SPECIAL: World Wars in Europe
FRONT IN BRITAIN. London, England. The English and Scots have continued to wage war across Britain, as the Scots launched a new offensive early in the year, pushing on once again toward London and Liverpool. A major wave of recruits swarmed English officers and military bases, as the Scots threatened natural English territory. The English managed to repulse the invasion and then some, as overwhelming force was brought to bear against the Scottish army. With far superior numbers and airpower, the Scottish front line was breached in less than a month after the English launched their offensive. Edinburgh fell a few days later, after a large Scottish army was surrounded and defeated there. The remnants of the Scottish army continue to fight on in the north, as the English try to root out the last holdouts of the Co-Axial Pact in Britain.
Casualty List
Scotland: 202 Infantry Brigades, 10 Artillery Brigades, 8 Anti-Air Brigades, 6 Anti-Tank Brigades, 1 Highlander Brigade, 45 A-35 Brigades, 4 G35 Squadrons
England: 235 Infantry Brigades, 6 Artillery Brigades, 1 Anti-Air Brigade, 14 Anti-Tank Brigades, 23 Panzer IV Brigades, 2 AS-124 Squadrons, 2 Buster Squadrons
THE RUSSIAN FRONT. St. Petersburg, Russian Federation. As last year, some of the heaviest fighting in the globe took place between the Co-Axial Pact and the Russian Federation and its Allies in western Russia. The first fighting of year continued in the war-torn ruins of Moscow, as German and Russian soldiers pushed back the French out of the city once more and south into the open plains and roads of Russia. The French managed to contain the advance with superior airpower, smashing the advance and holding back attempts to reclaim the skies by the Allies. The fighting opened up again in spring around Moscow, when a French encircling attempt was crushed on the front lines by German forces as the Allies threw more and more troops and planes into combat, slowing making the fight for the skies into a more equal grapple. The stalemate continued south of Moscow throughout the year, as the Axis failed to advance within range of the city once again. In the north, the French have managed to panic St. Petersburg with a highly successful advance which briefly placed the city under artillery bombardment and cut the town off from the rest of the Russian Federation. A major influx of Swedish troops helped turn the tide with a major counterattack, pushing the Axis forces back from the city. Along the Volga, the Russian army fought a determined and brutal battle to hold the vital river line against a French advance, and inflicted a heavy toll. The deployment of the new D-Zero and massive numbers has not only led to the halt of the French advance, but to the forcing back of Axis forces towards Tsaritsyn. This was slightly offset by a French drive into the Caucuses across the Don River, breaching Russian defensive lines and pushing southeast, threatening Russia's main supplies of oil.
Casualty List
France: 445 Infantry Brigades, 20 A-39 Brigades, 35 A-42 Brigades, 6 Anti-Tank Brigades, 2 Anti-Air Brigades, 8 CaD88 Brigades, 30 PPDA-41 Squadrons, 21 BP38 Squadrons, 5 PBHA-40 Squadrons
Portugal: 34 Infantry Brigades, 6 A-42 Brigades, 4 PBHA-40 Squadrons, 15 PPDA-38 Squadrons, 1 Zeppelin Dreadnought
Republic of Italy: 10 Infantry Brigades
Serbia: 49 Infantry Brigades, 4 Artillery Brigades, 2 A-39 Brigades, 30 PPDA-38 Squadrons
Bulgaria: 128 Infantry Brigades, 2 Cavalry Brigades, 6 Artillery Brigades, 4 A-42 Brigades, 4 PPDA-38 Squadrons, 2 PPDA-41 Squadrons
Romania: 67 Infantry Brigades, 4 Artillery Brigades, 10 PPDA-41 Squadrons, 2 PPHA-40 Squadrons
Prussia: 17 Infantry Brigades, 3 Cavalry Brigades, 2 Artillery Brigades
Russian Federation: 704 Infantry Brigades, 19 Artillery Brigades, 11 Anti-Tank Brigades, 20 Anti-Air Brigades, 19 Panzer IV Brigades, 25 D-Zero Brigades, 63 AS-Zero Squadrons, 10 Buster Squadrons
German Republic: 91 Infantry Brigades
Swedish Empire: 70 Infantry Brigades, 4 Artillery Brigades, 2 D-4100 Brigades, 5 AS-124 Squadrons
Transylvania: 4 Infantry Brigades, 1 Artillery Brigade
Galicia: 12 Infantry Brigades, 2 Artillery Brigades
Hungary: 40 Infantry Brigades, 8 Anti-Tank Brigades, 6 Anti-Air Brigades, 1 Panzer II Brigade, 1 Panzer III Brigade, 2 Armored Car Brigades
BEHIND AXIS LINES. Berlin, Prussia. The situation in the former German Republic has escalated this year with a massive increase in organized partisan activities. It is believed by Prussian and French intelligence sources that full Resistance brigades may even be operating within the towns and countryside of Germany. Several pitched battles have been fought on a moderately sized scale throughout Germany, interrupting Axis supply to the front lines as well as causing considerable damage. Some of these forces have struck now in Prussia, hoping to further destabilize the collaborator regime out of Berlin and to spark an uprising against French dominance. This has been matched by activity in Greece, where French forces have been hard pressed to contain Greek bombing activities and attacks throughout the whole country. Several offensive operations were launched by DS Brigades, which have reported outstanding success in smashing some of the larger Resistance formations in Germany and Greece.
Casualty List
France: 10 Infantry Brigades
Prussia: 5 Infantry Brigades
German Republic: 7 Infantry Brigades
BATTLE OF BREST. Brest, France. A major fleet engagement has been fought between the navies of France and the Allies, as the combined English and German fleet met in open combat against the surface navy of France. Reminiscent of battles fought throughout the Caribbean before the dawn of powered aircraft, the Battle of Brest was fougth without the benefit of air support from either side as the French navy clashed against their united enemies. The plethora of French screening ships enabled them to keep their heavier vessels secure for longer through the conflict, inflicting heavier damages upon the Allies than they had themselves. The battle is believed to be a draw, as both sides suffered heavy losses and withdrew to ports in Britain and France. The fight was followed with minor skirmishes throughout the Atlantic, as French submarines clashed with Allied escort vessels bringing in food for the hungry English people.
Casualty List
France: 11 Destroyers, 10 Light Cruisers, 5 Heavy Cruisers, 2 Battlecruisers, 1
Atlantic-class Battleship, 1
Caesar-class Battleship, 9 MR Submarines, 2 LR Submarines, 3 Submarines
Russian Federation: 2 Destroyers, 1 Light Cruiser
England: 2 Destroyers, 2 Light Cruisers, 2 Heavy Cruisers, 2 Dreadnoughts, 1
Atlantic-class Battleship, 3
Constantine-class Battleships,
German Republic: 5 Destroyers, 4 Light Cruisers, 4 Heavy Cruisers, 2 Battlecruisers, 1 Dreadnought, 2
Atlantic-class Submarines
Danish Empire: 1 Destroyer, 1 Shark Submarine
Swedish Empire: 3 Destroyers, 1 Light Cruiser
African/Middle Eastern News Report
DISPUTE SPARKS INCIDENT BETWEEN KURDS AND TURKS. Mosul, Kurdistan. Kurdistan and the Turkish Sultanate, allies in the fight against the Co-Axial pact, suffered a relationship breaking dispute this year, threatening Allied positions in Asia Minor. A train of Kurdish troops were fired upon for unknown reasons by the Turks behind the front lines this year, and a vicious firefight ensued. The Kurds have blamed the Turkish government for a variety of offenses, claiming that they still continue to deny Kurdish sovereignty. The government of Kurdistan has announced the withdrawal of its forces from the front lines by the end of the year, claiming that it was a mistake to enter the war, and calling for immediate peace with the Co-Axial Pact. (-1 Stability in Turkey and Kurdistan)
LIBERIA ELECTIONS. Forsythville, Liberia. The Liberian government has started to face major political issues, as the clamor for reform continues to grow, and the Conservative Party faces great criticism from the press. The conservatives have been the most harshly criticized for their blind eye to industrial exploitation of the populace, and the people have demanded limitations upon the corporations responsible. The Conservatives were highly funded by the wealthy of the country and the campaign was harshly fought throughout the year, and despite widespread accusations of corruption within the populace, the Liberal Party managed to eke out a victory. The Liberals have been encouraged by the press to investigate the elections, widely believed to have been altered despite the outcome. (-2 Stability)
TURKISH ELECTIONS. Artvin, Turkish Sultanate. Despite occupation of nearly half the country by Italian invasion forces, the Turkish Sultanate has determined to preserve the nation's fledgling democracy in the wake of aggression. Elections were held for the executive office, which has been given considerable powers during the course of the conflict. The nation's Congress has had limited elections in still free areas of the country, bringing some new representatives to the table, but all members of the Turkish National Party. The moderate party has pledged to lead the nation through these times of difficulty, and has managed to secure the office of Presidency. The government will continue the fight, but has stated that peace has not been taken off the negotiation table with the Co-Axial Pact. (+1 Stability)
KURDISTAN ELECTIONS. Mosul, Kurdistan. The disastrous losses in the war with the Co-Axial Pact and the dispute with the Turkish Sultanate have led to the Liberal Party facing major opposition. The alliance with the Turks has greatly annoyed the Conservative Party leadership, which favors support for the Axis. The Conservative Party used the losses of the year and the incident to secure a major electoral victory, stomping the Liberals and ousting them from Congress and the Presidency. The Kurd government has pledged that the new government will reconsider the policies of the previous regime, and the nation of Kurdistan's position in the World Wars. (-1 Stability)
SYRIAN ELECTIONS. Damascus, Syria. The Syrian nation has held elections this year, as the Liberal Party continues to unite secularist groups within the country, despite the protestations of the conservative Islamic minority. The government has pledged to continue policies of social equality regardless of religion, and to encourage the continued migration of refugees from Europe and Africa. They have also pledged to negotiate further with the Rashid Arabian government over control of the recently annexed region from Turkey. They have vowed that Syrian claims will not be ignored, and that the government will move to establish control through any possible diplomatic moves. (+1 Stability)
RIOTING IN PALESTINE. Al Quds, Palestine. The government of Palestine faced rising dissent from the Islamic population in moves against the Jews within the city of Al Quds. Radical Islamic extremists launched an attack on the Jewish part of the city, setting several businesses aflame and killing several dozen residents and wounding hundreds of others. Of course, the local population was not defenseless and fought back, driving back the rioters. In the wake of the attack, the Liberal Party has harshly criticized the Conservative Party for its failure to act in the defense, even giving express orders for local police and military units not to get involved in the confusion. Palestine's government has refused to comment against the demands, and have insisted that no bias was made against the Jewish populace. (-1 Stability)
REFUGEES IN CENTRAL AFRICA. Crowleton, Republic of New England. To the surprise of a New Englander detachment in the northeastern Congo a massive crowd of over ten thousand people emerged from the jungles, armed but hungry. These refugees are among a number of Belgians, Moroccans, and even French socialists who claim they travelled from a forced labor camp in Central Africa. They claim that they are the end result of the so-called "death trains" which gained press before the eruption of the World Wars. Apparently, after the travel across the countryside the trains took the refugees to labor mines and other resource gathering camps across Central Africa. Forced to work under harsh conditions and with many casualties among the labor, these were able to overthrow control of the camp, killing the French guards and seizing weapons. After a long journey they managed to escape to the neutral Republic of New England's colony of the Congo. The Red Cross has set up refugee camps and has pledged to help provide for the victims of French atrocities.
DESTABILIZATION IN TUNISIA. Tunis, Tunisia. The Tunisian nation has been continually upset by the failure to achieve success in the World Wars against France. Rioting has erupted in Tunis, as the country erupts into confusion. Protests have been launched against the government as a whole, claiming that the institution of democracy resulted in the failure of the military. They have called for a new regime along modern European lisist lines, hoping for the restoration of authority and order to a troubled country. The military has been deployed to the city to prevent the outbreak of violence to block a full scale uprising from the so far limited riots which have taken place. Damages caused by the riots have been so far minimal as the nation struggles to rebuild from the war and chaos which resulted from it. (-1 Stability)
NIJERIA CONTINUES TO RISE IN UNREST. Christiansburg, Danish Empire. The Nijerian population has continued their campaign for independence and success within the Danish Empire, launching several more bombings of Danish railroads, including the derailment and destruction of a convoy of trains carrying tanks and other heavy equipment. They have also begun waging open warfare against the Danish military throughout the central parts of the nation, bombing arms factories and devastating the logistics of the country. The Danish government has made new moves against the Nijeria First Movement, launching an extensive military investigation into the ongoing bombings and other acts of unrest. Several leaders have been arrested, leading to a continuing growth of unrest and turmoil within the Danish colony, as they are turned into martyrs for the Nijerian cause. The Nijerians have dropped their demands, shifting them to immediate withdrawal of the Danish Empire, or they will continue their open unrest and revolt. (-2 Infantry Brigades, -1 Anti-Air Brigade, -2 Panzer IV brigades, -1 Stability in Danish Nijeria)
SPECIAL: World Wars in Africa and the Middle East
NIJERIAN FRONT. Christiansburg, Danish Empire. The increase in sabotage and infighting in Nijeria has greatly helped local French forces achieve success in holding their positions along the western Nijer River against Danish counterattacks, inflicting heavy casualties. The French have managed to hold back the attempts to move into the territory originally taken from the French after the Great War, and the Danes have found themselves unable to break through. In the skies, the French have brought in fresh air forces, veterans from combat both over the Baltic Sea and the English Channel, and they have eagerly and easily torn apart Danish air groups in the region. It has been confirmed by Danish authorities that the French have been shipping in weapons and material to Nijerian rebels, who have continued to issue demands for immediate independence from the Allied nation.
Casualty List
France: 13 Infantry Brigades, 1 Cavalry Brigade, 2 Artillery Brigades, 7 PPDA-38 Squadrons, 1 BP38 Squadron
Danish Empire: 39 Infantry Brigades, 2 Cavalry Brigades, 14 Panzer IV Brigades, 6 Hlin-1 Squadrons, 4 AS-124 Squadrons, 9 Tyr-1 Squadrons
TURKISH FRONT. Ankara, occupied Turkish Sultanate. The year in Turkey began with further Allied successes against the mountaineers of Italy, ill suited to defensive combat in the open field. The Turks and Kurds smashed to the west, once more threatening to reenter and reclaim Ankara from the Italian invaders. Italian reinforcements later in the year helped push back the new offensive, at a great cost. Further advances were made with the Kurdish withdrawal from the conflict, leaving several small holes within Allied lines and positions, which the Axis army exploited when possible. Despite these successes, the Turks managed to regain some lost ground on their own, using overwhelming air superiority to devastate French and Italian support positions, knocking out tanks and other heavy equipment with great ease.
Casualty List
Republic of Italy: 39 Infantry Brigades, 120 Mountain Brigades, 10 Artillery Brigades, 11 Anti-Air Brigades, 5 Armored Car Brigades, 3 A-39 Brigades, 4 PPDA-38 Squadrons, 3 BP38 Squadrons
France: 7 Infantry Brigades, 1 Armored Car Brigade, 2 Hotchkiss Brigades, 1 A-42 Brigade
Turkish Sultanate: 69 Infantry Brigades, 1 Turk Komandosu Brigade, 2 Artillery Brigades, 1 Anti-Air Brigade, 3 D-4100 Brigades, 2 Buster Squadrons
Kurdistan: 37 Infantry Brigades, 2 Artillery Brigades, 2 AS-124 Squadrons
Asian/Pacific News Report
INDEPENDENCE MOVEMENTS UNITE IN BANGLADESH. Calcutta, Republic of New England. Following the lead of likeminded individuals in India as seen by the creation of the United Indian Nationalist Movement last year, the Bengalis have united in a similar fashion. The predominantly Islamic Bengal Independence Movement has united the other various groups against New Englander imperialism. They have called for the creation of an independent Bengal state, ousting the colonial regime and creating a new country. The Bengalis have issued a statement to the Republic of New England, demanding the immediate withdrawal of the New Englander colonial armies, but opening the door to negotiations. They have agreed to allow for the possibility of movement upon the terms offered, and have stated their willingness to avoid a violent war for independence. (-1 Stability for Bangladesh)
RIOTING IN AFGHANISTAN. Kabul, Afghanistan. The establishment of a new regime and a new government in Afghanistan has been met with some hostility. While the defeat of the various warlord factions has led to unprecedented stability and security within the Central Asian nation, the calls for modernization and centralization have been met with concern. Traditionalists, fighting agaisnt the new order of things, have led several riots and acts of civil unrest throughout Kabul and several other villages and towns across the countryside. They have denounced the "attack on sacred tradition" launched by the new government, leading the government to denounced "these supporters of anarchy," and deploy the military to several threatened areas. (-2 Manpower, -1 Stability)
TREATY SIGNED IN JAPAN. Tokyo, Japan. The Japanese and Korean governments have, to the surprise of many, reached an agreement upon limited Japanese independence under Korean protection. The treaty was greatly punitive against the Japanese government, outraging the nationalist population, as the samurai back the treaty as a temporary necessity for freedom. Japan has agreed to act as an effective extension of the Korean Empire, becoming a vassal of the Korean emperor. They also agreed to pay exorbitant reparations over the next ten years, in order to make up for alleged damages caused by the Japanese rebellion. They have pledged to reduce the size of their military as well as reducing all claims to the other islands of the Japanese archipelago. This has outraged the Japanese of Kyushu, who have expressed the concern that the new nation has abandoned the cause of true Japanese freedom from tyranny.
SPECIAL: World Wars in Asia and the Pacific Ocean
MANCHURIAN FRONT. Harbin, Russian Federation. Fighting continued to go Russia's way in Manchuria, though it did not seem to be the case during the first part of the year. The Korean army launched a successful flanking attack against Harbin, only to have their flanking forces be outflanked themselves by much larger Russian armies. The Korean spearheads were cut off and surrounded by the Russians, who destroyed the Korean armies in detail, routing their main offensive forces. The Russians then moved east, as if threatening Vladivostok, and the Koreans rushed to defend it, only to find that the Russians moved into Korea itself, cutting off land supply with Seoul. The Korean army has hastily amassed to defend Seoul and the rest of the peninsula, but the initial defenses were easily defeated, with much of the Korean army lying in ruins in Manchuria. In the skies, the Russians continue to dominate all hopes of Korean air power, wiping out their planes, usually before they can even make it into the skies.
Casualty List
Korean Empire: 324 Infantry Brigades, 15 Cavalry Brigades, 10 Artillery Brigades, 8 A-39 Brigades, 11 A-42 Brigades, 10 PPDA-38 Squadrons, 20 PPDA-41 Squadrons, 8 BP38 Squadrons, 7 PBHA-40 Squadrons
Russian Federation: 207 Infantry Brigades, 5 Artillery Brigades, 2 Anti-Air Brigades, 4 Panzer IV Brigades, 2 D-Zero Brigades, 20 AS-Zero Squadrons, 3 Buster Squadrons
CAMPAIGN THROUGH THE ISLANDS. Vladivostok, occupied Russian Federation. Korean forces, despite their miserable failures upon the mainland, have launched a relatively successful campaign through the Japanese Islands, overrunning several out of supply Russian garrisons in the region. The Russians put up a strong fight for Hokkaido, but were ultimately forced out, and with the fall of their loyalist subjects in the area, the remaining islands fell easily to the Korean invaders. Without naval or air support the Russians usually surrendered quickly, though some pitched battles have taken place. There have been reports emerging from Hokkaido of Korean atrocities against the Ainu, long recognized as loyal Russian citizens, but remain unconfirmed by neutral authorities.
Casualty List
Korean Empire: 12 Infantry Brigades
Russian Federation: 10 Infantry Brigades, 1 Artillery Brigade
Review of the Arts
The Book Buddha
Type: Motion Picture
Genre: Drama
Producer: Beria Production
Running Time: 120 minutes
Summary:
The Book Buddha attempts to illustrate the tragedy of war, to help people overcome it, and to help the Russian people forget their woes in this time of French invasion. The movie depicts a simple bookseller in Smolensk, trying to eke out an existence as the city is fought over between Russian and French troops. Amid the fire and fighting, the seller attempts to preserve his collection and pieces from the flames of war, fighting off French looters and hiding his goods from the French occupation. Ultimately he winds up hiding people, not just books, from the occupiers, and helps to lead an underground force to multiple successes against the attackers. The film includes actual footage from the battlefield, and even in Smolensk, as part of the film's production team actually snuck through French lines to capture scenes.
Why We Fight: Shattered Alliances
Type: Motion Picture
Genre: Propaganda/Historical
Producer: New England National Film Productions
Running Time: 56 minutes
Summary:
Shattered Alliances is the most recent of a series of government propaganda films sponsored by the Republic of New England in their production and distribution. The films prior to this depict the lead up to the war with the United Collectives, including the collapse of the Canadian government and the growth of the war in the Caribbean Sea. This particular film is the longest of these productions, initially intended to be shown in front of longer movies and productions. Despite the initial intent, this film is worthy of a full feature display all of its own, featuring actual combat from the various fronts. The film is meant to encourage the people of the Allies, showing the failure of a coordinated effort within the International Socialist Cooperative Group and announcing that the downfall of socialism is soon to be at hand.
The Sports Page
OLYMPIC COMMITTEE RECONVENES. Geneva, Switzerland. The International Olympic Committee has reconvened once again in the city of Geneva, Switzerland, discussing the matters of the 1944 and 1948 Olympic Games. It has been determined that the 1944 games will be cancelled due to the heavy fighting between the Allies and United Collectives in New Caen. This has left open the concern of 1948, when many hope the war will be over, both in North America and Europe. The Committee has looked into the various neutral possibilities for five years from now, including the Republic of China, Florida, and even remote Iceland. The IOC has called into vote three key cities for consideration for the 1948 games. Peking in China, a contender for the 1944 games, is one of the first major centers for consideration, particularly with the possibily accrued by the major construction efforts in China. Saint Augustine in Florida has also been considered with the rising wealth of the country and its neutral position in North America. Lastly, the small city of Reykjavik in Iceland has been considered as possibly one of the few European cities which may still exist by the end of the World Wars.
Political Cartoon from Rio de Janeiro, Socialist Union of South America
"Democracia Venezuelana"= Venezuelan Democracy
Bs.= Bolivars, the Venezuelan Currency
The Diplomatic Pouch
To:
Republic of Italy
From: Kurdistan
We hereby offer peace at prewar status, and we are in the process of withdrawing our troops from the lines in combat against you.
OOC
@Nestea Oreo: I reject your new unit design. That does not qualify to be created. The unit designing is focused towards armor, planes, and the like, not for all types of units. You already have special forces, the Kommando. However, I would not recommend building as many of those as you wanted to build of your other unit, as the quality of special forces declines with each unit built. All EP and manpower dedicated to this has been banked. I apologize for not informing you of this earlier, but I have not had a chance to read your orders until preparing the update.
@luckymoose: there was a discrepancy between the funds you believed you were receiving and the amount you actually received. The difference was taken away from your infantry production line.
World Map