Historical Background: At the beginning of July 1944, the battle for Saipan was in the last phase. Japanese troops were repelled in the north of the island, the 27th US Infantry Division had reach the Tanapag plain on the west coast and the 4th Marine Division advanced without any problem on the east coast. On the 06 of July, Japanese General Saito, knowing that it was near the end, ordered to his remaining troops to make a last "Banzaï" attack then he committed suicide. On the 07 of July at 04h45, taking advantage of the darkness, Japanese troops assaulted the US lines on three columns : on the beach, on Marpi Road and coming down the hills through "Harakiri Gulch". 1st and 2nd battalions of 105 US Infantry Regiment got the shock of the Japanese assault and were overwhelmed by the number of attackers which finally threatened the HQ of the 105 Inf and the guns of 10th Marine Arty Rgt. The heroic resistance of US infantrymen and US Marines stopped definitively the Japanese attack near the Tanapag village. This "banzaï" charge was the most devastating charge in the Pacific war and had cost lives of 406 US soldiers and 4311 Japanese. The stage is set, the battle lines are drawn and you are in command. The rest is history.
Briefing: Axis player [Japan] : 6 command cards, you move first. Allied player [United States] : 6 command cards.
Conditions of Victory: 6 medals. The HQ of 105 Inf is a temporary medal objective for the Japanese player.
Special Rules: - Use "Japanese Imperial Army" rules (Nation 3). - Use "Capture HQ/supply tent" rules (Actions 17). - Use "Night Attacks" rules (Actions 19). - Special Weapon Asset rules (SWAs 4 - Special Weapon Assets>1942) are in effect for units equipped with Mortars (SWAs 6) and Machine-guns (SWAs 7). - The Allied player lays out the minefields (Terrain 29).
Scenario Bibliography: - Magazine Ligne de Front n°44. - "Saïpan : The Beginning of the End" - Major Carl W. Hofman, USMC.
* "Long live the Emperor !"
Warning: Please note that this scenario was not approved by Richard Borg or Days of Wonder, so you have to check yourself about playability, potential gaming issues, etc.
|