NationStates Jolt Archive

Re: The Aggression of the Columbian Empire
To: The Government of the Columbian Empire

The British government has watched the aggressive moves of the Columbian Empire towards the peoples of Central American and the Caribbean. We shall no longer tolerate this. If Columbia continues its aggressive behaviour, Britain shall have to take strong action against it. The Munroe Doctrine, which the British Empire upholds, gives the Americas as an area of overwhelmingly independent republics.

We believe that Columbia is violating the spirit, if not the letter of this law. The British will also actively seek signatories to add their support to this ultimatum regarding Columbian aggression.

Sincerely,
Prime Minister Robert Peel

Signatories:
United Kingdom and Imperial Territories
British Hannover
The Netherlands

Re: The Aggression of the Columbian Empire
To: The Government of the Columbian Empire

The British government has watched the aggressive moves of the Columbian Empire towards the peoples of Central American and the Caribbean. We shall no longer tolerate this. If Columbia continues its aggressive behaviour, Britain shall have to take strong action against it. The Munroe Doctrine, which the British Empire upholds, gives the Americas as an area of overwhelmingly independent republics.

We believe that Columbia is violating the spirit, if not the letter of this law. The British will also actively seek signatories to add their support to this ultimatum regarding Columbian aggression.

Sincerely,
Prime Minister Robert Peel

Signatories:
United Kingdom and Imperial Territories
British Hannover
The Netherlands
OOC: For Today timeline or for that 1800s rp your in?

OOC> *smacks self on head* Yeah, the 1800's RP. Should've put that in the title.

orders
Admiral Dewey is to take command of all US forces in the Caribbean and the Atlantic Fleet is to prepare for action. The Advanced Base Force, USMC is hereby redesignated the 1st Marine Brigade (provesional) and transports are to be prepared at Brooklyn for the loading of the 1st Marine Brigade, as well as designated units of the US Army.

Effective immediately, the Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Mahan is to assume command and direction of all US Naval forces until further notice.

Signed, Theodore Roosevelt, Deputy Secretary of the Navy

orders
The USS Maine and USS New York are to proceed to Colon, Panama Province, Colombian Empire, to monitor events and US property in that area. In addition, the USS Petrel is to proceed there as well to act as a dispatch vessel.

ooc
US businessmen owned a large share of the railroad that ran between Colon and Panama City before the Canal was built, and a lot of Americans used that railroad to shorten the trip to Asia and the Pacific coast.

orders
The Pacific Fleet is to steam to San Diego on a courtesy visit and to await orders for possible deployment to protect American lives and property in Honduras and Mexico.

Washington Post Story
In recent days it has been learned that the US Navy has begun shifting ships to the Caribbean and to areas near the Pacific coast of Central America. State Department officials confirm that President Harrison is concerned about events in both the Colombian Empire and Mexico, as well as a recent British warning to Colombia as well.

Army Times
The 1st Infantry Division becomes the first division to reach its full strength today, with 11,000 men. Several other divisions are approaching full strength, which by the end of the year should bring the Army to a strength of 5 full strength infantry divisions, 1 full strength cavalry division, plus 5 more infantry and 1 cavalry division at cadre strength, as well as a full strength cavalry brigade and a cadre strength cav alry brigade as well.

New York World
Central America plunges into chaos!

Revolutions broke out today in Guatemala and El Salvador, as Peasants and Indians rose up against the landed interests there, including banana and sugar plantations owned by Confederate interests from South Carolina.

To: Benjamin Harrison, President of the United States of America
From: Heinrich Stade, Prime Minister of British Hannover

As I am sure you are already aware of, the Government of Great Britain has issued an ultimatum to the Columbian Empire. British Hannover fully supports this motion against the aggressions of Columbia upon Central and South America. We wish to know your position on this pressing issue in the Americans and would like to extend an offer of alliance if this issue goes to war. I think our interests are very much in common in this region.

Sincerely,
The Honorable Prime Minister, Heinrich Stade

To: Robert Peel, Prime Minister of British Hannover
From: Andrew O'Brien, Prime Minister of The Constutional Monarchy of Posul

The Governemnt of Posul, offers it full military, economic and moral backing to British Hannover in its crusade. Posul believes that the vicious attacks of the Colombian Empire are immoral, and ungentlemanly. We therefore side with British Hannover.

Thank you.

Colon, Panama Provience, Empire of Colombia 1895
Commodore Bob Evans smoked a cigar on the bridge of the armored cruiser USS New Hampshire, watching a glorious tropical sunset.

His ship, and the older armored cruiser Maine, where anchored for the night, not far from a ancient Texas sloop, the San Jacinto, and a few American, British, and British Hannoverian merchant ships of various types. Further out, the gunboat USS Petrel was also anchored, having just arrived with orders from home.

Things were calm ashore, and although he suspected the Colombians had their harbor defenses and local naval squadron ready for action, nobody was interested in starting a war.

His orders were tricky. Safeguard American and friendly lives and property but do not initiate hostilities with prior approval. All along the Caribbean coast of the Colombian Empire, and now Mexico and Nicauraga as well, American gunboats from the Caribbean Squadron were moving into position to evacuate North Americans and Europeans as the area was plunged into chaos.

Washington expected the Colombians to move, but so far they hadn't.

Finishing his cigar, he tossed the butt into the dark waters below.

"Order all hatches opened Mr Williams, its damn hot and the crew has permission to sleep on deck. Pass the word to the Maine and the Petrel too."

"Aye sir" replied a grizzled old petty officer, whose hash marks on his sleaves indicated service as far back as the Civil War.

OOC> The crew of the New Hampshire can probably see this happening.

The H.M.S Victoria, one of the newest battleships in the British Royal Navy was approaching the port of Colon along with two armoured cruisers, the British Hannoveran H.M.S Halifax and the British H.M.S. Bristol . They had come for the same reason as the Americans, to ensure that their citizens were evacuated safely.

However, the British rather expected a conflict to happen soon and had arranged for a sizeable fleet to be built up in the area. Several more armoured cruisers from the South Atlantic Fleet would be arriving at Columbian ports shortly.

Captain John Connors saw the American vessels and prepared to intiate communications with the American vessels. If there was a war, he knew that Britannia could count on the aid of her Anglo-Saxon sister nation, the United States of America. And he had a feeling that this could turn violent.

Aboard the San Jacinto, Captain Buchanan was also enjoying a smoke. He looked through his spyglass at the approaching British ships and then over at the Yankee ships.

"Well, looks like everybody showing up for the ball." he chuckled.
"Lieutenant Thomas, signal the Yanks and the Limeys that their commanders are invited over for drinks. It might just be time to talk about what all of us are here to do."

"Aye Sir" the youthful Lieutenant replied.

"We don't want any misunderstandings." the grizzled captian muttered in in a low tone.

Aboard the Maine, a small fire sparked in the number 2 coal bunker. It was extremely small at the moment, and no one had yet noticed it as that bunker was not currently being used. But the bulkhead seperating the coal bunker from the number 2 forward magazine began to heat up.

bump

Capitain von Weyhe of the British Hannoveran Halifax had recieved the invitations and was presently approaching the San Jacinto, encouraged by the offer of drinks and hoping to engage in a dialogue of some sort with the other navies gathered presently. Accompanying him was Captain John Connors of the Victoria. The British Hanoveran and British captains both had similar ideas about what was likely to go down here at Colon.

OOC> I made a mistake when entering the title for this thread, this is an application-based RP, currently in the last years of the nineteenth century. Sorry for the inconvenience.

OOC> I made a mistake when entering the title for this thread, this is an application-based RP, currently in the last years of the nineteenth century. Sorry for the inconvenience.

ooc please remove your post Bustlehome, this is 1895 and we don't have airplanes yet.

IC
Commodore Evans, along with the captains of the New Hampshire, Maine and Petrel arrived at the San Jacinto aboard their steam launches. Texas hospitality was known to always be good, as the Texans liked their whisky and tequila, and they were always good for a BBQ when they were in port.

Besides, Evans had served on the San Jacinto, back during the Civil War when it had been the USS Richmond, when the United States consisted of all the states. It would be like visiting his home again.

meanwhile, aboard the Maine, the crew settled down for the night. Only a port watch was in effect, and a few stokers and engineers kept an eye on the engineering spaces. The fire in the coal bunker continued to smolder, and no one noticed as the hatch seperating it from the boiler room was closed and no smoke had leaked out in sufficient amounts to be noticed over the heat and smoke that was normally in the boiler room. The bulkhead seperating the coal bunker from the magazine continued to grow warmer.

If any one had noticed, the events that followed could have been prevented, but a design flaw in the Maine, and the fact that she was in port and the bunker was not in use were to create the events that were to follow.

orders to Admiral Dewey, commander Atlantic Fleet
the fleet is to be divided into a Scouting Force of 6 Lexington class Armored cruisers and 8 Philadelphia class protected cruisers to be based out of Brooklyn, and the Battleforce, under your personal command, to consist of 7 Indiana class battleships, 4 Brooklyn class light cruisers, and 12 torpedo boats and it to move to Cuba upon receipt of this order. In addition, 6 gunboats (Petrel class) are to proceed at once to begin evacuating North American and European civilians from Tampico and Vera Cruz in Mexico.

orders to Commodore Evens
protect American lives and property in Panama and Puerto Rico, and be ready to intervene ashore should it become necessary.

Meanwhile, in New York City, transports assembled ready to load the 1st Marine Brigade and 1st Infantry Division (nearly 18,000 American regular troops) for possible intervention in Panama or Puerto Rico.

orders to Admiral Simpson
Under your personal command, take your 2 armored cruisers and 6 protected cruisers plus 2 gunboats as well as 2 transports with the 2nd Marine Brigade (provisional) aboard and proceed to the city of Panama, in the Panama Province, in order to protect North American and European lives and property.

aboard the San Jacinto, Commodore Bob Evans shared his orders with his British and Texan counterparts.

"So Gentleman, those are my orders, vague as they are. What are your intentions?"

The Texan, Captian Buchanan grinned at the Yankee Commodore. "Well sir, pretty much the same orders have been given to me, although mine just tell me to support any allied forces in the area and to ensure the safety of Texans here. I have the steamship High Flyer that has been chartered to pick up our nationals, but not many have showed up yet."

"Any news on the Colombian fleet?" Evans asked his fellow officers, "and do we know the state of local defenses?"

Buchanan replied first, "well, I have been told that the Colombians may have some mines about, but I haven't seen any. That doesn't mean they ain't around though."

To: The Government of the Colombian Empire
Foward Copy to: Great Britain

We support Great Britain in her ultimatum. Imperialism is a hideous monster that violates the basic Rights of Men, and threatens men's lives and souls. We advise you let your people taste liberty, and Columbia shall become all the better.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of France

Von Weyhe's orders had been to make sure that all European civilians were safely evacuated from Colombia, and this he told the other captains. However, he and John Connors also knew and he figured the other captains would deduce, that the joint British/British Hannoveran fleet was also signally meant to intimidate the Colombians.

If any aggressive moves on their behalf occured, it would be considered an act of war. And the fleet would not hesistate to begin a systematic blockade of Colombia in such a scenario.

'The coastal defences do not seem to be particularly strong here. Still, it would be a good idea to be careful.'

Commodore Evans decided to call it a night after several rounds of tequila and heaping plates of BBQ were consumed. He was confident that the three powers would work together, should it be necessary.

So far though, things were quiet ashore, and he expected the evacuation to begin (for those who wanted to leave) tomorrow without any hitches.

Meanwhile, aboard the Maine, the low grade fire in the coal bunker was now heating up the bulkhead between the bunker and magazine to a dangerous level. Black powder bags, cordite, and shells were growing warmer. Soon they would reach flashpoint.

bump

Re: The Aggression of the Columbian Empire
To: The Government of the Columbian Empire

The British government has watched the aggressive moves of the Columbian Empire towards the peoples of Central American and the Caribbean. We shall no longer tolerate this. If Columbia continues its aggressive behaviour, Britain shall have to take strong action against it. The Munroe Doctrine, which the British Empire upholds, gives the Americas as an area of overwhelmingly independent republics.

We believe that Columbia is violating the spirit, if not the letter of this law. The British will also actively seek signatories to add their support to this ultimatum regarding Columbian aggression.

Sincerely,
Prime Minister Robert Peel

Signatories:
United Kingdom and Imperial Territories
British Hannover
The Netherlands

Reply to British Ultimatum from the Emperor:

We are deeply sorry for the fact that you people cannot see why we wage war as we do. As you sit in your big fancy mansions with your tea and tobacco, thousands slave away on your, and your American "allies" plantations. We invade these nations to bring them into the fold, to bring them into a nation where they WONT be slaves to rich gringos.

However, we are not stupid, and we see what you are doing. You are slowly preparing to get you and your "army", if thats what that band of merciless murderers can be called, to invade Columbia to destroy a threat to your monetary interests. Thats why we are issuing our own ultimatum:

All foreign warships and soldiers are to go at least 15 miles out to sea from our ports within the thext 48 hours. If the ships and men do not leave, then they shall be destroyed and the ships metal shall be used to make a monument and the bodies of the soldiers and crewmen shall hang from the highest towers in the port which they were destroyed in.

Good day,
Emperor Torrijos III.

OOC: You ain't gonna walk over me THAT easily!

just before midnight, the heat of the bulkhead finally reached the critical temperature aboard the Maine.

Aboard the New Hampshire, Lieutenant Collins, officer of the deck, was smoking a cigerette looking out over the harbor toward Panama. It was a peaceful night, and the offshore breeze kept the mosquitos away and the heat at bay for the sleeping crew.

Suddenly, he sensed more than saw a bright flash, and he quickly turned to see the Maine dissapear in a bright fireball so blinding that he instinctively was forced to look away. An instant later, a roar louder than anything he would ever hear again smote the night and a hot blast of air swept across the deck, knocking him down.

When he got up, he saw in horror that the Maine was gone from amidships to the bow, and the stern was already going under water.

Next to him, petty officer picked himself off the deck as well, and Collins quickly gave him an order. "Sound battle stations." Even as the Petty Officer began sounding the bugle call, Collins began giving other orders. "Cut those damn cables, and get us ready to move damn it."

aboard the San Jacinto, Captian Buchanan rushed on deck, hurriedly buttoning his uniform shirt as he did.

The officer of the deck, 15 year old Cadet Nimitz hurried over to him. "Sir, its the Maine, she blew up sir. Just like that."

"Oh shit, looks like its a war now." the Captain muttered. Raising his voice, he called out an order. "All hands to battlestations, and Chester, go to the engine room and tell the black gang we need some steam. We may need to get the hell out of here in a hurry."

Looking around, he saw activity on all the warships and merchant ships alike.

"Chief Watson, get a rescue party into the launch, and go see if anybody survived. I don't have a lot of hope, but somebody might have got lucky."

At the fortress of Portobelo, outside of Colon.

Colonel Ibanez looked over the sea before him. In the distance he saw the bright lights of Colon. It was very peaceful, and the sound of waves gently crashing against the shore made him somewhat tired. However, that would soon be interrupted by something else. He suddenly heard an explosion. Not a big one, but he still heard it. As he looked towards the city he saw a giant fireball and a cloud of smoke began to come from the city.

He quickly turned around and ran full speed down up the stairs to the telegraph room. "Send word to Bogota! Colon is under attack! Colon is under attack!".

On board the Carribean Fleet Flagship El Dios de Fuego. Docked at the port of Belize City.

Admiral Gonzalez was in the middle of a meeting deciding what to do if war broke out between the United States, her allies, and Colombia when suddenly a courier ran in. "Sir! The Americans have launched an assault on Colon!"
"WHAT?" exclaimed the Admiral.
"Its true sir, we've recieved word from Colon and Portobelo!"
"Argh...send the fleet southwards! Leave only 6 ships behind, the other 24 come with us! Hurry, we depart within the hour!"

Evans nodded when his exec reported battle stations were manned and the anchor was raised. "Take us out of the harbor, I want to get that fortress at Portobello before it opens up on the merchant shipping. Tell the Petrel to engage the Colombian patrol and revenue ships by the docks and sink them all. They have permission to fire on any artillery positions they observe as well."

A blinkered message quickly was sent to the Petrel, who moved to within 2,000 yards of the docks and opened fire with 6 inch guns and 3 pounders on the tightly packed and tied up Colombian vessels.

Meanwhile, the New Hampshire steamed out of the harbor at 12 knots, narrowly missing a Spanish freighter and shortly after that, 10 inch guns opened up on the old Spanish colonial fortress of Portobello

aboard the San Jacinto, Buchanan waited patiently as his black gang hurriedly raised steam. His steam launch was circling the wreckage of the Maine, looking for survivors. The Yankees were shooting at the Colombian naval docks and the fort at Portobello, and he figured the Brits would open up next.

His ship, armed with a few light quick firers, really didn't have any targets yet, but it did have a company of Marines on board, and he ordered them into boats and told them to secure the passenger docks. There would be evacuees now he thought for sure.

At the fortress of Portobelo.

Colonol Ibanez looked out as American ships approached the fort. First they burn down our largest city in this province, then they attempt to destroy our heritage? I think not! he thought to himself. He then turned around and ordered the cannon to open fire on all American ships as soon as they were in range. Money-mongers werent going to pass over his country that easily!

the Texas Marines, all 100 of them, quickly secured the dock, which at this point was guarded mostly by gawkers watching the Maine burn, and the Yankees shoot up a few revenue cutters and an obsolete fortress a couple of miles away.

Quiet a show. The Europeans were ordered onto boats for evacuation and the locals were firmly ordered off the dock. The grim faced Marines, many of the Tejanos who gave orders in rapid fire Spanish seemed to help out a lot with the locals, along with the Marines rifles and bayonets and aura of toughness. Even the drunks decided that maybe a better view of things could be found elsewhere.

A few minutes later the San Jacinto moved close to the dock, its light guns pointed at the waterfront of the city, its crew watching for trouble with grim faces.

Surrounding the docks of Colon

General Solis and his Brigade had quickly surrounding the docks and began to fire their small cannon at the San Jancinto. Musket fire flew through the air, mostly at the attacking soldiers. A few loyalist Columbians helped the Columbians, but most of the city had taken up arms to help the Americans and Texans. This mean that musket fire would be hitting the Columbians from all sides, which in turned prompted the Columbians just to burn the city to the ground. If the Columbians couldnt have it, then the Panamanian Rebels and Gringos wouldnt have it either!

Captain Buchanan watched sadly as several of his men fell to rifle fire from the shore. His gun crews were firing back, placing shells into buildings that housed anybody shooting at him, and he had sent most of his crew to reinforce the Marines. The Colombians were going crazy and were trying to torch the town but he figured that between the uprising, which appeared to be general at this point, his Marines, and the Marines and sailors from the other ships nearby, the garrison should be driven out soon and the fires put out.

Too bad about that old Spanish fort, but 18th Century masonry was no match for high explosive shells, something the War of Southern Independence had proven very well almost 40 years ago.

One thing was for sure, this was definitely the San Jacinto's last battle. Several enemy light cannon shots had hulled her, and she was taking water. He would have to get her away from the docks before she sank. The old timbers and iron bolts just weren't the same as they were when she was new in 1858.

OOC> New Shiron ... log onto MSN.

Captain Connors of the Victoria recieved the news of the Maine's sinking. He immediately gave orders for the joint British and British Hannoveran fleet. The fleet of eighteen armoured cruisers and two battleships was to break off and form up together for further orders.

Word was immediately sent to London and Amsterdam regarding the developments that had occurred. His vessels had not yet been fired upon but would respond to any attack on them. He sent a telegram to the Americans and Texans that he fully intended to support them but required permission from his government to do so.

He also suggested that the South Pacific Squadron (10 ships, including three armoured cruisers) and the South Atlantic Squadron (13 ships, including four armoured cruisers) be detached and sent to Jamaica for operations. Captain von Weyhe of the British Hannoveran fleet would hopefully convince his government to send another ten or twelve vessels before they embarked on action. The Dutch government could probably shake up about six or seven warships to assist.

War, it seemed, was inevitable. However, the British wanted to ensure that the odds were squarely on their side.

The Petrel moved up to the docks and begin unloading its 75 Marines and some of the crew. They quickly moved to the American Consulate to ensure its safety.

Meanwhile, the mail packet Zephyr, a fast steamer owned by JP Morgan, steamed north for Cuba at 24 knots, Flag Lieutenant Scott Grimes aboard her with dispatches and an initial report in hand.

OOC: Ok, im just going to talk about the state of my forces directlyinvolved, just so there isnt any confusion.

Carribean Fleet(of 24 ships, mostly Steel Warships with Ironclads thrown in here and there) ETA: 2 hours.

Status of Colon: 20% burned beyond repair, 40% burned badly, 50% lightly burned, 10% untouched.

Colon Population Loyalty: 10%(7,000 people) pro-columbia. 90%(63,000) Pro-Panama/Anti-Columbia.

Soldiers in region
3,500 Soldiers under General Solis are in the Colon Area.

Portobelo WAS manned by 1,273 soldiers under Colonel Ibanez. Now 213 soldiers under the command of Captain D'obaldia. Percent of fort destroyed:92%

15,000 Soldiers in Panama City Under the Control of the Archduke Moscoso of Panama.


Oh, and if this goes full-scale war should we keep it on this thread or make a war thread?

OOC> Good point, yeah, a war thread might be a good idea. I'll detail some of the forces, even though technically Britain and British Hannover aren't involved in the shooting yet.

British and British Hannoveran Forces Currently Active:
Expeditionary Fleet: (20 vessels, 18 armoured cruisers and 2 battleships.)

Relatively Nearby Squadrons/Fleets: (Could be there within 2 days)
South Atlantic Squadron: (13 ships, mostly smaller vessels, but 3 armoured cruisers)
South Pacific Squadron: (10 ships, mostly smaller vessels, but 2 armoured cruisers)
Dutch Colonial Squadron: (7 ships, including 1 armoured cruiser)

Slightly Further Away: (Could be there within a week)
British Hannoveran Atlantic Fleet: (34 vessels, including 5 armoured cruisers and 1 battleship)
British Hannoveran Pacific Fleet: (12 vessels, including 3 armoured cruisers)

OOC> Good point, yeah, a war thread might be a good idea. I'll detail some of the forces, even though technically Britain and British Hannover aren't involved in the shooting yet.

British and British Hannoveran Forces Currently Active:
Expeditionary Fleet: (20 vessels, 18 armoured cruisers and 2 battleships.)

Relatively Nearby Squadrons/Fleets: (Could be there within 2 days)
South Atlantic Squadron: (13 ships, mostly smaller vessels, but 3 armoured cruisers)
South Pacific Squadron: (10 ships, mostly smaller vessels, but 2 armoured cruisers)
Dutch Colonial Squadron: (7 ships, including 1 armoured cruiser)

Slightly Further Away: (Could be there within a week)
British Hannoveran Atlantic Fleet: (34 vessels, including 5 armoured cruisers and 1 battleship)
British Hannoveran Pacific Fleet: (12 vessels, including 3 armoured cruisers)


OOC: I also think we should try to limit this war to fighting in Central America and the Carribean(like Panama, Costa Rica, Jamaica, St. Kitts & Nevis, Puerto Rico...).

We could call it the Carribean War or something.

US forces on the scene
1 armored cruiser, 1 gunboat, plus about 200 marines (only 5 men survived the Maine explosion and they aren't included in this)

at Cuba is the Atlantic Battle Force
5 battleships, 8 protected cruisers, 12 torpedo boats, 30 transports with 5,000 marines, 15,000 army (all regulars and basically elite troops)
distance is about 800 miles so at 24 knots the Zephyr gets there in 2 days, and the fleet shows up 3 days after that.....however, cable connects Colon to Jamica and then through Cuba to North America, so orders reach fleet the next morning, meaning it reaches Colon steaming at 16 knots in 50 hours (or day 4)

but the Caribbean squadron is in the Virgin Islands, and cable connection running through Bahamas to Hispaniola to Puerto Rico to the Antelles to Colombia... word reaches Colombians in Puerto Rico as it reaches Virgin Islands... 12 torpedo boats and 6 Gunboats immediately begin blockade of Puerto Rico with 12 hours of receiving word of the start of the war.

Coming in from the Pacific, there is the Pacific Fleet with 2 Armored cruisers, 6 Protected cruisers, 3 colliers, 2 dispatch vessels and 6 transports with 2,000 Marines (elite quality troops). They are diverted by fast dispatch boat from San Francisco just as they the reach San Salvador (El Salvador) to coal, and they divert to the Galapagos to take those islands as a coaling base. (takes about 10 days for that to happen)

From Brooklyn, the Scouting Force is sent south the morning after the fighting begins, they steam at 20 knots and consist of 6 brand new armored cruisers and 8 protected cruisers, and they reach Panama (2000 mile voyage) in 6 days (stopping to coal at Nassau, the Bahamas)

incidently, Belize is about 700 miles from Colon, so you should adjust your steaming time as at 14 knots (likely speed of slowest vessel) your fleet will reach Colon in 57 hours (day 4 after fighting starts)

additional troops will not be available from the US until 3 months have passed, as the Army has to call up the National Guard and for Volunteers, integrate them into battalions and divisions, find transport, and then send them south.

I think we should pick September 18 as the day this all begins, as it ties in with events in Europe and makes sense (as the Atlantic powers are distracted and failing to notice German moves in the Balkans as bigger fish to fry at the moment)

Texas, by morning, has 100 Marines, 200 Sailors, a steam launch, and a transport at Colon, as the San Jacinto is beached as she is sinking on a sand bar to prevent her blocking the harbor. Texas can get 2 Monitors, 6 torpedo boats, and 12 transports, plus 20,000 men, into Panama in a week (having to coal at Key West, then coming south through the Caribbean to avoid possible interception crossing the Gulf).

The US Navy by the way has 6 Gunboats watching the Mexican ports of Tampico and Vera Cruz, supported by 4 Texas torpedo boats, plus another 2 gunboats watching the port of Acalpaco, and the US Navy has a further 4 gunboats keeping an eye on the Yucatan strait (based out of Havana) to provide a distant blockade of Mexico.

incidently, Texas has a sloop off the port of Hondoran port of Trujillo (which puts it right smack in the way of the oncoming Colombians... bad luck for the poor Edwin Moore) and another sloop of the Costa Rican port of Limon. Niether is in a good position and they are too slow to escape, too weak to fight, but will anyway if confronted.

US forces on the scene
1 armored cruiser, 1 gunboat, plus about 200 marines (only 5 men survived the Maine explosion and they aren't included in this)

at Cuba is the Atlantic Battle Force
5 battleships, 8 protected cruisers, 12 torpedo boats, 30 transports with 5,000 marines, 15,000 army (all regulars and basically elite troops)
distance is about 800 miles so at 24 knots the Zephyr gets there in 2 days, and the fleet shows up 3 days after that.....however, cable connects Colon to Jamica and then through Cuba to North America, so orders reach fleet the next morning, meaning it reaches Colon steaming at 16 knots in 50 hours (or day 4)

but the Caribbean squadron is in the Virgin Islands, and cable connection running through Bahamas to Hispaniola to Puerto Rico to the Antelles to Colombia... word reaches Colombians in Puerto Rico as it reaches Virgin Islands... 12 torpedo boats and 6 Gunboats immediately begin blockade of Puerto Rico with 12 hours of receiving word of the start of the war.

Coming in from the Pacific, there is the Pacific Fleet with 2 Armored cruisers, 6 Protected cruisers, 3 colliers, 2 dispatch vessels and 6 transports with 2,000 Marines (elite quality troops). They are diverted by fast dispatch boat from San Francisco just as they the reach San Salvador (El Salvador) to coal, and they divert to the Galapagos to take those islands as a coaling base. (takes about 10 days for that to happen)

From Brooklyn, the Scouting Force is sent south the morning after the fighting begins, they steam at 20 knots and consist of 6 brand new armored cruisers and 8 protected cruisers, and they reach Panama (2000 mile voyage) in 6 days (stopping to coal at Nassau, the Bahamas)

incidently, Belize is about 700 miles from Colon, so you should adjust your steaming time as at 14 knots (likely speed of slowest vessel) your fleet will reach Colon in 57 hours (day 4 after fighting starts)

additional troops will not be available from the US until 3 months have passed, as the Army has to call up the National Guard and for Volunteers, integrate them into battalions and divisions, find transport, and then send them south.

I think we should pick September 18 as the day this all begins, as it ties in with events in Europe and makes sense (as the Atlantic powers are distracted and failing to notice German moves in the Balkans as bigger fish to fry at the moment)

Texas, by morning, has 100 Marines, 200 Sailors, a steam launch, and a transport at Colon, as the San Jacinto is beached as she is sinking on a sand bar to prevent her blocking the harbor. Texas can get 2 Monitors, 6 torpedo boats, and 12 transports, plus 20,000 men, into Panama in a week (having to coal at Key West, then coming south through the Caribbean to avoid possible interception crossing the Gulf).

The US Navy by the way has 6 Gunboats watching the Mexican ports of Tampico and Vera Cruz, supported by 4 Texas torpedo boats, plus another 2 gunboats watching the port of Acalpaco, and the US Navy has a further 4 gunboats keeping an eye on the Yucatan strait (based out of Havana) to provide a distant blockade of Mexico.

incidently, Texas has a sloop off the port of Hondoran port of Trujillo (which puts it right smack in the way of the oncoming Colombians... bad luck for the poor Edwin Moore) and another sloop of the Costa Rican port of Limon. Niether is in a good position and they are too slow to escape, too weak to fight, but will anyway if confronted.


In the mountains above Colon

On a ledge at 6:38 in the morning, General Solis looked at the City of Colon below as she burned to the ground. "Oh Colon, i loved you so, but to save you from being defiled by your enemies you had to be destroyed," he said to himself. Just then, a courier ran up the slope to where he was located.
"Sir! The Cannon are in posistion!" he reported.
"The 16 pounders?"
"Yup."
"Ok, thats good."
"Oh, we also got 2 cannon from Portobelo. They managed to grab them before the Yanquis and those other gringos burned it to the ground."

__________________________________________________________
(OOC: YES! There ARE mountains in Panama. In FACT, the country is about 90% mountains. So that should put a twist on things.


For example, in the War of 1000 Days(the Columbian Civil war in 1899 in RL.) took place almost ENTIRELY in Panama, and there was alot of mountainous stuffs going on)

The torpedo boat TB33 steamed a few miles offshore from Colon in the early morning hours. Lieutenant (JG) Pickering, a young naval officer from Maine was at the helm, his XO, Ensign Pulver (the only other officer aboard) at his side. The other 22 men of the crew were at their stations, either at the 3 1 pdr guns or ensuring that the 2 torpedo tubes were ready to fire their 2 fish. Only a couple of men were below decks, keeping the small 150 ton ship moving at a steady 20 knot cruising speed. Behind him were the 2 other boats in his squadron and they were looking for the Colombian fleet, which as word had it, was steaming this way at a steady 14 knots.

His squadron, and three others like it, were the picket force. Steaming offshore from Colon was the Battleforce under Dewey, with 5 battleships, 1 armored cruiser, 6 protected cruisers, plus some friends along as well from the British and British Hannoverian Navys.

At Colon, the Army was unloading its 1st Infantry Division, which was taking over the city and expanding out to establish a perimeter to clear out any enemy forces. The railroad would have to wait.

That wasn't his problem of course, his mission was to look for the enemy fleet and at 0800 hours his patience was rewarded. Low on the horizon he could make out smoke, and he ordered his signalman to raise the "enemy in sight" signal flag.

USA IC post

Admiral Dewey watched as the signal came in after being passed by a chain of torpedo boats.

"Enemy in sight" and a bearing.

"Gentleman, its time to start the ball. Signal the British that we are going to go engage the enemy."

Moments later, the battlefleet with the Iowa in the lead, turned north at its best speed of 15 knots. Behind the Iowa in line were the Massachusetts, Indiana, Kentucky, and Illinois, along with the New Hampshire, with the light cruisers Brooklyn and Denver ahead as a picket line, and the Chicago on the left and Portland on the right and the Detroit and Albany behind the battleline as a rear screen.

Meanwhile, the torpedo squadrons raced at 25 knots to assemble into 2 groups, one to the left of the enemy and one to the right. The range was still 15 miles when the torpedo boats reached their positions, and they waited as their heavy support came up. In an hour, the biggest sea battle since Lissa in 1866 would take place (ooc the Sino Japanese battles were smaller)

US ships
Battleship 11,000 tons, 15 knots, 500 crew, 4 x13 inch, 8 x 8 inch, 4 x 6 inch, 20 x 6 pdrs, 6 x 1 pdr (5 total)

Armored cruiser (New Hampshire)
7,000 tons, 17 knots, 350 crew, 4 x 10 inch, 6 x 6 inch, 7 x 6 pdrs, 8 x 1 pdrs, 4 torpedo tubes, (1 total)

Protected cruiser (light) 3200 tons 16 knots, 320 crew, 2 x 8 inch, 6 x 6 inch, 2 x 6 pdr, 2 x 3 pdr, 2 x 1 pdr, 2 x 47 mm, 2 x 37 mm, plus 2 gatling guns (6 total)

torpedo boat 150 tons, 25 knots, 25 crew, 3 x 1 pdr, 2 torpedo tubes (12 total)

USA IC post

Admiral Dewey watched as the signal came in after being passed by a chain of torpedo boats.

"Enemy in sight" and a bearing.

"Gentleman, its time to start the ball. Signal the British that we are going to go engage the enemy."

Moments later, the battlefleet with the Iowa in the lead, turned north at its best speed of 15 knots. Behind the Iowa in line were the Massachusetts, Indiana, Kentucky, and Illinois, along with the New Hampshire, with the light cruisers Brooklyn and Denver ahead as a picket line, and the Chicago on the left and Portland on the right and the Detroit and Albany behind the battleline as a rear screen.

Meanwhile, the torpedo squadrons raced at 25 knots to assemble into 2 groups, one to the left of the enemy and one to the right. The range was still 15 miles when the torpedo boats reached their positions, and they waited as their heavy support came up. In an hour, the biggest sea battle since Lissa in 1866 would take place (ooc the Sino Japanese battles were smaller)

US ships
Battleship 11,000 tons, 15 knots, 500 crew, 4 x13 inch, 8 x 8 inch, 4 x 6 inch, 20 x 6 pdrs, 6 x 1 pdr (5 total)

Armored cruiser (New Hampshire)
7,000 tons, 17 knots, 350 crew, 4 x 10 inch, 6 x 6 inch, 7 x 6 pdrs, 8 x 1 pdrs, 4 torpedo tubes, (1 total)

Protected cruiser (light) 3200 tons 16 knots, 320 crew, 2 x 8 inch, 6 x 6 inch, 2 x 6 pdr, 2 x 3 pdr, 2 x 1 pdr, 2 x 47 mm, 2 x 37 mm, plus 2 gatling guns (6 total)

torpedo boat 150 tons, 25 knots, 25 crew, 3 x 1 pdr, 2 torpedo tubes (12 total)

OOC:
Can you wirte how many ships you gots and what type they are? If did before, write it again please. Please?

Heres mine:

Battleships:1, El Mono del Diablo
Armored Cruisers: 3, La Victoria Colombina, El Fuego del Dios, and El Poseidon.
Protected Cruisers:7, La San Juan, El Furioso, La Estrella del Caribe, El Poder del Imperio, El Leo del Oeste, El alcance del Dios, and El Cielo Alto
Torpedo Boats:2, El Asasino del Pirata and Los Mares de Belice.
Gunboats:11 La Santa Maria, La Mistral, La Navarra, Emperadora Sofia, El Chiriqui, La Anaga, El Izaro, La Vigia, La Toralla, and La Graña.

Captain Connors of the British Expeditionary Fleet recieved the signal and turned to assist his American and Texan allies in engaging the enemy fleet. His ships would, however, not be able to arrive for about an hour or an hour and a half. However, his fleet would probably be a decisive factor on the behalf of the allies. All of his twenty ships were battleships or armoured cruisers, a handpicked force of intimidation and destruction.

British and British Hannoveran Expeditionary Fleet:
Battleships: 2; H.M.S. Victoria (The British flagship and probably the most powerful warship afloat), H.M.S. Duke of Wellington
Armoured Cruisers: 18; New Hannover , Halifax , Toronto , Duke of Edinburgh , Caledonia , Hibernia , Thames , Princess Anne , Prince Albert , Prince Edward , Glasgow , Cairo , Calcutta , Bristol , Beagle , Montreal , Cape Town , Ceylon

Dewey watched on the bridge as the fleet swung into line and the British acknowledged his signal. He learned that the British were coming with more ships and a plan developed.

He looked over at his staff who were waiting expectantly. "Gentlemen, this is what we are going to do. We are going to swing around to the north and get behind them and let them come on in. Then we hit them from the rear while the British hit them head on. We might just take care of the entire Colombian fleet by nightfall that way. Tell the Army to stop unloading and get those transports out to sea, they can come back when we are done. There should be enough troops ashore to hold Colon anyway by now, everything else they need they can unload tomorrow. Tell the torpedo boats they are to remain out of action until the gun battle begins. They are too weak to charge in without support. I want live heros, not dead heros."


A few minutes later transport ships were raising anchors and hurrying out to sea, while the American battlefleet sailed out to engage the enemy.

The Americans charged forward at 15 knots, the speed of the slowest ship (the battleships). Below decks it was a furnace, well over 110 degrees in the engineering spaces and sweating stokers, stripped to nothing but shorts, shoveled on the coal to answer the call for fuel steam ahead.

The two fleets approached each other in the Gulfo de Mosquito (Mosquito Gulf) at a combined speed of almost 30 Knots. The American fleet was on a slightly diverging course though, one that would make the most of its superior number of heavy guns (20 US 13 inch guns and 4 US 10 inch guns vs 4 Colombian 11 inch guns and 12 10 inch guns). The 8 inchers and smaller wouldn't be able to contribute much, but this initial pass was designed to get the Americans behind the Colombians, not destroy them. The Protected cruisers and Torpedo boats, more lightly armored and faster, were further out still, well out of Colombian range and screened in any case by the heavy armored ships. The New Hampshire had been moved up in line, so now the Battleline was arranged with the flagship, Iowa in front, then the Massachussetts, then the Indiana, the New Hampshire (secondary flag with Evans), then the Kentucky and Illinois. The gunnery officers had orders to concentrate their fire on the 3 Colombian armored cruisers, the battleship and the two Colombian torpedo boats. The Gunboats and Protected cruisers could wait.

When the range closed to 12,000 yards (7 miles), Dewey looked over at his exec.

"You may fire when ready Mr. Gridley."

ooc
only the British and Americans used 12 inch or higher caliber at this point, the Germans, French, Russians and Japanese used 11 inch (or were sold only 11 inch or smaller) for political reasons.. and nobody else could make them yet (first German 13 inch gun not until 1907, everybody couldn't make 12 inch guns until 1912)

incidently, a good link with maps to Panama

http://www.chagres.com/maps.html

http://panama-maps.com/display-panama-canal-map.htm

aboard the New Hampshire, Captain Buchanan, Texas Navy, and Cadet Nimitz, Texas Navy, were guests and observers. They watched from the bridge as the flag signal to open fire was given.

"Chester, make sure you have your ear plugs in, its about to get a trifle loud." Buchanan ordered the young cadet.

A moment later, the twin 10 inch turret in front of them opened up with a massive roar, followed a moment later by the rear turret, and the man and the boy turned to look at the Colombian fleet, just shapes nearly 7 miles distant. Luckily visibility was nearly perfect today.

Buchanan looked through his binoculars, and after a moment decided to give them to Nimitz. "Boy, your eyes are better than mine, let know when we hit something."

In the distance, plumes of water rose into the sky as shells began landing around the Colombian ships. The battle had begun.

The British navy was steaming like mad towards the battle site. Captain Connors had reviewed the general American plan and thought it effective enough. The only problem was that they would not be able to engage in battle immediately, they would arrive a bit late at the party as it were. That being said, the British Expeditionary Fleet would be within firing range about one hour after the Americans arrived.

Connors looked forward to the engagement. The Victoria was only two and a half years old and had not seen combat yet. Its sister ship, the Duke of Wellington was even newer, the paint barely being dry on its docks. The armoured cruisers were mostly new vessels as well. The crews, however, were not necessarily green ... not at all actually. The Victoria was manned mostly by hand-picked officers and Connors had absolute faith in them.

The Expeditionary Fleet consisted solely of armoured attack vessels so the tactical arrangements would be simple enough. It was just a matter of the gunners and other men doing their job.

Rule Britannia!, Connors thought to himself. And America could have a piece of the action too.

OOC: I dun need a map, i friggen live there!

:D

IC:

The Columbian Admiral knew that he had little to no chance of winning this battle. However, that didn't mean he wouldnt put up a fight. The Torpedo boats had managed to go farther out and to the side of the Americans, and it seemed that they hadnt been spotted. However, the main fleet had come under attack, and El Chiriqui had taken heavy damage and was mortally wounded so to speak. The Columbians wouldnt go out without a fight. As the Gunboats moved at top speed towards the gringos to engage at closer range, the Cruisers and El Mono Del Diablo, the flagship of the Atlantic Navy, began opening fire on the americans. Clouds of smoke began to rise from their ships as well.

While the American and Colombian fleets were engaged in combat, Connors drew the British fleet ever closer to the scene of the battle. From the reports he had recieved, he had deduced that the Americans were likely to be able to win the battle without British help. However, 'likely' wasn't a word that Connors liked to live with if at all possible.

Finally, he could make out the forms of the Colombian vessels. When they were within gun range, he gave the order for all ships to open fire at the Colombian vessels. The Colombian Empire would pay the price for its arrogance. And Connors would likely get a nice little decoration for it to boot.

While the American and Colombian fleets were engaged in combat, Connors drew the British fleet ever closer to the scene of the battle. From the reports he had recieved, he had deduced that the Americans were likely to be able to win the battle without British help. However, 'likely' wasn't a word that Connors liked to live with if at all possible.

Finally, he could make out the forms of the Colombian vessels. When they were within gun range, he gave the order for all ships to open fire at the Colombian vessels. The Colombian Empire would pay the price for its arrogance. And Connors would likely get a nice little decoration for it to boot.

OOC: This is gonna be short, i gotta get off REAL soon.

ic: On Board the Torpedo Boat: Los Mares de Belice

"Sir, the British are in range! We see their flagship!" said a ensign to captain Ricardo. "Alright, target them!"
The ensign then targeted the ship.
"Alright, fire both torpedos and lets SCRAM!"

____________________________________

Both of the Torpedo boats launched all 2(that means all 4) torpedos at the British Flagship and ran away. However, they had been spotted by the other Biritsh Battleship and were both destroyed within 10 minutes. 47 men lost their souls.

"What the blazes is going on up there?!?" bellowed Commodore Albert Fritzimeier, a stout fellow with a swarthy complextion, from engine room 1 of the CWF Keilstadt, playing poker with some crew.
"We've been grazed by a loose cannonball, sir!" replied the ensign.
"Cannonball? What's this, Aden again? Let me take a look!"
Climbing up the ladder to the main deck, he looked about. Dreadnoughts, cruisers, battleships, torpedo boats--- all combined together in a massive frenzied melee of attack! Looking closer, he could identify some of the ships. Most were American of some sort, as well as British Hannover and...
"Son of a gun! Colombians! Those little shits!" he cursed aloud. "Comm! Call the rest of the convoy off to engage the enemy! The merchant ships can run off to safe harbour for now, we'll pick 'em up later!"


ooc: Sorry, I've been caught up in school for a little while. Do I need an updated form thing? Anyways:
In the convoy:
Battleship CWF Keilstadt (made in 1885)
Cruisers CWF Martin Huss, CWF Patagonia, CWF Mercantile Destiny (All of old CWF Mercury design, 1878 iirc)
Merchant ships Free Enterprise, Spanish Main, Magellan, and Falkland are in the convoy, laden down with (non-volitile) exports from Whutehfeckia.

OOC> It's fine ... this RP's been a bit quiet the last little bit. But good to have you back. It might be a good idea to update the form, yeah.

Dewey watched from the bridge the results of the shooting. He wasn't entirely satisfied. Although when they hit the big shells did substantial damage, the problem was hitting. One shot out of fiveteen hit the target at long range, and that wasn't good enough. He didn't like the fact that over half the guns on the battleships were useless at this range too, and when they did fire, you couldn't determine which splash went to which gun very easily. "Maybe we need an all big gun ship instead, Lieutenant Commander Sims, make a note of that." He ordered.

The Fleet was pivoting now, the battleships still inboard, and it was now crossing across the rear of the Colombian fleet, which was slowing now due to damage.

"Its time Mr. Gridley, send the signal."

A signal flag went up the yardarm of the Iowa. "Small Boys to the Attack."

Crossing across the stern of the fleet, the 6 protected cruisers steamed at 16 knots, opening up with every gun that could bear at the oncoming Colombian gunboats, while across the bow of the fleet (inshore) the 12 Torpedo boats sped up to 25 knots, and using the smoke of the ships that was drifting inshore with the prevailing winds as a partial smoke screen.

Between the fire from the rear and offshore side, and the distraction of the appearance of the British, the Colombians failed to notice immediately the new threat. The torpedo boats rapidly closed the range, and at 1000 yards, began launching their torpedos toward the 4 rear most Colombian protected cruisers, each targeted by 6 torpedoes while the little popguns aboard the torpedo boats fired like mad at exposed enemy guns.

Colombian counterfire was heavy, and Lieutenant Pickering cursed as several small shells smashed into his boat, wiping out the forward gun and its crew, and wounding several others. But he closed to within 500 yards, and launched both his torpedoes at pointblank range at the Colombian cruiser.

Moments later, a heavy caliber shell hit his boat, and after a bright flash and tremendous roar of sound, Pickering found himself swimming. TB33 was gone.

Looking around, treading water, he swam to a piece of wreckage floating nearby and climbed aboard. He saw 3 other boats sinking, and 4 limping away, but the Colombians were having to frantically dodge, and he was sure his boys were going to get some hits.

ooc see this for likely results based on history of the period

http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=7533336#post7533336

IC
A pair of large caliber shells ripped into the Illinois as she began her pivot, knocking out her steering as they hit the stern. The American battleship continues on its course, and is out of the battle a few minutes later when it is forced to drop anchor so that damage controlmen could do something about her damaged steering.

Aboard the 4 remaining battleships and the armored cruiser, ward rooms and sick bays began to fill up as wounded and dying crewmen are brought down from the exposed decks, and occasionally, stokers who dropped from heat stroke are brought up from the engineering spaces. The fighting had been going on for over an hour now, but the results were becoming clear.

The Colombians were flanked from offshore by the American Protected cruisers, under torpedo attack fron inshore, and the battle line was crossing their T from the rear, which prevented most of the Colombian guns from bearing on them. Meanwhile, the British fleet as about to close the trap from the front and now Dewey could make out with his binoculars a new threat to the Colombians, the old obsolete but still reasonably armed ships of Whutefeckia, who looked like they would arrive to finish off the cripples if nothing else, and hopefully pick up survivors.

There were a lot of sharks in the water.

OOC: If you dun remember my Gunboats(11) and my protected cruisers(7) were steaming right at ya to do exactly what you are doing :D, so im going to write this as if you are flanking THEM, because you cant get both(one is 5 miles ahead of the other.

OOC: If you dun remember my Gunboats(11) and my protected cruisers(7) were steaming right at ya to do exactly what you are doing :D, so im going to write this as if you are flanking THEM, because you cant get both(one is 5 miles ahead of the other.

ooc
my fleet is in three parts at this time.. a battleline which steamed by you at about 11,000 yards at 15 kts and then turned across the rear of your column. Protected cruisers and torpedo bats were on the opposite side of the battleline and when the fleet turned, the cruisers cut across the rear of my battleline at 17 knots to engage your gunboats at closer range while the torpedo bats went around the front of the battleline at 25 knots to get closer to your cruisers as they came in.

ooc
my fleet is in three parts at this time.. a battleline which steamed by you at about 11,000 yards at 15 kts and then turned across the rear of your column. Protected cruisers and torpedo bats were on the opposite side of the battleline and when the fleet turned, the cruisers cut across the rear of my battleline at 17 knots to engage your gunboats at closer range while the torpedo bats went around the front of the battleline at 25 knots to get closer to your cruisers as they came in.

OOC: Hmmm,....

Well, we all know the outcome of the battle will be that i loose so ill just end this now.

IC: On board the Columbian Flagship El Mono Del Diablo

Things were not going well for the Columbians. Although they were launching a flury of shells at the enemy and were making quite a few hits, one medium fleet verses two medium fleets and a large one werent very good odds. Of course, the Columbians fought like demons, firing at speepds previously thought to be impossible, but the death bell was ringing. Already, ALL of the Gunboats and 4 Protected cruisers were down. Not to mention the armored cruiser El Poseidon had taken critical damage and would be resting at the bottom of the sea by the end of the hour.

7 hours, 4 minutes, and 32 seconds after the battle began, a white flag rose on every columbian ship. The Columbians, no matter how brave, werent stupid.

In all, The columbians lost 16 ships, including El Mono Del Diablo, the pride and joy of the Columbian fleet. Over 4,000 deaths had been counted, and the numbers were expected to go even higher. In the matter of 1 day, the sea war in the Carribean was over.

From the Duke of Wellington :

Captain Summers had been given temporary command over the British Fleet as the Victoria had been crippled by a torpedo. The damage would be repairable but the ship would have to be towed to Portsmouth for advanced repairs after being patched up in Jamaica. Other vessels had suffered some damage, the Toronto would likely need repairs in Halifax and some other vessels had suffered minor damage but overall it had been a well-executed operation.

He noticed the white flags with some relief. The Colombians had fought well, better than expected. Unlike his somewhat haughty superior, Connors, Summers could recognize a worth adversary when he saw it. However, his orders from London were crystal clear. Tomorrow, the South Pacific and South Atlantic squadrons would arrive in Colombian waters and begin seizing port areas. The Dutch Colonial Fleet would assist them in this affair. The Expeditionary Force, along with the arriving British Hannover Pacific and Atlantic Fleets would form a blockade of Colombia.

In the Columbian Imperial Palace

"Sir, the Atlantic fleet has surrendered!" an aide said to Emperor Torrijos. The Emperor just sat there blankly for a minute then said, "They are going to try to blockade the cities. They are also going to try to destroy the Pacific Fleet at Galapagos. I want the Central Fleet(which includes 1 Battleship, 6 Armored cruisers, 12 Protected Cruisers, 12 gunboats, and 3 torpedo boats) to meet up with the Pacific fleet at the city of Nuevo Columbia(a city founded by the Columbians with a population fo 42,000. The Pacific Fleet consists of 3 Battleships, 5 Armored cruisers, 7 Protected Cruisers, 18 gunboats, and 1 torpedo boats.) In total, there will be somewhere around 55 ships, although they will be manned by mostly inexpirienced sailors."

"But sir...that will leave Central America open to attack!"

"Central America is already lost, as is Puerto Rico. The local populations will rebel and aide the gringos. However, if we keep the troops there we can keep some order for a few months. It is almost certain that they will mostly be killed by the rushing tide of rebel countries and the many navies and armies that will attack the area, but their sacrifice shant be in vain. I am trying my hardest to keep the empire intact."

The aide absorbed all this information, and then said, "Allright sir, the orders are being sent.'

OOC> Lightning Star ... there is no way Colombia could have a fleet that big. I was under the assumption that the Atlantic Fleet was your main combat fleet (which would be reasonable).

OOC> Lightning Star ... there is no way Colombia could have a fleet that big. I was under the assumption that the Atlantic Fleet was your main combat fleet (which would be reasonable).

OOC: It isnt, the Pacific one was.

But i see ur point... i should just make it 55.

OOC: It isnt, the Pacific one was.

But i see ur point... i should just make it 55.

I am sick today, so not going to post too much, but will post the US Pacific fleet information tomorrow. The US will make use of its greater experience to launch a night attack against the Colombian fleet.

I am sick today, so not going to post too much, but will post the US Pacific fleet information tomorrow. The US will make use of its greater experience to launch a night attack against the Colombian fleet.

OOC: Well, the battle of Mosquito Gulf was ALSO at night. And you were up against 1/3 of the ships at Galapagos and they werent as well prepared/armed/trained as the Galapagos Fleet.)

OOC: Well, the battle of Mosquito Gulf was ALSO at night. And you were up against 1/3 of the ships at Galapagos and they werent as well prepared/armed/trained as the Galapagos Fleet.)

I need ship types for your fleet, garrison size of Galapagos ..

remember, these are pretty much barren or semi barren rocks, so a really large base isn't going to work too well (not much rainfall, no snow, so little fresh water)

I would expect that you would have a much higher proportion of obsolete ships in your navy than you have presented. Your industrial base compared to the US or Britian is relatively small, and neither of those nations sold you any ships. Now I can see you getting French ships or maybe even German, but even so, in OTL, only 3 South American nations ever got dreadnoughts, which in relative terms are as pricey as the battleships floating around in this timeline so far (Brazil got 2, Argentina 2, Chile 1 and they were unable to buy sufficient escorts like cruisers and destroyers to ever make those a significant naval force).

Now I will accept the fact that you have Whutefeckia to worry about, and can accept the number of ships you have, but only 10 - 20% of those should be modern in my opinion. The US Navy only has about 100 modern warships and about 1/4 of those are cheap torpedo boats. The US economy is a lot bigger than yours.

US Pacific Fleet (currently at San Diego awaiting final orders)
Armored Cruisers Lexington, Saratoga 9215 tons, 20 knots, 450 crew, 8 x 8 inch, 12 x 5 inch, 12 x 1 pdrs, 5 x torpedo tubes

Protected Cruisers Des Moines, Omaha, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Boston, Baltimore 5,600 tons, 20 knots, 420 crew, 4 x 8 inch, 10 x 5 inch, plus 4 x 6 pdr, 6 x 1 pdr, 6 torpedo tubes

4 colliers, 2 transports, 4 dispatch (fast steamers) boats, + 2 battalions Marines (1/4, and 2/4)

Pacific Fleet ships not available (watching Acapalco)
Gunboats St. Lucia, St.Kitts 1500 tons 16 knots, 153 crew, 4 x 6 inch, 5 x 3 pdr

Pacific Fleet Commander Admiral Sampson

The US also wants to use British Hannoverian railroads and port facilities on the West coast to load 2 Infantry divisions aboard ship for operations in Central America

OOC: Agh! I hate when i have to go in detail...

IC: Breaking News

The Galapagos Islands, along with the entire Pacific fleet(EXCLUDING the modern ships) and the garrison of Regular soldiers(which are 12,000 men.) have openely rebelled. All of the sailors and regular soldiers are from Central America, Ecuador, or Venezuela, so it is no surprise they are calling for freedom . 3 Battleships and 7 Armored cruisers, as well as 250 Shock Troopers, have escaped to Columbia. The Newly Created "Galapagan Republic" wishes to enter talks with the United States, Great Britain, the Netherlands, and Ecuador.

That is all.

OOC: I hate naval battles. Seriously. Aden wasn't much fun, and neither was Mosquito Gulf. Its EXPECIALLY bad when i have NO chance of victory.

Plus im lazy :/

ooc I have to take the family out of town tonight until Saturday, so I am going to be away for a while..

basically, the US will enter into talks and evacuate everybody who wants to leave (I would expect it would be most of them, as the Galapagos would be a hell hole unless you like to study nature) to California and then by rail to Texas or to Hawaii. Exile volunteers will be accepted into infantry companies to be attached to US or Texas units, those who don't volunteer will be allowed to either emigrate to the US or held until wars end for repatriation. The ships will be accepted as war prizes or handed over to friendly states (Whatefeckia, Chile, Peru). The US will establish a coaling station and hospital at the Galapagos, bring in some coast artillery, and make it the primary anchorage for the Pacific Fleet for the duration of this war. Additional gunboats will arrive from the Pacific, and additional gunboats and cruisers will arrive from the Atlantic fleet (via Straits of Magellan).

Basically, for a couple of months, the US is going to just blockade the Colombians, reinforce Colon, secure Puerto Rico, and kill time until the US Army reaches the strength needed for offensive operations (20 divisions infantry, 2 divisions cavalry, about 500,000 men) and the Texas Army is ready (5 divisions infantry, 1 division cavalry, about 100,000 men)

US will launch major ground operations in December, after hurricane season is over and in the interlude before Malaria season gets really going in late March early April.

In the grass fields surrounding Colon.

It was very early morning and, right on schedule, it began to rain. Seeing how it was the DREADED rainy season, every afternoon and night it would pour for hours and then not rain 'till 'round 3:00 P.M. Due to the fact that it was raining, and that the grass was 8 feet high, and not to mention it was dark and stormy, anyone with their heads down could travel unnoticed across the vast fields surrounding the city. Of course, one would need long sleved shirts, pants, and gloves to get through unscratched(it was elephant grass), but that was no problem to the Columbians. Thats right, Columbians. Over 3,000 of them(re-enforcments had been sent from Panama City), ran with their heads down through the grass. Moving swiftly and silently, they reached the city practically unnoticed.

Upon reaching the outskirts of the city, the men quickly took care of the sentries. These were no ordinary soldiers. Far from it, they were Shock Troopers. The Finest soldiers in Latin America, and arguably the entire hemisphere, one of these men would be worth three regulars. Seeing how they were professionals, they infiltrated the city fairly quickly. They were so good at their job that they werent encountered until 3 streets away from the Armory. They encountered a company of men, and although they were quickly dispatched they had managed to sound the alarm. The soldiers stood ready to quickly run back into the fields, just in case things got too messy.

Which they were about to be.

In the grass fields surrounding Colon.

It was very early morning and, right on schedule, it began to rain. Seeing how it was the DREADED rainy season, every afternoon and night it would pour for hours and then not rain 'till 'round 3:00 P.M. Due to the fact that it was raining, and that the grass was 8 feet high, and not to mention it was dark and stormy, anyone with their heads down could travel unnoticed across the vast fields surrounding the city. Of course, one would need long sleved shirts, pants, and gloves to get through unscratched(it was elephant grass), but that was no problem to the Columbians. Thats right, Columbians. Over 3,000 of them(re-enforcments had been sent from Panama City), ran with their heads down through the grass. Moving swiftly and silently, they reached the city practically unnoticed.

Upon reaching the outskirts of the city, the men quickly took care of the sentries. These were no ordinary soldiers. Far from it, they were Shock Troopers. The Finest soldiers in Latin America, and arguably the entire hemisphere, one of these men would be worth three regulars. Seeing how they were professionals, they infiltrated the city fairly quickly. They were so good at their job that they werent encountered until 3 streets away from the Armory. They encountered a company of men, and although they were quickly dispatched they had managed to sound the alarm. The soldiers stood ready to quickly run back into the fields, just in case things got too messy.

Which they were about to be.

ooc
I am gone out of town in about 10 minutes until saturday night so you might want to hold up on this...

plus, I need to know exactly when this is occuring (how many days after the city fell) so that I know exactly what I have there, and what Texas has there. Depending on when it occurs, this may or may not be possible.

in addition, the Texan and US troops are well trained, but more importantly, their officers and sergeants are veterans of 20 years of fighting Comanche, Apache, and Sioux Indians... very notable for their stealth, and the city would have been fortified with barbed wire, trenches and guard posts with searchlights and machine guns would have been installed.

I can see your Shock troopers slaughtering Panamanian rebels, but not regular soldiers.... nobody has the kind of special forces training needed for that in this timeline yet (its a mid 20th Century invention).

ooc
I am gone out of town in about 10 minutes until saturday night so you might want to hold up on this...

plus, I need to know exactly when this is occuring (how many days after the city fell) so that I know exactly what I have there, and what Texas has there. Depending on when it occurs, this may or may not be possible.

in addition, the Texan and US troops are well trained, but more importantly, their officers and sergeants are veterans of 20 years of fighting Comanche, Apache, and Sioux Indians... very notable for their stealth, and the city would have been fortified with barbed wire, trenches and guard posts with searchlights and machine guns would have been installed.

I can see your Shock troopers slaughtering Panamanian rebels, but not regular soldiers.... nobody has the kind of special forces training needed for that in this timeline yet (its a mid 20th Century invention).

OOC: Its two days later.(it hasnt been that long since the battle. I doubt you could even finish putting the fires out. Colon was, and still is, a VERY flamable city. And big too.)

And they're not "Special forces". They're soldiers who have been trained for at LEAST 5 months, armed with the latest equipment, and have spent the last 70 years fighting Spaniards, rebels, or nations that they're invading.

Of course, none of them have been ALIVE for 70 years, but they are constantly fightning.

OOC> The British and British Hannoveran strategy is to support the Americans in making a blockade as well as wrecking Colombian naval capacity. The British Royal Navy is, of course, the largest on Earth, with approximately 200 vessels. British Hannover has a fleet of just under 50 vessels (it's about 60% of US pop), of which, about 30 are in the Atlantic Fleet and 15 are in the Pacific Fleet. The Dutch, who are also at war with you don't have a large navy, only about 25 vessels and their contribution is largely on paper. You might see about 8 or so ships appearing, but they're not that impressive.

The biggest problem for Colombia navally is if it is considered enough of a threat to get Portsmouth involved. That, is, the British Grand Fleet, the most powerful naval force in the world. It's about sixty vessels (about seventy normally, but about ten or so of those are in the Expeditionary Fleet). Of those, thirteen are battleships, twenty-three are armoured cruisers and the rest are protected cruisers and support ships.

OOC> The British and British Hannoveran strategy is to support the Americans in making a blockade as well as wrecking Colombian naval capacity. The British Royal Navy is, of course, the largest on Earth, with approximately 200 vessels. British Hannover has a fleet of just under 50 vessels (it's about 60% of US pop), of which, about 30 are in the Atlantic Fleet and 15 are in the Pacific Fleet. The Dutch, who are also at war with you don't have a large navy, only about 25 vessels and their contribution is largely on paper. You might see about 8 or so ships appearing, but they're not that impressive.

The biggest problem for Colombia navally is if it is considered enough of a threat to get Portsmouth involved. That, is, the British Grand Fleet, the most powerful naval force in the world. It's about sixty vessels (about seventy normally, but about ten or so of those are in the Expeditionary Fleet). Of those, thirteen are battleships, twenty-three are armoured cruisers and the rest are protected cruisers and support ships.


OOC: Well, come to think of it, Columbias navy is kaput. After Mosquito Gulf and the Galapagan Mutiny, we have only 7 ships. They have all been dismantled to create mobile fortifications and their guns are being modified into land-towable ones.

Baisically, the Columbians strength is in their land army. Upon calling the reserves and the Militia, the army can go to well around 1,500,000 to 2,000,000. Of course, the Milita make up around 1,000,000 to 1,200,000 and are poorly trained and armed. The reserves arent much better, and the regulars are ok. The Shock Troopers, however, are rivaled in skill only by the British Royal Marines.

In the grass fields surrounding Colon.
Which they were about to be.

Major Davis, 16th Infantry, US Army, was organizing his men as they disembarked from the transport. Unloading had been going on since early evening when the transport arrived, as more battalions of the 1st Infantry Division reached Colon to reinforce the Marines already present.

As he lined them up in ranks, he heard shots, and then, the sound of bugles.

An imposing Colonel walked up to him, a Marine Globe and Anchor on his cap.
"Major, your men are my reserve. Looks like the Colombians are probing. Sounds like they are hitting the Panamanians first. Get your men under cover in that warehouse. I will send a runner for you when I need you."

Meanwhile, along the perimeter, Marines and Soldiers took their positions and did a complete stand to. Tonight they would hold the perimeter, and tomorrow clean out the rest of the city. But the perimeter was first.

OOC: Welcome back ;)

IC: The Shock Troopers had encountered fierce resistance, yet the Panamanians were no match for Columbias finest. After slaughtering the Panamanians, the Columbians spotted Gringos. They then began to hide behind the rubble and didnt start shooting until the Americans were but 4 meters away. Seeing how the enemy was so close, their lines were devastated. However, the Grinos had cannon and more men. The shock troopers decided to fight for a while, but once 700 men had gone down the men decided to make an retreat. The men were maning their posistions one second, the next they were 20 feet inside of the grass fields. Well, not REALLY, but it seemed that way.

OOC> American Marines would've been comparable to British Marines in this period. The Americans had a fair amount of experience in amphibious warfare by this time.

From: Prime Minister Heinrich Stade
To: The President of the United States

You are granted permission to use our railways in order to move troops if so needed. The British Hannover Pacific Fleet is being prepared to move out to support American operations in the Pacific Ocean. The larger Atlantic Fleet is meeting up with the British Expeditionary Force with orders to blockade the Atlantic Ocean.

The next day, more and more American troops arrived as the remainder of the 1st Infantry Division and 2 engineer brigades landed. While the Marines, now a large brigade in size, patrolled out from the city, the soldiers built a series of earthworks, dugouts, and artillery positions around the entire perimeter of the city, with barbed wire further out. The high grass was either cut down close to the edge out to 50 feet, or further out, mines were laid.

Meanwhile, the civilian population began to receive relief supplies, and hospitals were either reopened and repaired or established. Massive quantities of tents arrived for the civilians, allowing many to have shelter for the first time since the fighting began. A new provesional government was hastily organized to govern the civilians of the city under US supervision, and the first steps toward the liberation of Panama were undertaken.

The casualties on both sides from the previous fighting were either buried or evacuated by sea on the now empty transports to New York.

On top of the mountains surrounding Colon, 10:45 P.M.

The yanquis had boxed themselves into the city. They thought that their puny barbed wire fences would protect them. Over the past 4 days, 20 new cannon had been brought up to the mountains, as well as 1,000 more men. That meant that there were 36 cannon and 2,472 men in the mountains. Seeing how they had a perfect view of the city and quite alot of protection(being in a rainforest covered mountain really helps), the Columbians had decided to bombard the city. At 10:45 exactly, all 14 cannon that could reach the city began to fire. One lucky shell had managed to hit a small supply depot, but mostly the shells just fell on abandoned buildings and small troop concentrations. Of course, one good(or bad) side affect of the shells hiting the buildings was that one of the buildings caught on fire. The fire eventually spread to about 1 block, and although it killed VERY few americans, it raised the Columbians morale.

OOC: One advantage the Columbians have is that they are trained in Jungle Warfare. The Dutch, the Americans, the Texans, and the Canadians had never fought in it, and the British had only limited experience.

Captian Buchanan and his aide Cadet Nimitz walked to the pier. His crew and Marines were being sent home today aboard the transport High Flyer. A message told him that the Republic was sending an Expeditionary Force and it should arrive in the next few days. But for now, his job was done.

His report on the Battle of Mosquito Bay was urgently requested by the President who wanted a briefing in person.

Outside Colon harbour

The deck of the Warrior class frigate Judea pitched as torrential rain lashed the ship. Looking shoreward, Rear Admiral Namir Pasha watched the fires of Colon, still burning in the distance. Alongside, scattered in a neat formation, three 'S' class sloops, Shamshir, Sabre and Scimitar, the two troop ships Mushir and Vizier and the retained merchant ship Persian Empress.

The Captain of The Watch barked instructions to the deck crew, "Maintop stand by to lay aloft, two reefs in the topsail...lay aloft." men scrambled up the ratlings, and a minute later the main sails were reefed, causing the ship to heel slightly. The fore and jib followed, and soon with all sails secured, the sloop slowed, as suddenly there was a rumbling as the screw engaged. Throughout their long transit they had been sustained by visits to a few British coaling stations, but when weather allowed, the machinery had been disengaged, allowing the boilers to run at a minimum level.

As the flotilla neared the coast, American warships were now clearly distinctive, most anchored, as the massive task of unloading an army continued. The rumblings of cannon echoed ominously from the hills as the Columbian force prepared to defend themselves against a superior attacker.

"Mr. Wahid, dip the ensign and raise the colours, if you please." The Elias ensign then dropped and a second later rose to acknowledge their US counterparts as a flurry of coloured banners signaled their intentions. The ships would secure in the anchorage of Colon and The Admiral would make haste to The US Headquarters by means of whaleboat to offer the services of the taskforce in completing the military objectives set forth by the allies. Their force was small but The Admiral was confident in its competency and morale was indeed very high, after all they would be the first soldiers of The Republic to ever fight in the new world.
________________

The Elias Force consists of:

Naval

Judea-flagship, built in Britain 1862, sister ship of HMS Warrior and Black Prince , 8,600 tons, Armament modernised and scaled down in 1879 to increase troop capacity and speed, Four 11 inch Dahlgren pivot Guns, and twenty Eight nine inch Dahlgrens.

Shamshir, Scimitar and Sabre , Rigged and Screw Sloops built in 1879 and 1880 respectively, 2,900 tons, eighteen 9 inch guns, two 10 inch Dahlgren pivot guns.

Two wooden rigged and screwed troopships (similar to British Malabar class) each accommodating 1,200 troops.

Army:

Central and South America Special Action Brigade:

12th Infantry Regiment; with 3 Rifle Battalions; Each Battalion has 8 Companies and a war strength of 33 officers and 800 men. The regiment therefore has a war strength of 99 officers and 2400 men. The standard weapon of the infantry is the Martini-Henry rifle.

17th Infantry Regiment; with 3 Rifle Battalions; Each Battalion has 8 Companies and a war strength of 33 officers and 800 men. The regiment therefore has a war strength of 99 officers and 2400 men. The standard weapon of the infantry is the Martini-Henry rifle.

29th Field Artillery Battery (Regiment Detatched) of eighteen 12-pounder rifled muzzle-loading guns each with a total of 197 men, 84 horses.

From the Columbian Artillery Posistions in the Mountains

General Solis looked over the ocean and, to his dismay, discovered yet ANOTHER fleet. "Dios mio, these Gringos sure have alot of allies!" he said as he turned to inspect the 6 new cannon and 700 men from Cocle(one of the Provinces of Panama).

Admiral Perry watched as the four battleships dropped anchor and began elevating their guns. Further out, a cruiser began winching up a balloon with observers who with telegraph would correct the fall of shot. It was a new system and well worth it. There was no way the enemy was going to outrange his battleships, or hide their black powder smoke. That, and the maps provided by locals which indicated likely gun positions and the guides who were leading American patrols inland would soon rid them of this nuisance shelling.

A few minutes later, the 4 battleships each fired 13 inch guns at the first of the enemy positions pinpointed. Soon secondary explosions where observed and fire was shifted.

Meanwhile, the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Infantry divisions advanced under a hail of smaller guns including heavy 8 and 6 inch guns offshore, and field artillery from the city. The jungle foilage was ripped apart by barrages, while more balloons called fire down on enemy machine guns and artillery as they were spotted. Within a day, a 10 mile perimeter had been cleared, the shattered jungle devoid of life and in some cases trees, and more ground was being taken. The Colombians retreated to the mountains, and there they were allowed to sit, with the Americans digging in, waiting until they had a good fix on their position, and then calling more heavy artillery to blast them out, or using engineers with dynamite to clean them out of caves.

Prisoners were rarely taken if they were discovered to be shock troopers, but the regular soldiers were allowed to surrender when found.

Meanwhile, on the Pacific side, the US Pacific Fleet, now reinforced to number 8 armored cruisers and a dozen protected cruisers, opened fire on Colombian forts, concentrating fire on one until it was a complete ruin, then shifting to the next. They had all the time in the world, and were thorough.

Admiral Perry watched as the four battleships dropped anchor and began elevating their guns. Further out, a cruiser began winching up a balloon with observers who with telegraph would correct the fall of shot. It was a new system and well worth it. There was no way the enemy was going to outrange his battleships, or hide their black powder smoke. That, and the maps provided by locals which indicated likely gun positions and the guides who were leading American patrols inland would soon rid them of this nuisance shelling.

A few minutes later, the 4 battleships each fired 13 inch guns at the first of the enemy positions pinpointed. Soon secondary explosions where observed and fire was shifted.

Meanwhile, the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Infantry divisions advanced under a hail of smaller guns including heavy 8 and 6 inch guns offshore, and field artillery from the city. The jungle foilage was ripped apart by barrages, while more balloons called fire down on enemy machine guns and artillery as they were spotted. Within a day, a 10 mile perimeter had been cleared, the shattered jungle devoid of life and in some cases trees, and more ground was being taken. The Colombians retreated to the mountains, and there they were allowed to sit, with the Americans digging in, waiting until they had a good fix on their position, and then calling more heavy artillery to blast them out, or using engineers with dynamite to clean them out of caves.

Prisoners were rarely taken if they were discovered to be shock troopers, but the regular soldiers were allowed to surrender when found.

Meanwhile, on the Pacific side, the US Pacific Fleet, now reinforced to number 8 armored cruisers and a dozen protected cruisers, opened fire on Colombian forts, concentrating fire on one until it was a complete ruin, then shifting to the next. They had all the time in the world, and were thorough.


OOC: You dont know how tall and how desnly covered the mountains are, do you? The foliage is so heavy that the Columbians can move their cannons from posistion to posistion(although due to the fact that there are ALOT of trees if you manage to shoot one within 10 minutes of firing youll probably get them.

Also, you do realise that your battleships can only fire so far. Eventually youll make my men reach the top of the mountains, which are way too far up for any of your ships to hit them(its WAY too high of an angle.), but just high enough for the Columbians to have a perfect angle.

Smoking the Columbians wont be a pushover. These people have perfected the art of mountain and jungle warfare. If I were you, id try and cut off the Columbians from Panama city. Theyd slowly starve, and youd loose alot less men that way.

OOC: Here are some pictures of some mountains in Panama.

http://fcbs.org/images/habitat/panama.jpg

http://www.carm.es/cma/dgmn/mnatural/imagen/elvalle.jpg

http://www.photoatlas.com/photo/panama_el_valle_india_dormida.jpg

http://lostparadise.com/gallery/pasoancho/images/llano2.jpg

OOC: You dont know how tall and how desnly covered the mountains are, do you? The foliage is so heavy that the Columbians can move their cannons from posistion to posistion(although due to the fact that there are ALOT of trees if you manage to shoot one within 10 minutes of firing youll probably get them.

Also, you do realise that your battleships can only fire so far. Eventually youll make my men reach the top of the mountains, which are way too far up for any of your ships to hit them(its WAY too high of an angle.), but just high enough for the Columbians to have a perfect angle.

Smoking the Columbians wont be a pushover. These people have perfected the art of mountain and jungle warfare. If I were you, id try and cut off the Columbians from Panama city. Theyd slowly starve, and youd loose alot less men that way.

ooc
as soon as you explain to me how your men are moving sufficient quantities of shells up those mountains, or how your little mountain guns are hitting the city to any effect or how you moved any kind of heavy gun up those mountains, then I will be willing to accept you have done something.

Otherwise, I am going to assume you are in error here and that my men under heavy artillery support clean your troops well out of artillery range.

If you are in close range, then the ships guns blast the hell out your troops. If in long range, then you can't hit the city. Take your pick.

OOC> The British aren't getting too heavily involved in the grunt work of this war, they're focusing on setting up a blockade, which would severely disrupt the Colombian economy. Peru may trade with you, but the Peruvian market is no replacement, for, say, the German market. And the Germans (the only country not allied to Britain or at war with you with enough naval power to challenge this scenario) are busy and not terribly interested in intervening.

The British Hannoveran and British fleets are engaged in setting up a blockade of Colombia in both the Atlantic and Pacific. It was expected to remain strongly in place. The French were allied to the British as were the Japanese. The Germans were busy in Tellacar and neither the Russians or Italians had the strength to challenge Britain navally.

ooc
as soon as you explain to me how your men are moving sufficient quantities of shells up those mountains, or how your little mountain guns are hitting the city to any effect or how you moved any kind of heavy gun up those mountains, then I will be willing to accept you have done something.

Otherwise, I am going to assume you are in error here and that my men under heavy artillery support clean your troops well out of artillery range.

If you are in close range, then the ships guns blast the hell out your troops. If in long range, then you can't hit the city. Take your pick.

OOC: I ne'er said that i had a way to bring alot of shells up. Thats why i said that they would have to stop the bombardments eventually(within about 1 or 2 days).

How do i get the cannon up there? Ever heard of taking them apart and putting em back together? Also, if you saw earlier( a few pages back), 2 heavy Cannon from Portobelo had been brought up there(although they both lie in pieces right now.)

Plus, have you BEEN to Colon? HMMMMM? Because i only know one person here who has...me. Thats why i said that EVENTUALLY i would have to stop, but Colon is close enough for my medium cannon to hit the outskirts(the outskirts are baisically 20 feet from the mountain.

oh, and i found another picture of mountains in Panama:

http://www.supercable.es/~jamporras/fotos/entorno/desde-boquete-a-pte.jpg

The Americans, joined now by troops from Elias, used their Panamian guides to infiltrate around and up to the enemy positions. The jungle worked to their advantage too, as it prevented concentrated fire from inflicting serious losses, while the well trained and well led American troops maintained their cohesion. When a enemy position was found, a signal flare was fired and the spotters on the balloons observed it and called down heavy fire until a second flare ended it. The Americans then moved forward using fire and manuever to outflank or overpower the Colombians, either driving them back or closing in with bayonet.

The Colombians were cocky, but the Americans were fresh, and many had seen the effects of the Colombian occupation. The fighting was bloody but continued.

As troops tired, new regiments were brought up. It was only a matter of time.

Enemy infiltration behind them was occasionally a problem, but this had the effect of preventing straggling, while the fortifications at the edge of town prevented movement back into town by the Colombians.

Meanwhile, on the Pacific side, the bombardment continued.

The Americans were willing to take weeks to be sure, as it would be a couple of weeks before the 2nd Army arrived in any case.

In the mean time, the meatgrinder at Colon would continue until the Colombians were driven off, ran out of troops or saw reason and withdrew.

OOC: I ne'er said that i had a way to bring alot of shells up. Thats why i said that they would have to stop the bombardments eventually(within about 1 or 2 days).

How do i get the cannon up there? Ever heard of taking them apart and putting em back together? Also, if you saw earlier( a few pages back), 2 heavy Cannon from Portobelo had been brought up there(although they both lie in pieces right now.)

Plus, have you BEEN to Colon? HMMMMM? Because i only know one person here who has...me. Thats why i said that EVENTUALLY i would have to stop, but Colon is close enough for my medium cannon to hit the outskirts(the outskirts are baisically 20 feet from the mountain.

oh, and i found another picture of mountains in Panama:

http://www.supercable.es/~jamporras/fotos/entorno/desde-boquete-a-pte.jpg

I have seen jungle mountains before and am familiar with the effects of altitude and humidity. I also know that even a light gun weighs about a ton, and even dissembled requires over a dozen men (or a couple of mules) to move and mountain howitzers have an effective range of about a 1000 yards, and shoot a really light 12 pound shell.... this is tough on houses but will not reach the harbor. Big guns are not going to be manhandled up those mountains. Not in a couple of days at the very least.

I have seen jungle mountains before and am familiar with the effects of altitude and humidity. I also know that even a light gun weighs about a ton, and even dissembled requires over a dozen men (or a couple of mules) to move and mountain howitzers have an effective range of about a 1000 yards, and shoot a really light 12 pound shell.... this is tough on houses but will not reach the harbor. Big guns are not going to be manhandled up those mountains. Not in a couple of days at the very least.

OOC: See, if we scare all the Colon residents away from the outskirts and into the city, the city gets too cramped. That interfers with your war-effort, and hinders you. If you dont let the Colonians in, the Panamanians will get pissed at you and youll have TWO enemies.

To quote Bugs Bunny, "Ain't I a stinkah?"