-
We have updated our Community Code of Conduct. Please read through the new rules for the forum that are an integral part of Paradox Interactive’s User Agreement.
May 1937:
May 7: Attack commences! This is endgame for the Italians - if they fail to hold their lines, they will be destroyed within one or two month.
May 9: Deceisive combat in Assab! The Italian MTN troops fight fiercly, the tide turns several times.
The battle of Assab:
May 12: Gambela Division is too disorganized and breaks from combat.
May 14: Imperial bodyguards and Gonder division abandon the attack. It looks like the Italians will be able to hold their lines.
May 16: Several Italian ships provide coastal fire to aid the defenders. We break off the attack for now - but we will be back!
May 19: INTEL reports an Italian HQ in Asmara - looks like the Italians are bringing in reinforcements...
May 20: The first Somalian INF divison is deployed in Mogadishu.
May 7: Attack commences! This is endgame for the Italians - if they fail to hold their lines, they will be destroyed within one or two month.
May 9: Deceisive combat in Assab! The Italian MTN troops fight fiercly, the tide turns several times.
The battle of Assab:
May 12: Gambela Division is too disorganized and breaks from combat.
May 14: Imperial bodyguards and Gonder division abandon the attack. It looks like the Italians will be able to hold their lines.
May 16: Several Italian ships provide coastal fire to aid the defenders. We break off the attack for now - but we will be back!
May 19: INTEL reports an Italian HQ in Asmara - looks like the Italians are bringing in reinforcements...
May 20: The first Somalian INF divison is deployed in Mogadishu.
June 1937:
Jun 1: Second battle for Assab. The Italians have brought an additional INF division to the front line, but it seems they will not be able to hold against our refreshened troops.
Jun 4: Victory! Our CAV races towards Assab, all other units get ready to commence their attack on Denakil.
Jun 15: 4th CAV division is ready. This should do for now, we idle the production quenue and spend the IC on CG and supplies instead. 1 AC removed from our MIL and added to our new CAV.
Jun 19: Assab taken, but the Italians launch another massive counter attack with 10 divisions! Or 3 CAV break within hours. Attack on Denakil commences. Marco Polo bridge incident in China - Japan declares war on the Chinese!
Jun 21: Attack on Denakil is going well. 2 INF and 1 MIL are trapped and will soon surrender.
The battle of Denakil:
Jun 24: The Italians fight fiercly, two MIL divisions are being bombed and have to abandon the attack to seek shelter.
Jun 26: Victory in Denakil! Current losses: 16.500 ETH vs. 58.500 ITA + 165 bombers! For great effords in this attack, the 4th CAV is renamed to 'Denakil' Division.
Jun 1: Second battle for Assab. The Italians have brought an additional INF division to the front line, but it seems they will not be able to hold against our refreshened troops.
Jun 4: Victory! Our CAV races towards Assab, all other units get ready to commence their attack on Denakil.
Jun 15: 4th CAV division is ready. This should do for now, we idle the production quenue and spend the IC on CG and supplies instead. 1 AC removed from our MIL and added to our new CAV.
Jun 19: Assab taken, but the Italians launch another massive counter attack with 10 divisions! Or 3 CAV break within hours. Attack on Denakil commences. Marco Polo bridge incident in China - Japan declares war on the Chinese!
Jun 21: Attack on Denakil is going well. 2 INF and 1 MIL are trapped and will soon surrender.
The battle of Denakil:
Jun 24: The Italians fight fiercly, two MIL divisions are being bombed and have to abandon the attack to seek shelter.
Jun 26: Victory in Denakil! Current losses: 16.500 ETH vs. 58.500 ITA + 165 bombers! For great effords in this attack, the 4th CAV is renamed to 'Denakil' Division.
July 1937:
Our troops get ready to attack Asmara. Once we have this province, the enemy air field will be within reach - this Italian adventure will end soon enough!
Jul 3: Denakil is freed.
Jul 7: Somalia signs a military alliance pact with us. Finally an ally for our great struggle against Italy!
Jul 9: Assab retaken by Italy - we make a small counter attack to rout the enemy division. Somalian first infantry is now under our command and moving to Denakil.
Jul 10: Enemy divison in Assab retreats.
Jul 16: Attack on Asmara. 4 CAV fight vs. 1 HQ and 1 MIL.
Jul 19: Victory!
Jul 23: Massive Italian reinforcments arrive in Assab and start a counter attack on our bombed divisions in Denakil - they won't be able to hold on their own, so all available units start a counter offensive on Assab, although the odds are horrible.
The Situation on Jul 23:
Jul 24: Our milita in Denakil break and retreat, our counter attack is stopped. We will now try to regain as much ORG as possible and then proceed to capture the enemy airfield in Massaua. It looks like many of the Italian divisions are moving southwards, so that plan could acutally suceed.
Jul 27: Attack on Massaua! 4 CAV vs 1 INF and 1 MIL, both low on ORG - looks like the Italians will soon have to abandon their air campaign.
Jul 29: The last Republican troops in Spain surrender! The Spanish civil war is over.
Jul 30: Denakil falls to the enemy.
Our troops get ready to attack Asmara. Once we have this province, the enemy air field will be within reach - this Italian adventure will end soon enough!
Jul 3: Denakil is freed.
Jul 7: Somalia signs a military alliance pact with us. Finally an ally for our great struggle against Italy!
Jul 9: Assab retaken by Italy - we make a small counter attack to rout the enemy division. Somalian first infantry is now under our command and moving to Denakil.
Jul 10: Enemy divison in Assab retreats.
Jul 16: Attack on Asmara. 4 CAV fight vs. 1 HQ and 1 MIL.
Jul 19: Victory!
Jul 23: Massive Italian reinforcments arrive in Assab and start a counter attack on our bombed divisions in Denakil - they won't be able to hold on their own, so all available units start a counter offensive on Assab, although the odds are horrible.
The Situation on Jul 23:
Jul 24: Our milita in Denakil break and retreat, our counter attack is stopped. We will now try to regain as much ORG as possible and then proceed to capture the enemy airfield in Massaua. It looks like many of the Italian divisions are moving southwards, so that plan could acutally suceed.
Jul 27: Attack on Massaua! 4 CAV vs 1 INF and 1 MIL, both low on ORG - looks like the Italians will soon have to abandon their air campaign.
Jul 29: The last Republican troops in Spain surrender! The Spanish civil war is over.
Jul 30: Denakil falls to the enemy.
You have been awared the The Distinguished Military Medal of Haile Selassie I with Oak cluster.
Wouldn't it be nice if the Brits would shut down the Suez? But you shouldn't have to wrroy about them, you have the Somalis as allies
On to victory! You do the Empire well.
Wouldn't it be nice if the Brits would shut down the Suez? But you shouldn't have to wrroy about them, you have the Somalis as allies
On to victory! You do the Empire well.
August 1937:
Aug 3: Massaua is taken! The Italian troops lose their only port and airfield in east africa! During the fight, the Italians tried to evacuate their bombers, even while our units were already attacking the runway. Over 25 planes are shot down while trying to take off - in addition to another 100 that had already been destroyed by the Italians before our units arrived.
Aug 5: Advancing Italian units attack both Desê and Dirê Dawa. Our milita are in bad shape and will have to retreat to Addis Ababa.
The situation on Aug 5:
Aug 6: Our CAV starts an attack on Assab, our imperial bodyguard and 2 MIL provide support. Enemy forces: 1 INF and 1 MIL, but the Italians have developed new land doctrines and their ORG and MOR is now way superior to ours.
Aug 9: Nevertheless our forces are victorious!
Aug 10: Somalian troops arrive in Harar and prepare a defence perimeter. Persia offers 0.3 oil for 0.1$ - not as good as our last deal, but since our oil stockpile is down to 280 and we have nothing else to do with our IC, we gladly accept.
Aug 15: Imperial Guard rushes to Desê - maybe we can hold the province after all.
Aug 16: Too late, both provinces fall to the enemy. However, we launch a counter attack. The Italian supply depot was captured and their army should suffer a short term shortage.
Aug 17: Despite our counter attack, the enemy is actually assaulting our capital! The Somalian forces start flanking the enemy, but it is uncertain if the capital can be held. 2 militia are still in disorganized retreat, while the other two have no brigade and are badly maimed from previous combat!
Aug 19: The Somalians have been repelled, our milita is fleeing, but at least we have broken the enemy MTN in Desê. With some luck our second milita corps can hold the capital. Offensive supplies issued to all units!
The Situation on Aug 19:
Aug 21: Our second milita arrives - they are unable to hold and deal only minor ORG damage to the Italians.
Aug 23: Our CAV in Assab is repelled by fresh enemy units, we move southward to defend the capital! Somalian troops start another flanking maneuver, but are halted. Reports indicate that the two Italian divisions are equipped with heavy artillery!
Aug 26: Our milita from Gambêla rush towards the capital - if we fail now, all will have been in vain! Emergency supplies are issued to all remaining units. However, first enemy recon units have already reached the outskirts. The royal armory is opened, streets and buildings are being barricaded. Heavy artillery barrages strike the eastern part of the city, killing over 30 civilians and 12 royal soldiers. Palace guard and first minister have been summoned by his majesty, the cabinet makes preparations to evacuate the city. Gunfire and artillery barrages can be heard from the east.
(Note: Addis Ababa is the only province with victory points for Ethiopia - if it falls, Italy can annex me!)
Aug 3: Massaua is taken! The Italian troops lose their only port and airfield in east africa! During the fight, the Italians tried to evacuate their bombers, even while our units were already attacking the runway. Over 25 planes are shot down while trying to take off - in addition to another 100 that had already been destroyed by the Italians before our units arrived.
Aug 5: Advancing Italian units attack both Desê and Dirê Dawa. Our milita are in bad shape and will have to retreat to Addis Ababa.
The situation on Aug 5:
Aug 6: Our CAV starts an attack on Assab, our imperial bodyguard and 2 MIL provide support. Enemy forces: 1 INF and 1 MIL, but the Italians have developed new land doctrines and their ORG and MOR is now way superior to ours.
Aug 9: Nevertheless our forces are victorious!
Aug 10: Somalian troops arrive in Harar and prepare a defence perimeter. Persia offers 0.3 oil for 0.1$ - not as good as our last deal, but since our oil stockpile is down to 280 and we have nothing else to do with our IC, we gladly accept.
Aug 15: Imperial Guard rushes to Desê - maybe we can hold the province after all.
Aug 16: Too late, both provinces fall to the enemy. However, we launch a counter attack. The Italian supply depot was captured and their army should suffer a short term shortage.
Aug 17: Despite our counter attack, the enemy is actually assaulting our capital! The Somalian forces start flanking the enemy, but it is uncertain if the capital can be held. 2 militia are still in disorganized retreat, while the other two have no brigade and are badly maimed from previous combat!
Aug 19: The Somalians have been repelled, our milita is fleeing, but at least we have broken the enemy MTN in Desê. With some luck our second milita corps can hold the capital. Offensive supplies issued to all units!
The Situation on Aug 19:
Aug 21: Our second milita arrives - they are unable to hold and deal only minor ORG damage to the Italians.
Aug 23: Our CAV in Assab is repelled by fresh enemy units, we move southward to defend the capital! Somalian troops start another flanking maneuver, but are halted. Reports indicate that the two Italian divisions are equipped with heavy artillery!
Aug 26: Our milita from Gambêla rush towards the capital - if we fail now, all will have been in vain! Emergency supplies are issued to all remaining units. However, first enemy recon units have already reached the outskirts. The royal armory is opened, streets and buildings are being barricaded. Heavy artillery barrages strike the eastern part of the city, killing over 30 civilians and 12 royal soldiers. Palace guard and first minister have been summoned by his majesty, the cabinet makes preparations to evacuate the city. Gunfire and artillery barrages can be heard from the east.
(Note: Addis Ababa is the only province with victory points for Ethiopia - if it falls, Italy can annex me!)
Last edited:
Excellent play so far. I have only tried this a couple times in arm 1.2. My best was 11 months.
September 1937:
Sep 3: Their finest hour! Just as the Italian units were about to enter the city - civilians were already fleeing in panic and police officers had barricaded the streets - the imperial bodyguards arrive in Desê. Together with the Somalian expeditionary forces they sailed out for a coordinated attack against the enemy. However, their desperate attempt was crushed by heavy artillery fire that broke the Somalian formations - and soon enemy troops swarmed towards the imperial guards and brought their attack to a stand still. Nevertheless, the attack had bought the city several hours - hours desperatly needed to establish the defence.
Only a few hours later, the units resumed their attack, this time taking the enemy by surprise. The 2nd bataillon of the imperial bodyguards overran an Italian artillery emplacement, while the 1st and 3rd Somalian infantry company flanked the charging Italian infantry, forcing them to abandon their attack on the city, where policemen and volunteers were already engaging the enemy with old pre-WW1 rifles and pistols. As they saw the Italian axis of advance shifting towards north, about 100 brave citizens started a bayonet charge against the irritated Italian troops to aid the imperial guards. In the end, both Italian divisons broke under pressure from all sides and had to retreat - the city was safe, at least for now, because more Italian units were already on their way...
Sep 7: However, the enemy was not able to start a second attack. All divisons the Italians redeployed were immideately engagened by the still zealous defenders - and routed. During some resting time, cavalry started another attack on the Italian rear are in Denakil, smashing the remaining forces there. Now the Italians had 8 divisions on the run, while the remaining 5 were still low on ORG. High command saw a chance for the final blow: Mogadishu division would ride to Denakil, supported by all units in the area. If this vital area was captured, the Italians would find their retreating units being encircled in Dirê Dawa.
The Situation on Sep 7:
Sep 3: Their finest hour! Just as the Italian units were about to enter the city - civilians were already fleeing in panic and police officers had barricaded the streets - the imperial bodyguards arrive in Desê. Together with the Somalian expeditionary forces they sailed out for a coordinated attack against the enemy. However, their desperate attempt was crushed by heavy artillery fire that broke the Somalian formations - and soon enemy troops swarmed towards the imperial guards and brought their attack to a stand still. Nevertheless, the attack had bought the city several hours - hours desperatly needed to establish the defence.
Only a few hours later, the units resumed their attack, this time taking the enemy by surprise. The 2nd bataillon of the imperial bodyguards overran an Italian artillery emplacement, while the 1st and 3rd Somalian infantry company flanked the charging Italian infantry, forcing them to abandon their attack on the city, where policemen and volunteers were already engaging the enemy with old pre-WW1 rifles and pistols. As they saw the Italian axis of advance shifting towards north, about 100 brave citizens started a bayonet charge against the irritated Italian troops to aid the imperial guards. In the end, both Italian divisons broke under pressure from all sides and had to retreat - the city was safe, at least for now, because more Italian units were already on their way...
Sep 7: However, the enemy was not able to start a second attack. All divisons the Italians redeployed were immideately engagened by the still zealous defenders - and routed. During some resting time, cavalry started another attack on the Italian rear are in Denakil, smashing the remaining forces there. Now the Italians had 8 divisions on the run, while the remaining 5 were still low on ORG. High command saw a chance for the final blow: Mogadishu division would ride to Denakil, supported by all units in the area. If this vital area was captured, the Italians would find their retreating units being encircled in Dirê Dawa.
The Situation on Sep 7:
October 1937:
Oct 1: On 1400 Mj. General Balcha reports that Denakil is under Ethiopian control. This is the signal to start the assault on the 4 entrapped division in Dirê Dawa. We are pleased to see that the enemy artillery brigades also had to retreat into this area, so the Italians will lose their two best units in this theatre. A milita divion from Assab commences a counter attack, but bespite being low on ORG, Balcha and his men stand and hold the lines sucessfully.
The last battle of the Italian artillery:
Oct 2: Bignamini and his men surrender to our forces. A few hours later Gen. Marselli and his remaining men lay down their weapons. With this 5 Italian divisions beening captured, Italian losses in this campaign raise over 100.000! Current losses: 23.500 ETH vs. 100.700 ITA + 370 bombers. For the great efford to hold the Italians, the 1st and 2nd Milita divison is granted a new name: They are now called 'Addis Ababa'and 'Dire Dawa' Division. Mj. General Sileshi, commander of the imperial bodyguards, is awarded the Ethiopian army medal in gold - he is now the most decorated officer in the whole army.
Oct 3: In an act of desperate fury, the remaining divisions attack Balcha and his men. Despite being outnumbered 1:5 by the Italians, he mangages to is able to hold the lines against the assault and drives the Italians back. Time for another medal, I guess. The Italians now have 8 trapped divisions in Assab, most of them low on ORG. Our forces already move to reinforce the frontline. High command believes that the remaining forces will be ready in 2-3 weeks.
Oct 10: Dirê Dawa is freed.
The situation on Oct 10:
Oct 15: A private initiative boosts our production by 1%.
Oct 22: Our last unit has reached the frontline. The Italians have shipped in another division, but we doubt that this will safe their forces. Attack form all sides begins at 0600 local time. Although the Italian divisions are partially dug in, a serious supply shortage hempers their defence.
The situation on Oct 22 0600:
Oct 23: The Italians know that there is no way out. They fight to their last bullet, the battle is a stalemate. However, there is also good news: Field marshal Selassie has learned some excellent desert warfare techniques that will become useful during the battle.
Oct 26: In a desperate attempt, during the night of Oct 26, the remains of 4 Italian divisions sail out for a last counter attack. Armed only with bayonets - in some cases only spades, clubs or rifle butts - the Italians charge with a tight formation at our cavalry that is resting in recently conquered trenches. Hand to hand combat lasts for half an hour until machine guns and reinforcements arrive on the battleground, in the end over 2.500 Italians and 400 Ethiopians are dead. The remaining Italian soldiers surrender and are brought behind the front line. Only six enemy divisions - 4 INF, 1 MIL and the enemy HQ - remain.
The situation on Oct 22 0600:
Oct 28: On 1100, the 1st brigade from the Mogadishu division is able to break through the enemy lines and seizes the enemy HQ, field marshal Caviglia and his staff are taken prisoner. On 1400, the enemy front line collapses, the remaining Italian units are now fighting from isolated strongpoints. On 1900, two cornered divisions lay down their arms and surrender.
Oct 29: The 29th division under Lt. di Pistoia surrenders.
Oct 30: On 1300, Lt. Rosalla and his remaining two divisions make their last stand near an oasis. After 2 hours of fierce combat, Rosalla agrees on negotiations for surrender terms. On 1600, the last Italian division in east africa has finally surrendered! Total losses in the end: 25.700 ETH vs. 147.400 ITA + 365 bombers.
Oct 1: On 1400 Mj. General Balcha reports that Denakil is under Ethiopian control. This is the signal to start the assault on the 4 entrapped division in Dirê Dawa. We are pleased to see that the enemy artillery brigades also had to retreat into this area, so the Italians will lose their two best units in this theatre. A milita divion from Assab commences a counter attack, but bespite being low on ORG, Balcha and his men stand and hold the lines sucessfully.
The last battle of the Italian artillery:
Oct 2: Bignamini and his men surrender to our forces. A few hours later Gen. Marselli and his remaining men lay down their weapons. With this 5 Italian divisions beening captured, Italian losses in this campaign raise over 100.000! Current losses: 23.500 ETH vs. 100.700 ITA + 370 bombers. For the great efford to hold the Italians, the 1st and 2nd Milita divison is granted a new name: They are now called 'Addis Ababa'and 'Dire Dawa' Division. Mj. General Sileshi, commander of the imperial bodyguards, is awarded the Ethiopian army medal in gold - he is now the most decorated officer in the whole army.
Oct 3: In an act of desperate fury, the remaining divisions attack Balcha and his men. Despite being outnumbered 1:5 by the Italians, he mangages to is able to hold the lines against the assault and drives the Italians back. Time for another medal, I guess. The Italians now have 8 trapped divisions in Assab, most of them low on ORG. Our forces already move to reinforce the frontline. High command believes that the remaining forces will be ready in 2-3 weeks.
Oct 10: Dirê Dawa is freed.
The situation on Oct 10:
Oct 15: A private initiative boosts our production by 1%.
Oct 22: Our last unit has reached the frontline. The Italians have shipped in another division, but we doubt that this will safe their forces. Attack form all sides begins at 0600 local time. Although the Italian divisions are partially dug in, a serious supply shortage hempers their defence.
The situation on Oct 22 0600:
Oct 23: The Italians know that there is no way out. They fight to their last bullet, the battle is a stalemate. However, there is also good news: Field marshal Selassie has learned some excellent desert warfare techniques that will become useful during the battle.
Oct 26: In a desperate attempt, during the night of Oct 26, the remains of 4 Italian divisions sail out for a last counter attack. Armed only with bayonets - in some cases only spades, clubs or rifle butts - the Italians charge with a tight formation at our cavalry that is resting in recently conquered trenches. Hand to hand combat lasts for half an hour until machine guns and reinforcements arrive on the battleground, in the end over 2.500 Italians and 400 Ethiopians are dead. The remaining Italian soldiers surrender and are brought behind the front line. Only six enemy divisions - 4 INF, 1 MIL and the enemy HQ - remain.
The situation on Oct 22 0600:
Oct 28: On 1100, the 1st brigade from the Mogadishu division is able to break through the enemy lines and seizes the enemy HQ, field marshal Caviglia and his staff are taken prisoner. On 1400, the enemy front line collapses, the remaining Italian units are now fighting from isolated strongpoints. On 1900, two cornered divisions lay down their arms and surrender.
Oct 29: The 29th division under Lt. di Pistoia surrenders.
Oct 30: On 1300, Lt. Rosalla and his remaining two divisions make their last stand near an oasis. After 2 hours of fierce combat, Rosalla agrees on negotiations for surrender terms. On 1600, the last Italian division in east africa has finally surrendered! Total losses in the end: 25.700 ETH vs. 147.400 ITA + 365 bombers.
Last edited:
November 1937:
Nov 1: November 1st is declared a national holiday. Parades in Addis Ababa.
Nov 3: We start construction of a new factory in our capital.
Nov 5: To prevent any further invasion attempts, our units are placed as garrisons along the coast line. Our CAV will deal with partisans in our Hinterlands (I still have not even the smallest clue were they came from...).
December 1937:
All calm in Ethiopia. But the Italians rejected our peace offer, we are demanding east africa from them. Well, it's not like we are in a hurry - we control that territory already.
January 1938:
All units are in position. All quite.
Nov 1: November 1st is declared a national holiday. Parades in Addis Ababa.
Nov 3: We start construction of a new factory in our capital.
Nov 5: To prevent any further invasion attempts, our units are placed as garrisons along the coast line. Our CAV will deal with partisans in our Hinterlands (I still have not even the smallest clue were they came from...).
December 1937:
All calm in Ethiopia. But the Italians rejected our peace offer, we are demanding east africa from them. Well, it's not like we are in a hurry - we control that territory already.
January 1938:
All units are in position. All quite.
A few transports and off to Sicily.
How about Saudi Arabia? Easy foe, IC, and they have a real tech team (Standard Oil of California - level 5).
How about Saudi Arabia? Easy foe, IC, and they have a real tech team (Standard Oil of California - level 5).
Nah, the next logical step would be to free Africa of its imperialistic masters and unite it under the glorious reign of the Ethiopian Emperor
+1. DOW Portugal first.Nah, the next logical step would be to free Africa of its imperialistic masters and unite it under the glorious reign of the Ethiopian Emperor
Nice show!
If you decide to go on (it seems you've already mastered Czarina's challenge), then Portugal might be an option....though taking Saudi Arabia for its resources does sound quite tempting.
If you decide to go on (it seems you've already mastered Czarina's challenge), then Portugal might be an option....though taking Saudi Arabia for its resources does sound quite tempting.
