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Anyway, puppeting Romania "might" be good for you...at least you'll have a serious buffer between you and Germany & Hungary. It will be interesting to see if you lose Bessarabia. I don't know what will happen.
I hope it works out that way. And yes, will see what happens if/when the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact fires. Will it fire the notional/imaginary Aras-Litvinov Pact?
Btw, I forgot to comment on your...Istanbul Understanding from the general understanding by the World-Press... "Turkey reaffirmed it had no more territorial-demands in the Balkan region."
Indeed - this proves how slippery Foreign Minister Aras is : we demanded no territory of Romania. All we did was help them sort their problems out, leave Carol to govern (he would have been afraid of joining the Balkan ex-Kings Club), restore democracy, put the Iron Guard back in their place and then peacefully leave. OK, so maybe we will now ask them to export a bit of cheap oil and there may be a future war or two we might call on them to help us fight, but that's what allies are for, isn't it ?
The next update will be a more literary one, before we once again return into the world of plotting and planning by ruthless, expansionist, right-wing but pro-communist, autocratic militarists!
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Chapter 27: The Apotheosis of Şükrü Âli Ögel (29 August 1937)
Chapter 27: The Apotheosis of Şükrü Âli Ögel (29 August 1937)
Part 1: An Appointment with Fate
Şükrü Âli Ögel
It was the early evening of the day of Romania's formal surrender. Intelligence Head Şükrü Âli Ögel was summoned to the President’s rooms. He had been informed that he was to receive a great honour and had dressed in his finest suit and top hat. Inönü had flown back to Ankara earlier that day in high spirits, leaving Cakmak in charge of 1st Corps. Everything had gone to plan. Even better than planned.
And Ögel’s intelligence service had been at the heart of all the events – the Army hardly had to do any fighting. He had been told this would be a private presentation, given his clandestine role. As he prepared to enter, his naturally meticulous mind sifted through all the possibilities and angles: the great path that lay before him and the Republic: the Path to Glory. Following in the footsteps of the nation’s two great Warrior-Leaders – Atatürk and Inönü.
He did not mind being in the shadows, the one less known: he suited his role, and it him. He straightened his shoulders, shot his cuffs … shot … that word. He remembered his time as a young officer during the Great War and then the Turkish War of Independence. Back then, shooting and death had been regular companions. He had seen and done his fair share on that score. He preferred the subtler world of the intelligence services and had become the inaugural director of the Republic’s intelligence organisation, the Milli Emniyet Hizmeti. Ironically, that had been back on December 25, 1926 – a Christmas present indeed, had he been a believer of the Christian faith.
He had excelled at his job – especially where it involved protecting his own interests, hand-in-hand with those of the Republic. Shot … that word cut through his line of thinking again. He tried not to, but once again the scene unrolled in his mind, like one of those motion pictures which now, with the addition of sound, had become so realistic. The Battle of Sakarya during the War of Independence … also known as the "Officers’ Battle" in Turkey because of the unusually high casualty rate (70-80%) among the officers. What was one more casualty among so many fine men? The day of victory, 19 September 1921: saddened for Atatürk by news of the death of his dear adjutant and young protégé, Captain Ahmet İzzet Sadik*; caught in Greek crossfire while reconnoitring the front lines. A hero of the Turkish Army.
Map of the Battle of Sakarya, August-September 1921.
Except it had been no accident. On 18 September, while Sadik was visiting the front lines, he and Ögel had violently disagreed on the timing of a charge by Ögel’s company. Sadik’s demands would have been suicidal for Ögel’s men: he had seen enough similar situations during the Great War - and this one - to know how it would end. Finally, sitting in Ögel’s own command bunker, Sadik had accused him of gross cowardice and dereliction of his duty as a commander. This was the final straw: as both men rose with deathly violence in their eyes, Ögel drew his service revolver and shot Sadik a single time in the forehead.
Ögel was always so reserved, so controlled – but something in him had snapped. He always did what he thought was for the greatest good. This hard edge was to serve him well in years to come. But now it had landed him in an awful predicament. He could still smell the cordite and see the thin wisp of gun-smoke curl from the barrel of his revolver as he jolted out of his daze. Sadik lay sprawled on the ground, his head now framed by a spreading pool of blood.
Suddenly shocked at what he had done, Ögel turned to his second-in-command, who had seen everything. “Sir, what you did was justified in my book,” his grizzled Lieutenant – a former private soldier who had risen through the ranks – said with a solemn but determined expression. “Men like him got my friends killed by the bushel back in 1915. Brave, with an arrogant glory in their eyes, but foolish and with little tactical sense. Wasting the lifeblood of the Motherland.” He shook his head slowly and sadly, “Then he made those terrible accusations – a grave provocation to any man of honour, as I know you to be, Sir.” Ögel’s spirits rose a little – he knew this to be true.
“But,” the Lieutenant continued, “this is one of Mustafa Kemal’s ‘chosen ones’, his favourite young staff officer. No matter what the explanation or justification, this will go badly for you. It is still murder, no matter how justified.” Ögel’s brief revival of spirits flagged, but his 2IC continued: “If it ever comes to light. No, that must never happen. Sir, this is what we must do.”
And so it happened that, with the experienced Lieutenant as his unimpeachable witness, the story of the dashing young officer, cut down in his prime by Greek sniper fire while exposing himself to great personal risk on the front lines, became one of the heroic legends of the Army. Any discrepancies were lost in the mayhem of battle and the extraordinarily high officer casualty count at Sakarya, as they defended the very gateway to Ankara. Sadik’s death was but one of many, no matter how ‘golden’ he may have been. His heroism and sacrifice became the story, not the details of his death.
Greek soldiers firing at Turkish lines during the Battle of Sakarya, September 1921. One of their bullets could so easily have killed Captain Sadik.
Turkish soldiers entrenched at Sakarya. One pops up for a quick look while the others wait below. Again, many an officer was shot “just popping his head up for a quick look”: the story about Sadik was very plausible.
Ögel had later used his powers as the new Intelligence Chief to quietly comb over every detail of the case, removing anything inconsistent, scouring records and reports for any whisperings about his complicity, any questions about his story. Made possible by his timely “Christmas present”. Surely none now remained? His loyal Lieutenant had, he was sure, taken their secret to his honoured grave, three years ago now. There had been no other witness. Atatürk himself had only ever discussed the matter occasionally with him and never in an accusatory way, simply with regret for another young life taken in its prime. The grim but necessary price of national independence and glory.
Surely there was no small scrap of incriminating evidence he had missed and that now had been discovered, so many years later. Such as the inconsistency between the effect of a pistol round at close range and a sniper’s bullet at long range. Unless someone had noticed it and later mentioned the troubling detail to someone else. His loyal Lieutenant – just as incriminated as an accessory as Ögel had been as the murderer – had surely kept his secret safely. Unless he had mentioned something on his deathbed and the rumour had made its way back somehow to that devil Kaya, the Security Minister, who would like nothing better than to see his colleague – and arch-rival – ousted! Unless there was an unseen witness, biding his time and now with an axe to grind? Unless something in his discussions over the years had aroused Atatürk’s suspicions, and he had used his now almost total power to dig deeper than even Ögel was able to bury inconvenient truths. And that was very deep.
No, he must be strong. Walk through the door. Receive the just reward for outstanding services rendered in the recent wars that had propelled Turkey on its Path to Glory. But as he reached out to turn the handle, a terrible image, like a motion picture except in full colour, came to his mind …
… a gilt door opens not into a lavishly furnished room full of smiling friends and colleagues, but into a shabby, bare, windowless concrete cell. Illuminated by a single flickering light bulb, swinging gently from the cracked ceiling, on the end of a frayed cord.
A hand extends from the shadows, holding his own service revolver from 1921. "Oh n-" is all he has time to call out. The blast of the pistol! A sharp pain in the forehead. Then instant blackness. A fading, ethereal voice can be heard, as his soul departs to torment. “Mustafa Kemal Atatürk sends his regards. He never forgets and always pays his debts. No matter how long it may take.”
Ögel freezes for a split second, sweat beading his brow. But he resigns himself to his fate, no matter what it may be. He tries to shake off this horrible nightmare and opens the door. His eyes tell him the room is empty. He almost involuntarily darts a look back over his shoulder, but restrains himself. The room is plain, but well furnished. It is the President’s private study. He now sees that Inönü stands with Atatürk at a table in the corner. A long, polished wooden box, about three inches high, lies on it. Both men wear sober expressions. Behind Ögel an attendant closes the heavy, and no doubt sound-proofed, door.
Atatürk reaches down to unclip the sturdy box. As he does so, he looks Ögel in the eye and says quietly, “Şükrü Âli Ögel, you have deserved this since 1921, but now the opportunity has come where I can do this in person.” He glances to his left, “I wanted Ismet here to be a witness. But you understand we had to keep this very low key. No-one else could be here. No-one else can know. A single witness will suffice. Given your role in all this, it is most appropriate. A single witness, who must keep this episode a secret, for the protection of us all, principally the Republic.”
By now, Ögel is rooted to the spot. He can’t take his eyes off the wooden box, which is now open, facing Atatürk. He knows what is coming, and closes his eyes for a long second. He opens them again, starts to say "Oh n-" … and sees Atatürk is indeed holding … the Turkish Medal of Independence! “n-never would have expected that!” Ögel finishes, hanging onto his famous iron control by the merest thread.
“Yes, we thought you would be surprised,” Atatürk smiles and pins the Medal to his chest. Both men then shake his hand warmly. “You should have been awarded this in 1921 for your distinguished service during the War of Independence. Especially your leadership at the Battle of Sakarya.” A brief sadness flickers in Atatürk’s eyes, but is gone quickly. “Given our recent conflicts and the promise of more to come, we have decided to revive the award. You have done more than most to ensure our Path is a Glorious one. Even if it takes the deaths of many gallant men to pave it.”
Atatürk gives him one last quizzical look, “You do look a little pallid though, Şükrü Âli. As if you had seen a ghost!” Ögel smiles weakly, and does his best to respond: “It is such a great honour, I really don’t know what to say, My President.” With a final piercing look, Atatürk says “Just remember Ögel, I never forget and I always pay my debts. No matter how long it takes.” He pauses briefly, then looks away, “But the needs of the Republic always come first. Always. Now then, let us look at these latest intelligence reports you have provided. We have yet another war to plan!” He turns away and begins sorting nonchalantly through a sheaf of classified papers, as if nothing had passed between them. Had anything passed between them, or was it only Ögel’s by now feverish imagination?
Ögel’s eyes widen slightly. No, he thinks to himself, I didn’t just see what I think I may have seen. Did I? Did I? He would never work it out for himself and of course could never ask. If there was a hidden meaning to that glance of Atatürk’s, he took it with him to the grave. Where all real secrets should finally rest. He swallowed dryly, “Yes My President, those threat levels are indeed starting to look concerning, especially with the Fascists …”
Part 2: Back to Work
Ögel immersed himself in his work – even if was all about “threats”! A job like his was not for the faint-hearted.
While there was still a margin of safety, the difference between the threat of Turkey as perceived by others and their neutrality was now closest with Germany and its potential Fascist allies, Italy and Hungary. The Soviet Union, while still the country most suspicious of Turkey, has a far higher level of neutrality and seems preoccupied with its own purges and internal political problems. Hopefully our alignment to and eventual joining of the Comintern will redress that problem before it becomes critical.
The Allies are the least of our worries: our perceived threat to them is lower and their neutrality far higher. This confirms their distance and isolation outweigh any concerns about our recent activities, even though they do share borders with us through their colonies and puppets in the Middle East. Finally, Yugoslavia is highly suspicious of us (as they have every reason to be), yet remain quite neutral in outlook. They may think they’re avoiding trouble, but that fence they are sitting on will soon get very uncomfortable!
The conclusion is drawn: we can afford one more grand adventure in the Balkans. Atatürk and Inönü had all the information they needed. The War Cabinet has already considered this next step. The President would decide himself. Orders were sent immediately to the General Staff to finalise plans for both Case RedandCase Blue: they will be conducted as a single operation. “We will strike them first with a hammer through Albania to Skopje,” Inönü declares. “Only after they react to that will they realise they have been caught against a mighty anvil from the east!”
The only questions not yet decided were whether to annex Yugoslavia or create another pliant Government; and could Aras pluck another plausible set of pretexts out of his bag of tricks to justify such a brazen intervention on Albania and then Yugoslavia? More thought will be given to these matters while the Staff generate their plans for Operation Çekiç ve Örs (Hammer and Anvil) and the Army once again redeploys. And not to home leave, the fleshpots of Istanbul or victory parades in Ankara.
Coming Up: Preparatory movement orders are given to the Army, while our Romanian allies are instructed to reposition their forces primarily along the Yugoslavian border. Soon enough, we shall see just how reliable and compliant they are. Each step on the Road to Glory is a gamble, with the odds for miscalculation rising with every bold stride. Would this last double-step take it too far? The leaders and people of the Greater Republic would soon find out.
Ed: The name “Captain Ahmet İzzet Sadik” is of course made up, though you can try to translate its meaning if you wish. Ögel never took part in the events described.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. You do know that. Don’t you?
I think in this situation, if Turkey went Go-Yugo...President Attaturk would have had a land-conceding defense plan. Too bad you don't have more Mtn.-troops to choose some Mtn/river provinces in central-Yugo to make a bloody-wall. But, in the end, if you do not control every port, including Tirane...Italy will flank you anyway. As it is, they can hit (important) Split from land, so maybe the line starts there and runs to? Just thinking out loud.
Btw, I hope you have a Save tucked away, in case ROM declares on GRE despite your over-lordship. Recall, GRE was my Turk-Puppet when the Axis declared (by script). Of course that would make for a unusual story.
Really enjoying the story-details. A fine effort already...that only gets better.<thumbs up>
Thanks markkur, your support is always truly appreciated . Re Yugo, the main reasons for attacking, probably in order, are:
Have one more round of large scale (for a minor-major anyway) offensive fun before the grey gloom of the German ascendancy cuts in.
Grab the IC and leadership boost I hope it will provide for as long as possible (maybe 3 1/2 years if I'm lucky).
Extend the buffer zone out as far as possible.
My thinking currently is that I may not defend yugo at all if I annex it, or only use its army to do that if puppeted. No matter how much I can build between now and 1941, I don't think I would be able to defend such a wide front against Germany and Italy without getting butchered, even with Russia in the war. Though things could change and I might go another way.
I'm really assuming Rom isn't going to declare on a country that doesn't exist (even in exile) but know the scripts can perform strange miracles ! Another reason I might annex yugo rather than puppeting it. And I hope my overlordship prevents rom from joining the axis: while you'd think it should, the game might think otherwise: like puppeting a country and not being able to get your greasy hands on its oil refinery !
I have every save for the game if I need them, but that is mainly for record keeping/historical purposes (in case I need to go back and note something). Haven't had to reload yet and I hope to avoid it if I can. Will only use it for technical reasons or if the game does something so downright ridiculous that I just can't accept it. Like Rom declaring on a non-existent gre and putting it or me at war with the allies, for example: so your point is well made .
Glad you like the story elements too. The plot for Ogel only occurred to me as I began to write it. I thought of him going to get his award in secret and it made me think of Joe Pesci's scene out of goodfellas . I also like mixing the entry styles around a little from historical, to battle diary, to 'official decision making' and then throw in a bit of personal narrative to give the characters a little bit of depth. I hope people will now think of Ogel a bit differently every time he provides one of those dry intel reports .
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Chapter 28: Speak Loudly and Carry a Large Hammer (29 August – 30 September 1937)
Chapter 28: Speak Loudly and Carry a Large Hammer (29 August – 30 September 1937)
[Ed note: Well, here we go again - back to the 'real alternate world'. Thanks to my loyal readers - do let me know if you have any constructive feedback, whether by post or PM. I hope I'm not sending out too much material to be easily digested: but as I only play and write up a turn at a time, to keep the commentary 'live', I've been keen to keep it moving along.]
Section 1: Military Moves
29 Aug 37
Romania is firmly back under control of a friendly government. On orders from the President, the General Staff has dusted off its plans for Case Red and Case Blue. And resisted calling the new combined operation ‘Case Purple’! While they continued to work out the fine details, it was decided Artunkal’s 2nd Corps would provide the Hammer for Albania through Tirane and then on to the southern Yugoslavian key (VP) city of Skopje. They were sent to northern Greece to prepare for this next task, ostensibly for garrison duty in the restless new Vilayet.
1st Corps will stay in Romania (supply levels will have to be checked to ensure this did not place too great a burden on the Romanian supply system), for some “joint training exercises” to help cement the new alliance.
Neither corps was to show itself in any border province yet. Losses during the Romanian campaign had been minimal, so significant reorganisation and reinforcement were not required, other than the usual ongoing upgrades. Both corps would also retain the same order of battle as for the recent Romanian campaign.
The Romanian Army was requested to fully man their western border with Yugoslavia. We want them to extend south some distance to include the part of the (old) Bulgarian border with Yugoslavia, but for some reason the diplomat sent to provide the military access to them seems to be both on a ‘mission impossible’, but also to have taken a dogsled team via Kamchatka then to Romania via Siberia and the Urals to get there! We will assess the pace and disposition of Romanian forces, but it is hoped they could provide a degree of border coverage and general pressure on Yugoslavia’s western border when the time comes. Turkish formations would take on the “RAW War” role of deep attack on narrow fronts for the seizure of key cities and destruction of the enemy’s will to fight.
Any Yugoslavian reaction to these movements will be closely observed, to be incorporated into the detailed plans of the two corps commanders of “Hammer” and “Anvil” and the timing of the overall attacks. Again, any detection of early mobilisation or heavy border entrenchments may cause an early attack. As always in such situations, surprising an unprepared enemy was always better than taking too long to prepare and encountering a thoroughly ready one.
A check also revealed that the Romanian had bombed the Fleet while in its home port of Izmit. We will have to be careful about this vulnerability in the future (our Air Force and Navy commanders were caught napping on this: the general threat of air attack on Navy units in port was well known, but it had not occurred to them that the Romanians would have done so at this point).
2 Sep 37
The latest arty brigade has been built and prepositioned in northern Greece to gain organisation and prepare to join one of the 2nd Corps divisions for operations in Albania. This will be the last arty brigade produced for a while, as the emphasis will probably switch to other support units, new infantry brigades and fortifications as production is progressively freed up.
14 Sep 37: Operation Plan Çekiç ve Örs(Hammer and Anvil)
As foreshadowed, this time round Turkish forces would be split, in the hope of rolling over Albania quickly and catching the Yugoslavians in two minds, while using the Romanians for some flank security (if they prove compliant). The President approved the plan today.
The initial blow would fall on Tirane (Phase 1) then, with as little delay as possible - depending on Albanian resistance (if any) - a short drive into the southern Yugoslavian town of Skopje (1VP), the first of our strategic objectives. Ögel’s now well-proven calculations indicate that taking Beograd (2VP) and three other Yugoslavian towns (1VP each) would be ample to force a surrender. This would mean the northern cities of Zagreb and Ljubljiana could be ignored, as with Cluj in the recent Romanian campaign.
Phase 2 of the campaign would see the attack on Skopje complemented by the full strength of 1st Corps driving on the capital of Beograd, which lies near the border, with open land in front of it and (as yet) no visible Yugoslavian border defence. Seizing Beograd early should throw Yugoslav command and control, supplies and morale into chaos. We will try to induce the Romanians to make a general advance from their current positions, to help screen the single westward thrust of 1st Corps, distract the Yugoslavian defences and maintain lines of supply in hostile country.
For Phase 3, 1st Corps, having hopefully seized Beograd quickly, will keep driving west towards Sarajevo (1VP), using open terrain where possible. Depending on how events unfold, one of the cavalry divisions attached to 2nd Corps may then be released to drive north from Skopje towards Beograd along the open plains of central Serbia, clearing ground and screening both advances. Another is likely to blaze a trail for the main Phase 3 thrust of 2nd Corps along the relatively open terrain of the Adriatic Coast, then hooking north to Sarajevo (if 1st Corps hasn’t already taken it).
In Phase 4, again depending on the degree of Yugoslav resistance and any counter-attacks from the north, elements of both 1st and/or 2nd Corps will complete the conquest by pushing on Split (1VP), attempting to attack it from two different directions to hasten its fall.
Much remains uncertain about how the plan will unfold. The Navy will attempt to patrol the Adriatic to help safeguard convoys, but if necessary sea trade will again be suspended if the Yugoslavs are able to destroy enough of them. The Air Force will provide what support it can. Sofiya is the closest base available at present, though maintaining INT coverage will be difficult in the latter stages of the campaign without relocation. And we hope the Romanian Air Force will also assist.
The big question will be the extent to which Romania can provide useful ground forces to attack Yugoslavia in response to requests from our Supreme Command. If that support is lacking, our supply routes may be compromised, making isolation a danger. Diverting troops to provide flank security would remove focus from the points of the key thrusts, slowing down the advance and giving the Yugoslavs more time to recover and defend in depth. The other great risk is diplomatic, which will be dealt with later in this update.
30 Sep 37
1st Corps is well established in western Romania and has been ordered to move to its final holding province of Lupeni.
The Romanians have partially responded to the objectives set by the Turkish high command. However, a large screening force remains on the Soviet border (they can hardly be blamed for that) and the Hungarian border has been guarded (again, logical enough). But a reasonable screen of units is now in place along the Yugoslavian border. We have yet to be able to entice any Romanian units onto Turkish soil (a diplomat remains en route to try to persuade them).
Given the cost-conscious penny-pinchers in charge of the Supreme and Army Group HQs, all troops were ordered to move by normal means to their assembly areas. This means it has taken a little longer than we would have liked to get 2nd Corps established in its holding area in northern Greece. Still, it is what it is (and no-one was interested in a laborious unit-by-unit sea transport operation, which in retrospect probably would have been a better idea).
Section 2: Diplomatic Planning and World News – Plots Thicken Everywhere!
Early September
Foreign Minister Aras and Intelligence Chief Ögel once again worked together to figure out how Turkey can “sell”, or at least defend, its next frankly aggressive moves in the Balkans. It may now seem like “going through the motions”, as our plans have driven along a rapid road since the first foray into Bulgaria just six months ago. Three wars in that time, no matter the plausible explanation (different every time) for each, no longer sounds like a coincidence, or A Series of Unfortunate Events (that’s Ögel, not “Olaf”)!
Case Red – Albania
Turkish concerns are already on the table. Italy has intimate interests there and will be very displeased if we pre-empt their own nefarious designs. We assess no-one else will care much. Will it be enough to drive Italy to war? We think not, we hope not, but cannot be sure. This is the first risk. So, the pretext will be word that King Zog’s wife Geraldine is pregnant (so far as we know, this is not true, yet anyway). We will report a plot by Italian Government-backed Fascist provocateurs to murder the King and his family before an heir can be born, paving the way for a full Italian takeover. Given the Albanian Army is riddled with Italians, this will seem plausible. As will plans for assassination, given his history of having to fight them off. Whether King Zog calls for help or not, we will declare this alleged Italian clandestine action to be a breach of the agreements reached between Ciano and Aras in Istanbul just weeks before.
The country of Ahmed Zogu (as he was called before he installed himself as a tin-pot king) cannot be allowed to fall completely under the sway of the Italians. It will be better off back within the Turkish sphere (as it was as recently as November 1912). The Albanian Viyalet will be annexed and welcomed back into the Greater Turkish Republic. We will argue Albania is covered under the terms of the Istanbul Understanding, as it is a Fascist-leaning – indeed heavily infiltrated – Balkan state. In any case, France and the UK will not care. And it is only a very small piece of European territory, after all. We don’t think the Italians are ready to attack: if they are, we could be in a little trouble. More so if they feel motivated to join the Axis and call in German help. That would be a disaster for us: but "no risk, no gain". Again, we hope our attack will not be enough to provoke any reaction from the self-obsessed Soviets, even if it does become yet another black mark for us in Stalin’s little black (or red?) threat book.
Case Blue – Yugoslavia
This is more difficult again. A move on Yugoslavia will just look like outright aggression and it is a pretty big chunk of Europe! Anything we say to justify it will be a mere “diplomatic fig leaf”. Though Aras supposed we should at least try, for form's sake. Perhaps the more we do this kind of thing, the more others will simply expect it of us! In any case, the Bulgarian ‘false flag’ ploy won’t work again: not only has it already been used, but for days now the Yugoslav Army has, to all intents and purposes, disappeared from our mutual borders and those of Romania! The old “rescuing the people from internal divisions/fascist militias” trick won’t work either: again, already used and not enough pretext there. Nor did they attack and almost defeat us back in the early post-war years, as Greece did, giving us the excuse of revenge and security. What then? Aras turned to Ögel to see what he could come up with. Our network of agents there should be able to turn up something?
Ögel noted that Yugoslavia’s weak spot was its internal ethnic divisions. For a start, those between the Croats and the Serbs needed no explanation to anyone steeped in Balkan history. And there were others. This intolerance has grown during this decade. Pressure from outside (e.g. the Fascists) and within is steadily eroding the basis on which the unified country was established after the Great War and the break-up of the old Hapsburg Empire. And we know Italy and Germany are encouraging the leader of the Croatian Peasant Party, Vladko Maček, to establish a state within a state, sympathetic to their cause.
Vladko Maček, vocal advocate for Croatian autonomy and an important politician in Yugoslavia.
Agents report Maček has plans to create a Banate (or Banovina) of Croatia as an autonomous state within Yugoslavia, but was not yet ready to move. Imprisoned by King Alexander for treason in 1933, but released in 1934 after Alexander’s assassination, he has no love for the Serbian Royal Family. And if not Maček, there would be other hotter heads who may be incited to violence (or at least blamed for it).
The Fascists also continue to exert pressure on the Regent, Prince Paul, to align the country towards the developing Axis. Perhaps the Army is absent from the borders due to internal troubles? Or perhaps a coup plot might be alleged against those opposed to the popular (but susceptible to Axis influence) Prince Paul. Not much to be going off, but this was the best Ögel could come up with. We may be able to argue to the Soviets, France and the UK that if we don't act to secure Yugoslavia now, it will be more difficult later, when the Fascists are likely to be in a stronger position.
So the public line will be: after the removal of the Albanian 'threat to peace', Turkey will provide an ultimatum to Yugoslavia to declare its allegiance to a Balkan Non-Aggression Pact and Alliance of Mutual Defence comprising Turkey, Romania and Yugoslavia. This will undoubtedly be rejected by the Regent, Paul. Fears of further alignment to the Axis by Yugoslavia and/or internal division and future dismemberment by unspecified “outside powers” will be stoked. We will also allege mistreatment of pro-Turkish minorities in border regions seeking and needing our protection (difficult for Germany to criticise us about that, given their growing demands for the return of 'lost lands').
In reality, it would be clear to all, especially the Fascists and the Soviets, that this was just the exercise of the “might is right” doctrine. One espoused by Germany, Italy and Japan – and the Soviets, for that matter. Let's be honest, we would just be doing this because we could, feeling that the new map of the Turkish sphere of influence in the Balkans simply looked a bit uneven and it was demanded as part of the Path to Glory. We want to make that map look neater. A threadbare pretext indeed, but this whole ploy will send us from ostensible regional policeman to outright regional hegemon and no diplomatic sugar coating would prevent that. Perhaps we should just own up to that and let events – and other's skyrocketing perception of our threat to them – take things where they would. Let others accommodate our requirements! That seems to be the new way of the world.
The final issue would be whether to annex the troublesome country(ies) of 'Yugoslavia' (with all its physical, industrial and human resources, but also its great potential for revolt), or set up a new, Turkish-friendly regime, with their remaining armed forces to garrison another buffer zone. If it was annexed, perhaps we could milk the country for all it was worth until the day the Germans and Italians come calling, then abandon it to their un-tender mercies. This is a genuine quandary , and one that has not yet been worked out in Ankara. But if the Anvilis added to the Hammer, we will have to decide at that point. [Ed: any views or advice in the meantime more than welcome .]
6 Sep 37
Japan has begun to flex its muscles once again in the Far East:
The Nationalist Chinese leader Chiang Kai-Shek meets with his key staff following
the Japanese invasion. If his troops and those of Shanxi cannot hold the Japanese
on the current narrow line of defence in the north, it may be difficult to contain a
Japanese break-out. Especially as they have control of the seas.
10 Sep 37
The Spanish Civil War continues – the main surprise is that the Republicans are still hanging on:
Spanish Nationalist troops marching towards Barcelona. The Republican’s second
capital (after the earlier fall of Madrid) is now on the front line of the battlefield.
13 Sep 37
Aras re-checked the progress of our alignment to the Comintern, which was crucial to both keeping the Soviets off our backs due to our increasing threat to them, then securing the additional protection (and distraction) of having the Soviets as an ally should we be threatened with attack by the Fascists at some point down the track. Much progress has been made: our alignment to the Comintern is now at a difference of 212.72. Still a long way from the target of 50, but much better than the starting point of 274.41 just four months ago!
16 Sep 37
Following their declaration of war on Nationalist China and Shanxi on 6 September, Japan shows its true colours. The move towards global factional polarisation is now a reality:
It could be that this major new war, plus the joining of the Axis by the Japanese may take some heat off our own actions in the Balkans. Perhaps we can argue the brutal requirements of Realpolitik to all sides. Though of course, someone – such as the Germans – may choose to make the same argument about us! There is only one way to find out for sure.
Japanese troops, having seized Beijing, push south towards Yongqing.
After a slow start, the Japanese offensive is meeting with success against
the Nationalist Chinese, but have lost ground further to the north-west,
against the Shanxi.
27 Sep 37
Details are sparse, but early reports of exchanges in the first few weeks of the latest Sino-Japanese War show a few border provinces have been lost by both sides. This general map has just arrived from our Defence Attaché in Tokyo.
Late September 1937: Japanese troops, with armour, advance in Jinghai province,
south of Tianjin. Their next major objective appears to be the key city of Jinan,
which is on the line of advance to the Nationalist capital of Nanjing.
28 Sep 37
A busy day in in world affairs [Ed: in real/OTL but consistent with this alternate history]. Each development, in one way or another, actually plays into our hands on the quandary of how to explain (or not really have to explain) the planned Hammer and Anvil operations.
Berlin. Mussolini visits Hitler, where they both spoke at a rally that was heard by millions around the world in a radio broadcast. Hitler went first and spoke of the "common ideals and interests inspiring Italy and Germany." Mussolini, delivering his speech in German, made the first official acknowledgement that Italy had troops in Spain when he said, "Where words are insufficient to carry on the fight we turn to weapons. We have done this in Spain, where thousands of Italian Fascist volunteers have lost their lives."
Comment:This brings the Fascist threat into sharp focus, a line we will use (in private, of course) to justify our actions with the Allies and Soviets).
Berlin, 28 September 1937: Two strutting Fascists in lock-step. We will exploit
their provocative speeches to the world to provide cover for our own - eminently
more justified – “preventative” actions in the Balkans. While also trying to keep
them off our backs. A tightrope indeed!
Geneva. At the League of Nations, Britain and France balked at Spain's demand to condemn Germany and Italy as aggressors and allow arms exports to the Spanish government, fearing it would worsen the general situation in Europe.
Comment:First, this shows Allied knees are even weaker than we had thought. But two, if they aren’t going to stand up to them over Spain, then they probably won’t try with us either. And if they did condemn us, we’d ignore it anyway (as everyone else seems to). We’re more worried about the Soviets, who have a large presence on our almost undefended Caucasus border with them and no moral scruples about using force.
The League of Nations, meeting in Geneva on 28 September 1937. Its power and continued
relevance is being questioned by many. Millions listed to Hitler and Mussolini on the same day.
Who was listening to the League?
Geneva. On the same day, the League of Nations did officially condemn the Japanese bombing of Chinese cities.
Comment: Fair enough too: we don’t want another Balaguer[Ed: for those who do not recall, in this alternate time line Balaguer is the equivalent of Bombing of Guernica]. Though there may have been some collateral damage, any bombing we may have conducted in Balkan cities during our campaigns to date were intended for strictly military targets (and we have never yet directly attacked infrastructure by air). And targeting terrorists, of course. And we have such a small air force, we’d lack the capacity to cause greater damage anyway and have no strategic bombing capacity. Bottom line: better they fulminate against vile aggression against civilians on the other side of the world, than back in Europe (whether in Spain – or the Balkans).
Section 3: Technology
Coming Up: H-Hour for the Op Hammer attack on Albania approaches. A decision must be made soon about whether to puppet or annex Yugoslavia. The benefits of a restricted press are appreciated as we try to pull one over the eyes of the Axis while also not provoking them so far they feel motivated to attack us: we will need to stockpile our sarcastic propaganda cartoons about strutting Fascist dictators until such time as it is safe to deploy them (or it doesn’t matter anymore). We’ll get Calistar’s graphic design and advertising team onto it – after their Operation Minotaur ‘success’ during the Greek campaign, they are keen to contribute to the war effort once again . Even if no-one else in the Government or Armed Forces is !
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Chapter 29: Using a Hammer to Crack a Nut (1 to 16 October 1937)
Chapter 29: Using a Hammer to Crack a Nut (1 to 16 October 1937)
[Ed: This will be a shorter update to cover up to the action in Albania. After that, we’ll hold our breath before making the final commitment to an attack on Yugoslavia. Some in the Cabinet are all for pushing our interests to the very brink in the Balkans, while others are concerned that Yugoslavia may be the turning point that finally provokes the Axis and goads the Germans or Italians into action.]
3 Oct 37
World News Wire Service, London. Thousands of members of the British Union of Fascists marched through the London district of Bermondsey to mark the fifth anniversary of the organisation's founding. Anti-fascists jeered and threw eggs, bricks and other objects as 3,000 police fought to maintain order. Over 100 arrests were made. It seems the Fascists are asserting themselves, even in the heart of the Western democracies!
Sir Oswald Moseley, leader of the British Union of Fascists at a rally in East London.
Trying hard to fit into the black shirt image, but clearly not in the premier league of
European Fascists. Yet, anyway.
4 Oct 37
World News Wire Service, London. A submarine of unknown nationality fired a torpedo at the British destroyer HMS Basilisk as it patrolled the Mediterranean. The torpedo missed its target and the Basilisk countered by dropping depth charges, to unknown effect. We’re not sure who fired the torpedo, but it wasn’t one of ours. Ögel suspects the Italians, but has no proof – and no-one seems to be owning up to it. Still, a dangerous escalation – the worst in the Mediterranean since the Greeks were torpedoing our transports back in May.
9 Oct 37
All units are now in their holding places in the south. In the north, one Yugoslavian division has appeared on the approach to Beograd, but it is not expected to offer any serious opposition to 1st Corps' advance if we choose to attack following the Albania expedition. We want to conclude any operations before winter really sets in, so orders are given for 2nd Corps to approach the assembly area for the attack. 1st Corps will wait for now, so as not to attract Yugoslavian attention.
2nd Corps has now joined up with all its units including 17 Inf Div (under Orbay), which - due to some kind of command oversight in the aftermath of the Romanian campaign - had become detached from 2nd Corps’ OOB, didn't receive its movement orders on time and was late setting out to Greece. 2nd Corps HQ now has only 2x INF brigades, the other INF having been sent along with the new ARTY brigade to bring 11 Inf Div back up to full strength. Alas, due to our shortage of commanders, that division still has only an acting commander. 2nd Corps is ordered to move forward to the border province of Kastoria, their stepping off point for the attack.
Örlungat advised fighter cover would be non-existent during the operation in Albania (not that it is likely to be needed) and only minimal during any campaign in Yugoslavia (just able to cover Skopje and a slab of southern Yugoslavia, but unable to reach the vicinity of Beograd, where the heaviest initial fighting would be expected). Our tactical bombers would be able to reach further for recon and ground support operations, but would be unprotected against what is likely to be a superior Yugoslav Air Force.
10 Oct 37
World News Wire Service, Liverpool, UK.Sir Oswald Mosley is in the news again. He was knocked unconscious by a rock that struck him in the head when he stood on a truck to address a BUF (Fascist) rally in Liverpool. Fascists clashed with Communists, but the Government refrained from agreeing to Labour Party calls to enforce bans on “provocative marches” by the BUF.
Moseley, clearly hamming it up it up for the cameras. He may be playing
the wounded warrior, but it isn’t quite the “strutting Fascist Leader” image
his more prominent colleagues have perfected.
12 Oct 37
0300. 2nd Corps Op Hammer units are mainly in place Kastoria, with Orbay still lagging behind somewhat. Without warning, a declaration of war is made on Albania at 3 am, as Turkish forces start to cross the border. Aras refuses to take frantic calls from the Italian Ambassador during the morning, citing a bad case of dyspepsia. Our reasons for the action are published for anyone who wishes to listen to them. The time for subtlety is over: the dogs of war are unleashed!
Although as it transpires, Küçük (English: 'Little'), the pampered Chihuahua owned by LTGEN Artunkal's wife, would probably have been sufficient. Rather than the massed might of the Turkish 2nd Corps!
Mrs Artunkal, with Küçük the Chihuahua.
As recon shows no Albanian forces present in Tirane, only the two cavalry divisions (1st and 3rd) and 2nd Corps HQ are ordered to cross into Albania. The other infantry divisions remain in place, waiting for Orbay’s 15 Inf Div to catch up, and for orders to invade Yugoslavia. Küçük was still with Mrs Artunkal back in Istanbul and was therefore unavailable to deploy over the border with the advance guard elements.
1000. The cavalry quickly arrives in Korce and confirms no Albanian defenders are in sight. With Tirane undefended, this will be over quickly and peacefully, with no casualties on either side. The light 3 Cav Div is detailed to occupy Tirane while the full-strength 1 Cav Div (Wehib Pasha) holds in place, awaiting direction as to whether it will be required to march against Skopje in Phase 2 of Op Hammer.
13 Oct 37
This request from Persia came out of the blue: it looks like the first supplicant neighbour has emerged to appease our growing power. We agreed: why not? Perhaps we will spare Persia from plans after all – if they don’t align themselves with the Axis!
The Shah of Iran happened to be in Ankara for a pre-arranged state visit
on 13 October. He hastily abased himself to our growing power and offered
a transit rights deal during a meeting with President Atatürk. The President
provided the Shah with an autographed photo of himself to commemorate
the visit - which elicited a surprised double-take from his visitor!
15 Oct 37
1000. 3 Cav Div arrived in Tirane that morning. We never saw more of any Albanian forces than a central (Italian-heavy) HQ to the west of Tirane in Durres.
Tirane on the morning of its liberation and return to Turkish rule, 15 October 1937.
All is peaceful and calm, the streets quiet. We will provide a stability and prosperity
Zog had been unable to as King.
Midnight. It is all over, Zog surrenders: "Oh God, it was so short!" were his final words to Geraldine on leaving Albanian soil. They were quickly escorted to the Balkan ex-Kings’ Club (now at an undisclosed location in the Bulgarian mountains) for a quiet retirement. All Italian expatriates were treated very carefully and with great politeness. They are offered transport back to Italy - at the expense of the Turkish Government - if they wish to leave; are permitted to either keep or sell any personal property or real estate they had acquired in Albania; and are otherwise treated with dignity. No point being an ungracious winner. After an absence of very nearly 25 years, Turkish rule once again returns to the Albanian Vilayet!
16 Oct 37
By now, more elements of the Yugoslavian Army have reappeared on the Romanian border, especially around Beograd. Perhaps they are not as completely asleep at the wheel as some of our previous adversaries, but we have not yet had any reports of mobilisation. Though the single division that had earlier been seen occupying the hills in front of Skopje has now gone.
That afternoon, Aras and Ögel brief the War Cabinet on the diplomatic situation and reactions to the annexation of Albania. As expected, threat levels have ratcheted up yet again, though Aras reports that relations with Italy (+75/200) and Germany (+15/200) remain reasonable. Other than Italian protests (and no doubt rancor at their own designs having been forestalled), they seem more preoccupied with events in Spain, which have shifted in their favour decisively. Ögel’s latest threat matrix concentrates just on Germany, Italy and Hungary, the only ones likely to intervene should we move on Yugoslavia.
Coming Up: With tensions rising and the neutrality of the Germans and Italians being pushed to the limit, would applying the Anvil to Yugoslavia be a mistake? It looks as though moving that way would certainly raise our threat above their neutrality: would they attack? And even if they don’t attack us now, what effect might this have on future events in Europe? Would their radically lowered neutrality give them free reign to start lashing out and acting on their own expansionist aims? Certainly, Japan is already doing just that in the East!
[Ed: Any advice, thoughts or experience on the likely effects of further Turkish expansion, especially on the Axis powers and their neutrality/comparative threat levels, would be very interesting and most welcome. It may well sway the views of the Turkish War Cabinet and President Atatürk, who are looking down the Path to Glory and trying to work out whether it leads to a golden future ... or over a precipice!]
Well we've already got them grovelling a bit . It's a long way to 1948, so the opportunity may arise. I think we'd want to first build up our infrastructure a bit too.
Maybe take them down after Syria and Iraq are back under our control (after the revolution, when the West is challenged for leadership of the post-fascist world)?
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Chapter 30: Hammer and Anvil – Opening Blows (16 October - 3 November 1937)
Chapter 30: Hammer and Anvil – Opening Blows (16 October - 3 November 1937)
[Ed: Thankfully, Armaments Minister Calistar's propaganda department hasn't yet run out of 'hammer' puns for the chapter headings of this chronicle . Perhaps they will add sickles to their repertoire once Turkey joins the Comintern !]
This update will be split into parts, to make for ease of reading on the two strategically linked but tactically separate Hammer and Anvil operations. Major developments and world news will be dealt with in between sections. I am also trialling a new way of annotating battle maps, to try to cut down on the number I need to use and improve the graphics [it involves importing them into PowerPoint, adding graphics, then saving back as a JPEG]. I want to start getting my head around that now for the forthcoming larger scale campaigns that will inevitably begin across the world in coming years. Let me know if you think it is good, bad or indifferent, or if any tweaks or additions would improve readability.
Section 1: Political Events
16 Oct 37 – Romanian Mountain Roads: An Embarrassing Miscalculation!
The map reading skills of our senior officers in foreign mountainous terrain has again been found wanting. 1st Corps, by hiding away in the mountains of Lupeni, may have been well out of sight, but when given the orders to move, they realised that to get a full Corps along mountain roads and then to the Yugoslavian border in Mehadia would take until 28 October! No-one had thought to check with the local guides. 12 days in transit! Well, there is nothing to be done about it now but wait, with winter creeping closer every day. This gives time for Cabinet to thoroughly discuss issues and for diplomatic games to be played, but this is not what we had in mind. Our little tactic of standing back before a surprise attack has cost us valuable time, which we hope won’t be a problem later. Final checks on threat vs neutrality after the conquest of Albania have revealed it’s getting very close for Germany. This doesn't mean they will actually declare war on us straight away and we don’t actually share a common border (yet, anyway), though Austria and Hungary are closely in their orbit. Neither of them yet gives military access to Germany, but it wouldn’t take much for that to change. Everyone is uneasy … is this the time our luck will change? Will it be one gamble too many? The Cabinet once again considers war.
18 Oct - War Cabinet Meeting
Many readers will not be surprised to hear that the hawks are once again flying. Not only have they become intoxicated by the constant successes and lack of any tangible response to our rapid expansion this year, but they do not believe the Axis (which does not yet include Italy) will act. They argue that Germany is not yet ready to do so and relations with Italy remain good for now. No-one has pledged to defend Yugoslavia. The doves point out the latest threat analysis shows another attack by us would certainly push Germany, Italy and Hungary to the point where they could, if they wish, declare war on us. If they did, it would be more than we could cope with.
But the hawks counter with two telling arguments: first, just because they can declare war doesn’t mean they will. The Germans have other fish to fry and the Italians wouldn’t dare (they hope, anyway). Hungary would be a distraction, but Romania can hold them off - and why should they shed a drop of blood for Yugoslavia? Second, having puppeted Romania and thus not taken advantage of its IC and manpower, we need what a larger country like Yugoslavia can give us. Manpower in particular, which we are short of. If we can take and hold all that for two years or more, it should boost our power considerably by the time any general war breaks out and we are looking to join the Comintern. At that point, if we need to, we can abandon Yugoslavia to its fate and withdraw to more defensible terrain further south – even to the Calistar Line in Turkey proper, if we must.
The doves try one more play for peace: even if the Axis does not attack straight away, they may later on, once they have settled their main arguments in Western and Central Europe, but before we can join in alliance with the Soviets. Our actions could upset the whole balance in Europe, and bring war forward – right into our laps, with no powerful ally on our side. The War Cabinet finished their spirited debate and all eyes turned to Atatürk and Inönü, who had asked questions but made no comments to date.
They shared a glance: Inönü nodded subtly and Atatürk reciprocated. He stood and addressed the meeting:
“Thank you gentlemen for your considered discussion. I have noted all the arguments, each of which has merit. But in the end, a decision must be made, and I take on this responsibility as your leader.” He paused, braced himself, and continued, “Our journey along the Path to Glory for us must have no hesitation. We will take no backward steps. We are playing a tough game here for the fate of the world. I may be condemned by some as a warmonger, but we do this for the greater good of the world and the glory of Turkey. We go to war again. Aras, prepare your diplomatic plans and try to get the Romanians to comply, while our troops move into position.”
21 Oct 37
We issue our first communique to Prince Paul and the Yugoslavian Government, giving them a week to respond to our “helpful suggestion to guarantee regional peace” by joining the proposed Turkish-led Balkan Treaty of Non-Aggression and Alliance, together with Romania, who have already agreed. Which of course the vacillating Yugoslavs will refuse to do (“Impossible” is our assessment of their likely reaction) because of their fear of the Fascist reaction and his desire to stay neutral.
We will give them as long as it takes our Hammer and Anvil forces to get into position for Phase 2. We will then give them a final ultimatum: we will declare their refusal to be an indication of ill will and a sign they are willing to undermine the security of the region through their weakness, corruption and the influence of (unnamed) “sinister forces”. And then the main game will be on. If they are not with us, they must be against us!
Privately, we will use Ögel’s spy network to undermine their national unity by promising the Croatians their own autonomous domestic government under Turkish rule – the Banate they have been seeking – in return for undermining the central government by passive means. With Yugoslavian national unity at about 61%, we can complete our conquest without physically taking the northern towns. This will have to do.
27 Oct 37
World News Wire Service, Madrid. The Spanish Civil War is over! The Republicans have finally surrendered, with Spain once again united, now under the Fascist yoke! All the more reason, we press the Yugoslavians, why the Balkans must unite under strong Turkish leadership to preserve our region. Their reply to our proposal is due tomorrow.
28 Oct 37
Yugoslavia has had plenty of time to absorb our proposal. An final ultimatum is now issued: agree by midnight or we will consider it a hostile act and Yugoslavia will have to bear the consequences of their decision.
Well, OK, you don’t actually seem get a message when you send an NAP and it is rejected, it seems, and it would have been a waste of valuable diplomacy points. I tested that in a previous saved game. So this is what we would have received. Note: There is a chance Calistar’s Propaganda Department in the Armaments Ministry may have got to this message before it reached the Cabinet!
Again, our dear readers will not have been surprised when the President brushed any concerns away and chose the “Crush Them” option the sycophants at the propagandists had so thoughtfully added.
29 Oct 37
A final threat check is made just before the DoW:
At 3am our early-rising diplomatic couriers once again deliver the now familiar words to another of our Balkan neighbours and then ducked for cover. The agreed explanations are distributed. Perhaps it will be drowned out by news of the Nationalist victory in Spain? The usual wartime laws are once again implemented – this time they are likely to last for longer than the last two operations in Albania and Romania.
31 Oct 37
Aras and Ögel updated their calculations after the reactions to the DoW by Germany, Italy and Hungary were incorporated. The Soviet Union’s current views were also added – at least that isn’t critical yet. But the Germans (and their likely European Axis partners)? They no longer need any excuse to hit us. We’ll just have to spend a tense couple of years hoping they don’t come after us before we get our big ally signed up!
Section 2: Operation Hammer
16 Oct 37
While the doves and the hawks prepared to debate in Ankara, 2nd Corps redeploys on the southern Hammer front. 3 Cav Div and 15 Inf Div move to Lezhe in the north of the Albanian Vilayet. HQ 2nd Corps and 1 Cav Div will maintain position in Korce, while 11 and 17 Inf Divs remain in Kastoria. The Romanian Air Force has set up base in Tirane: at least this is something – we can expect some air support in the south, if it is ever needed.
29 Oct (D-Day) to 3 Nov (D+5) 37
Initial 2nd Corps Positions. Due to the lack of visible defenders, Artunkal has decided to risk splitting his force and starting Phase 3 of the operation early in the hope of quick gains. 3 Cav Div will attempt a dash up the coast, to see how far north they can get before meeting serious resistance. They will race ahead as a recon formation (with only 2 x CAV brigades, they can’t be expected to take on anything more than an isolated HQ unit), attempting to bypass anything they run into. 15 Inf Div will follow up and attack any targets of opportunity. If they run into heavier resistance, they will have to wait for reinforcement from the rest of 2nd Corps.
From Korce, 1 Cav Div (with HQ 2 Corps following more slowly) will make a quick advance on Skopje via Gostivar in the hope of taking it in a few days and without a fight. 11 and 17 Inf Divs will move from Kastoria to Gostivar, from where they can either swing towards Skopje and/or turn north, depending on enemy dispositions.
Adriatic Sector. From the morning of 29 Oct to the night of 1 Nov, 3 Cav Div advanced from their starting off point in Lezhe, taking the Yugoslavian provinces of Ulcinj and Cetinje without a fight. Their next orders are to proceed through the open coastal province of Herceg Novi then turn due north to take Ljubinje. From there, if they continued unopposed, they would keep moving north through the mountains of Nevesinje, beyond which lies the key Phase 3 objective of Sarajevo. It is unlikely they would make it that far, but will keep probing forward as far as they can. 15 Inf Div followed up the advance, having made Ulcinj en route to Cetenje. The only enemy sighted during this time was two provinces inland, where a Yugoslavian infantry division was spotted in Plav, heading towards the south-east (towards the main body of 2nd Corps).
Skopje Sector. Although with slower going over hilly terrain, 1 Cav Div made good time. By the morning of 1 Nov, they had arrived in Gostivar and were advancing on the unoccupied Phase 2 objective of Skopje. They entered Skopje unopposed early on the morning of 3 Nov. The first key objective of the campaign had been seized exactly five days after the declaration of war. On arrival, they discovered another Yugoslav infantry division in the hills of Stip, to the north-east of Skopje. This would force them to await the slower-moving formations of 2nd Corps (none of whom had yet reached Gostivar) to catch them up, then 1 Cav Div would resume their probing northward advance.
The city of Skopje lies undamaged and safely in Turkish hands on the morning of 3 Nov 37.
Section 3: Operation Anvil
16 Oct 37
1st Corps planners set off for the starting-off border province of Mehadia with red faces: their failure to check the travel time will end up delaying the start of the offensive for about a week. The whole corps will be concentrated in one province, to allow a leap-frogging of advance guard divisions to clear initial opposition while the remaining formations stay out of the attack, preserving their organisation for exploitation on the way to Beograd.
29 Oct 37 (D-Day)
As the war starts, Romanian objectives are set in depth of Yugoslavian lines to encourage them to advance. Only one attack on an occupied border province is specifically requested – at Zajecar on the south of the line. We have no idea whether they will respond to any of these orders, but at least their units are guarding the border.
With most 1st Corps units having arrived in Mehadia, at 0300 3 Inf Div is ordered to make the initial attack on the Yugoslavian 3rd Mot Inf Div guarding the border at Vrsac. This is a simple and quick attack as we attempt to blast a path to Beograd before Yugoslavia can fully mobilise and reinforce their army. By 0800 they are in contact. Karabekir uses the perfect ‘breakthrough’ tactic to disrupt the unprepared enemy’s defence.
By 1600 the victory is his, with 23 Turkish casualties to 148 for Yugoslavia. The remainder of 1st Corps (1, 5 and 7 Inf Divs and 1 Mtn Div) is immediately ordered to advance to Vrsac.
30 Oct 37 (D+1)
3 Inf Div arrives in Vrsac by 2200 that night, as the remainder of the corps follows on.
31 Oct 37 (D+2)
As 3 Div reorganises, 1 Mtn Div is the first to arrive in Vrsac (at 1100 that morning) and is immediately ordered to attack the enemy in Panavo, where the battle begins at 1600 that afternoon. The Yugoslavian 5th Inf Div has had more time to mobilise, with higher organisation and strength than we encountered in Vrsac, but it has no commander and has not begun to entrench.
Troops from the Yugoslav 5th Inf Div fighting in Panovo are attacked by the Turkish 1 Mtn Div,
along the main road leading south-west to the capital Beograd. Initial resistance is light.
1 Nov 37 (D+3)
The battle is over is ten hours, at 0200 on the morning of 1 Nov, with another victory for Muzir: 30 Turks as against 61 Yugoslavs are killed. The remaining 1st Corps formations (1, 5 and 7 Inf Divs), which have been waiting in readiness in Vrsac, are immediately called forward to Panavo. Their next target will be Beograd! 3 Inf Div is left to reorganise in Vrsac and maintain the crucial supply line. By this stage, there has been no evidence of any movement by Romanian units beyond the border. This is ominous: we may have to conduct the campaign with minimal active Romanian assistance. Perhaps we will be able to get them to occupy captured territory, at least? An objective is placed in Vrsac to test this.
2 Nov 37 (D+4)
By 1600, 1 Mtn Div has arrived in and secured Panavo. We get our first close look at the enemy’s capital. There look to be a couple of garrison divisions in place and some HQ heading south-east out of the city. We must assume the enemy will be entrenched by now. We have been coming under attack by Yugoslavian TAC operating out of the airfield in Beograd since we began the advance, but (as previously noted) are out of the range of our fighter cover in Sofiya. We just have to take it as a cost of advancing.
By the afternoon of 2 Nov, the advance guard (currently 1 Mtn Div) has a clear view of Beograd
from over the Danube. The river will pose a serious obstacle when the main attack starts.
3 Nov 37 (D+5)
1, 5 and 7 Inf Divs arrive in Panovo at midnight and roll on to attack Beograd straight away, at 0000 on the early morning of 3 Nov. By 0500 they have closed with the enemy, who have the benefit of the mighty Danube as a river defence, entrenchment and fighting in a built-up area on home soil. The Yugoslav 27th and 30th Garrison Divisions have not yet mobilised to more than around 50% strength or organisation as yet. We have the better general and superior tactics, with three full-strength veteran divisions. Although the starting odds appear to be in the enemy’s favour, Namut (in command of the attack) assesses the organisation of the enemy will erode quickly and victory should be ours, but casualties will be greater than we have encountered so far. If needed, 1 Mtn Div will be able to reinforce once it has reorganised from its attack in Panovo.
At this point, Örlungat probes the Beograd air defences. While the mission is ground attack, if it is too “hot” (from Yugoslavian AA and INT cover), they will simply do a quick recon and ‘bug out’. It does indeed prove way too hot and our bombers are quickly swamped by three enemy fighter wings! It wouldn’t have mattered even if our fighters had been in range: we couldn’t have contended with that kind of opposition. We will have to concede air superiority to Yugoslavia for the rest of the campaign. Having arrived at 0900, after three hours, the bombers turn tail for home with their recon pictures, having no doubt done little damage to the enemy, but already reduced to 83% strength and very little organisation. They will refit in Sofiya and likely do little for the remainder of the campaign.
Summary
3 Nov 37
With the war in Yugoslavia now afoot and our spy strength at a full 10 in France (plus one spare waiting), Ögel makes the pre-arranged switch to active operations in France. Their counter-espionage strength has now risen to 5, so our first move is to try to blitz them with our own counter-espionage attack of 10.
As night falls on 3 November, after five days Turkish forces are advancing quickly along the Adriatic Coast and have captured the first key objective, Skopje on the southern Op Hammer front. In Op Anvil, 1st Corps has punched through weak defences advancing on a narrow front, taking Vrsac and Panovo and commencing the main attack on Beograd, where resistance is proving stiffer. Yugoslavia has clear air superiority, which will hamper our efforts in the north.
Coming up: The Battle of Beograd continues – it could prove to be a bloody affair, but should be decisive. Will the free-lancing Adriatic offensive manage to threaten or even secure Sarajevo? Will Yugoslavian forces converging on Skopje provide significant resistance, or be swept aside as the main strength of 2nd Corps is brought to bear? Will the Romanians ever get off their bone-idle, lazy butts and join in the festivities? And finally, will there be any practical political consequences (other than mucho threat) from our latest blatant grab for territory? Or will the Fascist powers continue to appease Turkey in its bold attempt to fully seize the Balkans?
Chapter 31: The Battle of Beograd – “Just Waiting for the Hammer to Fall” (3 to 9 November 1937)
Preamble
Ankara, 3 Nov 37. Armaments Minister Calistar summons his propaganda chief (expatriate American advertising executive, BJ Guildenstern): “Braanszon [Ed: the ‘z’ is silent], we have a crisis in our War on the Almost Former Yugoslavia,” an agitated Calistar exclaims as Guildenstern oozes obsequiously into his office. “Our Information Ministry has run out of hammer-related puns and references to use in our official chronicle of Turkey’s inevitable progress to greatness.”
Expat ‘Madman’ BJ (Braanszon) Guildenstern, Ankara, 1937.
“Ah,” breathes the oily advertising guru, “You mean that wonderful publication ‘The Path to Glory’?”
“Yes, that’s the one,” Calistar waves his hand impatiently, “What are we to do?”
“Have no fear Minister,” the unctuous Braanszon assures him, then clicks his fingers in the direction of the door.
“Persephonee! Here, now!” he barks out, in an entirely different manner to that he uses with his superiors. In scampers Persephonee Fotheringay-Phipps [Ed: pronounced ‘Fungi-Phipps’, with apologies to PJ Wodehouse], his English deputy and word-maven.
She quickly sets up an easel with a sheaf of butcher’s paper. “Let’s have a catchy slogan for the boss – pronto!” Guildenstern is in full flow-of-consciousness mode now. “I want hammers; suspense; impending menace; the promise of victory. Fear and greed are the key. We need both!”
A simultaneously self-satisfied and simpering look attaches itself to Guildenstern’s infinitely impressionable and inherently insincere face, “Fear for the about-to-be-conquered; avarice for the punters here at home as they look forward to the next ‘free gift’ the Government is about to provide them, at another country’s expense.”
He pauses, then adds, “And distraction too: we want to take their minds off the climbing casualty count, payable in daily instalments, hidden in the fine print of the terms and conditions of regional conquest.”
Persephonee immediately swings into action, scribbling, crossing out words and adding others in a creative flurry of marker pen, flying butcher’s paper and designer clothes. Finally, she stands back, with a single phrase inscribed on a clean sheet of paper, in large bold print:
[Ed: I’m hearing some big Queen ‘axe-work’ and soaring Freddie Mercury vocals here.]
Persephonee is very pleased with herself.
All three pause briefly to admire her handiwork. “It’s a deal!” barks Calistar. “Now get out! And be careful about all this alliteration in the dialogue – it’s starting to get a bit hackneyed.”
Braanszon and Persephonee scurry back out, another day’s work successfully completed, retainer earned. They happily trot off to that trendy little café/hashish emporium just off Republic Boulevard to celebrate.
Section 1: Southern Front – Op Hammer
3 Nov 37 (D+5)
In the Adriatic sector, Gataly’s 15 Inf Div arrives in Centinje at 1400, where 3 Cav Div is already well on its way to Herceg Novi. Gataly’s men head the same way. No opposition encountered yet in this sector. By 2300, HQ 2nd Corps has arrived in Gostivar and pauses: the Adriatic formations are already starting to get beyond effective command range.
5 Nov 37 (D+7)
At 0900, 17 Inf Div makes it to Gostivar and is ordered straight on to Skopje, where it will relieve 1 Cav Div. HQ 2nd Corps now begins to advance north to the mountains of Tetovo. By 1300, 11 Inf Div has also arrived in Gostivar, where it is ordered to follow HQ 2nd Corps to Tetovo. All these moves will take some time, due to the rough terrain.
8 Nov 37 (D+10)
Having earlier arrived in Herceg Novi and advanced straight away on Ljublinje, 3 Cav Div makes contact with the enemy there (a HQ) at 0100 (the first combat, however minimal, so far on the southern front). As the enemy have no frontline troops present, the battle is won by 0400, with no casualties on either side.
With 17 Inf Div due to arrive in Skopje in a few hours, at 0400 1 Cav Div starts its northward advance to the open country of Kumanovo. They will drive north as fast as they can to split and confuse the Yugoslavian defence. At the same time, we hear reports that the Romanian TAC wing based in Tirana is attacking Yugoslavian positions way up north in Senta, apparently supporting a Romanian ground attack. We now have reports from along the northern front of Romanian units beginning to advance. At last!
15 Inf Div arrived in Herceg Novi by 1000 and continued to follow 3 Cav Div north, to Ljublinje. At midday, 17 Inf Div takes up the defence of Skopje, where they will watch the Yugoslav division which is still sitting to the north-east in Stip.
9 Nov 37 (D+11)
At 2000 3 Cav Div occupies Ljublinje and moves north again to Nevesinje, where an enemy infantry division is spotted heading north-east towards Foca. 15 Inf Div is still on its way from Herceg Novi: it may have to deal with any more serious resistance encountered by 3 Cav Div in the approach to Sarajevo.
A summary of progress in the Adriatic sector from 3-9 Nov 37.
Progress in the Skopje sector from 3-9 Nov 37.
Section 2: Northern Front – Op Anvil
3 Nov 37 (D+5)
At midday, 3 Inf Div is ordered to move up from Vrsac to join the rest of the 1st Corps divisions in Panovo. It will soon finish its post-attack reorganisation and will be ready to either reinforce the attack on Beograd or attempt a flanking move over the Danube. HQ 1st Corps will soon arrive in Vrsac and will maintain supply line security, until the Romanians can be persuaded to garrison Vrsac.
4 Nov 37 (D+6)
By the early morning of 4 November, after a day of fighting, Turkish elements have entered the outskirts of Beograd but have not yet secured a firm bridgehead. It is still a hard fight, but the defenders' organisation is slowly wearing down. Namut continues to employ superior tactics over the second-line enemy troops entrusted with the defence of the capital. So far, only HQ units remain in the Yugoslavian reserve.
The Turkish Air Force may be grounded, but Turkish shelling has begun to cause damage in the city of Beograd as 1st Corps slowly closes in on the city proper.
5 Nov 37 (D+7)
The Yugoslav 1st Cav Div managed to reinforce Beograd during the day. By 2300 it was at the front, supporting the 27th and 30th Garrison Divisions, which are fading fast after almost three days of heavy fighting. Namut is pressing home with ‘assault’ tactics now that he has begun to close in on the city centre.
6 Nov 37 (D+8)
The Yugoslavs have sent their 9th Inf Div to Arandelovac. At 1700 they attempt a diverting flanking attack across the Danube on 1st Corps, attempting to disrupt their assault on Beograd. The battle commences at 2000: it is a desperate attempt and looks doomed to failure.
7 Nov 37 (D+9)
3 Inf Div, now fresh and reorganised, joins the rest of 1st Corps in Panovo at 0100. By 1700, the Yugoslav attack has failed, with heavy casualties: Turkey loses 19 troops, while the enemy’s 9th Inf Div suffers 369 killed and will by now be badly disorganised. 3 Inf Div counter-attacks immediately, seizing the opportunity for a cheap crossing of the Danube south of Beograd. By 2200, 3 Inf Div has pressed home the counter-attack: the enemy retreat without a fight.
8 Nov 37 (D+10)
The Battle of Beograd has been going on for almost five days. By 0100, the two enemy garrison divisions have retreated, with now only the 1st Cavalry holding out. The Turkish 7 Inf Div has borne the brunt of the fighting, with 1 and 5 Inf Divs also taking some casualties, but none of them have been significantly affected.
By 8 November, after more than five days of fighting, the military attempts to keep order and prevent
panic in Beograd. But the citizens know that the fighting is getting nearer – as is the end!
By 2100, stragglers from the Yugoslav 5th Inf Div, defeated a week before in Panavo, have reformed as a battlegroup in Beograd and are attempting to reinforce the beleaguered 1st Cav Div. Namut maintains the assault, confident that Beograd will soon be his.
9 Nov 37 (D+11)
At 1600, all Yugoslavian forces in Beograd cease resistance and are in retreat to both the north-west and the south. 1, 5 and 7 Inf Divs immediately occupy the city. Casualties after more than six days of urban warfare are heavy, but victory belongs to Namut and Turkey. This major battle will be recorded on the battle honours of the three divisions involved.
A quick survey of the city shows damage to buildings and infrastructure is quite heavy and will take some time to repair, but Beograd will eventually form an important new addition to the Greater Republic. An objective is set for the tardy Romanians to eventually garrison the city, hopefully freeing all Turkish units to resume the advance.
The Battle of Beograd has left its mark on the city, but this is the price of war and glory.
The Foreign Ministry and Intelligence Bureau make an assessment of the remaining will of the Yugoslavian people to resist: things are looking dire for the young King Peter II: it seems his uncle, the Regent Prince Paul, will never get to hand over a functioning Yugoslavian kingdom to his nephew.
Since the morning of 3 November, a spoiling attack on Panavo has been beaten off and the Battle of Beograd won. Finally, Romanian forces have begun to slowly advance at various points along the front, and occupied their first Yugoslavian province on our behalf, at Turnu Severin at the southern end of the Anvil front.
A summary of progress on the northern Anvil front, from 3-9 Nov 37.
General Summary. All Phase 2 objectives, both for the southern Hammer and northern Anvil fronts, have now been taken. In the south, 2nd Corps has already made a good start on its Phase 3 advance along the Adriatic coast towards Sarajevo.
Section 3: The Economy
9 Nov 37
Production is running at its highest level to date, with a wide range of units and infrastructure in the pipeline. Our first LARM brigade will finally be produced in early February next year, while our first two AT and AA brigades are also in production. The first forts of the Calistar Line will be built in March and April. Trade and resource stockpiles are in reasonably good shape and our conquests have put plenty of cash in the bank. Manpower will always be a concern, but even with all the units in production, MP seems be be generally keeping up. If we can have a sustained period of peace after this current war with Yugoslavia, we hope our MP will keep pace with new unit building and still leave some in reserve.
Coming Up: The race to Sarajevo and Split will be on. Can 1st Corps break out in the north - in true Turkish ‘RAW war’ style - without compromising its lines of supply? Will Romania start to speed up its movement to assist with keeping the Yugoslavian Army occupied and providing some rear area security? Can Braanszon and Persephonee keep coming up with ‘hammer’ references to feed the hungry sub-editors of the Government’s ‘The Path to Glory’ war chronicle? Or even devise an anvil-related reference? All this and more in the next exciting instalment.
"""All three pause briefly to admire her handiwork. “It’s a deal!” barks Calistar. “Now get out! And be careful about all this alliteration in the dialogue – it’s starting to get a bit hackneyed.”
Braanszon and Persephonee scurry back out, another day’s work successfully completed, retainer earned. They happily trot off to that trendy little café/hashish emporium just off Republic Boulevard to celebrate."""
That whole scene is so...Today. In so many ways. Today's leader's minions have minions to "sideways-eight".
"""All three pause briefly to admire her handiwork. “It’s a deal!” barks Calistar. “Now get out! And be careful about all this alliteration in the dialogue – it’s starting to get a bit hackneyed.”
Braanszon and Persephonee scurry back out, another day’s work successfully completed, retainer earned. They happily trot off to that trendy little café/hashish emporium just off Republic Boulevard to celebrate."""
That whole scene is so...Today. In so many ways. Today's leader's minions have minions to "sideways-eight".
Thanks . Just thought I'd have a bit of fun with a couple of new characters - even if they're 80 years ahead of their time . A distraction before the tense business of merciless expansion ...
Annexing. I wanted the IC, MP and resources and didn't want to risk some scripted pre-Barbarossa war event on a puppeted Yugo (don't know if puppeting cancels it).
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Chapter 32: Breakout in Yugoslavia – “Caught Between the Hammer and the Anvil” (9 to 18 November 1937)
Chapter 32: Breakout in Yugoslavia – “Caught Between the Hammer and the Anvil” (9 to 18 November 1937)
Section 1: Preparatory Matters – 9 Nov 37
Words are Bullets. Braanszon Guildenstern and Persephonee Fotheringay-Phipps are back at the Propaganda Department of the Armaments Ministry in Ankara. More creative juice must be squeezed for the next issue of ‘The Path to Glory’. They sit opposite the Editor in Chief, who sips on a cup of extra-strength Turkish coffee – probably about his tenth for the day. It has had the expected effect on his mood, which is hyperactive and belligerent.
“Calm down, man - and stop shouting,” Guildenstern says quietly. He is suffering from an alcohol and substance-induced hangover of epic proportions. “Persephonee, please, you know what to do,” he groans, dabbing at a sheen of sweat that keeps re-forming on his troubled brow.
“Righto BJ, all under control,” she says softly, unfolding her ubiquitous portable easel with mandatory butcher’s paper . She begins scribbling.
“I think I have just the ticket – a stirling rustic expression from the Old Country. I think it suits the narrative of victory for us - and impending doom for our latest victims.” It’s amazing how quickly an advertising mercenary can do sincerity so well, taking on the guise of her clients with a seamless lack of conscience and ethics.
“Here we go old thing!” she says, a little too loudly and enthusiastically for Braanszon’s delicate state of being. He raises his head slowly and painfully as the Editor sidles around to see what Persephonee has come up with.
Guildenstern takes one look at this slogan and can think of nothing other than his own head, lying on the anvil, getting repeatedly smashed by a very heavy wooden mallet. If he was capable of feeling sympathy for anyone but himself, he may have had a little now for the poor people of Yugoslavia. Alas, with his current hangover there is only room for one recipient of his sympathy.
“OK. This will do – we can’t expect too much for our fifth hammer-anvil related headline in a row,” the Editor says.
“Mehmet – in here, now, we have our latest headline!” he shouts. Guildenstern turns white, throws his hands to his agonized head and hurries from the room.
Persephonee follows him out, portable easel in hand, keeping a safe distance. No matter how hammered you got the night before, you must still get the job done the next morning. She has saved BJ from the consequences of his excesses - and not for the first time. Nor the last, no doubt.
Diplomacy. The Foreign Ministry advises Cabinet that Turkey’s alignment has now been lowered to 176.84 distance from the Comintern. This is around a change almost 100 since late April this year.
Research. Calistar’s Chief Scientist provides an update on Turkey’s modest research program. Progress remains slow. In the military, unit practical knowledge is highest in militia and artillery, low in infantry and mobile, and non-existent yet in armour. The highlight is in industry theory, at 10.2%.
Section 2: Southern Front – Op Hammer
10 Nov 37 (D+12)
Wehib Pasha’s 1 Cav Div is again in its elements: breaking out into open country. Striking ahead of the main body of 2nd Corps’ advance. Trusting in its veteran troopers to brush aside the ill-prepared and disorganised enemy units it finds behind the lines. It arrives in Kumanovo at 0900 and, seeing open country ahead and no enemy defensive positions, Pasha gives orders the advance all the way to Sjenica, three provinces to the north-west. If they can get that far, they may well link up with Op Anvil forces which are now in the process of breaking out from Beograd.
That night, 11 Inf Div arrives in the mountainous central province of Tetovo. It holds in place, waiting for HQ 2nd Corps to arrive, when Artunkal will issue new orders for the advance.
Meanwhile, in the Adriatic sector, the amazing dash of 3 Cav Div (remember, only two brigades strong and with no commanding general), continues. At 1500 that afternoon, they brush aside token resistance in the mountains of Nevesinje, losing 6 troops to none, but winning the brief skirmish for the province. The battle didn’t last long enough to identify the enemy they faced.
11 Nov 37 (D+13)
HQ 2nd Corps joins 11 Inf Div in Tetovo at 0700. Artunkal takes his ‘fighting HQ’ (which is currently reinforced with 2 x INF) north towards Pristina and orders 11 Inf Div north-west to Dakovica. The 11th's job will be to keep an eye on the Yugoslav infantry division that has been entrenching in the mountains of Plav for some days now. The Corps HQ will cover the gap and rear lines between 11 Inf Div on the left and the rapidly advancing 1 Cav Div on the right.
At 1100 that morning, 1 Cav Div arrives in Pristina, brushing off a quick probe from the enemy 3rd Mot Div, which must have also been trying to enter the province. They immediately counter-attack the 3rd Mot in Novi Pazar, before they can get themselves settled and reorganised.
In true Wehib Pasha fashion, he employs a ‘reckless assault’ to quickly unsettle and dislodge their quick-moving enemy counterparts. It looks like the tactic should work, and if it’s over quickly 1 Cav Div shouldn’t suffer too many casualties. Despite all his battle experience to date, Pasha is still only 64% on his way from L2 to 3: no doubt the result of his ‘old guard’ tendencies. But he seems well suited to his current role.
By 2200 that night, 1 Cav Div has won the battle, losing 29 troopers to the enemy’s 50. A good result that keeps the momentum going.
12 Nov 37 (D+14)
At dawn that morning, Inönü (in his customary dual role as Commander 1st Corps and defacto Turkish Army Commander for the combined operation) looks at the latest reports from both fronts. The breakout from Beograd and the rapid advance of 1 Cav Div is creating the opportunity for a large pocket to be formed, cutting off those Yugoslavian forces remaining in Serbia. Looking further forward, the same might be possible if 1st Corps can keep the momentum up and advance quickly to Sarajevo, where the lightly armed forward elements in the Adriatic sector are on the verge of pulling off a major surprise by seizing the key Phase 3 objective.
He communicates the planned double-pincer manouevre to Artunkal and HQ 2nd Corps by coded message. The immediate operational priority will be closing off the ‘Serbia Pocket’, where Romanian units are finally starting to generate some momentum by pressing the Yugoslavians from the east and will be of help in wiping out any trapped units. Prospects for a link-up at Sarajevo will be assessed later. 1 Cav Div is already advancing as required, so orders for 2nd Corps remain unchanged for now.
13 Nov 37 (D+15)
Boldness and speed have worked so far for 3 Cav Div, so they chance their arm again: as soon as they arrive in Nevesinje in the wee hours of 13 November, they immediately advance towards Sarajevo, where a Yugoslav infantry division can also be seen heading north-east towards Sarajevo from Konjic. It will be a race to see which gets there first. The very lightly armed 3 Cav Div has no way of knowing whether this will be the time they meet their match on their long and daring advance. Who said the age of cavalry was dead? Not yet in the Balkans of 1937, anyway!
At 0700 3 Cav Div wins a short skirmish in Sarajevo (losing only 2 troopers to 3 enemy soldiers), with the battle over too quickly to identify the opponents. We assume it may be the division earlier seen heading out of Sarajevo west toward Rudo and the other enemy unit heading up from Konjic will still need to be fought off.
Over on the Central Serbian sector, 1 Cav Div secures Novi Pazar at 1400 and continues the advance to their main objective of Sjenica. With 1st Corps already in possession of Pozega to the north, this would seal the Serbian Pocket, though this flank remains thinly held. But if doing so simply cuts off a significant number of Yugoslavian troops and forces them to try to fight their way out, with dwindling supplies, they will not be able to interfere in the final drive to occupy Sarajevo and Split.
That night, 15 Inf Div arrives in the (already cleared) Ljublinje. Instead of continuing to follow up 3 Cav Div to Sarajevo, Artunkal instead orders Gataly’s division to strike west, straight to Split in an attempt to do an ‘end run’. Most of the advance to Split along the coast is over open terrain, so if they can keep pushing hard they might get there quite quickly. If 3 Cav Div can secure and hold Sarajevo until support arrives from the rest of 2nd Corps or from 1st Corps’ advance guard, that will be a bonus. If not, it will fall soon enough. Taking Split would be a dagger in the heart of the enemy, so the chance is taken.
14 Nov 37 (D+16)
A retreating HQ unit put up no resistance as 15 Inf Div set out west for Metkovic to begin their drive to Split early in the morning. At about the same time, in the Central sector 11 Inf Div arrived in the hills of Dakovica. They conducted a quick probe of the enemy entrenched in the mountains of Plav, but without any expectations of success. Which was just as well: the enemy 27th Inf Div was at almost full strength, well entrenched, in favourable terrain and the weather poor. The probe was quickly called off with 14 Turkish killed to 6 of the enemy. This is why the High Command has been so keen to keep the enemy on the move and without the ability to recover organisation.
At 1600, HQ 2nd Corps arrived in Pristina, where they will hold for now, guarding the centre of the advance and able to pivot in any direction to respond to enemy action.
18 Nov 37 (D+20)
By 1300 on 18 November, in the Adriatic sector 15 Inf Div is in Metkovic and advancing towards Korcula, while 3 Cav Div descends the winding mountain roads from Nevesinje to Sarajevo. The enemy still has not occupied the city, but our troops estimate they will not arrive for almost another three days (0800 on 21 November). In the Central sector 11 Inf Div (Dakovica), HQ 2nd Corps (Pristina) and 17 Inf Div (Skopje) are all holding in place, while 1 Cav Div is still moving from Novi Pazar to Sjenica. Battlefield intelligence reports indicate the enemy, which has so far been content to dig in and hold in Plav and Stip, have broken their entrenchments and are moving out. Perhaps they realise the danger they are in from encirclement. A decision will have to be taken soon whether to attack them to hinder their retreat (or force them to rout), or to let them vacate difficult terrain without a fight.
The general summary of action on the southern ‘Hammer’ front, 10-18 Nov 37.
Section 3: Northern Front – Op Anvil
9 Nov 37 (D+11)
At 2000, 1 Mtn Div remains in Panavo guarding the supply line to Beograd, as various Yugoslavian units can still be seen to the immediate north and south. The objectives provided to the Romanian Army have been adjusted, with hopes they can advance on a broad front in the north and a more focused front to the south to secure the major river lines either side of Beograd, plus a guard for Beograd itself and its approaches. In the end, anything they can do will help to free up Turkish units for the main offensives.
The Turkish TAC and INT wings are ordered to rebase to Beograd, which has sufficient undamaged airfield facilities to help repair them. It will be some time before either are back to operating efficiency, especially the TAC which is recovering from its torrid foray over Beograd at the start of the war.
10 Nov 37 (D+12)
3 Inf Div cross the Danube and arrive in Arandelovac at 0600 and advances on Pozega, from where they hope to swing right into Valjevo, clearing a perimeter in front of Beograd and starting the westward advance towards Sarajevo. The three divisions that took part in the attack on Beograd must still reorganise for another 88 hours before they take part in offensive operations again.
12 Nov 37 (D+13)
Two days after they set off, Karabekir’s 3 Inf Div arrive in Pozega and attacks Valjevo, where only the enemy 3rd Army HQ is present. By 1000, the enemy retreat with no casualties on either side.
14 Nov 37 (D+15)
3 Inf Div arrives in Valjevo quickly: by 0100 they are moving to secure the river crossing into Visegrad (which is currently undefended), on their way to their depth objective of Vlasenica. However, during this campaign our lack of air reconnaissance of enemy depth positions has been a definite hindrance, so we don’t know what is on the way. We hope our relocated air wings in Beograd may be able to mount some quick air recon patrols once they have regained some organisation.
Alas, by 0900 the Yugoslav 22nd Inf Div has arrived in Visegrad. It is at almost full strength and has the advantage of defending behind a river in hills; though on the other hand it has no commander, is not entrenched and is employing inferior tactics, as Karabekir launches in ‘assault’ formation. But the fight is hard and will be attritional.
Fresh troops of the Yugoslavian 22nd Inf Div, pictured here, had to clearly force-march
to make it to Visegrad before the Turkish 3 Inf Div could secure it. They seem to have
good morale and mean to put up a tough fight.
15 Nov 37 (D+16)
As the battle for Visegrad continues, Cakmak’s 1 Inf Div is ordered up from Beograd to Valjevo to reinforce their comrades’ assault. They are due to arrive in the early hours of 18 November.
16 Nov 37 (D+17)
5 Inf Div had earlier been ordered out of Beograd south to Arandelovac. Now fully reorganised, they are ordered further south to Kraljevo, to cut off retreating Yugoslav forces, attempt to link up with 2nd Corps and close off the ‘Serbian Pocket’.
18 Nov 37 (D+19)
1 Inf Div arrives in Valjevo very early on the morning of 18 November. They go into reserve and seek to reinforce 3 Inf Div’s attack on Visegrad. After almost four days of fighting, both sides have suffered losses but no decisive advantage has been gained by either. If 1 Inf Div can reinforce, this should accelerate the disorganisation of the defenders and turn the tide.
At 1300, 5 Inf Div report victory in Kraljevo, losing 21 men to the Yugoslav’s 70. The enemy retreat the way they came from (to the north-east, back into the pocket). At this time, the neck of the Serbian Pocket has not quite been closed off: with 5 Inf Div advancing south to Kraljevo and the 2nd Corps’ 1 Cav Div heading north-west to Sjenica, the capture of either province would seal the pocket, though Yugoslav units still trapped within it may have enough supplies in reserve to cause problems for a thinly held line.
The key however lies to the west, where the securing of Sarajevo and Split would force the enemy to the surrender table. The corridor around Beograd has now increased in width. And in the south, Romanian units have started to make some significant inroads, led by their fast-moving LARM division. In the north, they have advanced into the provinces of Senta and Jasa Tomic, with more Romanian units now on the way. The key now is to feed more Turkish divisions into the main western advance on Sarajevo, currently blocked in Visegrad. However, a sizable stack of enemy units sitting just north-west of Beograd leaves our commanders somewhat cautious for now, so 7 Inf Div continues to dig in there.
General summary of activity on the northern ‘Anvil’ front, 9-18 Nov 37.
Coming Up: “What does the nasty Hobbit have in its pocketses, My Precious?” About a corps worth of Yugoslavian units, we hope! 1 Cav Div dashes north-west to seal off the Serbian Pocket, while 5 Inf Div closes in from the north - will they succeed? Elsewhere, all is in the balance: the battle for Visegrad continues, holding up our westward advance; 3 Cav Div is poised to sneak into Sarajevo, but may be beaten to it; and 15 Inf Div continues its bold dash to Split. We will also provide an update on the Sino-Japanese War, which has been raging in the East while Turkey continues the fourth campaign of its New Balkan War.
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