Well, everyone, this is my first AAR of any kind. I chose the Italians at Doomsday because, whilst the scenario is interesting, whenever I chose the British or French I was always immediately overwhelmed with Expeditionary Forces! (Which, although well intentioned, I find annoying; I want to get on with my own plans in the confidence that my allies are holding their own, not have to click through a forest of tiny, single division armies!) I’ve had this game since Christmas and, whilst I’m not an expert, it’s been thoroughly enjoyable. Any advice will be greatly appreciated, and Communism Must be Destroyed!
It was precisely midnight on October the Second, one thousand nine hundred and fourty five years after the birth of Christ, when the atomic bombs were launched, and the Third World War was commenced.
His Majesty, Umberto II of Italy, did not take kindly to being awoken at the dead of night, and summoned to his Cabinet. After all, he was not the most popular of monarchs, with a considerable proportion of the Common People expressing republican or even openly Marxist views. Were it not for the last minute intervention of US Dollars for considerable vote bribery, in fact, he feared that he would have lost his throne a mere fourty days after claiming it!
((I’m not an expert on Italian history, but he actually did become the “fourty day King”-wikipedia says so. So I hastily thought up this alternate history-he actually abdicated by October!- way of him being kept on the throne; after all, the USA would not want a potentially left leaning leader for a crucial European ally.))
He was immediately informed that no, he was still keeping his throne; but, unfortunately, the USA had inconsiderately unsheathed their atomic sword on Europe, the result being that the world was once again plunged into war.
The King was a young man, and inexperienced. He also vividly remembered the drone of Allied aero engines and the thunder of their damned guns, and the ever increasing casualty lists that had poured in from Greece and Albania, Yugoslavia and Libya and Ethiopia. The Italian army, navy and air force had been spent for the ambition of a vain, posturing fascist and his German paymasters, and the lifeblood of Italy had flown with it.
For a man whose experience of warfare had solely consisted of his country’s humiliating defeat, therefore, his decision was a brave one. Recalling the words of the Elder Cato, he rose to his feet, and stared out over the darkened room, with the tobacco smoke trickling to the ceiling.
“Communism Must be Destroyed!” he cried. ((A proper Latin translation of that will be greatly appreciated.))
And, with that, the battle for Italy began.
Government at very beginning
A government of National Unity was immediately formed to deal with the Comintern, utilising the very best of Italy’s limited resources. Ministers, in particular Guido Jung and Umberto Ricci, were chosen to best coordinate Italy’s industrial strength, whilst Dionisio Ancelotti (-15% Supplies) and Cipriano Facchinetti, a veteran anti fascist and prominent Freemason (+25% Manpower, -5% Infantry Production) ((and actual Defence Minister in 1946)), were given the posts of Chief of the Army and Chief of Staff.
Mutterings about Ancelotti getting his post via an ancient secret conspiracy were to be heard throughout most cafes, even as the Red Army started closing in…
(NOTE -15% IC from The King and his Prime Minister. Compensated for somewhat by Ricci and Jung.)
Military Situation at the very beginning
NOTE: Air Force reforming into two squadrons: 2 INT and 2 TAC under Balbo.
Navy is moving down to Taranto, with the Fleet splitting into three squadrons:
-2 Submarines
-Transports: 3 Transports, 2 Destroyers
-Battlefleet: 5 Battleships, 3 Heavy Cruisers, 5 Light Cruisers. (A shadow of the former glory of Mussolini’s day, but still a formidable threat, especially to the generally weak Red Navy.)
The Army is to hold Venice, with 5 infantry divisions under Field Marshal Balbo (1st Army) moving up on foot, with the other 5 (to be led by Field Marshal Messe in the 2nd Army) moving up by train. It will then assist the Allies as it sees fit. Current plans include an offensive down the Yugoslavian coast, once reinforced by the divisions being currently produced. This would force the Yugoslavian Navy and air force (what there is of it) into battle against the superior Italian fleet, and advanced Italian (and hopefully allied) Air Forces, whilst at the same time distracting the Soviets from their assault on Austria. Another plan being considered is to move Field Marshal Messe’s 2nd Army north to the Trento: a mountainous area, which will be relatively easy to defend (especially in the Winter, as the Italians learned to their cost in the Great War) against the Red Army whilst the Italian army builds up.
Of particular note among the Italian soldiers, many of them veterans of Italy’s colonial, Spanish and World wars (and Allied PoW Camps), was Marshal Italo Balbo himself. He was an extremely colourful character: a fascist leader who had led Mussolini’s Blackshirts from the beginning (perhaps understandably, Facchinetti loathed the man) who detested Hitler and frequently questioned Mussolini’s own military judgement; and a superb pilot, of international renown and fame, who was shot down in a mysterious incident in 1940 by one of his squadron’s own aircraft.
((Note: In actual history, he was killed here. But this isn’t actual history. As an aside, I really know hardly anything about Italy in WW2.))
Whether it was truly accidental or not remains a hotly debated subject among historians, with some arguing that Mussolini had ordered his death due to his anti German opinions. Whatever the truth of the incident, the fact remains that he barely escaped with his life, and-although incapable of flying again due to the grievous injuries he had suffered-he remained a prominent Italian military leader, and one, given the Italian army’s limitations in training, equipment and supply, of considerable skill. He ended his career in the Second World War by being caught by Italian partisans and sentenced to a life imprisonment for his role in the Fascist Regime. However, with the Red Army poised to sweep into Europe, he begged his guards for a last chance to lead Italy against the communists. With the situation desperate, and Italy desperately short of skilled soldiers, he got his chance.
Production Situation at the very beginning.
Priority is being put into strengthening the Italian Army, under the assumption that the RAF and USAAF will be able to crush the Red Air Force, and that the Black Sea Fleet will be of little threat to the combined Allied Navies.
A rapid mobilisation was ordered, with every man of military age being liable for conscription. This time, however, their aims were far more realistic than Mussolini’s boast of “Eight million (poorly armed, organised and trained) bayonets!” Instead, and in keeping with the new American Doctrine, an emphasis was put on infantry, well supported by artillery, as well as a considerable motorised force.
In the immediate term, infantry and artillery are to be trained en masse, mostly consisting of Italian army veterans, to provide an immediate defence of the Homeland. A 3rd Army is to be formed, and led by Field Marshal Bagadolio with this purpose in mind; whereas the 1st and 2nd Armies are to be strengthened to at least 9 divisions each. These armies are to be used for offensive purposes, in which they will be supported by armoured and motorised forces, which are to be produced in the longer term. (I started off with ultra modern infantry (1943) divisions being trained more or less immediately before the game began.)
In addition, resources are being put into distracting the population in the oldest of Italian Ways: with panem et circenses, Bread and Circuses! Rationing was put in place, but it was at present comparatively generous. In addition, money was also put in to a series of propaganda films and radio plays concerning the War effort, noble Roman Soldiers (notably, a film titled Trajan, concerning that Roman Emperor’s campaigns against the vicious, east dwelling Parthians) and the evils of Communism. Many of these included former fascists amongst the staff, lured out of prison or exile by the promises of a steady wage. Unfortunately, these proved unpopular, the Italian population having had enough of deceit being poured through every projector screen and radio. (Their quality, to put it kindly, was mixed.)
For the longer term, the Lancia Company immediately put to work designing a new family motor car; this was based on a strange German vehicle someone called a “Volkswagen Type 1” or “KdF-Wagen” (although some German soldiers were overheard calling it a “Kafer”-“Beetle”) and was decided by assorted motoring experts to be eminently suitable for the working man, and would definitely not cause enormous, chaotic traffic jams in every major city (certainly not traffic jams filled with buzzing motorcyclists!)
It was also hoped that, as Dissent amongst the population decreased and the workers traded banner and picket line for spanner and production line, that the Italian forces could have their equipment upgraded to a more modern standard.
For those who like figures:
-59 available IC.
-15.52 Consumer Goods (minimum: 10.01.)
-5.29 Supplies (3.08 required.)
-6.40 Reinforcements (6.40 required.)
-1.50 Upgrades (31.89 required.)
Technological Situation at the very beginning
3 slots:
-Mechanised Offensive
-Improved Medium Tank
-Advanced Interceptor
Emphasis is being put on protecting our own ground forces from the Red Airforces, and modernising our equipment; this was demonstrated to be inadequate against the British and even the French in 1940 (with biplanes and tankettes being futilely thrown against Hurricanes and Mathilda IIs), and it never really caught up throughout the war. In particular, tanks would have to be improved, if the army is to be properly mobile; and Field Marshal Messe, in between leading his armies, is to study the American doctrines further, to see if the Italian way of war can be improved (at no cost to IC), and Communism must be destroyed!
((NOTE: Originally, I had photos. However, I discovered I had to have Imageshack. Until I get that, I'll stick with describing what's going on.))
It was precisely midnight on October the Second, one thousand nine hundred and fourty five years after the birth of Christ, when the atomic bombs were launched, and the Third World War was commenced.
His Majesty, Umberto II of Italy, did not take kindly to being awoken at the dead of night, and summoned to his Cabinet. After all, he was not the most popular of monarchs, with a considerable proportion of the Common People expressing republican or even openly Marxist views. Were it not for the last minute intervention of US Dollars for considerable vote bribery, in fact, he feared that he would have lost his throne a mere fourty days after claiming it!
((I’m not an expert on Italian history, but he actually did become the “fourty day King”-wikipedia says so. So I hastily thought up this alternate history-he actually abdicated by October!- way of him being kept on the throne; after all, the USA would not want a potentially left leaning leader for a crucial European ally.))
He was immediately informed that no, he was still keeping his throne; but, unfortunately, the USA had inconsiderately unsheathed their atomic sword on Europe, the result being that the world was once again plunged into war.
The King was a young man, and inexperienced. He also vividly remembered the drone of Allied aero engines and the thunder of their damned guns, and the ever increasing casualty lists that had poured in from Greece and Albania, Yugoslavia and Libya and Ethiopia. The Italian army, navy and air force had been spent for the ambition of a vain, posturing fascist and his German paymasters, and the lifeblood of Italy had flown with it.
For a man whose experience of warfare had solely consisted of his country’s humiliating defeat, therefore, his decision was a brave one. Recalling the words of the Elder Cato, he rose to his feet, and stared out over the darkened room, with the tobacco smoke trickling to the ceiling.
“Communism Must be Destroyed!” he cried. ((A proper Latin translation of that will be greatly appreciated.))
And, with that, the battle for Italy began.
Government at very beginning
A government of National Unity was immediately formed to deal with the Comintern, utilising the very best of Italy’s limited resources. Ministers, in particular Guido Jung and Umberto Ricci, were chosen to best coordinate Italy’s industrial strength, whilst Dionisio Ancelotti (-15% Supplies) and Cipriano Facchinetti, a veteran anti fascist and prominent Freemason (+25% Manpower, -5% Infantry Production) ((and actual Defence Minister in 1946)), were given the posts of Chief of the Army and Chief of Staff.
Mutterings about Ancelotti getting his post via an ancient secret conspiracy were to be heard throughout most cafes, even as the Red Army started closing in…
(NOTE -15% IC from The King and his Prime Minister. Compensated for somewhat by Ricci and Jung.)
Military Situation at the very beginning
NOTE: Air Force reforming into two squadrons: 2 INT and 2 TAC under Balbo.
Navy is moving down to Taranto, with the Fleet splitting into three squadrons:
-2 Submarines
-Transports: 3 Transports, 2 Destroyers
-Battlefleet: 5 Battleships, 3 Heavy Cruisers, 5 Light Cruisers. (A shadow of the former glory of Mussolini’s day, but still a formidable threat, especially to the generally weak Red Navy.)
The Army is to hold Venice, with 5 infantry divisions under Field Marshal Balbo (1st Army) moving up on foot, with the other 5 (to be led by Field Marshal Messe in the 2nd Army) moving up by train. It will then assist the Allies as it sees fit. Current plans include an offensive down the Yugoslavian coast, once reinforced by the divisions being currently produced. This would force the Yugoslavian Navy and air force (what there is of it) into battle against the superior Italian fleet, and advanced Italian (and hopefully allied) Air Forces, whilst at the same time distracting the Soviets from their assault on Austria. Another plan being considered is to move Field Marshal Messe’s 2nd Army north to the Trento: a mountainous area, which will be relatively easy to defend (especially in the Winter, as the Italians learned to their cost in the Great War) against the Red Army whilst the Italian army builds up.
Of particular note among the Italian soldiers, many of them veterans of Italy’s colonial, Spanish and World wars (and Allied PoW Camps), was Marshal Italo Balbo himself. He was an extremely colourful character: a fascist leader who had led Mussolini’s Blackshirts from the beginning (perhaps understandably, Facchinetti loathed the man) who detested Hitler and frequently questioned Mussolini’s own military judgement; and a superb pilot, of international renown and fame, who was shot down in a mysterious incident in 1940 by one of his squadron’s own aircraft.
((Note: In actual history, he was killed here. But this isn’t actual history. As an aside, I really know hardly anything about Italy in WW2.))
Whether it was truly accidental or not remains a hotly debated subject among historians, with some arguing that Mussolini had ordered his death due to his anti German opinions. Whatever the truth of the incident, the fact remains that he barely escaped with his life, and-although incapable of flying again due to the grievous injuries he had suffered-he remained a prominent Italian military leader, and one, given the Italian army’s limitations in training, equipment and supply, of considerable skill. He ended his career in the Second World War by being caught by Italian partisans and sentenced to a life imprisonment for his role in the Fascist Regime. However, with the Red Army poised to sweep into Europe, he begged his guards for a last chance to lead Italy against the communists. With the situation desperate, and Italy desperately short of skilled soldiers, he got his chance.
Production Situation at the very beginning.
Priority is being put into strengthening the Italian Army, under the assumption that the RAF and USAAF will be able to crush the Red Air Force, and that the Black Sea Fleet will be of little threat to the combined Allied Navies.
A rapid mobilisation was ordered, with every man of military age being liable for conscription. This time, however, their aims were far more realistic than Mussolini’s boast of “Eight million (poorly armed, organised and trained) bayonets!” Instead, and in keeping with the new American Doctrine, an emphasis was put on infantry, well supported by artillery, as well as a considerable motorised force.
In the immediate term, infantry and artillery are to be trained en masse, mostly consisting of Italian army veterans, to provide an immediate defence of the Homeland. A 3rd Army is to be formed, and led by Field Marshal Bagadolio with this purpose in mind; whereas the 1st and 2nd Armies are to be strengthened to at least 9 divisions each. These armies are to be used for offensive purposes, in which they will be supported by armoured and motorised forces, which are to be produced in the longer term. (I started off with ultra modern infantry (1943) divisions being trained more or less immediately before the game began.)
In addition, resources are being put into distracting the population in the oldest of Italian Ways: with panem et circenses, Bread and Circuses! Rationing was put in place, but it was at present comparatively generous. In addition, money was also put in to a series of propaganda films and radio plays concerning the War effort, noble Roman Soldiers (notably, a film titled Trajan, concerning that Roman Emperor’s campaigns against the vicious, east dwelling Parthians) and the evils of Communism. Many of these included former fascists amongst the staff, lured out of prison or exile by the promises of a steady wage. Unfortunately, these proved unpopular, the Italian population having had enough of deceit being poured through every projector screen and radio. (Their quality, to put it kindly, was mixed.)
For the longer term, the Lancia Company immediately put to work designing a new family motor car; this was based on a strange German vehicle someone called a “Volkswagen Type 1” or “KdF-Wagen” (although some German soldiers were overheard calling it a “Kafer”-“Beetle”) and was decided by assorted motoring experts to be eminently suitable for the working man, and would definitely not cause enormous, chaotic traffic jams in every major city (certainly not traffic jams filled with buzzing motorcyclists!)
It was also hoped that, as Dissent amongst the population decreased and the workers traded banner and picket line for spanner and production line, that the Italian forces could have their equipment upgraded to a more modern standard.
For those who like figures:
-59 available IC.
-15.52 Consumer Goods (minimum: 10.01.)
-5.29 Supplies (3.08 required.)
-6.40 Reinforcements (6.40 required.)
-1.50 Upgrades (31.89 required.)
Technological Situation at the very beginning
3 slots:
-Mechanised Offensive
-Improved Medium Tank
-Advanced Interceptor
Emphasis is being put on protecting our own ground forces from the Red Airforces, and modernising our equipment; this was demonstrated to be inadequate against the British and even the French in 1940 (with biplanes and tankettes being futilely thrown against Hurricanes and Mathilda IIs), and it never really caught up throughout the war. In particular, tanks would have to be improved, if the army is to be properly mobile; and Field Marshal Messe, in between leading his armies, is to study the American doctrines further, to see if the Italian way of war can be improved (at no cost to IC), and Communism must be destroyed!
((NOTE: Originally, I had photos. However, I discovered I had to have Imageshack. Until I get that, I'll stick with describing what's going on.))
But yeah, he did mention that problem.