Stop Them! A Gen. Pettygree Battlestory

 

The Japanese Have Landed On Luzon

A GENERAL PETTYGREE BATTLESTORY

Date: January 27, 2024/1941

Circumstances: 28mm Tabletop Battlegame, Four Players, Home Rules

Adaptations: Imagineered and We Use What We Have

Location: Western Luzon, The Philippines South of Lingayen Gulf

"Reconnaissance reports say Japanese forces which came ashore at Lingayen Gulf on December 22nd are now moving south, General Pettygree."

"I presume they are marching on Route 3 heading toward Central Luzon."

"Yes, that is my thinking. We'll know more after Lt. Briggs arrives with photos."

"That must be him taxiing toward us, General Mac Arthur." 

"Well, Lt. Briggs. What do you have to say?"

"They're com'n in force General MacArthur. My photos will explain everything."

LATER

Flying north along Route 3, I took advantage of scattered cloud cover.

"Not far from the southern bottom of the Gulf, the enemy Advance Guard appeared. Cavalry led followed by infantry and four tanks at Rosario Village."

"Cavalry, Briggs?"

"General, if I may," offered Pettygree. "The Japanese 16th and 48th Divisions which we believe are here each contain organic cavalry." (1)

"Their infantry pounded through Rosario at a fast pace." (2)

"More infantry and some artillery were not far behind."

"At Lingayen Gulf three more tanks got underway. They looked heavier Sir."

"Some infantry not on Route 3 crossed a river flanking the road column."

"Rearmost, two artillery pieces were being set up."

HIT AND RUN AT ROSARIO

US Army Forces of the Far East (USAFFE) were scattered on Luzon and other islands. Here on Luzon, General MacArthur had already ordered forces commanded by General "Skinny" Wainwright to converge to attack an anticipated enemy advance south from Lingayen Gulf. He told Wainwright, "Stop Them!" This is their story.

Allied Right Flank

Artillery arrived first on the Allied Right Flank. (3) Two M3 half-tracks armed with old French 75mm cannons and a  towed 75mm field piece opened fire on the enemy Advance Guard on Route 3.

Striking Japanese Cavalry as infantry and tanks push forward from behind. The Allied battery is off image 5' to the left.

Moments later a P40 E dived firing 50 caliber rounds into the thinly armored Ha Go tank on the bridge. 6D6s (6 heavy machine guns) fired. Three hit. At this point the pilot threw 3xD6s for damage location. Ones would apply to the deck. Other numbers would apply to other parts of the tank unblocked by the bridge walls. Two hits at the same spot would brew up the tank. Two ones were thrown. The tank caught fire blocking the bridge. Lucky!

The 75s also destroyed the rear Ha Go tank. Lucky again!

As a result of these shocks, the cavalry cantered into a nearby stone enclosure, dismounted and took cover. There would be no further offensive Japanese movement on this flank. Later they remounted, galloped back to the road adjacent to the stream you can see....

And headed off the table to secure this bridge.

The smoking volcano was just for fun.

This prompted the appearance of the 26th Philippine Scouts Cavalry and

Forward movement by the M3 Gun Motor Carriages to engage the Battlefield Center across the stream. (4)

THE CENTER

Action began with an Ambush by Philippine infantry versus white shirted Japanese. Ambushers are allowed to suddenly appear and fire first. However, Japanese firepower decimated the khaki soldiers. The remnant of the Japanese then Banzai Charged the house.

The Filipinos fled giving up the house to their enemy.

Japanese infantry earlier debouched from trucks at Rosario heading toward the sound of gunfire. The heavier Chi Ha tanks Lt. Briggs saw earlier now provide valuable support.

 

As do artillery observers in the tower of the tallest building in Rosario. They called in artillery fire from two guns about 7' away to the upper right. Then....

Saburo Sakai's Zero arrived firing two Light Machine Guns and two Low Velocity Cannons at a recently arrived American Stuart Tank.

Scratch one American tank.

Philippine Scout infantry in the distance are holding their own.

Supported by another Stuart Tank and guerillas (near the big rock).

As Chi Ha tanks, a 20mm AA gun plus a 37mm AT Gun come menacingly closer.

However, the Allied Left Rear has problems coming toward them along a hedge and also from off image to the left.

THE LEFT FLANK

Earlier this date, Japanese forces began crossing streams.... 

And broader rivers heading to the sound of gunfire in The Center.

Hurrying forward....

To help their comrades in arms.

The battle for The Center is in front of them. Allied infantry has fallen back after a firefight in the face of overwhelming numbers and will eventually have to abandon Rosario. MacArthur's order to Stop The Japanese failed but the latter had their plans slowed in this Hit and Run Attack played by....

OUR GANG OF FOUR --- LEFT TO RIGHT

Seated: Bob B and Chuck S. --- Standing: Dave G. and yours truly Bill P.

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CLOSING REMARKS

Inspiration came from the above Osprey campaign book #243, published in 2012.

(1) Page 21 details the organization of each division. Naturally as my gamer pards know, cavalry must be on the table as much as possible.

(2) Japanese Infantry throw 5xD6s to move. Two more are added if remaining on a road the entire turn. The total of 7xD6 thrown is the maximum movement in inches.

Other infantry throw 4xD6s. Deductions usually the highest die thrown occur for terrain obstacles. Example: Ascending a hill: Remove the highest D6 thrown.

(3) Allied arrival explanation.

The 18 home-made counters above are placed in a bag. Six are drawn per turn.

6xD10s are thrown per turn for arrival locations. 

10 arrival areas (red spots) are placed along the Allied table edge.

Locations this turn: 1, 2, 4, 7, 7 and 10.

Nuances: 

(a) The Allies secretly place drawn units at the six arrival points. They have freedom to deploy units in any way wanted within 12" of arrival spots; one unit per spot. However, the two 7s above allow two units to appear.

(b) Japanese counters are given to the Japanese player when drawn.

(c) Ambush and Detonation counters are given to the Allied commander to secretly deploy and activate in any logical way without pre-game planning as a surprise anywhere on the table. The Ambush Counter comes with a platoon of infantry.

(d) Sometimes there are not enough units to deploy at every thrown location. That's okay and as it should be.

(e) The above randomness keeps the scenario different for both sides. For awhile the Japanese will operate in the dark until Allied units are spotted or fire.

(4) The 26th Cavalry were adapted from Perry Miniatures WWII British cavalry serving in the Middle East. This was a very good unit and was called upon many times. The M3s are Corgi diecasts. 

Corgi Diecast M3 half-track with 75mm cannon. It does not come with crewmen.

Your eagle eyes will notice a British Universal Carrier. Joe C. kindly elaborated about them on TMP saying, "As an FYI, the freighter SS Don Jose was en route to Hong Kong with 57 Bren gun carriers when they diverted to the [Philippines]. The carriers were liberated and sent to the U.S. Provisional Tank Battalions and the 26th Cav."

(5) Japanese Orders:

(6) Who Won this Hit and Run Game? Well, this is a developing scenario and we only played three hours. A greater amount of time was needed for the following victory formula:

We could not play more than five turns. In the first five turns Japanese always moved first with the Allies moving second so the latter remained in control of maneuver. The Japanese needed to boot all Allies off the table by 4pm. There was not enough time for this opportunity to develop.

 Behavior rules at the top were originally placed there for grandchildren who still come by to play on grandfather's table. 

Lowest Score Wins

USAFFE: 41 losses -4 for still holding onto the table at 4 pm = 37 points.

Japanese: 57 losses + 6 for not booting the Allies off the table and -6 because they held Route 3 and all bridges including the one adjacent to the volcano. We added the latter in our after game conversation.

Adjusted score removing the 4pm requirement: Allies 41. Japanese 51.

Also on the scoreboard.

(6) Thank you for looking in. Your remarks are welcome at the place marked COMMENTS below, if you please. 

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Merry Christmas 2023 and Always

 

This painting arrived as a Christmas card a few days ago. It is the most beautiful depiction of love and adoration of Jesus by heavenly angels and his Mother Mary I've seen. 

Linger here for a few minutes this season in contemplation please. What is important? What are your thoughts and feelings about it including your relationship and engagement now and in the future with Jesus?

You are invited to post your thoughts in Comments.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Bill

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Rumors About General Pettygree Are True

Where Is General Pettygree?

by

Céline Evangeline Desmond

Correspondent for The Exploration Times, San Francisco, USA

"Upon arrival at The Exploration Times, I saw a note prominently placed on my desk. It curtly said, 'See me first thing today,' signed, Marlowe Leininger, Editor in Chief. Without sitting down to sift through the mountain of newspapers recently arrived from around the globe, I  walked down the hall, knocked on his door and opened it after hearing, 'Come in. Welcome Miss Desmond. Opportunity awaits. Please sit down and listen.' "He belatedly added, 'You look swell, I mean, ready." 

"Continuing, he said, 'There are occasions, when writers about whom the public is keen go silent. For example, General Pettygree's Battle Stories have slowed remarkably this year. Your next assignment is to find him and report back to me about his exploits, etc. before the year ends, in a serial format if practicable."

I remarked, "The last I knew he was either on The Northwest Frontier or New Guinea. Do you know where he may be now, sir?"

"Well done Miss Desmond. The most recent information is, he boarded Galaxy Line's Amelia in February out of Bombay sailing for Bali, Malabascar and finally Isla Incognita.  A strange stepped pyramid discovered in the jungle on the latter island two years ago intrigued him. Given his interest in archaeology, he may be there." 

"Leininger then handed a large parchment-colored envelope to me. Inside was one ticket  for air passage aboard the new Trans-Pacific Clipper bound for Bali tomorrow. I would report to Dock 7 for a 6:15 am departure. A second enclosed ticket simply said, Air Transport for a one-way flight aboard Chandler Air's  Grumman G-21-Amphibian. See proprietor Broxton Chandler in Crescent Harbor, Malabascar for available chartering information. A third envelope contained $7,500 US and an equal amount in British pounds for expenses."

"We soon parted with blessings and good wishes for success. Rather than record my sometimes thrilling and monotonous travel itinerary here, it will suffice to say that after nineteen days of flying, motoring, boating, waiting and chartering...." 

Chandler's floatplane pictured above arrived at a white sandy beach on Isla Incognita's south coast  deplaning me there as a tropical storm threatened nearby. 

"The location of the step pyramid was no longer a secret. Transportation was easily arranged for the next morning to the dig site. After a four hour journey aloft in a swaying howdah attached to Annie, a pleasant Indian elephant, I found myself in the presence of...."

"General William Augustus Pettygree, soldier of Egypt and The Soudan, Northwest Frontier and Chronicler of Battle Stories across the globe waiting for me."

"I am honoured to meet you Miss Desmond. According to an advance letter from Leininger, an old acquaintance of mine, you are tasked with discovering and writing about my recent adventures as some call them.

"Yes General. I am at your service as circumstances permit."

"I am presently engaged with a singular problem in the pyramid. May I suggest we commence this afternoon after you freshen up and settle in the tent prepared for you?" With a wink he smiled saying, "All the comforts of home, you know."

LATE AFTERNOON

"There you are Miss Desmond. The problem in the pyramid is as resolved as it can be today. At any rate, please forgive my tardiness and not being dressed to the nines. We've not much time before supper in the camp so.... Shall we begin?"

"Yes, of course General. Starting with this year, what Battle Story intrigued you and your adventure chronicler, Bill, most."

"Though the engagements on the north coast of New Guinea between the Imperial Japanese Army and the Australians remain uppermost in my thinking, without a doubt, it was the 1876 Centennial Campaign. I brought along some tolerable photographs if you would care to see them." 

"He began with...."

"My chronicler, Bill, was pleased to reveal a project regarding The 1876 Centennial Campaign, specifically the 17 June Battle of The Rosebud. His collection of Lakota Sioux, Cheyenne and the American military has lain dormant for more than two decades. The above references by Vaughn and Sandoz were singularly valuable in rewriting his home-brewed rules. The Sioux, Cheyenne and Crow operate primarily by a redesign of the Native Activation System from "Pony Wars" also suitable for Solo play. Multiple rewrites with solo and five games with friends specifically about The Rosebud resulted in interesting and fun experiences. Bill thought that by Rosebud #3, Indian behaviors closely resembled their new way of fighting."

"Crazy Horse was key in the new tactics. Counting coup and almost universal independent actions were replaced by many coordinated efforts to successfully stop General Crook and Colonel Custer a week later."

"The Mari Sandoz book is historical fiction based on trusted immersion with the Western Plains Indians, research and living in western Nebraska. Her profound style presented  Indian conversations, actual events, culture and points of view brilliantly. Bill found it to be a significantly different and instructive way to explain the Plains Indians involving Crazy Horse et al. Bill learned a lot saying, "It was my most satisfying read in years."

"Vaughn's book presented the complicated actions of The Rosebud with considerable detail. This was a refreshing change. He walked the area many times finding archaeological treasures not only for their own sake but to speculate about locations fought over by both sides. Many facts, after action reports, letters and stories so necessary to simulate the engagement are included." 

"Writing in 1956, Vaughn's dedication said, 'To the men and warriors on both sides of the battle who fought for the right as it was given to them to see the right."

"Anyone designing wargame rules for 1876 must read both books." 

Two Troops of  John Ford-esque Hollywood US Cavalry.

Photo courtesy of Dave G.

Dave G. also took this inspired photo at the end of Rosebud #5.

THE NEXT MORNING

"Good Morning Miss Desmond. I trust you rested well with the cacophony of jungle animals walking about and screeching all night."

"Oh General, I have had the pleasure of boating the Amazon River and a few tributaries  in search of strange animals thought to have perished long ago while dodging unknown and wary indigenous tribes. The cloud bedecked prodigious mesas of Venezuela offered opportunities of other kinds. Thank you for asking. Perhaps you can see, I am fine."

"Splendid. Well, I have an hour before Grandmaison and I ride to the harbor to meet Mrs. Pettygree. She has joined me on several archaeological expeditions before, The Nile Delta and The Island of Crete for two. She is keen to investigate the pyramid here comparing it to one in Egypt. And so, let me resume...."

"Most recently Chuck The Lucky broadened Bill's game experiences with a Post WWII Science Fiction world known as Konflikt 47. 

"Here is the rulebook. It utilizes familiar WWII historical combatants and equipment. However, the authors added imagineered new combatants and equipment of the most astonishing kinds."

"From the genre of science fiction, General?"

"Quite so."

"There is nothing above from science fiction though as four 28mm sections of American GIs disembark from transports. However...."

"Here we have three unusual Imperial Japanese Army tanks. Imaginative aren't they? That is because the Warlord Chi-Ha tanks (center and foreground) and the Chi-Nu at the top of the image are firing "compression waves." These somehow ruin target molecular cohesion thereby rendering enemy vehicles inoperative."

"Do they fall apart or crumble, General? I...."

"I'm new to this too Miss Desmond so I'll just say, something like what you said happens. It's all made up, you see, as is Bill's rendition of compression wave cotton smoke stained with copper paint enclosing copper-colored pipe cleaners."

"Some other examples are these Japanese armoured infantry approaching...."

"More heavily armoured USA infantry investigating a totem."

"Sir, do you anticipate writing a Battle Story involving Konflikt 47?"

"Yes, indeed but the date is unknown."

Thank you General. There is much to relate to my readers. While you are engaged with the arrival of your wife, Mary, I'll type a letter....

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To: Marlowe Leininger, Editor in Chief, The Exploration Times

From: Correspondent Céline Evangeline Desmond

Location: Step Pyramid, Site C, Isla Incognita

Date: October 13 STC (Space Time Continuum As Needed)

Dear Mr. Leininger,

    Please accept this first dispatch regarding the assignment you gave me to discover recent activities of Battle Story author, General Pettygree. I type this brief message in haste in order to place it aboard Chandler Air's Amphibian departing sometime later today.

     In the days ahead I will chronicle two detailed stories. One involves the 1876 STC Centennial Campaign Battle of The Rosebud. The other concerns a futuristic time in which World War II does not end, a troubling thought certainly with ray guns and armored men.

    I am alive, well, fully engaged with the job and grateful for the opportunity to be here. Hoping this intentionally brief letter will reach you before Thanksgiving, I,

Remain Sincerely Yours,

Miss Céline Evangeline Desmond

PS Perhaps it is nothing, but the General alluded to some disagreeable matter in the step pyramid. He did not offer to explain. I thought not to ask this soon after my arrival. However, I will investigate and if it is of interest, report about it to you for the readers.

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WWII OPERATION CHARADE

OPERATION CHARADE
A GENERAL PETTYGREE BATTLESTORY
ON THE NORTH COAST OF NEW GUINEA

3 JUNE 1943/2023

PRELUDE

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"Well they are finally coming here even in these high seas." Private Kenda.

Heavy Allied ships did not sail The Bismarck Sea north of New Guinea. Narrow channels, numerous Japanese airfields to the northeast and frequent mauling of Japanese shipping by US and Australian air assets meant the area was an Allied Sea. Besides Admiral Nimitz would not permit his larger ships to operate here.

"Lt. Kubacki, radio Rabaul, Allied landings possibly expected soon supporting Australian forces pressing us overland from the west and south. Situation untenable. Operation Sunrise will commence at daybreak on 3 June 1943."

"Hai, Colonel Takahashi."

"Hai, I repeat. Sunrise is at 5am on 3 June 1943."

"Operation Charade will gain another airfield to control The Bismarck Sea to further interdict the Japanese reinforcing and resupplying western New Guinea," remarked General MacArthur.

"Takahashi's trapped regiment at Muna-Boa is all that stands in our way, answered General Pettygree.

"The airstrip will need enlarging," said Pettygree.

"Muna-Boa west of the airstrip though enclosed and surrounded by tall grasses so prominent in these parts should fall once Charade is in full swing, eh Pettygree?" 

"My Sandhurst Debate Team defined should as, ought to but not necessarily can or will, Sir."

"True, but I have confidence the Australians will close the trap on Takahashi especially when Colonel Bearing arrives. However, we'll not tally a victory this soon. Poor form," remarked the American General.

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CLOSING REMARKS

1. Muna-Boa is an imagineered tabletop historical miniatures wargame scheduled for 3 June 1943/2023 for a small number of local pards. This short newsreel preps them for the game.

2. Inspiration came from James P. Duffy's 2016 book, WAR AT THE END OF THE WORLD. Douglas MacArthur and the Forgotten Fight for New Guinea 1942-1945. This many years after the end of WWII, he amassed an amazing amount of new material for our greater understanding of General MacArthur and his operations on New Guinea.

3. General Pettygree will be on hand arriving in a Dakota C-47 as soon as practicable, God willing, of course reporting in his usual style for you.

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BOMBARDMENTS TODAY

Readers are most likely familiar with prodigious WWII naval bombardments and the destruction intended ashore. Numerous Pacific Theatre battles may come to mind as the Allies recovered lost islands and territories into August 1945.

However, D-Day's thunderous salvoes sent into Normandy on June 6, 1944 may come more easily to mind. I recently watched The Longest Day again thinking about terrible destruction, death, shock and deafness intended for coastal defenders. It consumed every fiber of their being. How could it not?

It got me to thinking about the minute by minute bombardment consuming us daily. What is it doing to us? Why do we allow it --- such as?

Overdoing texting, emailing, social media, screen time at and off of work, video games, addictions, pursuit of experiences, television, workaholic and/or newsaholic behaviors, too busy for interaction with family and friends, the disappearance of quiet time and more. How about allowing cell phones to disturb family chow time, sleep or precious unrecoverable time with our children/grandchildren? 

My Marketing Director, Michael,  tells a story about an ice skating practice. He sat in the stands watching his child skate. His cell phone was intentionally someplace else so he could be in the moment with his offspring. However,  a nearby mom was immersed constantly on a cell phone. Her daughter then had an issue with a skate. The mom did not hear multiple pleas for mom's help because screen time was more important. Michael soon got the mom's attention.

One more thing as Easter nears. The most important negative dynamic is....

There is insufficient silence for us to hear the voice of Jesus in many different ways. 

"And get to know me."

"Come and follow me."

It's Time To Go Home.

Every Blessing and Happy Easter Everyone!

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CLOSING REMARKS WHICH MAY APPLY FOR YOU

It’s Time To Come Home Whether You

·         Retired from the Catholic or your Faith tradition (Understandable)

·         Have remained home since Covid (You aren’t alone)

·         Want to learn about Catholicism (Founded 2,000 years ago in the year 33)

·         Hear an almost silent voice inviting you (Saying come)

·         Aren’t sure, distrustful, hurt, don't believe or too busy (Come anyway)

·         Think Catholicism is unbiblical (It is scripturally biblical)

Don’t think you are welcome (You Are Welcome!)  

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