With the fast and so far, victorious march on Manilla by the Imperial Japanese Army, United States Army Forces Far East (USAFFE) Command has decided that drastic action is needed. The following orders were drafted and given to Brevet Captain Randel Sternbakk Jr. USAA:
"The Japanese forces are quickly advancing on Manilla in your area of command. It is vital that their lead elements be slowed down to allow as much equipment, men, supplies and government material (i.e., treasury gold and silver) be evacuated. You are ordered to launch a spoiling attack at the village of Ultima Oportuidad. Hold back the invaders as long as possible. An ad hoc group of what troops that could be both spared and quickly gathered at this moment are now under your command. Hold the line or drive them back at all costs. Signed- Brigadier General H.E. B'Dissperet USAFFE"
The IJA (Imperial Japanese Army) had different ideas.
"Orders of the day for Rikugun-Chui Totoama Hiro, 47 Hohei Rental. As one of the led elements of His Imperial Majesties Army of the Philippines the honor of smashing the weak Hakujin forces falls to you. The enemy is in disorder, weak and demoralized. Your orders are to crush any opposition and advance, advance, advance.
The battle is a scenario for Bolt Action WWII Rules. Due to the special situation of the battle, Fall of the Philippines early 1942, the following rules do not apply-US Army Fire and Maneuver & Air Superiority and Japanese Army Banzai.
Hit this link to read about the battle:
https://worldhistoryprof.blogspot.com/2023/09/desperate-fight-philippines-1941.htmlBrevet Captain Randel Sternbakk Jr.'s forces included the following: Inexperienced Captain Sternbakk and his aide, 2nd Lt Abner Little and his aide, Inexperienced 1st Squad Sgt. Larry SMG, BAR, 7 men, 2nd Squad Sgt. Currly SMG, BAR, 7 men, 3rd Squad Sgt. Jomoe SMG, BAR, 7 men, 4th Marine Squad- Sgt Rocky, 2 SMG's, 2 BAR's, 6 men and 37 mm ATG team (3 men); a Regular Squad of Philippine Scouts, Sgt Aquilla, SMG, BAR and 11 men, Regular Medic, "Doc" and an inexperienced M-3 "Stuart" light tank with 37mm ATG & 3 MMG's. The USAFFE has a roadblock and, if they can reach them in time, some abandoned trench works in the tall grass. Ten command dice
The forces of Rikugun-Chui Totoama Hiro were: Rikugun-Chui Totoama and aide, 1st squad, Gunso (Sgt.) Seigi, SMG, LMG, 9 men with standard, 2nd Squad Nito-Gunso (2nd Sgt.) Isoa, SMG, LMG, 7 men, 3rd Squad Nito-Gunso Minori, SMG, LMG, 7 men, Grenadier Squad, Gunso Hiro, SMG & 3 light mortars 6 men, 37mm ATG team (3 men) and a Type 97 Chi Ha light tank with light howitzer & 2 MMG's. Seven Command Dice.
All are veterans except the Chi Ha which is Regular.
21 January 2014, 05:57:34 AM