I will be starting my Romanian AAR in a few days, whenever I get I chance. I am playing on very hard / furious settings, with 1.02. This is my first HOI AAR, thougth I have written a couple with EUII, and hope this goes well.
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Good to hear someone is doing a Romanian AAR 
I was actually thinking of doing one, but I doubt I could tell an interesting story if my life depended on it. I'm glad to see that you're taking up the task instead, so good luck with it. I'll be reading eagerly.
I was actually thinking of doing one, but I doubt I could tell an interesting story if my life depended on it. I'm glad to see that you're taking up the task instead, so good luck with it. I'll be reading eagerly.
I have only tried the Normal Aggresiveness setting so far. In EU2 the furious setting made the game all the more easier, have any of you any experience on this in HOI? Otherwise, DonCossack, I'd be very much interested in the differences in AI aggression between this game and a Normal Aggressiveness AI.
Finally, here we go...
Chapter 1
Location: Bucharest National Prison
"All right you slime sucking pukeface, up on your feet.", called the warden into a dark and stinking cell.
I peered over his shoulder to see a massive shape lumber out from the darkness. The image that formed in front of me was incredible: here stood a man unlike any other I had seen before. He looked more like a barbarous caveman than a decorated war hero, but here he was, standing before me, behind bars of steel.
"This guy is Ivan...crazy Russian son of a bitch. Tough as shit, twice as dumb..." the warden started.
With that, the man inside the cell took a mighty palm and thrust it between the bars. He grabbed the warden by the collar and dragged him up close. He never said a word, just strangled the life from him, and the two nearby guards jumped into action. THey rang an alarm and threw the cell cage open. Twelve men with rifles clubbing the man finally subdued him. The warden groggily massaged his throat.
"See? No good Ruskie..."
I smiled.
He was perfect.
Several weeks later, I was sitting in my barrack office, when an Army truck drove up in fton of my meagre building. Basically a wooden shack with a single light hanging from the ceiling.
The driver stepped out and hurried to the screen door. WIthout knocking, he nervously handed me an envelope, and with many panicked glances bakc at the truck as I read, I could tell something had scared the hell out of him. I closed the letter.
"Very good, Private. You are dismissed."
He smiled weakly and ran to the truck. He banged on the side and I saw the rear flap of cloth go up. As quickly as he had come, the truck sped away, leaving a gigantic shadow on the road.
He had arrived.
"Arghhhhhh!"
The scream broke the silence of the night. I woke up in a cold sweat and looked around. I thought I was hearing things, when I saw the base lights on, and the military police speed towards Barrack #4. I put on my green pants, with the red seam, as the rest of the Romanian officers wore, and slipped on my black boots. With only a undershirt on, I plunged into the darkness, and groped my way ot the building.
I swung the door open, to find chaos. A man was on the floor screaming in pain, his arm clearly broken in two places . Two policemen were on the ground, one bleeding badly from his head. Several other officers had cornered a man in the barrack, who was wildly waving a steel pipe. The soldiers surrounded him, and he swung, gouging a Corporal in the forehead. His face exploded in blood and he staggered back. WIth a final charge, the mob swarmed the hulking giant and brought him to the floor. Several minutes later, he had been beaten to unconciousness.
"What is this nonsense?" shouted a shrill voice: the base commander has obviously been informed of the outbreak of violence.
"Nothing, Colonel. Go back to sleep." I responded, obviously shaken.
"Hmph. Well General, I suppose this man will be forced to face the squad, hmmm? No good filth." and with that, he and his entourage stormed from the barracks.
This man would make a fine soldier someday again, if he even lived to see our summer excersises...
Chapter 1
Location: Bucharest National Prison
"All right you slime sucking pukeface, up on your feet.", called the warden into a dark and stinking cell.
I peered over his shoulder to see a massive shape lumber out from the darkness. The image that formed in front of me was incredible: here stood a man unlike any other I had seen before. He looked more like a barbarous caveman than a decorated war hero, but here he was, standing before me, behind bars of steel.
"This guy is Ivan...crazy Russian son of a bitch. Tough as shit, twice as dumb..." the warden started.
With that, the man inside the cell took a mighty palm and thrust it between the bars. He grabbed the warden by the collar and dragged him up close. He never said a word, just strangled the life from him, and the two nearby guards jumped into action. THey rang an alarm and threw the cell cage open. Twelve men with rifles clubbing the man finally subdued him. The warden groggily massaged his throat.
"See? No good Ruskie..."
I smiled.
He was perfect.
Several weeks later, I was sitting in my barrack office, when an Army truck drove up in fton of my meagre building. Basically a wooden shack with a single light hanging from the ceiling.
The driver stepped out and hurried to the screen door. WIthout knocking, he nervously handed me an envelope, and with many panicked glances bakc at the truck as I read, I could tell something had scared the hell out of him. I closed the letter.
"Very good, Private. You are dismissed."
He smiled weakly and ran to the truck. He banged on the side and I saw the rear flap of cloth go up. As quickly as he had come, the truck sped away, leaving a gigantic shadow on the road.
He had arrived.
"Arghhhhhh!"
The scream broke the silence of the night. I woke up in a cold sweat and looked around. I thought I was hearing things, when I saw the base lights on, and the military police speed towards Barrack #4. I put on my green pants, with the red seam, as the rest of the Romanian officers wore, and slipped on my black boots. With only a undershirt on, I plunged into the darkness, and groped my way ot the building.
I swung the door open, to find chaos. A man was on the floor screaming in pain, his arm clearly broken in two places . Two policemen were on the ground, one bleeding badly from his head. Several other officers had cornered a man in the barrack, who was wildly waving a steel pipe. The soldiers surrounded him, and he swung, gouging a Corporal in the forehead. His face exploded in blood and he staggered back. WIth a final charge, the mob swarmed the hulking giant and brought him to the floor. Several minutes later, he had been beaten to unconciousness.
"What is this nonsense?" shouted a shrill voice: the base commander has obviously been informed of the outbreak of violence.
"Nothing, Colonel. Go back to sleep." I responded, obviously shaken.
"Hmph. Well General, I suppose this man will be forced to face the squad, hmmm? No good filth." and with that, he and his entourage stormed from the barracks.
This man would make a fine soldier someday again, if he even lived to see our summer excersises...
"General! What in God's name do you think you are doing with this man!" screamed the Field Marshall in front of me. "Sweet Jesus, this man is a convicted murderer and is no sort for the Romanian Army! I wouldn't even give him to the Navy!"
"Sir, with all due respect he is the exact sort we need for the Army. He's brutal, yes. But isn't that what we need?" I tried to respond.
He sighed and got up out of his seat. It was January 1st 1936. A light snow was falling over the capitol and children were running around in the streets below the militarybuilding. His office was neatliy decorated, with framed medal on the wall, and trophies from past events long forgotten by others. He was an aged man, with a quickly balding head. His wrinkled brow was furrowed and the problem put before him. His military uniform was crisp and his boots gleamed in the morning light.
"General, two men are dead. Two more are in the intensive care ward of the hospital. He had only been here what? A few hours? He has butchered more people in his life than any others I knew before. Yes, he has had a gallant war record before, but once his wife died...there are changes being made to Romania, General. Big things are happening in the Head of State's office. The economy is being improved in almost ebvery province in the country. Troops are being mobilized. Christ, I've never felt so alive..."
He sighed and continued.
"Now that is why I suppose I will let this go. I will spare him from the firing squad this time and placing him under your direct supervision."
I was about to open my mouth but was silenced by his glare.
"Not a word. Your futures are both interlocked now. Now get out of my office, I have work to do."
In a crisp military salute, I turned on my heel and left. WHne I was outside, I donned my military cap and looked up into the morning sky.
I smiled.
There was not a sound to be heard. Wind rustled through the trees around the sheltered troops. They were in the middle of a military exercise in February of 1936, to test the leadership and organization of the army. Twenty men now hunkered down in the small hole, as two scouts looked out into the surrounding forest.
"Not a sign of 'em, sir." one said.
"Christ my balls..."said one man in the hole.
"Shut the hell up!" squaked the Company Captain. "I'm sure as hell we're not in the right place...lemme think! I bet if we move down the ravine just a lil' bit...we'd be fine and ambush 2nd Company just fine..."
"Sir, we have orders to stay and wait!" replied the Second Lieutenant.
"Shut the hell up son! I'm in charge..." and with that, he called out. "Company mone 'er out. Radislav, take the point. Move down a hundred metres to that gulley there. Got it?"
The soldier nodded.
"Excellent."
The Company filed out and spread out to cover the area. THere wasn't a sound to be heard. The men were nervous. The Lieutenant gripped his rifle until his knuckles were white. THe Captain glanced around to no avail. Then, he noticed somehting odd about the bush in front of him. No snow on it, yet there was a blizzard the other night. Then it dawned on him.
"Ambush!" he yelled as loud as he could, but no sooner had he gotten the words out of his mouth, than a large, meaty hand wrapped around his mouth, and stale breath flowed down his neck. A bayonet was stuck into his throat and he stood lifeless, petrified in fear. A snarl was heard from the beastly man behind him. The bush reared up, adnd a soldier rose and pointed a rifle at the men of his Company. Several other bushes rose up, and soon, his men were surrounded by several dozen haggard looking Romanian "enemies", with smeared grease on their faces, and torn and ragged clothing sufficing as camouflage. They were the meanest looking sons of bitches I had ever seen, and Ivan now had turned them from women to real fighting men. THey were now standing with muzzles of pistols, rilfes and submachine guns pointed at the original most decorated unit of the division.
I stepped out from behind a tree trunk and laughed and applauded. Ivan, with some reluctance, released his hold and the Captain stumbled.
"Gentlemen, I believe we have a new divisional Company to award this month's exercise victor."
The Captain looked extremely mad, as his face was beet red. Ivan looked as mean as ever.
I smiled.
"Sir, with all due respect he is the exact sort we need for the Army. He's brutal, yes. But isn't that what we need?" I tried to respond.
He sighed and got up out of his seat. It was January 1st 1936. A light snow was falling over the capitol and children were running around in the streets below the militarybuilding. His office was neatliy decorated, with framed medal on the wall, and trophies from past events long forgotten by others. He was an aged man, with a quickly balding head. His wrinkled brow was furrowed and the problem put before him. His military uniform was crisp and his boots gleamed in the morning light.
"General, two men are dead. Two more are in the intensive care ward of the hospital. He had only been here what? A few hours? He has butchered more people in his life than any others I knew before. Yes, he has had a gallant war record before, but once his wife died...there are changes being made to Romania, General. Big things are happening in the Head of State's office. The economy is being improved in almost ebvery province in the country. Troops are being mobilized. Christ, I've never felt so alive..."
He sighed and continued.
"Now that is why I suppose I will let this go. I will spare him from the firing squad this time and placing him under your direct supervision."
I was about to open my mouth but was silenced by his glare.
"Not a word. Your futures are both interlocked now. Now get out of my office, I have work to do."
In a crisp military salute, I turned on my heel and left. WHne I was outside, I donned my military cap and looked up into the morning sky.
I smiled.
There was not a sound to be heard. Wind rustled through the trees around the sheltered troops. They were in the middle of a military exercise in February of 1936, to test the leadership and organization of the army. Twenty men now hunkered down in the small hole, as two scouts looked out into the surrounding forest.
"Not a sign of 'em, sir." one said.
"Christ my balls..."said one man in the hole.
"Shut the hell up!" squaked the Company Captain. "I'm sure as hell we're not in the right place...lemme think! I bet if we move down the ravine just a lil' bit...we'd be fine and ambush 2nd Company just fine..."
"Sir, we have orders to stay and wait!" replied the Second Lieutenant.
"Shut the hell up son! I'm in charge..." and with that, he called out. "Company mone 'er out. Radislav, take the point. Move down a hundred metres to that gulley there. Got it?"
The soldier nodded.
"Excellent."
The Company filed out and spread out to cover the area. THere wasn't a sound to be heard. The men were nervous. The Lieutenant gripped his rifle until his knuckles were white. THe Captain glanced around to no avail. Then, he noticed somehting odd about the bush in front of him. No snow on it, yet there was a blizzard the other night. Then it dawned on him.
"Ambush!" he yelled as loud as he could, but no sooner had he gotten the words out of his mouth, than a large, meaty hand wrapped around his mouth, and stale breath flowed down his neck. A bayonet was stuck into his throat and he stood lifeless, petrified in fear. A snarl was heard from the beastly man behind him. The bush reared up, adnd a soldier rose and pointed a rifle at the men of his Company. Several other bushes rose up, and soon, his men were surrounded by several dozen haggard looking Romanian "enemies", with smeared grease on their faces, and torn and ragged clothing sufficing as camouflage. They were the meanest looking sons of bitches I had ever seen, and Ivan now had turned them from women to real fighting men. THey were now standing with muzzles of pistols, rilfes and submachine guns pointed at the original most decorated unit of the division.
I stepped out from behind a tree trunk and laughed and applauded. Ivan, with some reluctance, released his hold and the Captain stumbled.
"Gentlemen, I believe we have a new divisional Company to award this month's exercise victor."
The Captain looked extremely mad, as his face was beet red. Ivan looked as mean as ever.
I smiled.
Really great start. I'm waiting for the continuation.
red seam is for infantry units officers, other types have other colors e.g. black for artillery.
if you want names pm me. Radoslav you may find a few but is very likely serbian.
Most common male first names : Gheorghe, Ion, Radu, Dan, Vlad, Mihai, Dumitru, Vasile, Andrei, Constantin, Adrian, Alexandru, Ilie, Matei, Mircea, Teodor etc.
red seam is for infantry units officers, other types have other colors e.g. black for artillery.
if you want names pm me. Radoslav you may find a few but is very likely serbian.
Most common male first names : Gheorghe, Ion, Radu, Dan, Vlad, Mihai, Dumitru, Vasile, Andrei, Constantin, Adrian, Alexandru, Ilie, Matei, Mircea, Teodor etc.
well, Ivan is not Romanian either but you could say the character has some russian blood in his veins, makes him even more exotic.
the equivalent for Ivan, John etc. is Ion or Ioan, or, far less often Jean (as in french).
hope this post was of some help.
the equivalent for Ivan, John etc. is Ion or Ioan, or, far less often Jean (as in french).
hope this post was of some help.
Yeah thanks, when generally straying from French, German, Polish or Russian names (especially Romanian) I found it exceedlingly hard to come up with names. Yes, Ivan is a Russian, and sorry bout Radislav...best I could do! Thanks for your post, as I can now do better!
Thanks for your post, as I can now do better! 
Chapter 2
Location: Army Training Grounds, 2 Km North of Beltsy
"Again."
With a heave, and a shout, the recruits slashed forwards with their bayonets into the sandbags before them. There were four rows of them, each with a dozen men. Their plain, drab olive coloured uniforms and military caps were dirtied and rotten after a day of hard work, and their bayonets barely glinted. They were carrying old rifles, which displeased me greatly. The technology for basic service rifles which many other countries had in their possession eluded our fair nation. I sighed.
"Once more."
With their final strength, they charged forward and rammed the knives into the bags, leaving piles of sand in the field.
"Good. Hit the barracks lads, and fall in for PT in 7 minutes. I shall be along shortly."
Many were wiping sweat off their brows, even in the cold February evening. I donned my fur greatcoat and slid into the military jeep parked just off the training field. I started the ignition and passed the troops on their way to the barracks. Fine boys I thought, though they could use some teaching from the master...No. it was too early for him to get these kids. They would crack like twigs and he would show no remorse. No, some things are better left for later.
This division was the first of two arriving in 1938. The economy was improved, and the people were in fine spirits. An election had re-elected the government for another term. Public opinion was high, and the democracy was prevailing in troubling times. The Head of State had been secretly conducting negotiations with the Nazi Germans, to enter an alliance, but were put down each time. The Spanish Civil War was of no shock to me, but hte absolute victory of the Nationalists was. Still, my thoughts lingered on my own nation, on Romania. She still sorely lacked efficient ways to make war. Outdated equipments and a lacklustre economy was driving people away, yet for those who remained hope was high. Perhaps there was a way to bolster the Army.
I had convinced the higher-ups to hold a discussion. The Navy and Air Force were pushed into the shadows. Neither would receive any new funding. This wasn't so shocking, as Romania had only one destroyer division. It's Air Force had four wings, yet none were at full strength. Te transports were scrapped, and the pilots sent to military academies across the nation. Hopes for a revitalized Army were expected.
"Shit." I said to myself, trying to straighten my collar.
"Relax, it's only a parade." said my good friend, Alexie, a Colonel in my division. "Your more nervous than a virgin on her first time."
"Your right. I guess I should concentrate more on not falling on my ass when were walking in front of the leader, huh?" I snorted.
"Just shut up and walk." he laughed.
The band ahead of us had struck up a lively tune, the Romanian anthem, and started down the roadway. I, with several senior staff officers, marched right behind, carrying ceremonial blades, which were pointed in the same direction as our feet. I heard the regiment start up behind us. Their crisp uniforms, as I had checked earlier, were a sight to see. Boots polished to a shine, and helmets held high, by men standing proud and tall. Rifles were held in the left arm, bayonets fixed and the right arm swung stiffly to and fro. In unison, the soldiers began goose-stepping, as foreigners had dubbed it, and proudly marched into sight of the crowd. Thousands were present. The Romanian flag was gallantly swinging from every rooftop is sight, and along the route. Men and women cheered. Children laughed with joy. THe leaders, and cabinet members, watched solemnly from a platform, with higher ranking generals saluting beside them. The men, in one swift motion, cocked their heads sideways to regard the President. Behind our regiment, a cavalry regiment steadily advanced, followed by the lone Romanian armoured corp, which in turn led several more infantry divisions. It was a sight, especially the way the kids marvelled at the passing tanks. The gunners saluted the politicians, and the artillery lumbered by. Many supplies were used, but public opinion was up, dissent was down, and people felt renewed patriotism. It was marvellous.Then, in a final display, the Romanian Air Force flew overhead, while a final rendition of the anthem played again. With squinted eyes, the crowd looked up to view the flawless formations of fighters escorting bombers. When it was all over People and soldiers alike, were swept away into celebration, and I gave leave to the men for a night. They deserved to go out and get laid for a change, rather than hike up a mountain. THey laughed and revelled. The parties lasted for hours and many men were found unconscious or drunk in ditches the next day, but for the grand ceremony which had just transpired, I held no grudges. War was on the horizon, and for many, the opportunity would never come again.
Location: Army Training Grounds, 2 Km North of Beltsy
"Again."
With a heave, and a shout, the recruits slashed forwards with their bayonets into the sandbags before them. There were four rows of them, each with a dozen men. Their plain, drab olive coloured uniforms and military caps were dirtied and rotten after a day of hard work, and their bayonets barely glinted. They were carrying old rifles, which displeased me greatly. The technology for basic service rifles which many other countries had in their possession eluded our fair nation. I sighed.
"Once more."
With their final strength, they charged forward and rammed the knives into the bags, leaving piles of sand in the field.
"Good. Hit the barracks lads, and fall in for PT in 7 minutes. I shall be along shortly."
Many were wiping sweat off their brows, even in the cold February evening. I donned my fur greatcoat and slid into the military jeep parked just off the training field. I started the ignition and passed the troops on their way to the barracks. Fine boys I thought, though they could use some teaching from the master...No. it was too early for him to get these kids. They would crack like twigs and he would show no remorse. No, some things are better left for later.
This division was the first of two arriving in 1938. The economy was improved, and the people were in fine spirits. An election had re-elected the government for another term. Public opinion was high, and the democracy was prevailing in troubling times. The Head of State had been secretly conducting negotiations with the Nazi Germans, to enter an alliance, but were put down each time. The Spanish Civil War was of no shock to me, but hte absolute victory of the Nationalists was. Still, my thoughts lingered on my own nation, on Romania. She still sorely lacked efficient ways to make war. Outdated equipments and a lacklustre economy was driving people away, yet for those who remained hope was high. Perhaps there was a way to bolster the Army.
I had convinced the higher-ups to hold a discussion. The Navy and Air Force were pushed into the shadows. Neither would receive any new funding. This wasn't so shocking, as Romania had only one destroyer division. It's Air Force had four wings, yet none were at full strength. Te transports were scrapped, and the pilots sent to military academies across the nation. Hopes for a revitalized Army were expected.
"Shit." I said to myself, trying to straighten my collar.
"Relax, it's only a parade." said my good friend, Alexie, a Colonel in my division. "Your more nervous than a virgin on her first time."
"Your right. I guess I should concentrate more on not falling on my ass when were walking in front of the leader, huh?" I snorted.
"Just shut up and walk." he laughed.
The band ahead of us had struck up a lively tune, the Romanian anthem, and started down the roadway. I, with several senior staff officers, marched right behind, carrying ceremonial blades, which were pointed in the same direction as our feet. I heard the regiment start up behind us. Their crisp uniforms, as I had checked earlier, were a sight to see. Boots polished to a shine, and helmets held high, by men standing proud and tall. Rifles were held in the left arm, bayonets fixed and the right arm swung stiffly to and fro. In unison, the soldiers began goose-stepping, as foreigners had dubbed it, and proudly marched into sight of the crowd. Thousands were present. The Romanian flag was gallantly swinging from every rooftop is sight, and along the route. Men and women cheered. Children laughed with joy. THe leaders, and cabinet members, watched solemnly from a platform, with higher ranking generals saluting beside them. The men, in one swift motion, cocked their heads sideways to regard the President. Behind our regiment, a cavalry regiment steadily advanced, followed by the lone Romanian armoured corp, which in turn led several more infantry divisions. It was a sight, especially the way the kids marvelled at the passing tanks. The gunners saluted the politicians, and the artillery lumbered by. Many supplies were used, but public opinion was up, dissent was down, and people felt renewed patriotism. It was marvellous.Then, in a final display, the Romanian Air Force flew overhead, while a final rendition of the anthem played again. With squinted eyes, the crowd looked up to view the flawless formations of fighters escorting bombers. When it was all over People and soldiers alike, were swept away into celebration, and I gave leave to the men for a night. They deserved to go out and get laid for a change, rather than hike up a mountain. THey laughed and revelled. The parties lasted for hours and many men were found unconscious or drunk in ditches the next day, but for the grand ceremony which had just transpired, I held no grudges. War was on the horizon, and for many, the opportunity would never come again.
Chapter 3
Location: Berlin, Germany
A sudden gust of wind hit me in the face and almoSt removed my cap from my grasp. This was one of the coldest winters in Berlin as I hear from the locals, so all of a sudden I was homesick for the comparible warmth of Romania at this time. THe buildings grew tall here, and the paved streets were all alive with automobiles and vendors selling their wares. The local paper had streaming headlines about the diplomatic actions and events around the world, but more importantly, the developments in Germany herself. I passed a young boy and quietly asked for a copy of the paper, which he quickly handed out. I added more money than I needed to, as I felt bad for his plight in this weather. I hurried into a local hotel lobby to keep safe fro mthe dreadful weather, and to read the headlines, which was, as I had forgotten, in German. Damn, I thought, all for nothing. I folded the paper and headed out once more, and another strong wind blew more snow into my face. It was if God Himself was against me.
Berlin was truly a majestical city, with an abundance of culture, wealth, and as opposed to Western propaganda, the Germans were actually a friendly people as far as I could tell, though my undrstanding of their language was limited to 'hello' and goodbye'. The stone buildings and streets, busy sidewalks and cars for almost everyone in the city was amazing to me. No such things existed in this amount in Bucharest, or anywhere in Romania. Swastikas were held high over every building and draped from all balconies in Berlin. Loudspeakers on all street corners broadcast Hitler's messages of glory, or so I was told by a passerby who spoke Romanian. I was wearing my full military uniform, so stuck out in this city, but no one seemed to mind. I was welcomed and waited patiently for the ambassador and rest of his entourage to emerge from the Reichstag.
A few hours later, the deals were done. The ambassador stormed out of the building and never spoke a word to me, or anyone else, just kept a scowl on his face for the ride to the airfield, and the flight back to Romania. Finally, he told us who had not gone in the Germans had not accepted our alliance proposals, again. This was the fifth time and the politicians were looking towards the Soviets more now. But, still, I held out hope we could join the Axis. It was after all, glorious and I wanted to be on the winning side when the war started. Romanians would not let the government join the Comintern, as there was bad blood. THe Allies were weak and divided. THe Axis was strong, and so laid our hopes for the future.
It was 1939, and the Germans had demanded Danzig from the Poles. Surprisingly enough, the Polish didn't go along and rejected. We were shocked. Would the Allies actually show some sort of guts and stand up to fight?
Location: Berlin, Germany
A sudden gust of wind hit me in the face and almoSt removed my cap from my grasp. This was one of the coldest winters in Berlin as I hear from the locals, so all of a sudden I was homesick for the comparible warmth of Romania at this time. THe buildings grew tall here, and the paved streets were all alive with automobiles and vendors selling their wares. The local paper had streaming headlines about the diplomatic actions and events around the world, but more importantly, the developments in Germany herself. I passed a young boy and quietly asked for a copy of the paper, which he quickly handed out. I added more money than I needed to, as I felt bad for his plight in this weather. I hurried into a local hotel lobby to keep safe fro mthe dreadful weather, and to read the headlines, which was, as I had forgotten, in German. Damn, I thought, all for nothing. I folded the paper and headed out once more, and another strong wind blew more snow into my face. It was if God Himself was against me.
Berlin was truly a majestical city, with an abundance of culture, wealth, and as opposed to Western propaganda, the Germans were actually a friendly people as far as I could tell, though my undrstanding of their language was limited to 'hello' and goodbye'. The stone buildings and streets, busy sidewalks and cars for almost everyone in the city was amazing to me. No such things existed in this amount in Bucharest, or anywhere in Romania. Swastikas were held high over every building and draped from all balconies in Berlin. Loudspeakers on all street corners broadcast Hitler's messages of glory, or so I was told by a passerby who spoke Romanian. I was wearing my full military uniform, so stuck out in this city, but no one seemed to mind. I was welcomed and waited patiently for the ambassador and rest of his entourage to emerge from the Reichstag.
A few hours later, the deals were done. The ambassador stormed out of the building and never spoke a word to me, or anyone else, just kept a scowl on his face for the ride to the airfield, and the flight back to Romania. Finally, he told us who had not gone in the Germans had not accepted our alliance proposals, again. This was the fifth time and the politicians were looking towards the Soviets more now. But, still, I held out hope we could join the Axis. It was after all, glorious and I wanted to be on the winning side when the war started. Romanians would not let the government join the Comintern, as there was bad blood. THe Allies were weak and divided. THe Axis was strong, and so laid our hopes for the future.
It was 1939, and the Germans had demanded Danzig from the Poles. Surprisingly enough, the Polish didn't go along and rejected. We were shocked. Would the Allies actually show some sort of guts and stand up to fight?
"[...] the politicians were looking towards the Soviets more now."
This is only a game, but pre WWII Romania looking towards the Soviets might have been quite a disturbing thought to any politician of that era. Only Nicolae Titulescu (foreign minister) attempted to normalise relations and sign a treaty with the Soviet Union which would have guaranteed Romania's eastern border, but when news of this came out the public outrage forced him to resign.
Nice story though, although I have to agree with the name problem ; )
Cheers!!
Laur
This is only a game, but pre WWII Romania looking towards the Soviets might have been quite a disturbing thought to any politician of that era. Only Nicolae Titulescu (foreign minister) attempted to normalise relations and sign a treaty with the Soviet Union which would have guaranteed Romania's eastern border, but when news of this came out the public outrage forced him to resign.
Nice story though, although I have to agree with the name problem ; )
Cheers!!
Laur
As the plane skidded to a halt in Bucharest I took a look outside of the nearest window. Snow. Christ, I thought, not again. I straightened my jacket and adjusted my cap. The Head of State's entourage was outside, waiting in nice Mercedes Benz automobiles, just waiting to hear a status report. We climbed out, the ambassador, and accompanying military men. I grimaced at the thought of the officers explaining to the leader about their fifth failure.
"So, Constantin, how went the meeting with Ribbentrop?" the joyous politician asked the diplomat. "I trust everything went well..." he trailed off, expectantly.
"Well, Sir, the Germans, well, don't wish for an alliance right now but..." and with that he trailed off.
The look on the leaders face said it all. It was a mix of hate, rage and utter disbelief. His face was beat red.
The politician went over to the driver of one of the cars and whispered something in his ear. The driver nodded.
"Well, Constantin, we can't win all the time, eh? Here, take the seat and we will discuss more in the capitol." and with that, he went to his presidential automobile.
"That wasn't so bad, was it?" he asked me.
I shrugged.
He got into the car in front of me and the cars pulled out, six in a row. I was in the fifth car.
THe trail of cars billowed dust from the dirt road. I had admired the paved roads of Germany, now longed for them here in Romania. All in good time I suppose. THe snow was faltering now, and the conditions were improving. I could almost see the sun from behind the clouds. Then, something peculiar occured.
"Driver," I said. "What's he doing?"
The fourth car pulled out of the line and headed into an open field next to the road. THe others pulled onto the shoulder. THe car kept driving for another hundred metres or so away from us, and I could faintly hear a car door opening. There was a muffled cry, and a single, piercing gunshot.
The Head of State grunted his satisfaction and the cars once again continued their journey. My face was pale. The driver smirked.
"And so is the price of failure..."
"So, Constantin, how went the meeting with Ribbentrop?" the joyous politician asked the diplomat. "I trust everything went well..." he trailed off, expectantly.
"Well, Sir, the Germans, well, don't wish for an alliance right now but..." and with that he trailed off.
The look on the leaders face said it all. It was a mix of hate, rage and utter disbelief. His face was beat red.
The politician went over to the driver of one of the cars and whispered something in his ear. The driver nodded.
"Well, Constantin, we can't win all the time, eh? Here, take the seat and we will discuss more in the capitol." and with that, he went to his presidential automobile.
"That wasn't so bad, was it?" he asked me.
I shrugged.
He got into the car in front of me and the cars pulled out, six in a row. I was in the fifth car.
THe trail of cars billowed dust from the dirt road. I had admired the paved roads of Germany, now longed for them here in Romania. All in good time I suppose. THe snow was faltering now, and the conditions were improving. I could almost see the sun from behind the clouds. Then, something peculiar occured.
"Driver," I said. "What's he doing?"
The fourth car pulled out of the line and headed into an open field next to the road. THe others pulled onto the shoulder. THe car kept driving for another hundred metres or so away from us, and I could faintly hear a car door opening. There was a muffled cry, and a single, piercing gunshot.
The Head of State grunted his satisfaction and the cars once again continued their journey. My face was pale. The driver smirked.
"And so is the price of failure..."
Of course, but that's because Russians refused to accept the borders. But let's not disturb Don with these problems, I like the commando style he employs and this is alternate history anyway.
Wasn't just the borders. It was also the fear of communism. Even though the Romanian communist party was a joke (less than 1000 members until 1944), the Red Scare and the antisemitism (very much connected with the hate of everything red) was such that it could fuel the success of extreme right movements like the Christian League of National Defense (led by A.C. Cuza), the National-Agrarian Party of Octavian Goga and last, but not least, the Iron Guard which became the third political party by 1937.
To this one might add the paranoia of the mainstream political parties, the National Peasantists (who paradoxically allied with the Ploughmen's Front -the name under which the communists entered the 1927 elections- only to put the army on the striking workers in 1930 and 1933 and ally with the Legion in 1937, and the National Liberals).
There was absolutely no way in which Romania of the 1930's would fight a World War side by side with the Red Army.
Cheers!!
Laur
To this one might add the paranoia of the mainstream political parties, the National Peasantists (who paradoxically allied with the Ploughmen's Front -the name under which the communists entered the 1927 elections- only to put the army on the striking workers in 1930 and 1933 and ally with the Legion in 1937, and the National Liberals).
There was absolutely no way in which Romania of the 1930's would fight a World War side by side with the Red Army.
Cheers!!
Laur
There was no reason for Romania to ally with USSR but if USSR would have accepted a treaty recognizing explicetely the borders there would have been no reason to join an alliance directed against USSR either. The political influence of USSR in Romania was tiny while the allies' was huge, influence being a mild word. In time Germany's influence grew either. Romania couldn't fight on both fronts simultaneously and, as the events proved, the servitude of all political parties to one or other foreign interest was suicidal. When the time came Romania was alone and had to accept terrible territorial losses. I don't think Romania would have joined the Axis either but this was the only opportunity to gain back Basarabia from Russia. Nevertheless, Antonescu maintained a large part of the army ready to attack Hungary when the situation would become favorable and never lost an opportunity to demand Hitler to cancel the Vienna Diktat, that is the support for Hungary. By and large, the pre-war political parties were such a curse that the Antonescu regime proved, by comparison, an extremely efficient government, despite the massive war effort.
If an agreement with Russia could have been signed in 1934 the public opinion wouldn't have objected, dislike for the communist system was a fact but mattered only as an internal issue. If USSR would have guaranteed the Romanian state before the Vienna Diktat as Germany did after the same event, it is quite possible Romania would have rejected Hungarian demands and went to war with Hungary and Germany. And then a de facto alliance with Russia could have been a strong probability. The Ribbentrop-Molotov secret agreements prevented such a possibility not the idiotic political parties.
Arghhh! All these Romanians! Argghhh....
Sorry, my Romanian history tends to get fuzzy, as with most countries besides my backgrounds...anyways...though I did mention this alliance with Russia, I think the next phrase stated the strained relations and unlikelyhood of that, and continued support of the Axis, but maybe I didn't. I'm glad people enjoy it though.
Sorry, my Romanian history tends to get fuzzy, as with most countries besides my backgrounds...anyways...though I did mention this alliance with Russia, I think the next phrase stated the strained relations and unlikelyhood of that, and continued support of the Axis, but maybe I didn't. I'm glad people enjoy it though.