trurle
Banned
Thanks everybody for shared opinions.
I will try to summarize:
1) Tactically, the effects of Japanese 9th division on Battle of Okinawa will be more prolonged, bloody battle ending in inevitable Japanese defeat. US casualties (KIA+MIA+WIA) will increase by 10-30 thousands, and battle extended for 10-30 days
2) Strategically, likehood of "Operation Downfall" implementation is further reduced beyond already slim probability IOTL.
3) The 9th division is not the best unit for the battle of Okinawa. More preferable would be a newer formation geared strictly for the defense.
P.S. Seems nobody noticed..9th division had no cavalry or reconnaissance regiment in the order of battle (unlike 7th, 8th, 10th and 12th divisions of the same batch). It also had no veterinary office, indicating less mobility and more emphasis on static defense. This agrees well with the "border guards and security" role it played in 1940-1944. So i suppose the 9th division was geared for the defensive operations from the beginning so it may be more suitable for the realty of Okinawa compared to other Kwantung Army divisions.
I will try to summarize:
1) Tactically, the effects of Japanese 9th division on Battle of Okinawa will be more prolonged, bloody battle ending in inevitable Japanese defeat. US casualties (KIA+MIA+WIA) will increase by 10-30 thousands, and battle extended for 10-30 days
2) Strategically, likehood of "Operation Downfall" implementation is further reduced beyond already slim probability IOTL.
3) The 9th division is not the best unit for the battle of Okinawa. More preferable would be a newer formation geared strictly for the defense.
P.S. Seems nobody noticed..9th division had no cavalry or reconnaissance regiment in the order of battle (unlike 7th, 8th, 10th and 12th divisions of the same batch). It also had no veterinary office, indicating less mobility and more emphasis on static defense. This agrees well with the "border guards and security" role it played in 1940-1944. So i suppose the 9th division was geared for the defensive operations from the beginning so it may be more suitable for the realty of Okinawa compared to other Kwantung Army divisions.