SPECIAL: World Wars in Central and South America
WAR IN THE WESTERN ATLANTIC. San Juan, Republic of New England. The Socialist Union of South America has continued to unleash ships into the Caribbean and Western Atlantic, in an effort to cut off European trade with Venezuela and Colombia. Among these are light ships as well as heavier capital ships of various classes and sizes. To respond to this threat the nation of Cuba has further involved itself in the war to the south, sending its navy to engage the Socialists, along with some limited support from the Republic of New England. Unfortunately, the socialists have refused to commit to a major engagement, causing a series of minor battles to take place across the region. Several large Socialist ships have been sunk, including a pair of battleships. The Cuban government has pledged to back the Venezuelans and Colombians against "the piracy of the insane Socialist government in Rio."
Casualty List
Socialist Union of South America: 2 Destroyers, 2 Light Cruisers, 1 Battle Cruiser, 2 Equality-Class Battleships
Cuba: 3 Destroyers, 2 Light Cruisers, 2 MR Submarines
Venezuela: 1 Destroyer
Republic of New England: 1 Light Cruiser
VENEZUELA FRONT. Caracas, Venezuela. The war between Venezuela and the Socialist Union of South America continues to pick up in the skies while remaining stalemated upon the ground. The land war has been reduced to various skirmishes and minor engagements, limiting casualties and fighting to a very small scale. Overall in the ground battles, the Venezuelans have emerged victorious, winning against smaller Socialist armies. The skies have proven to be an entirely different situation. The Socialist Union has unleashed a massive assault with a massive host of planes, hoping to engage and destroy the Venezuelan air force in the skies. Overall, they have proven successful, though they have faced heavy losses for the victory.
Casualty List
Socialist Union of South America: 10 Infantry Brigades, 20 PA-3 Squadrons
Venezuela: 6 Infantry Brigades, 2 Anti-Air Brigades, 21 PPDA-38 Squadrons
COLOMBIA FRONT. Bogota, Colombia. Fighting remains stalemated within the jungles of southern Colombia, as the Allied and Socialist armies alike continue to dig in in preparation for the inevitable resuming of hostilities. Some minor casualties have been inflicted as the armies have not remained completely idle. Limited fighting has been reported along the entire front line as both sides continue to maneuver for better positions for larger offensive operations. The skies have also remained mostly clear, as superior Colombian anti-air fortifications made it clear that any sortie into Colombia would be an expensive operation. Foreign observers are convinced that barring outside intervention this fight is unlikely to move in either direction's favor.
Casualty List
Socialist Union of South America: 7 Infantry Brigades, 1 AFB-01 Squadron, 3 SUDB-01 Squadrons
Colombia: 4 Infantry Brigades, 2 Anti-Air Brigades
PERUVIAN FRONT. Lima, Peru. Allied forces have once more taken the offensive in Peru and Chile, as the Republic of New England dramatically reinforces their protectorate. The Chilean air force was quickly swept from the skies by powerful new Allied planes and skilled pilots, opening the door for a major attack. The Allies have smashed Chilean lines in southern Peru, routing the enemy army and sending them fleeing south, despite defensive preparations. Bolivia has once more been invaded, as the Socialist Union's army in the region was forced south by superior numbers and equipment. Casualties have been heavy among both sides, but with Santiago under threat of attack once again, it appears that Allied victory has never been closer.
Casualty List
Chile: 55 Infantry Brigades, 10 Mountain Brigades, 11 Artillery Brigades, 3 Anti-Air Brigades, 8 PA-1 Squadrons, 15 PA-3 Squadrons, 15 SUDB-01 Squadrons, 7 AFB-01 Squadrons
Socialist Union of South America: 12 Infantry Brigades
Peru: 77 Infantry Brigades, 4 Artillery Brigades, 5 Anti-Air Brigades, 10 Oliver Mk2 Squadrons, 2 Osprey Squadrons
Republic of New England: 12 Infantry Brigades, 6 Thunderbird Squadrons, 3 Falcon Squadrons, 2 Hawk Squadrons, 1 Osprey Squadron
ARGENTINE FRONT. Buenos Aires, United Atlantic Cities. The civil war in Argentina continues to be bloody and in dispute among both sides. The withdrawal of the New Englander expeditionary air forces has definitely shown its effects in the advance upon Buenos Aires. The fighting has remained slow as the socialist armies stubbornly maintain their advance towards the rebel capitol. The Allied armies remain entrenched, giving up ground stubbornly and inflicting a heavy price upon the attackers. Despite the valiant defense, the socialists have still made it into the outskirts of Buenos Aires, where heavy urban fighting has erupted, rivaling that of Moscow. Casualties have been heavy for both sides as the fighting continues to escalate. In the skies, the withdrawal of New England's support forces has been felt the most, as the socialists dominate the air against the rebel armies.
Casualty List
Argentine Collectives Federation: 87 Infantry Brigades, 2 Artillery Brigades, 1 Anti-Air Brigade, 33 AVB-03 Brigades,4 PA-1 Squadrons, 2 SUDB-01 Squadrons, 2 AFB-01 Squadrons
United Atlantic Cities: 51 Infantry Brigades, 5 Artillery Brigades, 8 Anti-Tank Brigades, 3 PPDA-38 Squadrons
European News Report
SWISS ELECTIONS. Geneva, Switzerland. The ongoing World Wars has caused limitations and rationing even for tiny Switzerland, deep within the heart of Europe. Shortages within the country's neighbors have led to less provided by merchants to Switzerland as the war drags onward. This has led to a growing divide in the peaceful country's long-standing coalition of moderate conservatives and liberals. Both factions have fallen to the appeal of more radical members and the coalition has collapsed, despite the best efforts of the nation's leader. Between these, the Conservative Party has emerged victorious, trumping the Liberals and calling for improved relations with France and perhaps even membership with the Co-Axial Pact, the dominant force in Europe. This has issued strong disagreements with the Liberals who have called for continued isolation from international affairs and neutrality. (-1 Stability)
SWEDISH ELECTIONS. Stockholm, Swedish Empire. The wavering support of the Swedish Empire this year for the Allied cause in Europe was trounced in elections this year. The Swedish people seem to remain whole-heartedly behind war, but the question raised in debates was, "war with who?" The Conservative Party, following defeats at Riga and Smolensk, argued that peace with France was a preferable option, allowing the nation to continue the true war against the United Collectives of North America. The Liberal Party has argued for the War for Freedom in Europe, and has even called for limited decentralization of the government in Finland and Norway after the war. They have also called for the withdrawal of Swedish troops from North America and negotiations with the United Collectives. The fear of France and their continuing victories ultimately emerged as the predominant platform for the people of Sweden, and the Swedish have come out in full support of the Liberal Party. (+2 Stability)
IRISH FIRST ELECTIONS. Dublin, Irish Republic. As war continues to rage across Europe, and even in Britain, the Irish government has held its first full elections since independence this year. With the end of a united front against English occupation, the Irish factions have soon collapsed into petty infighting and squabbles, leading to a highly contested election. Liberals and Conservatives battled each other as well as lisists and other nationalist organizations. The first group agreed to the borders set with the English, and called for peace while the others wanted to renew the struggle against the English to aid Scotland in the ongoing war. The Conservative Party ultimately emerged victorious, portraying the various nationalist organizations as extremist radicals, and all others as socialist or communist agitators. The Conservatives have rallied the support of Irish businesses with their promises for economic security in the birth of a new nation.
SPECIAL: World Wars in Europe
INVASION OF ENGLAND. London, England. Scottish forces have finally fully engaged the armies of the Allies in Europe. The Scottish military was given the go ahead this year to launch a full invasion of England, striking against the most heavily fortified border in the world. The armored spearhead launched by the Scots soon led to the destruction of over three thousand tanks in less than forty-eight hours after the invasion began. The tanks ran face first into well prepared English anti-tank positions, which inflicted a heavy toll upon the mechanized elements of the Scottish army. Only when infantry and other support was brought up did the advance begin to move forward, at a tremendous cost. The collapse of the English front lines, as bloody as it was, proved to be the only resistance initially faced by the Scottish army. Liverpool fell after a couple weeks of city fighting, and the Scottish advance continued deeper and deeper into the English nation. By the time English reinforcements arrived to turn the tide, the Scottish advance had already made it into the northern outskirts of London, and the government had pulled back to the south. English counter offensives late in the year met with success, with the Scottish army battered and bloodied after enormous casualties through the rest of the campaign. These ensuing attacks and English air superiority soon led to the front being brought almost all the way to prewar borders.
Casualty List
Scotland: 122 Infantry Brigades, 6 Artillery Brigades, 8 Anti-Air Brigades, 10 Anti-Tank Brigades, 4 Highlander Brigades, 130 A-35 brigades, 17 G35 Squadrons, 3 Zeppelin Bomber Squadrons
England: 79 Infantry Brigades, 7 Mountain Brigades, 5 Cavalry Brigades, 20 Artillery Brigades, 15 Anti-Air Brigades, 39 Anti-Tank Brigades, 3 Armored Car Brigades, 4 Tank Brigades, 4 Panzer II Brigades, 5 Panzer III Brigades, 10 Panzer IV Brigades, 2 Zeppelin Bomber Squadrons, 10 Hlin-1 Squadrons, 5 AS-124 Squadrons, 3 Tyr-1 Squadrons, 7 Buster Squadrons
RUSSIAN FRONT. St. Petersburg, Russian Federation. Fighting in the Russian Federation has been incredibly bloody and devastating this year as the French advance continues to move to the east. The year's main fighting season began with a French advance onto Moscow, moving into the city and opening up a major urban battle. The initial French attack left a large Russian force surrounded in the city and besieged under heavy firepower. The French looked to be prepared to destroy the army until the arrival of the Free German Army, which led the assault to relieve the city's defenders. The French were pushed out of the city, inch by inch, leading to a stalemate around Moscow, and an escalating urban battle. Allied forces at the same time launched an offensive from St. Petersburg, briefly recapturing Riga and Smolensk, while threatening Axis supply lines. The French rallied their armies and thanks to Portuguese reinforcements, managed to contain and push back the Allied advance. Despite these large scale battles, many believe that the fighting was best determined by the offensives from the Ukraine. Axis forces managed to push towards the Don River against light resistance, but continually met with failure trying to cross the water towards Tsaritsyn. After months of heavy fighting, the Axis armies managed to cross and slowly slog their way to the Russian financial capitol. Determined that the French would move straight into the city to capture it, the local Russian commander brought his forces into a defensive ring on the west side of the Volga, hoping to engage the French in a city battle much like in Moscow. Though this appeared successful at first, the Axis armies used their new A-42 weapons to punch a major hole in Allied lines to the north of the city, allowing them to cross the Volga and encircle Tsaritsyn. Faced with a city of over three million inhabitants and an army with no way to resupply them, the Russian commander surrendered the city and army to the Co-Axial Pact forces, marking the largest surrender of the war. From here French troops managed to secure much of the southern Volga, threatening Russian oil supplies from the south. This year's vicious campaign has clearly left both sides' armies drained and battered, with casualties at a high never before seen in human history.
Casualty List
France: 301 Infantry Brigades, 14 Artillery Brigades, 23 A-39 Brigades, 7 A-42 Brigades, 19 PPDA-38 Squadrons, 7 PPDA-41 Squadrons, 8 PBHA-40 Squadrons, 10 BP38 Squadrons,
Republic of Italy: 36 Infantry Brigades
Portugal: 65 Infantry Brigades
Serbia: 91 Infantry Brigades, 5 Artillery Brigades
Bulgaria: 222 Infantry Brigades, 6 Artillery Brigades, 7 A-39 Brigades, 7 PPDA-38 Squadrons
Romania: 43 Infantry Brigades, 3 Artillery Brigades
Prussia: 12 Infantry Brigades, 7 PPDA-41 Squadrons
Russian Federation: 947 Infantry Brigades, 3 Marine Brigades, 28 Artillery Brigades, 7 Anti-Tank brigades, 16 Anti-Air Brigades, 33 Panzer IV Brigades, 31 AS-Zero Squadrons, 5 S-20 Squadrons, 17 Buster Squadrons, 9 Jaguar Squadrons
Swedish Empire: 67 Infantry Brigades, 5 Artillery Brigades, 5 Panzer II Brigades, 4 AS-124 Squadrons
Hungary: 45 Infantry Brigades, 6 Artillery Brigades
Galicia: 2 Infantry Brigades
Transylvania: 10 Infantry Brigades, 2 Artillery Brigades
German Republic: 51 Infantry Brigades, 2 Panzer III Brigades
BATTLE FOR THE ATLANTIC. Lisbon, Portugal. In an effort to capitalize upon global food shortages and rationing, the French navy has launched a bid to further isolate England from its allies, particularly considering the prolonged front in Algeria and the Scottish invasion. This proved successful at first as French naval vessels blockaded the English coastline, but the Allies soon countered this move with their own. The Allied shipping, as forces withdrew from Morocco, used brute force to bust through French blockade lines several times, moving en masse against weak points. This has led to surface battles in which the Allies have finally managed to draw out the Axis navy from their Baltic air cover. Thanks to English bombers, the Allied fleet won a major victory against the French surface fleet off the coast of Plymouth. Elsewhere across the eastern Atlantic, the Allied and Axis warships, both surface and submersible, have fought minor engagements on a limited scale, seeing the first successful uses of the Shark Submarine in combat.
Casualty List
France: 5 Destroyers, 6 Light Cruisers, 3 Heavy Cruisers, 3 Battlecruisers, 2 Atlantic-class Battleships, 8 MR Submarines, 4 LR Submarines
England: 3 Destroyers, 1 Light Cruiser, 2 Battlecruisers, 2 Atlantic-class Battleships, 2 Zeppelin Bomber Squadrons, 3 AS-124 Squadrons, 1 Tyr-1 Squadron, 3 Buster Squadrons
German Republic: 1 Destroyer, 1 Light Cruiser
Danish Empire: 1 Shark Submarine
BATTLE IN PARIS. Paris, France. To the surprise of the Co-Axial Pact and the world as a whole one of the most brutal city battles this year took place within Paris itself. German Kommandos, having spent the past three years in actions throughout the former German Republic, managed to launch an attack upon government buildings throughout Paris. Having snuck in across the border after diversionary attacks upon French outposts in Germany, the Kommandos managed to move their whole brigade intact into the outskirts of the French capitol. In late August they struck, hoping to kill Consul La Rocque and bring a conclusion to the war in the favor of the Allies. They managed to seize a number of government buildings, but determined resistance allowed the French to get warning out to nearby military units. The Consul managed to escape, though he was critically wounded by a German sniper, and throughout the rest of the year he has failed to make public appearances, fuelling some speculation that he may be dead or dying. The French DS forces as well as regular Army forces moved into the city, facing dug in enemy forces, bringing tanks into a building to building battle in the heart of Paris. The Kommandos have been wiped out by the French incursion, but many Frenchmen and women mourn the devastation caused in the nation's capitol.
Casualty List
France: 2 Infantry Brigades, 1 Armored Car Brigade, 2 Tank Brigades, -1 Stability
German Republic: 1 Kommando Brigade
BEHIND AXIS LINES. Berlin, Prussia. German partisans continued their best efforts to sabotage the French war effort this year, by a series of tactical strikes against railroads and other supply nodes between Paris and Moscow. One of the major events, besides the strike into Paris, was the destruction of three bridges upon the Rhine simultaneously, defeating the local French garrison and delaying the flow of supplies for days. Another major coup for the guerillas was the destruction of two trains carrying the new A-42 tank to the front lines, derailing them and destroying the cargo. The Greek Resistance continues to maintain activity as well, persisting in their efforts against the French and Italian occupations. They have managed to win several victories in the field, inflicting irreparable damage in morale to the Axis forces.
Casualty List
France: 2 Infantry Brigades, 2 A-42 Brigades
Republic of Italy: 2 Infantry Brigades
African/Middle Eastern News Report
TUNISIA ELECTIONS. Tunis, Tunisia. Bitter over the loss of the war and the heavy casualties inflicted upon the Tunisian nation, the Liberal Party has found itself overwhelmingly ousted by the opposition. Though in peacetime, they proved hardy and for the modernization of the nation's economy and education system, they were unable to bring success for the country in a time of war. The humiliating treaty with the French and the heavy death rates have led to the people rising in anger against the old regime. The Conservative Party rose this wave of anger to victory in the polls and the elections, pledging a stronger Tunisia. They have vowed to maintain the country's military strength as well as restoring the glory and prosperity of the nation as a whole. (+2 Stability)
PALESTINE ELECTIONS. Al Quds, Palestine. Elections in Palestine were dominated by rising concern over the trading situation in the Mediteranean Sea and the apparent failure of the government to do anything about the rising threat of Rashid Arabia. Fearful of the unabashed wars of aggression launched by Rashid Arabia first against Yemen, and now against the Turkish Sultanate, the Palestinian republic has only offered the smallest of condemnations towards the Middle Eastern monarchy. The Liberal Party, long time supporters of Turkish policies, have denounced these moves, and the Conservative Party for de facto supporting the militaristic agenda by their silence. Though the Liberal bid for control of the country proved unsuccessful, the Conservative Party's hold on Congress has been greatly weakened. (-1 Stability)
JORDAN ELECTIONS. Amman, Jordan. In the country's first free elections since the end of the Suez War, The Liberal Party has once more overwhelmingly garnered the support of the people, promising continued stability. The turmoil of the growing World Wars has some concerned, but the Liberal Party has assured the nation of its neutrality and isolation from the ever expanding conflict. The Liberal Party has pledged that the sounds of war will never sound within the small country, and that it pledges to establish an "Earthly paradise" of prosperity and democracy for its people. (+1 Stability)
ABYSSINIA CALLS FOR FREEDOM. Addis Ababa, Republic of New England. A coalition of university students and other concerned Abyssinians, some even members of the now defunct nation's government, have called for independence from the New Englander Empire. Linking ties with some of the regions illegal unions, factories have been shut down as workers refuse to work for the occupiers. The protesters have issued a state of demands to the Republic of New England, calling for the end of the exploitation of the Abyssinian people and the creation of an independent republic. They have threatened to continue strikes and other activities until the New Englander government caves to demands. (-1 Stability in Abyssinia)
COUP FAILS IN LIBERIA. Forsythville, Liberia. Ambitious military leaders in the nation of Liberia launched a bid for power this year, hoping to force out the reigning government in favor of a more authoritarian one. The coup started without difficulty as the militarists seized control of the capitol and arrested the civilian government. Despite this, the majority of the military refused to acknowledge the new regime and moved into the capitol to quell the uprising. After a small but bloody struggle, the rebels were ousted from the region, and throughout the rest of the year the army continued rooting out holdouts throughout the countryside. The government has proclaimed this to be a victory for elected government and democracy, voicing that the people's will can not be denied by the minority. (+1 Stability, -6 Infantry Brigades, -3 Manpower)
EGYPT SIGNS PEACE. Cairo, Egypt. Facing defeat in the field and overwhelming Italian and French forces, the new militarist government of Egypt has agreed to peace with the Co-Axial Pact in order to preserve the nation's freedom from imperialism. The French and Italian governments have agreed to even maintain the integrity of Egypt's prewar borders and the legitimacy of the new regime, in exchange for partial ownership in the Suez Canal as well as immunity from transit fees for both nations. The Egyptian government has responded by ignoring the new sanctions and calling for major reform in the nation's agricultural sectors. They have pledged to help provide food to the starving and besieged nations of the world, offering lower prices and import costs for much of Europe and the Middle East. (+1 Stability)
TUNISIA AGREES TO TREATY. Tunis, Tunisia. After two years of defeat against the French Empire, the Tunisian government has agreed to a humiliating peace with the Co-Axial Pact. In exchange for preserving the security of the nation against present French invasion, particularly after the English defeat in Morocco, the Tunisian government has given the right to France to inspect any and all Tunisian craft within the Mediterranean Sea. This has been stated to be in order to prevent further piracy in the region, of which the Tunisian government was suspected, as well as to preserve the security of French shipping throughout the area. This treaty has proven highly unpopular with the Tunisian people, and protests have been held in opposition. (-1 Stability)
