Operation Thuylemans' Wave

"Today marks a historic moment for Shireroth. With unwavering determination and meticulous preparation, we embark on Operation Thuylemans' Wave. Our resolve is steadfast, our forces poised for victory. Together, we shall reclaim what is rightfully ours, crush the Benacian puppets and bring peace to our lands. To every soldier and citizen, your courage and sacrifice pave the path to liberation. Forward, with strength and unity, for the glory of Shireroth and the Kaiseress!" -- Louis Thuylemans, Steward of Shireroth, 1st of the month Silnuai, 1733 AN.

Operation Thuylemans' Wave was the largest naval and logistical invasion undertaken by the Imperial Forces of Shireroth, aimed at liberating the Emirate of Sathrati. The operation commenced on 2.01.1733, following an extensive period of preparation and a strategic air campaign designed to cripple enemy defenses.The operation brought an official end to the Sathrati Emergency, despite continued partisan resistance.

Background

In the wake of the victory at Zy-Rodun, the Shirerithian military initiated preparations for a large-scale amphibious invasion of the three main islands of the Emirate of Sathrati: Mirioth, Amity, and Yardistan. The strategic goal was to eliminate the threat posed by the Sathrati rebels and secure Shirerithian dominance in the region. To achieve victory, command and divisions were merged into the Shiro-Sathrati Expeditionary Force.

Strategic Choices

The Shirerithian high command faced two strategic options:

1. Island Hopping Approach: Gradually capturing each island to focus resources and the best troops on specific targets.
2. Simultaneous Invasion: Launching a coordinated attack on all three main islands to achieve a swift victory and prevent the rebels from regrouping.

Despite the cautious strategic preference for island hopping, the political elite favored a simultaneous invasion to rapidly neutralize the threat and secure a decisive victory. Ultimately, the latter approach was chosen, leading to the launch of Operation Thuylemans' Wave.

Preparations

Prior to the invasion, the Shirerithian military engaged in an extensive period of preparation, which included:

• Mobilization of Forces: Hundreds of thousands of soldiers were mobilized, and significant quantities of military equipment were relocated to key ports such as Raynor Point, Lichport, Musika, and Solaris.
• Expansion of Infrastructure: Ports were expanded, and portable harbors and landing crafts were constructed in Greater Kildare.
• Economic Mobilization: The production of an invasion armada required massive economic disruption, with over 400,000 workers involved in shipbuilding and related activities. The Dominions of Greater Kildare bore the brunt of the expansion of key industries and saw a nationwide increase of Tegong crackdowns on strikes and subversive activities.

Strategic Air Campaign: Operation Thunderbird

Two months prior to the invasion, the Shirerithian Imperial Air Forces launched Operation Thunderbird, a strategic air campaign aimed at achieving air superiority and crippling enemy infrastructure. Key targets included:

• Airfields: Bombing of airfields in Mirioth, Amity, and Yardistan to neutralize the enemy air force.
• Oil Installations: Strikes on oil refineries and storage facilities to disrupt fuel supplies.
• Communication Centers: Destruction of command posts and communication hubs to impair enemy coordination.
• Infrastructure: Bombing of ports, transportation hubs, and supply lines to paralyze enemy logistics.

The campaign involved over 600 fighters and bombers, supported by electronic warfare units and reinforcements from mainland airbases. The operation successfully degraded the enemy’s air capabilities, created fuel shortages, and disrupted communication and logistical networks but failed to break the Sathrati resistance. Land and sea mines would form one of the backbones of the Sathrati resistance and slow down the invading forces.

Key Targets and Attacks

Mirioth

• Airfields: Intense bombardments on Arg-e Daniyal Station, Grifonagaat Regional Airport, and Nordagaat Regional Airport to ground enemy aircraft and disrupt air operations.
• Oil Installations: Strikes on major refineries and storage facilities near Baiagaat and Nordagaat to cripple fuel supplies.
• Communication Centers: Precision bombings on key communication hubs in Arg-e Daniyal and Grifonagaat to sever command links.

Amity

• Airfields: Heavy bombardment of Arg-e Ardashir Station, Erudition Regional Airport, Negrixnaht Regional Airport, and Rholpelo Regional Airport to neutralize air support capabilities.
• Oil Installations: Targeting Erudition Castle and Port St Corgi's oil depots to deplete fuel reserves.
• Communication Centers: Attacks on command posts and communication towers across Fort Pinkey, Morganville, and Moorehaven to disrupt coordination.

Yardistan

• Airfields: Bombing runs on Sempyovajj, Fesanasja Airfield, Lunasja Airfield, and Vjemajnstaan Airfield to disable enemy aircraft and ground operations.
• Oil Installations: Strikes on oil storage facilities and refineries in Novi Nigrad and Sempyovajj to limit fuel availability.
• Communication Centers: Destruction of communication nodes in Sempyovajj and Novi Nigrad to impair enemy command and control.

Execution

Phase 1: Air Superiority

• Duration: First 15 days
• Action: Intense aerial dogfights and suppression of enemy air defenses using advanced fighter jets and electronic warfare aircraft. Extensive use of AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control Systems) to coordinate strikes and maintain air dominance.

Phase 2: Logistical Disruption

• Duration: Next 15 days
• Action: Focused strikes on oil refineries, fuel depots, and supply lines. Heavy bombers employed to deliver large payloads on strategic targets, with escort fighters protecting from enemy interception.

Phase 3: Infrastructure Destruction

• Duration: Final 30 days
• Action: Systematic bombing of airfields, ports, and transportation hubs. Precision-guided munitions used to minimize collateral damage while maximizing impact on military infrastructure. Continuous sorties to ensure sustained pressure and prevent repair efforts.

Impact

• Enemy Air Force: Severely degraded with over 70% of enemy aircraft either destroyed on the ground or shot down. Remaining aircraft unable to mount effective resistance.
• Fuel Supply: Critical shortages reported within the enemy ranks, hampering movement and operational capability of ground forces.
• Command and Control: Significant disruption in enemy communications, resulting in disorganized and uncoordinated defense efforts.
• Infrastructure: Extensive damage to airfields, ports, and transportation hubs, delaying enemy reinforcements and resupply efforts.

The Invasion Force

The invasion force consisted of a vast armada of over 8,600 vessels, capable of transporting an initial assault force of 450,000 troops, 2,000 horses, 1,200 armored vehicles, and 1,500 artillery pieces. The fleet included a mix of requisitioned commercial vessels and newly constructed small craft. Key elements of the invasion force were:

• Troopships: 200 vessels carrying 1,500 troops each.
• Cargo/Supply Ships: 130 vessels, each with a capacity of 3,000 tons of stores.
• Hospital Ships: 25 vessels capable of evacuating up to 25,000 casualties.
• Gunboats and Artillery Barges: Over 1,550 vessels providing offshore fire support.

Order of Battle

Shirerithian Divisions and Materials

Invasion Force	Divisions	Personnel
Mirioth	1st Gaudin Auxiliary Division, 7th Gaudin Auxiliary Division, 12th Eastern Auxiliary Division, 21th Eastern Auxiliary Division, 2nd Shirerithian Airborne Division	123,348
Amity	10th Confluence Auxiliary Division, 9th Gaudin Auxiliary Division, 7th Confluence Auxiliary Division, 3rd Guttuli Auxiliary Division, 4th Isen Auxiliary Division, 5th Isen Auxiliary Division, 10th Guttuli Auxiliary Division, Luchtmobiele Brigade	188,234
Yardistan	9th Isen Auxiliary Division, 13th Isen Auxiliary Division, 15th Gaudin Auxiliary Division, 29th Eastern Auxiliary Division, 11th Guttuli Auxiliary Division, 3rd Shirerithian Airborne Division	140,937
Naval Support	2nd Fleet, 3rd Fleet, 4th Fleet

The Invasion

The invasion commenced simultaneously on the three main islands, with coordinated landings supported by offshore bombardments and aerial cover. The following outlines the key aspects of the invasion on each island:

• Mirioth: The first wave targeted key coastal defenses and airfields, establishing beachheads for the rapid deployment of troops and equipment.
• Amity: The toughest of the three invasions. Heavy fighting ensued as Shirerithian forces encountered entrenched resistance, but air superiority and naval fire support facilitated the eventual breakthrough.
• Yardistan: Yardistan saw intense urban combat and guerrilla resistance, requiring sustained efforts to secure control.

• For more details, read the article about the Sathrati Emergency.

Outcome

Operation Thuylemans' Wave was a strategic success at the cost of enormous losses in manpower, but resulted in the liberation of the Isles of Mirioth, Amity, and Yardistan. The comprehensive air and naval campaign weakened the enemy, allowing Shirerithian forces to eventually establish control over the islands.