What if 5

[richard]

Hi, MarshalLaw

Japan invades Russia 1936

Background Information

Russia 1917 - 1936
The Bolshevik revolution failed and the whole country has turned in on its self civil war rages for years until finally the followers of Starlin win in 1929 the country is a mess and takes to 1934 before Russia returns to normal but in 1935 Starlin wipes out or in prisons a number of political and military officers the army is already weak and now has been weaken further then in 1936 Japan declares war on Russia.

Japan 1920 - 1936
With the rebuilding of her army the time has come to test the new army in 1930 Korea is invaded and falls within six months Japan attacks China in 1931 and by 1934 China has fallen the time has come to start the planning of the great war to come against Russia they know the Soviet Union is weak and Japan has never forgiven Russia for a poor peace treaty after the Russo-Japanese war of 1904-1905 and on March 18th 1936 Japans army crosses over the border in a surprise attack for the first month back in Moscow Starlin has no Idea due to very bad communications and other factors this plays in to the hands of the Japanese army.


Pear Harbor is not attacked allowing Japan to concentrate on Russia
war with Britain and France possible depends on how the 1936-1941 pans out.


Richard

[MarshalLaw]

Hey Richard,

April - Oct. 1936:

With China, Mongolia, and Korea secure by 1935, Japan rearms and prepares for it's next step. By April Japan is ready. The Winter is over and weather is more favorable for a invasion. Japan invades southern Russia from Lake Baikal to the North south 150 KMs. and cuts a wide swath Heading NE. At the same time a 2nd Invasion force invades the extreme north Kamchatka Peninsula. and sweeps south toward the port city of Petroperlovsk which is being pounded by the Japaneses navy. In the first month The peninsula is taken and Japaneses forces have cut off the south eastern section of Russia. By Aug. Japanese forces control the region from Lake Baikal west to Yakutsk in the north , southeast to the coast. At this point all Russian naval forces have been captured or sunk from the Peninsula south, Russian air power is almost non existent. Japan controls the sea and skies on the Russian Pacific Coast. Japanese Bombers pound Russian positions north of the Peninsula.

By Oct. Japaneses forces have secured All land from Yakutsk south to the China/ Mongolia border and East to the sea. Front lines have stabilized at the river Lena. By Oct. Stalin has a full grasp of the situation due to poor communication from the Pacific Coast. The Russian Military is mobilized and plans are in place to counter attack in the near future.

At the end of Oct. Japanese commanders slow their advance. and stabilize their lines for the upcoming winter.

[richard]

Hi, MarshalLaw

October 1936 - April 1937

Russia
Starlin holds talks with his new generals they feel confident they can destroy the invaders by wait of numbers and the planning starts they know for the winter months there will be little activity by the following month 10,000 conscript troops start there move eastwards the going is slow and the time they arrived there numbers have fallen to around 8.2 thousand some were killed by hunger and other factors they are in no condition to fight they just got enough strength to dig in for the winter months another 500 die in this period in February 200 are lost in the first real engagement of the war by the end of march 1937 800 reinforcements have turned up and another 1200 on the way but the weather is in proving and time is running out as Japans forces are soon to be on the move again and in mid April Japan attacks.

Japan
The Military high command are pleased with there stunning progress but there is a set back during the winter months 500 die from the cold and another 700 are pulled back as they are in bad condition but the remaining troops hold firm in spring supplies get through raising the hopes of the army and news of the spring operations is what they have been waiting for in March preparations are under way and all is in place for mid April 1937.


Richard

[richard]

Hi, MarshalLaw

Early April 1937

Russia
Starlin reads a report on the first engagement that took place in February and has spotted a weakness Japaneses tanks are small in number and light weight. Starlin asks how many tanks can we send to the front he is told to start with about 500 BT5 tanks and another 700 in a months time. Starlin orders the first shipment to the front. With the loss of the naval forces in the area Starlin has the head of the navy shot and replaced he demands deploy the Black Sea Fleet and the Baltic Fleet but this will take time and when they arrive they are looking at July on wards.


Richard

[MarshalLaw]

Hey Richard,

Oct 1936 -March 1937:

Japan's stunning success so far has pleased the war leaders back home. However the first Russian winter has not been kind as 500 troops died and another 700 were too sick to fight. With the amount of territory gained, Japan finds itself in a manpower shortage.
However a young assistant to Gen. Tojo comes up with a brilliant idea. Former troops from Korea, China and Mongolia that are willing to fight for Japan will be awarded free land in the Lake Baikal and Lena river region for the soldier and his family to farm in the amount of 1/2 Kilo. (less than 50 arces) The land will be deeded to the soldier and his family and whatever crops raised can be sold back to Japan at a profit. The word goes out and within 2 months over 500,000 troops agree to fight. Including 20,000 crack Korean mountain troops. Families can begin to move into the region once the area is secured.

With Japan's troop strength problem solved, New spring offensives are set to begin early April. Forward air bases are readied to support the offensive and to maintain air superiority.

[MarshalLaw]

Hey Richard,

April - July 1937:

Japan launches it's spring offensive in the North. It is a 3 prong attack, with a invasion by sea at Providenya in the extreme north . A 2nd forces moves north from the Kamchatka peninsula. while a third force moves north and NW from Yakutsk and Magadan. Little resistance is found except for Anadyr, were the Russians put up a spirited fight for a 10 day period before finally surrendering. By early June Northern and southern armies have linked up and by the end of July Japan controls all land East of the river Lena to the Pacific and to the Arctic ocean in the north. The remaining Russian fleet in Anadyr is captured or sunk. all Russian air power in the East is captured or destroyed as Russian troops retreat or surrender.

In late May a 2nd offensive to break out of the lake Baikal region is started. Again little resistance is found as Irkutsk falls quickly and Japanese troops are able to advance 250 KM before having to stop due to supply lines being unable to keep up. Japanese commanders decide to stabilize lines before continuing their advance in late July.

Meanwhile Stalin's tanks are finding the road east slow and very muddy due to heavy rains in the Ural region. and by the first of July, Russian forces have only made it as far as Omsk. Russian forces still have around 1500 KM to travel before reaching the front lines. 45 tanks have broken down along the way and are out of action, and the troops are exhausted. Russian commanders realize they will be lucky to be in position to mount a attack before winter sets in once again. Russian Commanders decide to stop in Omsk for a 5 day period for rest and repair before moving on.

[richard]

Hi, MarshalLaw

August - December 1937

Russia
In late July Starlin holds talks with his generals and is deeply angry the way the war is going he demands action not words "At this rate the Japanese invaders will be marching in to the Kremlin" Starlin calls for total war. War production is the most important thing and demands it to be running at 100% before the year is out. In September the Russian fleets engage the enemy and suffer heavy losses from aircraft carriers and are forced to retreat in there long voyage back to safer waters. On hearing this defeat Starlin has the head of the navy shot and his staff in prison for failing of duty. In late September 150,000 troops are sent eastwards along with 200 BT5 and 560 BT7 tanks the army in the east and fallen back with winter around the corner the time has come to dig in.

Japan
The Emperor is pleased at the progress and sees no point ending the war but some Generals fear they could be over drawn and all they have gain is land and within another year they will face a shortage of war supply's.


Richard

[MarshalLaw]

Hey Richard,

Aug - Dec. 1937:

In Sept. the Russian Arctic fleet suffers a huge defeat as 4 Japanese Aircraft carriers along with supports ships sink or damage 40% of the fleet. The remaining ships limp back to port.
By Sept. Japanese forces have advanced as far as Krasnoyarsk and the Enisey river. Most important Japan has captured intact the Trans -Siberian rail system from the Pacific coast to the Front lines at Krasnoyarsk. Being able to use this rail system has made suppling the front a easier situation. By Sept. Japan has begun to operate existing mines in central Siberia of different raw material Japan needs to maintain her war industry. In addition the first deeds for the Lake Baitel region have been processed. However most settlers decide to wait until spring to make the trip.

In early Nov. advanced elements of Japanese forces make contact with the Soviet western attack force east of Novosibrak. Advance units report a huge force of 40,000 troops supported by over 400 tanks. However little air support was seen. The information is relayed to Japanese high command.

[richard]

Hi, MarshalLaw

January - March 1938

Russia
In a surprise air attack the Japanese front line is hit hard by some 100 SB2 Bombers in early January they attack again the next day but are met by 14 Model O Fighters 21 Bombers are shot down. To prevent surprise attacks Japanese search planes patrol the Sky's. Once again the troops suffer from the winter over 1000 troops suffer frost bite and 200 deaths. The front line remains stable during the winter months. The Russians now outnumber the Japanese army 2 to 1 and tanks 4 to 1 but air power is a big draw back the Japanese air power is 3 to 1. The Russian army has changed tactics orders from Starlin a fighting withdraw and a scorched earth to be carried out leave nothing for the enemy.

Japan
The Emperor orders the war to continual until mid 1939 when the situation will be looked into for further expansion. The front line generals have warned the supply line has over extended and progress will be slow something must be done before winter sets in again and the need for more fighter and bombers as a section of there line was hit by Russia tanks but they did not press home this attack.


Richard

[MarshalLaw]

Hey Richard,

Jan. - March 1938:

A quiet winter for the most part as lines are stable and the winter is cold. 200 Japanese troops die due to the weather as the Russians lose 125. In mid Jan. Russian bombers catch the Japanese napping and attack Japanese positions causing moderate damage. They attack again the next day but are met by Japanese fighters. Soviets lose over 20 bombers and most bombers that survive miss their targets. Little to no damage is done in the raid. On a rare clear day in Feb. Japanese dive bombers attack a soviet tank formation outside of Novositarak. 16 tanks are destroyed in the attack, with the loss of only 2 aircraft.

In March Japan's high war council meet in Tokyo to discuss future expansion in Russia. Men and material are stretched thin. So it is decided to stabilize lines east of Norilisk in the north to Knasnoyarsk in the south. Most mining area's are now in Japanese hands and little remains in the north but empty plains to the Ural Mountains. However in the south it is decided to make a push to Omsk due to heavy Soviet forces in the region. Plus with the Trans Siberian Rail system to move men and material. It is a logical offensive to undertake. Extra fighters and bomber air craft are moved into the region with the offensive due to begin in late April.

Meanwhile the first group of settlers from Korea and China set out for their new homes in the Lake Baital region. Most arrive by May.

[richard]

Hi, MarshalLaw

Late March 1938

Russia
The Soviet Army has struck in the south there timing was perfect bad weather has grounded the Japanese air force and for the very first time they succeeded in the attack Japanese army has suffered badly the attack last for a week only the clearing of the weather has now aloud the Japanese air force to check the attack. The result of the Soviet attack has forced the Japanese Generals to rethink the situation. Back in Moscow Starlin heres the news and is pleased.

May - October 1938
The balance of numbers has changed in favor of the Russian army and through out the rest of the year they slowly push the invaders back but at a cost 213,000 troops killed the result of gaining 176 miles in the south before both sides run out of time as winter sets in again the line finally becomes stable in the south. But in the north more ground in lost before both sides stall.

Japan
The Emperor has recalled a number of front line generals they are summon home to be executed and are to be replaced by new and fanatical Generals who will fight to the end surrender is a word for cowards and during the winter months there is a massive build up for the following year the Emperor has decreed Russia must be taken.

Russia
Starlin now plans to push the invaders out of Russia and the build up starts equipment moved to the east has or so been speeded up the Soviet army is learning to fight and 1939 is going to see both sides attacking in force it could be the year that finally settles the out come.



Richard

[richard]

Hi, MarshalLaw

November 1938 - March 1939

Both sides have been building up there forces in the south both of them know the main action will be there and this will be the deciding battle to come.

Russian Forces Vs Japan Forces by early March 1939.
Russian Tanks 5 to 1
Russian Artillery 3 to 1
Russian AA Guns 5 to 1
Russian Troops 7 to 1
Russian Aircraft 3 to 5

Russia has weight of numbers on the ground but still there are problems only in the Air Japan has the advantage and a army that will fight to the bitter end.

As Western Europe is heading for war the political situation could help or hinder each side.


Richard

[richard]

Hi, MarshalLaw

Early March 1939

Russia
Starlin has ordered the invaders to be crushed at all costs. The front line generals have decided to let the enemy attack first falling on the defensive lines for a duration of a week then go over to offensive operations.

Japan
The Emperor will not accept another year of defeat Russia must be taken the order of the day is to attack and press home that attack even when the odds are against them. The front line generals are waiting for the spring rain to stop then the attack beings bombing of the front line followed by an all out assault.


Richard

[MarshalLaw]

Hey Richard,

March - Oct. 1938:

In a perfectly timed attack the Soviets attack and overwhelm Japanese forces in a 8-9 day time frame of bad weather that grounds all aircraft. The Soviets push Japanese forces back close to 200 KM back to the river Obi and Krasnoyarsk. Finally the weather clears and Japanese aircraft stop the advance cold with heavy troop and tank losses from air attacks around the clock for a 18 hour period. Lines stabilize and both side prepare for the up coming winter. Japanese air craft pound the Soviet lines as soviet air forces cannot gain control of the skies over the front line area. Most Russian pilots are poorly trained and their air craft is inferior to Japan's aircraft. Soviet air losses are 3 -1 in almost every engagement. During Oct. and Nov. the Soviets lose 45 tanks and close to 590 troops due to air attacks.

Back in Japan 4 high ranking army generals are put on trial for their role in the March defeat to the Soviets. 2 are cleared and 2 convicted. 3 of the 4 commit ritual suicide. The generals are replaced with more hard line commanders that worship the Bushido code.

Meanwhile in Moscow Stalin orders a massive build up of men and material to be in position and ready for a spring offensive by April of 1939.

[MarshalLaw]

Hey Richard,

Nov. 1938 - March 1939:

Another cold winter for both sides, however weather is not as bad as in past years, with more clear days. Japan takes every opportunity to pound the soviet front lines with air raids. In one raid in Dec. the Soviets lose 36 tanks from air attack. In early Feb. the soviets launch a massive air strike against Japanese front line forces. However the Japanese air force meets the attack head on and smashes the raid. Little damage is done to front line forces . However the soviets lose 125 bombers and fighters to only 31 aircraft lost to the Japanese. Both sides continue to build up forces through out the winter.

Meanwhile in Moscow Stalin is informed that Russian manufacturing is running very short of raw material to produce tanks, planes and other war material. 75% of mining operations have been captured by the Japanese along with 30% of oil production. Stalin realizes it is too late to move forces from the south. However he decides to cutoff material flow to the south in late Feb. and redeploy SW of Norlisk for a summer offensive to retake the mining areas in Japanese hands.

On March 2nd Japanese re-con aircraft spot the beginning of a large buildup of Soviet forces SW of Norlist. Japanese high command is notified.