NationStates Jolt Archive

The Russians attack Austria in response to the Austrian invasion of Montenegro, with fighting beginning August 20, 1905. On August 22, the Serbs also attack the Hapsburgs.

http://www.cwrl.utexas.edu/~wolff/rhe309s02/europe1914.jpg

Initial Russian Forces
1st, 18th, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 6th, 14th, 15th, 19th, 23rd, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 5th and 13th Army Corps (48 Infantry Divisions, 16 Cavalry Divisions) organized into the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th Armies plus 4 corps in reserve.

http://home.comcast.net/~markconrad/RUSS1914.html

sizeable Russian forces en route (nearly double the size listed above)

Defending Austrian Forces
I, II, V, X Corps, 12 infantry divisions organized into 1st Army plus Lemberg (Lvov) fortress command
IV, VII, XII Corps, 9 infantry divisions organized into 2nd Army
XI, XVII Corps, 6 infantry divisions organized into 3rd Army

facing Serbs
5th, 6th Armies, with 18 Infantry Divisions in Montenegro, Slovenia
http://www.kitzbuhel.demon.co.uk/austamps/dixnut/dn6b.htm

sizeable portions of Austrian army not yet mobilized


Serbian Army
3 Corps sized armies with 9 infantry divisions, 3 cavalry divisions

http://www.vojska.net/ww1/serbia/oob/1914.asp

nearly everything they have

ooc
in Galacia, the Austrians are thrown back by October except at Lemberg, and the Russians get bogged down in a seige. Initial losses, nearly 200,000 Austrian dead, wounded, missing or captured (on a 10-30-20-40 ratio), with the Lemberg Fortress Command (50,000 men) surrounded, and the 1st and 2nd Armies badly mauled and the 3rd Army somewhat chewed up. Austrians thrown back to the Carpathian passes.

Russian losses about 200,000 as well (20-50-20-10 ratio), and a number of Russian generals are sacked for incompetence. All four initial armies chewed up but able to continue once replacements and reinforcements arrive from further east.

Serbs are thrown back, losing nearly 50,000 men (20-60-10-10 ratio) easily by the Austrians who suffer similar casualties and hold on to Montenegro (30,000 Austrian losses, 20-50-20-10 ratio), leaving Serbia open for an Austrian counteroffensive if the troops can be found to carry it out.

RP it as you wish, but that is what happened after I gamed it and it compares well to 1914 historical campaign

I will be back Sunday, so have fun

ooc: Dont forget the 120,000 or so Italian troops stationed in Kracow.

Galveston Bay here, the Italians suffered about 15,000 casaulties, at a proportion of 20-70-10-10. Basically the Austrian front was overrun, they were thrown into the fray and were forced back along with the Austrians because of Russian numbers.

General Luigi Cadorna did not like the situation. His plan was to counter-attack at the Russian declaration of war, but there were simply too many of the Russians for that to be possible. He was now stuck in the Carpathian mountains with a few wounded Austrian armies and a few mauled divisions of his own. He desperatly awaited the troops from Italy; he would need every last soldier under conscription if he were to beat back the Russian offensive. He had to do something, and he hoped the Austrians would agree with him.

General Cadorna ordered a line of defensive trenches dug along his stretch of the line, and he asked Austrian commanders to do the same in anticipation of the next great Russian offensive. It would also, he argued, stall the Russians just long enough for more reinforcements to arrive, so that a counter-offensive could be mounted shortly. That would appeal to any Austro-Hungarian commander, defensive or offensive, or so it was hoped.

Count Viktor Dankl von Krasnik and two squads of men arrived at the Italian headquarters to discuss the recent developments in the war. Unfortunately due to the surprising direction of the attack and the rapid collapse of his lines both the Austro-Hungarian and Italian forces were in disarray. After arguing with the guards for a few moments, Krasnik was finally allowed.

“Luigi! Excellent to see that you are doing so well! We have many things to discuss my friend. Personally, I think we should make our stand here in the mountains. Never mind reinforcements. The mountain terrain along with whatever defenses we can build we give the Russians hell to pay the next time they attack. This will allow both our armies to move men to areas where the fighting is going even worse. Meanwhile we bleed the Russians dry in the mountains from defensive positions. What do you say my friend?”

ooc: another question galv, wouldn't or rather shouldn't russian causulties be higher than AH's? After all the Russians were attacking fortified positions even if some of it was just trenches. No big deal, just wondering.

ooc
Galveston Bay here
Russian casualties are relatively low because they have more artillery and more divisions closer to the front initially. In actual numbers of dead and wounded, they suffered higher losses, but you lost a number of units cut off, encircled or that simply collapsed (usually you lower morale units that were Slavic), those units produced a lot of prisoners (refer to your loss ratio, it will tell you how many were captured or deserted). Your casualties in your German and Hungarian units were relatively light. Plus neither side was dug in initially, and in a fluid battle, a larger attacking force generally will suffer lower proportional losses once it breaks through. The Russians also have more cavalry (lots and lots of cavalry) and they were able to find and fix your units, and they overran a lot of supply columns as well.

Now that the front is becoming more static, this will change.

ooc
weather.... it begins to rain in the Carpathians in late October, and by mid November it will begin to snow. At that point it will rain in the plains of Poland, which are notable for their crappy roads at this point in history. Supply columns off the railroads are going to have very slow going, as will artillery. The Russians have problems moving freight from their railroads to the Austrian gauged railroads, and discover they aren't as well organized logistically as they should be. Meanwhile, the Czechs are being uncooperative although not resisting, slowing down the pace of supplies reaching the Austrian and Italian Armies. Both sides also discover that they have shot up their entire pre war stocks of artillery ammunition in less than 8 weeks, and it will be a year before production reaches the wartime levels needed for the Austrians, 2 years for the Russians.

(based on what really happened in World War I)

The Russians do have some stocks, sufficient for another offensive, available elsewhere in their vast empire, and the Austrians have enough to either attack the Serbs or the Russians. After that, shells will be in very short supply for some time to come. The Italians are even in worse shape, so can't help much.

Meanwhile, the US (and probably Britian too, but he isn't here at the moment), manufacturers are looking into getting into the munitions business. I suspect the Germans would be too, along with the Swiss, and the Swedes and maybe even the French and Belgians.

"I agree that we must prevent a breakthrough in the mountains, and if the mountain front becomes stable, it would be great to divert some troops to other fronts. I have requested reinforcements, but the King wants no less than seven divisions of troops at home and so will not let me call upon any more than three divisions of troops. These I will place wherever you may like.

I have some other news, however. Spain may enter the war on our side, and whatever extra troops they provide will be useful. We have not heard from Portugal, but we may be able to call upon their aid too. However, they do not have transport to Austria-Hungary and we would like the Austro-Hungarian navy to liase with the Italian one to help transport Spanish troops to Italy if they do join in. From Italy they will simply be shipped by train."

"I agree that we must prevent a breakthrough in the mountains, and if the mountain front becomes stable, it would be great to divert some troops to other fronts. I have requested reinforcements, but the King wants no less than seven divisions of troops at home and so will not let me call upon any more than three divisions of troops. These I will place wherever you may like.

I have some other news, however. Spain may enter the war on our side, and whatever extra troops they provide will be useful. We have not heard from Portugal, but we may be able to call upon their aid too. However, they do not have transport to Austria-Hungary and we would like the Austro-Hungarian navy to liase with the Italian one to help transport Spanish troops to Italy if they do join in. From Italy they will simply be shipped by train."

Krasnik gave a sympathetic smile. "I know how you feel. Emperor's rule kingdoms but they do not rule battlefields. It is excellent however, to here the possiblity of Spanish and Portugese troops joining us in the fight against the Russians. And while the Austro-Hungarian navy has not much to spare in the way of transports, you may have everything we can spare."

ooc: oh and galveston bay telegramed me and said he was going to be out of town for the next 30 hours or so. He asked me to spread the word.

OoC: With the weekend, I've a little more time. I'll try to post something serious tomorrow morning.
In the meantime, I cannot thank Galveston Bay enough for his work as War Moderator, without which I'd be lost (and indeed, only half present). And I thank my fellow players for their kind patience. If my work continues to absorb as much of my time as it has been this week, I'll retire as Russia in favor of someone who can be more active. I'll be getting a new schedule this weekend, though, and hopefully it won't be as punishing (over seventy hours--at least rent's paid next month).

Germany has watched more carefully, and as to not scare the French, has moved 4 divisions to Silesia. Rumors have it that after the Kaiser's "Teutonic Revelation" Germany is looking to push her borders to the Adige, Meuse, and Neman.

OOC: can italy rp their ships coming to pick up my troops...i will send 100,000 troops...

IC: General Jorge de Aragon was waiting in Valencia for the Italian transports which would take his troops to Italy and then Austria. He knew that the Russians had numbers in their favor but he hoped the Germans would help their brothers the Austrians in favor if land in Poland so that austria would not have a war on all borders.

Jorge revelled in his troops. Mostly veterans of the Spanish-American War and the Revelution of 1902 he knew that they were more than capable and that their new Italian Cei-Riggoti would put fire capability in their favor as well as the 500 pieces of artillery they were going to bring. His army was split up into four groups. Cei Group, Rifle Group, Cavalry Group, and Artillery Group. He had 45,000 men in the Cei group includeing 5,000 machine guns, 40,000 men in the Rifle Group includeing 2,500 machine guns, 10,000 men in Cavalry Group, and 5,000 men in Artillery Group with 500 pieces of artillery includeing Howitzers and a small amount of "Big Guns".

I, King of Denmark wish to stay out of this conflict for the time being. For at the moment we are pre-paring to invade Norway and wish not to violate anybody's country. We will though take hasy action if it seems that either the British or Germany comes under DIRECT attack. Those actions I assure you will not be gift-baskets.

Cairo, Egypt

The mercenaries milled about, some sleeping, some tending to their horse, but most just relaxing, enjoying the opportunity to stretch their legs. The train from Johannesburg had been comfortable, but the trip had been long. Africa was a big continent, and spending a week cooped up in a railcar was a less than ideal way to cross it.

Christiaan de Wet had been placed in charge of this unit, the First Kommando. His friend and former comrade-in-arms, Louis Botha, had remained in Transvaal, because the leadership of the Afrikaaner Broederbond, the cabal that ruled Transvaal and Orange State in all but name, had not wanted to risk losing him. So I guess I'm the expendable one, he thought.

He frowned when he saw the captain he'd sent to deliver the payment to the Ottoman government in exchange for being allowed to travel through the Ottoman Empire. The Turks had demanded hundreds of gold bars in exchange for passage, and had nearly depleted the First's funds. Bringing the gold up on the train through the wilds of Africa had not been fun either.

When the captain arrived, he asked, "I don't expect they wanted to negotiate?"

The captain shook his head, and spread his hands in a gesture of annoyance. "Maybe the Russians will be able to get some of it back for us."

De Wet laughed. "If they don't take it for themselves. Alright, let's get moving." Whistles blew and the mercenaries formed up, and boarded the train. Handlers got the horses aborad as well, and the soldiers began the next leg of their trip, this time headed to Bulgaria.

OOC: Basically, Russia hired a group of South African mercenaries to fight for the Serbs, and tie Austrian troops down on a second front. Since Serbia's an NPC nation, VP also offered me full command of that front. If no one objects to that, I'll start RPing as the mercenary-led Serbs shortly.

Cairo, Egypt
OOC: Basically, Russia hired a group of South African mercenaries to fight for the Serbs, and tie Austrian troops down on a second front. Since Serbia's an NPC nation, VP also offered me full command of that front. If no one objects to that, I'll start RPing as the mercenary-led Serbs shortly.

OoC: This is Confirmed in Full.
Incidentally, you will of course be compensated for travel expenses, as per our agreement.

What side is Albania considered on?

OOC: no idea,most likly on the side of Russia and co,do to the fact they would not want to become a outpost in the Austrian or Italian empires.

OoC: The opinions expressed by Grand Duke Vladimir in no way reflect those of the author.

Extraterritorial Military Conference at Lublin Castle, 5 September 1905

"If you think we cannot win this year than what makes you so certain of victory next year?" growled Vladimir Aleksandrovich. "The pressures this war is putting on us are too great. It is already an affront to God and to the pride of our dynasty that I am compelled to condescend to negotiate Home Rule"--he spat out the phrase bitterly--"with these rancid democrats in Little Russia, simply to avoid a rebellion. Avoid one! Time was when we would have welcomed it as a chance to show our strength! And we have sacrificed our ambitions in Korea and Manchuria for the sake of peace in the East with the Godless Chinks and the Gooks. And issued an Edict protecting damnable infidels, Jews, Mahometans, Schismatics, and every other kind of hell-bound Sodomite--what more, Sergei Yulyevich, what more would another year take from the Fatherland (1) for the sake of this war?"

"Think rather of the gains, Your Grace," countered the silver-haired Premier. "The destruction of Habsburg power, and the permanent realignment of Europe, into an order that can and will endure to the End of the World's Age. You know I am no friend of democracy, Your Grace, but it seems to me that some adminstrative latitude in Ukrayna means little so long as all Imperial subjects continue to acknowledge the supremacy of the Tsar-and with the successful conclusion of this war, the leadership of the Tsar will be recognized from Vladivostok to Trieste, and from the Amur to the Drava. The Little Father (2) can afford to let his children play with their Parliamentary toys, can he not?
"And as for the Edict of Toleration [OoC: This has been issued, but I haven't posted it yet], Your Grace, may I make so bold as to remind you that God reserves to Himself alone the right to Judge? That He does not pass it along to any of his servants, no matter how mighty? And surely it advances God's purpose of Holy Russia to have our Southern and Eastern Frontiers secure and the Straits of Constantinople open to us, does it not?
"This is God's work being done here, Your Grace. This is Mother Russia's destiny."

Vladimir quirked an eyebrow.

"You wrangle with the truth like a Rabbi, Count Witte."

It was not a compliment, but not precisely an insult, either, and Witte merely inclined his head in gracious subordination.

"I do not like the idea of waiting overlong, however. It seems to me that it will only give them more time to dig in their heels and strengthen their defenses." He looked sharply at the Commander-in-Chief of the Imperial Army. "You are certain of these--supply difficulties--are you, Kolya?"

Field Marshal Grand Duke Nikolai Nikolayevich Romanov shared his first and last names with his Imperial cousin and little else. Almost alone in the Romanov family, he had the most profound respect for Premier Witte as a politician and simply as a decent man who often walked in the company of wolves. More like his other cousin Mikhail, he was unbigoted, and sympathetic to constitutionalism, to nationalism, to liberality and to toleration. Also unusually for a Romanov, he was not a complete fool.

"There is no question, Uncle," he said brusquely. "We have only enough munitions for one more offensive. I am in contact with Prince Cantacuzino in Rumania, and he is alarmed by Austrian actions to the same extent as he has been pleased by recent Russian considerations . . ." the Field Marshal trailed off into a pause purposely, reminding his Uncle silently that the Premier's "Good Neighbor" policies and liberal concessions both internally and exernally were putting Russia in a stronger position relative to her rivals, rather than a weaker one.

The Regent scowled.

"And?" the elder man rumbled.

"He is willing to allow our forces passage. More than that, they will enter the war with a small number of troops on our side. Naturally, we have offered them Transylvania, but it's not as if we need more land."

"In the absence of your cousin I am the judge of what Holy Russia 'needs,' Nikolai Nikolayevich."

"My apologies, Your Grace. Of course you are right."

Vladimir chuckled. He turned to the Premier.

"You see what I must endure from my own family, Sergei Yulyevich? And you wonder why I am short-tempered with you!" He turned back to the Field Marshal.

"What is your plan?" he asked.

"Well, Your Grace, it is risky, but bold, and . . ."

OoC: Troop Dispositions

We are committing the remaining active forces in the South (now that the unrest is being settled), and supplying them with the last of our readily available munitions. We will be moving them through Rumania, picking up whatever further supplies might be available en route (after all, Krupps has a major arms factory going in Constanta, and it's not like the Romanovs are actually poor, yet). They'll then head up the Danube and either storm (preferably) or lay seige to Budapest, which unless I missed something (as, admittedly, I may have) didn't look particularly well-defended. In either case, this will, if successful, have the effect of cutting off Austrian and Italian units in the Carpathians for the Winter, while Russian units can continue to be supported from the Motherland.
Our forces in the North, meanwhile, will concentrate on digging in for the Winter and simply besieging any untaken Austrian positions (such as Lemberg and Krakow), while the cavalry will continue to raid and disrupt supply lines.
Civilian noncombatants (i.e., women and children) will be allowed to leave all combat zones after passing an inspection. Russian soldiers are instructed to be polite and respectful, and not to molest anyone. They'll ignore that at first, of course, but after the severe disciplinary actions which follow (you know, hangings, firing squads, and, for the lucky, floggings), their attitude will shift quite rapidly.
Slavic POWs and locals will be offered a chance for privileges by taking on noncritical jobs for the Russian army, such as digging ditches and carrying baggage. Many will be interviewed for their knowledge of the local terrain, but those who volunteer such information will not be entirely trusted. This will also be true of translators.
In the siege zones, the Russian soldiers sing for several hours every night in Winter.
Units further East, in the Caucasus, the Turkestans, and Siberia, are being drawn West to Ukraine and Poland, leaving only token forces to protect the Eastern and Southern frontiers, except where the Ottomans are at war with Persia, where respectable but still reduced forces remain stationed in case the conflict spills over.
Finally, I would like the Black Sea Squadron to move into the Mediterranean and, indeed, begin patrolling the Tyrrhenian and Ligurian Seas in order to sink the Spanish troops before they reach Italy. I have Turkish permission to pass through the Dardanelles, but it sounds like I may have fuel problems, so I'll leave it up to the War Moderator to determine if I can do that. I ought to be able to dock in Turkish ports, I would think--we are allies. This would probably be even riskier than assaulting Budapest, but I have to try.

Notes on the Russian Language
(1) Fatherland (Otechestvo), Motherland (Rodina), Mother Russia (Rodina Mat'), and Holy Russia (Svyataya Rossiya), are all patriotic terms for the Russian homeland, used with slightly differing connotations.
(2) "Little Father" (Batyushka) is an affectionate term for the Tsar that emphasizes his role as the people's protector.

OOC: I always thought that Germany was the Fatherland, Russia the Motherland, and the US the... homeland? Oh well.

Uber-secret IC, AKA The Kaiser's Office with the Tzar:

"Dear Nikki! I am honored that you have sat beside me while I have had my rest. My Chancellor has done somewhat well, but my son needs practace before he can take the Hohenzollern throne." He chuckled.

"However, my subordinates are not what we are discussing, per se. This war here, while being a nice profit, is making Germany very jealous. You see, my old Chancellor, that fool Bismark, while doing good in making Prussia strong with other Germans, failed to bring in Austria, a move which I as a boy was very angered. He feared we could not handle the liberals and fools down there. Now I believe we should show him wrong!"

"However, as I have learned, blundering into a situation is not always the best way. Finesse and diplomacy can sometimes work better than war, strange enough. Therefore, I can not throw Germany into a war with her allies so easily. I must find reasons. Until then, Germany wishes to assist Russia an as many ways as possible."

"First, I hear of a lack of supplies, which, being such a large empire, is understandable. I am grateful the Venezuelans cowered out, or it would have been a harsh time indeed! However, I must keep somewhat safe with the Hapsburgs. So, Germany is willing to let Russia use 3/4 of the German arms factories that are producing for this war, while letting our "allies" use the remaining fourth. Fair enough!" laughed the Kaiser.

"Second, I hear that the Russian navy is having a hard time supplying and destroying these foolish Spainards. They have quite the nerve to anger Germany, so I believe they should feel iron death. Therefore, I offer full use of the Syracuse facilities that Germany owns, while I shall move some my fleet to Constanta so I won't get hurt too bad."

"Lastly, I want you to realize that should the Austrians or Italians do or say anything too... unsettling, Germany will unleash its full might on them."

Bulgarian-Serbian border, three days after the 1st Kommando left Cairo:
General de Wet could see the border with Ottoman Bulgaria, if he strained his eyes. In the dark, he couldn't tell it was a border, but he knew it was there. The First Kommando was committed, now. Tomorrow, they would link up with Serbian troops and begin their guerrilla war against the Austrians.

De Wet frowned as he read the letter for what had to have been the tenth time that day. Delivered by a Serbian courier as soon as they'd crossed the border, it was an official notice from Belgrade that he was being placed in command of all Serbian forces along the front. He supposed he should be honored, but he didn't want to leave his men. Certainly, Colonel van Aartsen was a competent fighter, but de Wet felt that he was somehow betraying his men by not fighting with them.

Besides, sitting out the war giving orders from a bunker seemed downright cowardly, compared the way he and Jannie Smuts had led the kommandos three years ago against the British.

The First Kommando was roughly equivalent to a regiment in size, but being a guerrilla unit, didn't maintain the strict formations and unit delineations of more regular troops. Here in the rough, mountainous terrain of the Balkans, they should fare well against the more rigid Austrians. De Wet laughed to himself as he thought of Europeans and their prissy little armies, all lined up, begging to be shot.

Though he wasn't sure how well he'd be able to utilize mounted troops in these mountains, he felt he would be able to bleed the Austrians enough that they'd send more troops this way, soldiers who wouldn't be able to fight the Russians, and then the war would end quickly. He was a mercenary, paid to fight, but that didn't mean he enjoyed it.

He thought about the First as he lay down to sleep. Mostly Boers, though about ten percent he figured were Anglos and Indians. A scattering of blacks, too. He'd had to be very firm concerning racial prejudice in the First. Normally, he didn't give a rat's ass whether someone was a racist or not, but tension like that could hurt the unit as a whole, and he would not let his Kommando be weakened and destroyed like that.

Double Secret IC Response
"Ah Willi! All too well do I remember the insufferable old Bismarck and his endless maneuverings. He was a tiresome man, and without his weird placations of the corrupt and effete Habsburgs the Grossdeutscher Reich [OoC: Greater Germany, as opposed to Plattdeutscher Reich, or Lesser Germany] could have become a reality."

The Tsar sighed, and his eyes misted over.

"Your generosity is overwhelming me. I feel so terrible putting you in this position. I understand the Italians have been wretched 'friends' to you--that cocky jackanapes they have for a 'king' is beyond belief! I mean, the Italian Kingdom claiming Dalmatia and Istria on the basis of some long-gone Venetian administration is like the Republic of France claiming Muenchen on the basis of Charlemagne! It's ridiculous! And how"--Nikolai's speech caught with laughter--"how he actually tried to bully the Turk into giving him Constantinople because of the Roman Empire!" The Tsar collapsed in laughter, silencing himself finally by pressing his fist against his lips to hold them shut. Then he thought of something else, and sobered quickly.

"He'd be funnier, though, if his soldiers weren't spilling good Russian blood." Nikolai gazed moodily out the window, and continued. "No, the Italians must put be put in their place, it is clear. But the Austrians . . . Well, Franz Ferdinand is a character, too, isn't he? He talks like a liberal, he justifies his actions according to liberal ideas, but he governs like a Tartar khaghan. I mean, I do what I must, no more and no less. Fabricating that assassination attempt still baffles me. The fact is, I think he lives just to push Slavs around and seize the lands of peoples not strong enough to defend them without my help. Still, he's a German of sorts by some distant blood, and I can't-I can't say how much it touches me that you see through his lies.

"But as far as I'm concerned, you know, I feel closer to you than to anyone living in Russia, excepting only Alix and the girls. All this political and ethnic nonsense ends the moment it touches our friendship. But for this friendship you've shown me, Wilhelm," Nikolai touched his cousin's shoulder and looked him seriously in the eye, "For this friendship, I swear to you, Willi, even though it comes at the head of a lance-point, I will have Franz Ferdinand's abdication in your favor. I will make your dream alive."

ooc
waiting on a Rumanian response, but assume they are stalling a bit while the mull over the consequences and opportunities, which is a good RP reason for him not to answer yet, at least until he does.

IC
The Russian Southwestern Front began to assemble in Moldavia as train after train arrived. In 6 armies assembled, a total of 50 infantry and 12 cavalry divisions, along with all of their equipment and supplies. Until a decision was made, they waited on the Rumanian border, and meanwhile, fall ended and the winter rains began.

ooc
Further action on the Carpathian front later

As far as the South African Kommandos are concerned, I am going to assume they reached Greece on British flagged vessels, and then the Greek government allowed them to enter Serbia. In the scheme of things they are pretty small potatoes in a war involving dozens of divisions and hundreds of regiments, but they add color. However, the rugged mountains of Serbia may not have been an ideal place to deploy them.

IC
As the fighting on the Carpathian reached a short lull, and things elsewhere waited to develop, the Austrians launched a powerful offensive into Serbia. This time however the Serbs had advantages, and they fought very well, and very hard. October turned into November, and although the Austrians captured Belgrade, they failed to capture the Serbian government or destroy its army, and the fighting continued, with another 100,000 Austrian and 50,000 Serb casaulties. The South Africans arrive after Belgrade falls on November 23, 1905.

OOC
I will handle the Serb strategy, but the South Africans are free to have tactical successes and the player can send me suggestions. Historically, the Serbs did about as good as they could have (read up on them in 1914-16, and their epic retreat)

Russia, naval operations aren't really possible for you yet, you don't have bases in either the Med or Atlantic, and you have to coal your ships somewhere. Unless the Greeks join in with you, or the Turks decide to not only let you pass through the Dardenelles, but also allow you to use their bases in Crete or Rhodes or Smyrnia, you can't really threaten the Italian/Austrian fleet, which I assume will combine according to historical warplan at Taranto (southeast tip of Italy).

In the Atlantic, without colliers rented from someone (Germany or Britian most likely candidates here), and an anchorage (a lot harder), you can't operate much beyond entering the Baltic Sea.

Warships of this period have relatively poor range, a thousand kilometer radius of action is pretty much the best (usually British or American ships), but most others have shorter (750 -500 kilometer) radius of action

Umm, the Russians are fighting the Spanish?

ooc

Russia, naval operations aren't really possible for you yet, you don't have bases in either the Med or Atlantic, and you have to coal your ships somewhere. Unless the Greeks join in with you, or the Turks decide to not only let you pass through the Dardenelles, but also allow you to use their bases in Crete or Rhodes or Smyrnia, you can't really threaten the Italian/Austrian fleet, which I assume will combine according to historical warplan at Taranto (southeast tip of Italy).

In the Atlantic, without colliers rented from someone (Germany or Britian most likely candidates here), and an anchorage (a lot harder), you can't operate much beyond entering the Baltic Sea.

Warships of this period have relatively poor range, a thousand kilometer radius of action is pretty much the best (usually British or American ships), but most others have shorter (750 -500 kilometer) radius of action

Umm, the Russians are fighting the Spanish?

From Burgas to Syracuse is still too far, then? I'll ask Germany for colliers if it is. And the Baltic Fleet is just hanging out in the Baltic at the moment. I gave up trying to bring him around. And, yes, the Spanish are sending troops from Valencia to somewhere in Italy, in order to travel overland and fight for the Italians. Who knows why?
As for the Boers, I agreed to give him command on that front, but I'll defer to your judgment in this as elsewhere.
Oh. One other thing about the Boers, is they came by land through Ottoman territory to Macedonia.
And Rumania posted their agreement (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9437450&postcount=40) over in my thread, in response to my query (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9436602&postcount=11) in his.

ooc: if you read the valencia conference you would know why...hes my ally and he pleaded for my help...i will need his help soon enough anyway....im thinking headline: Revolution of 1907!

OOC: Macedonian troops are using Mosin Nagants and a few machine guns(whatever type the Turks gave us) I would guess that we could only muster about a division so early in our existance and with such a small population as of yet.

IC: Alexandre Veliki was greatly frustrated by the constant attacks on Slavic freedom, and this was the last straw. He wrote a letter to the Ministry of Defence

Of the greatest importance,
I, Alexandre Veliki have decided after many day and week of thinking, that we should help our friends the Serbians fight off the Austrian forces. The Slavic people have been pushed around too much, and this is the last straw! Invasion? On false grounds our freedom is being assaulted, and Macedonia would be next without a doubt. As such i am putting forth my authority to demand a divison of our troops be sent to help in Montenegro. May god watch over the Slavic people,
Alexander Veliki,
Prime Minister

ooc:

#$*%! Come on people! Give me a break! I take two countries, one of which was my colony already for god's sake and everyone from freakin' Macedonia to Russia's trying to kick the crap out of me. I never had any more plans expand after these yet (mostly because I knew that would bring Russia, if not the ottomans against me) everyone attacks me. If anyone wants peace I'm willing to negotiate. Even including the pulling out of Montenegro, though B-H is staying with me.

IC related note: There was an assasination attempt in Austria-Hungary and the attacker was Montenegrin by birth, however he was raised in Hungary and was hired by anti-ferdinand elements in the Hungarian parliment. Franz Ferdinand doesn't know this hence his invasion, in fact while some of his supportors knew it, they wanted the chance to expand the empire. Franz really isn't a bad guy, but he's rather....passionate about things.

OOC: Austria, one your attacking a slavic nation, just meaning you piss every slavic nation, so yeah. Everyone in their mother is after you, plus you have Italy as a ally just annoy the Germans who most likly will join the war against you. Have fun!

OOC: Austria, one your attacking a slavic nation, just meaning you piss every slavic nation, so yeah. Everyone in their mother is after you, plus you have Italy as a ally just annoy the Germans who most likly will join the war against you. Have fun!

ooc: alright, so I knew it would start a war with Russia I admit, but I didn't think it would spread so much. And I had no intentions of making this war with Russia anything but defensive. And I resent that allegation of me allying with Italy just to tick of Germany. While I have nothing against fluffywuffy as a player, I'd much rather have Germany with me, not only because it is more historically accurate but because Germany tends to kick the crap out of Europe though it has a rough track record with Russia. Though now that Germany is betraying its alliance....

ooc
please, lets keep as much as possible the OOC stuff to a minimum. Although I certainly understand why you feel picked on Austria Hungary.

IC
The fighting in the Carpathians and Serbia stalemated as winter set in. Both sides dug in, and casualties fell to a low 2% a day. This was still serious, but bearable as it no longer exceeded the replacement rate.

However, in Rumania, train after train carried in a new Russian Army, nearly 70 divisions now, while 24 Rumanian divisions assembled along the border of the disputed Transylvania region (well, Rumania thinks its disputed anyway).

Austrian intelligence quickly learned of the move, but was certain that the winter weather, poor terrain, and the huge size of the new threat would delay it actually moving until spring.

They were wrong. On Christmas Eve, the Russians and Rumanian crossed the border in overwhelming strength, quickly pushing aside the few troops Austria had in the area. However, the advance was slow, only a few miles a day, and sometimes only a few hundred yards, as the terrain and weather was indeed as bad as the Austrians thought. The lone Austrian army in the region, only 7 divisions strong, fought a clever delaying action as well, while all the while screaming for reinforcements.

OOC
Austria, you do have some reserves, it is just that most are currently beating up on the Serbs. Your generals want you to let the Serbs alone for a while, as they are no longer an offensive threat, and sends 30 divisions to deal with this new front.

Russian losses to date, all fronts 400,000
Rumanian losses to date 30,000
Serbian losses to date 120,000
Austrian losses to date, all fronts 400,000
Italian losses to date 40,000

The situation December 31, 1905
The Russians have taken Austrian Poland, except Lvov (fortress Lemberg, which continues to hold out)
The Coalition consists of Russian, Rumania, Serbia, Macedonia, Montenegro (now occuied), with active assistance from the Ottomans. Plus some mercenaries from South Africa. The Russians have brought their fleet forward from the Black Sea, and are now in position to move into the Eastern Med, Aegean Sea and Central Med.

The Austrians have taken all of Montenegro, plus about one third of Serbia. The League consists of Austria Hungary, Italy, and Spain at this point. Their combined fleet is based at the southern tip of Italy to deal with tthe Russian fleet.

so far, Greece and Bulgaria are neutral, as is the rest of Europe. Both Greece and Bulgaria however could go either way, or remain neutral.

Jan.1,1906

Ottoman Times

The Sultan has declare a state of Jihad against Italy and the Austrian Empires, the Sultan calls for the Muslims living in Libya to rise up in rebellion against the Italians in their lands. Also the call has been send to the Muslims of Bosnia to rise up in rebellion against Austrians. Also the Entire Ottoman Fleet has been order to join up with the Russian in attacks against the Italians and Austian Fleets. Also the Sultan has order that if the Spainish do send their forces to this war, we will declare Jihad on them and call upon our bothers in Morocco to rise up against Spainish holdings in the area.

(acting as War Moderator, and Morocco is NPC)
In Morocco, the call for Jihad was met with indifference. Now against the Germans maybe... Many still remembered the unprovoked German attack last year, and the humilation.

USA
The war in Europe was met with indifference by most Americans. Only the Polish population had a substantial stake, and they liked the Russians almost as little as they liked the Germans. Most Poles didn't view the Austrians as harshly as either the Germans or Russians, and felt sympathy for their brothers and sisters now under Russian rule. Many Poles dreamed of a free Poland again, but didn't see how that would happen.

The United States government announced its neutrality, and President Roosevelt sent instructions to his ambassadors in Vienna and Moscow offering his offices toward brokering a peace. Although he wasn't very optimistic.

To American eyes, it appeared that Imperialism was on the march. The Turks were moving on Persia and conquered Arabia; the Russians were driving into the Balkans after the Austrians had done so; the Germans were in Venezuela.

But it was far away, and most Americans didn't really care about Europe. They did care though about the Germans, and wondered what they would do.

OOC: I know you want to stop the OOC, but I want to explain it.

The Kaiser was an asshole. I'm sure the Tzar felt the same way in 1914 when Germany began to smash his army. However, even though you have played well, I might add, you picked a rather difficult country to play as.

Historically, the only reason Germany supported Austria hungary and didn't annex it, was to keep out the "Liberals and Radicals". Bismark was foolish in that aspect. Also, Austria held back Germany in a lot of ways. When Germany tried to ally with Britian, Britain said no, unless Germany ditched Austria. So I did so, and now I have Britian as an ally. Ruthless, yes. Effictive, yes. That's how the Prussians rolled.

I understand that you didn't ally with Italy to tick me off. That has nothing to do with it. If you have been watching, the Kaiser is turning verrrrry nationalistic and expansionistic, hence the verse in the Anthem. So I am trying to unite all the Germans under the banner of Hohenzollern, and then the world under Teutonic Culture, crappy world, eh?

Hell, if stuff gets too bad, I might just let you Austrians self govern, or perhaps you can pick a new country, if that is so. Or you could send out word. Looks like the Japs want to slay the Russians, and I wouldn't doubt you could get the French to help.

IC: Germany also offers to broker peace negotiations between its allies.

Colonel Frederick van Aarten was, like most Boer officers, a field officer rather than a desk man. General de Wet had left him in charge of the First Kommando while he was away with the Serbians. Van Aarten had moved his men into the mountains, leaving many of their horses behind at a town along the border. The Kommando preferred to fight on horseback, but were more than capable of killing on foot.

The mercenaries had been attached to the Serbian First Army's Cavarly Division, but given their informal fighting style, General Bojovic had allowed them to remain mostly an independent force. Several platoons of Serbs had been assigned to the First, mainly to act as guides and to translate with the civilians and whatnot.

The Kommando had begun fighting the Austrians along the boundary of occupied Serbia. The Boers could not effectively engage the entrenched Austrians, but through the use of snipers and lightning raids against Austrian patrols, van Aarten hoped to take a toll on enemy morale, if not their physical army.

Along the forested slope of a low mountain, van Aarten and his group of soldiers could see a group of Austrian soldiers on patrol. This area was relatively quiet, though he could hear the artillery of the Austrian and Serbian armies bashing each other over the head only a few miles away. He waved a signal to his men, and they spread out. Each soldier had been assigned a specific target for enemy patrols, so that with luck an entire group of enemies could be killed with a single volley. Van Aarten raised his Mauser rifle, and took aim for his target. A spotter moved back and forth amongst the group, checking to make sure everyone was ready. This attack would have only one chance to succeed. When everyone was had their target marked, the spotter told van Aarten, and the colonel nodded. The spotter raised his hand and brought it down sharply. A dozen rifles fired in unison down the hillside toward the Austrians.

Their location revealed to any survivors, the Boers abandoned their hiding place and moved down the other side of the ridge to their horses. They kept checking behind them to make sure the Austrians weren't following.

Upon reaching their horses, they mounted up and moved on to the next target.

The 1st Macedonian Expeditionary Corp, made up only of the 1st Macedonian Infantry Division, several support units, and a command section started to board their trains and make for the Serbian front. One of the few good things the Ottomans did for us was building the railroads here. General Romanov Raminsky thought as he directed his forces to board the trains.

The enemies of one slavic nation was considered the enemy of all Slavic nations, Alexandre Veliki had told the country as he had told them they were going to war. This would be the first war in Macedonia's history as a nation, and as such they would have to win it, not to do so would show Macedonia as a weak nation full of weak peoples. That would not do, not at all. So Romanov Raminsky decided he would prove himself and his nation on the field of battle against the Austrian pigs, on the soil of the Slavic people.

The trains were finally loaded up, and the 1st M.E.C. moved toward the Serbian border.

ooc: Not to be a pain in the ass, calling a Jihad would have your leader killed Ottoman. At this point, Muslims have not been attacked specifically, or otherwise targeted. A Jihad against an entire country can only be called if Muslims are being killed like the Crusades. At least thats what it means in this part of the century.

The Colombian Expeditionary fleet finally reached the Adriatic Sea. Immediatly the Four cruisers and four gunboats began shelling a very small portion of the montenegren coastline. (That red dot is the location being shelled (http://mars.walagata.com/view.php?file=map-19-04-p855.jpg))

Small boats will be sent out from the Four Troop-Transports to begin off-loading soldiers onto the beach, who will then move forward setting up a small perimeter 2km's into the area. Artillery will supplied by the Fleet for another month until the reinforcements arrive from Colombia.

Future plans for this small portion of Montenegro: Colombia's plans! (http://mars.walagata.com/view.php?file=map-19-04-p855.jpg)

This will be the only portion of Montenegro Colombia will be taking, and it is less then 2km's into Montenegro. (It will be about the size of Hamilton.)

ooc
Artisa, hopefully you realize that Montenegro is currently under Austrian control. I will have to say that the Colombians slipped by the League naval patrols (Italy/Austria) in the Straits of Taranto in the dark and winter rain in order to keep the story going, but they are going to know you are there now. Albania is neutral at the moment however, and isn't defended by anyone (except their own weak army and artillery). Probably the Montenegran port is weakly defended, as most Austrian troops are at the front, but it would have a brigade sized garrison of older reservists, with a little bit of coast artillery.

By the way, unless you declare war on someone, you aren't much more than pirates under international law at this point.

ooc: Not to be a pain in the ass, calling a Jihad would have your leader killed Ottoman. At this point, Muslims have not been attacked specifically, or otherwise targeted. A Jihad against an entire country can only be called if Muslims are being killed like the Crusades. At least thats what it means in this part of the century.
OOC: One, thats the 2000s verison of the Jihad my friend, one the Ottomans are the Khaifs meaning they call for a Jihad against anyone they are at war with. Beside during WW1 the Ottomans call for a Jihad against the British, even thought that didn't work out to plan. They still did it. not all Jihads have to be ones of defense, it can ones of attacking others. Beside the Ottomans have don't like the Austrian for taking Bosnia, a Muslim land and they still bitter about Italy in Libya, so what better use for calling for Jihad against them.

The Colombian Expeditionary fleet finally reached the Adriatic Sea. Immediatly the Four cruisers and four gunboats began shelling a very small portion of the montenegren coastline. (That red dot is the location being shelled (http://mars.walagata.com/view.php?file=map-19-04-p855.jpg))

Small boats will be sent out from the Four Troop-Transports to begin off-loading soldiers onto the beach, who will then move forward setting up a small perimeter 2km's into the area. Artillery will supplied by the Fleet for another month until the reinforcements arrive from Colombia.

Future plans for this small portion of Montenegro: Colombia's plans! (http://mars.walagata.com/view.php?file=map-19-04-p855.jpg)

This will be the only portion of Montenegro Colombia will be taking, and it is less then 2km's into Montenegro. (It will be about the size of Hamilton.)
The links don't seem to be working. So why exactly are you invading? And on whose side?

I can live with a Turkish Jihad, he is absolutely right about its effectiveness as well. Colombia, your links aren't working, so we still aren't clear what you are up to.

ooc: if italy and kordo do not post about picking up my troops tonight i will not participate...tonight meaning by the time i sign off...so around 10:30-11:30 PM EST

IC: Italy begins moving its fleet to Spain to transfer Spanish troops to the front. In addition, 300,000 newly-trained troops are put in Austria-Hungary. 100,000 are to be sent to Serbia to help beat the Serbs down, while the rest reinforce the existing Italian units in Austria-Hungary. Another 300,000 troops are being called up.

Also, a heavier watch has been placed over Syracuse.
OOC: Crappy post, have little time.

SECRET IC
To: Italian Naval Command
From: Spanish Ground Command

You will not have to set course for Valencia but only to the Baeleric Isles as the troops have been moved since last we spoke. We hope this will allow faster transportation to the front.

Secret IC:

Yes, this sounds good, we will start shipping the troops over as soon as possible. We recommend you send the troops to aid Austria-Hungary on the Russian front.

SIC
To: I.N.C.
From: S.G.C.

We agree to this. General Jorge de Aragon awaits your ships.

While your communications have been secret, the movement of the Italian was expected. The Coalition Fleet will attempt to intercept and engage the Italians on their return journey between Spain and Italy. If necessary, and it probably will be, we'll stop in Syracuse for refuelling (unless there's a more congenial neutral or Muslim port nearby), but only at night, under German naval colors.

ooc:where were your ships originally? also i moved my men to the baeleric isles which is between spain and corsica actually closer to corsica so it will take but 3 days to get my troops and then maybe 3 to get back to italy so you would have to go pretty damn fast...

http://mars.walagata.com/w/artitsa/958506.GIF
http://mars.walagata.com/w/artitsa/map-19-04-p855.jpg

There are the pictures. I was still under the impression that Montenegro was still being fought over. Well, maybe I should move further south.

ic:

Colombia has announced that it has sent a Expeditionary Force to observe combat in the Adriatic Sea. Should any vessel fire upon the Colombians, it will be deemed an act of war.

ooc: Let us assume that I haven't landed yet then. I was intending on talking to Austria tonight but missed the opertunity.

Germany, witnessing the boldness of Colombian ships, has stated that should the Colombians become hostile towards any nation in that area, who are all allies or friends, that it will be deemed an act of piracy and will be dealt with accordingly.

President Sewell groaned at the Germans lack of Political gambit.

"We should not need to remind Germany of the definition of Piracy, nor should we need to remind Germany that we are neither impressing sailors into our navy, attacking or impeding shiping, or even raiding a port. Such claims are quite unfounded and insulting. We certainly hope that our new german neighbors in Venezuala will not be so rude next time."

They forget that we allow them to live in South America, mused Sewell.

ooc
ok, here is how the shipment of troops from Spain to Italy went. This takes into account delays that weren't the Spanish players fault, and real life issues. This thread also takes into account the incredibly confused political situation around Sicily at the moment, as you will see.

The Spanish Army took a month to load (finishing in November), they sailed direct from Valencia via the Balaerics to the port of Naples (eastern Italy), escorted by the Spanish Navy, and some Italian cruisers.

Meanwhile, the combined Italian/Austrian battlefleet sortied and patrolled the waters between Italy and Tunisia with a line of cruisers, and the battleships behind them, along with destroyers and what few submarines are available. The weather is unpleasant mostly.

It took about 2 weeks (first 2 weeks of December) to transfer the Spanish Army (2 infantry corps and a cavalry corps).

Meanwhile, the Russians and Turks move from Constantinople to Suda Bay (Crete) in early December, and coal, and then attempt to find the enemy convoys in late December. Meanwhile, the Germans are steaming in the area.

Neither the Russians or Turks are terribly well trained, and Admiral Markarov, the commander, is unsatisfied so that by the time Cape Matapan is reached (southern tip of Greece), he orders both fleets to return to base, but takes the opportunity to probe forward with his protected cruisers, who find the Germans. Shots are fired by both sides, before both sides realize who the other is and both sides break off, with some light damage to a pair of protected cruisers on each side. This occurs on Christmas Day. Neither side is sure if they are at war with the other, and wireless isn't available (its simply not common yet). Meanwhile, an Italian submarine spots what it is sure is a Russian cruiser and torpedoes it.

Regretably, (this was a random roll, could have been Colombian, Italian, Austrian, German, Russian or Turkish), it turns out to be a German protected cruiser (I will let the German player pick his ship) which goes down with heavy loss of life 89 miles south southeast of Syracuse. Meanwhile, the Russians lose a protected cruiser (pick a name) to a mine near Sicily as well.

At that point, the Russian commodore orders a retirement after picking up survivors, as he is down to 3 cruisers. The German commander, outraged, returns to port after picking up his survivors, and learns (by reading a newspaper) of the great Italian victory over the enemy cruiser. Meanwhile, the Italian Navy is initially convinced it has won a victory, until somebody notices the Germans have one fewer cruisers than they are supposed to.

In addition, the military garrison commander of Sicily, convinced that the Germans are impugning Italian soveriegnity, and are not being very good allies, moves a couple of divisions of reservists near Syracuse.

In short, the Spanish reach Italy and begin moving by train via the Italian boot up to Trieste, and from there are sent to reinforce the hardpressed Austrians in Transylvania (a good match, as the hilly terrain matches home, although its wetter and woodier). They arrive on New Years Eve.

Italian parliament demands the Germans either join in the war against the Russians or leave Italy at once. (this reflects public opinion, the Italian player can do what he wants... for now). When word is received that the Germans plan to send troops to Turkey to help the Turks, it isn't clear what they are going to Turkey for. This inflames opinion in Austria Hungary and Italy and Spain.

Meanwhile, Macedonian troops reach the Serbian front and take up positions along side the exhausted Serbs, who are able to finally rotate some troops to the rear to rest. Serbian and Afrikaaner raids in the rear are an inconvience.

(more on the Colombians as soon as I figure out what they are up to, and where they refueled)

Greece opens up some isolated anchorages to the Russians, but doesn't make it known (Russians coal from colliers in small numbers, mainly destroyers, they don't have submarines yet or they would use them too)

Albania remains stubbornly neutral at the moment, having no reason to fight yet. Bulgaria is also still neutral, although it allows commercial and civilian rail traffic from Rumania to enter Turkey and vice versa. (unless told different, I will assume this).


A quick note, the Spanish went to Naples because its simply safer, and quicker, than steaming into the possibility of battle with troopships while trying to steam within range of Coalition naval forces. Please check maps, in naval movement, remember that its a big sea (the Med), finding the enemy isn't easy when you are stuck with visual spotting, railroads are quicker even then ships, and your Generals and Admirals will do what is prudent unless directly ordered not too and sometimes they will then too.

The Kaiser awoke in his bed, glanced around to see what date it was, the first and took a paper with his tea. Then the Kaiser screamed like a small girl who had recieved a new dress.

Assistants and guards, numbering nearly 3 dozen ran in, and all were rather embarrest at the sight of their Kaiser in pijamas. He was holding the Berline Times with the headline:

German Crusier Torpedoed, 89 Dead, Italians Claim Blame

"Mein freunds, Germany is going to War!"

Within the hour, messages are sent to the eastern Divisions to begin mobilization near Tyrolia, and a statement is sent to the Austrians demanding use of Tyrolia, a statement for full mobilization a statement to the garrisons in Syracuse to begin high alert, a statement to France, Britain, and the US that this is personal revenge, and requests that they stay neutral, a message to the Tzar and the Khaif cheerfully informing them of Germany's enterance into the war, a message to Venezuela that things will be going slower, a message to China and Vietnam that they will have delayed shipments, and lastly, a declaration of war is sent to the Reichstag, which is passed unanimously.

ooc
The Germans move damned fast between Christmas and New Years.. I will assume this all occurs on the last day of 1905 (for my sanity)

OOC: Also, a message is sent to ask for forgiveness about the exchange of fire.

The Colombian government now offers up an explanation:

"The Colombian Navy is here to ensure that Albania remains neutral. That is all."

Several hours later, the German messenger office, being rather tired send a somewhat sloppy forgiveness for harsh German words.

Man, my Navy sucks.
An apology is delivered to the Germans regarding the exchange of fire between cruisers, as carefully distinguished from the Italian actions, for which we express sympathy.
Admiral Makarov, meanwhile, will be replaced in command by Admiral Alekseyev. This is probably a terrible mistake, but thoroughly in-character. And Makarov did fail miserably in his objective.
The Colombians are ordered out of the War Zone. If they remain, Russia will treat them as pirates.
Since I'm being supplied by Germany, I'll resume heavy shelling in the Carpathians and at Lvov (I will not call it Lemberg) as soon as I can, though I'm not planning on moving forward just yet.
That's Russia's plan for January (this morning). We'll see what happens in February (this evening).

The Romanian army has fully mobillised under the command of General Alexandru Averescu and is ready to coordinate with Russian Forces.

(Ooc: I assume that my force's size is as follows:
20,000 members of the standing army (10,000 members were lent to the Russians)
According to:http://www.photius.com/countries/romania/national_security/romania_national_security_the_romanian_army_in~10731.html Romania was able to mobillise about 500,000 troops in 1913 so I will use a slightly less number:
450,000 members of the mobillised Army
all using German equipment.)

OoC: BTW can the smaller ships of the navy sail on the Danube?

First, yes, the Bulgarians, Rumanians and Austrians all have Danube Flotillas, which consist of heavily armored and armed monitors and gunboats.

Second, the Germans don't get away as quick as that, see next post.

Third, War news today as I have time to game it out.

His Imperial and Apostolic Royal Majesty Franz Ferdinand offered his condolences today to the families of the German ships that was sunk. He called it “the greatest naval tragedy of our times” and urged the Italians to apologize while asking the German army to stand down. He also announced that he would not let German troops into the borders of Austria-Hungary unless they were “assisting Austro-Hungarian forces in the Eastern European War.”

What Kaiser Franz Ferdinand....

ooc: The rest of the article is located here. (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9447828&postcount=32) I suggest you check it out.

Edit: I'm Austria-Hungary by the way. The reason I refered to him as Kaiser is because that is German (one of the two official languages in AH) for emperor.

The King of Denamrk formally wishes that the Khaifer of Ottoman stops declaring a state of Jihad on everything that moves. Please.
Also Denmark wishes it's independence and nutrality be kept as the way it is.

The King wakes up reads the new morning newspaper and reads about the kaiser's decision.... The aides look at each other..... The king stands up and asks, "Where is my outfit!" "We need damage control!".
So urgent messages are sent to the Reichstag to keep out of the war. Also if Germany does feel the need that Denamrk will happily accept taking some of the load for the weapons being sent to veitnam. ;)

Battle of Cape Passero January 7, 1906
Under orders, the Germans attempt to evacuate their base in Sicily. News of the decleration of war hits, and the Italian Army immediately begins placing heavy pressure on the 3 division German garrision and the various naval support personnel, some 80,000 total. Although the initial Italian attacks are beaten off, they slow the evacuation. Meanwhile, the Italians, outraged by the perceived German betrayel, sortie their fleet.

The Germans are still loading transports when the Italians reach the area with 15 battleships, 15 destroyers and 20 torpedo boats. Facing them are 3 German battleships and 6 protected cruisers. Clearly hopeless, the German commander realizes he has to try anyway, and he orders the 20 various merchant and transport ships to run with what they have loaded (about 30,000 men) escorted by 2 other protected cruisers and 4 destroyers.

While the German transport force flees, the German cruisers and battleships sortie to slow down the Italian fleet. A three hour long range battle that morning is the first real test of the modern battleship and the biggest battle since the Napoleonic Wars.

An avalanche of shells batter all three German battleships heavily, and a desperate German torpedo attack by the cruisers results in 4 of them being blasted in wreckage or sinking outright. But one manages to score a hit, and the Italian battleship Vittorio Emmanuel, is left adrift after a torpedo hit floods her. Desperate efforts will later save her.

Meanwhile, the Italian Destroyers and Torpedo boats launch their own attacks under the cover of shellfire and sink the German battleships Wittelssbach and Wettin, and leave the Zubrigen adrift and a helpless wreck. She later surrenders to avoid further casualties.

The last 2 surviving cruisers escape, but they soon run into the Italian pursuit force. While the heavies had been battling it out, the Italians had brought up 4 armored cruisers, 4 protected cruisers and 20 destroyers. The outnumbered German escorts never had a chance. Both German cruisers are sunk by gunfire, while the destroyers are blasted apart by torpedoes and shells. They manage to sink 2 Italian destroyers before going down, but the helpless transports are forced to surrender to save the lives of their passengers.

The last 2 German cruisers, having escaped the death of the heavies, are both found by a pair of destroyer squadrons as they run southeast attempting to avoid the newest disaster. Both are quickly sunk, but not before taking with them 7 Italian destroyers.

In the end, the Italian victory is complete. The entire German Mediterranean Squadron is destroyed, and 89,000 prisoners are taken after the garrison and transports surrender.

Italy has a great victory to crow about.

The declaration of war against Italy catches the German General Staff flat footed. Although plans exist to fight Italy, it had always been assumed that France would be the main enemy, with the possibility of fighting the Russians. Nearly 2 weeks are required to sort out the logistical and administrative confusion, but in the end, the Germans move 40 divisions organized into 3 armies into Bavaria. 2 Armies, the 1st and 2nd are aimed at Prague, in case the Austrians decide to fight, while another, the 3rd, is preparing to move into Tyrol.

When the 3rd does move into Tyrol, it soon finds that the Austrian border guards are refusing to let them in, and a request for orders is sent back up the chain of command.

Meanwhile, Tirpitz is outraged that an entire squadron of the navy was lost for no good purpose, and insists that the entire Navy rendevous in the Azores, including the South American squadron, so that the combined fleet can enter into the Med and pay back the Italians. He is almost shouting at the Kaiser when he demands this, and insists on getting his way or he will resign.

Meanwhile, in the Carpathians the Russians push forward gingerly, and in Transylvania, the Russians and Rumanians grind forward determinedly. The rough terrain, poor weather and Austrian, Spanish and Italian entrenchments prevent signficiant progress however, and all that results is a staggering butchers bill, with nearly 200,000 Russians killed, wounded, missing or captured between New Years and Valentines Day, and the front moves forward only a few hundred meters along the Carpathian Front, and a bit more, a few kilometers, in Transylvania. Rumanian casualties were also heavy, nearly 100,000 killed, wounded or missing.

Of course these bleeds the League troops heavily as well, with nearly 100,000 Austrian, 50,000 Italian and 50,000 Spanish troops killed, wounded or missing, but the line holds.

Its just as well, as now the Italians and Austrians have to hurriedly scrape together an army to defend the Tyrol, and another to defend the Sudentland. However, the German threat does do one thing. Realizing the the Hapsburgs are far preferable to the Hohenzollerans, the Czechs begin to flock to the recruiting stations and problems with slow downs suddenly cease and things begin to move very efficiently indeed.

The Germans and Russians had finally managed to do what the Hapsburgs hadn't, give a unity of purpose to the disparate threads of the Hapsburg Empire.

Notice to allies
By order of the Sultan and Ottoman General Staff, the 1st thought 4th army cores will be send to Romania in support of her allies. The total numbers of troops is about 100,000 troops veterans form the Conquest of Arabia and Persia. We are asking that Bulgarian government to allow us to move thought their lands in order for us to reach the front.

That's funny (but I ain't laughing), Vas Pokhoronim and I did not make plans for a direct assult on the carpathians, instead he told me he was going to cut them off or this is what he told me (in a NS telegram):
"I'll take my remaining immediately-available forces up the Danube, through the Iron Gate, and either storm or lay siege to Budapest itself. This will cut off Austrian and Italian units in the Carpathians for the Winter.
This plan will work best if your Romanians, once mobilized, can keep the Danube open after that, in order to support my armies in Hungary. "

Oh and BTW ,since the Czechs are helping the Dual Monarchy, couldn't Romanians in Transelvania form armed groups and harass the enemy?

OOC: Meh :mad:

The Italians won't crow long, when they see the Huns decending on their cities! Germany will not stop until Rome is Ashes!

Umm, can I roleplay an escape, unless the Schweinenhundtz slaughter all my men?

IC: The German General Staff has begun to annoy the Kaiser, insisting that the French should be dealt with first. Schleiffen is immediately sacked and a new Chief is named, who has a rather good plan. Paul von Hindenburg, a rather imposing man with no charisma, had seen action in Venezuela, and his plans there impressed everyone (no matter that they did not fruitition.)

His plan was a three-pronged attack on the League. The First and Second Armies would attack Prague, then the First would move further south to Vienna, effectively cutting the head of the Austrians, followed by movement to the sea. The Second would head to Tyrol and pincer the Austrians there. With Russian movement in the east and Serbian problems in the South, Austria-Hungary would collapse under pressure, both internal and external.

The Third Army would push forward as much as possible, until resistance became a problem, then they would hold until the Second Army arrived and push over the Alps.

The German Navy would rendevous at the Azores. Following that, the Navy would then search for the Italian and Spanish Navies and destroy them. Then, Italy would be blockaded, and several transport ships would head to the Austrian coast. There they would pick up the Third Army and invade Venice, alongside the other two armies.

That's funny (but I ain't laughing), Vas Pokhoronim and I did not make plans for a direct assult on the carpathians, instead he told me he was going to cut them off or this is what he told me (in a NS telegram):
"I'll take my remaining immediately-available forces up the Danube, through the Iron Gate, and either storm or lay siege to Budapest itself. This will cut off Austrian and Italian units in the Carpathians for the Winter.
This plan will work best if your Romanians, once mobilized, can keep the Danube open after that, in order to support my armies in Hungary. "

Oh and BTW ,since the Czechs are helping the Dual Monarchy, couldn't Romanians in Transelvania form armed groups and harass the enemy?

information was based on a telegram, so thats what I went with. Either way, things are locked in attrition at the moment, because its winter, the front is rough terrain everywhere, and tactics can't cope with machine guns and artillery of the day

Oh and BTW ,since the Czechs are helping the Dual Monarchy, couldn't Romanians in Transelvania form armed groups and harass the enemy?

the short answer is I don't see why they wouldn't

Parthini'] Umm, can I roleplay an escape, unless the Schweinenhundtz slaughter all my men? .

absolutely, I assume the Italians take all of the Germans back to Sicily and place them in POW pens there, but they could send some to Italy proper as well.

OOC:What's the stand on my troops are they going thought Bulgaria or what?

OOC:What's the stand on my troops are they going thought Bulgaria or what?

Bulgaria has responded and remains neutral. Under international law, you cannot send troops through Bulgaria. However, there is no reason they can't go by steamer to Greece or Rumania, and then by rail to the front.

OOC:Alright

IC:
Do to the fact that Bulgaria is neutral in this war, the Ottoman Government has order for every steamer that they could get their hands on to tranport the troops to Rumania, it will take the Ottomans by late Jan to early Feb to have at least 60,000 troops to the front and by early march have all 100,000 troops to the front.

In relation to these two posts:
http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9448237&postcount=117
http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9448307&postcount=118

Kaiser Franz Ferdinand grew increasingly angry as the train got closer to the port. He knew that as one of the few times he had been out of Vienna in the last…well since the war began, he should have been enjoying it more. But one of his admiral’s, a goddamn one-star admiral refused his orders. As the train pulled into the station, Franz strolled out of his train car and hurried to the waiting car, ignoring the honorary band and press members. He slammed his fist into the seat next to him. The damned fools didn’t see it. Austria-Hungary was going to be defeated once Germany joined the war on the Russian’s side. Were he not so certain, Franz certainly would have not turned to such desperate measures.

Strolling in the ports naval office and past the guards and not waiting for his own to catch up, he headed to the conference room where he asked the admiral and the captains under his command to meet him. Flinging open the ornate doors, he walked in, not waiting for the men to rise. Turning to the admiral he immediately began to speak.

“Admiral! Would you care to tell me why you disobeyed a direct order?” Franz asked, his body almost shaking from anger.

The admiral, shocked by not only the Kaiser’s rapid entrance, but by the Kaiser’s fury and directness began to stutter out his well-rehearsed reply. “I-I regret to inform you sir that I cannot in good faith accept that order. This is nothing more than cowardice and you most realize the folly in showing this weakness. Therefore I-“

The admiral was cut short by a fit of laughter from the Kaiser. “You ‘cannot in good faith accept that order?’ Admiral, I do not ask for faith nor do I want it, what I want is obedience!” Franz screamed. “You realize this is a time of war don’t you?! You get those ships to sea admiral! Now!”

The admiral took a few steps back, losing all attempts to remain calm. “I can’t! You and you fatalism will destroy Austria-Hungary! I will not-” Suddenly, without warning, Franz pulled out the pistol he had brought with him and pointed it at the admiral’s chest.

“I will say it again; this is a time of war! You are directly disobeying an order that would help save this nation. Therefore you are aiding and abetting the enemy, an act of treason, for which there is only one punishment: death. Goodbye admiral, you should have accepted my warning.” Flicking off the safety, Franz fired twice into the admiral’s chest, fling him backwards and killing him.

Turning to the next highest ranked officer in the room he simply stated. “Congratulations captain, you are now in command of this operation. Do you have any objections to my orders?”

The captain looked up from his superior’s bleeding body and gulped. “N-No sir. N-None at all.”

“Very well admiral, set sail as soon as possible. I also have an addition to my original orders. Once the moving of the troops is complete, you orders to patrol the Russian coast, attacking, seizing and destroying all Russian ships or their allies so long as you see fit or until you receive other orders other wise. That is all.”

Kaiser Franz Ferdinand strolled out of the building and entered his car, his guards trying to keep up. “Take me back to the train station Hans, my business is complete here.”

------------------------------

To: Kaiser Wilhelm
From: His Imperial and Apostolic Royal Majesty Franz Ferdinand

I will reiterate my position, because apparently you do not understand even plain spoken german anymore. German troops, attacking my nation or its allies will not be allowed into Austria-Hungary. Any attempts to forcibly enter Austria-Hungary will be met with the full fury of the Austro-Hungarian armed forces and they will be defeated.

ooc: As you can tell, Franz isn't taking this to well. Most of the civilian goverment has fled, taking much of the nations gold and silver reserves with them. Franz has become sure that he will lose, but is determined to fight on till the bitter end, while making sure that his allies in the governmet make it out safely. He also has become obsessed with the idea that if Austria-Hungary fights hard enough,they will earn their enemies respect and eventually allowed some measure of independence. Did I mention he's nuts?

OOC: Nice. Good thing the Serb shot him in RL!

To: Franz Ferdinand of the Remains of the Austro-Hungarian Empire
From: Wilhelm II King of All the Germans

Germany has spoken. Austria will suffer under the might of German steel. It did not need to end this way. However, you have chosen the path of pain and now, it is my duty to unite All of the Germans, because they should be led by a great man, not a foolish one.

Colombia offers any Austrian amnisty within Colombia. If they can make their way to the Colombian fleet in the Adriatic Sea, we will gladly transport them.

In February, the French suddenly mobilize, prompting Schleiffen, now forceably retired, to basically say "I told you so". The Austrian General Staff and Admirality, more confident now that their Emporer means to keep fighting, relaxes a bit. Now if they could just figure out a way to possibly win this war. France might be the key they decide.

The Italian navy, flush with success, decides to launch a sweep into the waters around Crete to engage and destroy the Russian fleet, and incidently disrupt Turkish and Russian shipping in the Aegean. The sweep is set to begin in March (waiting on player approval, this is a political decision). Meanwhile, the Russians decide that they too want a naval engagement, and relegate the Turkish fleet to guard shipping, while they carry out offensive operations around the entrance of the Adriatic, and to interdict traffic between Italy and Libya. The stage is set for an another great battle at sea. (in other words tomorrow)

The Germans launch a masssive offensive into the mountains and hills of the Sudenland, and find what the Russians could have already told them. Rugged terrain in winter is no place for an offensive, no matter how good the attacking troops. Progress is slow, casualties heavy, but nevertheless, the Germans place a lot of pressure on the Austrians. Another 200,000 Austrians are lost in action (killed, wounded or missing) but German losses are heavy as well, nearly 250,000 men (killed, wounded or missing) and both the 1st and 2nd Armies are fought out by the end of February.

In the Tyrol, even less progress is made, as a hurriedly put together Italian and Austrian and Spanish army manages to hold the vital passes in spite of heavy losses. Another 100,000 League soldiers fall, but so does 200,000 German soldiers, and the 3rd Army is badly mauled.

By the end of the month of February, the armies come to a halt, more from exhaustion and losses than the will of the Generals. Stalemate, at least for now.

ooc
let me consider wha the French declaration of war means before continuing... expect a post a bit later, probably this evening, maybe sooner.

I need to know whether the German fleet still tries to enter the Med, if so, then a big naval battle will occur soon.

I also need to know if the Austrian navy is still trying to go to Korea (via Suez I assume) and Nicaruaga (via Gibralter)... both sorties run the real risk of interception by the Russians in the East Med, and the Germans in the Atlantic.

Wow, a Great War and so far the English speaking countries have managed to stay out of it.... how long will that last I wonder?

ok, figured it out
based on the following information
http://home.comcast.net/~markconrad/FR1914.html#ARMIES
http://home.comcast.net/~markconrad/FR1914.html#COLONIAL

and for the Germans
http://www.tulipacademy.org/gew/ddhob/

The French attack into Alsace Lorraine with the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Armies, nearly 19 Corps (38 infantry divisions, 19 cavalry divisions and brigades), and are met by the German defending 4th, 5th and 6th Armies (12 corps, 24 infantry divisions, 12 cavalry brigades). The French, having had time to digest the lessons so far in the war, advance cautiously to contact and then gradually push the Germans back a couple of Kilometers a day. With only the 7th Army available as a reserve, the Germans hold off in counterattacking initially, determined to let the defense work for them for a change.

With the French entering the war on February 12, and the advance not beginning until a couple of days later, the situation is still fluid at the end of February.

Meanwhile, the French 5th Army is sent by rail to Italy and from there Tyrol, where they join alongside the tattered League forces holding there.

In Africa, the French begin preparing to deal with German colonies.

General Jorge de Aragon entered his HQ and sat at a desk. He was brought a letter from King Alfonso XIII which stated...

General Jorge de Aragon,
I wish to inform you that I will be sending more troops to help you in your war against the overreactive Empires of Germany and Russia. Another 150,000 men includeing 20,000 cavalry, 75,000 Cei and Rifle men, 25,000 Machine Gunners, and 30,000 extra logistics. Please inform the Italians and Austrians of the urgency of moveing these troops.

May God Favor You,
El Rey de Espana, Alfonso XIII


General de Aragon quickly had an encrypted letter sent to the Italians and Austrians to inform them of this developement...

Realizing that continuing raids against Austrian lines in Serbia was really no more than a nuisance, Christiaan de Wet gathered his officers together to go over a new plan.

"It's time we started earning our pay. We need to hit the Austrians hard enough to get their attention, so that they waste troops and time trying to get at us in this mountain backwater when instead they'd be better off sending those same troops against the Germans. Frederick, I want you to lead a kommando about sixty strong into Austrian-held territory, and raid some supply depots, rail stations and the like."

Van Aarten nodded, and began mentally going over the men he'd select to go with him. De Wet continued.

"I'll take a detachment of men down to Montenegro to kill a few there. May take some Serbs with me, in case I need translators." None of the Boers spoke any Slavic language, and none of the Serbs spoke Dutch. Luckily, enough of each group knew enough German to make themselves understood.

Several other things were discussed, and the officers left to go to their respective units several hours later.

***

The next morning, Colonel van Aarten rode in silence with his sixty kommandos through the hilly forests, heading north and slightly west, toward the Austrian-held parts of Serbia. The men were quiet not out of fear or worry, but because the mission required silence. Such a large group was not easy to hide, even split into smaller parts and spread out. According to the Serbs, they were passing through a gap in the Austrian line, but van Aarten did not like to depend on anyone but a Boer. Who knew if the enemy was ten miles away, or ten feet around the next bend?

Near the middle of the group were several pack mules, which carried dynamite and extra supplies in addition to the food and ammunition each mercenary carried with him. According to van Aarten's map, the first target was a rail station several miles north, which they should reach by tomorrow night, assuming they didn't have to go too far out of their way to avoid enemy troops.

To the south, General de Wet's detachment was traveling along a road toward Montenegro, to harass the Austrians there. The plan was essentially the same as van Aarten's group, blow up some railroad tracks or something and then kill whoever showed up to fix it and disappear into the wilderness. A strategy similar to that had been used to great effect during the Boer War, until British brutality against civilians had forced the Boers to surrender.

In this war, the South Africans had no civilians to worry about. They owed Serbia no loyalty that wasn't bought and paid for. Paid for by the Tsar of Russia.

OOC: Ok. Objection!

The British player has not been around, for various reasons. I would like to point out that I doubt the British would sit back and watch as her ally gets attacked. France and Britian were no friends at this time, and the only reason they allied, was to fight Germany. So there!

IC: Yes I do still plan to invade the Med. Basically, stay put in France, and wait until the spring to offence. I'm gonna be at a friends house so expect limited involvement from me.

ooc
I am still pondering how to handle that.. but since he isn't here, I will give him another day or so. A reasonable reason for British delay at this point would be divisions in the government over intervention. The British preferred their splendid isolation. Some would now be looking at the Russian/German alliance with concern, others the French/Austrian alliance. So for now lets keep him neutral til the player returns. Formal alliance or not, the truth is that Germany responded to an accidental attack by Italy far beyond what was strictly necessary, at least in the eyes of most British voters. It then attacked in strength both Italy and Austria, and got beaten up in the Med (which some British would view as comeuppance), and then France, which had an alliance with Spain and Italy, declared war.

Watching the whole of Europe get dragged into war without much result yet is another reason as well. The British will profit more by staying out than in at this point and all factions in Britian can see that. Especially if there is no clear cut winner and dominant power in Europe.

The dark night was cold. Men shivered as the waves lapped against their transport. Far below a smaller craft was being lowered into the water. A huge gun was packed up in the center, four men accompanying it. Another boat full of soldiers was waiting for its departure, the Albanian coast in clear sight.

Almost an hour later they had reached the beach, it was almost pitch black. About 6 men began setting up the gun, a 120mm howitzer further up a ridge, where the ground was far more stable. It pointed towards the Colombian fleet. Two men set up a battery operated communications lamp (Like you see on the ships, it flickers on and off.) The other twelve soldiers set up a respectable perimeter, hiding in brush.

Once the lamp was in place, the perimeter shifted. The twelve soldiers now extended into a spaced line, like telephone polls. The last man, furthest from the beach held binoculars, and was accompanied by a rifleman. It was dark, but the dim lights of the port down below his ridge illuminated the area. He removed a large map, which displayed the area. Peering through his binoculars, the Colombian marked off military locations, batteries, artillery positions, buildings that looked like a barracks, etc. The Colombian fleet sat and waited for any sign of the lamp. They could provide artillery support pretty quickly if it was needed.

Suddenly the lamp flashed to life;
BEGINNING EVACUATION. SHORESIDE SHELLING TO COMMENCE IN 2 MINUTES... MARK.

The men piled into their boat, save for the gun crew, who now pointed the Howitzer towards the Colombian fleet. The pulled back the slide and loaded their gun. It was meant to burn phospherecent, with no actual explosive within. The next two shells were the same, making sure the gun was purposely missing any actual Colombian ships. The following shells did however, have explosive warheads, sending massive plumes of water into the air. Photographs were taken, albiet poor, but they still captured the moment perfectly; "Albania opens fire on neutral Colombian Vessels".

Notice to governments of the world

The Ottoman Empire here by enacts a protectorate over Albania, meaning any attacks on Albania will result in war with the Ottoman Empire. We will defend Albania from being conquer by any nation of the world.

ooc: lolz, sucks for Ottoman Empire then. You should probably talk to Germany.

However, the German threat does do one thing. Realizing the the Hapsburgs are far preferable to the Hohenzollerans, the Czechs begin to flock to the recruiting stations and problems with slow downs suddenly cease and things begin to move very efficiently indeed.

The Germans and Russians had finally managed to do what the Hapsburgs hadn't, give a unity of purpose to the disparate threads of the Hapsburg Empire.
No, no, this is terrible. I have been telling the Czechs all along that they will be independent. I just conceded autonomy to the Ukraine to show how serious I am about that.
If the Czechs don't take that seriously, Witte will be forced to resign, and the promises made to Ukraine will be revoked, and--no. This can't happen.

Word of the Albanian attack has slowly trickled back to Colombia, and outraged the government. Colombia is currently considering war, less Albania ceeds land in reperations for damage done. (Roughly 2.8km of Coastline, 2km deep)

Things began to look up. With the victory at Syracuse, the Italian navy decided it was time for offensive operations. With all of Europe at war, Italy sends an encrypted note to France, Austria-Hungary, and Spain. The jist of the note is that the joint navies of the League be placed under joint control, with a major offensive operation against the Russian and Ottoman navies planned. As a precaution, the Austrian navy will protect the lines of shipping between Libya and Italy, while much of the Italian navy and a good portion of the French navy loiters around Crete. Spain will contribute to the securing of the lines of shipping. That is the plan that is being communicated, at least.

Meanwhile, Italian salvage crews are searching around Syracuse, hoping to refloat and repair the German ships and use them in the Italian navy. Not much success is anticipated, though it is still being attempted.

On land, Italy has rushed an additional 100,000 men to the front with Germany. Still more troops are being trained, though, and a colonial militia in Libya has been raised, mainly for political considerations.

ooc: fluffy can you read my post on page 6? im sending 150,000 troops but will need your escort and once the troops are transported the ships can be used for this "joint naval command"

ooc
as the British aren't around at the moment, I will handle a couple of things for them

IC
The British Empire, neutral at the moment, concentrates its Mediterranean Fleet to guard the Suez, forms another fleet of cruisers and destroyers to watch Gibralter, and still another fleet of cruisers and destroyers to guard Malta. Several stations are also ended. The North American and Caribbean stations are ended, and those ships either scrapped (the old) or called home. The East Asia, India, Australian and South Atlantic stations are reorganized, and now consist entirely of cruisers and a few gunboats. Dozens of gunboats are scrapped, and the crews reassigned to bring the rest of the fleet up to strength (historical Jackie Fisher reforms, and he is Sea Lord at the moment). The building schedule is also accelerated (also historical) and the battleships are concentratred in either the Med (at Suez) or in Home Waters.

The British Empire also asserts the right of its merchantmen, and that of its Dominions and Colonies, to steam safely in International Waters. In other news, Lloyds of London raises the insurance rates on Belligerent shipping substantially.

Meanwhile, the US government declares that it will patrol the Caribbean and its East Coast to ensure its neutrality is protected, and that the Monroe Doctrine remains in effect. US shipping in international waters will also be respected.

The US government also announces that it expects German military forces to withdraw from Venezuela by December 31, 1908, and free elections to be held in that nation and a return of its soveriegnity by that time as well.

That's funny (but I ain't laughing), Vas Pokhoronim and I did not make plans for a direct assult on the carpathians, instead he told me he was going to cut them off or this is what he told me (in a NS telegram):
"I'll take my remaining immediately-available forces up the Danube, through the Iron Gate, and either storm or lay siege to Budapest itself. This will cut off Austrian and Italian units in the Carpathians for the Winter.
This plan will work best if your Romanians, once mobilized, can keep the Danube open after that, in order to support my armies in Hungary. "

Oh and BTW ,since the Czechs are helping the Dual Monarchy, couldn't Romanians in Transelvania form armed groups and harass the enemy?
And, incidentally, this was my plan. As I communicated it to the War Mod. I just assumed that the weather and other contingencies of war diverted our forces into Transylvania.
I'm still having a panic attack over the Czechs, though. How can they not be convinced by the Ukraine thing?

And, incidentally, this was my plan. As I communicated it to the War Mod. I just assumed that the weather and other contingencies of war diverted our forces into Transylvania.
I'm still having a panic attack over the Czechs, though. How can they not be convinced by the Ukraine thing?

my mistake, consider it a hazard of war.. oh well.. seriously though, just sitting there the attrition is pretty bad at this point, but I will adjust the post. Nevertheless, the attack in Transylvania bogged down and would have anyway.

Two regiments of the 2nd Infantry Division are being sent to the Serbian front to help the Macedonian Expeditionary Corp, they are equiped with imported and home built Mosin-Nagant M1891 rifles, and Model 1895 Nagant Revolvers. The under strength unit will be reinforced once the rest of the division is trained later this year, and also four batteries of 75mm field guns will be coming with the rest of the division when they are finished training later this year.

Also ammo will be a little more abundent as Macedonia has begun producing it's own ammunition for it's weapons. These are already being sent to the 1st Inf. Division. The 2nd Infantry Divisions commander is newly promoted General Milos Petrovic

OOC: I was wondering if the German superiority of tactics will come into play should trench warfare come into the norm and once the season change? As they were the first to put their emplacements on the opposite sides of hills, first to use flamethrowers(that i know of), and had the great "stosstruppen" units, which were very good at destroying trench emplacements, or other fortifications.

OOC: I was wondering if the German superiority of tactics will come into play should trench warfare come into the norm and once the season change? As they were the first to put their emplacements on the opposite sides of hills, first to use flamethrowers(that i know of), and had the great "stosstruppen" units, which were very good at destroying trench emplacements, or other fortifications.

Now that would spoil the surprise wouldn't it?? (chuckle).. yes, when spring comes things will get interesting

OOC: They better :p

GB, Chatzy?

IC: After viewing designs for Count von Zeppelin's idea for an airship, and noticing the extreme use of balloonsm the German Army agrees to hire the ex-soldier. Immediately his funds are multiplied and engineers are working for him full time.

Alright. Okay. I'll accept it. The Czechs.
<Deep Breath>
The Tsar will leave Berlin to tour the front in the company of his cousin the Field Marshal.
Meanwhile, the Russian forces in the North dig in for the Winter, but they are given a new ensign to fly over their camps and trenches: the Flaga Slowien, the Pan-Slavic tri-color (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Flaga_Slowian.jpg). Already throughout the Winter they have been singing, but now, as they face Czechs in numbers, they are given a new anthem. They struggle with the unfamiliar language, but it runs:

Hej, Slováci, ešte naša
slovenská reč žije,
Dokiaľ naše verné srdce
za náš národ bije.

Žije, žije, duch slovenský,
bude žiť na veky,
Hrom a peklo, márne vaše
proti nám sú vzteky!

Jazyka dar sveril nám Boh,
Boh náš hromovládny,
Nesmie nám ho teda vyrvať
na tom svete žiadny;

I nechže je koľko ľudí,
toľko čertov v svete;
Boh je s nami: kto proti nám,
toho parom zmetie.

I nechže sa aj nad nami
hrozná búra vznesie,
Skala puká, dub sa láme
a zem nech sa trasie;

My stojíme stále pevne,
ako múry hradné
Čierna zem pohltí toho,
kto odstúpi zradne!

And sometimes they sing in Russian:

Hey, Slavs, it still lives,
The word of our grandfathers
While for the people the hearts beat
Of their sons

Long live, the spirit Slavic
You will live for ages
Futile is the Hell's abyss
Futile the fire of thunder

Even if now above us
Bura shatters everything
Let stones break, let oak shatter
Let earth quake

We stand steadily
Like river gorges
Damned be the traitor
Of his homeland!

This is, of course, the Pan-Slavic Anthem, written by a Slovak priest in 1834.
Word is disseminated through the countryside regarding the Ukrainian elections and Home Rule, while the following announcement is made by the Field Marshal Grand Duke Nikolai in occupied Bohemia:

Proclamation of the Commander in Chief of the Russian Imperial Army

"Czechs, I have entered your Nation with the Russian Imperial Army of the West, and offer you an opportunity to free yourselves from the tyranny of a despotic ruler. We come not as conquerors or as despoilers, but to restore to you the liberties of which you have been deprived by a cruel and relentless foe. We come to guarantee to all the sanctity of their homes and altars, to punish with a rod of iron the despoilers of your peace, and to avenge the cowardly insults to your women. With all non-combatants the past shall be forgotten. I shall enforce a rigid discipline and shall protect all in their persons and property. The strong hands and the nerved arms which have kept at bay from our own homes the boastful army of the enemy are here, to assist, to sustain, to liberate you. Will you remain indifferent to our call, or will you not rather vindicate the fair fame of your once free and envied Nation?

"Czechs, we have come with joyous hopes. Let us not depart in sorrow, as we shall if we find you wedded in your choice to your present lot. If you prefer Habsburg rule, show it by your frowns and we shall return whence we came. If you choose rather to come within the folds of our brotherhood, then cheer us with your smiles and lend your willing hands to secure you in your heritage of liberty."

Grand Duke Nikolai Nikolayevich Romanov
Field Marshal and Commander in Chief of the Russian Imperial Army

Copies of this will be distributed to Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, and Bosnia.

The 2nd Battle of Trafalgar

On March 3, the German fleet was steaming toward Gibraltar and preparing to enter the Mediterranean Sea. Led by the brand new battleship Deutchland with Admiral Tirpitz himself in command, the German fleet consisted of 11 of Germany’s newest battleships, 5 armored cruisers, 11 protected cruisers, 10 colliers, 10 transports and 4 dispatch boats.

It was a calm, clear night, just after dawn, the pink rays of the sun just setting down in the west, and Admiral Tirpitz was musing over the battle fought 100 years before at this very position.

Meanwhile, a French fleet was steaming in the night as well. A captive balloon aboard the cruiser Victor Hugo had spotted the Germans just before dusk, and now the French were steaming out of Cadiz to meet the enemy. Much like their ancestors had a century ago. The French fleet, led by the battleship Suffren and commanded by Admiral De Lapeyrere, consisted of 9 battleships, 11 armored cruisers, 7 protected cruisers, and 10 destroyers. Unlike the Germans, it knew its enemy was out there.

The German fleet consisted of three groups. A picket line of 8 protected cruisers was several miles in front, and covered an area nearly 24 miles across. Behind them was the battleline, steaming line abreast. A couple of miles behind them was the convoy, with the colliers and transports, escorted by 5 armored and 3 protected cruisers.

The French fleet was also in three groups. A scouting line of 11 armored cruisers had tightened up and was circling around the flank of the German fleet, preparing to come up on its rear. Another group of 7 protected cruisers was preparing to engage the German scouting line, and behind that was the battleline of 9 battleships, along with the 10 destroyers.

Action began at 2000 hours, when the lead German cruiser Bremen spotted and was spotted by the French protected cruiser force. Within minutes, 7 French and 6 German cruisers were exchanging fire, while the 2 German cruisers on either flank hurried to engage the enemy and find out what was in front of the fleet. In a vicious close range torpedo and gunfire duel, the poor flood protection of the protected cruisers proved to be a fatal disadvantage. Torpedoes and shells quickly sent the German cruisers Bremen, Hamburg, Berlin, and Munchen and the French cruisers Pothuau and Surcouf to the bottom. Out of torpedoes, the French broke off, having completed their mission.

Meanwhile, both battle lines charges toward the enemy, and they literally blundered into one another in the darkness before moon rise. A point blank slugging match broke erupted at 2100 hours, and a flurry of heavy and medium caliber rounds pounded ships as they fought at nearly point blank range, a mere 2,000 yards. 6 French and 7 German battleships are hit in the exchange, with varying degrees of damage, but it does illuminate the German ships and allow the French destroyers to launch their torpedo attacks, and the brand new battleship Scheliswig Holstein is blown apart by a several torpedo hits, going down with no survivors.

As this was going on, the German convoy swung about to the north to avoid the fight, and therefore placed itself on a direct course for the approaching French armored cruisers, who were trying to approach the German battleships from the rear. Once again a swirling melee broke out in the dark, and gunfire and torpedoes lit up the night. French torpedoes and shells sink the German armored cruiser Furst Bismark, a collier and 4 transports (carrying nearly 10,000 troops), and also damage all four of the other German armored cruisers, while the Germans manage to damage 6 of the French armored cruisers and save the remainder of the convoy from destruction.

With most of his fleet damaged, the French admiral decides to retire, happy with his victory. Tirpitz, badly wounded, orders the fleet to retire home before passing out, and the German fleet limps away due north for Belfast after picking up most of the few surviving soldiers. There, the British allow them to coal before returning back to Germany.

Final German losses: 1 battleship, 1 armored cruiser, 4 protected cruisers, 5 other ships, 17,000 men plus 7 battleships, 4 armored cruisers, 4 protected cruisers requiring repairs
Final French losses: 2 protected cruisers sunk, 3,000 killed, 7 battleships, 6 armored cruisers, 3 protected cruisers requiring repairs.

Neither fleet will be ready for action until June

ooc
how this was decided. Both German and French players gave orders that resulted in this, fleets were organized based on doctrine and common sense to maximize the advantages both had. Random rolls determined weather, and visibility, and the French luck in getting both complete tactical and operational surprise. Bad luck for the Germans resulted in the convoy being found before the battleline by the cruisers. Good luck by the Germans (good shooting) resulted in the French fleet being to battered to pursue. Good shooting by the French resulted in the battering of the German fleet.

Night actions in the modern age of gunfire warships are nasty, brutal and short.

The French army has purchased several small areoplanes for experimental use as obeservation and recon craft.

OOC: Wow...That was good. Glad I got lucky! You're very good at this Galveston!

His majesty king Carol I departs to visit the troops on the front to boost morale along with crown prince Ferdinand upon the recomendation of Premier Cantacuzino who is managing the Logistics.
----------------------
Meanwhile in Transelvania:

Many men were gathered in the wilderness (for the towns, villages and vast parts of the countryside were constantly watched by the enemy) biding their time stockpilling whatever weapons they could lay hands on, they were waiting for the right moment to begin earning their Liberty. When they heard of the defeat of the offensive their brothers had attempted many were disheartened. But in truth it had an ironic silver lining, for the enemy ,confident that no further offensives will belaunched by the Russo-Romanian, force redeploy a substantial part of their troops to aid in the defence of the Sudets and Tyrol, at this they begin to wreck havoc upon the enemy, commanded by bandit and ex-bandit leaders, mercenary captins and local town watch leaders and armed with whatever weapons they could find (some dating back to the mid 19th century) but with a full knowledge of the country, as a regular force they were the most pitiful unreliable troops ever seen but as rebels they were determined to be a large thorn in the enemy's side by using the tactics of the old (but relatively new to modern warfare) bandit tactic of unconvential warfare while also terrorising the Magyar community in the area.
-----------------------------------
In Besserabia:
A combined group of farmers, laborers, fishermen, bandits, mercennaries(hired by those well-off patriots), some notable athletic young nobles and a former officer or two form a voluntary force and volunteers to join the fight.

Battle of Cape Matapan

The Italians are conducting a sweep, looking for Coalition convoys south of Greece when they run into a scouting line of Russian torpedo boats operating out of southern Greece. Determined to eliminate that base, as Greece is letting its neutrality be violated in contravention of international law, they instead find the Russian battle fleet which is on its way to look for the Italian fleet.

The Russian Fleet, with 9 battleships, 5 armored cruisers, 10 destroyers and 20 torpedo boats is steaming west, while the Italian fleet, with 9 battleships, 5 armored cruisers and 12 destroyers is steaming east. It is early morning, 0800 hours, March 19, 1906, and the visibility is excellent when the battle begins at long range. The two fleets have relatively equal speed, as both are moving at the speed of their slowest ships, and both open fire at 18,000 yards, gradually closing the range. The Italians score better, hitting 8 of the Russian battleships while only suffering hits on 5 of theirs, but the Russian Admiral has orders to destroy the enemy, and he continues to close the range. Soon the cruisers are in range as well, and a hurricane of medium and large caliber shells engulfs the two fleets as they close to 12,000 yards. After about an hour, 2 Russian battleships and an armored cruiser have dropped out of line, while 3 Italian battleships and an armored cruiser also drop out. Severely damaged, they are unable to continue and begin limping away toward their bases.

Now, with a slight edge, the Russian Admiral orders his torpedo boats and destroyers to attack, while the Italians do the same. The small ships meet between the battle lines and fight a desperate battle of their own, at literal knife range for ships their size. Here the Russians have an edge in numbers, and 7 Italian destroyers and a Russian destroyer and 3 torpedo boats are destroyed or sunk, with the remaining Italian destroyers forced to limp away, along with a Russian destroyer and 9 torpedo boats. But the sacrifice of the Italian destroyers prevents a Russian torpedo attack, and the cost is considered worth it.

Meanwhile, the battleships that remain continue to hammer away, and more hits are scored. Although the Russian ships are hit many times, including a hit that kills the Russian fleet commander, this time they inflict more damage than they take, and the Italian battleships Emanuele Filberto and Andrea Doria both roll over and sink, taking many with them.

His fleet severely damaged, even though his flagship has managed to escape untouched, the Italian commander orders his ships to withdraw, with a heavy heart. The Russian fleet, not in much better shape, also retires, as the senior surviving officer, a Commodore, feels enough has been done for one day.

However, the Italians do draw one last bit of blood. A submarine manages to get a shot at the limping and crippled battleship Ioann Zlatoust, (formerly of the US Navy) and sinks her with a spread of torpedoes. The ship goes down with only a handful of survivors.

Final Italian losses: 1 BB2, 1 BB3, 7 destroyers sunk, 8,000 men killed, 3 battleships damaged, 3 battleships severely damaged, 2 armored cruisers damaged, 1 armored cruiser severely damaged, 5 destroyers damaged
Final Russian losses: 1 BB2, 1 destroyer, 4 torpedo boats sunk, 7,000 men killed, 5 battleships damaged, 3 battleships severely damaged, 1 armored cruiser severely damaged, 1 destroyer damaged, 8 torpedo boats damaged.

Damaged ships can rejoin the fleet in June, severely damaged ships out of action until September

ooc
as before, weather, spotting and surprise determined by random roll. Perfect conditions resulted and no one got surprise. Both fleets relatively evenly matched, and it came down to dice rolling and who got luckier. In this case, the Russians did, although the edge in small ships was important as well. Both fleets essentially beat the hell out of each other.

(Upon hearing of an upcoming combined Russian-Turkish naval venture Romania offers the assistance of its Navy on guarding Naval shiping (I know: What Navy?! well a couple of more gunboats and an outdated destroyer won't hurt)*

Or ,as an alternative proposal, shipping can be diverted to pass primailly through the black sea through turkey into Basrah or Aqaba, making the defence of shiping as easy as defending the golden horn, and the british wouldn't be too happy if an enemy fleet was crossing the Suez to attack shiping in its area of influence.

OoC:BTW aren't the British allies of Germany?

*Oops came a bit late...

Things began to look up. With the victory at Syracuse, the Italian navy decided it was time for offensive operations. With all of Europe at war, Italy sends an encrypted note to France, Austria-Hungary, and Spain. The jist of the note is that the joint navies of the League be placed under joint control, with a major offensive operation against the Russian and Ottoman navies planned. As a precaution, the Austrian navy will protect the lines of shipping between Libya and Italy, while much of the Italian navy and a good portion of the French navy loiters around Crete. Spain will contribute to the securing of the lines of shipping. That is the plan that is being communicated, at least.

Meanwhile, Italian salvage crews are searching around Syracuse, hoping to refloat and repair the German ships and use them in the Italian navy. Not much success is anticipated, though it is still being attempted.

On land, Italy has rushed an additional 100,000 men to the front with Germany. Still more troops are being trained, though, and a colonial militia in Libya has been raised, mainly for political considerations.


Sounds good. My ships are under repair at the moment, though I believe the Med. Fleet is prepared fot combat.

In March and April, the French and Germans fight fiercely on the Western Front. The French are driving hard on Metz, the traditional key to Lorraine, and in hard grinding fighting push their way into the city after 7 weeks. But at a frightful cost, with 300,000 French and 100,000 German casualties and both the French 1st and German 5th Armies are burned out. Meanwhile, the French 3rd Army pushes on Strasborg on the Rhine, and manage to push aside the relatively weak German defenses in spite of the rugged Vosges, and reach the city at the end of April as well. In all, the French have suffered nearly 500,000 casualties since the war began, including nearly 120,000 dead, while the Germans have lost 300,000 men on the Western Front, including 80,000 dead and 20,000 prisoners.

Meanwhile, a lull develops in the Carpathians, Transylvania, the Tyrol and Serbia, as both sides are now critically short of artillery ammunition and lack the wherewithall to launch new offensives at this time.

While most of the Worlds attention is focused on Europe, especially the Press, the US Navy has quietly expanded to 15 battleships, 4 light cruisers, 8 protected cruisers, 20 destroyers and 15 submarines in the Atlantic, 1 Battleship, 8 cruisers, 10 destroyers and 5 submarines in the Pacifc.

The Regular Army now has 14 divisions, with another 22 divisions in reserve and a very sizeable coast defense artillery branch, with strong fortifications guarding Chesapeake Bay, Boston, New York City, San Francisco, Puget Sound, Oahu, Manila Bay, Panama and Puerto Rico and significant smaller defenses at Galveston, New Orleans, Mobile Bay, Charleston, Portsmouth (NH), Los Angeles and San Diego.

In addition, 4 dreadnought battleships, 4 dreadnought battlecruisers, 2 armored cruisers, 6 light cruisers, and 20 destroyers are under construction and will reach the fleet within the next 3 years, and all of these ships will use oil for fuel and have turbine engines.

Roosevelt is very pleased with himself, and even more pleased with the Germans and the other Europeans. The German occupation of Venezuela set things in motion in Congress, and the war in Europe and possibility of German victory really got Congress to release the purse strings.

With much of Europe locked in war Australian diplomats have begun aproaching nations currently at war with trade offers. Rifles, machine guns, bullets, shells and most importantly tons upon tons of food were ready to be sold to the highest bidder. It was made known that Australia was willing to sell to anyone and that Australian ships would take care of shipping to ensure delivery.

:mp5: Ferns is a little nuty and acts like Darth Vader minus choking power which is a new approach to military discipline.

The German army, after recieving heavy blows from the French, begin to pull back to the Rhineland and Baden-Wurttemburg, in hopes of restablishing defensive positions into friendlier territory.

In Austria-Hungary and Tyrolia, the armies are told to continue their held stance and to be weary of any counterattacks.

Meanwhile, the Navy limps back and is scattered to protect German ports. About 1/2 of the fleet heads to Germany, while another 1/4 goes to Venezuela. The rest of the fleet remains in the Azores and Madiera to keep the French and Spanish from attacking. The places are also heavily fortified in case of invasion.

At home ports, all pre-Dreadnought and protected cruiser construction is scrapped and changed to Dreadnought and Armored cruisers. However, only about 75% of the amount of Dreadnoughts is being made, with the rest of the cost being put into Armored Cruisers and Destroyers.

The 2nd Battle of Trafalgar

On March 3, the German fleet was steaming toward Gibraltar and preparing to enter the Mediterranean Sea. Led by the brand new battleship Deutchland with Admiral Tirpitz himself in command, the German fleet consisted of 11 of Germany’s newest battleships, 5 armored cruisers, 11 protected cruisers, 10 colliers, 10 transports and 4 dispatch boats.

Final German losses: 1 battleship, 1 armored cruiser, 4 protected cruisers, 5 other ships, 17,000 men plus 7 battleships, 4 armored cruisers, 4 protected cruisers requiring repairs
Final French losses: 2 protected cruisers sunk, 3,000 killed, 7 battleships, 6 armored cruisers, 3 protected cruisers requiring repairs.

Neither fleet will be ready for action until June

ooc
ok based on that Germany, you probably don't want to do that, as only 3 battleships and 6 protected cruisers out of this force are actually ready for action. The rest need fairly comphrensive repairs and you don't have repair yards in Venezuela yet.

This was your pre war fleetGermany
12 BB1, 12 BB2, 25 CA, 24 CP1, 12 CP2, 7 Torprons, 14 Patrons, 2 Subron
http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9369433&postcount=55

you have lost 4 BB1 sunk, and have 8 BB1 remaining (7 damaged), you have 12 BB2 however. You have 25 CA, now have 24 (4 need repairs), you had 24 protected cruisers, lost 10 sunk, 4 need repairs, 10 are available. Destroyers and torpedo boats don't have the range to make it straight across the Atlantic, but can stage via England/Azores/Venezuela. Submarines are coastal ships and can't make it all, and the patrons are gunboats (you have about 70) and are mostly in colonial territories and are helpless against a torpedo boat or anything bigger.

So please telegram me what you are sending where ... so prying eyes don't see :), as for losses, and remaining strength, League Naval Intelligence and for that matter, British and US naval intelligence would have figured it out.

In Secret
Ottoman General Staff had began ploting for a attack on Italian Libya. The General Staff had agree that 100,000 troops will be need for this attack. But the key problem was the British Protectorate of Ottoman Egypt, they had to ask for permission of the British to send their troops thought British held lands.

In Secret
To: British Government
From:Ottoman General Staff

Dear Sir, We must ask that you allow us access to your rail network in Egypt. It is very important for our forces to go thought Egypt in order to get the Italians. Please tell us as soon you can. If you money to allow us to do this, we are willing to pay the cost.

IC public
The Ottomans forces had finally came to Romania, they were 100,000 troops strong. They were sent the front to battle the Austrians.(OOC:Galveston Bay, you can handle how my troops fight in this front.)

ooc
Meanwhile, Macedonian troops reach the Serbian front and take up positions along side the exhausted Serbs, who are able to finally rotate some troops to the rear to rest. Serbian and Afrikaaner raids in the rear are an inconvience.

Greece opens up some isolated anchorages to the Russians, but doesn't make it known (Russians coal from colliers in small numbers, mainly destroyers, they don't have submarines yet or they would use them too)

Albania remains stubbornly neutral at the moment, having no reason to fight yet. Bulgaria is also still neutral, although it allows commercial and civilian rail traffic from Rumania to enter Turkey and vice versa. (unless told different, I will assume this).
.

The assumption is correct on that...

March 27, 1906 - Eastern Palace, Sofia

From: HRH Crown Princess Catherine of Bulgaria (King Ferdinand's daughter)
To: The Governments of Romania, Serbia, Macedonia, Greece, Imperial Russia, Imperial Germany, United States, United Kingdom, Ottoman Empire, et al.

The Kingdom of Bulgaria must declare war on only Austria-Hungary at this hour and time. We are drafting people to fight a war which may prove to be a disaster for us if we are foolish and half-hearted. We may not have the necessary forces on the ground to wage a war on our own, but we could still try to liberate Serbia and Macedonia from Austria...

With much of Europe locked in war Australian diplomats have begun aproaching nations currently at war with trade offers. Rifles, machine guns, bullets, shells and most importantly tons upon tons of food were ready to be sold to the highest bidder. It was made known that Australia was willing to sell to anyone and that Australian ships would take care of shipping to ensure delivery.
We'll pay premium, in gold, for an exclusive Coalition contract (And those poor Lithuanians in the Siberian gold mines will just have to work harder . . . a lot harder).
March 27, 1906 - Eastern Palace, Sofia

From: HRH Crown Princess Catherine of Bulgaria (King Ferdinand's daughter)
To: The Governments of Romania, Serbia, Macedonia, Greece, Imperial Russia, Imperial Germany, United States, United Kingdom, Ottoman Empire, et al.

The Kingdom of Bulgaria must declare war on only Austria-Hungary at this hour and time. We are drafting people to fight a war which may prove to be a disaster for us if we are foolish and half-hearted. We may not have the necessary forces on the ground to wage a war on our own, but we could still try to liberate Serbia and Macedonia from Austria...
Russia is pleased that her Slavic cousins have elected to support Sankt-Peterburg's efforts to secure the freedom of all our peoples. It is clear, however, that Sofia has little stomach for conflict. It is no matter, for the Sovereign Emperor will make no demands upon Bulgaria beyond her abilities to meet them.
Indeed, we should think it best if Bulgaria's strength were bent to the support of our noble cause chiefly through her people's industry, rather than by their blood. There is much the Coalition needs for this Divine work to succeed.

OOC:VP please get online on MSN, we need to talk.

To:Crown Princess Catherine of Bulgaria

From: Prime Minister Jacques Capet

You have declared war on one of the League and are hence at war with the rest of the League. We will not pursue war with you if you withdraw your declearation at once.

IC
USA
The United States government sends formal diplomatic notice to the nations involved in the Great War in Europe that the Monroe Doctrine and Pan American Treaty are in effect, and that the nations of the Western Hemisphere stand ready to defend their neutrality, by force if necessary.

ooc
although some of the South American nations didn't sign

IC
The nations of the Western Hemisphere also call on Germany to withdraw its military forces from Venezuela, as France and Germany are at war, and France is a signatory nation of the Pan American Treaty, while Germany has violated the Monroe Doctrine and has no rights in the Western Hemisphere.

The entry of Bulgaria into the war on the Coalition side had an immediate useful effect. Troop and munitions trains now could freely enter Turkey via Bulgaria, Rumania, Russia and Germany. The Coalition now also had a land route to Serbia and Macedonia. Where the terrain was less rugged, although the war was just as deadlocked. Only Greece, of all the Balkan states, remained neutral, and it was allowing its neutrality to be trampled by Russian warships on a routine basis and it winked at troop and munitions trains and convoys passing through its waters.

But otherwise, the war in the Balkans remained deadlocked, as it did along the mountain line stretching across Eastern and Central Europe. Neither side had enough artillery ammunition to launch a major offensive, and without heavy artillery support, infantry attacks against field fortifications and ridgelines were eleborate suicide rituals. The war was deadlocked.

Only in the Palatine did some movement remain. The Germans were pulling back, and the French 4th and 2nd Armies advanced cautiously behind them, while their 3rd Army waited in reserve and the battered 1st Army was replenishing its depleted ranks.

Greece, after careful consideration sends word to its ship owners to get their merchant fleet to neutral ports or home, and on April 23, enters the war on the Coalition side and manages to prevent the loss of dozens of merchant ships. It also adds its small navy to the fray, but more importantly, its capable (although ill equipped) army, much of which is sent up to Serbia to face the Austrians. Only Albania remains neutral in the Balkans.

ooc
I am considering Greece NPC at this time, subject to change if the player returns

The 7th and 8th Infantry regiments finish training and prepare to be sent to the front. With them the 1st Artillery Brigade is being sent, with 24, 75mm field guns divided into 4 batteries. This will greatly increase the firepower of the Macedonian units at the front against infantry and small fortifications but will have little effect against heavier stone or concrete fortifications.


These new units will bring the 2nd Infantry Division of the Macedonian Expeditionary Corp up to full strength and also give the units some longer ranged hitting power. With the changing of the seasons it is hoped that the other fronts will start to become more active so that some Austrian units will leave for the other fronts, perhaps leaving Montenegro open to liberation. Also with the Greeks and Bulgarians entering the war on the Coalitions side, hoepfully more manpower would arrive soon to help the Serbian front out.

With no response from Albania, Colombia has no other option but to seize land in reperations.

Having marked the locations of artillery positions, barracks, bunkers, fortifications, etc, the Colombian Flotilla will commence bombardment in 2hrs (Gametime).

May 1906
Battle of Crete

The Austrians and Italians come up with a plan. Invade weakly defended Crete and deprive the Coalition of that base and also plug the Aegean Sea.

The Austrian fleet, with 12 battleships, 17 cruisers, and 24 destroyers would act as the guard force, while an Italian fleet with 2 battleships, 4 cruisers, and 20 Austrian torpedo boats would escort 20 transports carrying 30,000 Italians soldiers and marines and their assault boats.

The Russians and Turks were not prepared for this contigency. The Turkish defenses on Crete were severely antiquated, and had not yet been update, and they only had a garrison of 40,000 third rate reservists and police on the island. The Russians had about 10,000 naval personnel, along with another 10,000 Turkish base personnel, but they weren't trained as infantry. With the bulk of the Russian battlefleet back at Sevestapol under repair, only 30 torpedo boats and 2 submarines were immediately available for the defense of the island. However, the Turks had their fleet steaming not far away, with 7 battleships, 4 armored cruisers, 4 light cruisers, and 10 protected cruisers plus 20 destroyers. While a substantial number of Coalition torpedo boats, submarines, destroyers and cruisers were lurking further in the Aegean Sea, none were able to reach Crete in time for the battle.

The Battle
The first day opened with the Austrian fleet suddenly appearing on the horizon in the early morning, and the Russian torpedo boats hurriedly withdrawing for more favorable conditions. Both submarines sortie, and attempt to ambush the approaching fleet, but neither manage to score due to torpedo and mechanical problems. Their fuel dangerously low, they are forced to leave the area.

By mid morning the Austrians were off Suda Bay and soon after, the Italian fleet arrives, allowing the Austrians to move further out to sea to guard. The Italian cruisers and battleships open fire, and quickly level the ancient Medieval fortress and the few more modern gun positions, destroy docks and warehouses, and cause most of the Russian and Turkish base personnel to flee. The Italian San Marino Marines land soon after, and mop what little resistance remains, and take 3,000 Turkish and Russian prisoners and count nearly 1,000 dead and wounded. Soon after the remainder of the Italian troops begin to land.

By late afternoon, the Italians have secured Suda Bay and are firmly ashore. Meanwhile, Austrian cruisers spot an approaching Turkish fleet 30 miles south of the island of Thera, and the Austrian and Turkish fleets shortly after that form battle line and open fire at 1800 hours. The weather is perfect, visibility is excellent and the sea is as calm as a sheet of glass.

The Austrian fire is deadly, scoring hits on every one of the Turkish battleships plus 2 armored cruisers very quickly, and 3 of the Turkish battleships, the Mahmudieh and the Orkanieh, plus the armored cruiser Mehmet drop out of the battle severely damaged.
The Turks manage to score some hits as well, but it isn’t enough. Outnumbered, and facing overpowering fire, the Turkish Admiral orders a retirement. However, the Austrians have their blood up, and they pursue. The Turkish Admiral then makes a desperate decision. Realizing that if he can hold out to nightfall, his cruisers and destroyers, plus the Russians torpedo boats in the area, might have a chance to launch successful torpedo attacks, he orders them to retire, while the heavy ships fight a delaying action.

For two more hours the Turks fight it out, and they manage to damage 6 of the Austrian battleships, and even severely damage the older battleship Wien, but at a very fearful price. All 7 of the Turkish ships are blasted into wreckage and eventually one by one they sink. But meanwhile, night has fallen, and the Turks launch their torpedo attack at last. Darkness allows them to approach more closely, and concerned, the Austrian commander sends in his cruisers and destroyers to stop them. A savage melee erupts and lasts nearly 3 hours, as gunfire and torpedoes light up the night sky. As this fight rages, the Austrian battleships, many of them damaged, retire to the south to avoid the engagement. There they run into the Russian torpedo boats that have been circling in to join the fight. Torpedoes hit magazines and cause both the Babenberg and Arpad to explode, and practically none aboard survive. A hurricane of fire from the Austrian ships however heavily damages 20 of the Russian boats and sinks 6 more.
Meanwhile, in the melee, the two sides finally break off, leaving an Austrian protected cruiser, 2 Austrian destroyers, 3 Turkish protected cruisers and 7 Turkish destroyers sinking, and 5 other Austrian ships are damaged, as are 9 Turkish ships.

Their battle line destroyed, the Turks retire, as do the battered Russian torpedo boats and the Austrians have won the most decisive victory at sea so far.

Within two weeks, the Turkish and Russian defenders are defeated and forced to surrender on Crete, and the League has established themselves at the entrance to the Aegean Sea.

For Turkey it is a major disaster.... 7 battleships, 3 protected cruisers, and 7 destroyers sunk, nearly 20,000 sailors killed, missing or captured, another 40,000 sailors and soldiers captured or killed on Crete, plus the remainder of the fleet is badly battered and will require substantial repairs and its morale is severely shaken. Russia too suffered heavily, losing 6 torpedo boats and 11,000 men captured or killed.

But Austria pays a heavy price for the victory, with 2 battleships, 1 protected cruiser and 2 destroyers sunk, 1 battleship severely damaged, 6 other battleships, 1 light cruiser and 2 protected cruisers also damaged, nearly 2,000 men killed, many more wounded. Italy suffers 1,000 killed, 3,000 wounded securing Crete.

But it is the biggest victory for the League of the war so far, and gets favorable comments of praise for its audicity and success by American and British naval observers and writers.

I agree. I have to leave for work now, however, so it'll be awhile. It'll give me some time to mellow out, anyway. We might even come to some kind of agreement.
And I'm deleting my own posts in the matter.

Denmark wishes to up-hold its nuetrality and hopes that French soilders do not get to rambacious and invades any of the "Low Countries" or Denmark. Denmark also asks the same of Germany.

Germany has announced that it fully respects the neutrality of the Low Countries and Scandinavia, and thus, no military action will take place, unless instigated first by them.

OOC: Sorry once more for missing the start of this.

IC: The British, prompted by German requests for aid have finally decided to act in respect to war. They are compelled to aid the Germans by the Lublin alliance. Therefore economic sanctions will be imposed upon the following nations:

-France
-Italy
-Austria-Hungary
-Spain

Unless they respond to an ultimatum to cease conflict with Germany and her allies. The sanctions will include the cessation of all trade with Britain and her colonies as well as the impounding of any trade vessels of these nations in British harbours remaining after 1 week from this notice and that they will be held until hostilities cease.

Trade with the coalition countries is to remain unaffected as per the prior agreement with Germany. The Suez Canal and British territorial waters have henceforth been closed to non-coalition or neutral vessels and any ships deemed to be violating this ruling may risk being impounded by HM Customs and Excise for the duration of the conflict.

The infantry has been mobilised in Britain and the colonial militias have been called up. Regular infantry forces have been stationed on any borders with league powers (including colonial ones) and hasty defences are being constructed in case of deterioration of diplomatic processes.

In Egypt the borders with Italian Libya and French Africa have been protected by troops moved from the Abyssinian and Ottoman borders as well as the garrison at Cairo, and the local Egyptian militia has been called up at their depots to receive arms and ammunition before being dispatched to the border to protect their homeland.

Neighbouring countries (Sudan, other East African territories) have called up their own militias so that they can replace some of the regular garrison forces. In the South of Africa much the same is going on, with local defence militia and volunteers being armed to take over from regular forces and to defend borders with league nations. In South Africa many of the regiments policing the area since the Boer war have been withdrawn and sent North via the Cairo-Cape Railroad. Some sort of an agreement seems to have been reached with the South African government to allow such a bold move to occur (OOC: Granting of self rule as a dominion and increased independence) in light of the events there just a few years ago.

Troops have been withdrawn from Burma and India to provide greater security elsewhere and, again, local militias are called up here. Much of central India is now without any regular garrison and only the borders are left unaffected (indeed the Burma and French Indo-China border has been reinforced by regular Burmese units). These forces have been dispatched to the colonies in danger to protect them form any hostile intentions, including many in East Asia deemed to be potentially threatened by French Asian forces. Further to this the Royal Navy in Atlantic has begun to land marines in various inaccessible colonies to hold them until regular units can reinforce the local and regular units already there. This includes all West African possessions (Nigeria, Gambia etc.) as well as many island locations and the base at Gibraltar.

The bulk of the navy has left it's traditional home of Scapa Floe and has moved to protect the East and South coasts, being stationed out of Portsmouth, Southampton and Sheerness. The Mediterranean fleet at Alexandria, Malta and Gibraltar has remained at harbour but has increased it’s usual patrols in the Mediterranean.

The Foreign Office has issued advice to all British citizens to stay away from the troubled areas and has laid on civilian transport for all those who are already there. It expects that all foreign entities will do their utmost to ensure the safety of any British citizens who remain in the area.

The Home Office has used new emergency powers and collaboration with military intelligence services to track down all foreign nationals of, and those affiliated with the above named countries. They are standing by ready to deport them if war is declared along with the hostile foreign embassy staff. The government has urged the populace to be vigilant for any foreign spies and to report any suspect person to the police immediately.

Finally the British Government would like to iterate that it’s forces are not yet currently at war with any nation and will remain neutral in this affair, our vessels will remain under standard neutrality laws and expect to be henceforth protected from foreign intervention or attack.

The Combined German Russian Fleet in Kiel has planned a blockade of France ans Spain in the Atlantic, while planning to dock in Britain and Madiera. The hopes are to crush the French Atlantic capabilities to counter victories by the League in the Mediterranean.

The US Government politely asks clarification on neutral shipping in regards to the waters of the territories of the British Empire. Does this mean that American, Pan American and other shipping of the nations not involved in this war are not allowed to trade with the British Empire? Or does it mean that ships cannot carry war materials to the League nations and then trade with the British Empire?

The US government also asks the German government if the blockade is the traditional one preventing the passage of war materials, or is it more inclusive, preventing the passage of food stuffs (ooc this is illegal under the 1st Geneva Convention, we haven't had the 2nd one, which was supposed to happen this year, oh well).

OOC: ....what happens if I break another law?

OOC: Sorry for the unclear wording GB

IC: The British Empire will still trade with (and allow access to it's waters) all neutral or coalition vessels. Therefore the US, Portugal etc. will all be allowed to trade with us. The only limits are on members of the European League (Spain, France, Austria, Italy) who cannot trade with us and are denied access to our waters.

Actually, is it an issue in the First Geneva Convention? To me it looks like it pertains to the Second which has to deal with the sea.

OOC: Parthini, you run the risk of an international outcry against you and reduced support etc. There is no actual punishment for breaking international law it's just a matter of protocol and it's up to individual nations to uphold it. They could claim that since you disregard international law taht they do not need to comply to it in relation to you. ie. what goes around comes around!

GB: 2nd Geneva convention, thats the one about international law at sea isn't it? With conditions for the treating of sailors and the protocol about what conditions you can rescue them etc. Maybe this war could be a good catalyst for the review of the convention. We could base it on the historical versions and add new paragraphs etc. Obviously this would have to happen after the war has finished though.

I'll try to stop any more OOC comments now though, sorry.

1st Geneva Convention:

Convention for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded in Armies in the Field. Geneva, 22 August 1864

Article 1. Ambulances and military hospitals shall be recognized as neutral, and as such, protected and respected by the belligerents as long as they accommodate wounded and sick.
Neutrality shall end if the said ambulances or hospitals should be held by a military force.

Art. 2. Hospital and ambulance personnel, including the quarter-master's staff, the medical, administrative and transport services, and the chaplains, shall have the benefit of the same neutrality when on duty, and while there remain any wounded to be brought in or assisted.

Art. 3. The persons designated in the preceding Article may, even after enemy occupation, continue to discharge their functions in the hospital or ambulance with which they serve, or may withdraw to rejoin the units to which they belong.
When in these circumstances they cease from their functions, such persons shall be delivered to the enemy outposts by the occupying forces.

Art. 4. The material of military hospitals being subject to the laws of war, the persons attached to such hospitals may take with them, on withdrawing, only the articles which are their own personal property.
Ambulances, on the contrary, under similar circumstances, shall retain their equipment.

Art. 5. Inhabitants of the country who bring help to the wounded shall be respected and shall remain free. Generals of the belligerent Powers shall make it their duty to notify the inhabitants of the appeal made to their humanity, and of the neutrality which humane conduct will confer.
The presence of any wounded combatant receiving shelter and care in a house shall ensure its protection. An inhabitant who has given shelter to the wounded shall be exempted from billeting and from a portion of such war contributions as may be levied.

Art. 6. Wounded or sick combatants, to whatever nation they may belong, shall be collected and cared for.
Commanders-in-Chief may hand over immediately to the enemy outposts enemy combatants wounded during an engagement, when circumstances allow and subject to the agreement of both parties.
Those who, after their recovery, are recognized as being unfit for further service, shall be repatriated.
The others may likewise be sent back, on condition that they shall not again, for the duration of hostilities, take up arms.
Evacuation parties, and the personnel conducting them, shall be considered as being absolutely neutral.

Art. 7. A distinctive and uniform flag shall be adopted for hospitals, ambulances and evacuation parties. It should in all circumstances be accompanied by the national flag.
An armlet may also be worn by personnel enjoying neutrality but its issue shall be left to the military authorities.
Both flag and armlet shall bear a red cross on a white ground.

Art. 8. The implementing of the present Convention shall be arranged by the Commanders-in-Chief of the belligerent armies following the instructions of their respective Governments and in accordance with the general principles set forth in this Convention.

Art. 9. The High Contracting Parties have agreed to communicate the present Convention with an invitation to accede thereto to Governments unable to appoint Plenipotentiaries to the International Conference at Geneva. The Protocol has accordingly been left open.

Art. 10. The present Convention shall be ratified and the ratifications exchanged at Berne, within the next four months, or sooner if possible.

In faith whereof, the respective Plenipotentiaries have signed the Convention and thereto affixed their seals.

Done at Geneva, this twenty-second day of August, in the year one thousand eight hundred and sixty-four.

(Here follow signatures)

It appears to only relate to POWs and the wounded, however total blockades are still viewed as illegal by many countries whilst not breaking any formal rules or legislation they would still cause an international outcry,

ooc
thanks for looking that up Ribena and Parthini

IC
The United States urges the International Red Cross to monitor the adherance to the Geneva Convention by the warring nations and also indicates that nations who do not follow that convention will face economic sanctions from the United States.

OOC: Meh. Fine.

IC: Germany's blockade on the Atlantic regions of France and Spain shall only include military ships. Foodstuff and other essential items shall be let through. However, nonessentials, such as gold and coal, and weapons shall be confiscated and put under the direction of the German Navy.

The kingdom of Romania proposes, due the presence of many armies of different commands in the area, to stockpile current supplies and logistics under one joint comitee which would manage them and assign them according to priority in addition to seeking and managing contracts for their provision.

France has ordered all Frnech merchant vessels away from Britan and has suggested that any French civilians currently in Britan or British controled areas to return to French territory.

We'll pay premium, in gold, for an exclusive Coalition contract (And those poor Lithuanians in the Siberian gold mines will just have to work harder . . . a lot harder).


This is good news. All we need to know is how much of what you need per month and things will get rolling quickly. On munitions we can not produce large quantities just yet and it will take another year to get those numbers up to levels that would truly satisfy you but we can make up for that with food. From what we know Russia seems to be in need of lots of food and that is something we can provide in huge numbers. Tens of thousands of tons of meat and wheat can be shipped along with in smaller numbers fruit, fish, rice and otehr foods. For food items give us an amount in tons per month needed and for munitions and weapons give us a number you want shipped per month and we will begin immediatly.

Colombia can produce munitions for Russia. If you are interested, contact us.

in the English Channel, Bay of Biscay, off the Spanish coast, and Eastern Mediterranean, Coalition and League light naval forces and cruisers duel frequently. The French are able to continue to run convoys by running them along the coast to Spain, and from their, escorting them with the battle fleed from Cadiz. Too far away for the Coalition to intercept from the Dutch coast, it ensures a steady flow of trade continues.

In the Palatine, the French army reaches a phase line running from Metz to St. Avold and then to the Saar River and from there to the Rhine and then along the Rhine to Switzerland and halts and digs in. This gives them an extremely powerful defensive line, and they still have sufficient artillery ammunition to launch an offensive if desired. Their only weak point is a rather weakly held flank opposite of Luxembourg, but since that nation is neutral, that isn't considered a problem.

The front remains quiet along the Carpathians and Tyrol, but in Transylvania, Turkish troops arrive to form alongside the Russians and Rumanians, freeing up a Russian army that is transfered via Bulgaria and Greece to Serbia. Here the Coalition for the first time manages to outnumber the Austrians on that front. The only difficulty is building up the logistics needed to supply an offensive.

ooc
naval losses: Germany, France lose 1 cruiser and 3 destroyers a month (average), Russia, Italy, Austria, Turkey, lose 2 destroyers and 3 torpedo boats a month. These losses are not substainable without a serious building program to replace them. Losses are due to gunfire, torpedoes, mines, and mother nature on occasion.

The cargo ship Noord Holland made its way to the port of Tangier in Spanish Morocco. The vessel was hauling commodities from German Southwest Africa, but its status as a Dutch ship, when the Netherlands were neutral, hopefully guaranteed its safety in Spanish waters. From the bridge, the crew sent a telegraph* to the Spanish port authority, requesting permission to dock and unload their crates of cargo.

"This is the Dutch trader Noord Holland, requesting permission to dock in Tangier. We have several tonnes of cargo that we need to offload for pickup by another vessel. If we could just offload it and stay docked long enough to pick up a few supplies, we'll be on our way."

The message was first sent in fairly good Spanish, though the operator had translations in English and Dutch as well, just in case those were needed.

Secret IC
Though it was a German ship, it flew the Dutch flag, and was crewed by Dutchmen. Of course, there was no way the Spanish authorities in Morocco could know that the Dutch crew were really mercenaries from South Africa, and that the real crew, Germans, were keeping out of sight.

OOC: Parthini ok'd my using one of his ships. Also, (*) I don't know if ships use telegraphs or radios or what at this point in time, so if that's incorrect then just let me know and I'll change it.

Darwin, Australia

The entire Australian navy gathered itself in Darwin's harbor. What made up the Australian navy would barely constitute a fleet by European standards but it was big enough to accomplish its goals. It had taken two weeks to gather up all of the ships but now the last of them sat docked, loading up all manner of supplies. Shells, food, coal, everything that kept a ship running was packed on board.

On shore six regiments of troops waited to board tone of the numerous transport ships sitting aside the warships. Four regiments of regular troops and two regiments of natives from Papua and the Bismarck Archipeligo, all trained in island and jungle warfare after having been stationed on Papua and the Archipeligo for the past year. They weren't the only troops in the city, a seventh regiment manned defenses in the city. Coastal fortifications were brought online and upgraded while new ones were built. The same scene repeated itself across papua and Australia's north and west coast.

OOC: It has nothing to do with Timor, it has to do with this European war, though nobody knows that yet.

---Begin Transmission---
Noord Holland, we inquire as to your cargo and if you do not allow us to check what you are shipping and to where it is going you ship will be impounded and crew held in Tangier for the remainder of this war.
---End Transmission---

OOC: ITALY!!!! im bringing up 150,000 men to send to the front in either germany or austria so please send an escort!!!!!

General Jorge de Aragon entered his HQ and sat at a desk. He was brought a letter from King Alfonso XIII which stated...



General Jorge de Aragon,
I wish to inform you that I will be sending more troops to help you in your war against the overreactive Empires of Germany and Russia. Another 150,000 men includeing 20,000 cavalry, 75,000 Cei and Rifle men, 25,000 Machine Gunners, and 30,000 extra logistics. They will be moved through France by rail to avoid any Naval confrontation.

May God Favor You,
El Rey de Espana, Alfonso XIII




General de Aragon quickly had an encrypted letter sent to the Italians, Austrians, and French to inform them of this developement...

OOC: Parthini ok'd my using one of his ships. Also, (*) I don't know if ships use telegraphs or radios or what at this point in time, so if that's incorrect then just let me know and I'll change it.

I'm unsure. I think at this point they are using wireless telegraph. beep-bee-beep-bee-beep.

---Begin Transmission---
Noord Holland, we inquire as to your cargo and if you do not allow us to check what you are shipping and to where it is going you ship will be impounded and crew held in Tangier for the remainder of this war.
---End Transmission---

OOC: ITALY!!!! im bringing up 150,000 men to send to the front in either germany or austria so please send an escort!!!!!


Why don't you just send them through France? That way they don't run the risk of being sunk. We do have railways you know.

IC:

To: The Government of Spain[/b]

From: French High Command

If you are worried about transporting troops to the front, why not use our rail lines to take them across France and Italy to the Front?

ooc: shite i forgot about that...i think i wrote that before you joined as its from page six but noone recognized it...ill edit it to say so

ooc: shite i forgot about that...i think i wrote that before you joined as its from page six but noone recognized it...ill edit it to say so

OOC: Isn't one big line of railways great? :D

ooc: yea but i think we should stop spamming...they will be going through your railways and then into italy and austria as it seems you are doing quite well...

ooc
Jensai and Philanchez.. sighing heavily :headbang:

IC
The US government announces that it has traded 4 older protected cruisers, 10 older destroyers and 10 older coastal submarines to France in exchange for US bases on Martinique, Guadalupe, Clipperton Island, Tahiti, and the French colony along the northeast coast of South America known as French Guiana (capital is Cayenne). This is in line with the Pan American Treaty calling for mutual defense of each others territory in the Western Hemisphere and also allows the US to patrol the Southwest Pacific to escort US flagged ships through that area.

---Begin Transmission---
Noord Holland, we inquire as to your cargo and if you do not allow us to check what you are shipping and to where it is going you ship will be impounded and crew held in Tangier for the remainder of this war.
---End Transmission---

The Noord Holland was prompt with its reply:

"We are hauling a mixed cargo of copper, zinc, and karakul skins for sale in Europe. We will of course allow authorities to inspect the cargo, but we must protest the threat of impoundment and detainment, given the Netherlands' neutral status."

Onboard the ship, the crew hurried to secure the cargo and prepare to be inspected. Most of the German crew then departed to the small passenger areas, where they could believably pose as passengers from Southwest Africa while the mercenaries masqueraded as the crew.

The Spanish authorities would find no suspicious cargo, since the ship really was hauling various metals from the mines and a few animal skins. Major Riebeeck, one of the mercenaries, acted as the ship's captain, and did so believably, thanks to his stint in the British Royal Navy years ago. He stood on the deck, to welcome the Spaniards aboard when the ship docked.

OOC: I'll post something about my mercs in Serbia tomorrow evening or when Kordo posts something concerning them, whichever comes first.

Major Alejandro Rodriguezboarded the ship with 50 men and began inspecting. It would take them a while to clear all the cargo and search for any hidden arms or Germans. It would soon be over and they hoped that it was just another trader comeing through port...

OOC: Is there any reall point to this???

ooc
South Africa, not to be too critical, but just how many mercs are on that ship? Surely even the Spanish customs agents would notice a crew and passenger list of around 600 (average size of a cavalry regiment)

IC
Technology bump, France and Germany can now build Blimps (non rigid airships) of short range (a few dozen miles), Germany almost has a useful Zeppelin, and experiments with aircraft continue, although they are still not much more than motorized kites of terribly short range for the most part.

Barbed wire and machine guns now dominate the battlefield, along with medium and field artillery. This makes mass attacks incredibly costly, especialy as for the most part, all of the fighting fronts are in really rugged terrain. On the plus side, the death rate in hospitals has plummeted. Generally for every 100 casualties, 26 die in action, 12 are permanently maimed, another 6 die in the hospital, 6 are out of action for up to a year, but the rest return to duty within 6 months. Of course that means that for every 100 casualties, 42 are gone for ever, but it beats the standards of previous wars. In addition, for every 100 men, about 4 are lost to accidents, illness, or misadventure of one kind or another. Casualty rates generally run about 2% per day (per 1000 men) on a inactive front, up to 21 - 30% during a mass attack.

That essentially means that the smaller armies are beginning to have serious manpower shortages already, while the bigger armies are having to look at either expanding the draft pool (to 18 year olds and men up to 45) or shrinking the size of their army. Except Russia of course, although even then it has the problem of feeding its people. Draft more than 25% of the manpower pool, and food shortages will begin to develop in Russia. Which is tricky to put it mildly.

With the massive losses of the most of Ottoman Fleet and the lost of Crete was a massive shock to the Ottoman People. The Sultan order that the Ottoman fleet must not enter another major battle with the Italian or Austrians fleet for now. They were order just patol and protect the oversea supply lines. The Ottoman General Staff order large numbers of highly train troops to garrion the coastal regions of Turkey, Syria,Lebanon and Palestine. Do the fact the General Staff was fearful of massive invasion of these regions. Well over 200,000 men were draft into the arm forces to help defend these regions from attack.

With the new of Macedonia allowing Ottoman forces though their lands. The Ottoman General Staff order about 50,000 troops to be send to the Serbian Front and help the Serbs kick the Austian army.

ooc
South Africa, not to be too critical, but just how many mercs are on that ship? Surely even the Spanish customs agents would notice a crew and passenger list of around 600 (average size of a cavalry regiment)

OOC: Ah. To be completely honest, I never really thought about that. Well, I guess all I can do now is hope that the Spanish authorities are unusually inattentive.

IC:

"Captain" Riebeeck saluted the Spanish major, and then indicated another crewman, who spoke in rough Spanish.

"I'm Ensign Jelle. I will translate for Captain Riebeeck, unless you would prefer to speak in English or Dutch."

Riebeeck then began to lead Major Rodriguez and his men around the ship, indicating things as they passed.

"Here we a couple of crates of Mauser rifles, purchased secondhand from some South Africans. Honestly, I don't know what good it will do, but with the uncertainity of the world right now I'm afraid we can't be too careful."

When they reached the passenger compartments, Riebeeck had Jelle translate for him again. "We do have an unusually large number of German passengers, but they are civilians, going home to see their families, I suppose. Carrying soldiers would be an outright violation of our neutrality, you see." Riebeeck continued to show the Spaniards around, hoping that everything went smoothly so the plan could go forward.

OOC: Philanchez, check your TGs if you haven't already. I've explained my plan, so this doesn't seem so pointless.

Colombia can produce munitions for Russia. If you are interested, contact us.
We'll support your acquisition of a naval base in, say, Albania, in exchange for a little consideration on the prices.

a new thread for the war created here
http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=9467463#post9467463

let this one die, and use it as a background source only as we are way past the Russo-Austrian War now