Jung Ho-Jun: "Good morning Mr. Lee-Moon. Already working so early in the morning?"

Hwang Lee-Moon: "Good morning. Unfortunately not, I am waiting for the Great Leader. He seems to be busy..."

Jung Ho-Jun: "Oh...He is not here yet?"

Hwang Lee-Moon: "Not yet. I had an appointment with him one hour ago."

Jung Ho-Jun: "Damn. I really need to speak to him, I have some very important news."

Hwang Lee-Moon: "News?"

Jung Ho-Jun: "Yes, yes. But I think you should be present when I convey them. I think those news are of concern to you as well."

Hwang Lee-Moon: "So tell me, Mr. Ho-Jun."

Jung Ho-Jun: "I received a dispatch from the Iberian ambassador. They are asking for permission to send military observers. That are some great news, aren't they? The world finally helps us in our struggle against the Chinese imperialism. The Great leader will be very happy."

Hwang Lee-Moon: "Military observers? Hmm, interesting. That could be indeed a great opportunity. I mean our troops achieved some successes but if I look over those casualty reports I come to the conclusion that the hardware delivered by SAE and Japan won't suffice in the long run."

Jung Ho-Jun: "Yes, I agree. But...Do you think the Generals will be okay with that. I can't imagine they would like it to receive advises from foreigners."

Hwang Lee-Moon: "Uh...fuck the Generals. They certainly know their stuff but when it comes to strategic decisions they are lacking foresight. They aren't politicians. Don't worry about the Generals, I will handle them. But more important is Jong Un..."

Jung Ho-Jun: "What do you mean?"

Hwang Lee-Moon: " I mean don't tell him. He doesn't need to know it's not such a big thing and surely he has more important problems than some Iberian observers. Come on, you know him good enough. If you tell him about it he will say we won't need any foreign wise guys to tell us how to wage war. Maybe he is right. It looks like we capture Shenyang in the next weeks. But what if not..? Better be safe than sorry. Let those observers come and don't tell Jong Un. No big deal."

Jung Ho-Jun: "Hmm...I don't know....I think....well, yes...you are right maybe."

15th September 1943


From: Minister of foreign affairs of Chosen (Jung Ho-Jun)
To: Government of Iberia

Chosen welcomes observers from Iberia to testify the tactical and operational superiority of Chosens forces at the land, at the sea and in the air and to improve their performance even more.
Moreover this is a big opportunity for Iberia to learn more about the insuffiency of the Chinese Army.
Iberia is however advised to send their observers as soon as possibly as a victory of Chosen is imminent.

Yours sincerely

Jung Ho-Jun

16th September 1943, Pyongyang, Headquarters of the Armed Forces of Chosen



Everyone, from the high ranking staff officers to the secretaries, was in high spirits when the message from the submarine fleet command in Busan was received. Since special directive No. 16 was issused more than three weeks ago nothing was achieved by the submarines operating in the Yellow and Chinese Sea: CS-6 was engaged by a Chinese airplane with machinecannon fire on the 28th AUgust and had to return with to base. While on the 3rd September CS-14 launched a torpedo attack on a Chinese navy support vessel without effect. However, this dry spell ended today. Even Grand Admiral Chol Joon-Ho who was notorious for his gloom was cheering up when he read the message a radio operator had written down on a piece paper.

-----


16th September 1943, Combat Report

16-9-1943, 10:37

From: CS-21, LOCSTAT: 26°12'N 120°50'E

To: Submarine Command

CS-21 made contact with a Chinese capital ship in the night between the 15th and 16th September. After careful maneuvers CS-21 was able to get into an attack position. The target was identified as a Hong Lung class cruiser (CA). At 8:56 the target was engaged with six torpedoes of which three hit the target at around 8.59. Heavy explosions and fires were observed. Enemy ship sank at around 9.16.


The first two torpedoes hit almost simultaneously...


...while the third torpedoes hits just a few seconds later and causes heavy explosions.


After little more than ten minutes after the first torpedo impact the burning ship is almost completly sunk.

September 17, 1943

To: Government of Chosen, Government of China
From: Government of Iberia

Be advised that the Iberian Armada will be dispatching the Moncao-class cruiser Levanto to the Chosenian port of Mokpo, with an anticipated arrival and departure date in Chosenian territorial waters of 24 September.

The Levanto will be painted white, will be flying a white ensign above an oversized Iberian naval jack, and will be fully illuminated at all times.

Levanto will be transporting unarmed, uniformed Iberian military personnel who will be taking up a non-combattant, observational role with the Chosenian military. No delivery or exchange of military or commercial goods will take place.

As Iberia considers these actions to fall within the established convention of neutrality, so too does Iberia expect China to respect the neutrality of the Levanto and of Iberian observers.



OOC: This is not to say that China and Chosen can't have fun around Levanto if it suits them.

11th September - 18th September 1943, Pyongyang, Headquarters of the Armed Forces of Chosen


Weekly combat report no. 8

The offensive is in the final and most critical phase now. Despite there are signs of Chinese reinforcements which slowly arrive at the front, the Chinese supreme command still has problems to build up an organized and cohesive front line. Most Chinese defensive efforts are punctual and can thus be avoided or sourrounded by our troops with little effort.
We expect that the important cities of Dashiqia, Haicheng, Anshan, Liaoyang and Fushun fall into our hands during the next seven days.

MC1/A2: Yesterday, on the 17th September, MC1 was able to capture Ghaizou after almost three days of bloody urban warfare against a Chinese infantry division. With this victory the remaining Chinese troops on the Liaodong Peninsula are separated and cut off from the mainland.

IC5/A9: IC5 is moving along the coastal road in order to capture Dairen. Chinese troops are retreating in an organized manner.

IC7/A9: IC7 secures the northwestern flank of IC5 and assists IC5 with its advance.

IC22/A2: Recon units of IC22 reached the outskirts of Haicheng. Chinese troops of unknown strength have hastily fortified the city.

IC40/A2: IC40 is about 10km southeast of Anshan and trying to overcome a first line of defense. The Chinese seem to have raised improvised militia-forces recruited from the citizens of Anshan and surrounding cities.

IC1/A2: Spearheads of IC1 are 8km east of Liaoyang and encountering heavy resistance.

IC28/A2: IC28 has captured Benxi after several short battles with Chinese infantry units. IC28 will keep advancing and heading to Shenyang from the south east.

MtnC1/A1: MtnC1 captured the Fangshen-intersection and despite suffering from high attrition rates the corps will turn west, capture Fushun with its important petro-chemical-industry and then support IC28 captureing Shenyang.

IC4/A1: IC4 took up defensive positions along the northern flank of the 1st Army with emphasis on Tonghua. Minimal enemy activity reported.

air activity: Due to the recent losses friendly air activity was minimal. Chinese air operations were limited to occasional bombing raids in the vicinity of the frontline.



casualty report week 8:

KIA: 2493
WIA: 5521
MIA: 136
POW: 98
tanks: 9
light tanks: 12
armored vehicles: 46
unarmored vehicles: 69
art. guns: 15
fighter planes: 7
bomber planes: 6
recce planes: 1

deployments: Rifle Division No. 55


Chosen Infantry advancing across an open field (RR1/RD12/IC5)

Mid September - HQ 3rd IC - Dairen

In the headquarter of the 3rd IC staff officers looked at the same maps and came to the same conclusions as the army leadership of Chosen, although with less enthusiasm. The reserves were dangerously weak - but there was no other choice. Men and weapons flowed in ever greater numbers to the war area.

Beijing (Forbidden City) , Meetingroom HQ Armed Forces - 18th September 07:45 pm

Marshal Kao Kuei-tse conducted the meeting. The Generals Chiang Ting-wen and Shih Yu-suan had been arrested the day before, a development, that minister Wu Chin Fau said more than a summary of this meeting.

»The defense on the border to Chosen or better said in the whole war area is almost completely collapsed due to poor planning and execution by the local HQ. We must regain the initiative. Fortunately, the necessary forces are available, and nothing can change the fact that the enemy has suffered heavy losses. I suggest to replace the staff of the Supreme Command in the war area, and - «

»One moment, I would like to say something«, General Miao Cheng-liu interrupted .

»Let us hear your opinion, General Miao«, said Marshal Kao Kuei-tse visibly irritated.

»Marshal Kao, you want to replace the entire staff ?« The practical consequences for those, who are affected are surely clear, thought Miao Cheng-liu.

»My son is a member of the staff of the Deputy Commander, General Dingzhi«, General Miao continued. »This man managed to stop the enemy forces several times. He was wounded twice; enemy fighters shot down his plane - he escaped, commandeered a vehicle, raced to the front and led another successful counterattack. This General, the best we have - to my knowledge, you want to replace with someone who is not familiar with the situation. This is sheer madness !« he cried angrily.

The foreign minister leaned forward. »Just because your son is one of this staff -«

General Miao gets a dark red face. »Only because of my son ? My son is fighting at the front, serves our Empire. He was wounded and escaped from a downed aircraft at the side of his General - both are narrowly escaped death. Who else in this round can make that claim ? Where are your sons ?« He slammed down on the table. Cheng-liu ended his speak in a milder tone, and hit his colleagues at the most vulnerable point: »Where are the patriots ?«

A brief but deadly silence. General Miao Cheng-liu knew that he now had either ruined his political career or had gave it a strong push. Who took the next word, would decide his fate .....

»General Miao has spoken well. «, said Chiang Kai Chek dignified. »Marshal Kao, may I ask for an assessment of General Dingzhi ? Is General Miao's assessment correct ?«

Kao Kuei-tse looked uncomfortable. »General Dingzhi is a young, intelligent officer. Yes, at his current position, he has done a very good job.«

»Then - why do you want to replace him ?« asked the Prime Minister.

»Perhaps my decision was too hasty«, admitted Marshal Kao Kuei-tse and found that the mood at the table capsized dramatically. This you get back, he thought and looked at the face of General Miao.

»Well, that is decided now.«, said the Prime Minister.

Dairen , 3rd Infantry Corps (HQ Army Group) - 18th September 08:24 pm

Shortly after it was getting dark they arrived - officers of the intelligence service. General Jiang Dingzhi worked on setting up the newly arrived divisions and did not see their arriving. Five minutes later he was summoned.

»General Dingzhi, you are now commander of the army group.«, said his superior General Kuo Tsung-fen in calm voice, »Good luck.«

His neck hair were standing when he heard the words. Left and right to General Tsung-fen standing colonels of the intelligence service in combat gear. What can I say, what can I do ? he thought. This man is my friend.

The former commander of Army Group took this from him. »Farewell, Jiang.«

The two officers accompanied the General to the door. Jiang looked towards him, saw him standing at the door. His look was resignedly, his pistol holster was empty. Jiang turned and looked at the desk where he saw a message, which confirmed him in his new role and assured him that he had the full confidence of the army leadership, government and the chinese people. He crumpled up the paper and threw it against the wall.

How much time do I have ? thought Jiang, and called his communications officer.

»Make a radio call with General Wei Li-huang !«

19th September 1943, Pyongyang, Headquarters of the Armed Forces of Chosen

Since several days Chosen reconaissance flights spotted an increased ship traffic in the Bohai Sea. On the 15th September CS-5, which already patrolled the area was immediately ordered to investigate.
After several enligthening radio transmissions from CS-5 and additional recon reports from the airforce it became clear that the Chinese had started to massively reinforce and resupply their troops on the Liaodong Peninsula.
The Chosen Generals knew that these were disoncerting news as those reinforcements could slow down the offensive on Dairen.
On the other hand it was also an opportunity to inflict heavy damage to Chinese naval assets.
Therefore the supreme command of Chosens armed forces decided to harass the Chinese shipping in the area with an combined naval and airforce operation.
The Submarines CS-5, CS-6, CS-9 and CS-18 were ordered to set sails for the Bohai Sea and engage Chinese freighters and troop-transports. The 12th Airfleet was ordered to intensify reconaissance and engage Shinese shipping as well as carry out strike against harbor installations in Dairen.


Routes of Chinese transports.