"Mare Nostrum" - An Italian AAR

[ADI101]

Hey everybody.

Long time lurker here. This is my first AAR. I have been reading them for a few years but due to university haven’t had the time to sit down and consistently work on one myself, but have always wanted to. I’m excited to present it to you up to what I have so far. To begin with, a couple orders of business.

First, I am not a big fan of the way surrenders are handled. If I assist in defeating a nation, I’m not above claiming some territory as spoils. Thus, if I feel I have contributed to a conflict significantly (Barbarossa, for example), I will script in some territorial gains for myself, this is all assuming the “Claim territory” war goal doesn’t suffice.

Lastly, please enjoy and don’t hesitate to provide me with any feedback on either my story writing, gameplay or requests for more information on anything. I hope you enjoy and actively participate.

This is going to be wordy as I want to have fun with it.

 

[ADI101]

PART 1


January 1st, 1936

The Italian state is a mess. The army is in disarray and the nation finds itself backwards when looking across its borders to Germany and France. Modern nations worth the envy they receive of Italians.

In a dark room, somewhere in Rome, Mussolini meets with his staff and advisors. The German Reich is rising and the Empire of Japan is growing. Already at war with Ethiopia, it is time for Italy to plot its course as well. Mussolini has ambitions of an Italian nation that stretches from Gibraltar to the Suez Canal and beyond. He calls for discussion among his cabinet of close advisors…

It is generally concluded that there will be no future without modernization. Industry, military, medicine, technology must all catch up to the rest of the world. The decision is made that initial progress will happen within the industrial sectors to provide a strong economic output moving forward, this includes the streamlining of manufacturing and production methods. Agriculture and education will also be on the agenda. Working hard is noble, but there is something to be said for working intelligently as well.

In regards to the military, Chief of Staff Francesco Grazioli outlines the plan for development. He explains the disaster that is the armed forces and argues the need for a total reorganization of the armed forces.

Italy is a nation surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, and thus, is bound to it. Chief of Navy Domenico Cavagnari takes the floor and explains that Mahanian doctrine of control of the sea is critical if Italy wishes to expand and dominate. This appeals to a Mussolini bent on reestablishing “Mare Nostrum” and the glory of the Roman Empire. A major naval development program will begin without delay. The construction of new battleships will be the core of this. The 4 current battleships are badly outdated and most of the rest of our fleet is as well. Fortunately, our heavy cruisers on the other hand are quite modern.

The Italian air force is the only branch that is not a disgrace. Not only has it recently set numerous records for flight but has also retained a size and level of command that doesn’t place it as a national embarrassment. Nevertheless, an expansion here is also agreed upon. The waters around Italy are dotted with islands perfect for airfields, and a navy supported by a strong air force will be difficult to compete with.

The army itself will be forged into and retained as a small, professional fighting force. Alberto Pariani, Chief of Army, explains that while size can be impressive, maintaining a large force can also be a drain on a nation. The logistical networks of Italy are already strained and adding more manpower won’t necessarily add more fighting power. Small expansions will come when needed but the focus will be on the aerial and naval branches of the armed forces. The Italian army in its current form is lacking in most modern weaponry such as anti-tank guns and artillery. As well as tanks. The Germans are developing powerful armored columns while we continue to use horses. Poor training, poor weapons and poor leadership are rampant. These issues will be addressed with time.

Grazioli also explains that as a first step, Italian soil, lost in previous decades to Balkan states, must also be reclaimed and reincorporated. Yugoslavia and Albania will be the first targets of the military, and will be excellent grounds for trial of military tactics and hardware before we make demands of other neighbors.

Other orders of business are discussed. The Head of Intelligence, Cesare Ame, is replaced by Domenico Cavagnari to foster a stronger intelligence program.

A swift end to the fighting in Ethiopia is decided upon to focus on our home borders. The Africans can look after themselves with minimal interference from us. As long as the raw materials continue flowing…

 

[ADI101]

PART 2


The following weeks see an increase in the pace and intensity of the fighting in Ethiopia. An end to the conflict is desired. The fighting goes smoothly at first, with most resistance evaporating away, even in the face of our inexperienced and poorly trained soldiers. Until the approach to the capital at Addis Ababa, where our soldiers are confronted by the Ethiopian Imperial Bodyguard. The fighting is intense and lasts for days. We can only assume these foreign trained, professional soldiers being committed is an indication that the battle is desperate for the Ethiopians.

On March 16th, our soldiers march into the capital. The government capitulates and agrees to our terms of surrender. At home, we implement new policies to handle the changing political landscape and growing empire. These include slightly more repressive laws and a state-run press to handle propaganda efforts.

During the following months, the armed forces are provided with artillery and anti-tank rifles. These will not be able to compete with the modern equipment of our neighbors, but we can begin training our soldiers on their use and implementing them into our tactics. Also, as it was accurately predicted by Pariani, Chief of Army, streamlining our chain of command had an easing effect on our logistics. It was simply a case of not having separate headquarters requesting the same supplies for groups of soldiers stationed in the same areas. The confusion.

On May 2nd, the Iberian Peninsula erupts into civil war. With the Republicans on one side and the Nationalists on the other. While we care little for the internal politics of their state, Mussolini sees a perfect opportunity for our armed forces to gain experience. Following back and forth negotiations, we send volunteers and supplies to assist the Nationalists in their cause.

June is a big month for Italy. We see the results of months of effort into our agriculture and industrial pursuits, as well as having completed specifications for a new class of battleship that will form the core of our new navy. These powerful vessels will dominate the Mediterranean Sea.

 

[Bullfilter]

PART 2


The following weeks see an increase in the pace and intensity of the fighting in Ethiopia. An end to the conflict is desired. The fighting goes smoothly at first, with most resistance evaporating away, even in the face of our inexperienced and poorly trained soldiers. Until the approach to the capital at Addis Ababa, where our soldiers are confronted by the Ethiopian Imperial Bodyguard. The fighting is intense and lasts for days. We can only assume these foreign trained, professional soldiers being committed is an indication that the battle is desperate for the Ethiopians.

On March 16th, our soldiers march into the capital. The government capitulates and agrees to our terms of surrender. At home, we implement new policies to handle the changing political landscape and growing empire. These include slightly more repressive laws and a state-run press to handle propaganda efforts.

During the following months, the armed forces are provided with artillery and anti-tank rifles. These will not be able to compete with the modern equipment of our neighbors, but we can begin training our soldiers on their use and implementing them into our tactics. Also, as it was accurately predicted by Pariani, Chief of Army, streamlining our chain of command had an easing effect on our logistics. It was simply a case of not having separate headquarters requesting the same supplies for groups of soldiers stationed in the same areas. The confusion.

On May 2nd, the Iberian Peninsula erupts into civil war. With the Republicans on one side and the Nationalists on the other. While we care little for the internal politics of their state, Mussolini sees a perfect opportunity for our armed forces to gain experience. Following back and forth negotiations, we send volunteers and supplies to assist the Nationalists in their cause.

June is a big month for Italy. We see the results of months of effort into our agriculture and industrial pursuits, as well as having completed specifications for a new class of battleship that will form the core of our new navy. These powerful vessels will dominate the Mediterranean Sea.

Good luck with the AAR

One comment for readability of the battle screenshots: the icons are a bit hard to follow/see and don't give as much info as the unit symbols. You may wish to experiment as to which comes up best for viewability.

Anyway, all the best, will see how Mussolini goes with the New Roman Empire!

 

[Idhrendur]

Good work so far on your first AAR!

 

[ADI101]

Thanks guys.

Bullfilter it's interesting you say that. This is actually my first game using the sprites. I have always used counters as well (with Francesco's counters mod), but I recently read a Germany AAR where he used the sprites and I hadn't realized the naval ones were so well done, so I figured I'd give it a try for a naval centered Italy playthrough. But we will see if I get tired of them or not.

I should upload a couple more parts later today or tomorrow.

 

[ManuelD'Garkia]

Sir, you had my curiosity, but now you have my complete attention, keep the good work.

 

[ADI101]

PART 3


The 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin would have largely passed as commonplace were it not for the attendance of one certain Italian. Lazzaro Ricco. Gold medal Olympian in boxing.

A man dedicated to his country and wanting to serve. He didn’t hesitate when the draft called him up. Following brief basic training, Lazzaro was assigned to the “Firenze” division under the command of Major General Dalmazzo. A rough and aggressive leader who had fought and been wounded in Ethiopia only a few short months before. Having been promoted to divisional command, Dalmazzo expected discipline and trained his men hard. Lazzaro wasn’t excited about the early mornings, but at least he knew when they went into battle, he wouldn’t be going in with the laziness that some other divisions permitted. He was also excited about his division being one of the first to be assigned supporting artillery, surely something that would make any threat safer to handle.

The “Firenze” division received its marching orders on November 30th and were stationed in Zara, a small Italian enclave on the Balkan coast. Surrounded by Yugoslavia, this was disputed territory, claimed as national land by both, and this blatant act of Italian aggression would not calm down the rapidly escalating situation. Spies and saboteurs from both sides were already hard at work to undermine whatever progress the other could gain. Lazzaro was nervous about being so isolated but spent his time teaching his fellow infantrymen the art of boxing, figuring it may come in handy if they ever meet their enemy face to face.

He eagerly anticipated regular letters from his sister, Sophia, and their mother in Rome. Their father had passed away years before and now Lazzaro had left as well.

Looking out across the border region, into Yugoslavian territory, was an almost surreal experience for Lazzaro, knowing that somewhere a Yugoslavian soldier was very likely looking back and feeling the same. Would one kill the other?

 

[ADI101]

PART 4


On January 6th 1937, the Spanish civil war came to a close. The Nationalists were successful in part due to the courage and tenacity of the Italian volunteers. With a Spain united under nationalists and firmly indebted to Italy, resources that otherwise would have been used to watch the western seas may now be averted elsewhere.

February 10th, our hard work has paid off. Our industry is flourishing and more goods coming off production lines than ever before. We are witnessing the fruits of modernization, with our factories finally beginning to resemble those in Germany and the United Kingdom. Considering this, Mussolini decides that now is the time to nationalize certain parts of the economy. Arguing that the government will be able to run them more efficiently than the former CEOs and upper management.

Chief of Army Pariani also reports that the reorganization of the military has completed. An efficient, modern command structure will ensure the transmission of orders from top down in the heat of battle. This takes place alongside restructured doctrines and more effective techniques for combat.

The Italian factories have also produced the first of a newer medium bomber. With these, our enemies will not be able to withstand our offensives.

In July the Italian government receives interesting news. Japan has entered an official alliance with Germany, dividing the world into spheres of influence. Mussolini begins to believe that a nation as great as Italy should also be recognized as an equal among such powers. The following day numerous Italian officials are sent to Germany to begin to influence Hitler to look favorably on the Italian state.

September is a dark month for Italian politics as a scandal in government, exposed by the so called “free media” demonstrates corruption among the highest levels. Mussolini is never mentioned of course, but there is enough implied that a number of small protests break out in the larger cities.

We are also approached around the same time by Portugal. It seems our aerial engineering is so renowned that they wish to license our national products for manufacturing abroad.

Finally, closing out the year 1937, we see the first of a new class of heavy cruiser, the RN Marco Polo, roll out of drydock and into the sea. These ships, while not as powerful as full battleships, will be able to assist in patrolling smaller waterways, raiding enemy convoys and providing support to soldiers near the shore. The naval engineering of this ship is top of the line, comparable to even that of the British and Japanese. This is a moment of celebration for all Italians.

 

[Bullfilter]

Thanks guys.

Bullfilter it's interesting you say that. This is actually my first game using the sprites. I have always used counters as well (with Francesco's counters mod), but I recently read a Germany AAR where he used the sprites and I hadn't realized the naval ones were so well done, so I figured I'd give it a try for a naval centered Italy playthrough. But we will see if I get tired of them or not.

I should upload a couple more parts later today or tomorrow.

It may well do for the naval and air stuff have never used them myself or seen them on an HOI3 AAR so will look forward to seeing them

 

[Sir Dippingsauce]

Good stuff!

 

[Eurasia]

Good stuff. Do you plan to try to pull Spain into the Axis along with you? Or focus to the East alone?

 

[ADI101]

Sorry guys, busy week so far. Next updates are half written.

I haven't given much thought to bringing Spain into the Axis. I was actually thinking maybe it would look better in Italian green , but I don't have enough soldiers to attack and hold it with so much focus on my navy. We will see...

 

[ManuelD'Garkia]

Bring Hispania to Roman dominance one again!

Ave Ceaser! Ave Rome!

 

[Lautipus]

I recommend to try at least to take the Balearic islands, Franco probably hasn´t the means to kick you out of there + it makes a nice naval and air base for your future operations+you can (ab)use the improved IC because of war Can´t wait for the PART 5.
Keep up with the good work and good luck man!