AOI II- Where Eagles Dare

[M60A3TTS]

This is just another in a long line of AOI stories, only this one is based on the modified version done by Adler17.

Civ: Russia
Difficulty: Captain (I'd bump it up, but given that I haven't played AOI before, I'll cut myself a little slack)

January, 1923. Josef Stalin has been General Secretary of the Communist Party for 9 months now. The New Economic Policy is enabling some modest capitalistic enterprise, reserving state control for the larger areas. Comrade Lenin resides in Gorki where the General Secretary consults with him regularly on state matters.

The population of the USSR is currently 4.6 million. Industrial production ranks 5th in the world at 435 megatons.

In domestic affairs, the 9 civil engineers are set to their various tasks and city building concentrates on production improvements, such as mines.

In military matters, machine gun and rifle unit deployments take place in assorted locations. The General Secretary approves the latest Red Army regimental command appointments, including a Lt Colonel Georgy Zhukov to the 1st Siberian Regiment.

In scientific affairs, a single scientist is employed to research Early Interwar Ships. Research is expected to take 10 months.

In other matters of state, Comrade Stalin disables the game default music selections sent by German Foreign Minister Adler, since they have proven detremental to worker productivity, ie CTD, and are considered essentially decadent and anti-Soviet, save the USSR national anthem.

February, 1923 Nothing of significance reported, the population of the USSR rises to 5.8 million.

March, 1923 Population of the USSR grows to 7.5 million. Comrade Lenin has reportedly suffered a third stroke. Finland sends forces north of Leningrad. Red Army infantry and MG battalions block further advance routes.

April, 1923 Population of the USSR is now 9.9 million. Moscow completes a Civil Engineer Academy and begins the Military Academy.

May, 1923 Population of the USSR grows to 12.6 million. Leningrad completes an iron mine, and starts a coal mine. Ufa completes a factory, and starts an oil drilling company.

June, 1923 (Actually combining 2 turns to account for 13- 4 week cycles)
Population of the USSR rises to 19.4 million. Odessa completes Civil Engineer Academy and starts a coal mine. Akmola completes a coal mine, and starts a railroad terminal. Chelyabinsk completes an iron mine, and hen starts a coal mine. Novosibirsk completes an iron mine, and starts a diamond mining company. Kharkov completes an iron mine, then starts a saw mill. Manufactured goods production ranks 4th in the world at 1274 megatons. Moscow completes Military Academy, starts infantry. Numerous city improvements are noted in other locations.

 

[DJ Bonebraker]

In other matters of state, Comrade Stalin disables the game default music selections sent by German Foreign Minister Adler, since they have proven detremental to worker productivity, ie CTD, and are considered essentially decadent and anti-Soviet, save the USSR national anthem.

Good one... BTW, could you post a world map (or at least a blown-up version of the Military advisor's Minimap so I or TaniciusFox could make one for you).

 

[M60A3TTS]

July, August, September 1923

There is little to report on during the middle of 1923. The Soviet population continues to grow to 32.7 million as Summer turns to Fall. Manufactured goods continue to put the USSR at the #4 spot in the world at 1653 megatons.

City improvements continue to focus on production multipliers such as mines and railroad terminals. There are relatively few military units in production, mostly Russian infantry and medium artillery.

In this last month, Warren Harding of the U.S. demands a payment of 72 gold, which is grudgingly given up. Comrade Stalin knows that the USSR must do what it can to avoid conflict while the economic and industrial base of the USSR is whipped into shape.

October, November, December 1923

The population of the USSR continues to surge, now 50.6 million citizens as the year comes to a close. Domestic output also continues to rise, totalling 2042 megatons.

Continuing the efforts under the New Economic Policy, Financial Institutions are being constructed in some cities.

In military matters, the Revolutionary Military Council of the Republic reports some troop statistics as they relate to the Red Army
72 infantry
66 HMG
12 122mm howitzer
6 152mm howitzer

Early Interwar Ships are learned, and Early Interwar Tank research begins, and is expected to take 6 months to complete.

As the year 1923 comes to a close, rumors abound of the Great Lenin's deteriorating health. But under the guiding hand of General Secretary Stalin, it has been a year of prosperity and peace.

 

[M60A3TTS]

January, 1924

At the start of the new year, population is now 57.7 million, with manufacturing at 2150 megatons. Financial Institutions continue to be built in a number of cities to strengthen the overall economy.

February, 1924

A sad time for the USSR. Comrade Lenin died 2 weeks ago. There are rumors beginning to circulate that Lenin’s Testament contains words that do not favor Comrade Stalin, but this is unconfirmed for the present. Moscow completes Intelligence Agency. The nation's population grows to 64.8 million. The manufacturing output continued to grow to 2237 megatons.

March, 1924

No news of significance, but civilian projects are gradually converting to increased military production.

April, 1924

Population grows to 81.1 million. Production still ranks 4th at 2392 megatons. Early Interwar Tank development is completed and research into Early Interwar Tactical Planes begin. Upgrade the French-designed 6 FT-17 tanks to BT-5s. Further BT-5 production begins in a number of cities. Germany demands 58 gold, not a large sum, so it is paid to maintain reasonable relations. Railroad Corporation is completed in Chelyabinsk.


May, 1924

The 13th Party Congress is convened, with General Secretary Stalin serving now as the undisputed leader of the USSR. The General Secretary remarks that the growth of the nation has been so great that jealous eyes look more and more on Russia, requiring greater vigilance and strengthening of military forces throughout the motherland.

June, 1924

Reports of firing by Polish troops on our border units result in Soviet troops being massed along the western frontier. This is the sort of mischief that the General Secretary spoke of at the Party Congress last month. Comrade Stalin warns the Poles not to delude themselves into thinking that their protection pact with France will be a decisive factor should the Poles continue their lawless activity.

The Revolutionary Military Council of the Republic reports some troop statistics as they relate to the Red Army, noting increased tank production.
13 BT-5 tank
88 infantry
68 HMG
21 122mm howitzer
8 152mm howitzer

 

[M60A3TTS]

July, 1924

War is declared against Poland and France honors their protection pact, declaring war on the USSR. For an unexplained reason, France also takes the opportunity to declare war on Spain.

The British envoy demands 100 gold, and they are paid it.

August, 1924

In the initial attack at Bialystok which is a success, the Polish fortress is reduced and destroyed, along with the remaining defenders. Other battles take place in the area of Minsk, Chernigov, and Gomel where the enemy is beaten back. Casualties for the Red Army consist of some assault infantry units, and several of the new BT-5 tank regiments. The French lose a pair of their own tank regiments, while Poland loses nearly a dozen cavalry squadrons.

The Japanese now come looking for gold, and are paid 100 to maintain relations while the Polish issue is settled.

Early Interwar Tactical Plane research is completed, and work on radio begins.

Vladivostok completes Battlefield Medicine.

September, 1924

Grodno is captured, but infantry losses are mounting. The entertainment budget must be raised to 60% to maintain productivity.

October, 1924

Lublin is the next Polish city to fall, again with infantry and tank casualties suffered by Russia. For the first time, an open rift develops within the Central Committee as Leon Trotsky openly announces his opposition to the war. He refers to Lenin's Testament that Stalin should be removed as General Secretary because of his arrogance, and events are quickly showing their leader to be "nothing more than a Georgian tsar". But the General Secretary manages to hold enough members of the committee in line that no further action is yet taken. To maintain peace in the cities, Stalin orders the political commissars to take any actions required.

Game note: Only the Soviet Communism government is subject to high levels of war weariness, which will make a domination victory especially challenging.

November, 1924

The fortress of Brest Litovsk is taken, and after fierce resistance, the city falls. Soviet casualties continue to be alarming among the infantry units, that do not show themselves particularly effective attackers.

Meanwhile, Trotsky is now speaking in public against Josef Stalin. He hints at the possibility of a second revolution, saying that seven years ago the Russian people rightfully brought about the downfall of a despot and can do so again. Stalin's inner circle urges the arrest of Trotsky, but the General Secretary is not quite ready to do so. As it is, only Warsaw remains to be captured, and the end of the conflict will bring about immediate stability to the internal situation. Necessary steps can then be taken.

December, 1924

The Red Army masses over 50 artillery regiments at Warsaw, as well as more than 20 rifle and tank regiments. Due to the terrain, it is not possible to launch the attack against the Polish capital until the following month.

Leon Trotsky now concludes the moment for action has come. If he delays, Warsaw will fall, and Stalin's position will be as secure as ever. For the good of the USSR and its people, he determines to arrest the General Secretary in his Kremlin office. Trotsky organizes two companies of Red Guards who are ready to follow him and restore Russia to a peaceful path.

The act is originally planned for the evening of December 31. But that afternoon, Stalin has the Kremlin reinforced by additional security forces. Trotsky at first fears his plot has been uncovered, but a phone call confirms that the action was taken as a routine security measure, and will only be in place for three days. The coup is subsequently rescheduled for January 4.

But time is shorter than anyone knows.

 

[Tani Coyote]

Good luck unifying the Slavic peoples! You seem to be doing nicely, and you don't seem to have to split Poland with Germany this time around!

 

[M60A3TTS]

On the snowy evening on January 4, the men who would storm Stalin's office were gathered out of sight in a smaller armory within the walls of the Kremlin. At 7PM, Leon Trotsky walked into the outer office of the General Secretary to learn when Josef Stalin would be finishing with the days affairs. He planned to confirm the time, then return to his men and wait for the hour, when he thought Stalin could be caught off guard. Then, history would be changed forever as he planned to have Stalin locked away, while he worked with his allies within the highest government ranks to elect a new party leader.

Stalin’s deputy greeted him. “Good evening comrade Trotsky. How may I be of assistance?”

“Hello Sasha. I know comrade Stalin is quite busy this evening, but I was wondering when he will be finishing with the days work so that I could speak with him before he departs for the evening.”

The deputy turned toward the door to the General Secretary’s office. “One minute, comrade, let me see when that might be.”

He then disappeared into the office and after a minute or so, Sasha returned.

“The General Secretary will meet with you in just a moment, if you would please have a seat.”

Not wanting to arouse suspicion, Trotsky made his way to one of the chairs placed against the wall.

Half an hour passed, but still there was nothing. He rose from his seat. What was taking so long? “Sasha, I know comrade Stalin is quite busy, I will see him another time. Do you know when he will be through this evening?”

Sasha hesitated. “My apologies, comrade. Things have been quite busy here today. One moment.” He picked up the phone to ring the inner office.

After a few words were spoken, Sasha informed Trotsky. “Comrade Stalin apologizes for the delay and asks for your continued patience. Please allow him just a few more minutes.”

Yet again, time began to pass, he looked out the window, watching the snowflakes falling outside. After another thirty minutes Trotsky could wait no longer.

“Please convey my apology to the General Secretary, but I must attend to other affairs. I will see him another time.”

With that, Trotsky left the office to return to the armory. He would wait no longer. If Stalin was to be taken, this was the time. Much to his surprise, when he reached the door to the armory, the guard who had been posted there was missing. There was something very wrong. He moved to see if the door was unlocked. It was. As he opened the door, his worst fear was realized. His men sat crowded on the ground, hands over their heads. State security troops had their rifles pointed at Trotsky's men, now prisoners. A colonel stepped forward to speak to the man who now knew his planned coup had failed.

“Good evening comrade, you wished to meet with the General Secretary, did you not?”

Taking a step back, the colonel reached for a phone, and had a brief conversation with the person at the other end of the phone.

“Comrade Stalin will see you now.” He then turned to his subordinate. “Major Feodorin, you will take your detail and escort comrade Trotsky to the office of the General Secretary.”

Arriving back at Stalin's office, Trotsky was ushered into the presence of the man who now seemed so confident.

“Good evening comrade, I trust I didn't keep you waiting too long.”

Trotsky was unfazed by the turn of events.

“Your luck is that of the devil, Stalin. I suppose now you have the court ready to hear my case. And the hangman too?”

The Russian leader replied without hesitation. “Nothing of the sort, I simply have the better security apparatus. And you are a traitor to the party and your country...”

Trotsky exploded. “Why? Because I stand against your acts that betray the very nature of our revolution?”

But Stalin was unrelenting. “And despite that fact, I do not wish to see such a notable member of the revolution and the central committee condemned to death in a public trial. That would be, shall we say... distasteful. No. Instead you will sign this document, acknowledging your irreconcilable differences with the party leadership, and declaring your intent of self-exile. I have arranged for the Turks to take you off our hands.”

Despite his position, Trotsky continued to challenge the man he blamed for the many deaths in the Polish campaign. “And if I don't sign this peace of fiction that you have concocted? What then? When does the show trial start?”

Stalin’s temper became short, lashing out while pounding his fist on the desk before him. “Trial? I would not waste the expense of one on the likes of you! Your alternative is to be shot this evening, along with all your men and your fellow conspirators whose names are known to me. An appropriate, detailed report would be published in Pravda in a weeks time, outlining in great detail your trial, your confession of treason against the state, and the necessary punishment required by such crimes.”
Stalin then stepped forward and with a pen and the document in hand, held it out to a man whose life now hung in the balance. His mood then changed as abruptly as his anger, back to that one of supreme confidence.

“Sign the document. You should know that the commander of the Warsaw garrison surrendered a few hours ago. Poland is defeated, and now you no longer have the backing of the anti-war movement. You want to rail against me and my policies? Do so in the safety of a place far from here, while I shape the history of a powerful state. I have no need to kill you, I have no doubt that in your exile you will find a quiet, most likely obscure existence. Either way, I will be rid of you. It is up to you now to decide the manner of your departure.”

With that, Trotsky felt he knew the only way to continue fighting, provided that his arch-rival could be trusted to keep his word. He signed the document without betraying his emotions.

Stalin knew the game was won. “Very wise move, comrade. Very safe, really too safe for a true revolutionary. Be that as it may, we need not be concerned with long goodbyes. You will be taken now to a military airfield where a plane is waiting to take you to your new home, and away from here forever.”

Several hours later, Trotsky’s plane landed in Turkey. The one man who might have replaced Josef Stalin as General Secretary was now out of the way. The supreme leader could now look towards his next conquest.

 

[M60A3TTS]

January, 1925

Warsaw is taken despite more heavy losses. Poland surrenders, and the anti-war movement loses much of its strength. There is still some portion of the population that is disgruntled as the war with France remains, but that is easily controlled. Leon Trotsky goes into exile in Turkey. Scandanavia demands 100 gold and it is refused. They choose to back down, rather than face the wrath of the Russian bear.

February, 1925

Law Enforcement Agencies and theaters are under construction to provide order and happiness to an ever-increasing population, now 192 million. Manufactured goods 3391 megatons.

Three French units are extinguished on the front. Radio research is complete. Development of an Aluminum industry is next, due in 6 months.

March-May, 1925

The few French units that battle in Russia are destroyed without any real difficulty. Meanwhile, combat experience is gained by a number of Red Army units. Law enforcement agencies, theaters, and financial institutions are the focus of much domestic production.

June, 1925

France is granted peace as they agree to war reparations of 78 gold and 9 gpt.
Secure raw materials in Moscow. We have 77 victory points, good for 1st place, with Germany 2nd at 66. Trade gold, copper, 15 gold and 123 gpt to Italy for wines.

 

[Adler17]

Nice story. I can't remind giving Communism so high war weariness. But considering the huge numbers of units they can build it is not a bad thing, IMO. And considering the uprisings and fightings there, too.

Adler

 

[M60A3TTS]

July, 1925

The population of the USSR is now 253 million.

The Revolutionary Military Council of the Republic reports some troop statistics as they relate to the Red Army.
27 BT-5 tank
114 infantry
77 HMG
42 122mm howitzer
39 152mm howitzer

Aluminum Industry> Early Flak

August, 1925

Cinemas begin to be constructed to provide buildings that promote happiness in the worker's paradise of the USSR.

September, 1925

Aluminum factories and cinemas are constructed. Sergei Eisenstein releases the silent film Battleship Potemkin to glorify the achievements of the revolution.

October, 1925

The international scenne begins to heat up as Scandanavia declares war on the British.

November, 1925

The UK declares war on the United States. Stalin protests alleged kidnappings by Japan of Soviet citizens on the border area of the Korean peninsula in the area of Mukden.

December, 1925

The Japanese out of Russia's territorial waters. A spy fails to be planted in Tokyo but creates no diplomatic damage. The Scandanavians are ordered back to their side of the border as well. They comply as they have no stomach for a fight.

Stalin announces that Japan has continued their aggressive behavior, and the USSR must respond. He declares war and announces the launch of the Japanese Punitive Campaign. Siam keeps their alliance with Japanand they declare against Russia.

With this newest campaign looming, there are now a good number of elite and veteran army units available which are expected to deliver better results than previous operations against Poland.

 

[M60A3TTS]

Thanks. Yes, the peace-loving people of Russia are exceedingly reluctant to embark on a path of world domination. It takes a true man of steel to push them in that direction.

Nice story. I can't remind giving Communism so high war weariness. But considering the huge numbers of units they can build it is not a bad thing, IMO. And considering the uprisings and fightings there, too.

Adler

 

[Agent 89]

Good story so far. Hopefully you can deal with the Japanese as quickly as you did with Poland.

BTW, are you still at war with France or did you make peace with them yet.

 

[M60A3TTS]

January, 1926

The Russian plan is to eliminate the Japanese presence from Korea. That will secure the eastern flank of the USSR. No invasion of Japan is planned, as there is no real capacity at this time for large-scale amphibious operations. Mukden is captured after attacks by elite BT-5 tank formations and other specialized infantry assault units. Destroyer Gaydamak sinks Japanese destroyer. Destroyer Akikaze sunk by DR-1 bomber from Vladivostok.

Early flak completed, early scout research begins.

February, 1926

Pyongyang and Seoul fall. The naval fortress at Vladivostok sinks the Battlecruiser Heii and destroyer Nadakaze after it is redlined by 152 and 122 mm artillery. Fortress sinks destroyer Kashi.

Germany declares war on Scandanavia, then the Dutch and Belgians.

March, 1926

Hamhung falls to the Red Army. Lowland countries declare on the French.

April, 1926

Port Arthur and Kangnung captured, leaving only Pusan as the only remaining objective on the peninsula. War weariness again strikes Russia. With a population of 386 million, Stalin orders the local commissars to strip the land of as many farmers as necessary to bring Russia’s growth rate to a halt. Entertainers are to be used wherever needed. Towns and cities that refuse to show a propensity for public order will be starved.

May, 1926

Japanese submarine RO12 sunk by the Vladivostok fortress. Light cruisers Jintzu, Nagara and Tama sunk by artillery fire. Commissars are instructed by Moscow to establish marshal law (governors on all cities), Sikorsky strategic bombers are prioritized in order to deal with the threat of the Japanese navy.

June, 1926

Off the coast of Kangnung, the armored cruiser Yakumo, with destroyers Shiokaze, Asagao, Harukaze, Kuri, Kiri, Yukaze and Umikaze are sunk by artillery. Off Hamhung, armored cruiser Asama and submarine RO 58 are sunk by artillery.

Pusan is taken, and the strategic objective of removing the Japanese threat in the east has been accomplished. The Japanese navy now comes in for heavy punishment as the armored cruisers Kasuga and Iwate, light cruiser Naka, destroyers Enoki, Kamikaze, Katsura, Kusunoki, Matsu, Momi, Sugi, Tokitsuzake, Yugao, Yunagi are sunk by artillery off Seoul. Adding to the punishment, 9 RO class submarines are sunk by Soviet bombers. Finally, two additional RO class submarines are sunk off Seoul by aircraft.

On June 29, 1926, representatives from Japan and Russia meet in Pusan and negotiate an end to hostilities. Japan agrees to pay 180 gold. The early scout technology is complete and work on early medium bombers begins, due in 6 months.

With matters in the east settled for the present, Stalin turns his attention in another direction. Dozens of packed trains on the Trans-Siberian Railroad move troops and equipment on a daily basis from the eastern theater. In Moscow, a victory parade celebrates the heroes of this latest triumph. Where will they march next? The vaunted fortresses of the Mannerheim Line guards the border with Finland, and an attack on Turkey would be a slow affair, traversing the difficult terrain. Will Russia dare to challenge her most dangerous enemy in the west?

 

[M60A3TTS]

Good story so far. Hopefully you can deal with the Japanese as quickly as you did with Poland.

BTW, are you still at war with France or did you make peace with them yet.

Russia and France made peace in June of 1925.

 

[Civ Khan]

Lookin' good. I was thinking of trying AOI II but the download instructions are more numerous than I'd like.

 

[M60A3TTS]

July, 1926

In the office of the German foreign ministry, tensions ran high as the two respective foreign ministers of the USSR and Germany discussed the current state of affairs.

The People's Commissar of Foreign Affairs, Georgy Chicherin was adamant. "I must again insist that Kaiser Wilhelm agree to an opening of negotiations in re-addressing the state of the unequal treaty between our two countries."

The German minister, Gustav Stresemann, replied, "The request has already been discussed among the Kaiser and his cabinet. Your government signed that treaty which established the permanent borders of our respective nations. Since that time, your aggressive and provocative move in overrunning the Polish state as well as your recent troop movements along our border has demonstrated to our government that the USSR has no difficulty rationalizing the use of military force to attain its ends. I caution you not to delude yourselves into thinking that the former Polish military or the Japanese forces once occupying the Asian mainland are equal to that of the German empire and our ally Austria-Hungary."

Chicherin began to feel his frustration growing, but continued to press his point. "I would hope that the current situation would have demonstrated to your government that the USSR is only asserting its rights to insure her internal security. If the Kaiser would agree to opening these discussions for the purpose of bringing the city of Tallin under the Soviet sphere of influence, then my government would be satisfied that our security concerns are being addressed."

Stresemann held his ground. "The Kaiser has no interest in discussing Tallin or any other city where German citizens now live. Make no mistake, we pose no threat to your people or your lands. We continue to respect the terms of the treaty which was signed and will respect the current borders so long as you reciprocate."

A feeling of inevitability now seemed to enter the conversation. "If that is your final answer, then I will relay that to my government. However, I must tell you that this will be most unwelcome news and probably will require a reassessment of our current relations. The situation in the area of Tallinn is quite intolerable, as these people continue to undermine our security."

It was at this time that Stresemann began to lose patience. "The people of Tallin pose no threat to anyone. Your excuses are wearing thin when it comes to border conflicts. Remind Herr Stalin that the Russian soldier proved incapable of fighting on an equal level with the German or Austria-Hungarian soldier in the last war and the situation has not changed one bit since that time."

Now it was up to Chicherin to defend his countrymen. "I think you would find in the event of a conflict, that the new Russian soldier is quite different from the one you met on the battlefield once before. Comrade Stalin has seen to it that our military is now well equipped and well trained to deal with its enemies."

With those words, the German minister knew that the tone had become a threatening one. "Your soldiers are no match for the Reichswehr. During the Great War, our Quartermaster stopped issuing tissue paper to our soldiers in the east because the troops had enough captured Russian battle flags to cut up and wipe their bottoms with!"

With that, Chicherin knew he had the definitive answer he had come for. "Clearly there is no reason to continue this discussion. Your choice to insult my nation points down a very dark path. Good day to you."

Moments after Checherin departed, Stresemann knew he must speak to Kaiser Wilhelm as soon as possible to advise him of the dire situation which was being thrust upon them. There was little time to spare.

Several hours later, the General Secretary of the USSR received word from his foreign minister. Within a matter of minutes of concluding the conversation, he was on the phone with the Army Chief of Staff, General Mikhail Tukhachevsky.

"General, as per our meeting yesterday, I order you to launch Operation Suvorov."

The voice at the other end replied. "I understand, Comrade Stalin. Your order will be relayed to the field at once."

At 05:00 on August 2, 1926, Red Army troops of Northwest Front stormed over the German-Soviet border. Their first objective: Tallin.

 

[M60A3TTS]

August, 1926

The USSR declares war on Germany. Austria declares on the USSR. Britain declares on France.

The Revolutionary Military Council of the Republic is replaced by STAVKA.

The Red Army opposing Germany and Austria Hungary is divided into two fronts:

Northwest Front, General Kliment Voroshilov commanding
Southwest Front, General Semyon Budyonny commanding

Formations: There are 4 basic types of ground combat groups employed.

Rifle Army- 3 Rifle Corps, each corps composed of 6 rifle units and 3 machine gun units. Supported by 3 regiments of an Anti-Aircraft Division. Total of 30 units per army.

Shock Army- 1 Guards Rifle Corps, (elite infantry), 1 Siberian Rifle or Marine Corps, 1 Combat Engineer Brigade with 3 battalions. Supported by 3 regiments of an Anti-Aircraft Division. Total of 18 units

Tank Corps- 3 Tank Divisions, each composed of 3 tank regiments.

Artillery Corps- 20 batteries of 122mm or 152mm howitzers

At the start of the conflict, the Red Army fields 6 rifle armies, 6 tank corps, and 6 artillery corps. Plans call for the expansion of this current force to 14 rifle armies, 3 shock armies, 8 tank corps and 16 artillery corps.

The initial allocation of forces is 4th, 5th, 7th, and 8th Rifle Armies to Northwest Front which will take an offensive stance.

2nd and 3rd Rifle Armies are allocated to Southwest Front which will take a defensive stance.

Tallin is captured by elements of 7th Army. As part of the attack, Colonel Ivan Konev of the 50th Rifle Regiment sees his first action.

September, 1926

Wilna falls and 8th Army moves in to defend the captured city. Small German pockets are cleared out at Smolensk. The Reichswehr masses a large army to assault Warsaw, defended by 4th Army. Austrian forces that move into the Tallin area come in for heavy punishment.

October, 1926

A battle for Warsaw does not occur as Germany withdraws back across their border. The Austrian forces around Tallin continue to be pounded and are driven off. Germany and Scandanavia sign a peace treaty as the conflict proves pointless.

November, 1926

The political commisars once again must put an iron hand on all Russian cities to control anti-Soviet agitation, aka. War weariness.

On land, Germany now positions two army groups in Russia. One is primarily defensive, that is the German Army Group North commanded by General Rudiger von der Goltz. It moves north into the area of Tallin where the Austrians had previously been badly beaten. The German Army Group South commanded by General Werner Von Blomberg moves south into the woods approaching Lublin. It is primarily offensive in nature, heavily equipped with tanks and infantry.

STAVKA reports that the current organization of the Red Army has expanded to
10 Rifle Armies, 1 Shock Army, 6 Tank Corps, and 9 Artillery Corps.

Authorized forces remain: 14 Rifle Armies, 3 Shock Armies, 8 Tank Corps, 16 Artillery Corps totaling:

270 rifles
126 machine guns
18 Siberian infantry
9 Flamethrower/Marine
72 tanks
320 artillery
51 AA Regiments

At sea, the German Navy, or Kaiserliche Marine, according to our spy in Berlin consists of the following-

Bayern class battleship-3
Mackensen class battleship- 2
Konig class battleship- 4
Derrflinger class battlecruiser- 2
Deutschland class battleship- 2
Ausonia class carrier- 1
Yorck class carrier- 4
WW-I cruiser- 22
WW-I destroyer- 97
U-Boat Type III- 27
U-Boat Mittel- 31
U-Boat Kreuzer- 11
Steam Ship- 21

It is engaged with the destruction of 8 vessels.

BB Baden sunk off Tallin by artillery fire
The Red Banner Baltic Fleet sails from Leningrad.
SC Bolshevik sinks U-130
Submarine Artiemyev sinks Destroyer H-199
DD Karl Liebknecht sinks U-106
DD Konstruktor sinks destroyer H-197
DD Sladkov sinks destroyer S-211
DD Porgranichnik sinks destroyer V-158
DD Iziaslav sinks destroyer V-177


The Kaiserliche Marine attacks the Red Banner Baltic Fleet, sinking 15 vessels, mostly torpedo boats.

RBBF Casualty List
Battleships October Revolution and Marat
Cruiser Rurik
Destroyers Iziaslav, Konstuktor
Submarines Bolshevik, Kommisar, Proletariy
Torpedo Boats Badina, Leytnant Schmidt, Marti, Martynov, Roshal, Tviordyi, Zhemchuzhnyi

December, 1926

The newly organized 6th and 9th Rifle Armies are assigned to Southwest Front. Reval is captured by 2nd Tank Corps. Zhukov’s 1st Siberian Rifle Regiment also participates in the battle. The city is renamed Riga. Game note: Not sure what the deal is, but according to Wiki, Reval was the old German name for Tallin that is already on the map, hence the name change. With the capture of Riga, Army Group North is now completely cut off. Several German aircraft are destroyed as Riga falls, along with naval vessels consisting of destroyers and U-boats.

The KLM takes heavy losses at sea as three German naval groups of 21 vessels are destroyed by a combination of the Red Banner Baltic Fleet and artillery fire.

Kaiserliche Marine losses:

World War I destroyers S183, S212, V165, V206
World War I Light Cruisers: Bremse, Emden (II), Regensburg, Frauenlob (II), Konigsberg (II)
Battleship: Bayern
U-Boats: U-24, U-25, U-39, U-43, U-82, U-90, U-100, U-101, U-114, U-142, U-149

With these latest losses, the KLM in a month have lost 3 battleships, 5 cruisers, 18 destroyers, and 12 U-boats. The naval construction has replaced one battleship and added 5 steam ships.


On land, the now-isolated German Army Group North has 67 units comprised of 23 light anti-tank guns and 44 machine gun battalions outside of Tallin. Opposing them is the
7th Army, reinforced with 4th Tank Corps and supported by 2nd Artillery Corps (152mm)

In the south, Blomberg’s Army Group South is positioned squarely between Brest-Litovsk and Lublin, forcing the Soviet troops to defend both cities. He has in his army group 1 flamethrower, 11 heavy tanks, 3 Light tanks Type 2, 30 light tanks, 21 infantry, 2 marines, and 2 stormtrooper battalions.

Opposing him in Brest-Litovsk is the recently arrived 9th Army, reinforced by a rifle corps from the newly formed 6th Army, 3rd Tank Corps, and supported by 9th Artillery Corps.

Opposing him in Lublin is 3rd Army, reinforced with another rifle corps from 6th Army, the elite 1st Tank Corps, and supported by 1st Artillery Corps.

America demands 100 gold and it is given up. Early medium bomber technology is complete, interwar cruiser development begins, due in 6 months.

 

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Western Front situation in November

 

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January, 1927

At Tallin, 4th Tank Corps attacks along with 2 rifle units from 7th Army. Supported by 2nd , 3rd, and 8th Artillery Corps, they destroy 11 units from the German 2nd Army. Another 21 machine gun battalions from the German 2nd Army take casualties.

At Lublin, 4 light tanks are destroyed just north of the city. 4th and 5th Artillery Corps pound another isolated formation of 7 light tanks, 2 infantry as well as a marine and stormtrooper unit. Two T-26 units from 1st Tank Corps are lost as this second isolated group is crushed. Veteran tank replacements promote to elite status and are assigned to the corps, preserving its all-elite status.

10th Artillery Corps (152mm) is activated and hits tanks and armored cars at Kiev and Odessa. BT-5 tanks kill off the five hapless units. 6th Artillery Corps and BT-5s from 2nd Tank Corps kill 3 machine gun battalions at Wilna.

The advancing Reichswehr’s Army Group South receives terrible news. Their advance to Chernigov will hardly be as easy as it might have been only a month earlier. The city is now occupied by the newest Soviet formation of Budonniy’s Southwest Front, 10th Army, that is again reinforced by a tank corps. Meanwhile, 9th Artillery Corps and part of the newly created 11th Artillery Corps (122mm) pounds away at the southern force. Thirty-two units are reporting casualties and only twelve remain unscathed.


The German Navy is not spared. At Riga, 7th Artillery Corps sinks U-35, U-52, U-55, U-57, U-111, and U-113. Bombers sink U-153 southwest of Riga. The RBBF attacks and the submarine Kommunar sinks the Battlecruiser Hindenburg while submarine Krasnoarmeyec sinks the Cruiser Wiesbaden (II).

February, 1927

The weakened German Army Group North is targeted for destruction amidst the snows of Tallin. 12 MG battalions and 21 light AT guns which moved west of Tallin are targeted first as 4 artillery corps hammer away at this group. 1 BT-5 unit lost attacking as 7th Army and 4th Tank Corps annihilate the survivors. Then the remnants of the former army group of 20 MG Battalions and a light anti-tank gun are soaked by yet more artillery fire and destroyed by assorted units brought to the front at the loss to the attackers of 3 infantry and a BA-10 scout car. 7th Army advances to Riga with the threat to Tallin removed.

U-19, U-139, U-141, U-149 are the latest KLM casualties, sunk off Riga.

A German spy is captured trying to sabotage production.

March, 1927

Army Group South now stands alone outside Brest-Litovsk. 1st , 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 9th Artillery Corps open with a terrific bombardment. Another new artillery corps, the 12th, and it’s 152mm guns blast away at the helpless defenders. With 1,700 guns firing from these corps, only three batteries from 11th Artillery Corps are needed to finish the work. 24 Reichswehr tank units and 13 infantry units lay shattered on the blood-soaked fields. The Russian forces begin the assault. 3rd Tank Corps smash many of the broken German machines, then 18th Rifle Corps of 6th Army joins 9th Army in the annihilation of the survivors.

Back in the north, 5 tanks and 5 scout cars are next to Riga. 7th and 8th Artillery Corps pound those units to helplessness. They too are then crushed.

5th Army advances from Grodno into East Prussia, to the forts outside Koenigsburg.

Off the coast of Riga, U-65, U-96 and U-151 are sunk.

France and Lowland Countries sign a peace treaty.

April, 1927

Destroyers V-204 and V-207 with U-91 and U-108 sunk off Riga. CV Roon and 2 destroyers sunk off Koenigsberg.

5th Army captures Koenigsberg after very heavy fighting.

May, 1927

U-38 sunk

13th Artillery Corps (122mm) and 14th Artillery Corps (152mm) are activated

Britain signs peace with Austria-Hungary. Austria-Hungary declares war on Italy.

June, 1927

Thirteen years ago under the tsar, the Russian Steamroller from the Great War was expected to roll on to easy victories but ultimately failed. The current Red Army is very much different under the Great Stalin as massed artillery with the elite and veteran tank formations hammer enemy forces into submission.

German forces continue to reel under the onslaught. Krakau falls to BT-5s from 2nd Tank Corps. 3rd Army moves in to defend the city.

Breslau falls to 3rd Tank Corps. 6th Army garrisons the city.

Pozen falls to 5th Tank Corps. 11th Army is released from Reserve Front and reassigned to Northwest Front. 11th Army now garrisons the city.

Meanwhile at sea, the German navy continues to lose ships at an alarming rate. U-111, 131, 143, 145, 148 sunk off Koenigsburg. BC Mackensen and CL Stettin (II) are sunk off Tallin while DD H-196 and steam ship sunk off Koenigsburg.

Cruiser Pillau, Destroyers H-187, H-191, S-217, V-163 and 2 steamships are sunk off Stettin by artillery fire.

With these losses, the Kaiserliche Marine, according to our spy in Berlin consists of the following-

Bayern class battleship-1
Mackensen class battleship- 2
Konig class battleship- 3
Derrflinger class battlecruiser- 1
Deutschland class battleship- 1
Ausonia class carrier- 1
Yorck class carrier- 3
WW-I cruiser- 13
WW-I destroyer- 70
U-Boat Type III- 17
U-Boat Mittel- 9
U-Boat Kreuzer- 3
Steam Ship- 36

On the subject of scientific endeavors, our scientists complete work on naval designs and learn Interwar cruisers. Interwar tanks are now in development, with the first replacements for the venerable Bystrochodniy-5 tank available in 6 months.

In diplomatic news, France and Great Britain sign a peace treaty.

Late June, 1927 (Turn 25)

The relentless advance west continues.

5th Tank Corps takes Stettin.
3rd Tank Corps takes Dresden
1st Tank Corps takes Prague
1st Guards Corps takes Brunn

KLM losses continue to grow as the cruiser Rostock (II) along with destroyers G-119, G-149, H-145, S-139, W-151, U-53 and 3 steamers sunk.

The city of Koenigsburg is renamed Kaliningrad

On the diplomatic front, France and Spain sign a peace treaty while Great Britain and the US sign a peace treaty.

A German request to meet with our representatives is turned down. Their earlier refusal to negotiate a peaceful settlement must carry a high price.

 

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As summer begins, the Soviet forces prepare to drive into Austria-Hungary and bring down the German ally.

The situation on the western front in June.