NationStates Jolt Archive

Official Title:
The United Kingdom of Great Britain, Northern Ireland and Newfoundland and Her Empire Abroad

Flag
http://files.photojerk.com/dumelow/nfunion.PNG

Territories:
England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Island, Newfoundland, Isle of Man, Anguilla, Bermuda, British Antarctic Territory, British Indian Ocean Territory, British Pacific Ocean Territory, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Channel Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibralter, Isle of Man, Montserrat, Pitcairn Islands, Saint Helena, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia (Cyprus), Turks and Caicos Islands, Ascension Island.

Populations:
UK: 55,416,000 (plus 522,100 in Newfoundland)
Colonial: around 400,000

Head of State:
Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain, Northern Ireland and Newfoundland and her Territories; Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith

Prime Minister:
Edward 'Ted' Heath, MBE (Conservative)

Cabinet:
Lord Hailsham of St Marylebone — Lord Chancellor
William Whitelaw — Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
Lord Jellicoe — Lord Privy Seal and Leader of the House of Lords
Iain Macleod — Chancellor of the Exchequer
Alec Douglas-Home — Foreign Secretary
Reginald Maudling — Home Secretary
James Prior — Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
Lord Carrington — Secretary of State for Defence
Margaret Thatcher — Secretary of State for Education and Science
Robert Carr — Secretary of State for Employment
Peter Walker — Minister of Housing and Local Government
Keith Joseph — Secretary of State for Health and Social Security
Anthony Barber — Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster
Gordon Campbell — Secretary of State for Scotland
Geoffrey Rippon — Secretary of State for Technology
Michael Noble — President of the Board of Trade
Peter Thomas — Secretary of State for Wales

Leader of the Opposition:
Harold Wilson, OBE, FRS (Labour)

House of Commons Seats:
Conservative - 330
Labour - 287
Liberal - 6
Unity - 2
Scottish National Party - 1
Protestant Unionist - 1
Republican Labour - 1
Independent Labour - 1
Total - 629

NB: Sinn Fein MPs do not take their seats as they will not swear the Oath of Allegiance to the Queen

Current Military Threat Level (DEFCON System, indicated by asterix):
DEFCON 1
DEFCON 2
DEFCON 3
DEFCON 4 *
DEFCON 5

Current Terrorism Threat Level (JTAC System, indicated by asterix):
Critical
Severe Defined
Severe General
Substantial
Moderate
Low *
Negligible

Membership in Organisations:
United Nations - Founder member with permenant seat on security council
Commonwealth of Nations - Founder member
European Economic Community - Founder member
NORAD - Member
Treaty of Daresalaam - Founder member

Nationalised Companies (under state control):
British Coal,
British Gas,
British Petroleum,
British Rail,
British Steel,
British Leyland,
British Shipbuilders,
British Airways,
The Bank of England,
British Telecom,
British Aircraft Corporation,
United Kingdom Atomic Energy Agency,

OOC Notes

This thread forms part of the long established alternate history RP, known as E20, the main thread for which can be located here. (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=472407)

The old British news thread can be located here. (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=431379)

British Builds 1966
National Effort market economy, no growth due to stock market crash.
Production Centres:

UK: 110 as follows: 19 London, 14 Birmingham, 10 Coventry, 8 Manchester, 8 Hull, 6 Liverpool, 6 Glasgow, 6 Newcastle, 6 Sheffield, 6 Edinburgh, 6 Bristol, 6 Leeds, 3 Derby, 3 Nottingham, 1 Newfoundland

INCOME
Production Centres: 165 points
Trade: 13.75 points (40 from merchant marine (35 units of shipping, 2 liners), 10 from airlines (1 domestic, 4 foreign)), improved communications satellites
UK tourism: 1.25 from 5 areas (London airports: Gatwick, Heathrow, Stanstead; Birmingham airport; Dover cruise terminal)
Nuclear Points: 19 (Windscale A and B, Cumbria; Hunterston A and B, North Ayrshire; Sizewell A and B, Suffolk; Trawsfynydd, Gwynedd, Wales; Chapelcross, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland; Hinkley Point A and B, Somerset; Bradwell, Essex; Berkeley, Gloucestershire; Dungeness A and B, Kent; Wylfa, Anglesey, Wales; Torness, East Lothian, Scotland; Heysham A and B, Lancashire; Oldbury, Gloucestershire)

TOTAL: 199

EXPENDITURE

Missile
5 points to maintain 1000 MRBM missiles.

Nuclear
6 points for nuclear weapons program (maintenance for production) - super nuclear weapons research (year 10 of 10)

Military
military maintenance: 74
Military Intelligence Service Maintenance: 5
UK Civil Defence 5.5 points
UK National Air Defence RADAR network 5.5 points

Social Provision
level 4 social services for UK (54.4m): 27

UK Satellites
Early Warning Satellite Network 3 points
Improved Spy Satellite Network 6 points

Post-War Military replacements

0 points for marine light infantry brigade (2/2)
0 points for amphibious assault group (6/6)
0 points for a heavy air wing (6/6)
0.5 points for 3 mechanised divisions (12/12)
10 points for 2 armoured divisions (10/10)

Other
5 points for tech 8 microcomputers research (year 8/10)
24 points for 1 production centre at Port Said
9 points to German rebuilding.

UK Industry EMP Hardening Program
0 points allocated this year (77/324)

Intelligence service Mission Budget
0 points

Food Imports
Requires 2.5 points

ESA
13 points for one lunar lander mission (2 paid last year).
15 points for another
10 points for lunar landing probes to the two sites

ENERGY POINTS

Coal 5, hydroelectric 1, North Sea Oil 5, Natural Gas 5, nuclear 19

Military: 40 oil points needed
Industry: 230 energy points needed
Commerce and tourism: 71 oil points needed

117 oil points provided by 5 North Sea oil points (117/125)

165 energy points provided by 6 nuclear points (165/180)

Net Result: 5 coal, 1 hydroelectric, 5 gas, 13 nuclear points surplus.

POLLUTION

Population Density Pollution: -1% growth -negated by control measures
Energy Pollution: 0
Economic Pollution: 0

Net Growth: 0%

FOOD

Index rating of 25,025 feeding 62.5 million people, 55% reduction feeds 28.125 million. Import enough to feed population of 54.4 million requires 2.5 points

Royal Navy

http://files.photojerk.com/dumelow/navy.PNG

Strength

9 2nd generation nuclear attack subs. 5 "E Class": HMS Endeavour, HMS Encounter, HMS Erebus, HMS Excellent, HMS Excalibur. 4 "G Class": HMS Gladiator, HMS Glorious, HMS Guardian, HMS Gallant.
1 nuclear powered special operations sub "H class" HMS Harlequin.
1 Nuclear Powered heavy carrier, HMS Duke of Edinburgh
3 Nuclear Powered fleet carriers, HMS Duke of York, HMS Earl of Wessex, HMS Prince of Wales.
2 Nuclear Powered light carriers, HMS Duke of Kent, HMS Duke of Gloucester.
3 tech 8 Nuclear powered heavy missile cruisers, “A Class”: HMS Assurance, HMS Adamant, HMS Active
4 tech 8 Nuclear powered light missile cruisers, “B Class”: HMS Bastion, HMS Bulwark, HMS Brilliant, HMS Brazen.
7 Nuclear powered escort cruisers, "D Class": HMS Dangerous, HMS Defiant, HMS Dauntless, HMS Defence, HMS Devestation, HMS Dilligent, HMS Disdain.
6 Nuclear Powered AEGIS Cruisers, "I Class": HMS Illustrious, HMS Indomitable, HMS Implacable, HMS Impregnable, HMS Intrepid, HMS Indefatigable,
12 tech 8 nuclear powered destroyers,
10 tech 8 ASW Frigates,
120 missile boats, 3 groups of 40

Missile Allocation

All Destroyers carry 4, attack submarines 4, cruisers 10
284 missiles total

Fleet Air Arm
1 heavy air wing:
ASW Helicopter Squadron
Composite AEW Squadron
ASW Aircraft Squadron
2 Su27 Squadrons
2 Mirage 2000 Squadrons
A6 Squadron

3 air wings each of:
ASW Helicopter Squadron
Composite AEW Squadron
Su27 Squadron
2 Mirage 2000 Squadrons
A6 Squadron

2 light air wings each of:
3 Transport Helicopter Squadron
1 Harrier Squadron

31 average pilots

Deployment

Submarine Fleet based out of HMNB Clyde, Faslane
9 nuclear attack subs plus HMS Harlequin (large special ops sub).

Home Fleet based out of Scapa Flow, Portmouth and Devonport
1 Nuclear Powered heavy carrier, HMS Duke of Edinburgh (heavy air wing)
1 Nuclear Powered Heavy Missile Cruiser (HMS Assurance)
1 Nuclear Powered Light Missile Cruiser (HMS Bastion)
2 Nuclear powered escort cruisers (HMS Dangerous, HMS Defiant)
2 Nuclear Powered AEGIS Cruisers (HMS Illustrious, HMS Indomitable)
4 nuclear powered destroyers,
4 ASW Frigates

Atlantic Fleet based out of St Johns, Cape Town and Bermuda,
1 Nuclear Powered Fleet carrier (HMS Earl of Wessex) (standard airwing)
1 Nuclear Powered Fleet Carrier (HMS Prince of Wales) (standard airwing)
1 Nuclear Powered light carrier (HMS Duke of Kent) (light airwing)
1 Nuclear Powered Light Missile Cruiser (HMS Bulwark)
2 Nuclear powered escort cruisers (HMS Dauntless, HMS Defence)
2 Nuclear Powered AEGIS Cruisers (HMS Implacable, HMS Impregnable)
4 Nuclear Powered Destroyers,
2 ASW Frigates

Caribbean Fleet based out of Kingston and Belize City
4 Nuclear Powered Destroyers,
2 ASW Frigates
40 missile boats, 1 group of 40.

Mediterranean Fleet based out of Gibraltar, Valetta and Suez City
1 Nuclear Powered Fleet carrier (HMS Duke of York) (standard airwing)
1 Nuclear Powered Heavy Missile Cruiser (HMS Adamant)
1 Nuclear Powered Light Missile Cruiser (HMS Brilliant)
2 Nuclear Powered Escort Cruisers (HMS Dilligent, HMS Disdain)
1 Nuclear Powered AEGIS Cruiser (HMS Intrepid)
6 Nuclear Powered Destroyers,
40 missile boats, 1 group of 40.

Pacific Fleet based out of Puerto El Triunfo and Sembawang
1 Nuclear Powered Light Missile Cruiser (HMS Brazen)
2 Nuclear Powered Destroyers,
2 ASW Frigates
40 missile boats, 1 group of 40.

Indian Ocean and Arabian Gulf Fleet based out of Kuwait City and Diego Garcia
1 Nuclear Powered Heavy Missile Cruiser (HMS Active)
1 Nuclear Powered Escort Cruiser (HMS Devestation)
1 Nuclear Powered AEGIS Cruiser (HMS Indefatigable)
1 Nuclear Powered light carrier (HMS Duke of Gloucester) (light airwing)
2 Nuclear Powered destroyers

Mothball Fleet
Storage at various scrap yards and ports:

1 18" battleship
20 conventional destroyers (tech 7.5)
60 corvettes
7 1st generation nuclear attack subs
9 conventional light missile cruisers
6 conventional heavy missile cruisers
1 conventional heavy carrier
2 conventional fleet carriers
1 conventional ASW carrier unit
5 nuclear ballistics subs (12 IRBMs each). "F Class": HMS Faithful, HMS Fearless, HMS Furious, HMS Firebrand, HMS Formidable.
4 large nuclear ballistics subs (18 IRBMs each) "H Class": HMS Havoc, HMS Hunter, HMS Hussar, HMS Hero.
4 tech 8 Nuclear powered AA cruisers, “C Class”: HMS Careful, HMS Confounder, HMS Conqueror, HMS Courageous.

Royal Naval Air Stations

RNAS Culdrose - HMS Seahawk, Culdrose, Helston, Cornwall, England
RNAS Yeovilton - HMS Heron, Yeovilton, Somerset, England

Training establishments

BRNC (Brittania Royal Naval College) Dartmouth
HMS Collingwood
HMS Dryad
HMS Excellent
HMS Raleigh
HMS Sultan
HMS Temeraire

Dockyards

UK
Faslane, Scotland
Rosyth, Scotland
Devonport, England
Portsmouth, England
Chatham, England
Woolwich, England
Deptford, England
Portland, England
Scapa Flow, Orkney Islands
Pembroke Dock, Wales
St Johns, Newfoundland

Overseas
Bermuda, Atlantic,
Diego Garcia, British Indian Ocean Territory,
Gibraltar, Mediterreanean

Leased from Foreign Governments
Kingston, Jamaica
Valetta, Malta
Cape Town, South Africa
Sembawang, Singapore
Puerto El Triunfo, Mexico
Belize City, Belize
Kuwait City, Kuwait

British Army

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/78/Army_Flag.gif

Strength

British Army Strategic Reserve Assets (BASRA) (regular troops)
1 HQ unit
1 highly trained mechanised field artillery unit
5 highly trained mechanised divisions
2 highly trained armoured divisions
6 highly trained mechanised Flak artillery groups

British Expeditionary Force (BEF) (regular troops)
1 HQ unit
1 elite marine light infantry brigade
1 elite paratroop brigade
1 elite alpine brigade
1 handpicked Special Forces Battalion

Territorial Army (TA) (reserves)
1 HQ unit
1 mechanised artillery units
4 mechanised divisions
2 armoured divisions

Deployment and Composition

BASRA
Headquarters staff
Royal Artillery Support Detachment
1st (Guards mechanised) division -1st, 2nd and 3rd (mechanised) brigades, 2bns Grenadier Guards, 2bns Coldstream Guards, 2bns Irish Guards, 2bns Welsh Guards, 2bns Scots Guards. 10 battalions total.
2nd (Scots mechanised) division, 4th, 5th, 6th (mechanised) brigades, 2bns Royal Scots Borderers, 2bns Royal Highland Fusiliers, 2bns The Black Watch, 2bns Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, 1bn The Seaforth, Gordon and Cameron Highlanders, 9 battalions total.
3rd (English mechanised) division, 7th, 8th, 9th (mechanised) brigades, 2bns Prince of Wales's Own, 2bns The Green Howards, 2bns The Duke of Wellington's Regiment, 2bns Queen's Lancashire Regiment, 1bn Queen’s Royal Border Regiment, 9 battalions total.
4th (English mechanised) division, 10th, 11th, 12th (mechanised) brigades, 2bns Cheshire Regiment, 2bns Worcestershire Regiment, 2bns Sherwood Foresters, 2bns Staffordshire Regiment, 1bn Yorkshire Regiment. 9 battalions total.
5th (English mechanised) division, 13th, 14th, 15th (mechanised) brigades, 2bns The Royal Sussex Regiment, 2bns Middlesex Regiment, 2bns Queen's Royal Surrey Regiment, 2bns East Anglian Regiment, 1bn Queen's Own Buffs, 9 battalions total.
6th (armoured) division, 16th, 17th, 18th (armoured) brigades, 3bns Queen’s Dragoon Guards, 3bns Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, 3bns Royal Dragoon Guards, 9 battalions total.
7th (armoured) division, 19th, 20th, 21st (armoured) brigades, , 3bns Queen’s Royal Hussars, 2bns Royal Lancers, 2bns Light Dragoons, 2bns Queen’s Royal Lancers, 9 battalions total
8th (Welsh mechanised) division, 22nd, 23rd, 24th (mechanised) brigades, 3bns The Welch Regiment, 2bns South Wales Borderers, 2bns Royal Welch fusiliers, 2bns Monmouthshire Regiment, 9 battalions total

1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th flak artillery groups, armed with various SAM missiles in addition to some conventional weaponry.

BEF
Headquarters Staff
1st (Royal Marine Mechanised) Independent Brigade, 3bns of Royal Marine Mechanised Infantry
2nd (Air Assault) Independent Brigade, 3bns of 1st Air Assault Infantry Regiment
3rd (Royal Ghurkha Rifles) Independent Brigade, 3bns of the Royal Ghurkha Rifles Regiment
Independent SAS Commando Battalion 1 bn of SAS Commandoes

UK
London- 1st flak artillery group
Colchester- none
Aldershot- 6th division,
Salisbury Plain- 7th division
Scapa Flow- 4th flak artillery group
Portsmouth- 3rd flak artillery group
Scotland-
Northern Ireland- 5th division

Elsewhere
Kuwait City- 5th flak artillery group
Suez City- 8th division, 6th flak artillery group
Cyprus Sovereign Base Areas- 2nd flak artillery group, 4th division
Sudan and Ethiopia- 1st division, 2nd division, 3rd division, HQ
Burma- HQ unit; 1st (Royal Marine Mechanised) Independent Brigade; 2nd (Air Assault) Independent Brigade
Nepal- 3rd (Royal Ghurkha Rifles) Independent Brigade
Bhutan- SAS Commando Battalion

TA
Headquarters Staff
TA Artillery Detachment
1st, 2nd, 5th TA (Mechanised) divisions
3rd, 4th TA (Armoured) divisions

Each regular regiment has one or two TA battalions attached to it for training purposes and to maintain “esprit de corps”. Maintained at various points around the UK in regional and local barracks.

Service and Logistics Corps

Royal Army Chaplains‘ Department
Royal Corps of Transport
Royal Army Medical Corps
Royal Army Ordnance Corps
Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
Corps of Royal Military Police
Royal Army Pay Corps
Royal Army Veterinary Corps
Small Arms School Corps
Military Provost Staff Corps
Royal Army Educational Corps
Royal Army Dental Corps
Royal Pioneer Corps
Intelligence Corps
Army Physical Training Corps
Army Catering Corps
General Service Corps
Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps
Women’s Royal Army Corps

haThe Royal Airforce

http://files.photojerk.com/dumelow/airforce.PNG

Following are estimated strengths at end of 1971:

Strength
Fighters
15 Tornado Squadrons (8 in reserve)

Fighter-Bombers
6 Harrier Squadrons
6 F4G Phantom Squadrons (3 in reserve)

Light Bombers
3 SEPCAT Jaguar Squadrons (3 in reserve)

Medium Bombers
9 Blackburn Buccanneer Squadrons
Carrying 2 cruise missiles each (216 missiles total)

Heavy Bombers
3 Tu26 Squadrons
Carrying 3 cruise missiles each (108 total)
3 Tu22M Squadrons
Carrying 1 cruise missile each (36 total)

Strategic Bombers
8 Avro Vulcan Squadrons
Carrying 3 cruise missiles each (288 total)

Maritime Patrol Aircraft
3 Aztec Squadrons
3 Hawker Siddeley Nimrod Squadrons

Transports
3 Do500 Squadrons

Tankers
8 Victor Squadrons

Electronic Warfare
2 Tornado mk3 Squadrons
2 E121 Squadrons

Helicopters
9 Cargo
9 Transport
9 Attack
4 ASW

Desert Storage
9 Lightning Squadrons 1970
4 C82 Squadrons 1970
1 U2 strategic recon aircraft 1961
2 E1 Tracer early warning aircraft 1961

Pilots
105 averagly trained

RAF Bases:

England
RAF High Wycombe, Bucks - 2 Tornado Squadrons (res)
RAF Cranwell, Lincs - 2 F4G Phantom Squadrons (res)
RAF Scampton, Lincs - 8 Avro Vulcan Squadrons, 8 Victor Tanker Squadrons,
RAF Northolt, London - 2 Tornado Squadrons (1 res),
RAF West Drayton, London -2 Tornado mk3 Squadrons, 2 E121 Squadrons,
RAF Brize Norton, Oxon - 3 Do500 Squadrons,
RAF Cosford, Shrops - 3 Tu26 Squadrons
RAF Stafford, Staffs - 2 Tornado Squadrons (res),
RAF Headley Court, Surrey - 3 SEPCAT Jaguar Squadrons (res)
RNAS Devonport, Devon - 1 Hawker Siddeley Nimrod Squadron, 1 ASW Helicopter Squadron
RNAS Scapa Flow, Orkney Islands - 1 Hawker Siddeley Nimrod Squadron, 1 ASW Helicopter Squadron
RNAS Portsmouth, Hampshire - 1 Hawker Siddeley Nimrod Squadron

Scotland
RAF Buchan - 1 Tornado Squadron (res)

Wales
RAF Saint Athan - 1 Tornado Squadron (res)

Northern Ireland
RAF Aldergrove - 1 Tornado Squadron (res)

Newfoundland
RAF St Johns - 1 Tornado Squadron
RAF Mount Pearl - 1 F4G Phantom Squadron (res)

Overseas
RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus - 1 Tornado Squadron, 2 Blackburn Buccanneer Squadrons,
RAF Valetta, Malta - 1 F4G Phantom Squadron, 1 Blackburn Buccanneer Squadron, 1 ASW Helicopter Squadron,
RAF Gibraltar, Gibraltar - 1 Tornado Squadron, 1 Tu22M Squadron, 1 ASW Helicopter Squadron, 1 Aztec squadron,
RAF Suez City, Sinai - 1 Blackburn Buccanneer Squadron, 1 Aztec Squadron, 1 Tornado Squadron,
RAF Darrell's Island, Bermuda - 1 Blackburn Buccanneer Squadron, 1 Tu22M Squadron,
RAF Ascension Island, Atlantic Ocean - 1 Tornado Squadron, 1 Tu22M Squadron,
RAF Kuwait City, Kuwait - 1 Tornado squadron, 1 F4G Phantom Squadron, 2 Blackburn Buccanneer Squadrons,
RAF Diego Garcia, British Indian Ocean Territory - 1 Aztec Squadron

Temporary Assignments
Burma- 6 Harrier Squadrons, 6 transport helicopter squadrons, 6 cargo helciopter squadrons, 6 attack helicopter squadrons
Sudan and Ethiopia- 2 Blackburn Buccanneer Squadrons, 3 attack helicopter squadrons, 3 cargo helicopter squadrons, 3 transport helicopter squadrons, 1 F4G Phantom Squadron

ABC Weapons stockpile
several thousand H bombs (10 - 15 megatons), largely stored safely underground.
Many tactical nuclear weapons issued to frontline units in time of war(1-50 kilotons)

14 units of VX gas, stored at Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, Porton Down

Missile Stockpile (in accordance with UN rulings)

1000 MRBM missiles.

UK Satellite Agency Program (UKSAP)
Early Warning Satellite Network
Improved Spy Satellite Network

Intelligence Agencies

Military Specific
British Army Intelligence Corps
RAF Intelligence Branch
Defence Intelligence Service

General Use
Security Service (MI5)
Secret Intelligence Service (MI6)

Signal Decryption
Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ)


The Merchant Navy
35 merchant shipping units
2 Tech 6 Ocean Liners (represents 4 Queen Mary sized ocean liners)

Cruise Terminals at: Dover;

Merchant Airforce
5 pilots
1 domestic airline
4 international airline

Airports at Gatwick, Heathrow, Stanstead; Birmingham;

The British army begins several reforms and trials. These include the testing of new Disruptive Pattern Material (DPM) to replace the old Olive Green Battledress and the adoption of a new style of protective helmet. New tactics are also tested in the field.

The First Lord of the Admiralty, , announces a scheme of rapid modernisation of the Royal Navy, having had lengthy discussions with the Ministry of Defence over cost and effectiveness the Navy is to be reduced in size for a more effective force. The main causes are cited as spiralling maintenance costs of modern equipment, the decolonisation of Africa and elsewhere reducing the need for a large navy and the increased effectiveness of modern vessels. Some also state that the massive increase on diesel oil prices of recent years has also played a part.

The scheme looks set to reduce the Royal Navy strength to the following:

5 nuclear attack subs,
5 nuclear ballistics subs
18 inch gun battleship: Vanguard
2 Nuclear Powered heavy carrier groups, jet capable, HMS Repulse, HMS Triumph
3 Nuclear Powered fleet carrier groups, jet capable, HMS Valiant, HMS Swiftsure, HMS Warspite.
1 amphibious assault group
4 Nuclear powered heavy missile cruisers, “A Class”: HMS Audacious, HMS Assurance, HMS Adamant, HMS Active
4 Nuclear powered light missile cruisers, “B Class”: HMS Bastion, HMS Bulwark, HMS Brilliant, HMS Brazen.
4 Nuclear powered AA cruisers, “C Class”: HMS Careful, HMS Confounder, HMS Conqueror, HMS Courageous.
40 destroyers
120 missile boats, 3 groups of 40

The reduction in corvette and destroyer numbers looks to be offset by the introduction of 8 nuclear powered escort cruisers nexy year, new ASW frigates to be introduced and a reduction in the operating zones of the Royal Navy, which will now remove itself largely from the Pacific and Indian Oceans as its colonial duties there are much reduced.

The reception to the new scheme is mixed with many seeign it as a major loss to the Empire as her traditional sea power is reduced whilst others see it as an opportunity for reform and modernisation as well as a means to free up funding for other projects.

The Prime Minister, Harold Macmillan, has come under fire from many traditionalists within the Royal Navy for radically reducing the number of vessels, decommissioning many old destroyers, corvettes and even a reasonably new nuclear powered Fleet Carrier. In a statement issued today he has said that this is a neccessary measure to promote modernisation in the navy and that all ships (except the carrier) will be replaced within the next year. He also reduced the number of submarines to 6 from 10 prior to their replacement by newer models within two years.

Finally he has officially stated that Britain is persuing extensive military manoeuvres with other members of the Oceanic Alliance, but has made no mention of any further details.

In the North Sea, a British SSN shadowing a Scandic SSN is fired upon. It fires back. Both torpedoes hit, and both submarines are lost.

The British Ministry of Communications (OOC: read propaganda) prepares the following statement which is read by Prime Minister Harold Macmillan to the nation via TV and Radio:

"People of Britain, it is my sad duty to report to you that I have just recieved information relating to the loss of one of the Royal Navy's Churchill Class Submarines. These sad events occured late yesterday afternoon. The vessel in question was HMS Courageous who was sunk by a torpedo whilst trailing a similar Scandic vessel, which the Admiralty had reason to believe posed a severe threat to the safety of this kingdom, this vessel is also believed to have been destroyed. British search and rescue vessels have combed the scene of the action but unfortunately have been forced to conclude that all 103 souls on board were lost in the attack. All next of kin have been informed.

"I have sent several pressing telegrams to the Scandic parliament and have been in contact with the Scandic embassy in London. If I do not receive a full apology and stated intent to cease these probing submarine missions in the North Sea then I shall have no alternative but to upgrade the alert level of the Royal Navy and increase Anti-Submarine patrols in the North Sea region for this nation's safety.

"This nation has not stood through two world wars and for almost 1000 years free of a foreign ruler (OOC: Purposely ignoring the German Royal Family here...) to be attacked in such a cowardly manner. I urge all citizens to support the nation through this difficult time and to remain strong. We shall not be cowed by such a heartless attack on this nations sovereignity resulting in the loss of 103 of her finest men. I am sure that I speak for all of us when I say that our prayers go out to the families of the young seamen lost in yesterday's sad events and to hope for a timely response from the Scandic government."

The British Aerospace industry is completely nationalised following the merger of the Hawker Siddeley Group and Scottish Aviation Corporation into teh Nationalised British Aerospace Corporation. The resultant Group is to be known by the name British Aerospace (BAe).

---------

The first Concorde supersonic passenger prototype makes its maiden flight on 2-3-63. The aircraft has been deisgned and constructed by a joint project between BAe and Aerospatiale, the major French defence contractor. The Concorde test flight ran from Toulouse to Heathrow airports and included extensive checks to the major systems. A supersonic test flight is scheduled for early next year. The first sale of passenger aircraft is not to be for another 7 years following more than 6000 hours of in-flight tests, including extensive monitoring of the aircraft during supersonic flights.

The first sale of aircraft will be open to British Airways and Air France only but subsequent production models will be available for export.

The Conservative Prime Minister, Harold Macmillan, has retired from politics after being diagnosed with Prostrate cancer. He is (wrongly) not suspected of being able to recover. There were 3 candidates for new Prime Minister:

Rab Butler (Current Deputy PM)
Alec Douglas-Home (14th Earl of Home)
Quintin Hogg (Viscount Hailsham)

There is no selection process in place for leader (and hence PM) selection by the Conservative party in the case of a retirement and so Elizabeth II was consulted (advised by Macmillan) who chose Alec Douglas-Home to be the new PM. Home immediately resigned his peerage to allow him to take a seat in the House of Commons as MP for Kinross and Western Perthshire which he contested and won soon after.

He has already set two records: being the first Prime Minister born in the 20th Century and the first Prime Minister to resign from the Lords and contest a by-election to enter the House of Commons.

The Australian government secretly forwards a request to MI6 that any information regarding the crisis in the United States be forwarded to them through our alliance. Australian intel resources are extremely limited in this matter and the security of our participation in the OA could be in jeoprady should this instablity continue.

Kennedy is forced to make painful phone calls to the British and Australasian PMs explaining he doesn't have control of US nuclear forces and will not for several hours.

Britain passes on anything MI6 has picked up regarding the US coup (which isn't a lot really) to all Commonwealth governments and intelligence agencies. It is hoped that the British Commonwealth of Nations can play a big part in reconstructing the world following this nuclear disaster.

Britain passes on anything MI6 has picked up regarding the US coup (which isn't a lot really) to all Commonwealth governments and intelligence agencies. It is hoped that the British Commonwealth of Nations can play a big part in reconstructing the world following this nuclear disaster.

OOC: Would Britain agree to a sharing of space tech in exchange for more aid?
The ASA has completed both very heavy lift rockets and Lunar landing mission this year. The details will be safely stored somewhere in the SCT.
If the others agree a possible arrangement where in exchange for the space tech we get more aid and get to send people up in the craft.

This could possibly lead to a merging of the ESA with the remannets of the ASA to form an International Space Agency.

OOC: Perhaps, but you'd have to talk to the other ESA members (Parthini and Abbassia plus Bulgaria?).

Britain will agree to sharing space tech in return for aid sent to China (seen as the most needy) around 60 points this year and more over the coming years. An international space agency would probably be welcomed, Commonwealth Africa would certainly like to be in on the deal.

A combined crew for the first missions would be a definate result, with several missions being sent up and the crew being one from each contributing nation, mixed Asian and European and i'll randomise which one gets to the moon first (or blows up attempting it!).

I am afraid I suspended Space funding for this year to aid the Chinese, however if you are prepared to offer more aid in exchange then I don't mind.

Currently the Philippines would like to offer a hand of diplomacy to Europe, that we have ignored due to their distance from us. Currently we would like to thank you for your help of CHina.

I am afraid I suspended Space funding for this year to aid the Chinese, however if you are prepared to offer more aid in exchange then I don't mind.

The ESA can get by with the minimal funding I have given, that is enough to keep us in the race to the moon. I am unable to squeeze any more out of my economy and still keep my military ready to deal with any new enemies (CSPS!). But we should be back on track for a moon attempt next year.

Currently the Philippines would like to offer a hand of diplomacy to Europe, that we have ignored due to their distance from us. Currently we would like to thank you for your help of China.

Britain acknowledges the diplomatic message received from the Phillipines and looks forward to better ties with the Asian region in the future.

The Scandic Union makes multiple attempts to contact the British government and lay the foundations for possible talks between the Greeks and Turks. We believe if there is any nation who can oversea talks from the Greek side as the Scandic Union can for turkey it is Britian, and would like to have Britian involved in setting up the first steps towards a possible peace.

The UK is quietly informed that while the Arab Federation does not want war with Oman (see the NPC thread for details) it is prepared to defend itself and its right to engage in foreign affairs as it wishes. The government seriously hopes that the UK will realize that Oman is the aggressor in this case and not the Arab Federation.

Germany concurs with the AF government and states that the Yemenite people have spoken and fought for their desire to live in union with the Arab Federation, and that Oman's actions are those of old men who wish to continue the old ways, something which can not happen with the actions of the past few months.

Germany also reminds Britain that Germany will defend the Arab Federation, if it is attacked, and that the more cooperative Britain is in the Middle East, the more cooperative Germany will be in the future regarding the CSPS.

Britain announces that once the war with the SU is over and peace restored its intentions are that the Suez Canal will be rebuilt using British engineers and nationalised by the British government (to pay for some of the rebuilding costs). The actual canal and a one mile area either side are to be considered sovereign British territory. The scheme will begin as soon as negotiations with the Egyptian interim government are completed and the sale of the land is complete.

OOC: Is Egypt still around as a player? Any idea of costs of this scheme?

In 1965, as Canada breaks apart over political differences caused by the war (and death of nearly 50,000 Canadians), recriminations over its previous ties to the US, and regional differences inflamed by the Depression and Nuclear Autumn, Newfoundland requests that it join the United Kingdom with the same status as Wales or Scotland.

The remaining Canadian Maritimes join New England, British Columbia joins Columbia along with the Yukon, Quebec declares its independence as a French speaking Republic, and the remainder of Canada joins with the US Midwest and Plains states in forming the Republic of Huron (Great Lakes Republic writ large)

Newfoundland is accepted wholehearted into the United Kingdom. It will be split into constituencies of similar size to those in the UK and send 7 MPs to parlaiment (correct for size fo population) once elections are conducted at the start of next year.

A new union flag is designed which is simialr to the old flag except it is defaced with the old seal of the Lieutenant Governer of Newfoundland (and labrodor, if applicable).

http://files.photojerk.com/dumelow/nfunion.PNG


Service flags are also updated:

Navy

http://files.photojerk.com/dumelow/navy.PNG

Airforce

http://files.photojerk.com/dumelow/airforce.PNG

OOC: Just Newfoundland, or Newfoundland and Labrador? Not that there's much difference, just some tundra with a few thousand people living on it.

Italy inquires as to the possibility of acquiring British weapons technology, or even buying tactical nuclear weapons. Since the Italian forces in Greece were mauled by nuke-wielding Ukrainians, the acquisition of tactical nuclear weapons is seen as essential to a modern military.

Mexico would like to purchase one unit of Hawks.

Italy and Mexico are permitted to purchase British made weaponary, but Italy is informed that Britain is unwilling to allow export of Nuclear weapons.

In light of the current war, Germany formally requests the reaffirmation of the Treaty of Daresalaam, and perhaps extending it further to other European nations.

OOC - So do I pay you a certain amount of points, or what?

OOC - What is the status of Belize/British Honduras?
And shouldn't you get some newer transports? The ones you are using are based on a RL WW2 design.

The Central American Defence Procurement Agency would like to enquire about the availability of the B-57 Canberras for purchase. They are currently in the RAF Reserve.

Mexico: Just pay the standard costs and deduct it from your budget, nothing goes to me, you just need my approval for an export licence.

Belize is independent and in an economic union with the other Anglophonic Carribean nations (Not US ones though). My transports will likely be updated next year, I just haven't been able to get round to them yet.

The B-57s are still a frontline unit in the RAF, not for sale and in the reserve only due to large numbers of other forces to be supported, but you have permission to buy them from new at basic cost.

Germany: The Treaty of Daresalaam can be reaffirmed as needed and Britain would happily extend it to other EEC nations.

B57 Canberra medium bomber air combat 0, strike rating 2, range medium (US/UK)
OOC - It says the Canberra is out of production. How much could I buy them for?

OOC: Ah the B57 appears to be in both IP and OOP lists. I presume it's only meant to appear in the OOP list, i'll upgrade next year to Tu 26s so you can have my old B57s for 3 points for all three, alternatively you can consider them a gift if you let me have a naval base on your West coats for the Pacific Fleet to use.

OOC: Ah the B57 appears to be in both IP and OOP lists. I presume it's only meant to appear in the OOP list, i'll upgrade next year to Tu 26s so you can have my old B57s for 3 points for all three, alternatively you can consider them a gift if you let me have a naval base on your West coats for the Pacific Fleet to use.

you don't want a base near the ME? Plenty of space

Puerto El Triunfo on the coast of El Salvador is available for your use. So 3 Canberras in 1971?

Haneastic: I already have a base in Kuwait for naval and air assets which more than caters for the small British Indian Ocean Fleet, the air assets I am still looking at and will update next year anyway so there could be an opportunity there for a base. I'll get back to you.

Whittlesfield: Yep, you get your aircraft in 1971 once I build some replacements and overhaul the RAF. Thanks for the base.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer releases funds to the RAF for a massive modernisation program to bring the RAF back to the forefront of the world's airforces. Expected to be completed by the end of 1971 the massive scheme is anticipated to enable the RAF to better protect the nation.

SIC: A program of underground bunkers beneath London's streets is also begun, with tunnels linking Downing Street, the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, Whitehall and several other prominent sites together and to the London Underground rail system. The project is thought to be able to guarantee the protection of the nation's leaders in case of an attack on the capital.

There is considerable grumbling by the Labor Party about proposed purchase of Mexican Aztec patrol aircraft instead of British built Nimrod aircraft

USCA enquires whether an AEW version of the Nimrod is available for purchase.
OOC - Even if its damn ugly!
Pic (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/88/BAE_Nimrod.jpg)

The Conservative government states that it is following advice from the Ministry of Defence procurement office that the Aztec was the best available maritime patrol aircraft due to better anti-ship capabilities. However following a revision it has been established that the Nimrod's jet engines may well prove useful in quicker reaction to threats at home and that 3 of the Aztec squadrons will be replaced by the Nimrod. It is noted that the British aerospace industry will be boosted by a forthcoming order for 8 squadrons fo intercontinental bombers to replace the aging Avro Vulcans.

USCA proposes a joint review with UK in recon, coastal protection, and other intelligence gathering matters involving the air force. USCA is currently putting together a network involving Canberras, Aztec 100s, and hopefully Nimrods, and would like to enquire if the UK would like to collaborate in this programme. This would further enhance the capabilities of our two countries, and bring the military co-operation of these two allies together.
USCA also proposes that UK and USCA support each other in obtaining entry to the Pacific Rim Treaty Organisation.

Britain would be glad to work alongside the Mexicans in improving airforce efficiency. Britain will permit any export treaties for British aircraft that the Mexicans might require, except for Avro Vulcans which Britain wishes to retain sole ownership of until a new intercontinental bomber can be developed. Support for entry into the Pacific Rim Treaty Organisation will be offered but there is little hope for a British entry into the organisation, British Pacific territories consisting of nothing but very small island chains supported by a relatively small fleet.

The Philippines wonders if the British wouldn't mind selling a unit of Harriers in the near future.

The Ministry of Defence is unwilling to sell to South Asia at the present moment in time due to ongoing troubles there but does not rule out future sales.

The Royal Navy has reassigned several vessels from the Pacific Fleet elsewhere due to the decreasing need for a carrier based force in the area which contains few British concerns. Many of the vessels are reassigned to the Indian Ocean Fleet which now has a major port in Kuwait City.

We would not be purchasing them until 1973 at the earliest. And we understand, though the UIP has declared neutrality in this situation.