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Campaign Details
Below are
details on some of the campaigns that are include in the Eastern Front
Expansion.
On August 8, 1945 Russian forces invaded Japanese held Manchuko with 3 army groups comprising 11 armies. They carried out an almost flawless double pincer on the hapless Kwangtung Army for a week prior to the Japanese cease fire of August 15, and then they continued unopposed until they had overrun Manchuko and Mengjian, covering an area the size of Western Europe.Soviet ground forces were supported by 3 air armies, and the attack included airborne capture of airfields towns and bridges, and airborne resupply of units that had outrun their logistics.
Japanese forces opposing the Soviets were numerous, but the Kwangtung Army was no longer the elite formation it had been in 1939, and resistance was light and ineffectual.
The soviet plan included provision for occupation of Korea and invasion of Hokkaido, but the swiftness of the advance and rapidity of the Japanese surrender prevented these.
Campaign Length: 6
Territories: 9 (U.S.S.R., Khingan Range, Outer Mongolia, Inner Mongolia, Central Plains, S.W. Highlands, E. Highlands, N.W. Highlands)
Targets: Airfields, Headquarters, Troops, Patrol, Supplies, Sweep, Armor.
Order of Battle:Soviet Union : La-5 (x3), La-7 (x5), Yak-3 (x1), Yak-9D (x2), Yak-9U (x2), Il-4 (x2), Il-2M (x3), Pe-2 (x3), Pe-8 (x2)
Japan: A6M5 (x2), Ki.102 (x2), Ki.84C (x6), G4M1 (x2), G8N (x2)
In what would become the largest naval engagement of the Polish Defensive War, the Polish Navy of the Second Polish Republic, brought forth a two part plan to counter the aggression of the German forces and their movement in the Baltic Sea and the naval lanes between Germany and East Prussia.
In the first part of the plan, the modern submarines under the PNSPR were to fan out in the Baltic Sea and sink as much German shipping as they could. The second part of the plan was named Operation Rurka, where the surface fleet would conduct anti-shipping mine laying between Hel Peninsula and Danzig.
While en route, the Polish forces were jumped by 33 aircraft, most of the attackers consisted of the Ju-87B "Stuka" dive bomber that would soon become famous as one of the greatest terror machines ever devised by mankind. The ensuing battle would cement the Poles as a very worthy opponent even if only for a short time.Campaign Length: 3
Territories: 4 (Gadansk City, Wejherowo, Upper Bay, Lower Bay.)
Targets: Port, Armor, AAA, Sub Pen, Aircraft on Ground, Destroyer, Transport, Freighter, Troop Convoy, Submarine.
Order of Battle:Poland: P.11C (x6)
Germany: 109B (x1), Ju-87B (x5)
Operation Downfall, the Allied plan to end the war in the Pacific, was to be the largest operation of combined forces in WWII. The American high command's plan was changed by one single decision, the use of Atomic force on Hiroshima and Nagasaki Japan.
The two main phases of Operation Downfall were to be the initial invasion of the island of Kyushu,the southern most main island of Japan on November 1, 1945. This was called Olympic, which the objective was to establish airbases for the next phase of the invasion.
The next phase which was dependant on Olympics success was named Coronet. This was to be the invasion of the main island of Kanto, where the largest Japanese cities are located. This may have been the costliest battle in terms of loss of life for the Americans where figures were estimated to be up to 1.7 million casualties.
What the Allied planners didn't know was that the Japanese had been stockpiling aircraft in anticipation of the invasion. The Allied commanders and intelligence branches thought the air force was decimated to a point that they wouldn't be effective at defense. This was dead wrong as they had secret underground hangars and camouflaged airfields in the hundreds. They would have had over 10,000 aircraft with about 2,500 or more kamikaze units ready to meet the fleets of the Allies.
One can only speculate as to the outcome but even Japan's best case scenario would have been to force a less than unconditional surrender. The Japanese government knew that if they couldn't achieve something more favorable, the position and esteem the emperor was granted would disappear.
Player Note: Kemmu Squadrons are equipped with the kamikaze skill. This means that if they are not SHOT DOWN, they will inflict the maximum damage to ANY target. Once used, these pilots will be removed from play.
Campaign Length: 12 TurnsTerritories: 14 Eastern Russia, Hokkaido, Northern Korea, Southern Korea, Sea of Japan, North Pacific Ocean, Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu, East China Sea, Philippine Sea, Bonin Island, Daito Shoto, Okinawa Shoto.
Targets: Patrol, Airfield, Radar, Troops, Port, Fortifications, Transport, Freighter, Troop Convoy, Battleship, Cruiser, Destroyer, Industrial Complex, Headquarters, City, Sweeps, Beach Emplacement, Factory, Carrier x2, Carrier,
Order of Battle:
US: F6F (x3), SBD-3 (x1), P-38L (x6), P-51D (x6), B-17F (x2), B-25C (x2), B-24D (x3)
UK: Spitfire XIV (x4), Spitfire IX (x2), Mosquito Mk.VI (x2), Tempest V (x2), Wellington III (x1), Halifax Mk.I (x2)
USSR: La-5 (x1), La-7 (x2), Yak-9D (x1), Il-2M (x2), Il-4 (x2)*Japan: Ki.84c (x7), Ki.102 (x5), A6M8 (x4), K-61-I (x5), J7W1 (x5) J2M4 (x6), B5N2 (x4), A6M5 (x6), Ki-21 (x2)
* Some elements are Kemmu Squadrons.
Known by many names such as Thunder Gods, Jinrai Butai, Special Attack Squadrons, Kemmu Squadrons, Suicide Squadrons, Kikusui (Floating Chrysanthemums), and the infamous Kamikaze, the Japanese released a last ditch effort to defend the home islands from the imminent invasion by the Allied juggernaut.
The last major engagement of the war in the Pacific was to be held at the last major island holding of the Japanese empire, Okinawa, now also called "The Rock" for its volcanic beginnings. After the American forces took the beaches on the island the Japanese launched waves of kamikaze attacks supported by fighter escorts.
Beginning on April 6, 1945, the Japanese used these tactics at various times throughout the next 3 months. Okinawa was the largest use of these tactics. With the target mainly the warships, the success of such terror attacks is generally viewed as minimal. The success rate in the 10 waves ultimately sent was at around 15%, a very acceptable figure for the Japanese High Command. However, the terror factor to the brave crews of the Allied warships was not minimal and the Allies lost thousands of lives to Kamikaze.
While tactically a failure, the suicide squadrons did manage to sink 30 ships in and around Okinawa and damage another 356 ships . With the surrender of the Japanese, the kamikaze was no longer needed, but the annuals of war will never forget.
NOTE: Kemmu Squadrons are equipped with the kamikaze skill. This means that if they are not SHOT DOWN, they will inflict the maximum damage to ANY target. Once used, these pilots will be removed from play.
Campaign Length: 7 TurnsTerritories: 10 - Tori Island, Aguni Island, le Shima, Iheya Island, Yoron Island, Pacific Ocean, Okinawa Island, Keise Island, Kerama Island, Kumei Island
Targets: Fortification, Radar, Transport, Destroyer, Cruiser, Battleship, Patrol, Sweep, Carrier X2, Troop Convoy, Carrier.
Order of Battle:
US: F4F (x2), F6F (x4), SBD-3 (x2), P-38L (x4), P-47D (x2), P-51D (x2), F4U-1B (x2), B-24D (x2)
Japan: A6M2 (x5), B5N2 (x4), Ki-21 (x4), G4M1 (x2), A6M5 (x6), J2M4 (x 2), A6M8 (x2), Ki-61-I (x3), Ki.102 (x3), Ki.84C (x2)
Imagine if the United States had not intervened in time to turn the tide in the European theatre and the German military had caused the British capitulation in 1943 from a seaborne assault on the English home island. With no one threatening from the west, the Luftwaffe was able to establish full air superiority on the Eastern Front resulting in the eventual defeat of the Soviet forces in the spring of 1945.
With the captured Royal Navy, the Kriegsmarine, now nearly as strong as the US Navy, was able to mount a massive landing in the warm waters of the Florida coast in July of 1946. Establishing their staging points, the Luftwaffe now was given the task of gaining control of the skies in the southern United States as to give time to the Kriegsmarine to ferry the necessary troop and armored contingents for a push to capture points north and west of the initial landing area.
Facing the invading forces are the brave and battle hardened Army Air Corps of the United States and the remnants of the Royal Airforce. The Clash of Eagles of the US and German forces would change the course of history. You decide which eagle will soar!
NOTE: FictionalCampaign Length: 7 Turns
Territories: 9 - Chesapeake, Virginia, Midwest, Carolinas, Georgia, Gulf of Mexico, Florida, Southern Atlantic Ocean, Mid- Atlantic Ocean
Targets: Rocket Site, Headquarters, Airfield, Factory, Industrial Complex, Oil Complex, Armor, Troops, Carrier, Carrier x2, Submarine Pen, Port, Oil Refinery, Battleship, Destroyer, Cruiser, Airbourne, City, Supplies, Patrol, Sweep, Troop Convoy, Submarine.
Order of Battle:
US: SBD-3 (x5), P-38L (x4), P-47D (x2), P-51D (x4), F6F (x2), B-17F (x2), B-24D (x1), B-25C (x1)
Britain: Mosquito Mk.VI (x1), Spitfire XIV (x1)
Germany: Bf-109G (x1), Bf-109K (x2), Ju-87B (x3), He-111 (x1), He-177 (x2), Fw-190A8 (x4), Me-410 (x2), Me-262 (x4), Do-17Z (x3)
Sandwiched between two hostile powers, World War Two would start with German troops pouring over the border and employing Blitzkrieg tactics that even today are studied as one of the most brilliant tactics ever used in modern warfare. While Poland's military was overwhelmed in most every way a military can be, including a sizeable portion of the Polish Air Force not being able to even get off the ground before being destroyed, in certain battles the Polish forces did manage to inflict far heavier casualties than were expected.
From the first incursions of the Luftwaffe, the massive bombing missions over Warsaw, all the way through the Poles valiant defense of the homeland in the face of overwhelming odds, this campaign will try to show just how difficult it was to defend against the German onslaught. The true nature and skill of the Polish pilots even in machines that were behind the Germans in almost every way is truly amazing to think they even held out as long as they did.
What is not possible is to simulate the Soviets invasion from the east so that will have to be done in a second campaign in the future. I hope you enjoy as this was one of my favorite campaigns to design.
NOTE:You may have a hard time winning as the Poles as I decided to have no skills added to either side. This makes it MUCH harder to win especially against the German bombers, but its possible.
Campaign Length: 5 turns
Territories: 5 – Poznan, Gdansk, Torun, Lodz, WarsawTargets: factories, cities, airfields, railroads, freighters, ports, cruisers, supplies, patrol missions
Order of Battle:
Poland: P.11c (x5), P-23 (x2), P-37 (x2)
Germany – Bf 109 (x7), He-111 (x2), Ju-87b (x3), DO-17z (x1)
The air campaign over Iwo Jima was the longest continuous bombing campaign of the war in the pacific. The bombing of Japanese positions lasted for 74 consecutive days. The targets were varied but the main objective was to destroy the airfields and make them unable to attack the B-29's that were on their way to Japan.
Located in the far southern portion of Iwo was Mount Suribachi, a dormant volcano that was later to be found almost impervious to the Allied bombing raids. With 22,000 troops stationed on the island, Japan didn't give this island up easily. In a fight to the death mentality, only 210 Japanese troops survived the battle. This desire to fight to the last man had a lot to do with President Truman's decision to use the Atomic Bomb.
NOTE: This campaign introduces the Ki-84C Frank to the DIF lineup. This plane is really a beauty to fly and matches up very well to the P-51. Also just to remind you, Japan gets 4 times the points for victories.
Campaign Length: 4 turns
Territories: 4 – Kita, Motoyama, Main Airfield, Mt. Suribachi
Targets: Airfields, AAA, Headquarters, Troops, FortificationOrder of Battle:
USA – P-51D (x4), B-17F (x2), B-24D (x2), B-25C (x2)
Japan – A6M5 (x2), Ki-61-I (x1), Ki.84C (x2), Ki.102 (x2)
Stalin's answer to the Luftwaffe bombing the city of Moscow.
Campaign Length: 3 turns
Territories: 2 - Stettin, BerlinTargets: Factory, City, Headquarters
Order of Battle:
USSR: Il-4 (x1), Pe-8 (x3)
Germany: Bf-109E (x3), Bf-109F (x1), Bf-110c (x1)
Geography, the combatants' compulsive secrecy, and the subsequent outbreak of World War II in September 1939 all combined to overshadow the most massive use of tanks theretofore recorded. The Soviets used over 1,000 tanks during the fighting and, under the command of General Georgi K. Zhukov, evidenced skill and sophistication at mechanized warfare. The Imperial Japanese Army (IJA), essentially an infantry force, fared poorly, and fell victim to a Soviet double envelopment.
The air portion of the war was no less intense with the Japanese fine fighting corps of Ki-27 "Nates" facing off against the I-153bis and the newer more devastating I-16. This campaign will try to deal with the hardships the Japanese faced while being vastly outnumbered.Campaign Length: 5 Turns
Territories: 6 - North Halha, Hinomaru Heights, Nomonhon, Noro Heights, South Halha, Kawamata Bridge
Targets: Troops, Patrols, Armor, Troop Convoy, Headquarters
Order of Battle:
USSR: I-15 (x4), I-153 (x2), I-16-10 (x4), Il-4 (x4)
Germany: Ki-27 (x6), B5N2 (x2), Ki-21 (x1)
On 8 September, 1941, the German offensive code named "Barbarossa"; reached the outskirts of Leningrad. What was to transpire was one of the most horrid chapters of World War Two. The inhabitants of Leningrad not only endured what can only be described as massive bombing and artillery barrages, but also faced a cruel fate of starvation and conditions that were so cold, it's a wonder anyone survived.
This campaign focuses on the early stages of the siege where the Luftwaffe was in full force. The Russians while not really doing what one may call a great job at controlling the skies, did have their moments.
NOTE: This campaign is VERY bloody. Expect to lose pilots no matter which side you play.
Campaign Length: 4 turns
Territories: 9 – Helsinki, Savonia, East Karelia, Viipuri, Leningrad, Lake Lagoda, Volkov, Pskov, Tallin
Targets: Troop Convoy, Airfield, Railroad, Troops, Battleship, Cruiser, Fortification, Transport
Order of Battle:
USSR – Hurricane II (x1), P-40B (x1), I-16-10 (x2), I-153 (x1), Yak-1 (x2), Mig-3 (x1), Yak-9D (x1), IL-2M (x3), Pe-2 (x2)
Germany – Bf-109E (x3), Bf-109F (x2), Bf-110C (x2), Ju-87B (x2), He-111 (x2), Do-17Z (x2)
The siege of Leningrad continues throughout 1943. The Wehrmacht is suffering from shortages and the bitter elements, but it was no where near the extreme conditions the people trapped in Leningrad were going through. There were a few things that made life more tolerable, including a road of ice that during winter was the primary form of re-supply. The rest of the year ships brought in needed relief.
By this time, the Soviet pilots were getting more numerous and much better in combat. The Germans on the other hand while still excellent were becoming fatigued and were having much more difficulty in replacing quality pilots and aircraft.
By the end of 1943 the Soviets would start to exact their revenge.
NOTE: This campaign is VERY bloody. Expect to lose pilots no matter which side you play.Campaign Length: 5 turns
Territories: 9 – Helsinki, Savonia, East Karelia, Viipuri, Leningrad, Lake Lagoda, Volkov, Pskov, Tallin
Targets: Troop Convoy, Airfield, Railroad, Troops, Battleship, Cruiser, Fortification, Transport
Order of Battle:
USSR – Spitfire V (x1), P-40N (x1), I-16-10 (x1), La-5 (x1), Yak-1 (x3), Yak-9D (x1), Il-4 (x1), IL-2M (x3), Pe-2 (x2)
Germany – Bf-109E (x1), Bf-109F (x2), Bf-109G (x2), Bf-110C (x2), Fw-190A2 (x2), Ju-87B (x2), He-111 (x2), Do-17Z (x1)
With the siege lifted in January 1944, the Soviets were now on the offensive. The retreating Germans not only had to deal with the crushing numbers the Soviets were throwing at them, but also the unforgiving winter with equipment that wasn't designed for such harsh conditions.
The Luftwaffe, while still superior in pilot skill and better quality aircraft, would eventually succumb to the massive onslaught that the V-VS was unleashing. In the year that followed, the Germans would not only be pushed out of Russia, but would also realize that they had lost the war and were now going to be the ones under siege.
NOTE: This campaign is VERY bloody. Expect to lose pilots no matter which side you play.Campaign Length: 5 turns
Territories: 9 – Helsinki, Savonia, East Karelia, Viipuri, Leningrad, Lake Lagoda, Volkov, Pskov, Tallin
Targets: Troop Convoy, Airfield, Railroad, Troops, Battleship, Cruiser, Fortification, Transport
Order of Battle:
USSR – La-5 (x1), La-7 (x3), Yak-3 (x2), Yak-9D (x2), Yak-9U (x1), Il-4 (x1), Il-2M (x3), Pe-2 (x2)
Germany – Fw-190A8 (x3), Bf-109G (x2), Bf-109K (x2), Ju-87B (x2), He-111 (x2), Do-17Z (x1)
The Allied invasion of Hitler's "Fortress Europe" began in the early morning hours of June 6, 1944 when American and British paratroops dropped behind the intended invasion beaches to disrupt German communications. At dawn, the sea invasion began as an Allied Armada disgorged thousands of troops at five beaches along France's Normandy coast. By the end of the day, the Allies had achieved a tenuous toehold that would be laboriously expanded over the next weeks and would lead ultimately to the Nazi defeat in the West.
Preceding the landings were massive Allied air operations involving up to 12,000 aircraft under the command of British Air Marshal Sir Trafford Leigh-Mallory. These operations were significant and were highly effective and over 10,000 tons of bombs were dropped on the German positions in advance of the troop landings. While the Allies flew 14,464 air sorties, the Germans were so decimated that they were only able to fly 319 sorties, including a dismal 0 sorties for the Me-262A. That wouldn't happen until 25 June when a Mosquito from the 544 Squadron was jumped by the "Swallow."
NOTE: This is not meant to simulate just the invasion on 6 June, but also through the end of the month while the Allies were breaking out from the beaches. It would be almost too hard just to concentrate on one day as by this point of the war the Germans while not helpless in the air were certainly limited. Plus I just LOVE the Me-262 in a campaign format and thank God that these weren't produced to any extent that they could have maybe changed the course of the war on the Western Front.Campaign Length: 5 turns
Territories: 10 – Cherbourg, Utah Beach, Omaha Beach, Gold Beach, Juno Beach, Sword Beach, Caen, Bayeux, St. Lo, Carentan
Targets: Troops, Port, Supplies, Beach Fortification, Beach Emplacement, Fortification, AAA, Airbourne, Railroad, Airfield, Headquarters, Armor.Order of Battle:
USA – P-47D (x2), P-51D (x2), B-17F (x2), B-24D (x2), B-25C (x2)
UK – Mosquito MkVI (x2), Spitfire XIV (x2), Tempest V (x2), Lancaster Mk I (x2), Halifax Mk.I (x1)
Germany – Fw-190A8 (x3), Bf-109K (x2), Me-410 (x2), Me-262A (x2), Ju-87B (x1)
