When Bulgaria entered the war AH and German send a lot of troops to that front. I rushed to VPs in operation 'Basil II' mostly because of that.
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Chapter 15. Audentes Fortuna Iuvat. Part 1.
First attacks began in Morncilgrad:
and Instanbul:
In both attacks three greek divisions attacked single one.
With the fleet making shore bombardment defenders of Instanbul were doomed.
But other news were much worse.
Lone bulgarian cavalry brigade occupied Serres and moved forth, threating to cut supply line. VIII division were redeploying to defend against it.
11th of December Albania's fears made them accept Germany offer to enter war:
Albania obiously couldn't be considered a great threat, but greek border was completely undefended. Only hope was that they would attack serbs than greeks.
Meanwhile greeks were fighting in Varna:
Bulgarians had 2 divisions in the city - but infantry division had only 2/3 strenght.
And very soon defenders retreated.
On the eastern front greeks crossed the strait and now were marching almost unopposed in Asia Minor.
In Izmit exausted mountain division was attacked, but as always fleet came with its guns.
At 18th of December greeks finally catched bulgarian cavalry in Giannitsa:
The battle was brief, and threat was eliminated.
Next days were full of victory reports:
At the end of 1914 year greek army was deep in bulgarian territory.
With victory at Pazardzhik road to Sofia was open.
But it took 10 days due to bad weather to actually take the city.
And this was the end for Bulgaria.
After hundreds years of foreigh rule, Eastern Rumelia became greek again!
First attacks began in Morncilgrad:
and Instanbul:
In both attacks three greek divisions attacked single one.
With the fleet making shore bombardment defenders of Instanbul were doomed.
But other news were much worse.
Lone bulgarian cavalry brigade occupied Serres and moved forth, threating to cut supply line. VIII division were redeploying to defend against it.
11th of December Albania's fears made them accept Germany offer to enter war:
Albania obiously couldn't be considered a great threat, but greek border was completely undefended. Only hope was that they would attack serbs than greeks.
Meanwhile greeks were fighting in Varna:
Bulgarians had 2 divisions in the city - but infantry division had only 2/3 strenght.
And very soon defenders retreated.
On the eastern front greeks crossed the strait and now were marching almost unopposed in Asia Minor.
In Izmit exausted mountain division was attacked, but as always fleet came with its guns.
At 18th of December greeks finally catched bulgarian cavalry in Giannitsa:
The battle was brief, and threat was eliminated.
Next days were full of victory reports:
At the end of 1914 year greek army was deep in bulgarian territory.
With victory at Pazardzhik road to Sofia was open.
But it took 10 days due to bad weather to actually take the city.
And this was the end for Bulgaria.
After hundreds years of foreigh rule, Eastern Rumelia became greek again!
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Yeah, at best you could mod the Greeks into the Byzantines for the WW2 segment of the AAR. That'd be a fair bit of work though.
It is possible by using 'inherit' command. But it means 'game over' for you.
Much better is to simply edit savefile.
Chapter 15. Audentes Fortuna Iuvat. Part 2.
While greek army was fighting in Bulgaria, Albania attacked Greece:
Albanian mountaineers managed to capture undefended Ioanina and then proceed to port city of Kerkyra. One division was transported in great hurry for defence:
But without supplies greeks were slowly losing ground and eventually retreated:
Situation became dire and Constantine himself joined desperate defenders in Morfi:
Despite shore bombardment, greeks were taken heavy casualties when suddenly:
Fighting on two fronts was more than poor Albania was capable of.
And so everything was thrown at Eastern Front:
At the end of January greek occupied territory at Asia Minor was linked to one big front. Terrain and bad weather made advance very slow, almost like crawling.
But still Constantine's army was attacking.
At that days there was a big naval battle. It started when greeks tried to land on Trebzon's beaches. 3 turkish armored cruisers attacked the whole greek fleet:
Admiral Pavlos managed to position all ships within fire range:
Turks lost all cruisers, but greek fleet suffered loss of the light cruiser EBN Navarchos Miaoulis.
On land greeks finally managed to encircle 3 divisions in Kutahya:
After successful landing in Trabzon Constantine decided to repeat operation in south coast. And again remnants of turkish fleets interfered:
With the same result:
Sadly, turkish flagship Turgut Reis managed to retreat to a port.
With Kuhaya pocket finally closed:
greeks moved to Eskisehir and Ankara.
Constantine decided to honor greek soldiers by decoraring regimantal war flags of participating divisions of that battle.
At the 30th of January situation was very promising:
Ottomans send 2 divisions to block greeks on Trabzon. Works well for Constantine - less turks defending the capital, less greeks would die.
Still turks tried to counterattack at every opportunity:
But after 2 battles greek fleet ruled these seas. So its guns were brought where it needed to make another victory:
At 7th of February greek army took Ankara without a fight.
After Kutahya defeat and loss of the capital, whole turkish army was disorganized.
And finally at 8th of February they had signed Treaty of Ankara, returning all greek lands to the rightful owner:
While greek army was fighting in Bulgaria, Albania attacked Greece:
Albanian mountaineers managed to capture undefended Ioanina and then proceed to port city of Kerkyra. One division was transported in great hurry for defence:
But without supplies greeks were slowly losing ground and eventually retreated:
Situation became dire and Constantine himself joined desperate defenders in Morfi:
Despite shore bombardment, greeks were taken heavy casualties when suddenly:
Fighting on two fronts was more than poor Albania was capable of.
And so everything was thrown at Eastern Front:
At the end of January greek occupied territory at Asia Minor was linked to one big front. Terrain and bad weather made advance very slow, almost like crawling.
But still Constantine's army was attacking.
At that days there was a big naval battle. It started when greeks tried to land on Trebzon's beaches. 3 turkish armored cruisers attacked the whole greek fleet:
Admiral Pavlos managed to position all ships within fire range:
Turks lost all cruisers, but greek fleet suffered loss of the light cruiser EBN Navarchos Miaoulis.
On land greeks finally managed to encircle 3 divisions in Kutahya:
After successful landing in Trabzon Constantine decided to repeat operation in south coast. And again remnants of turkish fleets interfered:
With the same result:
Sadly, turkish flagship Turgut Reis managed to retreat to a port.
With Kuhaya pocket finally closed:
greeks moved to Eskisehir and Ankara.
Constantine decided to honor greek soldiers by decoraring regimantal war flags of participating divisions of that battle.
At the 30th of January situation was very promising:
Ottomans send 2 divisions to block greeks on Trabzon. Works well for Constantine - less turks defending the capital, less greeks would die.
Still turks tried to counterattack at every opportunity:
But after 2 battles greek fleet ruled these seas. So its guns were brought where it needed to make another victory:
At 7th of February greek army took Ankara without a fight.
After Kutahya defeat and loss of the capital, whole turkish army was disorganized.
And finally at 8th of February they had signed Treaty of Ankara, returning all greek lands to the rightful owner:
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- 1
Bam, there go the Turks. That was a route. Now where are the hordes of Germans and Austrians.... 
Bam, there go the Turks. That was a route. Now where are the hordes of Germans and Austrians....
Freezing in Russia?
Wow, looks like Greece is essentially without friends now: Germany and A-H (future axis) will hate you for being the key to losing the war in the Balkans. GB and France hate you for pushing your claims, and unlike what actually happened IRL, they will continue hating you since Greece didn't lose and be shown the error of their ways. It appears that your only real friends are Serbia and Russia with Romania maybe thrown in as well. If WWII comes around...well maybe Greece will be a east target of she only has Yugoslavia as a friend. Not that I think Greece will fall that easily, but I thinks it's in both Greeces and Russia's best interests that this radical called Lenin doesn't try to seize the nation.
Chapter 16. The end of the war to end all wars.
After making Megali Idea a reality, Greece became regional power:
But even with new lands country wasn't in the best shape. Despite having clear superiority, greek fleet lost 2 ships, most of division suffered losses from battles and attrition with almost no one to reinforce.
So it was decided that there is nothing more to Greece to pursue in World War. Greece hadn't any real friend in this war anymore - even russians were against taking Constantinople (they wanted the city for themselves!).
All army were moved to the west border and dug in. In case of Serbia's fall, Greece would be ready.
In april of 1915 Italy joined Entente agaist Austria and Germany.
It was the last chance to save Russia:
At spring Austria-Hungary took all Ukraine and lots of other lands.
Then Hochseeflotte managed to win decisive naval battle:
And so war was continued.
With Italy joining the war fronts finally became stabilized.
<Other events are made just for the sake of history of this AAR. Sadly, I couldn't recreate it in the mod>
In early 1917 dissent in Russia became so high, that it caused February revolution:
When soldiers joined the uprising Emperor finally abdicated.
But internal weakness let germans and austrians advance even further, threating Petrograd.
And in late autumn there was a new revolution - communist one.
First nobody really cared. At those days of anarchy almost any political force tried to usurp power. Everyone failed. Except the bolsheviks.
They werern't afraid of cost of their action. For victory their were ready to drown Russia in blood.
Army was deserting by whole regiments. Nobody wanted to actually fight, and so treaty of Brest-Litovsk was signed:
But this couldn't save Central Powers. In 1917 USA joined Entante. Naval blockade was enforced again and both Germany and Austria finaly exploded from within with revolutions.
In november 1918 war was finally over.
Greece wasn't even invited to Versalis for signing final peace treaty, with very harsh conditions for losers. Greece signed their own ('white peace') in Athens with both Austria in Germany in 1919.
1919 were the last year of three empires and first - of one new.
Germany, Austria-Hungary and Ottoman empires ceased to exists. In first 2 it was due to revolutions because of heavy war weariness. Ottomans, despite being in peace, was crushed by National Movement.
Republic of Turkey were declared, but relations with Greece were still hostile. Turks even tried to launch counter-offencive at Pontus but after losing some small border skirmishes withdrawn and sign treaty of Ankara again, ackowledging greek state in new borders.
In late 1919 there was a great ceremony in Constantinople. Constantine proclaimed Greek Empire reborn. Finally Megali Idea of Greece of Two Continents and Five Seas was fullfilled.
There were some debates of the name: of course there was no point of naming the state Byzantium - it was western word for Basileía Rhōmaíōn.
After making Megali Idea a reality, Greece became regional power:
But even with new lands country wasn't in the best shape. Despite having clear superiority, greek fleet lost 2 ships, most of division suffered losses from battles and attrition with almost no one to reinforce.
So it was decided that there is nothing more to Greece to pursue in World War. Greece hadn't any real friend in this war anymore - even russians were against taking Constantinople (they wanted the city for themselves!).
All army were moved to the west border and dug in. In case of Serbia's fall, Greece would be ready.
In april of 1915 Italy joined Entente agaist Austria and Germany.
It was the last chance to save Russia:
At spring Austria-Hungary took all Ukraine and lots of other lands.
Then Hochseeflotte managed to win decisive naval battle:
And so war was continued.
With Italy joining the war fronts finally became stabilized.
<Other events are made just for the sake of history of this AAR. Sadly, I couldn't recreate it in the mod>
In early 1917 dissent in Russia became so high, that it caused February revolution:
When soldiers joined the uprising Emperor finally abdicated.
But internal weakness let germans and austrians advance even further, threating Petrograd.
And in late autumn there was a new revolution - communist one.
First nobody really cared. At those days of anarchy almost any political force tried to usurp power. Everyone failed. Except the bolsheviks.
They werern't afraid of cost of their action. For victory their were ready to drown Russia in blood.
Army was deserting by whole regiments. Nobody wanted to actually fight, and so treaty of Brest-Litovsk was signed:
But this couldn't save Central Powers. In 1917 USA joined Entante. Naval blockade was enforced again and both Germany and Austria finaly exploded from within with revolutions.
In november 1918 war was finally over.
Greece wasn't even invited to Versalis for signing final peace treaty, with very harsh conditions for losers. Greece signed their own ('white peace') in Athens with both Austria in Germany in 1919.
1919 were the last year of three empires and first - of one new.
Germany, Austria-Hungary and Ottoman empires ceased to exists. In first 2 it was due to revolutions because of heavy war weariness. Ottomans, despite being in peace, was crushed by National Movement.
Republic of Turkey were declared, but relations with Greece were still hostile. Turks even tried to launch counter-offencive at Pontus but after losing some small border skirmishes withdrawn and sign treaty of Ankara again, ackowledging greek state in new borders.
In late 1919 there was a great ceremony in Constantinople. Constantine proclaimed Greek Empire reborn. Finally Megali Idea of Greece of Two Continents and Five Seas was fullfilled.
There were some debates of the name: of course there was no point of naming the state Byzantium - it was western word for Basileía Rhōmaíōn.
New name was simple - just Ellīnikī́ Aytokratoría, Greek Empire.
- 1
And now I finished 4 wars in this chronicle:
- First Balkan
- Second Balkan
- World War I
- Megali War (greeco-turkish and greco-bulgarian combined).
Only one war remains...
For those who interested in actual events in WW1 mod:
Despite making huge gains and lifting blockade, in 1916 Germany began to lose on both fronts. Same year they capitulated, making Austria-Hungary all alone. Of course poor austrian couldn't make it - they couldn't even take Serbia in time. At the end there was a race between France, Italy, Russia and Serbia for Wien.
Main problem for me is the absence of revolutions in Russia. They were performing much badly in my game than in real history, so it definitely would cause a revolution in 1915 (especially with the loss of ukranian bread). But, alas, it was not possible in this mod (it is one the best, really, in everything except some ahistorical possibilities).
- First Balkan
- Second Balkan
- World War I
- Megali War (greeco-turkish and greco-bulgarian combined).
Only one war remains...
For those who interested in actual events in WW1 mod:
Despite making huge gains and lifting blockade, in 1916 Germany began to lose on both fronts. Same year they capitulated, making Austria-Hungary all alone. Of course poor austrian couldn't make it - they couldn't even take Serbia in time. At the end there was a race between France, Italy, Russia and Serbia for Wien.
Main problem for me is the absence of revolutions in Russia. They were performing much badly in my game than in real history, so it definitely would cause a revolution in 1915 (especially with the loss of ukranian bread). But, alas, it was not possible in this mod (it is one the best, really, in everything except some ahistorical possibilities).
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Dammit you skipped the Russian Revolution instead of letting the Whites/Reds right it out
I really thought a White Russia would help Greece grow through mutual benefit from the straights and Orthodox Christianity. Well, now Greece is isolated. The Allies hate Greece for winning it's beligerant war, the Reds hate Greece due to the Reds hating everybody (but particularity due to the Greek strength of Orthodoxy, which the Reds for rid of) and the Axis hates Greece for causing them to lose the Balkans in the first place. I guess it's Greece + Yugoslavia for life than...
Sorry for not showing russian revolution. But in my game it didn't want to start. And I didn't want to modify game again. Still this is the story of Greece, not Russia. Hope you'll find future updates interesting
I approve of your altering of history. Since you're setting up for a WWII game, you don't need to take the game's political situation as fact.
Interesting developments. You went fast through WW1, but then again this is about Greece over a long period so it makes sense. Looking forward to whats going to happen in the interbellum!
BootOnFace, thanks for your support.
Sebas379, next chapter will be right about interbellum
Sebas379, next chapter will be right about interbellum
Chapter 17. An armstice for twenty years.
After World War came long-awaited peace.
In 1919-1920 League of Nations was formed:
Despite protests from Turkey and Bulgaria, Greece was accepted in the organization as full member.
But relations with great powers were still very cold. British government made clear that they can't accept Greek Empire. They even threaten to embargo Greece, but Venizelos' skill at diplomacy resolved crisis. Straits were declared free for everyone, and british and french military ships could sail freely in and out of Black Sea.
In internal politics there was full domination of venizelist's forces. Emperor Constantine continued his friendship with Venizelos till the Great tragedy 11th of January, 1923.
When Emperor had a meeting with students in Smyrna, one police officer shot him twice then comminted suicide.
Officer was ethnic turk from Instanbul, who was in communist underground organization 'Red dawn', which was funded by Soviets. Constantine died in the hospital two days after.
Eldest son of Constantine, Georg II, was crowned as new Emperor.
Greek Empire was shocked. There were calls for new war with Turkey and USSR, anti-turkish and anti-comminsts demonstration with violence. It took nearly an year for George
Emperor himself tried to calm the public, perfectly understandin dangers of new war.
Still twenties were good years for country.
Although losses from 4 years were heavy, it could be much worse. International trade was growing, and soon Constantinople became is marvelous as it was in past.
Industry grew too - from small towns to the capital new factories created. But still Greece was mainly agrarian country.
At the end of the decade tensions almost dissipated. New Emperor eventually granted official status to bulgarian and turkish languages, making Greece modern multi-ethnic empire.
And then came Great Depression.
Crisis started in USA but soon reached Europe. Every business activity dropped, unemploynment rates raised and no one could see bright future anymore.
In Greek Empire it were hard times. Bulgarians in Eastern Rumelia and turks in Asia demanded autonomy, left radicals support increased. In 1931 there was a coup attempt by some generals, which failed. But under great pressure Venizelos resigned and left politics. He spent rest of his days in small estate near the capital.
With situation became more and more dire three political powers - venizelists, right-wing People's party and communists (KKE) - became fight for power. Soon debates transformed into demostrations, demostrations - into street battles over Constantinople, Thessaloniki, Athens.
In 1932 George II appointed Ioannis Metaxas, former minister of war, as Prime Minister.
Widespread unrest gave Metaxas justification to declare a state of emergency on August 4, 1932. With the king's support, he adjourned parliament indefinitely and suspended various articles of the constitution guaranteeing civil liberties. In a national radio address, Metaxas declared that for the duration of the state of emergency, he would hold "all the power I need for saving Greek Empire from the catastrophes which threaten her."
With help of army Metaxas managed to stabilize Empire. He banned every party and proclaim that unity is the most important thing for the country.
In international politics Greek Empire finally found an ally:
Benito Mussolini, 'Il Duce' was heavily inspired by greek succusses in World War. He dreamed about restoration of Roman Empire in full glory - with two capitals. Rome was meant to rule West and Constantinople - East. This idea captured imagination of italian leader and he was working hard for making it true.
As Greece, Italy was feeling betrayed too by UK and France after World War.
Good relations were since italian-turkish war (that made all balkan wars possible).
But there was a problem of greek islands - at least before 1933.
In 1933 Ioannis Metaxas visited Italy with a great success.
Il Duce decraled an 'eternal friendship' between countries and as gesture of good will proclaimed joint administation of islands.
Cooperation grew - italian engineers modernized greek dockyards for building new ships (Metaxas ordered construction of 2 new battleships in 1934).
Trade and scientific exchange greatly increased too.
When Italy invaded Abyssinia in october 1935 Greece voted against sanctions in League of Nations and then openly ignored them.
Acknowledging common interests finally Greek Empire signed an alliance with Italy in november 1935.
But that alliance threatened neighbours of Greece. Just after one month, in december 1935, Yugoslavia signed military alliance with Bulgaria and Turkey. Albania declared neutrality.
And so came 1936...
After World War came long-awaited peace.
In 1919-1920 League of Nations was formed:
Despite protests from Turkey and Bulgaria, Greece was accepted in the organization as full member.
But relations with great powers were still very cold. British government made clear that they can't accept Greek Empire. They even threaten to embargo Greece, but Venizelos' skill at diplomacy resolved crisis. Straits were declared free for everyone, and british and french military ships could sail freely in and out of Black Sea.
In internal politics there was full domination of venizelist's forces. Emperor Constantine continued his friendship with Venizelos till the Great tragedy 11th of January, 1923.
When Emperor had a meeting with students in Smyrna, one police officer shot him twice then comminted suicide.
Officer was ethnic turk from Instanbul, who was in communist underground organization 'Red dawn', which was funded by Soviets. Constantine died in the hospital two days after.
Eldest son of Constantine, Georg II, was crowned as new Emperor.
Greek Empire was shocked. There were calls for new war with Turkey and USSR, anti-turkish and anti-comminsts demonstration with violence. It took nearly an year for George
Emperor himself tried to calm the public, perfectly understandin dangers of new war.
Still twenties were good years for country.
Although losses from 4 years were heavy, it could be much worse. International trade was growing, and soon Constantinople became is marvelous as it was in past.
Industry grew too - from small towns to the capital new factories created. But still Greece was mainly agrarian country.
At the end of the decade tensions almost dissipated. New Emperor eventually granted official status to bulgarian and turkish languages, making Greece modern multi-ethnic empire.
And then came Great Depression.
Crisis started in USA but soon reached Europe. Every business activity dropped, unemploynment rates raised and no one could see bright future anymore.
In Greek Empire it were hard times. Bulgarians in Eastern Rumelia and turks in Asia demanded autonomy, left radicals support increased. In 1931 there was a coup attempt by some generals, which failed. But under great pressure Venizelos resigned and left politics. He spent rest of his days in small estate near the capital.
With situation became more and more dire three political powers - venizelists, right-wing People's party and communists (KKE) - became fight for power. Soon debates transformed into demostrations, demostrations - into street battles over Constantinople, Thessaloniki, Athens.
In 1932 George II appointed Ioannis Metaxas, former minister of war, as Prime Minister.
Widespread unrest gave Metaxas justification to declare a state of emergency on August 4, 1932. With the king's support, he adjourned parliament indefinitely and suspended various articles of the constitution guaranteeing civil liberties. In a national radio address, Metaxas declared that for the duration of the state of emergency, he would hold "all the power I need for saving Greek Empire from the catastrophes which threaten her."
With help of army Metaxas managed to stabilize Empire. He banned every party and proclaim that unity is the most important thing for the country.
In international politics Greek Empire finally found an ally:
Benito Mussolini, 'Il Duce' was heavily inspired by greek succusses in World War. He dreamed about restoration of Roman Empire in full glory - with two capitals. Rome was meant to rule West and Constantinople - East. This idea captured imagination of italian leader and he was working hard for making it true.
As Greece, Italy was feeling betrayed too by UK and France after World War.
Good relations were since italian-turkish war (that made all balkan wars possible).
But there was a problem of greek islands - at least before 1933.
In 1933 Ioannis Metaxas visited Italy with a great success.
Il Duce decraled an 'eternal friendship' between countries and as gesture of good will proclaimed joint administation of islands.
Cooperation grew - italian engineers modernized greek dockyards for building new ships (Metaxas ordered construction of 2 new battleships in 1934).
Trade and scientific exchange greatly increased too.
When Italy invaded Abyssinia in october 1935 Greece voted against sanctions in League of Nations and then openly ignored them.
Acknowledging common interests finally Greek Empire signed an alliance with Italy in november 1935.
But that alliance threatened neighbours of Greece. Just after one month, in december 1935, Yugoslavia signed military alliance with Bulgaria and Turkey. Albania declared neutrality.
And so came 1936...
- 1
A most interesting interbellum indeed. The stage is set for another round of Balkan wars this time with Greece and Italy fighting side by side against the others perhaps? I wonder what Stalin thinks of all that.