I've not really much to add on HOI 3, but loads of detail and topsy-turvy geopolitics. 
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Many thanks for tuning in Nuada! I try to make a bit different to the course of a normal game, with some mad diversions in addition to game mechanics, so hope there is something for everyoneI've not really much to add on HOI 3, but loads of detail and topsy-turvy geopolitics.
. You are very welcome - thanks for tuning in, comments of any sort are always welcome. This one is as much about the alternate history and narrative plot lines.- 1
Chapter 82: A Trial of Strength (19 to 30 June 1940)
Chapter 82: A Trial of Strength (19 to 30 June 1940)
[Ed. Note and Foreword: given ATL events have now departed so far from OTL on the Western and Eastern Fronts, I’ll not publish any more “OTL News Reports” of major landmark events related to the Fall of France etc. All blue sky now! May still include other non-game dependent world news as applicable, including natural disasters or elements of political or social history, inventions, and so on.
This update will focus primarily on developments on all major fronts and take the story through until the end of the month. There may also be another dramatic theme introduced, but dear readers will have to figure out what it is. And, as always in the Talking Turkey Alternate World, the narrative will weave around but not necessarily precisely follow the story arc of the inspiration …]
Prologue
Inönü pauses, considers the map in his 1st Army HQ, and thinks of where Turkey has been taken over the last four and a half years. First led by Atatürk and now, since the Father Turk’s passing last year, his close lieutenant and now President Ismet Inönü. Between them, the two had used first the Republic and then the world as a canvas, upon which they have painted a bloody but so far victorious scene.
The warlike Inönü, at the head of the Turkish Army, had surveyed the great expanses of the Balkans from his vantage point in Istanbul, bringing fire and the engines of war upon the land and taking them into the Glorious Republic. The vast lands of Persia now counted within that great People’s Empire. June 1940 has brought this story to a mighty crescendo, where the armies of three great factions test themselves upon the field of battle.
Now the bloody business grinds its inexorable way on, the Allies and the Comintern joined in uneasy league against the mighty German juggernaut and its Axis cohorts. Entranced by Guildenstern’s reports in the Path to Glory, the Turkish people can well imagine the clash of arms; man, horse and machine. Each chapter turns the events of days or weeks of mortal contest, death and destruction, victory and defeat, into the narrow span of but a few minutes. And so each time, the reader’s patience is begged to favourably view his humble prose and, one hopes, find the story so contained to their liking.
1. General Events
19 Jun 40
Following recent press speculation in the Istanbul Times, below is a report to Cabinet from Turkey’s Ambassador in Washington DC on the current disposition of US Government regarding the Second Great War. The US is very firmly in the Allied camp in terms of diplomatic alignment and sympathies. But their neutrality is still high at 66%, with Germany their highest assessed threat at 23.1% - only marginally above that of Turkey (23.09%)!
20 Jun 40
Turkish military research continues to advance. Effort will now switch from artillery to cavalry weapon development, to both improve current forces but to eventually allow motorised infantry to be built indigenously in the future.
23 Jun 40
A new artillery brigade is produced. It is built in Kikinda, the closest Turkish territory to its intended destination, 8 Inf Div (currently stationed in Timisoara).
That night, a report is received from the Far East that Vladivostok has fallen to the Japanese. We trust that in time, a full revenge will be exacted.
24 Jun 40
News Report: Philadelphia, US. The 1940 Republican National Convention began in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and ran from June 24 to June 28, 1940.
[In OTL, on 28 June it nominated Wendell Willkie of New York for President and Senator Charles McNary of Oregon for Vice-President. The contest for the 1940 Republican nomination was wide-open. Front-runners included Senator Arthur H. Vandenberg of Michigan, Senator Robert Taft of Ohio and Manhattan District Attorney Thomas E. Dewey. Willkie was a ‘dark horse’ candidate with a background in business. He had never held public office before but won the nomination because he was seen as a moderate whose views were the closest match to those of the electorate. We will see what the game produces in November!]
Wendell Lewis Willkie (born Lewis Wendell Willkie; February 18, 1892) (left) is an American lawyer and corporate executive, and [in OTL, anyway] the 1940 Republican nominee for President.
Charles Linza McNary (b. June 12, 1874) (right) is a United States Republican politician from Oregon. He has served in the Senate since 1917 and has been Senate Minority Leader since 1933. McNary was [in OTL] the Republican Vice-Presidential candidate in 1940.
26 Jun 40
[OTL Event: Cession of Bessarabia. In OTL, the Soviet Union demanded that Romania cede Bessarabia and northern Bukovina. Nothing heard of this yet in this ATL – perhaps the Soviets won’t ask it of a Comintern Ally’s puppet?]
30 Jun 40 - Global Naval Report
No more major fleet units have been sunk since 18 June. Italy has lost one submarine and one destroyer flotilla.
2. France
20 Jun 40
Reports are received from French military liaison that Dunkerque has been retaken, but Nancy lost to the Germans. By the end of the month, both these would be reversed, returning to the status quo ante.
23 Jun 40
Over the last few days, France lost Hazebrouck (south of Dunkerque) and Ste Menehould (north-west of Verdun) to the Germans, but regained Longuyon and Nancy (east and south of Metz, respectively) in a counter-offensive to relieve the ‘Metz-Cattenom Salient’.
28 Jun 40
Five days later, Metz is taken by Germany - a major loss. Cattenom, surrounded and cut off now, still resists. A few provinces to the east, Reims is also lost to the Germans. After these recent losses, French surrender progress stands at 22.4%, having lost 12.7% of their VP cities against an NU of 56.5%.
30 Jun 40
At midnight, the monthly Allied-Comintern Cooperation Committee swaps reports of the current situation on all major fronts. In southern France, no territory has changed hands since the last report. French forces appear to comfortably outnumber the Italians on this front – bolstered (of note) by the Free Belgian 4eme Inf Div sitting in reserve, having apparently just arrived by rail. This balance of forces is presumably due to the distraction of the Italians on multiple theatres. Some of these units might have been better used in northern France if they are not going to attack here, but at least the front looks very secure for now.
By contrast, in northern France, there is significant action with a number of battles in progress. Three battle reports have been provided below. In two (Hazebrouck and Reims) the French counter-attack - but at difficult odds. In the third (Longuyon), French armour (1ère Cuirassier Division) looks to be losing its fight to hold onto the province it regained a few days before. Two provinces (Dunkerque in the north-west and Nancy in the south-east), changed hands back and forth over the last twelve days. The Germans took Hazebrouck, Reims, Ste Menehould and Metz, while the French retook Longuyon. Of note, the German army in France is now made up almost entirely of a fairly thin line of panzer units (mostly medium tanks). Apart from a single marine division fighting under Dutch command, there is still no evidence of a BEF presence in France. Also, no German aircraft are visible in the air or in any observable German airfield. It seems they may have all left for the east.
In summary, the French are slowly losing ground, but the Germans do not seem to have enough troops to land the knockout blow, even though they now seem to have concentrated almost all their offensive ground units on the Western Front.
3. Mediterranean
19 Jun 40
Having dropped off the garrison brigade on Dodecanese, the Turkish 1st Fleet rebases to Izmir, where it will conduct minor repairs and prepare for any possible future landing operations on Rodi/Rhodes.
20 Jun 40
RADM Cebesoy’s ‘Mark 1 Eyeball patrol’ submarine along the Coast of Egypt shows nearby troop dispositions. The Italians are now advancing from El ‘Alamein on El Hammam. There appear to be a couple of British divisions in El Iskandariya/Alexandria, though they are not contesting Italy’s advance.
On the same morning, Turkey’s two wings (TAC and INT) relocate from Athina/Athens to Irakleio on Crete. They have a long way to go before they will be back to full organisation, at which time they will be ordered to begin reconnaissance and bombing of Rodi/Rhodes.
24 Jun 40
El Hammam falls to Italy shortly after midnight on the early morning of 24 June, but given earlier reports from Cebesoy the British should be able to halt the Italian advance, for now at least.
28 Jun 40
Four and a half days later, although no more unit sightings are available, the British retake El Hammam – the first reverse of possession since the Italian offensive began four weeks before.
30 Jun 40
The A-CCC monthly report shows British dispositions in Egypt. El ‘Alamein has now also been retaken, by the 2nd Royal Marine Division. The Iraqi 4th Inf Div has just crossed the Suez Canal and is heading towards the front, but Allied strength in Egypt is still very low.
4. Soviet Sector
On the Eastern Front, starting in the north of the Soviet sector, the evening of 19 June sees the Germans in apparent retreat from their salient in Lithuania. The key port of Memel is now held by an (unidentified) SS Division. There is heavy fighting in and around Tilsit, with a very strong German troop concentration advancing from in front of Konigsberg, north, north-east and eastwards. More Soviet divisions continue to make their way to the front.
Further south, a check of positions on 23 June shows the Soviets are slowly squeezing the East Hungarian Pocket closed, but not quickly enough to complete any significant encirclement. A large relieving force, led by Hungarian units, is about to retake Humenne in eastern Slovakia. A mix of Italian and German units continue to reinforce the front in this sector, which is likely to secure Hungary from any early Comintern conquest. More Soviet forces are beginning to roll into Romania to help shore up that sector. Luftwaffe and other Axis air units are active in the area.
The situation report at midnight on 30 June reveals a mix of gains and losses on the northern part of the Soviet sector stretching from the Baltic to Brest Litovsk. The Soviets have eliminated the German salient in Lithuania, retaking Liepaja, Plunge and Palanga. However, the German SS Division seen earlier in Memel has pushed north-east to take Rietevas. And further south, the Germans have advanced on a three province front, retaking Tilsit and occupying Kybartai and Suwalki. South-east of Bialystock, the province of Lupy was taken by the Germans but then retaken by the Soviets, in some strength this time. Brest-Litovsk itself seems to still be securely held. Neither side has generated large gains or an obvious advantage over the preceding 12-day period.
Between Brest-Litovsk and eastern Hungary, the front was not quite so dynamic over the same 12-day period, particularly in the centre, where German troop concentrations are lighter. The Soviets have seized and held the former Polish provinces of Zamosc and Rawa, together with gains in eastern Hungary (Uzhorod, Mukacevo and Svalava to the Soviets; Chust to Turkey via Romania). The Axis retook Humenne and Secovce to tighten up their line and provide another escape route from the East Hungarian Pocket.
5. Romania and Hungary
While a wide band of Hungarian territory around Debrecen (now retaken by Romania) was still in Comintern possession by 22 June, Romanian defences were thin and a mix of German and Hungarian units were attacking. As a result, the whole band from Kisvarda in the north to Bekes in the south were designated as both Romanian and Soviet objectives, in the hope sufficient forces could eventually be drawn there to form a solid defensive line.
By 30 June, Debrecen (now with Soviet defenders) and Kisvarda held out, but the three provinces around Debrecen had been retaken by the Axis. More Soviet forces are moving into the area, and in the south Romania had some success, with Turkish-garrisoned Timisoara now well behind the front line. As elsewhere, the line is starting to harden up on both sides.
Romanian troops defending in the Hungarian province of Bekes on 24 Jun 40.
They were forced to retreat, with Hungary back in control by 30 June.
6. Turkish Sector
On 26 June, the new artillery brigade has joined 8 Inf Div in Timisoara, where it continues to build to full organisation.
By 30 June, a month has passed since the start of the Great Liberation War, and still no Turkish unit has been attacked by the Axis in former Yugoslavia, by land or air! Hungary has now occupied almost all the provinces adjoining the Yeniçeri Line in the south, but neither they nor the Germans have launched a single probe. Of note, a Soviet mountain division is now advancing on the vacant Hungarian-occupied province of Srbobran. It will be interesting to see if more Soviet units come this far south and whether any of them offer themselves as expeditionary forces. Further north on the Adriatic, the key town of Split has been taken by Italy. With a few more units, localized attacks might become attractive, but for now Turkey will sit in its well-constructed entrenchments and see if the Axis wishes to try its hand.
7. Far East
Since the fall of Vladivostok a week before, the sole aim of the Soviet forces in that area has been to escape pursuit and encirclement, both by the forces that defeated them and by incursions by the Japanese and their puppets further north. It will be a race to see if they can be extracted in time – their loss would be a significant blow for the defence of the Far East and place a further drain on forces that would otherwise be used against Germany.
Far East general situation 30 Jun 40.
A closer view of the retreating 25th Army shows what is at stake. Forces at face value appear roughly evenly matched in quantity, but only the Japanese units in hot pursuit on the front line can of course be seen. This saga will likely play out over days and weeks – the Soviets will not be ‘safe’ until they have managed to join their compatriots to the north. And the retreat is then likely to continue towards Mongolia along the line of the Trans-Siberian Railway for a long time yet.
Elsewhere in the Far East, all is quiet, as the Japanese have still not declared war on the Allies – just on the Comintern.
8. Secret War
In France, since they have gone into hiding, Turkish spy strength remains at 4, with French counter-espionage at 5. Back home, Ögel’s foreign intelligence training has slowly built the reserve of spies up to 2. When that reserve reaches 6, it is planned they will recommence operations in France, in the hope of gaining some more technical data. The French are co-belligerents, but not allies, so there is no compunction in trying to perform some more industrial espionage – though not sabotage.
Meanwhile, the elimination of Sollozzo in Istanbul and the discovery of proof of the Tattaglia crime family’s continued interest in undermining Turkey – certainly with the support and encouragement of the Italian Government – leads to the legendary Luca Brasi (currently based in neutral Switzerland) being sent some orders from an old acquaintance … more of which will be revealed in the next instalment.
Epilogue
Two bureaucrats sip coffee in an Ankara café.
Says the first: “The President has proven a bold and fearless leader. No sooner had the gallant Atatürk breathed his last than his lieutenant seized the mantle, throwing away his previous isolationist caution once and for all and proving himself reformed of it.”
The second: “And the change has blessed the nation.”
The first: “Indeed, whether on the philosophy of Kemalism, the affairs of the Republic or of war, his study has been thorough and his discourse bold. His words inspire the glory of battle and I was astounded by his cutting of the Gordian Knot of the Nazi-Soviet Pact. Cut clean through with one blow, to bring the mighty forces of the Soviet Union into the fight of our generation.”
“Too true. The President disguised his intentions under the veil of isolationism, unseen but growing fast behind those great defensive lines.”
They finish their coffees and return to the Foreign Ministry, still contemplating their admiration of the President’s transformation into an interventionist proponent of the Comintern alliance and early war on Germany.
Coming Up: What will Luca Brasi be called upon to do next? Will Cennet receive a second mission? Despite the corruption and treason of Polis Captain Muhtar she shot down in Istanbul, there are elements of the Polis who still want to take revenge for one of their own. It would probably be best if she left the country for a while, until things calm down. Can France stabilise and hold the line against the distracted Germans, of will they slowly be worn down without material help from the British? How will the US react to the developing world situation? Will the War in the East turn into another Great War-like battle of attrition, or will one side break and the ‘new’ war of blitzkrieg re-emerge? And will Turkey’s decision to bring on an early war prove a master-stroke … or a disaster-stroke!?
[Ed. Note and Foreword: given ATL events have now departed so far from OTL on the Western and Eastern Fronts, I’ll not publish any more “OTL News Reports” of major landmark events related to the Fall of France etc. All blue sky now! May still include other non-game dependent world news as applicable, including natural disasters or elements of political or social history, inventions, and so on.
This update will focus primarily on developments on all major fronts and take the story through until the end of the month. There may also be another dramatic theme introduced, but dear readers will have to figure out what it is. And, as always in the Talking Turkey Alternate World, the narrative will weave around but not necessarily precisely follow the story arc of the inspiration …]
Prologue
Inönü pauses, considers the map in his 1st Army HQ, and thinks of where Turkey has been taken over the last four and a half years. First led by Atatürk and now, since the Father Turk’s passing last year, his close lieutenant and now President Ismet Inönü. Between them, the two had used first the Republic and then the world as a canvas, upon which they have painted a bloody but so far victorious scene.
The warlike Inönü, at the head of the Turkish Army, had surveyed the great expanses of the Balkans from his vantage point in Istanbul, bringing fire and the engines of war upon the land and taking them into the Glorious Republic. The vast lands of Persia now counted within that great People’s Empire. June 1940 has brought this story to a mighty crescendo, where the armies of three great factions test themselves upon the field of battle.
Now the bloody business grinds its inexorable way on, the Allies and the Comintern joined in uneasy league against the mighty German juggernaut and its Axis cohorts. Entranced by Guildenstern’s reports in the Path to Glory, the Turkish people can well imagine the clash of arms; man, horse and machine. Each chapter turns the events of days or weeks of mortal contest, death and destruction, victory and defeat, into the narrow span of but a few minutes. And so each time, the reader’s patience is begged to favourably view his humble prose and, one hopes, find the story so contained to their liking.
1. General Events
19 Jun 40
Following recent press speculation in the Istanbul Times, below is a report to Cabinet from Turkey’s Ambassador in Washington DC on the current disposition of US Government regarding the Second Great War. The US is very firmly in the Allied camp in terms of diplomatic alignment and sympathies. But their neutrality is still high at 66%, with Germany their highest assessed threat at 23.1% - only marginally above that of Turkey (23.09%)!
20 Jun 40
Turkish military research continues to advance. Effort will now switch from artillery to cavalry weapon development, to both improve current forces but to eventually allow motorised infantry to be built indigenously in the future.
23 Jun 40
A new artillery brigade is produced. It is built in Kikinda, the closest Turkish territory to its intended destination, 8 Inf Div (currently stationed in Timisoara).
That night, a report is received from the Far East that Vladivostok has fallen to the Japanese. We trust that in time, a full revenge will be exacted.
24 Jun 40
News Report: Philadelphia, US. The 1940 Republican National Convention began in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and ran from June 24 to June 28, 1940.
[In OTL, on 28 June it nominated Wendell Willkie of New York for President and Senator Charles McNary of Oregon for Vice-President. The contest for the 1940 Republican nomination was wide-open. Front-runners included Senator Arthur H. Vandenberg of Michigan, Senator Robert Taft of Ohio and Manhattan District Attorney Thomas E. Dewey. Willkie was a ‘dark horse’ candidate with a background in business. He had never held public office before but won the nomination because he was seen as a moderate whose views were the closest match to those of the electorate. We will see what the game produces in November!]
Wendell Lewis Willkie (born Lewis Wendell Willkie; February 18, 1892) (left) is an American lawyer and corporate executive, and [in OTL, anyway] the 1940 Republican nominee for President.
Charles Linza McNary (b. June 12, 1874) (right) is a United States Republican politician from Oregon. He has served in the Senate since 1917 and has been Senate Minority Leader since 1933. McNary was [in OTL] the Republican Vice-Presidential candidate in 1940.
26 Jun 40
[OTL Event: Cession of Bessarabia. In OTL, the Soviet Union demanded that Romania cede Bessarabia and northern Bukovina. Nothing heard of this yet in this ATL – perhaps the Soviets won’t ask it of a Comintern Ally’s puppet?]
30 Jun 40 - Global Naval Report
No more major fleet units have been sunk since 18 June. Italy has lost one submarine and one destroyer flotilla.
2. France
20 Jun 40
Reports are received from French military liaison that Dunkerque has been retaken, but Nancy lost to the Germans. By the end of the month, both these would be reversed, returning to the status quo ante.
23 Jun 40
Over the last few days, France lost Hazebrouck (south of Dunkerque) and Ste Menehould (north-west of Verdun) to the Germans, but regained Longuyon and Nancy (east and south of Metz, respectively) in a counter-offensive to relieve the ‘Metz-Cattenom Salient’.
28 Jun 40
Five days later, Metz is taken by Germany - a major loss. Cattenom, surrounded and cut off now, still resists. A few provinces to the east, Reims is also lost to the Germans. After these recent losses, French surrender progress stands at 22.4%, having lost 12.7% of their VP cities against an NU of 56.5%.
30 Jun 40
At midnight, the monthly Allied-Comintern Cooperation Committee swaps reports of the current situation on all major fronts. In southern France, no territory has changed hands since the last report. French forces appear to comfortably outnumber the Italians on this front – bolstered (of note) by the Free Belgian 4eme Inf Div sitting in reserve, having apparently just arrived by rail. This balance of forces is presumably due to the distraction of the Italians on multiple theatres. Some of these units might have been better used in northern France if they are not going to attack here, but at least the front looks very secure for now.
By contrast, in northern France, there is significant action with a number of battles in progress. Three battle reports have been provided below. In two (Hazebrouck and Reims) the French counter-attack - but at difficult odds. In the third (Longuyon), French armour (1ère Cuirassier Division) looks to be losing its fight to hold onto the province it regained a few days before. Two provinces (Dunkerque in the north-west and Nancy in the south-east), changed hands back and forth over the last twelve days. The Germans took Hazebrouck, Reims, Ste Menehould and Metz, while the French retook Longuyon. Of note, the German army in France is now made up almost entirely of a fairly thin line of panzer units (mostly medium tanks). Apart from a single marine division fighting under Dutch command, there is still no evidence of a BEF presence in France. Also, no German aircraft are visible in the air or in any observable German airfield. It seems they may have all left for the east.
In summary, the French are slowly losing ground, but the Germans do not seem to have enough troops to land the knockout blow, even though they now seem to have concentrated almost all their offensive ground units on the Western Front.
3. Mediterranean
19 Jun 40
Having dropped off the garrison brigade on Dodecanese, the Turkish 1st Fleet rebases to Izmir, where it will conduct minor repairs and prepare for any possible future landing operations on Rodi/Rhodes.
20 Jun 40
RADM Cebesoy’s ‘Mark 1 Eyeball patrol’ submarine along the Coast of Egypt shows nearby troop dispositions. The Italians are now advancing from El ‘Alamein on El Hammam. There appear to be a couple of British divisions in El Iskandariya/Alexandria, though they are not contesting Italy’s advance.
On the same morning, Turkey’s two wings (TAC and INT) relocate from Athina/Athens to Irakleio on Crete. They have a long way to go before they will be back to full organisation, at which time they will be ordered to begin reconnaissance and bombing of Rodi/Rhodes.
24 Jun 40
El Hammam falls to Italy shortly after midnight on the early morning of 24 June, but given earlier reports from Cebesoy the British should be able to halt the Italian advance, for now at least.
28 Jun 40
Four and a half days later, although no more unit sightings are available, the British retake El Hammam – the first reverse of possession since the Italian offensive began four weeks before.
30 Jun 40
The A-CCC monthly report shows British dispositions in Egypt. El ‘Alamein has now also been retaken, by the 2nd Royal Marine Division. The Iraqi 4th Inf Div has just crossed the Suez Canal and is heading towards the front, but Allied strength in Egypt is still very low.
4. Soviet Sector
On the Eastern Front, starting in the north of the Soviet sector, the evening of 19 June sees the Germans in apparent retreat from their salient in Lithuania. The key port of Memel is now held by an (unidentified) SS Division. There is heavy fighting in and around Tilsit, with a very strong German troop concentration advancing from in front of Konigsberg, north, north-east and eastwards. More Soviet divisions continue to make their way to the front.
Further south, a check of positions on 23 June shows the Soviets are slowly squeezing the East Hungarian Pocket closed, but not quickly enough to complete any significant encirclement. A large relieving force, led by Hungarian units, is about to retake Humenne in eastern Slovakia. A mix of Italian and German units continue to reinforce the front in this sector, which is likely to secure Hungary from any early Comintern conquest. More Soviet forces are beginning to roll into Romania to help shore up that sector. Luftwaffe and other Axis air units are active in the area.
The situation report at midnight on 30 June reveals a mix of gains and losses on the northern part of the Soviet sector stretching from the Baltic to Brest Litovsk. The Soviets have eliminated the German salient in Lithuania, retaking Liepaja, Plunge and Palanga. However, the German SS Division seen earlier in Memel has pushed north-east to take Rietevas. And further south, the Germans have advanced on a three province front, retaking Tilsit and occupying Kybartai and Suwalki. South-east of Bialystock, the province of Lupy was taken by the Germans but then retaken by the Soviets, in some strength this time. Brest-Litovsk itself seems to still be securely held. Neither side has generated large gains or an obvious advantage over the preceding 12-day period.
Between Brest-Litovsk and eastern Hungary, the front was not quite so dynamic over the same 12-day period, particularly in the centre, where German troop concentrations are lighter. The Soviets have seized and held the former Polish provinces of Zamosc and Rawa, together with gains in eastern Hungary (Uzhorod, Mukacevo and Svalava to the Soviets; Chust to Turkey via Romania). The Axis retook Humenne and Secovce to tighten up their line and provide another escape route from the East Hungarian Pocket.
5. Romania and Hungary
While a wide band of Hungarian territory around Debrecen (now retaken by Romania) was still in Comintern possession by 22 June, Romanian defences were thin and a mix of German and Hungarian units were attacking. As a result, the whole band from Kisvarda in the north to Bekes in the south were designated as both Romanian and Soviet objectives, in the hope sufficient forces could eventually be drawn there to form a solid defensive line.
By 30 June, Debrecen (now with Soviet defenders) and Kisvarda held out, but the three provinces around Debrecen had been retaken by the Axis. More Soviet forces are moving into the area, and in the south Romania had some success, with Turkish-garrisoned Timisoara now well behind the front line. As elsewhere, the line is starting to harden up on both sides.
Romanian troops defending in the Hungarian province of Bekes on 24 Jun 40.
They were forced to retreat, with Hungary back in control by 30 June.
6. Turkish Sector
On 26 June, the new artillery brigade has joined 8 Inf Div in Timisoara, where it continues to build to full organisation.
By 30 June, a month has passed since the start of the Great Liberation War, and still no Turkish unit has been attacked by the Axis in former Yugoslavia, by land or air! Hungary has now occupied almost all the provinces adjoining the Yeniçeri Line in the south, but neither they nor the Germans have launched a single probe. Of note, a Soviet mountain division is now advancing on the vacant Hungarian-occupied province of Srbobran. It will be interesting to see if more Soviet units come this far south and whether any of them offer themselves as expeditionary forces. Further north on the Adriatic, the key town of Split has been taken by Italy. With a few more units, localized attacks might become attractive, but for now Turkey will sit in its well-constructed entrenchments and see if the Axis wishes to try its hand.
7. Far East
Since the fall of Vladivostok a week before, the sole aim of the Soviet forces in that area has been to escape pursuit and encirclement, both by the forces that defeated them and by incursions by the Japanese and their puppets further north. It will be a race to see if they can be extracted in time – their loss would be a significant blow for the defence of the Far East and place a further drain on forces that would otherwise be used against Germany.
Far East general situation 30 Jun 40.
A closer view of the retreating 25th Army shows what is at stake. Forces at face value appear roughly evenly matched in quantity, but only the Japanese units in hot pursuit on the front line can of course be seen. This saga will likely play out over days and weeks – the Soviets will not be ‘safe’ until they have managed to join their compatriots to the north. And the retreat is then likely to continue towards Mongolia along the line of the Trans-Siberian Railway for a long time yet.
Elsewhere in the Far East, all is quiet, as the Japanese have still not declared war on the Allies – just on the Comintern.
8. Secret War
In France, since they have gone into hiding, Turkish spy strength remains at 4, with French counter-espionage at 5. Back home, Ögel’s foreign intelligence training has slowly built the reserve of spies up to 2. When that reserve reaches 6, it is planned they will recommence operations in France, in the hope of gaining some more technical data. The French are co-belligerents, but not allies, so there is no compunction in trying to perform some more industrial espionage – though not sabotage.
Meanwhile, the elimination of Sollozzo in Istanbul and the discovery of proof of the Tattaglia crime family’s continued interest in undermining Turkey – certainly with the support and encouragement of the Italian Government – leads to the legendary Luca Brasi (currently based in neutral Switzerland) being sent some orders from an old acquaintance … more of which will be revealed in the next instalment.
Epilogue
Two bureaucrats sip coffee in an Ankara café.
Says the first: “The President has proven a bold and fearless leader. No sooner had the gallant Atatürk breathed his last than his lieutenant seized the mantle, throwing away his previous isolationist caution once and for all and proving himself reformed of it.”
The second: “And the change has blessed the nation.”
The first: “Indeed, whether on the philosophy of Kemalism, the affairs of the Republic or of war, his study has been thorough and his discourse bold. His words inspire the glory of battle and I was astounded by his cutting of the Gordian Knot of the Nazi-Soviet Pact. Cut clean through with one blow, to bring the mighty forces of the Soviet Union into the fight of our generation.”
“Too true. The President disguised his intentions under the veil of isolationism, unseen but growing fast behind those great defensive lines.”
They finish their coffees and return to the Foreign Ministry, still contemplating their admiration of the President’s transformation into an interventionist proponent of the Comintern alliance and early war on Germany.
Coming Up: What will Luca Brasi be called upon to do next? Will Cennet receive a second mission? Despite the corruption and treason of Polis Captain Muhtar she shot down in Istanbul, there are elements of the Polis who still want to take revenge for one of their own. It would probably be best if she left the country for a while, until things calm down. Can France stabilise and hold the line against the distracted Germans, of will they slowly be worn down without material help from the British? How will the US react to the developing world situation? Will the War in the East turn into another Great War-like battle of attrition, or will one side break and the ‘new’ war of blitzkrieg re-emerge? And will Turkey’s decision to bring on an early war prove a master-stroke … or a disaster-stroke!?
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MOT eh. A thought; if you are using CAV now, only for reaction or delay forces? iirc, you may not want to allow more upgrades - for both the speed-reduction and the additional cost.
On the Fronts - Germany seems already stressed, big time. Playing as GER, I wouldn't want to deal with an aggressive Turkey right about now.
A thought; if you are using CAV now, only for reaction or delay forces? iirc, you may not want to allow more upgrades - for both the speed-reduction and the additional cost.On the Fronts - Germany seems already stressed, big time. Playing as GER, I wouldn't want to deal with an aggressive Turkey right about now.
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Hmm...did we just find Turkey's 'unofficial' nickname here?
Excellent!
Oh...well, alright then.
I suppose politically it made sense to lock down the other major front with as many units as possible. In the north, France can still hold on and even perhaps receive help from the British, should they be bothered (Egypt makes me think not however). Southern France is on its own though so of course they should have a big army there (and it means they can escape to Algeria easily should things go tits up).
Both sides are exhausted then. How extraordinary but I think the line has been stabilised and might not change for a while now. France has become Germany's worse nightmare, a sink for manpower and resources despite being the easiest target they have to shoot at in this current war. Should the British defeat the Italians in Africa before they make progress towards Paris, I think the allies will be able to hold the country.
I am genuinely worried Egypt might fall. This is a repeat of the worst years in the otl war for Africa and then some. The Germans haven't arrived yet and probably never will in this war but still...France needs the British in FRANCE right Noel, not fighting a fairly weak Italian push into Egypt that as of yet still threatens the entire war effort.
Nah...really? Why would they want to retreat from there?
This might be an even worse position for the Germans to be in compared to France. Unlike in the west, where they do have the advantage and will probably win eventually, Hungary is surrounded on three sides by the enemy and is complexity indefensible without concentrating way more men there than the country is worth. Germany, looking to avoid any resource intensive campaign, now is fighting THREE at the same time without having established any gains yet. They might win in one front. Maybe. But the war is over for them I think. Unless Japan can knock out Russia by themselves.
And now we have trenches all over Europe, again. The nightmare is real folks.
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Wonderful. France is a stalemate and the German Air Force has moved East! The Eastern Front looks like it will also become a stalemate and Africa looks like it will end up a stalemate also as the Italians have finally been stopped.
My only worry is Japan declaring war on the Comintern but not the Allies. That could be a problem.
My only worry is Japan declaring war on the Comintern but not the Allies. That could be a problem.
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Things seem to be going well, German attention is divided, Italy stopped in North Africa. Shame about the Hungarian pocket.
I'm also weeping tears for Vladivostok, but fear not, we will get it back, and then we will avenge this gratuitous Japanese agression.
On another note, I hope our Eastermost riflemen have their running shoes on, we would not appreciate them getting captured and spending the rest of the war in the luxury of a Japanese POW camp. They must retreat north and regroup, or fight to the last man. The only alternative is the gulag.
OOC: TFH Britain seems to have this strong belief that a single Special Forces Division is the perfect expeditionary force to send... In 'Odin's ATL a division of Royal Marines was sent to the Netherlands... Later another RM Division was spotted in France (the first one was destroyed after becoming encircled in Rotterdam), it was destroyed in the fall of continental France... In Norway, a single Division of British Paratrooper assisted in the defence of Oslo... I suppose it's only a matter of time until we spot Gurkha's in Greece. Now, I have to say that all of these units had top notch commanders, so as single units go, they are usually quite powerful... for Infantry...
This really makes you wonder: Where is the British Army? They're not all in Egypt either, or the Italians wouldn't have gotten that far. The only remaining possibility is that most of the British Army is far removed... from the war... I guess their army is mostly for decoration.
This story is to my liking.
SkitalecS3
I'm also weeping tears for Vladivostok, but fear not, we will get it back, and then we will avenge this gratuitous Japanese agression.
On another note, I hope our Eastermost riflemen have their running shoes on, we would not appreciate them getting captured and spending the rest of the war in the luxury of a Japanese POW camp. They must retreat north and regroup, or fight to the last man. The only alternative is the gulag.
OOC: TFH Britain seems to have this strong belief that a single Special Forces Division is the perfect expeditionary force to send... In 'Odin's ATL a division of Royal Marines was sent to the Netherlands... Later another RM Division was spotted in France (the first one was destroyed after becoming encircled in Rotterdam), it was destroyed in the fall of continental France... In Norway, a single Division of British Paratrooper assisted in the defence of Oslo... I suppose it's only a matter of time until we spot Gurkha's in Greece. Now, I have to say that all of these units had top notch commanders, so as single units go, they are usually quite powerful... for Infantry...
This really makes you wonder: Where is the British Army? They're not all in Egypt either, or the Italians wouldn't have gotten that far. The only remaining possibility is that most of the British Army is far removed... from the war... I guess their army is mostly for decoration.
This story is to my liking.
SkitalecS3
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Sensible move from the British AI there, the French would only waste any expeditionary force so don't send any.
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So, I'll do a "Talkin' Turkey" correspondence round-up before I go back to playing the next round of the game!
and the blood of the French Army). "Chamberlain, Chamberlain: where fore art thou, Chamberlain?" "Is that indecision which through yon window breaks?"
So, this time I've disguised the language and paraphrased a bit, but the new dramatic work has already made an appearance in the last update. There will be the traditional reward for the first to spot it: the signed picture of the Father Turk and a wad of Turkish Lira. Only one guess allowed per commenter, per chapter
I'll happily upgrade the Cav when I get the chance and I'll be happier to see their combat ability improve more than their tactical ability. Armour and mot will be the way of the future, in the meantime, the distances are such that depth RRFs will do most of their travel by SR in all likelihood. If Germany is held, I'd like to have some faster offensive units for later - and oil isn't a problem! Most of the army will still get around on shank's pony, but a corps or even two of fast troops for breakthrough warfare would be nice. A later ambition is for marines, but that may be via license. Would probably need to bolster the fleet a little too. So that's all years away, and may never happen.MOT eh.
That's my hope - the real test will be where are things in late 1941 compared to OTL. Until then, I have hopes but the jury is out.On the Fronts - Germany seems already stressed, big time. Playing as GER, I wouldn't want to deal with an aggressive Turkey right about now.
Well spotted - it was derived from one or two of the previous contenders from the 'competition' to come up with a name for what became the Union of Glorious National Republics. Just a bit of wartime propaganda - we'll see if it catches on.
Yes, I've seen Italy occupy most of France in some June '40 AI v AI campaigns. Though with Italy so stretched now, one wouldn't want northern France to fall for want of 2-3 spare divs doing nowt much down south.
All promising possibilities, but none in the bag yet. France and Egypt remain very fragile, though on balance they should hold - but only due to the distraction of the Axis in Europe.
I think it seems to be a mirror of the early North African campaign of OTL, but just with fewer units on both sides: Italy through distraction, UK through inaction (the Chamberlain factor - whose credibility has of course only been saved by bold Turkish action
and the blood of the French Army). "Chamberlain, Chamberlain: where fore art thou, Chamberlain?" "Is that indecision which through yon window breaks?"Yes, I think this is turning out better than I thought it would, though I was hoping the legendary AI difficulty in fighting a two-front war would come into play. They really should have looked to just hold the Soviets, finish off the French, then tried to come back to the east. The only extra thing the Germans have going for them in this world compared to OTL is the "Japan vs Comintern only" situation in the Far East.
Indeed. Hell in a hand basket.
All good points, and largely discussed above. Can only hope that (to mix poultry types) Japan's goose is cooked later, even if it takes some time for the oven to warm up to the required temperature!
Yes, the foreign ally-controlled AI, despite all the allied objective-setting encouragement I could give it, was simply not responsive and agile enough to close the deal on Hungary. While the hoped for surprise offensive didn't materialise and poor old Romania could only do so much, I felt (as debated at the time by Cabinet) I had to move early - before the Soviets were in position following their annexation of the Baltics - in order to ensure France had a fair chance of surviving. All in all, it has worked out pretty well so far I think. The Far East is the blackest spot so far.
Indeed. Run rabbit run!
Yes, this one I'm pretty sure withdrew all the way from the Netherlands, through Belgium, to northern France. I don't think any have actually been sent directly to France, nor assigned to them.
As per the US in many games, on land they're not doing anything much at all!
Thank you - appreciated.
Maybe - though the British are wasting their troops anyway and is one AI any better than another? I'd like at least a small BEF to help out in France. If they can ensure its collapse is prevented, then that would be enough for me.
So, this time I've disguised the language and paraphrased a bit, but the new dramatic work has already made an appearance in the last update. There will be the traditional reward for the first to spot it: the signed picture of the Father Turk and a wad of Turkish Lira
. Only one guess allowed per commenter, per chapter - 1
Chapter 83: Intermezzo (1 July 1940)
Chapter 83: Intermezzo (1 July 1940)
In this update, we will hear of some events behind the scenes and away from the battlefront. The war goes on, but so do does life, whether in secret, in the bureaucracy or in the simple homes of Turkish mothers, who wait anxiously for news of their sons and husbands who serve the Motherland.
Zurich
Luca Brasi is sitting in his office at the new International Immobiliare headquarters in Zurich. He wears a far more expensive suit these days, but it still doesn’t really fit his large and hulking frame any better than in the old days. In part because of the shoulder holster he habitually wears, even in the relative safety of Switzerland and the even safer offices of the now Turkish-run company. But in a concession to these friendlier surroundings, he has hung up his ubiquitous bullet-proof vest on the hat stand in the corner of his office. It's absence makes the suit look baggier on him, as all his suits are tailored to accommodate it.
His phone rings. “Mr Brasi?” comes the disembodied voice of a female secretary over the line.
“Si,” he answers.
“You have a visitor waiting for you in the boardroom.”
“Who?” Brasi is not a loquacious man.
“I don’t know sir. He wouldn’t say. But he looks important. Or he certainly acts like it, anyway.”
“Coming,” replies Brasi. He checks his revolver is loaded, the knives he keeps in sheathes around his body, and the razor in his shoe. He then dons [pun intended] his bulletproof vest, cracks his knuckles menacingly (or, it would have been menacing had anyone else been in the room to be menaced) and heads off to the elevator. While it is probably not an ambush, here in this secure building, Brasi hasn’t lived as long as he has - in such frequent mortal peril - by being complacent.
As Brasi arrives outside the boardroom, which adjoins the managing director’s office on the top floor, the secretary, Matilde, presses a button on her intercom to announce the arrival.
“Uh, tell Luca Brasi to come in,” says a voice in Italian. It is rough, raspy and made even more scratchy by the tinny little speaker.
“Go right in, Mr Brasi, your visitor is waiting for you,” says the secretary brightly. She then lowers her voice and whispers somewhat fearfully to Brasi: “And Luca, he has another man with him. I’ve never felt so uneasy about someone just from looking at them. Be careful.”
Luca enters the boardroom and sits down at the table in front of his visitor, whose back is turned. The man is in formal evening wear – it looks like he will be heading off to the opera after their meeting. He can sense a presence not far behind him, in a shadowed corner of the dimly lit room, but resists the urge to turn around. The figure in front of him looks familiar from behind, but he can’t quite work out who it is.
“It’s good to see you again Luca, my friend,” says Luca's surprise visitor, speaking in Italian. “I have just been appointed Ambassador to the Swiss Republic. I arrived by train from France this morning. Already, I am obliged to attend an official reception at the Opera tonight,” he continues, gesturing at his formal garb. “I Pagliacci.” Brasi merely nods.
Ceylan pauses, a quick look of disapproval flitting across his normally expressionless face as he focuses on a more distant thought. He then brings his gaze back to Brasi. “I'm a little worried about this Philip Tattaglia fella. I want you to find out what he's got under his fingernails, ya' know. Go to the Tattaglias, make them think that you're not too happy with your service to Turkey and find out what you can.” Brasi nods again.
Ceylan raises an eyebrow towards the darkened corner and raises his index finger in a subtle beckoning motion. A figure emerges out of the shadows but, confusingly to the eye, seems to also bring the shadows with him. It is, or course, the S.I.T.H. operative and demon-at-arms, Darth ‘the Kompositor’ Kelebek, a.k.a. The Red Butterfly. The two look at each other with understated, wordless but mutual respect. Kelebek hands over a thin dossier, then takes his seemingly enveloping shadow back with him, to reinforce those already gathered in the corner of the room.
“Read this now Luca, you can’t take it with you. We’ve been looking into Tattaglia and his Mafia crime family ever since the Immobiliare Affair. His fingerprints are all over the Great Conspiracy against Turkey last year. And Cennet has discovered direct evidence linking 'Don' Tattaglia to a plot by Virgil Sollozzo to assassinate our beloved President Inönü and overthrow the Government of Turkey and the Glorious Union.”
At this last revelation, Luca glances up from the file, which he makes heavy going of reading. His normally impassive and threatening visage looks a little less impassive and more threatening than usual. He resumes his study.
Attached to the dossier is a map and some pictures.
The Tattaglia compound at San Pietro Patti, in the hills above Messina.
Philip Tattaglia. The ‘ultimate objective of the Top Secret’ mission is clear!
Luca hands the dossier back, again without a word.
“Now, this envelope contains your orders. You are to go to this location. One of our agents will meet you there. The details, timings and password that will be used to verify their identity are written here. They will know to approach you, but you will not know their name until they introduce themselves to you. This is so you cannot betray them if you are captured.”
Ceylan gently raises a hand to forestall any questions. “I know you would never knowingly, willingly or easily do so Luca. But even the strongest man can be broken in time. This is perhaps the most dangerous mission you have ever performed for us. It takes you back to Sicily. Not even I or Kelebek here are aware of who your contact will be or what the plan is once you arrive. If they have not appeared by the time prescribed in your orders, you are to make your way back to Zurich as best you can, for that contact will already be dead or as good as, knowing your name and where you will be. They may only be able to hold out a short time before they yield the information that will see you dead.”
In response, Luca nods once again, shakes the hand that Ceylan offers and then wordlessly takes his leave. He is happy to be back in action again. The safe and sedentary life of a Zurich investment house is not for him.
Ankara
Braanzson ‘BJ’ Guildenstern is a sad and weary man. He has become jaded by the incessant wars since 1937 he has been forced to write cheap propaganda for. Gone are the heady (albeit dangerous) days of “Springtime for Hitler”; the happy mysteries of Persephonee’s easel; the easy days of drink and drug-induced psychosis that epitomise the advertising industry he had come to know and love.
And what has replaced it? The dreary, soulless, hackneyed, faux-Soviet drudgery of wartime propaganda! This is what he dreaded when he first heard the plans for Turkey to join the Comintern. Part of him had never believed it would actually happen. But it has. And just a few months of it have been enough to destroy what remained of his soul. Although considering how vanishingly small it was already – most having been sold off in bits years ago to various buyers – perhaps that was not too great a feat.
BJ Guildenstern - no longer a happy camper.
“Perse, I’m tired of all this,” sighs BJ in a now all-too-familiar whine of self-pity. “Look what I’m reduced to!”
“Cheaply over-written Soviet propaganda posters, from their seconds bins! Selling Turkish War Bonds. I think I am already dead, but am only just making the discovery!”
Persephonee is unimpressed by this egregious display of self-indulgence. “Well, do something about it then. Don’t just sit there, wallowing in your own misery. You said once you’d leave the day Turkey joined the Communists. So what are you waiting for!?”
What indeed, thinks BJ to himself. What indeed?
A small village near Izmir
A woman in her early 50s, looking older than her years from decades of hard physical work and with little to hand, sits in her parlour. She takes a moment’s rest in a busy day. There is a knock at the door.
Who might this be? she thinks to herself. With her husband dead for five years now and her only son Metin off in the army, she lives alone these days. Emel Sadik knows her only child, her pride and joy ... her life ... is in the 15th Infantry Division. Which was in the desperate battle for Stampalia in the Dodecanese last month. She received a letter from him then, but has heard nothing since. A glorious victory was declared on the 17th of June, but she has received no news of or from her son in the two weeks following. She worries every day of course, but can do nothing except trust in God to deliver him home, safe – or to Paradise, if God so wills it.
Emel Sadik's modest little home.
Emel opens the door. The postman Mehmet (of course he is called Mehmet) stands there, a letter in his hand. Silently and with as expressionless a face as he can maintain, he hands the letter over. “Peace be with you, Mrs Sadik.” He quickly turns and leaves. In recent years, even in this small village, many of the letters he has delivered have contained heartbreaking news. He has learned not to stay around to hear it – there is nothing he can do to console the inconsolable. If he leaves now, he can pretend the news was good, harmless or just routine.
Emel is numb. She holds the letter in her hand, willing herself to look at it. She must be brave, like her Metin. Looking at it, she sees the envelope has been sent from the military post office of the 15th Infantry Division. It has been addressed to her, written by an unfamiliar hand. Her own is now trembling as it hold this missive. She forces herself to walk over to a small, wooden chair and almost falls onto it, her knees – so used to hard work and toil – now suddenly weak.
The tears welling in her eyes make it difficult for her to focus sufficiently to open the envelope, but she finally manages it. With a massive effort of will, she forces herself to look at a single sheet, typed letter …
Coming Up Soon: The next update will cover the events in the war during the first half of July 1940.
In this update, we will hear of some events behind the scenes and away from the battlefront. The war goes on, but so do does life, whether in secret, in the bureaucracy or in the simple homes of Turkish mothers, who wait anxiously for news of their sons and husbands who serve the Motherland.
Zurich
Luca Brasi is sitting in his office at the new International Immobiliare headquarters in Zurich. He wears a far more expensive suit these days, but it still doesn’t really fit his large and hulking frame any better than in the old days. In part because of the shoulder holster he habitually wears, even in the relative safety of Switzerland and the even safer offices of the now Turkish-run company. But in a concession to these friendlier surroundings, he has hung up his ubiquitous bullet-proof vest on the hat stand in the corner of his office. It's absence makes the suit look baggier on him, as all his suits are tailored to accommodate it.
His phone rings. “Mr Brasi?” comes the disembodied voice of a female secretary over the line.
“Si,” he answers.
“You have a visitor waiting for you in the boardroom.”
“Who?” Brasi is not a loquacious man.
“I don’t know sir. He wouldn’t say. But he looks important. Or he certainly acts like it, anyway.”
“Coming,” replies Brasi. He checks his revolver is loaded, the knives he keeps in sheathes around his body, and the razor in his shoe. He then dons [pun intended] his bulletproof vest, cracks his knuckles menacingly (or, it would have been menacing had anyone else been in the room to be menaced) and heads off to the elevator. While it is probably not an ambush, here in this secure building, Brasi hasn’t lived as long as he has - in such frequent mortal peril - by being complacent.
As Brasi arrives outside the boardroom, which adjoins the managing director’s office on the top floor, the secretary, Matilde, presses a button on her intercom to announce the arrival.
“Uh, tell Luca Brasi to come in,” says a voice in Italian. It is rough, raspy and made even more scratchy by the tinny little speaker.
“Go right in, Mr Brasi, your visitor is waiting for you,” says the secretary brightly. She then lowers her voice and whispers somewhat fearfully to Brasi: “And Luca, he has another man with him. I’ve never felt so uneasy about someone just from looking at them. Be careful.”
Luca enters the boardroom and sits down at the table in front of his visitor, whose back is turned. The man is in formal evening wear – it looks like he will be heading off to the opera after their meeting. He can sense a presence not far behind him, in a shadowed corner of the dimly lit room, but resists the urge to turn around. The figure in front of him looks familiar from behind, but he can’t quite work out who it is.
The man slowly swivels his chair around. He stands. It is Ambassador ‘Vito’ Ceylan, his former boss. They had last seen each other in Rome, as Ceylan was forced to leave due to the outbreak of war, while Luca remained behind “to perform a small service”.
Luca stands hastily, walks over to his mentor and pays his respects. “Don Ceylan, you honour me greatly this day. Once again, I pledge my eternal loyalty to you and to the Motherland.” This is the longest sentence Brasi has spoken in over a year!
Luca stands hastily, walks over to his mentor and pays his respects. “Don Ceylan, you honour me greatly this day. Once again, I pledge my eternal loyalty to you and to the Motherland.” This is the longest sentence Brasi has spoken in over a year!
“It’s good to see you again Luca, my friend,” says Luca's surprise visitor, speaking in Italian. “I have just been appointed Ambassador to the Swiss Republic. I arrived by train from France this morning. Already, I am obliged to attend an official reception at the Opera tonight,” he continues, gesturing at his formal garb. “I Pagliacci.” Brasi merely nods.
Ceylan pauses, a quick look of disapproval flitting across his normally expressionless face as he focuses on a more distant thought. He then brings his gaze back to Brasi. “I'm a little worried about this Philip Tattaglia fella. I want you to find out what he's got under his fingernails, ya' know. Go to the Tattaglias, make them think that you're not too happy with your service to Turkey and find out what you can.” Brasi nods again.
Ceylan raises an eyebrow towards the darkened corner and raises his index finger in a subtle beckoning motion. A figure emerges out of the shadows but, confusingly to the eye, seems to also bring the shadows with him. It is, or course, the S.I.T.H. operative and demon-at-arms, Darth ‘the Kompositor’ Kelebek, a.k.a. The Red Butterfly. The two look at each other with understated, wordless but mutual respect. Kelebek hands over a thin dossier, then takes his seemingly enveloping shadow back with him, to reinforce those already gathered in the corner of the room.
“Read this now Luca, you can’t take it with you. We’ve been looking into Tattaglia and his Mafia crime family ever since the Immobiliare Affair. His fingerprints are all over the Great Conspiracy against Turkey last year. And Cennet has discovered direct evidence linking 'Don' Tattaglia to a plot by Virgil Sollozzo to assassinate our beloved President Inönü and overthrow the Government of Turkey and the Glorious Union.”
At this last revelation, Luca glances up from the file, which he makes heavy going of reading. His normally impassive and threatening visage looks a little less impassive and more threatening than usual. He resumes his study.
Philip Tattaglia, born in Sicily in 1887. He is the head of the Tattaglia crime family, based in Messina, Sicily. Although his primary business is prostitution, he was the first to support Virgil ‘The Turk’ Sollozzo's heroin connection. He helped Sollozzo go to war with the Turkish criminal underworld in Istanbul in the early 1930s, after they refused to lend their political and police protection to Sollozzo’s enterprise.
He is known to be something of an irritation to the other Sicilian Dons, with his constant complaints about police crackdowns, employment problems and the high costs that his businesses incur. Because of this, Tattaglia receives little respect from them, but has compensated by making himself useful to Mussolini’s Fascist government, most notably assisting the traitorous Don Osvaldo Altobello with the almost-successful plot to use an armed seaplane to murder the rest of the Council of Premiers of the newly created Glorious Union. And thus turn Turkey into a Fascist-leaning, Mafia-dominated, criminal narco-state.
Philip Tattaglia is a dandy and woman-chaser whose business gives him ample opportunity to indulge his weaknesses. His personality is unpleasant. He is a whiner, and often rants on to audiences who are unsympathetic to and contemptuous of his problems. He relies on the help of stronger men like the (now liquidated) Virgil Sollozzo and Emilio Barzini, as well as his own sons, Bruno and John, to keep him afloat. Despite this, Tattaglia has some rat cunning and the foresight to see the money that can be made from the drugs trade.
His is currently believed to be based in a heavily fortified compound in the hills above Messina.
He is known to be something of an irritation to the other Sicilian Dons, with his constant complaints about police crackdowns, employment problems and the high costs that his businesses incur. Because of this, Tattaglia receives little respect from them, but has compensated by making himself useful to Mussolini’s Fascist government, most notably assisting the traitorous Don Osvaldo Altobello with the almost-successful plot to use an armed seaplane to murder the rest of the Council of Premiers of the newly created Glorious Union. And thus turn Turkey into a Fascist-leaning, Mafia-dominated, criminal narco-state.
Philip Tattaglia is a dandy and woman-chaser whose business gives him ample opportunity to indulge his weaknesses. His personality is unpleasant. He is a whiner, and often rants on to audiences who are unsympathetic to and contemptuous of his problems. He relies on the help of stronger men like the (now liquidated) Virgil Sollozzo and Emilio Barzini, as well as his own sons, Bruno and John, to keep him afloat. Despite this, Tattaglia has some rat cunning and the foresight to see the money that can be made from the drugs trade.
His is currently believed to be based in a heavily fortified compound in the hills above Messina.
Attached to the dossier is a map and some pictures.
The Tattaglia compound at San Pietro Patti, in the hills above Messina.
Philip Tattaglia. The ‘ultimate objective of the Top Secret’ mission is clear!
Luca hands the dossier back, again without a word.
“Now, this envelope contains your orders. You are to go to this location. One of our agents will meet you there. The details, timings and password that will be used to verify their identity are written here. They will know to approach you, but you will not know their name until they introduce themselves to you. This is so you cannot betray them if you are captured.”
Ceylan gently raises a hand to forestall any questions. “I know you would never knowingly, willingly or easily do so Luca. But even the strongest man can be broken in time. This is perhaps the most dangerous mission you have ever performed for us. It takes you back to Sicily. Not even I or Kelebek here are aware of who your contact will be or what the plan is once you arrive. If they have not appeared by the time prescribed in your orders, you are to make your way back to Zurich as best you can, for that contact will already be dead or as good as, knowing your name and where you will be. They may only be able to hold out a short time before they yield the information that will see you dead.”
In response, Luca nods once again, shakes the hand that Ceylan offers and then wordlessly takes his leave. He is happy to be back in action again. The safe and sedentary life of a Zurich investment house is not for him.
Ankara
Braanzson ‘BJ’ Guildenstern is a sad and weary man. He has become jaded by the incessant wars since 1937 he has been forced to write cheap propaganda for. Gone are the heady (albeit dangerous) days of “Springtime for Hitler”; the happy mysteries of Persephonee’s easel; the easy days of drink and drug-induced psychosis that epitomise the advertising industry he had come to know and love.
And what has replaced it? The dreary, soulless, hackneyed, faux-Soviet drudgery of wartime propaganda! This is what he dreaded when he first heard the plans for Turkey to join the Comintern. Part of him had never believed it would actually happen. But it has. And just a few months of it have been enough to destroy what remained of his soul. Although considering how vanishingly small it was already – most having been sold off in bits years ago to various buyers – perhaps that was not too great a feat.
BJ Guildenstern - no longer a happy camper.
“Perse, I’m tired of all this,” sighs BJ in a now all-too-familiar whine of self-pity. “Look what I’m reduced to!”
“Cheaply over-written Soviet propaganda posters, from their seconds bins! Selling Turkish War Bonds. I think I am already dead, but am only just making the discovery!”
Persephonee is unimpressed by this egregious display of self-indulgence. “Well, do something about it then. Don’t just sit there, wallowing in your own misery. You said once you’d leave the day Turkey joined the Communists. So what are you waiting for!?”
What indeed, thinks BJ to himself. What indeed?
A small village near Izmir
A woman in her early 50s, looking older than her years from decades of hard physical work and with little to hand, sits in her parlour. She takes a moment’s rest in a busy day. There is a knock at the door.
Who might this be? she thinks to herself. With her husband dead for five years now and her only son Metin off in the army, she lives alone these days. Emel Sadik knows her only child, her pride and joy ... her life ... is in the 15th Infantry Division. Which was in the desperate battle for Stampalia in the Dodecanese last month. She received a letter from him then, but has heard nothing since. A glorious victory was declared on the 17th of June, but she has received no news of or from her son in the two weeks following. She worries every day of course, but can do nothing except trust in God to deliver him home, safe – or to Paradise, if God so wills it.
Emel Sadik's modest little home.
Emel opens the door. The postman Mehmet (of course he is called Mehmet) stands there, a letter in his hand. Silently and with as expressionless a face as he can maintain, he hands the letter over. “Peace be with you, Mrs Sadik.” He quickly turns and leaves. In recent years, even in this small village, many of the letters he has delivered have contained heartbreaking news. He has learned not to stay around to hear it – there is nothing he can do to console the inconsolable. If he leaves now, he can pretend the news was good, harmless or just routine.
Emel is numb. She holds the letter in her hand, willing herself to look at it. She must be brave, like her Metin. Looking at it, she sees the envelope has been sent from the military post office of the 15th Infantry Division. It has been addressed to her, written by an unfamiliar hand. Her own is now trembling as it hold this missive. She forces herself to walk over to a small, wooden chair and almost falls onto it, her knees – so used to hard work and toil – now suddenly weak.
The tears welling in her eyes make it difficult for her to focus sufficiently to open the envelope, but she finally manages it. With a massive effort of will, she forces herself to look at a single sheet, typed letter …
It says it is from the Chief of Staff of the 15th Infantry Division…
“Dear Mrs Sadik, I regret to inform you …”
Emel lets out a small scream and almost faints as she sits there, alone and empty, her teary eyes shooting quickly, hopelessly, to the picture of Metin, in his uniform, smiling so proudly before he went to fight for his Mother and Motherland. No, she must be brave, as he was in life …
“… to inform you that your son, Private Metin Sadik, was wounded in the final assault on Stampalia on 16 June 1940. He was evacuated by sea to our military hospital in Athens, where the shrapnel wounds to his arm and side were operated on successfully. He remains in hospital and is currently unable to write, but is expected to make a full recovery. His bravery in action and his leadership under fire have been recognised by his promotion to Corporal, in which capacity he will thankfully be able to continue to serve the Republic and Motherland.
Long Live Turkey! Long Live the Glorious Union!
Yours, etc”
Emel starts breathing again. This time, at least, Metin survives and lives to fight another day. A reprieve only, perhaps, but so much better than the alternative!
She sees there is something else in the envelope.
“Dear Mrs Sadik, I regret to inform you …”
Emel lets out a small scream and almost faints as she sits there, alone and empty, her teary eyes shooting quickly, hopelessly, to the picture of Metin, in his uniform, smiling so proudly before he went to fight for his Mother and Motherland. No, she must be brave, as he was in life …
“… to inform you that your son, Private Metin Sadik, was wounded in the final assault on Stampalia on 16 June 1940. He was evacuated by sea to our military hospital in Athens, where the shrapnel wounds to his arm and side were operated on successfully. He remains in hospital and is currently unable to write, but is expected to make a full recovery. His bravery in action and his leadership under fire have been recognised by his promotion to Corporal, in which capacity he will thankfully be able to continue to serve the Republic and Motherland.
Long Live Turkey! Long Live the Glorious Union!
Yours, etc”
Emel starts breathing again. This time, at least, Metin survives and lives to fight another day. A reprieve only, perhaps, but so much better than the alternative!
She sees there is something else in the envelope.
It is an American-made postcard!
“Dear Mother,” it reads. “My friend Ismet is writing this for me. The Path to Glory has led me to Athens! I am safe for now and soon hope to be back with the men of my company. I am proud to see the flag of the Glorious Union flying in Athens. Please take all good care of yourself, your son, Metin.”
“Dear Mother,” it reads. “My friend Ismet is writing this for me. The Path to Glory has led me to Athens! I am safe for now and soon hope to be back with the men of my company. I am proud to see the flag of the Glorious Union flying in Athens. Please take all good care of yourself, your son, Metin.”
Coming Up Soon: The next update will cover the events in the war during the first half of July 1940.
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And so the dark and depressing truths at the heart of Turkey become apparent. BJ must face up the the joyless, miserable mini-Soviet state he has helped spawn, a state with all the repression and fear of the USSR but without the redeeming steel mills.
The last section was a bit odd, it felt like the kind of dodgy propaganda Persephone would dismiss as cliched and ineffective. Still, if they are sending injured Turks to Greece there is a good chance the next letter Mrs Sadik gets will reveal her son has been killed by rampaging Greeks resistance fighters, trying to overthrow their evil and barbaric Turkish overlords. So there is that to look forward to.
The last section was a bit odd, it felt like the kind of dodgy propaganda Persephone would dismiss as cliched and ineffective. Still, if they are sending injured Turks to Greece there is a good chance the next letter Mrs Sadik gets will reveal her son has been killed by rampaging Greeks resistance fighters, trying to overthrow their evil and barbaric Turkish overlords. So there is that to look forward to.
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Thanks.
Indeed. Though it’s a close run thing between BJ and the UGNR as to which has the more bankrupt inner core. He has himself become a metaphor for that which he has come to loathe - his almost complete lack of self-reflection and moral scruples is the only thing that has kept him going this long.
Your implied reference to repressive press laws (justified of course by the war) is a nice pick-up/anticipation/prediction. Edit: Small spoiler - repression had just been introduced in the game, though not yet reported (see next chapter soon). Ironically, that was made possible by the increase of national unity to a healthy 70% - which, if you think of the game mechanics, has been achieved through four and a half years of assiduous work by Kaya’s thought police! Kemalism is being turned into a kind of Stalinism Light. All to achieve what the leadership still genuinely see as a greater good to achieve necessary ends and national glory!
Nothing is black and white in this alternate 1940. And to be brutally frank, BJ’s attitude is more about a combination of disappointment of the nature and lack of challenge of the work he is now doing (he sees himself as an artist and has been reduced to a production line worker turning out shoddy knock-offs); his previously expressed distaste for the oppression of Communism (not for what it does to the people, but for its potential restriction of his personal opportunity for ruthless material gain) and finally the cumulative effects of years of overindulgence in myriad personal vices. He is a deeply flawed anti-hero who now has a serious decision to make.
I adhere to the principle of never being afraid to kill off an important character for dramatic purposes if necessary, even when one has spent a fair time developing them and (unlike in CK2) when the game doesn’t even force you to kill them! Keeps the others on their toes. In this case, as I started to write that episode I still wasn’t quite sure whether Metin was going to live or die. But I decided I wanted him to live for a while longer anyway (it is still only 1940).
That said, I wanted something at that point to represent the personal aspects of all the blithely mathematical game mechanics and the anguished suspense of just one little piece of a far larger story. There have been a few in the past in TT and will be more sprinkled through in the future. I also wanted readers to ask a little question of themselves: did they want Metin to survive, or to die a martyr’s death? A poor young Turkish soldier dying on a small Italian occupied Greek island, previously occupied by the Turks and now defended by hapless African colonial troops of a Fascist dictatorship? Who were the good guys and bad guys there? I don’t know myself!
So, this was the one step forward to the two steps back. I held Metin’s life and his mother’s remaining happiness in my hands and, for now anyway, spared them. While of course exploiting the situation for dramatic purposes and the reader’s entertainment: BJ and Persephonee would have indeed been proud! The Greek resistance seems to have gone quiet for now, but I don’t thing Metin or his (surviving) comrades in the Fighting Fifteenth have seen the last of combat in the Great Liberation War! And remember, the Colonel writing the letter does so for unashamed micro-propaganda purposes, while Metin (at this early stage of his personal war) is still a true believer.
But his postcard must try to keep his mother from worrying more than she will be already; is being written for him by a comrade (not a private situation) and must make it past the military censors. Then scrutiny by Kaya’s even more repressive secret police, who will be on the lookout for evidence of any anti-Kemalist defeatism! Metin may be young and relatively naive (though not so much now, after a sobering introduction to the realities of war), but he is well aware of the society he lives in.
I’m glad you did pick up on the propagandist element though: he hails from Izmir and his family well remembers the War with Greece in the early 1920s (he was just a toddler then). He can’t help but be smugly pleased with seeing the favour returned with interest now, with the Turkish flag flying over Athens! This is what vendetta looks like up close and personal. Metin can’t help but buy into it, as a child of his times. In this case, both sides see themselves as being in the right. And thus the tragedy regenerates with each new generation. Will Great War Three one day end with Greek troops finally occupying Ankara and exacting their revenge? That question will be left (mercifully) to posterity in this story. Though who knows who will be in possession of what by the time this ends? Not the author, anyway!
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To be honest, we've never disguised that though the Nazis are worse, the Turks aren't heroes here. Kelebek works for them after all, as well as half the mafi. The fact the other half fights them doesn't mean they're the good guys. Especially when they went into Persia...
With the Comintern now secure and strong and spreading across Africa, Asia and Europe...it's not a bright future for humanity unless turkey acts as some kind of moderating force somehow.
With the Comintern now secure and strong and spreading across Africa, Asia and Europe...it's not a bright future for humanity unless turkey acts as some kind of moderating force somehow.
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Chapter 84: A Tug-of-War (1 to 16 July 1940)
Chapter 84: A Tug-of-War (1 to 16 July 1940)
Back soon to the grim world of industrial-strength global warfare. But before we do that – and following our previous ‘Interval’ episode – we will join Vatan ‘Vito’ Ceylan, Turkey’s newly appointed Ambassador to Switzerland and S.I.T.H. controller for Europe. After his meeting with Luca Brasi, Ceylan headed off to the opera. Tonight’s performance is, very appropriately, I Pagliacci. We will hear a rendition of its signature aria – Vesti La Giubba. Enjoy.
(4:38 min)
Luciano (Luca?) Pavarotti – born 50 years early in this alternate Talking Turkey world, in Modena, Italy in 1885 instead of 1935. Here he is singing the aria Vesti La Giubba in Zurich on 1 July 1940. Ceylan, sitting in a private stall, dabs a tear from his eye as the tragic aria is sung (think here of Robert De Nero as Al Capone in The Untouchables). Misery has much company at this time – and its host of companions will continue to grow across the world as it descends further into flames and bloodshed. Ceylan has no compunction adding to it by sending his ‘friend’ Brasi into deadly danger to further the cause of Glorious Turkey and the fight against Fascism. But still allows himself a self-indulgent tear as he contemplates Pagliacci’s circumstances.
1. General News
1 Jul 40
News Report: Tokyo, Japan. The Mitsubishi A6M Reisen or ‘Zero’ fighter plane enters operation in the Imperial Japanese Navy [in OTL, anyway].
A Mitsubishi A6M Reisen ‘Zero’, 1 July 1940.
News Report: London, UK. The British government advises women to conserve wood by wearing shoes with flatter heels.
News Report: Washington State, US. The Tacoma Narrows Bridge opens to traffic in Washington State. It is now the third-longest suspension bridge in the world. It spans the Tacoma Narrows strait of Puget Sound between Tacoma and the Kitsap Peninsula.
The Tacoma Narrows Bridge, opened to traffic on 1 July 1940. Spot the problem?
3 Jul 40
With their plans for conquest now largely stalled in France and confronted with a massive war of attrition on the Eastern Front earlier than they had anticipated, a surprisingly justified fear of encirclement has hit the German leadership. Hitler makes a speech proclaiming the 'destiny' of the Third Reich is to defeat the Soviet Union and bring German domination to the vast territories of the east. It is intended to galvanise their war machine for a supreme effort – but the effect will not be indefinite. The Allies and Comintern must now weather this storm: it will be interesting to see whether this extra push will allow the Axis to achieve victory in either the West or the East in the following months.
5 Jul 40
There is some good news from the Allied war against the Italians in Ethiopia: France has conquered the Italian puppet state, thereby knocking out the first Axis member since the war began.
This prompts the Turkish Government to re-examine its declared war goals just over a month since its entry into the Second Great War. Following on from the initial aims of bringing all Axis countries into the Comintern brother-and-sisterhood, some additional goals are articulated. Why not?
7 Jul 40
Another garrison brigade is delivered. This one will ensure the port and fortifications of Patra (the western end of the Iskandar Line) are at least lightly held now that Patra's main garrison is deployed forward holding the Yeniçeri Line in the former Yugoslavia.
Meanwhile, an attempt to risk some necessary sea trade with the neutral US to remedy a minor metals shortfall (none was available for trade from the Comintern) has come to nought, even though it had seemed likely to be approved. It must be the effect of those new trade restrictions on belligerents they keep introducing. But Turkey is fighting the Fascists! This is just not right.
9 Jul 40
News Report: Washington DC, US. President Franklin D. Roosevelt holds a press conference in which he continues to skilfully dodge questions about whether or not he is seeking the Democratic nomination for a third term at next week's convention.
10 Jul 40
News Report: London, UK. The British Union of Fascists is formally banned.
That evening, Ögel reports one of our four remaining spies hiding in Paris has been caught despite laying low! Now only three remain, with a couple held back in reserve in Ankara. And it’s those interfering South Africans again! Clearly, the French counter-espionage forces are still being led by their hapless pre-war bureau chief.
With Inspector Clouseau in charge of French counter-espionage these days, it seems it’s now up to South African agents to winkle out foreign spies in France. What is the world coming to? Mon dieu!
11 Jul 40
A Cabinet meeting has been called to consider the Government’s legislative program. Interior Minister Kaya has reported that national unity has now hit 70%. Prime Minister Celâl Bayar advises most of the required legislative program has been fulfilled. But one area where things can be tightened up is in the area of Civil Laws. “With a great war to fight and national unity improving, now is the time to take advantage,” says Bayar, matter-of-factly. “We can crack down on foreign spies, CHP support will increase and we can further focus production away from frivolous consumer goods and towards the war effort.” It is calculated this will reduce consumer goods demand from 3.42 to less than 2.25 IC immediately.
Prime Minister Celâl Bayar finds himself presiding over Cabinet on 11 July 1940.
Calls of “Hear, hear”, “Bravo!” “Good work, Kaya,” and such like can be heard around the table. Inönü remains at the front, leaving Bayar to chair this meeting, who he has already authorised to prosecute this legal change. The mere ‘Legalistic Restrictions’ that had applied until now are swept aside. The Protection of National Security Act (1940) signals a further tightening of control for the ruling party and Government – but is actually welcomed in the community at large: they say people deserve the Governments they get. It looks like Turkey and the UGNR are all for the Path to Glory – especially as things seem to be turning out better than expected on the battlefield, if reports filtering through from the first days of July are anything to go by. And Kaya is well pleased – this will help his efforts on all fronts.
14 Jul 40
News Report: Baltic States, USSR. The Western press reports that ‘rigged’ elections are held in Soviet-occupied Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Of course, in the Comintern, it is seen as not letting Fascists and counter-revolutionaries take advantage of a gullible population. The state must protect them from their own ignorance and lead them along the correct path (in Turkey’s case, one of Glory). If elections really must be held, then the people must be properly guided.
15 Jul 40
News Report: Chicago, US. The 1940 Democratic National Convention opens.
News Report: Baltic States, USSR. The results of the elections in the Soviet-occupied Baltic states were announced, reporting a unanimous desire to join the Soviet Union. Unsurprising – why on earth would they have voted otherwise? A gratifying result after a commendably – erm – efficient count, with the right outcome known so quickly!
16 Jul 40
The fifth level of fortifications is finished in Istanbul. With the main battle now being fought well forward and the Eastern Front appearing to be holding for now, this completes the last fixed item of defensive line construction for now. Istanbul stands at fort level 5 with 6 AA; Canakkale at 3 fort and 4 AA; Athens 4 fort and 5 AA; and Patra 2 fort and 2 AA.
Naval Report. All the known naval naval vessels sunk in the first half of July belong to Italy. They have lost a heavy cruiser, a light cruiser and another destroyer flotilla (making four now).
The RM Taranto was formerly the SMS Strassburg, a light cruiser of the Magdeburg class in the German Kaiserliche Marine (Imperial Navy). Strassburg was built at the Kaiserliche Werft shipyard in Wilhelmshaven from 1910 to October 1912, when she was commissioned into the High Seas Fleet. The ship was armed with a main battery of twelve 10.5 cm (4.1 in) SK L/45 guns and had a top speed of 27.5 knots (50.9 km/h; 31.6 mph). The ship served briefly in the new Reichsmarine in 1919 before being transferred to Italy as a war prize. She was formally transferred in July 1920 and renamed Taranto for service in the Italian Navy. In 1936–1937, she was rebuilt for colonial duties and additional anti-aircraft guns were installed. The ship was sunk by the French heavy cruiser Tourville in July 1940.
The RM Trento was the first of two Trento-class cruisers. They were the first heavy cruisers built for the Italian Regia Marina (Royal Navy). The ship was laid down in February 1925, launched in October 1927, and was commissioned in April 1929. The Trento was very lightly armoured, with only a 70 mm (2.8 in) thick armoured belt, though she possessed a high speed and heavy armament of eight 203 mm (8.0 in) guns. Sunk by the French battleship Ocean in July 1940.
2. France
With the fall of Verdun on 13 July, a report is provided of key Belgian and French (VP) cities now in German hands. Other than in the far north-west (on the Channel) and the south-east (the three remaining Maginot Line centres), there are no more major French cities that can be easily reached by the advancing Germans. They will need to advance a considerable distance to make larger gains (principal of which is Paris, of course, which still remains three provinces distant from the nearest German units).
In summary, the first half of July has seen more advances by the Germans than the French on the Western Front, but the story is an interesting one. In the north, an Allied counter-offensive that began with the retaking (once more) of Dunkerque and then Hazebrouck has continued through Belgium and even into Holland, where the tip of the spear now rests in Middleburg. How powerful this breakthrough may be and what forces the Germans have available to stem it are unknown.
But further west, the Germans have pushed further towards their major objective of the French capital, seizing St. Quentin and Laon. Most worrying are the considerable advances they have made around Verdun and Metz. The surrounded Cattenom fell earlier in the month, but then Verdun finally fell, with German forces advancing as far as Toul, taking the fortifications there. While the French situation is by no means desperate by midday on 16 July (27.7% surrender progress), they must stabilise the line on the two main German axes of advance. There has been no movement on the Franco-Italian Front.
The Western Front, situation at midday, 16 July 1940, including provinces that have changed hands since 30 June.
3. Mediterranean
Cebesoy sends another one of his rare reports of Italian and British positions in Egypt on 1 July. The line currently seems to be static, with the British well in control of El ‘Alamein.
On 11 July another new garrison brigade is raised and is immediately transported to Irakleio in Crete, to provide some protection for the port and airfield there (from either Italian attack or partisan activity).
By 16 July, the British seem to have broken the back of the Italian defences in Egypt and are now advancing rapidly toward the Libyan border! Cebesoy’s Mk 1 Eyeball Flotilla remains on station, reporting a swathe of provinces recaptured by the British over the last couple of weeks.
4. Turkish Sector
Apart from the Axis now having closed up to the Yeniçeri Line by taking Korcula in the south-west and Senta in the north-east, again no attacks were made on Turkish units anywhere along the line. All quiet on the Southern Front! Of note, there is a major concentration of Soviet forces just north-west of Beograd, but there is no indication from the Soviets as to whether they are there to launch an offensive. Their next actions will be watched with interest.
The Turkish Sector of the Eastern Front, situation at midday, 16 July 1940, including provinces that have changed hands since 30 June.
5. Romania and Hungary
The month begins with reports on 1 July that the much-contested Hungarian VP city of Debrecen has once again been lost to the Axis, the defending Soviet tank division expelled by a German infantry division. But on 7 July, the situation is reversed, with what appears to be the same Soviet tank division retaking city from the German infantry who had ousted them. Otherwise, as the situation is assessed at midday on 16 July, the news is generally quite good. Although at least a couple of Romanian infantry corps remain en route to the Far East, the strip of much fought-over Hungarian border provinces is once again either under Romanian control of look set to become so in Bekés, where a strong Romanian formation with a Soviet division in support is advancing to take it. The Axis seem to be falling back in the centre, but an Italian infantry corps is gathering to the north of Debrecen, whose remaining residents must by now be deeply regretting its position on the Hungarian-Romanian border!
6. Soviet Sector
The Soviets appear to be launching a major offensive into Poland south of Brest-Litovsk, where by 3 July they have expanded their bridgehead over the Bug River into Chelm and Bilgoraj.
Krasnystaw and Jaroslaw are added to the Soviet gains by midday on 8 July, although some signs of strengthening German defences and even counter-attacks can be seen against the currently exposed Soviet armoured units that have made the initial breakthroughs. They need their supporting units to catch up, so they can hold what they have managed to seize.
When the general position along the front is reviewed at midday on 16 July, no further Soviet advances have been made, but they are still holding their earlier gains. The four provinces they have taken since 30 June remain under their control – for now.
The first half of the month has also seen some significant fighting from Brest-Litovsk (where the Germans have taken the nearby province of Bielsk-Podlaski) to the north, where the Soviets have made some significant gains, retaking three previously German-held border provinces and breaking back once more into Gumbinnen in East Prussia. That last province seems to have been occupied by a strong Soviet column which may have some opportunities for a breakthrough into open country (the possibilities will be more closely examined below). In Augusterow, a strong German attack seems to have succeeded in dislodging the Soviet defenders, but a relief column is on its way from the east. There could be some more heavy fighting to come there in the next few days!
On the East Prussian border with the (former) Lithuania, 16 July reveals the province of Rietavas has been reclaimed from what is now known as the SS Liebstandarte Division! While the SS retreat to Memel, the victorious Soviet 5th Inf Div awaits further reinforcements, with a large force of Soviet armour approaching from the north-east. As reported above, the Soviet breakthrough into Gumbinnen has opened some major possibilities for a rapid advance into open country. Of course, this will depend on the organisation of the Soviet units there and the offensive spirit of the STAVKA. It is at least a promising sight and has raised morale, coming as it has in the aftermath of Hitler’s proclamation of so-called German destiny. Hopes are Hitler’s destiny is to be strung up with piano wire from the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin!
Northern Soviet Sector, 16 July 1940.
Taking the wider view, the Eastern Front makes for an impressive sight, with more Soviet units still making their way to the front lines.
7. The Far East
The final mid-month report provided to the Turkish Supreme Command and Cabinet is provided by the Soviets, detailing developments in and concerning the Far East. 5 July saw a significant number of Romanian units still proceeding east by rail. From a Turkish perspective, the Soviet commandeering of these units, so necessary on the Romanian sector at the moment, in onerous. But that is alliance warfare for you when you are the junior partner!
The reason for this diversion – and why Turkey feels it can’t protest too much at the treatment of its puppet ally – is obvious. Soviet forces still try to desperately make their way back from the collapsed Vladivostok front, while another battle still rages to their north to keep their escape route open.
The report on 16 July shows at least one slower (garrison) unit lagging and destined for capture by the Japanese. But most of the retreating units still have an escape path, despite Japanese territorial gain in the south over the last few weeks. But the danger is far from over.
Summary
So ends another few weeks of wholesale global war. The Far East continues to be a problem, but as yet a far from crucial one. The Eastern Front is generally positive, with net gains in the Romanian and Soviet Sectors and no challenge at all as yet in the Turkish sector (not a single attack has been launched on a Turkish unit there since the war began in the east). The Italian Navy has continued to take losses in the Mediterranean, while their fortunes have taken a rapid turn for the worse, with the British now advancing swiftly towards the Libyan border. France has removed Italy’s stranglehold from Ethiopia. On the Western Front the Germans have made some important gains and the situation remains dangerous, but they have not had things all their own way.
Coming Up: The Western Front carries the greatest strategic risk for the Western-Comintern anti-Fascist alliance. A failure there would release prime attacking units for use in the east and grant Germany additional industrial capacity and resources, while removing the French Navy from the scene. This would be a significant blow should it happen – but will it? Can the British keep up their counter-attacking momentum in North Africa? Will RADM Cebesoy ever be given a Mk 2 Eyeball, the better to see them with? Can the Soviets break through into East Prussia to complement their successful limited offensive in Poland? And can they extract their fleeing forces from encirclement in the Far East? More mysteriously, who is the secret contact in Sicily in whose hands Luca Brasi must now place his life? Will he succeed once again, or be forced to check out the sleeping arrangements of fish off the Sicilian coast? These questions will be asked and some perhaps even answered in forthcoming chapters of Turkey’s Path to Glory!
Back soon to the grim world of industrial-strength global warfare. But before we do that – and following our previous ‘Interval’ episode – we will join Vatan ‘Vito’ Ceylan, Turkey’s newly appointed Ambassador to Switzerland and S.I.T.H. controller for Europe. After his meeting with Luca Brasi, Ceylan headed off to the opera. Tonight’s performance is, very appropriately, I Pagliacci. We will hear a rendition of its signature aria – Vesti La Giubba. Enjoy.
Luciano (Luca?) Pavarotti – born 50 years early in this alternate Talking Turkey world, in Modena, Italy in 1885 instead of 1935. Here he is singing the aria Vesti La Giubba in Zurich on 1 July 1940. Ceylan, sitting in a private stall, dabs a tear from his eye as the tragic aria is sung (think here of Robert De Nero as Al Capone in The Untouchables). Misery has much company at this time – and its host of companions will continue to grow across the world as it descends further into flames and bloodshed. Ceylan has no compunction adding to it by sending his ‘friend’ Brasi into deadly danger to further the cause of Glorious Turkey and the fight against Fascism. But still allows himself a self-indulgent tear as he contemplates Pagliacci’s circumstances.
1. General News
1 Jul 40
News Report: Tokyo, Japan. The Mitsubishi A6M Reisen or ‘Zero’ fighter plane enters operation in the Imperial Japanese Navy [in OTL, anyway].
A Mitsubishi A6M Reisen ‘Zero’, 1 July 1940.
News Report: London, UK. The British government advises women to conserve wood by wearing shoes with flatter heels.
News Report: Washington State, US. The Tacoma Narrows Bridge opens to traffic in Washington State. It is now the third-longest suspension bridge in the world. It spans the Tacoma Narrows strait of Puget Sound between Tacoma and the Kitsap Peninsula.
The Tacoma Narrows Bridge, opened to traffic on 1 July 1940. Spot the problem?
3 Jul 40
With their plans for conquest now largely stalled in France and confronted with a massive war of attrition on the Eastern Front earlier than they had anticipated, a surprisingly justified fear of encirclement has hit the German leadership. Hitler makes a speech proclaiming the 'destiny' of the Third Reich is to defeat the Soviet Union and bring German domination to the vast territories of the east. It is intended to galvanise their war machine for a supreme effort – but the effect will not be indefinite. The Allies and Comintern must now weather this storm: it will be interesting to see whether this extra push will allow the Axis to achieve victory in either the West or the East in the following months.
The HOI3 Wiki states: In order to activate Germany must be at war with Soviet Union and must not have "revenge" modifier (from Blitzkrieg decision). The German destiny modifier increases combat movement speed by 20%, organisation regain by 20%, soft attack by 20%, hard attack by 20%, convoy raiding by 25%, and supply throughput by 10% for 150 days (5 months). AI Germany will fire the event 100% of the time.
5 Jul 40
There is some good news from the Allied war against the Italians in Ethiopia: France has conquered the Italian puppet state, thereby knocking out the first Axis member since the war began.
This prompts the Turkish Government to re-examine its declared war goals just over a month since its entry into the Second Great War. Following on from the initial aims of bringing all Axis countries into the Comintern brother-and-sisterhood, some additional goals are articulated. Why not?
7 Jul 40
Another garrison brigade is delivered. This one will ensure the port and fortifications of Patra (the western end of the Iskandar Line) are at least lightly held now that Patra's main garrison is deployed forward holding the Yeniçeri Line in the former Yugoslavia.
Meanwhile, an attempt to risk some necessary sea trade with the neutral US to remedy a minor metals shortfall (none was available for trade from the Comintern) has come to nought, even though it had seemed likely to be approved. It must be the effect of those new trade restrictions on belligerents they keep introducing. But Turkey is fighting the Fascists! This is just not right.
9 Jul 40
News Report: Washington DC, US. President Franklin D. Roosevelt holds a press conference in which he continues to skilfully dodge questions about whether or not he is seeking the Democratic nomination for a third term at next week's convention.
10 Jul 40
News Report: London, UK. The British Union of Fascists is formally banned.
That evening, Ögel reports one of our four remaining spies hiding in Paris has been caught despite laying low! Now only three remain, with a couple held back in reserve in Ankara. And it’s those interfering South Africans again! Clearly, the French counter-espionage forces are still being led by their hapless pre-war bureau chief.
With Inspector Clouseau in charge of French counter-espionage these days, it seems it’s now up to South African agents to winkle out foreign spies in France. What is the world coming to? Mon dieu!
11 Jul 40
A Cabinet meeting has been called to consider the Government’s legislative program. Interior Minister Kaya has reported that national unity has now hit 70%. Prime Minister Celâl Bayar advises most of the required legislative program has been fulfilled. But one area where things can be tightened up is in the area of Civil Laws. “With a great war to fight and national unity improving, now is the time to take advantage,” says Bayar, matter-of-factly. “We can crack down on foreign spies, CHP support will increase and we can further focus production away from frivolous consumer goods and towards the war effort.” It is calculated this will reduce consumer goods demand from 3.42 to less than 2.25 IC immediately.
Prime Minister Celâl Bayar finds himself presiding over Cabinet on 11 July 1940.
Calls of “Hear, hear”, “Bravo!” “Good work, Kaya,” and such like can be heard around the table. Inönü remains at the front, leaving Bayar to chair this meeting, who he has already authorised to prosecute this legal change. The mere ‘Legalistic Restrictions’ that had applied until now are swept aside. The Protection of National Security Act (1940) signals a further tightening of control for the ruling party and Government – but is actually welcomed in the community at large: they say people deserve the Governments they get. It looks like Turkey and the UGNR are all for the Path to Glory – especially as things seem to be turning out better than expected on the battlefield, if reports filtering through from the first days of July are anything to go by. And Kaya is well pleased – this will help his efforts on all fronts.
14 Jul 40
News Report: Baltic States, USSR. The Western press reports that ‘rigged’ elections are held in Soviet-occupied Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Of course, in the Comintern, it is seen as not letting Fascists and counter-revolutionaries take advantage of a gullible population. The state must protect them from their own ignorance and lead them along the correct path (in Turkey’s case, one of Glory). If elections really must be held, then the people must be properly guided.
15 Jul 40
News Report: Chicago, US. The 1940 Democratic National Convention opens.
News Report: Baltic States, USSR. The results of the elections in the Soviet-occupied Baltic states were announced, reporting a unanimous desire to join the Soviet Union. Unsurprising – why on earth would they have voted otherwise? A gratifying result after a commendably – erm – efficient count, with the right outcome known so quickly!
16 Jul 40
The fifth level of fortifications is finished in Istanbul. With the main battle now being fought well forward and the Eastern Front appearing to be holding for now, this completes the last fixed item of defensive line construction for now. Istanbul stands at fort level 5 with 6 AA; Canakkale at 3 fort and 4 AA; Athens 4 fort and 5 AA; and Patra 2 fort and 2 AA.
Naval Report. All the known naval naval vessels sunk in the first half of July belong to Italy. They have lost a heavy cruiser, a light cruiser and another destroyer flotilla (making four now).
The RM Taranto was formerly the SMS Strassburg, a light cruiser of the Magdeburg class in the German Kaiserliche Marine (Imperial Navy). Strassburg was built at the Kaiserliche Werft shipyard in Wilhelmshaven from 1910 to October 1912, when she was commissioned into the High Seas Fleet. The ship was armed with a main battery of twelve 10.5 cm (4.1 in) SK L/45 guns and had a top speed of 27.5 knots (50.9 km/h; 31.6 mph). The ship served briefly in the new Reichsmarine in 1919 before being transferred to Italy as a war prize. She was formally transferred in July 1920 and renamed Taranto for service in the Italian Navy. In 1936–1937, she was rebuilt for colonial duties and additional anti-aircraft guns were installed. The ship was sunk by the French heavy cruiser Tourville in July 1940.
The RM Trento was the first of two Trento-class cruisers. They were the first heavy cruisers built for the Italian Regia Marina (Royal Navy). The ship was laid down in February 1925, launched in October 1927, and was commissioned in April 1929. The Trento was very lightly armoured, with only a 70 mm (2.8 in) thick armoured belt, though she possessed a high speed and heavy armament of eight 203 mm (8.0 in) guns. Sunk by the French battleship Ocean in July 1940.
2. France
With the fall of Verdun on 13 July, a report is provided of key Belgian and French (VP) cities now in German hands. Other than in the far north-west (on the Channel) and the south-east (the three remaining Maginot Line centres), there are no more major French cities that can be easily reached by the advancing Germans. They will need to advance a considerable distance to make larger gains (principal of which is Paris, of course, which still remains three provinces distant from the nearest German units).
In summary, the first half of July has seen more advances by the Germans than the French on the Western Front, but the story is an interesting one. In the north, an Allied counter-offensive that began with the retaking (once more) of Dunkerque and then Hazebrouck has continued through Belgium and even into Holland, where the tip of the spear now rests in Middleburg. How powerful this breakthrough may be and what forces the Germans have available to stem it are unknown.
But further west, the Germans have pushed further towards their major objective of the French capital, seizing St. Quentin and Laon. Most worrying are the considerable advances they have made around Verdun and Metz. The surrounded Cattenom fell earlier in the month, but then Verdun finally fell, with German forces advancing as far as Toul, taking the fortifications there. While the French situation is by no means desperate by midday on 16 July (27.7% surrender progress), they must stabilise the line on the two main German axes of advance. There has been no movement on the Franco-Italian Front.
The Western Front, situation at midday, 16 July 1940, including provinces that have changed hands since 30 June.
3. Mediterranean
Cebesoy sends another one of his rare reports of Italian and British positions in Egypt on 1 July. The line currently seems to be static, with the British well in control of El ‘Alamein.
On 11 July another new garrison brigade is raised and is immediately transported to Irakleio in Crete, to provide some protection for the port and airfield there (from either Italian attack or partisan activity).
By 16 July, the British seem to have broken the back of the Italian defences in Egypt and are now advancing rapidly toward the Libyan border! Cebesoy’s Mk 1 Eyeball Flotilla remains on station, reporting a swathe of provinces recaptured by the British over the last couple of weeks.
4. Turkish Sector
Apart from the Axis now having closed up to the Yeniçeri Line by taking Korcula in the south-west and Senta in the north-east, again no attacks were made on Turkish units anywhere along the line. All quiet on the Southern Front! Of note, there is a major concentration of Soviet forces just north-west of Beograd, but there is no indication from the Soviets as to whether they are there to launch an offensive. Their next actions will be watched with interest.
The Turkish Sector of the Eastern Front, situation at midday, 16 July 1940, including provinces that have changed hands since 30 June.
5. Romania and Hungary
The month begins with reports on 1 July that the much-contested Hungarian VP city of Debrecen has once again been lost to the Axis, the defending Soviet tank division expelled by a German infantry division. But on 7 July, the situation is reversed, with what appears to be the same Soviet tank division retaking city from the German infantry who had ousted them. Otherwise, as the situation is assessed at midday on 16 July, the news is generally quite good. Although at least a couple of Romanian infantry corps remain en route to the Far East, the strip of much fought-over Hungarian border provinces is once again either under Romanian control of look set to become so in Bekés, where a strong Romanian formation with a Soviet division in support is advancing to take it. The Axis seem to be falling back in the centre, but an Italian infantry corps is gathering to the north of Debrecen, whose remaining residents must by now be deeply regretting its position on the Hungarian-Romanian border!
6. Soviet Sector
The Soviets appear to be launching a major offensive into Poland south of Brest-Litovsk, where by 3 July they have expanded their bridgehead over the Bug River into Chelm and Bilgoraj.
Krasnystaw and Jaroslaw are added to the Soviet gains by midday on 8 July, although some signs of strengthening German defences and even counter-attacks can be seen against the currently exposed Soviet armoured units that have made the initial breakthroughs. They need their supporting units to catch up, so they can hold what they have managed to seize.
When the general position along the front is reviewed at midday on 16 July, no further Soviet advances have been made, but they are still holding their earlier gains. The four provinces they have taken since 30 June remain under their control – for now.
The first half of the month has also seen some significant fighting from Brest-Litovsk (where the Germans have taken the nearby province of Bielsk-Podlaski) to the north, where the Soviets have made some significant gains, retaking three previously German-held border provinces and breaking back once more into Gumbinnen in East Prussia. That last province seems to have been occupied by a strong Soviet column which may have some opportunities for a breakthrough into open country (the possibilities will be more closely examined below). In Augusterow, a strong German attack seems to have succeeded in dislodging the Soviet defenders, but a relief column is on its way from the east. There could be some more heavy fighting to come there in the next few days!
On the East Prussian border with the (former) Lithuania, 16 July reveals the province of Rietavas has been reclaimed from what is now known as the SS Liebstandarte Division! While the SS retreat to Memel, the victorious Soviet 5th Inf Div awaits further reinforcements, with a large force of Soviet armour approaching from the north-east. As reported above, the Soviet breakthrough into Gumbinnen has opened some major possibilities for a rapid advance into open country. Of course, this will depend on the organisation of the Soviet units there and the offensive spirit of the STAVKA. It is at least a promising sight and has raised morale, coming as it has in the aftermath of Hitler’s proclamation of so-called German destiny. Hopes are Hitler’s destiny is to be strung up with piano wire from the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin!
Northern Soviet Sector, 16 July 1940.
Taking the wider view, the Eastern Front makes for an impressive sight, with more Soviet units still making their way to the front lines.
7. The Far East
The final mid-month report provided to the Turkish Supreme Command and Cabinet is provided by the Soviets, detailing developments in and concerning the Far East. 5 July saw a significant number of Romanian units still proceeding east by rail. From a Turkish perspective, the Soviet commandeering of these units, so necessary on the Romanian sector at the moment, in onerous. But that is alliance warfare for you when you are the junior partner!
The reason for this diversion – and why Turkey feels it can’t protest too much at the treatment of its puppet ally – is obvious. Soviet forces still try to desperately make their way back from the collapsed Vladivostok front, while another battle still rages to their north to keep their escape route open.
The report on 16 July shows at least one slower (garrison) unit lagging and destined for capture by the Japanese. But most of the retreating units still have an escape path, despite Japanese territorial gain in the south over the last few weeks. But the danger is far from over.
So ends another few weeks of wholesale global war. The Far East continues to be a problem, but as yet a far from crucial one. The Eastern Front is generally positive, with net gains in the Romanian and Soviet Sectors and no challenge at all as yet in the Turkish sector (not a single attack has been launched on a Turkish unit there since the war began in the east). The Italian Navy has continued to take losses in the Mediterranean, while their fortunes have taken a rapid turn for the worse, with the British now advancing swiftly towards the Libyan border. France has removed Italy’s stranglehold from Ethiopia. On the Western Front the Germans have made some important gains and the situation remains dangerous, but they have not had things all their own way.
Coming Up: The Western Front carries the greatest strategic risk for the Western-Comintern anti-Fascist alliance. A failure there would release prime attacking units for use in the east and grant Germany additional industrial capacity and resources, while removing the French Navy from the scene. This would be a significant blow should it happen – but will it? Can the British keep up their counter-attacking momentum in North Africa? Will RADM Cebesoy ever be given a Mk 2 Eyeball, the better to see them with? Can the Soviets break through into East Prussia to complement their successful limited offensive in Poland? And can they extract their fleeing forces from encirclement in the Far East? More mysteriously, who is the secret contact in Sicily in whose hands Luca Brasi must now place his life? Will he succeed once again, or be forced to check out the sleeping arrangements of fish off the Sicilian coast? These questions will be asked and some perhaps even answered in forthcoming chapters of Turkey’s Path to Glory!
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Great update ol' man.
Man, that "looks" like a deep-red and so near to Berlin. You might lose a race of a different sort.
Man, that "looks" like a deep-red and so near to Berlin. You might lose a race of a different sort.
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Ah...back when engineers didn't look over each other's work.
"Constructed by Pippy's Slovakian Construction Corps...aeroelasticity is for chumps. "
Oh dear.
Huh? How'd they do that? Would have thought they'd bring everyone they could back to France. And they don't have any turf near there? Still, very good I guess. Nice shot in the arm for the allies and a big worry for the Italians.
I mean...he did always win in the end so maybe it's a good call to put him in charge?
Let them bleed through many defensive lines to get to Istanbul and then collapse onto the barbed wire! I really don't think turkey will be threatened now personally but good to be prepared.
Excellent. So that's curtains for the Italians too. With Hungary on the ropes and Germany in a terrible war it can't win, the only qaxis member left not garunteed to die in this game is Japan. We'll see how long that lasts.
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One dreads to think what life in the Turkish slaves states will be like under 'Repression'. It must have been pretty grim to start with.
As you say, mostly positive news from the war. Being optimistic you could start to see the impact of the Soviets distracting the Axis, an effect that hopefully will become more pronounced as everyone starts getting their forces in the correct location.
As you say, mostly positive news from the war. Being optimistic you could start to see the impact of the Soviets distracting the Axis, an effect that hopefully will become more pronounced as everyone starts getting their forces in the correct location.
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Thanks to all my dear readAARs and especially my faithful commentAARs - without you this would be a very lonely walk in the dark . To any LurkAARs out there ... Kaya’s new Repression Laws do not apply to the Free Folk of the Forum - it’s never too late to drop a short line: no obligation and it would be wonderfully appreciated . But all are valued in our journey here along the path to glory.
Whatever aeroelasticity is (sounds like one of those things amateurs nod at knowingly, guessing at its meaning without really knowing), they clearly need more of it (I think ).
. Will take a look to see what is there during the end-of-month cooperation report from the Allies.
. The early war gambit has so far turned out as well as I could have hoped and far better than I expected. But if things do turn, Turkey won’t fall without an apocalyptic fight!
.
Next, I will return to the front, to see how the various theatres go and whether the lily-livered Axis cohorts dare to attack the mighty and apparently fear-inspiring Turkish army! Six weeks and not a single attack on land! Manpower will be building nicely as a result.
. To any LurkAARs out there ... Kaya’s new Repression Laws do not apply to the Free Folk of the Forum - it’s never too late to drop a short line: no obligation and it would be wonderfully appreciated . But all are valued in our journey here along the path to glory.Thanks my friend. In this world, I don’t mind if my Soviet ally ends up taking Berlin - so long as it falls to the Comintern!Great update ol' man.
Man, that "looks" like a deep-red and so near to Berlin. You might lose a race of a different sort.
Whatever aeroelasticity is (sounds like one of those things amateurs nod at knowingly, guessing at its meaning without really knowing), they clearly need more of it (I think ).Yes, I wasn’t tracking that at all, so it popped up as a surprise of a mainly pleasant sort. Though as you adroitly point out, not sure of the opportunity cost of the troops used there instead of in France proper
. Will take a look to see what is there during the end-of-month cooperation report from the Allies.Exactly what I had in mind - we’ll observed! He blunders around, and the ubiquitous South African spies do the work for him. Perhaps their revenge for Kelebek turning that captured Boer spy into wurst that time!
Exactly
. The early war gambit has so far turned out as well as I could have hoped and far better than I expected. But if things do turn, Turkey won’t fall without an apocalyptic fight!Still some fight left in the Italians and North Africa can ebb and flow as in OTL (a few weeks ago we were all worried they’d take Suez). But things are looking better. I think Hungary will be propped up by itAxis partners for a while yet: and that one has ebbed and flowed too, and I’m largely in the hands of the AI for that fight.
Yes, you saw the jackboot descending on the foolhardy opponents of the regime! But most seem to be happy to surrender those decadent Western political frivolities for victory and glory. NU has never been higher and the popularity of the CHP is set to rise. Thus ends freedom ...
Sure doesOutside of the Japanese everything looks great.
.Next, I will return to the front, to see how the various theatres go and whether the lily-livered Axis cohorts dare to attack the mighty and apparently fear-inspiring Turkish army! Six weeks and not a single attack on land! Manpower will be building nicely as a result.
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