world of wAARmongers IV

[Diefledermas]

History of the 20th Century
The War Years

by Constantin von Neurath - fmr Foreign Minister of the German Reich

USA - Mr Bigglesworth
UK - Vakar
France - GI Tom
USSR - Poki-Mo
Japan - AJJ
Germany - DieFledermas

GERMANIC PERSPECTIVE

1936

Spring

EUROPE

Stalin held the 20th Annual Commintern in Moscow on February 2nd. Tito and Mao were prominent guests leaving little doubt of their allegiances. The British and her Commonwealth partners invested heavy capital into the Spain in exchange for majority ownership in Spanish shipping enterprises further alienating the Spanish citizenry.

Austro-Norwegian Crisis : February 17th - April 16th

UK, France, Germany, Norway, Austria

The HMS Hood was spotted in the Oslofjorden by a Kriegsmarine Do 18 on Feb 17. This immediately sent a wave of concern through the German high command and dispatches were sent to London informing them any encrouchment into Scandanavia would be viewed as hostile. Chamberlain responded it was simply a good will tour. In view of the recent British encroachments, Germany re-occupied the Rhine to defend against any suprise attacks by the West. On March 20th, German intelligence discovered that joint British-Norwegian military exercises were being held in Oppland. Hostilities seemed imminent until a French peace delegation was sent to Oslo and Laval personally assured all sides of Norway's neutrality. von Neurath conveyed the message to Hitler and all sides backed down. Exploiting German trust, the deceitful French attempted to purchase several hundred Bohler anti-tank guns from Austria. Germany responded by reinforcing the French border and engaging in overflights of the Maginot Line. After a week of tension, the order was cancelled and Laval begged Hitler's forgiveness.

Patriot Games in Romania: April 15th - December 30th

France, UK, Germany, USSR, Romania

Romania, recently strengthened and emboldened by a new parliment, a new king, Carol II, and its reclaimed holdings in Transylvania also had the most precious of all resources, oil. In addition, the kingdom was geographically the lynch-pin of the Balkans.

French diplomats journeyed to Romania in April and poisoned the King's ear with lies about Germany and Facism. von Neurath responded by sending aid to Corneliu Codreanu and his Iron Guard while the British send trade missions to Bucherest . Stalin denounced German intervention in Romania to which Hitler responded this must be due to Romania's repeated rejections of closer ties with the Bolsheviks. On May 13th, the Bolsheviks and the Fascists lost seats in the parliment to the Social Democrats. On May 23rd, Hitler gave the "Balkan Doctrine Speach" announcing no treaties and alliances in Southeastern Europe would be recognized by the Reich.

Germany and Hungary strengthened ties throughout the Spring while King Zog of Albania indicated his desire for British protection in view of recent Italian threats. The UK, in a further snub to Germany held trade talks with Denmark in Copenhagen on May 6th.

AFRICA

War in East Africa : October 12th, 1935- April 16th, 1936

Italy, Ethiopia

From his jump point in Somaliland, General Grimaldi's African Legion took Harar on January 20th and had advanced as far as Dagabur by February 5th. The bulk of the Ethiopian army met Grimaldi at Gondar on March 19th and were annihilated. Addis Abeba fell on April 11th. Ethiopia was incorporated into Italian East Africa. The Ethiopian king fled to Paris after being smuggled into Djibouti on the 16th.

ASIA

Chinese Civil War : February 2nd, 1922 - March 19th, 1936 (ceasefire)

Nationalist China, Communist China

The Guomintang Army overran Mao's peasent armies in Xianyang on March 3rd. On March 19th, fearing the growing power of Japan, the Mao Tse-tung and Chaing Kai-shek signed a ceasefire agreeement in Sian. The strain was apparent almost immediatley as Nationalist "advisors" push for Chinese unification on a daily basis.

 

[Diefledermas]

Summer

EUROPE

The Summer elections saw the Netherlands elect the Socialists to power on June 10th with the Swedes following suit on the 22nd. The Belgians, after major British "influencing" elected the Conservative Party to power on the June 15th. Berlin was host to the Summer Olympics and the Germans dominated in all sports. The gold medal of Jesse Owens was, of course, a fluke.

The British began joint military training with the Romanians further enraging Hitler. On July 6th, the Czechs elected a Socialist government as well. Laval was retained as leader of France although his goverment elected a soundly more conservative goverment on July 15th. Following Sweden's lead, Denmark elected the Socialists into power as well. Exploiting German attention to the East, France disregarded its earlier promise of Norwegian neutrality and re-opened alliance talks as well sending emissaries to the Turks, a traditional German ally. Throughout the Summer, France and the UK continued to strengthen ties with Romania. Carol II outlawed the Iron Guard and Codreanu fled to Budapest.

The Nordic War : June 28th - August 3rd

USSR, Finland, Germany (exp. forces)

On June 28th, unprovoked, the Russians declared war on the Finns and attacked with their 2nd Army from the north and with 7th Army in the south. Hitler was outraged and demanded Stalin respect the soveriegnty of the Finns. Laval expressed concern but little else and Chamberlain was silent. Molotov attempted to promote some flimsy excuse about Russian partisans using Finland as a base but this was ignored by the civilized world except for Stalin's lapdog Laval. The Soviet 2nd Army took Kajaani on July 11h after viscious fighting and then advanced all the way to Vaasa by the 23rd. Finnish partisans were reported to be killing Soviets at a rate of 40:1 but just couldn't field the numbers neccesary to hold off the Bolshevik hordes.

Helsinki fell on the 24th. German volunteers landed in Torku on the 19th. German IV Korps "Finnish Detachment" landed in Vaasa on the 27th cutting off 2nd army from supply. The Finns held out in bitter fighting until August 3rd when the Prime Ministers entire family was executed in Helsinki including his 3 year old granddaughter. German Gerigsjagers continue to assist the rebels in the mountains while those of the Finnish government that escaped have set up a parliment in exhile in Konisberg. Every attempt to have have the League of Nations look into the Finnish situation has been blocked by the French and British delegates.

Polish Campaign : July 4th - July 24th

Germany, Poland, USSR (exp. forces)

With the Russians invading Finland and the Wests indifference, the Wermacht was on high alert. On July 3rd, the Soviets sent an entire army group into Poland as an "expeditionary force", the Bolsheviks expansionistic desires were clear. In order to protect the German majority in Western Poland, Germany attacked all across the front on July 4th. In stark contrast to Communist aggresion, Laval screamed bloody murder about the Wermacht protecting the Germans in Prussia. This confirmed German intelligence reports that Laval is indeed a Red.

The Germans attacked in 3 prongs, Army Groups North, South, and Center. The world was introduced to blitzkrieg, or lightning war. Army Group Center took Poznan on July 6th while Army Group South overran Czestochowa. Lodzm Bydgoszcz, and Krakow all fell to elements of Army Group Center on the following day. Rommel captured Warsaw on the 8th and the entire Polish government were accused of being Communist sympathizers and shot. Army Group North seiged Danzig on the 8th. The city fell 5 days later on the 13th. The Polish 1st under Sikorski met von Rundsted and his East Prussian Korps at Suwalki on the 8th. This province would eventually draw in all of Army Group Center. The battle raged 2 weeks until the Sikorski's forces were finally routed on the 24th. The Battle of Cieszyn began on the 9th between Army Group South and the Polish 2nd Army. The German forces were initially bogged down and taking heavy casualties until Guderian's IV Mechanized joined the fray on the 17th finally routing the stubborn defenders on the 24th. The Russians, rather than face the superior Wermacht withdrew their army group from Eastern Poland on the 22nd. Western Poland was incorporated into the Greater Reich on the 24th and the General Government was officially established on August 1st.

Spanish Civil War: July 18th - December 11th

Nationalist Spain, Republican Spain, France (exp. forces), Germany (exp. forces)

Tired of being under the boot of the whipping dogs of the British, the peasantry of Spain rose up in rebellion. With the unitmely death of General Mola in a suspicious plane crash, Franco assumed command of the Nationalists. All the major powers contributed support to their sides. France sent the "Savior Legionne Estrange" to assist the Republicans. The Republicans attempted to take Huesca on the 19th but were routed and ended up losing Barcelona to Franco on the 24th.

On August 3rd, with the Polish Campaign over, X Panzer Korps landed in Vigo as "Condor Legion" and assisted Nationalist forces. Madrid fell on the 26th.

AMERICA

Ecuador elected the Workers Party to power on July 24th while Canada elected the Conservatives to power on August 1st.

 

[Diefledermas]

Fall

EUROPE

Soviet advisors were sent to Bulgaria on September 12th. The First Anglo-Italian Summit was held in Sardina on the 15th. In a surpise outcome, the Norwegians voted out the pro-British conservative party and elected a more leftist parliment. Tito of Yugoslavia announced joint Yugoslav-Soviet military exercises in Croatia during the month of December.

Spainish Civil War (continued)

Valencia fell on September 1st. The French, fearing capture, withdrew their expeditionary forces on the 2nd. Cartagena fell on the 12th. The Republicans counterattacked and liberated Barcelona on October 26th but were overrun on their flanks. Finally, on Dec 3rd, the Nationalist retook Barcelona and the last of the Republican defenders.

Franco officially assumed power in Madrid on Christmas Day. von Neurath was present at the proceedings. France and Britain begrudgingly recognized Spain by New Years.

On December 30th, German falschirm paradropped into Burcherest with Codreanu in an attempt to seize power. The action failed.

AMERICA

On November 5th, FDR was re-elected in the largest landslide in US history.

AFRICA

Liberia elected the Conservative Party to power.

 

[Diefledermas]

1937
Spring

EUROPE

Coup in Italy

In an action that even the Germans must acknowledge as daring, French frogmen skulked into Rome on New Years Day from a nearby submarine and kidnapped Mussolini. Vincenzio Panzini, Mussolini's traitorous Interior Minister assumed power in his absense announced the reinstitution of parliment and disbanded the stormtroopers.

Before the submarine carrying Mussolini could escape to Marseilles it was run aground in Corsica by an Italian destroyer still loyal to the Fascists. German kommandos parachutted into Corsica and rescued Mussolini who now runs the Italian resistence from Munich. The New York Times published an interview with Mussolini, "New Life in Asylum".

First Balkan War : January 1st - 26th

Germany, Romania

With the failed coup, the Romanians would almost certainly join the Allies and Hitler could not have that, Germany declared war on the New Years Day. Germany once again attacked in a 3 pronged effort into Piatra Neamt, Lasi, and Beltsy with the bulk of Wermacht armor and luffewaffe forces concentrating on the center. All fronts were hit on the 2nd.

Mannstein's III Panzer Korps broke thru the front on January 9th and had blitzed down to Bucherest by the 23rd. Codreneau was installed as dictator on the 26th. The West as expected condemned "German aggresion". The United States briefly boarded a Romanian fishing boat off of Cuba and accused Romania of "planning to invade Florida" but later recanted the accusation as a big misunderstanding.

On January 26th, Germany officially withdrew from the League of Nations after France called for sanctions against Germany while the still vetoing every motion regarding Finland. On February 26th, in a move that shocked the Germans, Franco agreed to meet with Laval and discuss unilateral defense issues.

On March 2nd, Swedish Red Cross volunteers came across the mass graves of Finnish peasentry and soldiers outside of Helsinki. World opinion expressed shock and horror at the mass slaughter of women and children. France and England were noticably silent when the matter was brought to the League and once again vetoed any action. On March 21st, the Conservatives were voted out of power in the UK in favor of Labour.

ASIA

Japan elected the Conservatives into power on April 30th and the Military quietly assumed power declaring martial law the following morning.

Sino-Japanese War: May 3rd, 1937 - February 9th, 1938

Japan, Manchukuo, Nationalist China

Japan declared war on China on May 3rd and attacked the province of Tajinn from land and sea overrunning the ill-equipped defenders.

That is all for now.

 

[MAC]

Great reading - really looking forward to see more

 

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History of the World: January 1, 1936 to Spring, 1937.

1936

1936 started off quietly enough for France. She continued her researching of improving land force doctrines and ventured into armor aspects of her military. Also, the government proclaimed that an undisclosed number of new divisions be raised for homeland defense in case the ever growing threat from the Fascists turned "froggy".

Furthermore, France immediately began improving the Maginot line and other important provinces overseas. Increases in Industrial capacity were also ordered. Laval's "Three Year Plan" was put in motion.

Spring

Austro-Norwegian Crisis : February 17th - April 16th

With tensions running high between the U.K. and Hitler, France decided to step in and try and cool the situation. After many diplomats were sent, level heads prevailed and the crisis was averted. Frances diplomatic skills were impeccable.

The entire Austrian "incident" is of course just another of Herr Hitler's false statements in a long standing series of many. France was indeed in a contractual obligation with Austria for anti-tank weaponry, that was approved by the League of Nations. Germany used this opportunity to spy on the Maginot Line and the air force wing commanders reported that in no way were the German overflights intended to engage in any way, shape or form. Many reconnaissance flights were noted with photography equipment. After 3 days, Hitler came to his senses, realizing any aggression would signal the end of his regime and backed off immediately. Laval never begged Hitler for forgiveness as was reported by Der Berliner newspapers. It is clear that Goebbles is behind this ridiculous story. The world paid no attention as usual to the Fascist claims. France dismissed the entire incident and had only assigned an assistant to the assistant deputy minister's assistant to handle such a small, trivial matter. Laval was notified briefly of the situation and that was that.

Patriot Games in Romania: April 15th - December 30th

Laval saw the events in the Balkans unfolding before his eyes and did not like what he saw. After a short conference with the PM of the UK, and a brief encounter with Stalin, it was decided that in was in everyone's interest to convince Romania that a peaceful course of action was it's best option. After the loss of parliment seats by the Communists and the Fascists, UK and France both sent large delegations to Romania. Their influence was both complete and perfect. The voice of reason was heard by Romania's King and he made the right decision by aligning his country more closer to a democratic state. Yet another fine piece of French diplomacy in action with help from the U.K.

The Spring closed with a civil war in Asia that France started to show interest in. However, diplomatic policy closer to home was top priority to prevent a severe shift in power within the European Continent. Things were beginning to heat up.

Summer

The summer of 1936 saw France's elections in which a more conservative governement was elected by the people. The summer started with a continuation of working with Romania to align them even further to a proper viewpoint, as well as opening ties with the Turks and Greeks. Diplomatic wars were the order of the day.

The Nordic War : June 28th - August 3rd

France expressed concern over the Soviet aggressions towards Finland. The Soviet delegate explained of the Finnish atrocities that were occurring on the border. While France wasn't sold completely on the idea that aggression was necessary, France elected to not interfere. However, complaints were made to the League of Nations and France requested that inquiries be made. The German delegation was screaming nearly the entire time during these meetings. It was almost as if they were incoherent and did not realize that inquiries were ordered. In his excitement, one of the German delegate's trousers were hung on the corner of of the debating desk and he ripped his trousers quite significantly. Many attempts to restore order to that particular meeting proved fruitless after that. France will be satisfied and trust whatever information the League provides on this issue. It will also follow it's recommendation when one is made.

Polish Campaign : July 4th - July 24th

A sheer outrage. No hostilities from the Poles, no acts or even hints of aggressions, and ceratinly no atrocities committed by the Poles. A complete and uncalled for attack on Poland by the Fascists. French divisions were mobilized and prepared to be loaned to the Polish resistance. Equipment delays and further fuel shortages enabled the Germans to conquer Poland before any aid could be sent. A travesty indeed.

Spanish Civil War: July 18th - December 11th

France realizing that having a Fascist nation on each side of it was unacceptable. 3 newly raised divisions were sent to assist the Republicans. Unfortunately, many more than 3 were needed. The UK graciously sent 4 air divisions to assist as well. In a losing battle, these divisions were recalled. It appeared as if there would be no hope for the Republicans.

Fall

Spainish Civil War (continued)

Franco assumes power with the fall of Republican Spain. France opens a diplomatic channel with the new government and bolsters it's Southwestern defenses. You cannot really trust a Fascist now can you? This signals a potential problem for Mother France. A cabinet meeting was called to discuss the situation. The outcome is still pending.

France was very pleased to see the re-election of FDR. This signaled that help could hopefully be counted on. Many high level meetings with the Americans continue to be underway. The terms and nature of these meetings cannot be disclosed at this juncture.

1937

Spring

Coup in Italy

A masterful stroke of diplomacy was conducted by France that the world shall never forget. As early as the Spring of 1936, France had been sending peace feelers to sympathizers within Italy. After several months of intense negotiating and planning, the time to strike was now. Both the UK and America expressed doubts to the French that such an action could occur.

The Italian government was overthrown. It is unfortunate that Mussolini escaped French control, and France believes that there were insiders involved. Inquiries are being made and France will find out who was responsible. However, Mussolini has been removed from power and there is a glimmer of hope that Italy will turn out to be an upstanding member of the international community. France and the UK both tripled their foreign embassy staff in Rome. The fruits of labor seem to be paying off for the moment. Once again, France reiterates it's superior diplomatic negotiating ability. It should be feared.

First Balkan War : January 1st - 26th

In obvious retaliation for the Italian incident, Germany began to grow skeptical of the entire European situation. In unchecked aggression, they attacked Romania. Yet another outrage. The French embassy barely escaped from being overrun by the Fascists. France asked the League of Nations for Sanctions which caused Germany to withdraw from the League. A dangerous step indeed.

Laval immediately sent more delegates to Spain in order to convince Franco of his misinterpretation of Hitler's true motives. Progress is being made.

Conclusions

France is in a fairly strong position at this time. Italy is nearly a non-factor, Spain is open to change as well. While Germany has acquired the remains of two former nations, she seems in no position to dictate terms to anyone. Germany needs to realize it's futile position and resign to world peace. We shall see what the balance of 1937 brings to the glorious French people.

 

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UK perspective coming this evening....

 

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Bring on the goods. I like the pictures and what not. Good idea having everyone write their perspective.

 

[Diefledermas]

Summer

France : AI
USSR: Snippah

EUROPE

On May 15th, Molotov attended the Sofia conference with Secretary Tito of Yugoslavia and King Boris III of Bulgaria to discuss formation of the "Little Entente". On May 18th, the French army was officially integrated into the "Commonwealth Stratagem" fostering joint Anglo-French military coordination. The Reich Chanchellory took this as another sign of Western aggression. On June 2nd, news from Ukranian refugees escaping the Soviet Union reported of mass executions by the Red Army of Ukranian dissidents and intellectuals. On June 12th, construction of the Munich-Bucherest oil pipeline was announced. On June 13th, Vittorio Emmanuelle was elected prime minister of Italy. Benito Mussolini could not be reached for comment.

Second Balkan War: June 18th - July 27th

Romania, Bulgaria, Germany

Chancellor Codreanu, fearing Soviet expansionism in the Balkans and acting on historic territorial claims to the south declared war on Bulgaria on June 18th to bring the "wayward province" into Greater Romania. Rommel's III Panzer Korps and the Luffewaffe was sent to assist.

The largest bombing campaign the world had ever seen began on June 19th against Sofia and the provinces of Ruse and Varna. Romanian 10th Mountain Korps overran Varna on June 19th and marched towards Plovdiv. On June 20th the Romanian 2nd Army crossed the river into Ruse while the Romanian 2nd Army supported by the Germans attacked Sofia. Plovdiv fell on July 7th. On July 9th, after 3 weeks of intense fighting, the Bulgarians routed the Romanians in Ruse and attacked on all fronts. Varna was overrun and 10th Mountain was forced to surrender.

Battle of the Black Sea

Romanian and Bulgarian destroyers engaged in the Sea of Azov and fought a running battle clear across the Black Sea. The Romanians were victorious with the entire Bulgarian navy sent to the bottom.

The Bulgarians counter-attacked and took Bucheresti on July 23rd. Seeing the Romanians were in trouble, V Korps was dispatched from Warsaw and liberated Bucherest on the 26th. the Seige of Sofia finally ended on the 27th after a month. At the end, the citizens were living on little more than rats and sawdust bread. King Boris abdicated on July 28th and Bulgaria was incorporated into Romania.

Belgium indicated its intent for closer ties with the west during trade negotiations with the UK on July 11th. On August 19th, with assistance of British SAS commandos, Italian special forces assasinated King Zog of Albania and installed Gjon Kostandin as interim Governor of Albania. Secretary Tito of Yugoslavia expressed grave concerns over Italian aggression.

ASIA

The Imperial war machine proved a formidable force against the ill-equipped Guomintang. Zhangjiako fell on May 16th quickly followed by Zhengzhou on the 21st and Jinan on the 22nd. The garrison at Jinan was annihilated on the 22nd.

The Chinese fleet was captured in port and reflagged with the Rising Sun. The Guomintang 9th Army was routed at Liangyungang on the 28th. The Chinese counter-attacked at Hangzhou on July 1st. A breakout seemed likely until the Japanese airforce pounded the attackers back and recaptured the province on the 8th. Shanghai and Beijing fell to seige on July 12th and 16th. By the end of of August, all of Northern China was under Japanese control.

 

[Diefledermas]

Fall

Italy : Gio

EUROPE

On October 14th, Luxembourg elected the Conservative Party to power. Finnish partisans reported of further Russian autrocities as the frozen tundra of December prevented the Soviets from burying the Karelians that were "purged". Fearing Bolshevik aggression, Sweden agreed to Soviet advisors in Helsinki during the "Christmas Eve" conference.

THE AMERICAS

On Christmas Day, the new ambassador to Washington, Joachim von Rippentrop presented FDR with a box of fine German chocolates to which FDR presented Rippentrop with an "American" Apple Pie.

ASIA

The Japanese advance continued on all fronts throughout the Fall. On November 1st, the city of Nanking fell after being surrounded and cut of since September. The Japanese soldiers engaged in an orgy of death and barbarism for the entire month of December committing untold atrocities.

The Washington Post ran the headline "Nanking Massacre" while the League of Nations imposed sanctions on the Japanese. Bloodied and beaten, the Chaing Kai-shek surrendered to Prime Minister Tojo on the island of Formosa on November 3rd. China was officially made a Japanese colony on November 5th. Mao Tse-tung, in his mountain caves refused to recognize Chang's surrender. Japanese forces moved on Xiangyang on December 27th.

1938

Winter

EUROPE

On March 3rd, the people of Austria requested to join the Greater Reich and their rightful place as Germans. They were welcomed with open arms.

ASIA

Mao Tse-Tung was captured by Imperial forces in the mountains of Yanan on New Year's Day officially ending all resistence in China to Japanese rule. On February 9th, Japan and Manchukuo joined the Axis Powers in a regal ceremony in Berlin. Tojo and the Warlords of Sinkaing held talks of cooperation and trade in Xian on February 13th. On March 2nd, Siam elected the Conservatives to power while New Zealand elected Labour to power on the following day.

 

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UK Perspective: 1936 - Spring 1938

New Years' Day, 1936, finds Britain in a blissful state. The economy was running well, unemployment at a record low, consumer purchasing rates enjoying large increases. Times were good.

It wouldn't last.

In the first week of the new year, British 'military attaches' were bringing in disturbing reports of rumours of German rearmament.
These reports indicated activity that had been going on a long time, and was now at a level almost impossible to hide, even with utmost secrecy, and was almost complete.

Germany would have no other reason to rearm than to conquer, so Attlee began a massive rearmament himself, having let defence spending decline, secure in the power of the League of Nations. Unfortunately, the British popuation had other ideas. Longer working hours and fewer shiny things in the stores were not things the average Cockney was willing to tolerate. Strikes threatened, and Attlee had to back off, scraping together whatever funds he could find to finance the modernisation of Britain's ineffective army.

The first order of business was to whip Britain's supply system into shape. Discipline had grown lax, and shipment of necessary resources from far-flung colonies was haphazard at best. The Royal Navy was called in to manage the convoys, and replace substandard ship's crews. The transition went smoothly for the most part, with a few exceptions, and one regrettable incident. An obnoxious drunken sea captain, upon being informed that he and his crew were unfit for duty, proceeded to threaten the boarding party with an old revolver. This boosted the courage of the crew and they attacked the boarding party. After a brief scuffle, Admiral Somerville, heavily vexed at the sea captain, ordered him hung and the crew detained.

Internationally, the Norwegian and British navies have begun joint training exercises, after Germany's outcry against the Hood battlegroup undergoing shakedown trials off the Norwegian coastline. As well as the exercises, British and Norwegian naval commanders decided British patrols of the Baltic were warranted.

In Asia, all seems peaceful, albeit there is an increased level of Japanese naval operations. Reports from Hong Kong tell of a small influx of wealthy Chinese, apparently fearful of Japanese invasion.

In late June of 1936, war broke out. It was not the expected German attack, But Russia initiating unprovoked hostilities against Finland. Reports of atrocities reach Whitehall, but Attlee is quoted as saying to his inner circle, 'We can ill-afford to ire the Bolsheviks, who could be the only thing that saves us from having a Hannover on the throne. We will, in fact, say nothing'.

In July 1936 Germany soon proves Attlee's fears to be founded, conquering Poland in a mere 20 days, using a revolutionary style of warfare, utilising mechanised infantry and massed armor, called 'blitzkreig' or 'lightning war'. Hearing of this, Attlee appoints as Chief of Staff Lord John Gort, a young, unknown general. Many old-school generals are appalled at having to call a man 'sir' who they ridiculed for his 'revolutionary' theories of 'massed armor'.

As if an infection rising from the fetid swamps of Poland, war comes to Spain. Revolution sweeps the country, and by late July 1936 they had become embroiled in a brutal civil war. Laval sends ground troops through the Pyrenees, and a British air group lands in Madrid. All this was in vain, though. The French troops had to retreat and the last reports of the RAF detachment had them removing the guns from their out-of-fuel aircraft to support the small Republican garrison. Nothing further was heard from them.

Over the winter, Germany continues to spread the dark cloak of fascism over more of Eastern Europe, conquering Romania. Then in March 1937, knowledge of the Soviet atrocities in Finland becomes public. Whispers of Attlee's prior knowledge began to circulate through the Cabinet.

In May of 1937, Japan began their invasion of China. Indian troops were put on high alert, and the Royal Navy began aggressive patrols in the South China Sea, but the Japanese seem content, for now, with the conquest of China.

One item of good news, however.A coordinated diplomatic effort by England and France, culminating in a commando kidnapping in the city of Rome, has Italy declaring itself a democracy. Mussolini, however was re-abducted by the Germans, and has established a government-in-exile which he claims is the legitimate Italian government.

In the summer of 1938, Romanian and German troops place Bulgaria under the Axis thumb. Attlee and Laval begin sending envoys to the America, calling for aid in the event of widespread war. Results are favorable, but the American people will certainly do nothing until war is inevitable.

The question is, will the Germans decide they've conquered enough, or will they and their lackeys drag the world into a conflagration the likes of which have never been seen before?

 

[Diefledermas]

Spring

Fort: France
Italy: AI

EUROPE

The world was a tinderbox. All sides walked the tightrope between war and peace. On March 11th, the United Kingdom announced stronger ties with America. The U.S. 8th Airforce began exercises in the British Isles. Fearing the growing aggression of the West in the Balkans, Hungary joined the Axis on March 18th. On April 14th, Norway joined the Allies. On the 29th, desiring to stay out of the war, Tito had Yugoslavia join the Commintern under Stalin's umbrella. Exploiting world attention over the Italain conflict, French assassins gunned down Franco at his mistress' villa in Barcelona on May 20th, the exiled Republican government in London was recognized by Laval and Chamberlain as the "legitimate" representatives of the Spanish people.

On May 9th, Greece indicated a desire for closer ties with the USSR in hopes it could stay out of the war.

World War Two
April 1st, 1938 -

Axis Powers (Germany, Romania, Hungary, Japan, Manchukuo)
Allied Powers (United Kingdom, France, Norway, Canada, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, British puppet states [Iraq, Bhutan, Oman, Yemen, Nepal])

On April 1st, fearing German superiority and destiny, the French declared war on the Axis powers dragging the rest of the Alliance in with them.

North Sea

In the Battle of Skagerrak Fjord, the Kriegsmarine's pocket battleships engaged the Royal Navy's Home Fleet at dawn on the 8th. The Nuremburg and the Koln were sunk by carrier aircraft and 3 other heavy cruisers were badly damaged. The Royal Navy pursued the Kreigsmarine into the Sund and had sunk the entire fleet by the night of April 9th.

Southern Europe

Italian Civil War

April 4th, 1938 -

Axis Powers, Allied Powers, Republican Italy, Fascist Italy

German intelligence intercepted comminiques between France and Italy indicating Emmanuelle's desire to join the Allies. Mussolini had by this time established a strong underground network in the Alps. The decision was made to liberate the Italians. Germany declared war on Italy on April 4th. Caught off-guard, Bolzano and Venezia fell on the 7th. IX Korps under von Brock defeated the Italian Moutain Corps in Milano on the 12th. Rommel's II Panzer Korps overran the defenders in Parma on the 13th. The Luffewaffe and the Regio Aeronautica engaged in massive air battles over the front with heavy casualties on the Italian side. The Falco proved an ill-suited match for the bf109.

Bolona, Le Spezia and Genoa fell on April 14th. The French attacked Genoa on the 15th with 9 divisions against 3 Wermacht divisions. Italian paramilitaries distrupted supply lines in Le Spezia and Milano cutting of the Genoa defenders. Rommel took Firenze on April 18th while Manstein's IV mechanized took Ancona on the 19th. Manstein attempted to encircle the capital while Rommel besieged Rome. On April 20th, Italian paramilitaries retook Venice. IX Korps retook Milano on the 22nd keeping the vital supply lines open. On the 23rd, the Genoa defenders routed the French sending them running.

On May 1st, the British 3rd Army and French 6th Army landed in Rome as well as the British 4th Airforce. The first battle between the bf109 and the Spitfire were engaged over the ancient city of Rome. The battles were inconclusive stalemates between the two superior fighters and pilots. Rommel was forced to retreat from his seige and Manstein abandoned his advance on Napoli. By May 10th, the Southern Front was established at Bologne under FM Kesselring and the Italian rebellions in the north were all put down. On May 11th, French troops in Torino were defeated establishing the Western front along the French-Italian border. On May 13th, Mussolini was installed as Dictator of Fascist Italy in Venice and Republican italy folded its military into the French armed forces on the 16th.

Battle of the Atlantic

Germany, UK

The German enigma code has proved invaluable in the battle beneath the waves against Allied shipping. The British in their wisdom send out their convoys unescorted making for easy targets. The exact location of the wolfpack's u-boats is classified but between April 1st and May 21st the Germans have sunk a total of 52 merchant vessels.

Far East

The Japanese Imperial forces under the genius Yamamoto split their advance into a three pronged attack. Army Group A assualted the British fortress at Singapore, Army Group B landed in Hong Kong, while Army Group C using mechanized troops and cavalry blitzed into Indochina. The Imperial Navy provided a screen for these actions.

On April 4th, UK's India Station engaged The Japanese in the Battle of the South China Sea. Japanese torpedo planes sunk 4 destroyers and heavily damaged the Prince of Wales sending the British into retreat. The Australians met a similiar fate in the Battle of Bobai Sea on the 17th when 2 of their heavy cruisers were sent to the bottom.

Haipong fell to Army Group C on April 16th. By May 1st the entire coast line down to Saigon had fallen with the exception of the fortress at Nha Trang. The scattered defenders in the Mekong Delta were routed by mid-May. The Hong Kong garrision fell on April 25th. Japanese forces landed in Kota Baru and Ipoh on the 19th cutting off Sinapore from the mainland. Singapore was besieged on May 1st and fell by the 20th after several bloody assualts.

On May 20th, the Japanese ambassador to the Dali Lama offered to insure the independence of Tibet.

 

[Diefledermas]

Summer

Italy: Poindexter
France: AI

ATLANTIC

The German wolf packs sunk 23 merchant vessels between late May to August.

EUROPE

On June 5th, the Romanian oil pipeline to Munich was completed. Rippentrop attended a military conference in Vilnius from June 16th-24th. Molotov announced trade talks with the Swedish crown on the 17th. Lithuania joined the Axis on June 24th. Spain, Estonia, and Latvia attended a “neutrality conference” in Moscow on July 5th.

Southern European Theatre

Italian Campaign (continued)

On May 22nd French forces attacked Genoa and Torino on the Rivera Front. The Hungarian Army reinforced the German forces in Genoa and the attackers were repulsed across the entire front by June 6th. The Allies launched a joint Italian-French-British assault on Bologna 9 days later on the 15th. A massive bombing campaign precipitated the ground attack with heavy casualties on both sides. British Battle tactical bombers were decimated by bf109's but the Messerschmitts suffered heavily from the Spitfire escorts. the Bologna advance was turned back by August first.

Allied forces were once again massing on the Genoa border. The German high command devised an elaborate trap to draw in the bulk of the Allied forces and crush them. The PzV Panther tank had recently completed trials and was being produced in enormous numbers. III, V, and IX Panzer Korps were hidden in the mountain passes of Bolzano. The garrisons of Genoa and Milano were reduced to form a "pocket" towards Venezia, the Allied objective. The Allies took the bait and attacked in force capturing Genoa on the 15th.

Northern European Theatre

Baltic

The Norwegian Royal Navy engaged the 2 German battleships off of Skageraak sinking one and heavily damaging the other on June 9th.

Denmark Campaign (June 9th - 16th)

Germany, Denmark

Fearing Allied naval superiority and concerned about the manpower requirement to support the "Baltic Wall", Germany declared war on Denmark on June 9th to secure the Sund. Rommel's II Panzer Korps overran the defenders of Kolding by June 10th. On the 12th Denmark requested US occupation of Iceland and Greenland conceding their immininent defeat to the Wermacht. The US officially took possession the following day. Aarhus fell on the 13th, followed by Odense on the 15th. The seige of Kobenhavn lasted for 2 days and ended with the city falling on the 16th. Denmark was incorporated into the Greater Reich on the morning of June 17th.

Swedish Campaign (July 12th - 29th)

Germany, Sweden, Lithuania (June 26th - end of hostilities)

Fearing a loss of their steel reserves, the German high command decided to occupy Sweden. The Sund blocking any Allied naval attack, the Wermacht launched an amphibious assault on Malmo. Nord Korps secured the beach-head on July 16th. Karlskrona fell on the 19th followed by Goteborg and Kalmar on the 21st. Lithuanian troops landed on Visby occupying the island on the 26th. Stockhlm was besieged on the 23rd and fell on the 29th. A friendly government was installed on August 1st.

Norwegian Offensive (August 3rd – 14th)

Germany, Norway

With Nord Korps in theatre it was decided to attack Norway and push the Allies out of Scandanavia. The anticipated British presence was non-existant. Oslo fell on August 6th and all of southern Norway was in German hands by the 12th. Norway officially surrendered on the 14th.

Canadian Offensive

Canada attempted an amphibious assault on Wilhelmshaffen on August 22nd and was soundly repulsed.

ASIA

Indochina

Hanoi finally fell to the Imperial army on May 30th. All of Indochina was under Japanese control by mid-June

India

The Japanese were at the gates of Calcutta by June 1st. A bitter stalemate ensued throughout the Summer. A Japanese offense was repelled from the city on August 20th by the Indian Army supported by the French Legion Estrange.

Indian Ocean

The Imperial Navy defeated the Royal Navy in the Gulf of Mannar on June 9th. The Royal Navy supported by the French Navy avenged themselves on July 12th in the Second Battle of Mannar Gulf on July 12th defeating the Japanese and sending the battleship Yamato to the bottom.

Pacific

Japan repulsed an assault by New Zealand on the Truk Islands on June 30th. The Australian attempted to failed attacks on the Caroline Islands on July 2nd and 16th. The New Zealanders failed to take the Marshall Islands on August 5th. The Japanese Navy annihilated the Australian carrier task force off the coast of Kuching on July 27th sinking the Australian carrier and her escorts.

 

[Diefledermas]

Fall

AMERICAS

Venezuala elected a conservative government to power on November 30th. On December 23rd, viewing German and Japanese aggression, the United States of America abandoned its precepts of neutrality and joined the Allies along with her protectorate of the Phillipines.

Atlantic

23 merchant vessels were sunk by wolf packs in the winter months of 1939.

EUROPE

On September 30th, Hitler demanded the German lands of the Sudetenland be returned to the Greater Reich. Surrounded by Fascist nations and aware the Allies were unable to help, Czechoslavakia conceded. Turkey elected a liberal government on October 1st. German Kommandos using a new “infra-red” technology launched a daring night raid on Geneva and replaced the Prime Minister with a Fascist dictator. This “bloodless coup” was welcomed by the majority of Swiss citizens. On October 25nd, Latvia, desiring neutrality, joined the Comintern.

Battle of the Atlantic

On September 29th, u-boats caught an unescorted Canadian assault force in the Mavoy Sea channel and sent 4 flotilla of Canadian transports and their troops to the icy bottom. The Canadian admiral was forced to resign in disgrace.

Italian Theatre

Genoa fell to a combined 30 Allied divisions on September 24th followed by Milano falling on October 3rd. A small force was left in Genoa and Milano to secure the supply lines. 18 divisions German Panthers blitzed into Milano from the north with IV mech korps attacking from Bologna.

The entire Luffewaffe bombing air arm pounded Milano from bases in the Alps. Hungarian and Romanian forces reinforced the defenders in Venezia. Milano fell on November 23rd cutting of the entire Allied army. Field Marshall Giribaldi surrendered in Venice on November 28th along with 600,000 allied soldiers. Rome was besieged on December 5th while Wermacht mechanized forces raced south taking Bari on the 10th and Napoli on the 20th. By the end of the year, only Rome and Sicily remained in Allied hands.

ASIA

On Christmas Day, the Siamese King indicated a desire for closer ties with the Japanese Empire in return for autonomy.

Pacific

The Royal Navy defeated the massed Japanese Navy in the South China Sea on September 10th. While no capital ships were lost the bulk of the Imperial destroyers were sunk indicating a future difficulty in protecting the sea lanes. 3 days later the Battle of Manila Bay ensued with the Kaga being sunk by British swordfish. The Australians again failed to take the Caroline Islands on September 19th.

1939

Italy : AI (January 6th)
Greece: Poindexter (January 6th - )

Winter[/3]

EUROPE

On January 19th, Switzerland joined the Axis Powers. Luxembourg conceded to German demands on the 27th and was incorporated into the Greater Reich.

Southern European Theatre

Italy (continued)

Roma fell on January 6th and Vittorio Emmanuel fled to Tripoli. Mussolini resumed power and the Italian fascist regime was reinstalled. The Italian Navy defected and was incorporated into the Royal Navy. Libya was occupied by the United Kingdom as a protectorate although Italian East Africa remained loyal to Mussolini.

Rivera

III Panzer Army overran Genoa on January 24th. Toulon fell on the 28th and Marseilles was in Axis hands by January 28th. The French counter attacked capturing Toulon on February 2nd but were pushed back by the 6th.

Albanian War (February 12th - )

Greece, Albania

With the world’s attention engaged in war, Greece seized upon the moment to annex Albania, declaring war on January 26th. Greek marines landed in Vlora on February 12th and took the capital. Albania defenders still hold on to the southern portion of the country.

ASIA

Indian Theatre

On January 7th, Calcutta repulsed a second offensive by the Japanese.

Pacific

British East Indies

Japanese Marines landed at Kuching on January 3rd and had taken all of the UK's holdings on the island by February 1st.

In the largest naval battle the world has every seen, the United States 7th Fleet engaged the Imperial Navy returning from the East Indies at the Battle of the Japanese Trench on February 4th. The sky was darkened with carrier borne aircraft as the mighty battleships of both sides obscured the surface with the smoke of their guns. The Japanese Navy was decimated with the bulk of its surface fleet either sunk and damaged beyond combat effectiveness.

 

[unmerged(5553)]

You guys are cool

Great AAR. Reading your war stories is almost as much fun as playing our game. Almost, but not quite. We've got a good one started.

 

[Diefledermas]

Thanks.

 

[Mr.Bigglesworth]

Originally posted by Diefledermas
In the largest naval battle the world has every seen, the United States 7th Fleet engaged the Imperial Navy returning from the East Indies at the Battle of the Japanese Trench on February 4th. The sky was darkened with carrier borne aircraft as the mighty battleships of both sides obscured the surface with the smoke of their guns. The Japanese Navy was decimated with the bulk of its surface fleet either sunk and damaged beyond combat effectiveness.

The United States, once it had entered the war, decided to attempt to end the war quickly by having a decisive naval battle. US DD's had shadowed the Imperial Navy prior to joining the Allies, so the basic location and fleet make-up of the Japanese fleet was known. Nimitz brought over 50 surface ships to the Japanese coast to engage the enemy fleet. Over 100 ships engaged in battle that lasted several days, but poor weather conditions kept the American Navy from getting the upper hand. The US Ships retreated south while they still had some org remaining. US and Japanese surface fleets would not meet again for many months.

Allied strategy in the Pacific then turned to a war of attrition. Over 50 British, French, and Free Italian surface ships in the Indian and Pacific Oceans were assigned to harass the Japanese fleet and check their advances in SE Asia. The Allied fleet performed splendidly, keeping the Japanese from venturing too far from Japan for any length of time, for fear of invasion or loss of convoys.

 

[Diefledermas]

Spring

Italy : Axelious

ASIA

On March 4th, with the Fall of France, Japan demanded official transfer of Indochina and was granted this by the new government in Vichy. The Japanese embassador to Siam delivered an ultimatium to the King on March14th, "join us or be anihillated". Siam joined the Japanese Co-Prosperity sphere the next morning. Japan and the Prince of Iraq held trade talks in Bagdad on May 7th. America and the Soviet Union both responded by sending troops to secure the allegiance of Iraq to the Allied cause.

India

The Brahmaputra River continued to seperate the Japanese from the Indian Army. Both sides have begun trench warfare reminiscent of the Great War.

Indian Ocean

The Japanese exacted revenge on previous defeats to the Royal Navy engaging a massed fleet of 65 surface vessels of a combined UK/French/Free Italian Fleet at the Battle of the Bay of Bengal on Feb 28th. Japanese destroyers engaged Allied supply vessels sinking the majority of the fleet's oilers and ammo ships. Out of supply, the Allied Fleet was chased to the Sea of Hanoi where all 65 vessels were lost on the 29th in the greatest slaughter since the defeat of the Spanish Armada by the British.

Pacific

Japanese and Allied navies played a game of cat and mouse in late February and early March with sporatic engagements. On March 20th, the US 7th Fleet engaged the Imperial Home Fleet at the Battle of the South Kuril Trench. Both sides suffered heavy losses but the Japanese lost the Hoshu, Akagi, and the Ryujo. The sole remaining Japanese carrier, the Shoho, steamed for safer waters. On April 2nd, a US cruiser task force destroyed a Japanese convoy heading to the Caroline Islands began a blockade of the Islands.

Caroline Islands

Australia attempted 3 seperate assualts on the Caroline Islands on February 30th, March 6th, and April 23rd. ANZAC fought valiently but were dislodged by the Japanese defenders each time.

The Island of Taongi fell to US Marine expeditionary forces on April 2nd launching the American Pacific campaign. The Japanese repelled a US Marine assualt on Kwajalein on May 28th.

EUROPE

America sent trade emmisaries to both Spain and Turkey in March. the US 8th Airforce began a daylight bombing campaign against German industry from the UK on March 3rd. The campaign expanded to attack the French coast after March 7th.

Southern Europe

The reconstituted Italian Army liberated the Torino pocket from the Canadian forces holding it on February 24th. France beseiged Geneva on February 25th and were finally turned back by March 3rd. On March 5th, Greece joined the Allies and attacked Romania. From March 5th-10th, the Luffewaffe engaged in a fire bombing campain of Ioannina. By the 10th, with his country in ruins, the Greek King sued for peace and it was accepted. On March 17th, the USSR granted safe haven to British naval vessels. The response from Berlin can only be characterized as "cold". Owing to the ancient animosity between the two nations, Greece declared war on Turkey on the morning of April 4th dragging the rest of the world into the conflict. Germany's old ally joined the Axis Powers and Greece immediately sued for peace wishing to avoid further strikes by the Luffewaffe.

Western Europe

Fall of France : February 27th - March 7th

Germany, France, USA, Switzerland

The Wermacht launched Plan Yellow on Feb 27th beginning with a massive bombing campaign against Metz. Allied air defenses were well positioned and the Luffewaffe payed heavily for its attacks. It became apparent the ju87 and Do17 were in need of replacements. 40 German panzer and mechanized divisions met 25 divisions of mixed French defenders in Metz on the 27th and
routed the them by March 3rd. The German blitzkrieg reached the Atlantic Coast and the South of France by March 4th.

The US "Big Red One" encountered Rommel's III Korps outside Paris and were routed. Paris fell at midnight on the morning of the 5th. On March 6th, in the railroad car where the slave treaty of Versailles was signed ending WWI, Germany accepted peace with the new French government in Vichy. French rebels, calling themselves the "Free French" held out in the Maginot Line in Colmar. German forces destroyed them by March 7th. Vichy France joined the Axis on the evening of March 9th.

Low Countries

Netherlands Offensive : May 14th - 20th

Germany, Netherlands

With the defeat of the French, it became clear that the Germany was the superior nation and a dictate of Pax Germania was issued on May 1st. On May 14th, Germany declared war on the Netherlands capturing Arhem on the 15th and the rest of the country by the 16th. In a daring assualt, Dutch naval infantry landed in Amsterdam on the 17th liberating the city. German armor retook the city by the 20th. The Dutch parliment escaped to the East Indies.

Belgium Offensive : May 30th - June 3rd

Germany, Belgium, Switzerland

The Wermacht attacked from all sides overwhelming the Belgian defenses. Bruxelles was in German hands by June 3rd. The leadership evacuated to London.

Atlantic

The German wolfpacks kept up the pressure sinking 63 allied merchant vessels.

 

[Diefledermas]

Summer

Italy : AI
Australia: Upton

ASIA

India

Japan attempted to beseige Calcutta on June 9th and were routed suffering heavy casualties. Both sides were resigned to probing attacks across the Brahmaputra River for the remainder of the Summer.

Pacific

Caroline Islands

Australia unsuccessfully attempted to take the Caroline Islands under cover of American warships on June 11th, 26th and July 8th. An Australian hunter task force engaged a Siamese assualt force in the Sippora Sea sending it to the bottom on June 29th.

East Indies.

Free Dutch forces landed at Dumai on July 14th defeating the Siamese forces there. The Dutch had advanced into Medan by the 29th.

AMERICAS

Free France strengthened its ties with her formal colony of Haiti. Spain attempted to increase trade ties with Bolivia.

Atlantic

The German U-boats terrified the merchant marines of the Western Powers in the Summer of 39 sinking 131 convoy ships. American material slowed to a trickled pace.

EUROPE

Iraq and Persia were the diplomatic darlings of all the major powers attempting to curry favor with the oil rich region. Germany and Portugal held talks concerning a mutual defense pact. Romania stepped up oil production to Germany. On June 18th, the United Kingdom turned over the occupied Italian islands of Rhodos, Nicosia, and Dodekanisos to Greek control.

Fall

ASIA

The Japanese had taken all but the center of Borneo by November 1st.

Japan resisted an attack by the Marines against Kwajalein on September 22nd. The US began a punishing bombing campaign on the island as a result.

EUROPE

Atlantic

With the destruction of the sub base at Ouesseant, the wolf packs have succeeded in destroying only 6 merchant ships.

Central Europe

Czechoslavakian Campaign : Sept 3rd - 16th

Germany, Hungary, Romania, Czechoslavakia

The Czechoslavakian Parliment refused to join the Greater Reich causing Hitler to order the occupation of the Rogue State. Slavkov fell to IV Panzer Korps on the 4th with Ruzomberok and Munkacs falling to V Mechanized by the 9th. Bratislava but up a tough defense and finally fell on the 11th.

http://home.attbi.com/~m.rounds/he111_2.jpg

Slovak forces overran the Hungarian garrison in Budapest occupying the city until being liberated by Guderian's II Korps on the 16th. Czechoslavakia unconditionally surrendered on the 16th.

Western Europe

Operation Battleaxe

On October 5th, the British SAS paradropped into the German sub pens on the island of Ouesseant along with 3 divisions of British paratroopers. They occupied the island and scuttled the u-boats in port at the time.

War of Spanish Liberation : October 16th - November 1st

Germany, Spain

Under the Articles of Pax Germania it was determined to return Fascism to Spain. The Wermacht attacked in a two pronged pincer movement along the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts. Rommel attacked in the North while Manstein attacked in the South. Bilbao fell on October 19th with Barcelona falling on the 20th.

Rommel had reached Burgos by the 29th with Manstein on the outskirts of Cartagena. Madrid fell to the Germans on Halloween and the Spanish government fled to Algiers. A fascist dictatorship was reinstalled on November 1st.

AFRICA

The British engaged in a campaign to take North Africa from the Vichy French on September 3rd attacking out of Libya. The British have met little resistance and advanced all the way to the Atlantic by November 1st.

 

[WhiteHojo]

what's the status of the old Waarmongerer's game??