Those wacky Italians and their strange notion of a submarine fleet arm!
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Glad you're making your way through the back-catalogue! One advantage with catching up on a longer AAR is the ability to keep the flow going and maintain track of events, I've found. Perse becomes even more integral to the story and the Turks as time wears on. Kaya and Ogel are always good for a few laughs (and tears, and apoplexy tablets). And yes, the Italian fleet has taken a terrible pounding: one of the more active things the British have done. Finally, the slaughter of brave Turkish troops from the air is simply intolerable! But is there anything we can realistically do about it?Just completed Chapter 96. I am delighted that Persephone is making herself so indispensable.
I will note that the matter of Turkish citizenship can surely be sorted out whenever the government desires to do so
I loved the Cabinet meeting and the arguments of espionage allocations from leaderships, and the tussling over SITH. Kaya had a good meeting suddenly turn into a very bad meeting.
It seems that quite a considerable portion of the Italian fleet has now been relocated to the sea floor.
The enemy air force is proving quite annoying.
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The first instalment for 1942 is approaching readiness for publication, so I'll do some more replies to correspondence. For the post-war Turkish military discussion, I'll take it as read for now. I followed with interest, but will for now concentrate on the immediate term just to keep myself moving through things. Don't let that hinder any similar discussions, though!
Apart from in-game victory conditions, Malaya and Singapore (as in RL) do have lots of natural and strategic resources and a crucial geographic location. Japan always seems to attack them in HOI3.
GENCO's preparations for expansion into southern Italy features a little in the next update. Afloat? Nice!
No, Turkey has not lost any ships since the game began. Only one or two serious battles, otherwise I've nursed my little fleet pretty carefully.
Yes, I suspect the Canada fixation will persist, I just hope they can do more than that with their army!
And oh, how I lament not having the same British AI in this game as in the French one! France would never have fallen for starters, not with the SU and Turkey attacking furiously from the east!
Last time I looked, most of the British Army was indeed in England. Just a few more in Africa would make all the difference - especially armour and MOT troops.
For TAC, with another wing of Yak-4s on the way (and some CAS), I'm waiting for some US air equipment upgrades before ordering some more. And I'm methodically pursuing the CAV techs so (as HOI3 quaintly requires) so I can at least do domestic upgrades to MOT for selected units.
Ciccio had it coming a long time. And very painful being stabbed in one's estate (fortified or not)!
Thanks for all the comments and support, another update out soon (I do want to keep pushing through, to get the war progressing to whatever it's conclusion will be).
I suspect Siberia is safe from US invasion. Normally, almost everything is. Even the stuff we want them to attack!
Apart from in-game victory conditions, Malaya and Singapore (as in RL) do have lots of natural and strategic resources and a crucial geographic location. Japan always seems to attack them in HOI3.
GENCO's preparations for expansion into southern Italy features a little in the next update. Afloat? Nice!
No, Turkey has not lost any ships since the game began. Only one or two serious battles, otherwise I've nursed my little fleet pretty carefully.
Yes, I suspect the Canada fixation will persist, I just hope they can do more than that with their army!
And oh, how I lament not having the same British AI in this game as in the French one!
France would never have fallen for starters, not with the SU and Turkey attacking furiously from the east!Never played HOI2 and have forgotten how it was with HOI1. There is a large amount of releasable countries you can puppet if you want to (see the earlier referenced Quick & Dirty French game for some examples), but I'm not sure what there is in the Far East (in that game, it was still under Japanese control when it finished).
Last time I looked, most of the British Army was indeed in England. Just a few more in Africa would make all the difference - especially armour and MOT troops.
Well, good to be cautious in that system. Just like Hitler seemed to be maniacally over-confident on the other side! Let's hope we can keep things on an even keel - the Fascists are by no means finished with us yet!
You will see some of the initial procurement decisions begin with the next update and many of your conclusions gel with those of the UGNR's War Ministry. Which ones and in what order I will not yet reveal, though.
For TAC, with another wing of Yak-4s on the way (and some CAS), I'm waiting for some US air equipment upgrades before ordering some more. And I'm methodically pursuing the CAV techs so (as HOI3 quaintly requires) so I can at least do domestic upgrades to MOT for selected units.You will see an update of the Asian diplomatic situation in the next update.
I have no great expectations for the Pacific Theatre. Japan traditionally wipes SEA and often Australia as well when it's the AIs running things there, so ...
The Express is very busy in January - a few more cars need to be added!
Ciccio had it coming a long time. And very painful being stabbed in one's estate (fortified or not)! I will see if I have to start suggesting more Pacific objectives to the Americans, but would rather steer clear of that for now and - like our friend @Eurasia - see what the AIs do by themselves.
Ah, very well said! Vur ha!
Yes, ones that are only able to submerge.Those wacky Italians and their strange notion of a submarine fleet arm!
Thanks for all the comments and support, another update out soon (I do want to keep pushing through, to get the war progressing to whatever it's conclusion will be).
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Chapter 158: Axis All Areas (1 to 16 January 1942)
Chapter 158: Axis All Areas (1 to 16 January 1942)
The attacks on Pozega, Danilovgrad and Velico Gradiste that commenced on 31 December continue as another year of the Second Great War begins.
1 Jan 42
One of the reports in President Inönü’s “midnight dispatch pack” was a summary from the Foreign Ministry about the diplomatic situation in Asia. Xibei San Ma was fully aligned with the Axis but had not yet joined it. Of the three main uncommitted powers of relevance to the Far Eastern Front, Axis influence was heavily at work in two of them. Sinkiang was for now drifting appreciably towards the Comintern, but still remained closer to the Axis in alignment.
The main decision the President and 'dual-hatted' War (Armament) Minister had to make was on the next round of major license purchases. In this case, he went first to the more manpower-intensive ground forces, in two capabilities he wished to develop to support the hoped-for future offensive phase of the war. Two more marine brigades would be trained, one after the other, to eventually constitute the first Turkish Marine Division. And the armoured enthusiasts rejoiced with another order of IS-2s. The recent tangle with German Tigers on the Yeniçeri Line had reinforced the need to ‘keep up with the Johanns’.
A small excess of industrial capacity would be temporarily invested in supply production.
In the Secret War, a Turkish spy team in Italy was neutralised by Slovakian agents assisting their Axis partners, but another Italian team was also taken down. This left Turkey with nine teams and the Italians five – and an undetermined number of Axis supporters.
2 Jan 42
On the evening of 2 January, another Italian landing attempt on Chalkida was reported. They clearly had an obsession with landing there to try to outflank Athens. A Romanian destroyer flotilla was in position and presumably contesting the landing, but there was no direct report on the size of the Italian naval force. Admiral Üngen set off with the fleet in his mighty flagship TCG Yavuz to contest this cheeky invasion attempt.
They arrived in the Central Aegean Sea at 11pm that night but, although the invasion was reported to be continuing, they could not find any Italian ships there.
Pacific Theatre: OTL. Japanese forces entered Manila.
3 Jan 42
The 1st Fleet’s interception orders permitted them to scout around in the neighbourhood and they were able to find some enemy ships early that morning to the north, though it was unclear if they were the same as those who were attempting the invasion of Chalkida [which the display still showed as occurring from the Central Aegean].
The Italian ships managed to break contact at 6am: the battle had been won and presumably some more damage had been done to the enemy, but none of the transports were sunk in the night battle. Üngen then moved the fleet back to the Central Aegean, where it would stay this time. It looked like the British were helping out in some form there, but there were no details.
An hour before the Turkish fleet was due to arrive, at 9am the Romanian destroyer flotilla (which had stayed in the Central Aegean) reported the Chalkida invasion attempt was over.
Later that day, Inönü received the latest update from the three battles still continuing, which had all started early on the morning of 31 December the previous year. Pozega was well out of danger, with only one worn-out German division still in the fight. The German river-crossing attack on Velico Gradiste continued, with the German 71st Infantry Division now badly disorganised: the defenders were barely inconvenienced. But in Danilovgrad, the enemy were slowly prevailing, despite determined resistance from the two Soviet divisions there.
By this time, the US had one airborne and two marine divisions stationed in Rhodes, together with a wing of CAS and three of TAC, plus a transport wing.
4 Jan 42
The taste of Inönü’s breakfast was improved greatly by news that the Germans had finally been defeated in Pozega, suffering double the casualties of the defenders. Vur ha!
The other two battles continued.
5 Jan 42
In the late morning, MAJGEN Shevchenko reported from Danilovgrad that the enemy had begun to assault recklessly to force the long battle (now well over five days in duration) to a conclusion. The pressure was telling on 12 SD, which had suffered heavy casualties and was nearing the end of its tether - but they fought on bravely.
The first of the response brigades (militia railed in from Tehran) reach the Afghan border at Birjand that evening, but the militiamen would take some days to reorganise after their long train trip.
By 10pm, the plight of 12 SD in Danilovgrad had worsened: they were withdrawn to Kolasin while they still had some fight left in them, to begin their recovery. 97 SD was left in place to continue the delay, but they too would eventually be withdrawn before forced to route.
---xxx---
6 Jan 42
The Axis stopped attacking recklessly just after midnight, switching to a more deliberate (but still very effective) assault [+25% damage] on Danilovgrad. The Germans continued with their river crossing attempt at Velico Gradiste as the remaining battles entered their seventh day of fighting.
News Report: Washington D.C., US. President Franklin D. Roosevelt gave the State of the Union Address to Congress. "In fulfilling my duty to report upon the State of the Union, I am proud to say to you that the spirit of the American people was never higher than it is today - the Union was never more closely knit together - this country was never more deeply determined to face the solemn tasks before it", the President began. "The response of the American people has been instantaneous, and it will be sustained until our security is assured ... We have not been stunned. We have not been terrified or confused. This very reassembling of the Seventy-seventh Congress today is proof of that; for the mood of quiet, grim resolution which here prevails bodes ill for those who conspired and collaborated to murder world peace. That mood is stronger than any mere desire for revenge. It expresses the will of the American people to make very certain that the world will never so suffer again."
President Roosevelt delivers the 1942 State of the Union Address to Congress, 6 January 1942.
7 Jan 41
With the fight for Danilovgrad entering its eight day, early that morning the Axis attempted a masterful breakthrough, to which Shevchenko responded with delay tactics. He was doing his best, but the net effect was still in the attackers’ favour [net effects of the rival tactics combined of +10% attack damage, -20% defender damage, +35% attacker speed; battle odds to 76% in the attackers’ favour].
By 11am, the attackers were beginning to show some wear and tear, but the odds were deteriorating more rapidly for 97 SD, which was withdrawn to prevent further needless loss of life. The defenders had suffered more losses than the attackers, but a significant price in terms of manpower and delay had been imposed on the enemy, with honour satisfied. 97 SD was were sent south to the mountains of Podgorica to begin its recovery, where the famed 1 Mtn Div led the defence.
Two hours later there was much better news, with the Germans ceasing their futile attempt to force the Danube at Velico Gradiste after suffering very heavy casualties.
One notable feature of the ground fighting so far in January was that not a single air raid had been conducted on Comintern forces in the Turkish sector of the line since the last dogfight at the end of December. They were either still recovering or had been tasked elsewhere.
Eastern Front: OTL. The Battle of Moscow ended in strategic Soviet victory. Joseph Stalin ordered a general offensive along the entire front, over his generals' recommendations that he concentrate his forces.
8 Jan 42
At midnight, new license bids became available. A landing craft squadron was ordered from the US, to complement the marine division being assembled. It would be quite costly to produce due to the lack of shipbuilding experience in Turkey at that time.
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10 Jan 42
The espionage situation in Italy remained fairly favourable [Turkey 10, Italy 4], while the latest spate of license bids and associated diplomatic efforts was decreasing the supply of diplomatic staff in Aras’ Foreign Ministry. Some effort was therefore switched back from espionage to diplomatic training.
---xxx---
11 Jan 42
As the Axis moved down towards Podgorica, the capital of the Montenegrin GNR, the terrain there was reviewed. It was confirmed that despite the Morača and Ribnica rivers flowing through it, they would not provide a meaningful obstacle to troops attacking from the north or north-west. The defenders would have to rely on the benefits of the mountain terrain and entrenchment.
Adzi-pasa's Bridge over the Ribnica River, Podgorica, January 1942. According to combat engineers, the river was not a large enough obstacle to hinder enemy operations, unfortunately.
12 SD arrived in Kolasin late that night, having already recovered some of their fighting strength on the retreat. Given, the abundance of Comintern troops in or behind Kolasin in reserve positions, plus the assessment of Podgorica’s defences and the extra time it would take to get reinforcements there, 12 SD was sent on south to reinforce the defence of Podgorica. 97 SD, already retreating there, would take some time yet to recover from its recent exertions.
Pacific Theatre: OTL. The Battle of Kuala Lumpur was fought, with the city falling to the Japanese.
12 Jan 42
Unwelcome news came from eastern Iran at midnight: poorly-armed rebels had taken over Zahedan, on the south of the border with Afghanistan. The militia brigade in Birjand was sent to deal with them (past battles had found even a single militia brigade should have no problems suppressing (er, liberating) the locals. 1/13 Inf Bde had by then also arrived in Birjand: it was sent into Afghanistan itself, first to Shindand and then, if the circumstances permitted, it could strike north to seize Herat [one of the two Afghan VP locations].
The small excess of production capacity [around 2 IC on average day-by-day] was used to start the production of materials for another airbase upgrade.
The Foreign Ministry, in response to a request for information, reported that Mexico was currently aligned quite closely to the Allies, but was drifting slightly towards the Comintern [2.30 to the Comintern, 1.48 to the Axis, 0.68 to the Allies. I wish I could ask the US to influence them directly!]
The Italian alpini division occupied Danilovgrad at 7am: the last of the Soviet ‘screening’ positions had been taken by the Axis, which now pressed up along the main Yeniçeri Line at all points along the front.
13 Jan 42
Aviation News: OTL. In the United States, the Sikorsky R-4 helicopter had its first flight, while Heinkel test pilot Helmut Schenck became the first person to escape from an aircraft using an ejection seat when his control surfaces iced up and became inoperative.
14 Jan 42
Luca Brasi was visiting his olive grove to inspect the quality of the latest batch. With the impending large expansion into Sicily, he wanted to ensure they can keep up both the quantity and quality of production.
“Omer,” he calls out to the young lad operating the antiquated press. “Bring me a sample of the latest batch!”
Omer interrupts the progress of the old donkey that is used to power the press, as done since ‘the old days’.
Omer with the donkey-powered olive press. The farm is not exactly up to modern production standards!
“Here, Mr Brasi. A fresh pressing!” He hands Luca a small shot glass of the oil.
Luca takes a sip. “Ach! That is awful. It would choke a sewer rat! Fresh? I think some of the donkey’s shit has made its way into the pressing! That's the only thing 'fresh' about it.”
Luca Brasi after sipping some of the ‘donkey-adulterated’ olive oil. “That’s horrible. Gimme a glass of limoncello, quick! I need a good digestive after that.”
Once he had managed to finish coughing and got the terrible taste out his mouth, he summoned his foreman and ground a beefy finger into his chest.
“Listen, wise guy. We need a new press – pronto! If it’s not installed by the end of the week, you will be in the next pressing. Comprendere?”
“Yes, sir, Mr Brasi, sir.” The man scampered away. The new press was brought in and installed the next day!
The new GENCO olive press. Soon they will be ready for the big expansion into southern Italy!
15 Jan 42
Yet another reported Italian attempt to invade Chalkida began at 5am. Once more, the 1st Fleet set out to disrupt the landings.
In combination with the Romanian destroyers who patrolled this area diligently, the fleet struck an unescorted Italian transport flotilla at 11am. By 2pm the action was over – with the whole Italian squadron sent to the bottom! Presumably with all the invading troops aboard. Excellent!
The Turkish fleet returned to port in Izmir. No need to waste fuel or make a target of themselves patrolling the Aegean. And if the Italians wanted to keep sending unescorted transports there to be sunk, Üngen was happy to oblige them!
And in very interesting and welcome news, one of the US Marine divisions stationed in Rhodes was sent to Athens – as an expeditionary force! Turkey now had its first marine capability early. If any more followed and were matched up with the Turkish marines already under training, there would be a nice little amphibious capability available later in 1942!
---xxx---
16 Jan 42
97 SD arrived in Podgorica at 7am on 16 January – out of supply and somewhat the worse for wear after their retreat from Danilovgrad, having suffered almost 30% casualties in recent fighting! With those German heavy panzers approaching, the added support of 12 SD would be welcome.
---xxx---
Summary Reports
That afternoon, the Milli Şef called for mid-month reports on what was happening in Romania and more widely in the war. The Axis had made two advances, in the north near Iasi and in the south beneath Brasov - which was beginning to look isolated. The heavy enemy action south of Brasov was of some concern, threatening the Turkish right flank as it did and aimed like a dagger at Ploiesti and Bucharest to the south-east.
On the wider Patriotic Front, the Axis had advanced in a few areas, with no territory having been taken by Comintern forces. The Germans seemed to be slowly trying to retake the initiative against the Soviets in Russia itself.
In Egypt, the Italians had struck west, south of Cairo, and had reached the Suez Canal again as Ras Gárib. Although, on a happier note, the British had managed to retake Alexandria.
In South East Asia, the Burma front was steady, but the Japanese had either made a supplementary landing in north-west Malaya or had advanced from the Thai border and had broken out rapidly. They also continued to make progress in the Philippines.
There were no detailed reports of troop dispositions, but the large chunk of territory in Malaya occupied by the Japanese indicated the British must be in deep trouble. The rich resources of Malaya and Singapore may all soon be in Japanese hands.
In Luzon, the Japanese had made steady progress since 1 January against the Filipino and American defenders, though Clark Field and Manila remained in Comintern hands.
There had been little movement on the Soviet Far Eastern Front, with some small advances by the Japanese and their puppets in the western sector.
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Coming Up: Will the modest Axis resurgence continue? Can anything halt the Japanese advance in Malaya? Can the British hold the Suez from the latest Italian offensive? In the Balkans, will Romania blunt the latest Axis attacks? And will the enemy make another attempt to breach the Yeniçeri-Danube Line? Has a milder than usual winter [my rationalisation of the ‘no General Winter event’] allowed the Germans to recover their mojo in Russia? Will there be a Comintern Spring Offensive in 1942 – or will it be the Germans once more on the attack, as the war in the Far East diverts Soviet attention? What has been happening with the Midnight Express in Turkey? Will there be any more sign of the Thorn – or his accomplices?
The attacks on Pozega, Danilovgrad and Velico Gradiste that commenced on 31 December continue as another year of the Second Great War begins.
---xxx---
1 Jan 42
One of the reports in President Inönü’s “midnight dispatch pack” was a summary from the Foreign Ministry about the diplomatic situation in Asia. Xibei San Ma was fully aligned with the Axis but had not yet joined it. Of the three main uncommitted powers of relevance to the Far Eastern Front, Axis influence was heavily at work in two of them. Sinkiang was for now drifting appreciably towards the Comintern, but still remained closer to the Axis in alignment.
A quick tag for research purposes – and because we’ve been fighting against and capturing them – found four spies from Mengkukuo present in Italy at this time and none in Turkey itself. Their ‘send spy priority’ was 1/3 bars; missions were 2/3 counter-espionage and 1/3 support ruling party. Though they were trying to send them there, so some of the ones we’ve been capturing could also be from Turkey itself. But a little later (after some more were captured) Mengkukuo spy strength in Italy was only two, showing either we – and/or others, you never know – have been making inroads against them in Italy.
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2 Jan 42
On the evening of 2 January, another Italian landing attempt on Chalkida was reported. They clearly had an obsession with landing there to try to outflank Athens. A Romanian destroyer flotilla was in position and presumably contesting the landing, but there was no direct report on the size of the Italian naval force. Admiral Üngen set off with the fleet in his mighty flagship TCG Yavuz to contest this cheeky invasion attempt.
Pacific Theatre: OTL. Japanese forces entered Manila.
---xxx---
3 Jan 42
The 1st Fleet’s interception orders permitted them to scout around in the neighbourhood and they were able to find some enemy ships early that morning to the north, though it was unclear if they were the same as those who were attempting the invasion of Chalkida [which the display still showed as occurring from the Central Aegean].
Later that day, Inönü received the latest update from the three battles still continuing, which had all started early on the morning of 31 December the previous year. Pozega was well out of danger, with only one worn-out German division still in the fight. The German river-crossing attack on Velico Gradiste continued, with the German 71st Infantry Division now badly disorganised: the defenders were barely inconvenienced. But in Danilovgrad, the enemy were slowly prevailing, despite determined resistance from the two Soviet divisions there.
---xxx---
4 Jan 42
The taste of Inönü’s breakfast was improved greatly by news that the Germans had finally been defeated in Pozega, suffering double the casualties of the defenders. Vur ha!
---xxx---
5 Jan 42
In the late morning, MAJGEN Shevchenko reported from Danilovgrad that the enemy had begun to assault recklessly to force the long battle (now well over five days in duration) to a conclusion. The pressure was telling on 12 SD, which had suffered heavy casualties and was nearing the end of its tether - but they fought on bravely.
---xxx---
6 Jan 42
The Axis stopped attacking recklessly just after midnight, switching to a more deliberate (but still very effective) assault [+25% damage] on Danilovgrad. The Germans continued with their river crossing attempt at Velico Gradiste as the remaining battles entered their seventh day of fighting.
News Report: Washington D.C., US. President Franklin D. Roosevelt gave the State of the Union Address to Congress. "In fulfilling my duty to report upon the State of the Union, I am proud to say to you that the spirit of the American people was never higher than it is today - the Union was never more closely knit together - this country was never more deeply determined to face the solemn tasks before it", the President began. "The response of the American people has been instantaneous, and it will be sustained until our security is assured ... We have not been stunned. We have not been terrified or confused. This very reassembling of the Seventy-seventh Congress today is proof of that; for the mood of quiet, grim resolution which here prevails bodes ill for those who conspired and collaborated to murder world peace. That mood is stronger than any mere desire for revenge. It expresses the will of the American people to make very certain that the world will never so suffer again."
President Roosevelt delivers the 1942 State of the Union Address to Congress, 6 January 1942.
---xxx---
7 Jan 41
With the fight for Danilovgrad entering its eight day, early that morning the Axis attempted a masterful breakthrough, to which Shevchenko responded with delay tactics. He was doing his best, but the net effect was still in the attackers’ favour [net effects of the rival tactics combined of +10% attack damage, -20% defender damage, +35% attacker speed; battle odds to 76% in the attackers’ favour].
By 11am, the attackers were beginning to show some wear and tear, but the odds were deteriorating more rapidly for 97 SD, which was withdrawn to prevent further needless loss of life. The defenders had suffered more losses than the attackers, but a significant price in terms of manpower and delay had been imposed on the enemy, with honour satisfied. 97 SD was were sent south to the mountains of Podgorica to begin its recovery, where the famed 1 Mtn Div led the defence.
Eastern Front: OTL. The Battle of Moscow ended in strategic Soviet victory. Joseph Stalin ordered a general offensive along the entire front, over his generals' recommendations that he concentrate his forces.
---xxx---
8 Jan 42
At midnight, new license bids became available. A landing craft squadron was ordered from the US, to complement the marine division being assembled. It would be quite costly to produce due to the lack of shipbuilding experience in Turkey at that time.
---xxx---
10 Jan 42
The espionage situation in Italy remained fairly favourable [Turkey 10, Italy 4], while the latest spate of license bids and associated diplomatic efforts was decreasing the supply of diplomatic staff in Aras’ Foreign Ministry. Some effort was therefore switched back from espionage to diplomatic training.
---xxx---
11 Jan 42
As the Axis moved down towards Podgorica, the capital of the Montenegrin GNR, the terrain there was reviewed. It was confirmed that despite the Morača and Ribnica rivers flowing through it, they would not provide a meaningful obstacle to troops attacking from the north or north-west. The defenders would have to rely on the benefits of the mountain terrain and entrenchment.
Adzi-pasa's Bridge over the Ribnica River, Podgorica, January 1942. According to combat engineers, the river was not a large enough obstacle to hinder enemy operations, unfortunately.
12 SD arrived in Kolasin late that night, having already recovered some of their fighting strength on the retreat. Given, the abundance of Comintern troops in or behind Kolasin in reserve positions, plus the assessment of Podgorica’s defences and the extra time it would take to get reinforcements there, 12 SD was sent on south to reinforce the defence of Podgorica. 97 SD, already retreating there, would take some time yet to recover from its recent exertions.
---xxx---
12 Jan 42
Unwelcome news came from eastern Iran at midnight: poorly-armed rebels had taken over Zahedan, on the south of the border with Afghanistan. The militia brigade in Birjand was sent to deal with them (past battles had found even a single militia brigade should have no problems suppressing (er, liberating) the locals. 1/13 Inf Bde had by then also arrived in Birjand: it was sent into Afghanistan itself, first to Shindand and then, if the circumstances permitted, it could strike north to seize Herat [one of the two Afghan VP locations].
The Italian alpini division occupied Danilovgrad at 7am: the last of the Soviet ‘screening’ positions had been taken by the Axis, which now pressed up along the main Yeniçeri Line at all points along the front.
---xxx---
13 Jan 42
Aviation News: OTL. In the United States, the Sikorsky R-4 helicopter had its first flight, while Heinkel test pilot Helmut Schenck became the first person to escape from an aircraft using an ejection seat when his control surfaces iced up and became inoperative.
---xxx---
14 Jan 42
Luca Brasi was visiting his olive grove to inspect the quality of the latest batch. With the impending large expansion into Sicily, he wanted to ensure they can keep up both the quantity and quality of production.
“Omer,” he calls out to the young lad operating the antiquated press. “Bring me a sample of the latest batch!”
Omer interrupts the progress of the old donkey that is used to power the press, as done since ‘the old days’.
Omer with the donkey-powered olive press. The farm is not exactly up to modern production standards!
“Here, Mr Brasi. A fresh pressing!” He hands Luca a small shot glass of the oil.
Luca takes a sip. “Ach! That is awful. It would choke a sewer rat! Fresh? I think some of the donkey’s shit has made its way into the pressing! That's the only thing 'fresh' about it.”
Luca Brasi after sipping some of the ‘donkey-adulterated’ olive oil. “That’s horrible. Gimme a glass of limoncello, quick! I need a good digestive after that.”
Once he had managed to finish coughing and got the terrible taste out his mouth, he summoned his foreman and ground a beefy finger into his chest.
“Listen, wise guy. We need a new press – pronto! If it’s not installed by the end of the week, you will be in the next pressing. Comprendere?”
“Yes, sir, Mr Brasi, sir.” The man scampered away. The new press was brought in and installed the next day!
The new GENCO olive press. Soon they will be ready for the big expansion into southern Italy!
---xxx---
15 Jan 42
Yet another reported Italian attempt to invade Chalkida began at 5am. Once more, the 1st Fleet set out to disrupt the landings.
And in very interesting and welcome news, one of the US Marine divisions stationed in Rhodes was sent to Athens – as an expeditionary force! Turkey now had its first marine capability early. If any more followed and were matched up with the Turkish marines already under training, there would be a nice little amphibious capability available later in 1942!
---xxx---
16 Jan 42
97 SD arrived in Podgorica at 7am on 16 January – out of supply and somewhat the worse for wear after their retreat from Danilovgrad, having suffered almost 30% casualties in recent fighting! With those German heavy panzers approaching, the added support of 12 SD would be welcome.
---xxx---
Summary Reports
That afternoon, the Milli Şef called for mid-month reports on what was happening in Romania and more widely in the war. The Axis had made two advances, in the north near Iasi and in the south beneath Brasov - which was beginning to look isolated. The heavy enemy action south of Brasov was of some concern, threatening the Turkish right flank as it did and aimed like a dagger at Ploiesti and Bucharest to the south-east.
---xxx---
Coming Up: Will the modest Axis resurgence continue? Can anything halt the Japanese advance in Malaya? Can the British hold the Suez from the latest Italian offensive? In the Balkans, will Romania blunt the latest Axis attacks? And will the enemy make another attempt to breach the Yeniçeri-Danube Line? Has a milder than usual winter [my rationalisation of the ‘no General Winter event’] allowed the Germans to recover their mojo in Russia? Will there be a Comintern Spring Offensive in 1942 – or will it be the Germans once more on the attack, as the war in the Far East diverts Soviet attention? What has been happening with the Midnight Express in Turkey? Will there be any more sign of the Thorn – or his accomplices?
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Thanks for the new episode, a new year and new starts. The axis swine will falter, no doubt. They might even lose some manpower for overreaching.
Don't forget to assign the new generals
Don't forget to assign the new generals
That's a lot of manpower lost for them. Good news for us
The cheeky bastards are persistent if nothing else
Maybe we can rebase to Dodecanese to be able to respond faster?
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And after all that waiting, I did forget to assign them!Thanks for the new episode, a new year and new starts. The axis swine will falter, no doubt. They might even lose some manpower for overreaching.
Don't forget to assign the new generals
That's a lot of manpower lost for them. Good news for us
The cheeky bastards are persistent if nothing else
Maybe we can rebase to Dodecanese to be able to respond faster?
<smacks own forehead> thanks for the reminder, Colonel! From Izmir supply is better, and they can hit any enemy landing in about six hours. I though of rebasing to Athens, but Izmir seems fine for now.
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The cost of reeling Sinkiang into the Comintern is probably prohibitive for Turkey, though the Soviet Union or the Americans should be able to make things happen on that front. Maybe the American Diplomats could do what the US Army isn't... make a significant difference...
Keeping up with the Johanns of this world is a question of victory or defeat. More IS-2s are definitely a good plan for Turkey. I also approve of the creation of the first Turkish Marines Division, and the production of US designed landing craft. The addition of the American 1st Marines Division will bolster the new Turkish amphibious capability even further. I personally welcome a future of daring Turkish raids in the Mediterranean distracting and annoying the Axis in equal measure.
Like @diskoerekto I am curious about this year's graduates from Turkish War Colleges.
The mission in Italy seems to really have the upper hand now, keep it up, and soon there will be no one left to stop your spies from doing whatever they please...
Italian invasion attempts into Chalkida are a fun little distraction, but now the Turkish Navy has done some real damage. Italian transports have been definitively sent to the bottom of the Aegean, together with a whole Division... I guess the Italians won't be sending over any more un-escorted transports... wait, they're Italians, of course they will. I guess the Italian serviceman will learn to fear the mighty Turkish Navy then...
The results from the completed battles were positive overall. Somewhat worried about the potential damage the Axis troops involved in Danilovgrad could do if they hit the Yeniceri line proper en masse... The other two were clear victories, with favourable casualty ratios.
Afghanistan is just a sideshow, eventually it will become part of greater Turkey.
The great patriotic front looks stagnant. Romanian salient in the south could be a problem, but it isn't yet.
SE Asia is getting worse. Malaysia is almost certainly lost, and the Philippines are in trouble. The Americans should really do something about this.
At least the British took back Alexandria... but for how long?
A new year full of promise, but nothing is certain, save for the eventual victory of the Comintern, of course.
SkitalecS3
Keeping up with the Johanns of this world is a question of victory or defeat. More IS-2s are definitely a good plan for Turkey. I also approve of the creation of the first Turkish Marines Division, and the production of US designed landing craft. The addition of the American 1st Marines Division will bolster the new Turkish amphibious capability even further. I personally welcome a future of daring Turkish raids in the Mediterranean distracting and annoying the Axis in equal measure.
Like @diskoerekto I am curious about this year's graduates from Turkish War Colleges.
The mission in Italy seems to really have the upper hand now, keep it up, and soon there will be no one left to stop your spies from doing whatever they please...
Italian invasion attempts into Chalkida are a fun little distraction, but now the Turkish Navy has done some real damage. Italian transports have been definitively sent to the bottom of the Aegean, together with a whole Division... I guess the Italians won't be sending over any more un-escorted transports... wait, they're Italians, of course they will. I guess the Italian serviceman will learn to fear the mighty Turkish Navy then...
The results from the completed battles were positive overall. Somewhat worried about the potential damage the Axis troops involved in Danilovgrad could do if they hit the Yeniceri line proper en masse... The other two were clear victories, with favourable casualty ratios.
Afghanistan is just a sideshow, eventually it will become part of greater Turkey.
The great patriotic front looks stagnant. Romanian salient in the south could be a problem, but it isn't yet.
SE Asia is getting worse. Malaysia is almost certainly lost, and the Philippines are in trouble. The Americans should really do something about this.
At least the British took back Alexandria... but for how long?
A new year full of promise, but nothing is certain, save for the eventual victory of the Comintern, of course.
SkitalecS3
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Always here
Don't let any Greeks hear this but the pastry in İzmir is better than in Athens anywayFrom Izmir supply is better, and they can hit any enemy landing in about six hours. I though of rebasing to Athens, but Izmir seems fine for now.
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And Izmir is a home port too.Don't let any Greeks hear this but the pastry in İzmir is better than in Athens anyway
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Some bonus content:
Just the two new graduates this year, but Omurtak looks promising and with a bit of experience Seven should be OK too. Due to an administrative oversight, they won't be taking up their new appointments until 1 February 1942!
And for services rendered to the Glorious Union, the award of the newly reinstated and renamed Ataturk Military Medal to Colonel @diskoerekto
And for services rendered to the Glorious Union, the award of the newly reinstated and renamed Ataturk Military Medal to Colonel @diskoerekto
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Good traits with the both of them, but only 2?Just the two new graduates this year, but Omurtak looks promising and with a bit of experience Seven should be OK too. Due to an administrative oversight, they won't be taking up their new appointments until 1 February 1942!
Maybe I should study a bit to complete the war college from the front at one point SIR YES SIR VUR HA!And for services rendered to the Glorious Union, the award of the newly reinstated and renamed Ataturk Military Medal to Colonel @diskoerekto
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Don't forget that you can't deploy airfields to locations where they is already been constructed! You have to go through the province menu!
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We need those choppas. Get them. Get to the-I'm not sorry.
Well that was silly of them. Should encourage this behaviour though because then we'll have a clear path to launch our own naval invasion.
With Marines supporting it! Hoo Rah!
Jesus Christ. Do you know how much money the British upper classes had invested in Alexandria? Churchill is not going to be popular in Parliament for constantly losing the city.
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Chapter 103 complete. The French have fallen at last, Turkish forces are learning to loathe a certain German general, and the Eastern front moves back and forth like a sea whose tide is about to turn (but which way?) Oh and Cennet has murder on her mind, and Ogel and Kaya provide their cabinet colleagues with plenty of light relief.
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Ah yes, poor France. I guess they now understand how Poland felt! Chamberlain, couldn’t you have sent more than one or two marine divisions as a BEF? Shame.
The Patriotic Front will remain interesting as you embark on the events of 1941 - prepare for more tidal movements!
Cennet must have her revenge or perish seeking it - and the Two Sukrus will continue to be the Turkish Cabinet’s leading comedy duo! - 1
Yes, only two. Better than nowt, but I’ll have to rely on the spring reorganise for any more substantive effect. And the Axis have wisely avoided attacking the strong positions of 3 Mtn Div for many months, but there’s a chance they might try. Always expect the unexpected, Colonel!Good traits with the both of them, but only 2?
SIR YES SIR VUR HA!
Hmm, I might have forgotten that.
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Alas, Turkey won’t be getting anywhere near such advanced tech as helos any time soon.
A waste of men by the Italians - one less division for Egypt, or the Balkans. I’m seeing a nice little amphibious force developing within the next year - could be useful. And at least Churchill retook Alex. Though in game, it’s the port facilities that are important. The upper classes can stick to their opium dens, clubs and rooftop gardens, or whatever they got up to there! - 1
I wish I was you, reading the whole thing the first time! The excitement never stops, we're still on the edges of our seats
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A horrible event to read about when it 'happened' however long ago. I think everyone was unanimous in their respect and applause for the french fighting spirit shown however. They did a very good job considering they were left high and dry to fight the whole axis by themselves.
And we still don't know why the British did that.
Italy starts with 2 generals in HOI4, well, 2 of any quality. And since you start off at war in africa with armies ready to fight, not much choice in the matter. Of course I didn't help the situation cos that was my first game, so I didn't know that promoting them both to field marshal meant they were better off leading army stacks rather than armies each. Eh...
I wish I was you, reading the whole thing the first time! The excitement never stops, we're still on the edges of our seats
We're now in a more theorietical period again, wondering what the AI will do next in a period of relative calm.
And I just realised we never did have that grand comintern strategy meeting. We should be making like we did before our intial conquest of the balkans and coming up with multiple colour coded plans and stuff.
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Patience, Padawan!
These things take a while to get going. In OTL the first Big Three wasn’t until late 1943. Even accepting we are maybe a year ahead on the Eastern Front in this ATL, the US have only been in the war a few months. However, you will not have long to wait for the first summit, arrangements for which are well progressed by the end of January. As to next big steps, really for now it all remains on the strategic defensive.
Other than the contingency of reacting to a possible British collapse in the Middle East, there is nothing new planned before the big Spring Army Reorganisation. Options will be canvassed at that time, but discussion in the lead up period is certainly encouraged. The forthcoming Summit(s?) will provide a useful framework for that.
All: next chapter is mainly written and illustrated, should be out fairly shortly.
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