Here it is, an AAR I want to last for a long time.
I promise to finish it, here we go.
Please give feedback as we go and stuff.
I promise to finish it, here we go.
Please give feedback as we go and stuff.
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The Last Crusade - A Soviet AAR
Prologue
It is a cold day in Moscow. A thin sheet of white snow covers the streets. As I walk toward the Kremlin the snow crunching under my feet I am joined by my secretary Zeptig van Strudan. We start talking about the USSR:
"My comrade, this decade will be an important one for the USSR I sense."
"What are you talking about Zeptig my good man?"
"Well, Stalin has big plans for the new industrialised Soviet Union, well that is what I think anyway. He is a powerhungry dog."
"Shhhh you fool, do you want to be hung for that traitorous talk, Stalin is our great leader and I have great faith in him. We shall see what happens to the USSR in the next year or so."
As we neared the gates of the Kremlin we saluted the two guards on duty there, they saulted back and one said "Stalin is in a very good mood today. He feels like empire building." They both grinned at each other for a second before resuming their statue like stances. We entered the Kremlin into the warmth, into the lions den.
Prologue
It is a cold day in Moscow. A thin sheet of white snow covers the streets. As I walk toward the Kremlin the snow crunching under my feet I am joined by my secretary Zeptig van Strudan. We start talking about the USSR:
"My comrade, this decade will be an important one for the USSR I sense."
"What are you talking about Zeptig my good man?"
"Well, Stalin has big plans for the new industrialised Soviet Union, well that is what I think anyway. He is a powerhungry dog."
"Shhhh you fool, do you want to be hung for that traitorous talk, Stalin is our great leader and I have great faith in him. We shall see what happens to the USSR in the next year or so."
As we neared the gates of the Kremlin we saluted the two guards on duty there, they saulted back and one said "Stalin is in a very good mood today. He feels like empire building." They both grinned at each other for a second before resuming their statue like stances. We entered the Kremlin into the warmth, into the lions den.
Chapter 1 - The Will of Stalin
The Kremlin
Inside the warmth of this huge building we begin to clamber the marble staircase in order to reach the conference room where Stalin is holding the January USSR Situation Conference in a few hours.
The Kremlin - Moscow.
On the way we pass government officials, officers and sentries guarding secret document rooms. Finally we arrive at Conference room 1B and after 2 knocks enter the door. Our passes are quickly checked by a heavily armed soldier and we are admitted to the room. First of all the great man Stalin greets us with a warm handshake, there is a smile playing on his lips and everyone present can sense that something is up. We next shake hands with Mikhail Kalinin (the head of state), Maksim Litvinov (the foreign minister), Lazer Kagonovich (the armanents minister), Genrikha Yagoda (the minister for security), Yan Berzin (the intelligence minister), Michail N. Tukhatjevskij (the chief of staff), Kliment Y. Voroshilov (the chief of army), I.S. Isakov (the chief of navy) and A.E. Golovanov (the chief of air). I am Borak Hesperd, the secretary to Joesef V. Stalin himself.
A happy Stalin greets his government at the January Conference.
The Kremlin
Inside the warmth of this huge building we begin to clamber the marble staircase in order to reach the conference room where Stalin is holding the January USSR Situation Conference in a few hours.
The Kremlin - Moscow.
On the way we pass government officials, officers and sentries guarding secret document rooms. Finally we arrive at Conference room 1B and after 2 knocks enter the door. Our passes are quickly checked by a heavily armed soldier and we are admitted to the room. First of all the great man Stalin greets us with a warm handshake, there is a smile playing on his lips and everyone present can sense that something is up. We next shake hands with Mikhail Kalinin (the head of state), Maksim Litvinov (the foreign minister), Lazer Kagonovich (the armanents minister), Genrikha Yagoda (the minister for security), Yan Berzin (the intelligence minister), Michail N. Tukhatjevskij (the chief of staff), Kliment Y. Voroshilov (the chief of army), I.S. Isakov (the chief of navy) and A.E. Golovanov (the chief of air). I am Borak Hesperd, the secretary to Joesef V. Stalin himself.
A happy Stalin greets his government at the January Conference.
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Good high quality start. Would you mind explaining to me how to post screenies (without all the tech talk, I am stupid).
I didn't know either because if you are on something like geocities or freewebs (the free webspace providers) they don't let you put pictures up on message boards. So when you upload them you must rename them as .txt files. This tricks the web program into thinking that you are posting a txt file. When you have done that put
thee you go
Nexy installment coming very very soon guys
Chapter 1 - Continued
The January Conference
"Welcome my good comrades, is everybody here?" Stalin asked turning to me,
"Yes, everyone is present comrade."
"Excellent, now we can continue. I have been observing matters in world politics and Adolf Hitler and his Nazi party have risen to power in Germany. He liquidates his enemies and talks of repaying the German people with conquest. I feel as if a War is not far off, the Germans want to expand in Europe and their easiest and biggest target would be Poland and they already have territorial claims on some of Poland's provinces. If this happens we will border with Germany and we as communists and they as Fascists will not get on well, you mark my words. So I am organising a great defense line in the West. We will build land fortresses in every province on our Western borders apart from the provinces in the forests next to Finland. We will be ready for anyone.
The Western line of defense
"Comrade"butted in the Armanents minister, "we will have no more resources for research or Army production or any Armanents to think of it."
"We will Lazer, do not fret."
"But I must protest, your wild schemes will sink the boat that is the Soviet Union"
There was a stunned silence, everyone knew he had gone too far and he went bright red suddenly realising the implications of his actions.
"SO! TRAITOROUS TALK?? ARE YOU AN UNDERCOVER FASCIST?" yelled Stalin.
"Take him away!"
"To business, we will have a new Armanents minister tomorrow" he chuckled at this and the rest of the party stood still in horror wondering what would happen to the unlucky Lazer.
"I want 4 new T-26 Tank divisions and our 4 other tank divisions upgraded to the latest models!"
"I want us to research all of the Infantry and tank research projects:
No one dared question this or suggest that he had put too many tank divisions in the que for the engineers.
"We will form a tank army of 8 divisions and we will keep making tank armies so everyone will recognise the Soviet Union as a Great Power once again!" Everybody began to clap and stamp their feet. The tone had been set for the Soviet Union.
The January Conference
"Welcome my good comrades, is everybody here?" Stalin asked turning to me,
"Yes, everyone is present comrade."
"Excellent, now we can continue. I have been observing matters in world politics and Adolf Hitler and his Nazi party have risen to power in Germany. He liquidates his enemies and talks of repaying the German people with conquest. I feel as if a War is not far off, the Germans want to expand in Europe and their easiest and biggest target would be Poland and they already have territorial claims on some of Poland's provinces. If this happens we will border with Germany and we as communists and they as Fascists will not get on well, you mark my words. So I am organising a great defense line in the West. We will build land fortresses in every province on our Western borders apart from the provinces in the forests next to Finland. We will be ready for anyone.
The Western line of defense
"Comrade"butted in the Armanents minister, "we will have no more resources for research or Army production or any Armanents to think of it."
"We will Lazer, do not fret."
"But I must protest, your wild schemes will sink the boat that is the Soviet Union"
There was a stunned silence, everyone knew he had gone too far and he went bright red suddenly realising the implications of his actions.
"SO! TRAITOROUS TALK?? ARE YOU AN UNDERCOVER FASCIST?" yelled Stalin.
"Take him away!"
"To business, we will have a new Armanents minister tomorrow" he chuckled at this and the rest of the party stood still in horror wondering what would happen to the unlucky Lazer.
"I want 4 new T-26 Tank divisions and our 4 other tank divisions upgraded to the latest models!"
"I want us to research all of the Infantry and tank research projects:
- Modern Flamethrower
- Anti-Tank Rifle
- Effective Landmines
- Basic Divisional Signal Command
- Basic Half Track Troop Carrier
- Basic Wading Equipment
- Improved Light Tank Prototype
- Special Warfare Equipment
No one dared question this or suggest that he had put too many tank divisions in the que for the engineers.
"We will form a tank army of 8 divisions and we will keep making tank armies so everyone will recognise the Soviet Union as a Great Power once again!" Everybody began to clap and stamp their feet. The tone had been set for the Soviet Union.
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Chapter 1 - Continued
My Office in the Kremlin
Stalin has decided to change his ideas. He has removed the Special Warfare equipment from the research que because a significant amount of resources had to be put into supplying our armies. However, he has refused to halt the construction of 8 new T-26 Tank divisions.
There is great news that the Armanents minister will still be Lazer Kaganovic, after a full apology Stalin has decided to let him off but as Stalin said,
"You are lucky the USSR needs you, otherwise you would not remain in office for another second!"
Lazer was trying to remain in the background for now, he hasn't really said much in conferences for a while, I suppose he is trying to keep out of Stalins way and I wouldn't blame him.
Lazar Kaganovic, the reinstated Minister of Armanents
Today I heard on the wireless in my office how the 'political arm of the Soviet Union has once again flexed it's muscles by completely influencing Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Romania toward a Communist government.'
I am sure Stalin has got something in mind, he wants those Baltic states, the oil and particularly a launch pad for an offensive against Hitler if need be.
Dining with a dead man
I was dining last night with a high ranking NKVD officer and he was telling me of the German threat.
"I tell you Borak, that Himmler,"
"Hitler" I interupted
"Whatever, that Hitler is already showing signs of wanting to expand his empire. He has already demanded Austrian territory, the Austrians are refusing but they won't last for long with that Fascist pig knocking at their door. Can't the world see him for what he is!!!! An evil, empire building, fascist pig who only posseses one wish, WORLD DOMINATION!"
"You are getting tired, too much drink I fear"
"Nonsense Borak!" he yelled jovially attempting to poor himself another whisky but missing the glass and spilling it all over the table. He took a swig from the bottle and continued,
"You see Borak, I know something about our great leader. He is not great, he pretends to hate the fascists, he pretends to love the Communistic ideals of this country and what we represent but I know the truth. Him and Hitler, they are closer than you think you know, only last week I...." THUMP!!!
The NKVD Officer fell forward into his Caviar a short silver knife with an ivory handle sticking out of his back. I immediately drew my pistol and dropped to the floor, there was a scuffle by the window, I fired two shots which smashed the window and made a hole in the wall but the intruder was long gone. I telephoned my secretary and within 10 minutes Zeptig had arrived and we were discussing what had just happened.
"He was about to tell me something, really really important."
"Forget it, you don't want to get involved in any of that revolutionary stuff, go back to bed, I will get a few guards to come and guard your place for tonight, ok?"
"I suppose so, goodnight my freind Zeptig."
"You sleep, I will clear this mess up."
The dagger that killed the NKVD Officer
My Office in the Kremlin
Stalin has decided to change his ideas. He has removed the Special Warfare equipment from the research que because a significant amount of resources had to be put into supplying our armies. However, he has refused to halt the construction of 8 new T-26 Tank divisions.
There is great news that the Armanents minister will still be Lazer Kaganovic, after a full apology Stalin has decided to let him off but as Stalin said,
"You are lucky the USSR needs you, otherwise you would not remain in office for another second!"
Lazer was trying to remain in the background for now, he hasn't really said much in conferences for a while, I suppose he is trying to keep out of Stalins way and I wouldn't blame him.
Lazar Kaganovic, the reinstated Minister of Armanents
Today I heard on the wireless in my office how the 'political arm of the Soviet Union has once again flexed it's muscles by completely influencing Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Romania toward a Communist government.'
I am sure Stalin has got something in mind, he wants those Baltic states, the oil and particularly a launch pad for an offensive against Hitler if need be.
Dining with a dead man
I was dining last night with a high ranking NKVD officer and he was telling me of the German threat.
"I tell you Borak, that Himmler,"
"Hitler" I interupted
"Whatever, that Hitler is already showing signs of wanting to expand his empire. He has already demanded Austrian territory, the Austrians are refusing but they won't last for long with that Fascist pig knocking at their door. Can't the world see him for what he is!!!! An evil, empire building, fascist pig who only posseses one wish, WORLD DOMINATION!"
"You are getting tired, too much drink I fear"
"Nonsense Borak!" he yelled jovially attempting to poor himself another whisky but missing the glass and spilling it all over the table. He took a swig from the bottle and continued,
"You see Borak, I know something about our great leader. He is not great, he pretends to hate the fascists, he pretends to love the Communistic ideals of this country and what we represent but I know the truth. Him and Hitler, they are closer than you think you know, only last week I...." THUMP!!!
The NKVD Officer fell forward into his Caviar a short silver knife with an ivory handle sticking out of his back. I immediately drew my pistol and dropped to the floor, there was a scuffle by the window, I fired two shots which smashed the window and made a hole in the wall but the intruder was long gone. I telephoned my secretary and within 10 minutes Zeptig had arrived and we were discussing what had just happened.
"He was about to tell me something, really really important."
"Forget it, you don't want to get involved in any of that revolutionary stuff, go back to bed, I will get a few guards to come and guard your place for tonight, ok?"
"I suppose so, goodnight my freind Zeptig."
"You sleep, I will clear this mess up."
The dagger that killed the NKVD Officer
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Chapter 2 - Soviet Times
Resource Conference
This conference has been arranged by Stalin. He has just read how the resources have been deployed and he has realised his mistakes, he intends to put them right and this is what he has in mind:
"Cancel all but 3 of the new T-26 tank divisions and put a mechanized infntry division in the production que. I want ALL avaliable army units to be placed on the defensive line. We will be ready for the enemy."
"Yes sir!" replied everyone present.
"Comrade Stalin, the Austrians are soon going to become part of Germany, they have been fully influenced by the Nazis and the Allies are getting Holland, Belgium and Luxemburg on side. There are two big power blocs developing in Europe." said Yan Berzin (the intellignce minister).
"As I have said before War is inevitable, Hitler has made sure of that. Now to the Army. I want every single ground unit moved tot he province of Pskov for reinforcing and then they will be split up into armies and placed along the Western fortresses. The Airforce, I want every avaliable Air unit dispatched to the province of Bryansk for the same purposes."
The chief of Air stood up and read out a document,
"We have 12 Air squadrons. 8 are fighter squadrons and 4 are bomber squadrons. I recommend we split them into three Air Groups and spread them over the 3 Sectors of the front."
"Excellent idea, and now you Kliment."
The Chief of Army stood up and began his report,
"We have all of the Ground forces currently stationed in Pskov apart from 2 mountain divisions who are on the way. We will gave 78 Divisions in total. We should split them into armies and deploy them across the fronts."
"Brilliant, ok can we now hear from the Armanents minister"
Cautiously Lazer stood up,
"Eeerm, I am glad to report that our basic wading equipment is ready to distribute to the military, now our tanks can effectively drive through rivers."
"Good, now we must start some new research. Any suggestions?"
"How about the Infantry 70mm+ field gun, it would help our defense and attack greatly" I suggested.
"Good idea, I never knew you were the military tactician. Begin research on the 70mm+ infantry gun please."
"YES COMRADE!!" echoed round the room.
Resource Conference
This conference has been arranged by Stalin. He has just read how the resources have been deployed and he has realised his mistakes, he intends to put them right and this is what he has in mind:
"Cancel all but 3 of the new T-26 tank divisions and put a mechanized infntry division in the production que. I want ALL avaliable army units to be placed on the defensive line. We will be ready for the enemy."
"Yes sir!" replied everyone present.
"Comrade Stalin, the Austrians are soon going to become part of Germany, they have been fully influenced by the Nazis and the Allies are getting Holland, Belgium and Luxemburg on side. There are two big power blocs developing in Europe." said Yan Berzin (the intellignce minister).
"As I have said before War is inevitable, Hitler has made sure of that. Now to the Army. I want every single ground unit moved tot he province of Pskov for reinforcing and then they will be split up into armies and placed along the Western fortresses. The Airforce, I want every avaliable Air unit dispatched to the province of Bryansk for the same purposes."
The chief of Air stood up and read out a document,
"We have 12 Air squadrons. 8 are fighter squadrons and 4 are bomber squadrons. I recommend we split them into three Air Groups and spread them over the 3 Sectors of the front."
"Excellent idea, and now you Kliment."
The Chief of Army stood up and began his report,
"We have all of the Ground forces currently stationed in Pskov apart from 2 mountain divisions who are on the way. We will gave 78 Divisions in total. We should split them into armies and deploy them across the fronts."
"Brilliant, ok can we now hear from the Armanents minister"
Cautiously Lazer stood up,
"Eeerm, I am glad to report that our basic wading equipment is ready to distribute to the military, now our tanks can effectively drive through rivers."
"Good, now we must start some new research. Any suggestions?"
"How about the Infantry 70mm+ field gun, it would help our defense and attack greatly" I suggested.
"Good idea, I never knew you were the military tactician. Begin research on the 70mm+ infantry gun please."
"YES COMRADE!!" echoed round the room.
Chapter 3 - The Soviet Union Takes Shape
The Kremlin - July Conference
It is the first of July and we are attending a conference where everything gets discussed. By now I am so used to visiting the Kremlin it's splendour ceases to amaze me. It just seems normal.
"First on the agenda, here is the current progress of our research progress:
Everything previously in the que has now been researched and we have 3 items in the que - Combat medical Service, Improved Light Tank Prototype and Assault guns and tank destroyers.
Once all of the research things have been completed then all of our tank divisions will be upgraded to the far superior T-60's. We have a small tank army which contains 3 T-26 tanks and 1 Mechanized Infantry division. In the production que I have put 5 normal Mechanized infantry divisions and 1 Mechanized infantry division with Artillery attached. So we will soon have a huge mechanized army which advances behind the infantry securing the rear areas."
The Kremlin - July Conference
It is the first of July and we are attending a conference where everything gets discussed. By now I am so used to visiting the Kremlin it's splendour ceases to amaze me. It just seems normal.
"First on the agenda, here is the current progress of our research progress:
Everything previously in the que has now been researched and we have 3 items in the que - Combat medical Service, Improved Light Tank Prototype and Assault guns and tank destroyers.
Once all of the research things have been completed then all of our tank divisions will be upgraded to the far superior T-60's. We have a small tank army which contains 3 T-26 tanks and 1 Mechanized Infantry division. In the production que I have put 5 normal Mechanized infantry divisions and 1 Mechanized infantry division with Artillery attached. So we will soon have a huge mechanized army which advances behind the infantry securing the rear areas."
Chapter 4 - Stalin vs Hitler
Somewhere in Minsk
I am inspecting our frontline forces with Stalin. It is a lovely day, crisp white snow is falling and a glaring sun adds light making the snow sparkle.
It is August 1939, the World stands on the brink of War. Hitler has been planning an invasion of Poland since April. Nearly every Indfantry and Tank upgrades that can have been researched, we have around 90 divisions of Infantry and 21 T-70 tank divisions.
Yesterday there was a great meeting with the envoys from Germany. A pact was agreed called the Ribbentrop-Molotov pact. It was a pact of non-agression and when the Germans captured Poland the Russians would get some. Also, the Russians were given latvia, lithuania, estonia, romania and finland. Stalin agreed to these terms, had he been fooled or had the Fascists and the Communists really learned to live in peace together?
The new borders after the Blitzkreig in Poland
The Russians would also get parts of Poland. Stalin agreed to the pact. When the Fins refused our demands of territory that the Germans promised us Stalin went mad. We sent 4 envoys to the fins but they rejected every one of them. Finally Stalin lost it, he sent the Fins an Ultimatum, after it had run out we declared War on the fins on Chirstmas day 1939.
Somewhere in Minsk
I am inspecting our frontline forces with Stalin. It is a lovely day, crisp white snow is falling and a glaring sun adds light making the snow sparkle.
It is August 1939, the World stands on the brink of War. Hitler has been planning an invasion of Poland since April. Nearly every Indfantry and Tank upgrades that can have been researched, we have around 90 divisions of Infantry and 21 T-70 tank divisions.
Yesterday there was a great meeting with the envoys from Germany. A pact was agreed called the Ribbentrop-Molotov pact. It was a pact of non-agression and when the Germans captured Poland the Russians would get some. Also, the Russians were given latvia, lithuania, estonia, romania and finland. Stalin agreed to these terms, had he been fooled or had the Fascists and the Communists really learned to live in peace together?
The new borders after the Blitzkreig in Poland
The Russians would also get parts of Poland. Stalin agreed to the pact. When the Fins refused our demands of territory that the Germans promised us Stalin went mad. We sent 4 envoys to the fins but they rejected every one of them. Finally Stalin lost it, he sent the Fins an Ultimatum, after it had run out we declared War on the fins on Chirstmas day 1939.
Chapter 4 - Continued
Inside the Kremlin - A Cabinet of War is called
Immediately there were plans for the War. First of all shouted Stalin over the buzzing chatter in the Kremlin we must decide a plan of Action, here is a map of our present day borders with Finland:
Our present borders with Finland (before the Winter War)
The Plan of Action
'Operation White Wolf' was to be the plan of the invasion of Finland.
Phase 1 - First of all our two Panzer Armies with support from 2nd Army will move in and capture Sortvala, leaving the infantry to hold the province Sortvala the two Panzer armies would advance and capture Mikkele, Tampere and Pori thus surrounding the forces in Turk and Helsinki.
Phase 2 - While this was happening 2nd and 3rd Army would advance from Karidalaksja into Kajaani. Once this province had been captured 2nd Army would advance into Oulu. The Fins would now be cut into 3 parts.
Phase 3 - The next part of the operation will involve 4 Armies advancing from Leningrad into Helsinki, when they capture it Turku will be besieged and the power bloc in the middle can be systematically destroyed leaving 2 provinces in the North and a small island.
Inside the Kremlin - A Cabinet of War is called
Immediately there were plans for the War. First of all shouted Stalin over the buzzing chatter in the Kremlin we must decide a plan of Action, here is a map of our present day borders with Finland:
Our present borders with Finland (before the Winter War)
The Plan of Action
'Operation White Wolf' was to be the plan of the invasion of Finland.
Phase 1 - First of all our two Panzer Armies with support from 2nd Army will move in and capture Sortvala, leaving the infantry to hold the province Sortvala the two Panzer armies would advance and capture Mikkele, Tampere and Pori thus surrounding the forces in Turk and Helsinki.
Phase 2 - While this was happening 2nd and 3rd Army would advance from Karidalaksja into Kajaani. Once this province had been captured 2nd Army would advance into Oulu. The Fins would now be cut into 3 parts.
Phase 3 - The next part of the operation will involve 4 Armies advancing from Leningrad into Helsinki, when they capture it Turku will be besieged and the power bloc in the middle can be systematically destroyed leaving 2 provinces in the North and a small island.
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Chapter 4 - Continued
Sitting in a Forward Bunker in Tichvin with Stalin and the General Staff
The first phase of the plan has gone very smoothly with Sortvala, Mikelli, Tampere and Pori falling easily to the might of the superior Russian forces.
Phase 2 has also been an unpresidented success with Kajaani being captured after short sharp fighting. A single Army advanced into the undefended Oulu on 22nd January now completing the encirclement. The Fins are now split into three sections. By mid January after very bitter fighting the province of Vaasa is now in Soviet hands. This nicely encircles the bulk of the Finnish military.
Hell in Helsinki
However there was one phase of the operation that did not go according to plan. The first attack on Helsinki after a week of continuous bombing was successful with both sides sustaining heavy losses.
Citizens of Helsinki and a few Finnish officers look up as the waves of Soviet bombers close in
However, just as the Soviet soldiers were settling into their new positions the enraged Fin's counterattacked with bayonets and screaming filled the air. This startled the Red Army defenders and they were immediately beaten back, 3 counter attacks by the Soviets followed but all 3 failed. The Fins were proving themselves to be excellent fighters.
Heavy fighting on the outskirts of Helsinki as the Fins counter-attack to recapture the city
Stalin was losing his temper so he ordered the 12 T-70 tank divisions under Marshal Zhukov to flatten the city, they did just that with relish. It appeared that the end of the War was in sight but a few more nails had to be hammered into the coffin that was Finland.
Situation in Finland at the end of January
The foreign minister reported to Stalin that the Axis were gaining the upper hand in Europe with France struggling to hold the Germans back.
Stalin frowned as he realised how powerful the Germans actualy were, if a War occured between the Soviets and the Germans would they be able to hold them? He dismissed this thought and pulled forward the situation map to decide the tactics for the execution of the Finland campaign.
Sitting in a Forward Bunker in Tichvin with Stalin and the General Staff
The first phase of the plan has gone very smoothly with Sortvala, Mikelli, Tampere and Pori falling easily to the might of the superior Russian forces.
Phase 2 has also been an unpresidented success with Kajaani being captured after short sharp fighting. A single Army advanced into the undefended Oulu on 22nd January now completing the encirclement. The Fins are now split into three sections. By mid January after very bitter fighting the province of Vaasa is now in Soviet hands. This nicely encircles the bulk of the Finnish military.
Hell in Helsinki
However there was one phase of the operation that did not go according to plan. The first attack on Helsinki after a week of continuous bombing was successful with both sides sustaining heavy losses.
Citizens of Helsinki and a few Finnish officers look up as the waves of Soviet bombers close in
However, just as the Soviet soldiers were settling into their new positions the enraged Fin's counterattacked with bayonets and screaming filled the air. This startled the Red Army defenders and they were immediately beaten back, 3 counter attacks by the Soviets followed but all 3 failed. The Fins were proving themselves to be excellent fighters.
Heavy fighting on the outskirts of Helsinki as the Fins counter-attack to recapture the city
Stalin was losing his temper so he ordered the 12 T-70 tank divisions under Marshal Zhukov to flatten the city, they did just that with relish. It appeared that the end of the War was in sight but a few more nails had to be hammered into the coffin that was Finland.
Situation in Finland at the end of January
The foreign minister reported to Stalin that the Axis were gaining the upper hand in Europe with France struggling to hold the Germans back.
Stalin frowned as he realised how powerful the Germans actualy were, if a War occured between the Soviets and the Germans would they be able to hold them? He dismissed this thought and pulled forward the situation map to decide the tactics for the execution of the Finland campaign.
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Chapter 5 - Finland and the Axis
In a great banqueting hall in Kiev
Everybody was there, all of the government officials, their secretaries and their secretaries secretaires. It wa a night of celebration, the food was absolutely exquisite. So many courses you lost count. At the end of it all, there were fine wines and cheeses. This was followed by a whole host of entertainment acts from all over Russia. The reason for the celebrations was simple, the former country of Finland had been Annexed. All of the pockets were crushed by the superior armies of the Soviet Union. The Axis powers had now conquered France and all appeared to be well in the Soviet Union.
The government officials present for the meeting pose for a propoganda photograph
However, this was all a great cover. There was terrible tension between the Axis and the Soviet Union. It was believed that another War could occur and the two greatest powers would meet in a military duel. When the propositions of moving our industry to Siberia to protect it in case the Germans attacked. Stalin exploded at the idea shouting that if the Hun ever attacked the Red Army would never retreat or give up the provinces, every province would be defended to the last man.
But even the optimistic Stalin knew that, even with our fortifications a concerted attack on any section of the front would break through and as our forces were spread so thinly this could be devastating, especially with the Romanians attacking from the South as well.
Anyway, the night was a great success. Everybody had a good time and everybody was optimistic about the future of the Soviet Union.
In a great banqueting hall in Kiev
Everybody was there, all of the government officials, their secretaries and their secretaries secretaires. It wa a night of celebration, the food was absolutely exquisite. So many courses you lost count. At the end of it all, there were fine wines and cheeses. This was followed by a whole host of entertainment acts from all over Russia. The reason for the celebrations was simple, the former country of Finland had been Annexed. All of the pockets were crushed by the superior armies of the Soviet Union. The Axis powers had now conquered France and all appeared to be well in the Soviet Union.
The government officials present for the meeting pose for a propoganda photograph
However, this was all a great cover. There was terrible tension between the Axis and the Soviet Union. It was believed that another War could occur and the two greatest powers would meet in a military duel. When the propositions of moving our industry to Siberia to protect it in case the Germans attacked. Stalin exploded at the idea shouting that if the Hun ever attacked the Red Army would never retreat or give up the provinces, every province would be defended to the last man.
But even the optimistic Stalin knew that, even with our fortifications a concerted attack on any section of the front would break through and as our forces were spread so thinly this could be devastating, especially with the Romanians attacking from the South as well.
Anyway, the night was a great success. Everybody had a good time and everybody was optimistic about the future of the Soviet Union.
Chapter 6 - The Axis Grows
In the Reichstag, dining with Hitler
"The War is going well don't you think?" Stalin grunted in agreement.
"Well, it is no concern of ours Hitler, we want to stay out of War for now." Hitler raised his eyebrows.
"Stay out of War, what about Finland. Winter War must be the worst type of Warfare."Stalin gritted his teeth, speaking in a subdued tone trying to supress his anger he replied,
"We had valid reasons for waging that War if you remember." Hitler could not hide the smile playing on his lips, he was a powerful man and he was mentally beating Stalin into submission.
Looking at his silver watch Stalin calmly said "It is late now, I must retire."
Hitler had won this battle of wits. Inside each greatly despised the other but everytime they met each put on a show of niceities to try and fol the world, or maybe fool themselves. This feeling is demonstrated in this popular artist's impression of the two of them.
Artist's impression of Hitler and Stalins relationship
In the Reichstag, dining with Hitler
"The War is going well don't you think?" Stalin grunted in agreement.
"Well, it is no concern of ours Hitler, we want to stay out of War for now." Hitler raised his eyebrows.
"Stay out of War, what about Finland. Winter War must be the worst type of Warfare."Stalin gritted his teeth, speaking in a subdued tone trying to supress his anger he replied,
"We had valid reasons for waging that War if you remember." Hitler could not hide the smile playing on his lips, he was a powerful man and he was mentally beating Stalin into submission.
Looking at his silver watch Stalin calmly said "It is late now, I must retire."
Hitler had won this battle of wits. Inside each greatly despised the other but everytime they met each put on a show of niceities to try and fol the world, or maybe fool themselves. This feeling is demonstrated in this popular artist's impression of the two of them.
Artist's impression of Hitler and Stalins relationship
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is anyone even reading this AAR?? cause I am working my butt off etc to get pics up and stuff and no ones reading it, okease gimme feedback and suggestions cos withouth them I am probably dead.
Chapter 7 - Here come the Germans!
A bunker in the heart of Minsk
There were officers running from desk to desk, shouting orders, the incessant ringing of telegraphs and phones. Clerks and secretaries, their desks overflowing with papers.
Stalin was hurriedly making his way down the stone stairs into the bunker, I was following him trying to carry a large brown box of orders. When we reached the bunker it took a couple of minutes for our eyes to become accustomed to the gloom, the overhanging light bulbs buzzing and adding to the buzz of noise. When Stalin entered the officers nearby hurriedly saluted and continued with their work. Stalin surveyed the scene for a few minutes, we were just standing there watching the chaos unfold in front of our eyes.
Stalin accosted a young Lieutenant who was crossing the room,
"I must speak with the people present." the young Lieutenant nodded.
"Silence!!!" Stalin winced as the noise echoed around the room. The chatter had subsided, there was still the ringing of the telephones but Stalin stood to begin his address.
"War with the Germans is inevitale I fear. That fool Hitler has really lost it now, his forces are building up along the borders and getting ready to invade. The Germans have ignored all of our last envoys in previous weeks and the Russian Embassy in Berlin has been evacuated. War is now upon the Soviet Union. This will be no Finnish winter War or Blitzkreig of Poland, this will be a long hard fought bloodbath with every inch of ground being fought for. I want each and every one of you to perform your tasks as asked, no more or no less can be asked of you. Long live the So.." A red faced Major General burst in.
His hurried salute did little to make up for this unwarranted breach of protocol.
"Comrade Stalin.....the Germans.......Hitler.........envoy.......embassy" the Major bent over to regain his breath.
"Spit it out" Stalin was looking annoyed that his particularly stirring speech had been interrupted at its climax.
When the Major had regained his breath he stood up and, trembling with excitement spoke.
"Hitler has declared War on the Soviet Union. We are now at War with the Axis powers. An envoy just arrived in the German embassy here in Minsk. The Germans have mobilised on all fronts, things don't look good." everyone present gasped.
"Oh dear, this is earlier than I expected that dog Hitler to wage a War on the Soviet Union. Let this day, 1st July 1940, go down in history as the day Hitler made his greatest mistake." Stalins eyes narrowed. Hitler had made things personal.
A bunker in the heart of Minsk
There were officers running from desk to desk, shouting orders, the incessant ringing of telegraphs and phones. Clerks and secretaries, their desks overflowing with papers.
Stalin was hurriedly making his way down the stone stairs into the bunker, I was following him trying to carry a large brown box of orders. When we reached the bunker it took a couple of minutes for our eyes to become accustomed to the gloom, the overhanging light bulbs buzzing and adding to the buzz of noise. When Stalin entered the officers nearby hurriedly saluted and continued with their work. Stalin surveyed the scene for a few minutes, we were just standing there watching the chaos unfold in front of our eyes.
Stalin accosted a young Lieutenant who was crossing the room,
"I must speak with the people present." the young Lieutenant nodded.
"Silence!!!" Stalin winced as the noise echoed around the room. The chatter had subsided, there was still the ringing of the telephones but Stalin stood to begin his address.
"War with the Germans is inevitale I fear. That fool Hitler has really lost it now, his forces are building up along the borders and getting ready to invade. The Germans have ignored all of our last envoys in previous weeks and the Russian Embassy in Berlin has been evacuated. War is now upon the Soviet Union. This will be no Finnish winter War or Blitzkreig of Poland, this will be a long hard fought bloodbath with every inch of ground being fought for. I want each and every one of you to perform your tasks as asked, no more or no less can be asked of you. Long live the So.." A red faced Major General burst in.
His hurried salute did little to make up for this unwarranted breach of protocol.
"Comrade Stalin.....the Germans.......Hitler.........envoy.......embassy" the Major bent over to regain his breath.
"Spit it out" Stalin was looking annoyed that his particularly stirring speech had been interrupted at its climax.
When the Major had regained his breath he stood up and, trembling with excitement spoke.
"Hitler has declared War on the Soviet Union. We are now at War with the Axis powers. An envoy just arrived in the German embassy here in Minsk. The Germans have mobilised on all fronts, things don't look good." everyone present gasped.
"Oh dear, this is earlier than I expected that dog Hitler to wage a War on the Soviet Union. Let this day, 1st July 1940, go down in history as the day Hitler made his greatest mistake." Stalins eyes narrowed. Hitler had made things personal.