The Triumph(?) of the Boers: Yet another AoI Story.

[DJ Bonebraker]

This post is for the pics that somehow got lost in the last post

 

[DJ Bonebraker]

Chapter 8: Symphony of Destruction
Part 3: The Grand Finale​

The earth starts to rumble
World powers fall
Awarring for the heavens,
A peaceful man stands tall
Tall...

Just like the pied piper
Led rats through the streets
We dance like marionettes,
Swaying to the symphony...
Of destruction

-Symphony of Destruction, Megadeth

The year 1905 dawns with nearly every nation at war, and while most of the news is about the bloody stalemate of trench warfare in the much-fractured Europe, one story of interest is of the Boer Republic's almost meteoric rise in Southern Africa.

The second of January sees a newly completed Krupp 75mm Mountain gun blasting the two companies of Portuguese Colonial Infantry camped in the hills outside of Livingstone, scoring a hit on them. The rest of the Krupp 75's are pulled from the siege lines outside of Mocambique and are shipped by rail to Livingstone, and they also bombard the Portuguese forces in the hills, scoring five direct hits, reducing the two companies to 1/4 strength.

An elite Commando company moves into Livingstone from Benguela and they snipe off the remaining troops in one of the hard-hit Portuguese colonial infantry companies outside Livingstone before continuing on to Lusaka, where they ambush one of the Portuguese Colonial sentries outside the city there. A company of Rifleman recently trained in Lüderitz moves in to cover the Commado company's retreat back to Lusaka. The elite Guard Cavalry leaves Maarepore, for Lusaka. After sallying forth from the city and killing off a half-strength Portuguese colonial infantry, capturing two tons of raw materials, before heading back to Maarepore. A Rifle company in Lusaka kills the last Colonial sentry in the hills outside the city, while one of the two companies of companies of Riflemen guarding Civil Engineers mining the coal deposits outside Livingstone finishes off the last Portuguese Colonial Infantry company in our territory before returning to guard the Civil Engineers. The Boer Republic's territory is once again, 100% Portuguese-free.

The siege of Mocambique continues with the Horse Artillery scoring three direct hits, and the Pretoria Battle Group only scoring one hit. The ships move into position to completely blockade the harbor, as well as drive off or sink any fishing boats that dare to leave the dock.

Cape Town and Port Nolloth both launch brand new protected cruisers in January, the SBB Lusaka and SBB Maarepore, both of which are given secret orders to set sail for Dili in Portuguese-held Timor.

In international news for the month, the Balkans sign Uruguay on to its anti-US coalition, and Japan and Brazil sign a military alliance against France.

French diplomats also come to President Kruger, wishing to cancel our Right of Passage agreement. The President agrees to cancel the Right of Passage, due to the fact that France's colonies in Southern Africa are one of our prime targets, once the war with Portugal is over.

The US also takes Vancouver, annexing British Columbia (and the entire west coast of Canada), as well as Winnipeg, ensuring American control of Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

The Portuguese continue to send units into our territory, but this time they only send one measly company of Colonial Infantry,outside Livingstone, and a single, ill-equipped conscript Colonial Sentry unit outside Lusaka.

Chief of Staff Takayama makes radio contact with his agent in Mocambique during the last week of January. The agent reports that there are four companies of Colonial Infantry and two companies of hurriedly-conscripted Colonial Sentries guarding the city. Unfortunately, due to constant skirmishes with Portuguese forces along the Northeastern border, we only have four full-strength companies available to attack, so the besieging forces dig in and keep bombarding the city, while the Naval blockade is intensified.

After bombarding the Colonial Infantry company outside of Livingstone with the Krupp 75's, a veteran Commando company fresh out of Pretoria finishes the badly mauled Colonial Infantry company off and captures a ton of raw materials. (We REALLY need to get an export market for all these raw materials ) An elite Commando company from Maarepore massacres the inexperienced and poorly-equipped colonial sentry outside Lusaka. Rifle companies are sent to guard the copper mines outside Livingstone and rubber plantations outside Lusaka. Hopefully, this will prevent any further Portuguese incursions.

A Rifle company from Lusaka makes a quick move into Portuguese territory outside Kuango to seize a ton of unguarded raw materials there. The Boer Light Cavalry company stationed in the mountains outside of Tamatave in French Madagascar (to keep an eye on things) is ordered to withdraw, due to the cancellation of our Right of Passage with France.


Early February sees more military alliances: Scandinavia and Argentina form an alliance against Chile, Brazil brings Germany, Scandinavia and Central America into its war with France, then it signs Japan into its war with Italy. Soon after, due to French units attacking Germany, the Austrians also declare war on France.

The US and Portugal sign a peace treaty, however. The British take Stanleyville in the Belgian Congo from the Netherlands. Other than that, the bitter stalemates elsewhere continue.

The second half of February sees the siege of Mocambique continue, with the artillery commanders having an exceptionally good day: They, along with the Naval bombardment, score twelve direct hits, reducing all the Colonial Infantry companies guarding the city to 1/4 strength. The 1^st Light Horse, two elite Commando companies and a regular Commando company charge into the city and mercilessly slaughter all six defending companies of Colonial Infantry and Colonial sentries guarding the city with minimal casualties. The regular Commandos, who led the final assault against the two companies of Colonial Sentries holed up in the colonial government building, were promoted to elite status for their valor in combat.

The city, along with four tons of raw materials stored in the town center, is OURS! Mocambique is re-named Moezambiek, as part of President Kruger's Afrikaanization plan. Moezambiek and Maarepore are organized into the Moezambiek Provisional State.

The Pretoria Battle Group moors at the city docks, and the five transports accompanying the Battle Group are loaded with eight Horse Artillery batteries, four Krupp 75mm batteries, four companies of Boer Commandos, the elite Guard Cavalry (yes, I DO still have that Boer Light Cavalry unit that popped my Corps unit. ), two companies of Boer Riflemen, and a Maxim MG Battalion. The makeup of the battle group is re-organized, so that it now consists of the Pretoria, Swaziland, Livingstone and Windhoek as well as the five transports. The re-organized Pretoria Battle Group is sent off to liberate Dili in Timor from Portuguese oppression.

The end of February and beginning of March sees more diplomatic jockeying amongst the major powers. Persia and Scandinavia sign military alliances against Portugal and the United States, while Brazil drags Argentina into its war with Russia, and the Ottomans into their wars with Russia, Portugal and Italy. Brazil then forges an alliance with Chile against France and Italy, and the Ottomans drag new Granada into their war with Portugal. The US brings Russia into its war with China, and Russia signs Italy on as an ally against New Granada.

In the mean time, the Portuguese sign a peace treaty with the Balkans, ending their war.

Germany also captures Yakutsk and Petropavlosk from Russia, and someone (many suspect the Portuguese) initiates a propaganda campaign in Moezambiek, which causes some minor unrest.

Aside from the Madagascar Provisional State being developed enough to be admitted as a full state, nothing much of note happens in the Boer Republic during the Middle of March.

The international scene is rather busy, with Germany adding Mexico to the anti-Portugal dogpile, and Argentina dragging the Ottoman Empire into its war with Chile. Brazil brings La Plata into its war with France and Italy, Uruguay into its Italian war and Chile into its war with Russia. the Ottoman Empire brings Uruguay into its war with Chile, and the Ottomans and America form an alliance against Germany, China and Uruguay. Germany signs the Balkans into its new war against the Ottomans.... The entire northern Hemisphere is going up in flames!

In war news, the US takes Thunder Bay, Ontario, from Britain, further weakening Britain's position in Canada. The Ottomans, of all people, manage to capture Hurdiyo in Italian Somaliland! Eat THAT Britain!
Brazil also lands troops outside Tamatave in French Madagascar.

At the beginning of April Dr. Frankenstein informs the President that, due to our latest research, we've entered a new era, known as "1905-1914". The President looks up at his calendar and replies, "No s---, Sherlock!" The president sets research priorities on improved methods for mining gems and precious metals, which will allow us to build gold, silver and diamond mines.

Other than massing troops in Lusaka for an assault on Kuango, and the Pretoria Battle Group continuing its trip to Timor, nothing much happens in the Republic.

In international news, Mexico pulls China and Uruguay into its war with Portugal, and New Granada into its war with Russia, and in an act of suicide, they ally with Persia against the United States. The Balkans and Chile ally against Scandinavia. Japan brings the Ottomans into its war with Uruguay, and Brazil brings them into the war with China. The Ottomans, wasting no time, sign Central America into the war against China and Chile, and they bring the British into their war with Portugal and Italy, and finally, they bring Mexico into their war with Italy and China. The Netherlands and Balkans ally against the US, and China and Scandinavia ally against Mexico.

In military action, America takes Ottowa and Toronto, gaining complete control over Ontario. Meanwhile, Brazil lands more troops in French Madagascar, and a lone company of Portuguese Colonial Infantry invades near Livingstone, and we leave them alone, for now.

Early April sees the arrival of almost enough full-strength companies to invade Kuango, so all available offensive units are moved into the hills outside Kuango. The Krupp 75mm's bombard the city, scoring three direct hits, wounding and killing troops in three of the Portuguese colonial infantry companies in the city. The remaining companies fortify until more units can be brought in for the assault and the Horse Artillery batteries can be brought to bear on Kuango.

In other news, the Pretoria Battle Group is halfway to Dili....

Mid-April is rather quiet on the international front: Only five alliances are forged at this time. Mexico brings Spain into its war with China, Brazil pulls Argentina into its war with the US, and Hispañola into its war with China.
The Chinese drag the Balkans into their war with Spain and the Ottomans and US ally against the Netherlands. Finally, the Portuguese and Netherlands end their war, no doubt due to the Netherlands having more than enough to handle with Great Britain.

During the Artillery bombardment at the end of April, the artillery commanders only manage to score a single hit on the elite Portuguese Colonial Infantry guarding the city. The 1^st Light Horse, using hit and run tactics, finishes the shell-shocked elite Colonial Infantry off, before retreating to Lusaka to re-arm.

The invading company of Portuguese Colonial Infantry moves in to occupy the coal mines outside Livingstone, and a Boer Light Cavalry company is butchered trying to drive the Colonial Infantry out of the hills. One of the regular Commando companies participating in the siege of Kuango is pulled off the siege lines and attacks the Colonial Infantry company from behind, killing them to a man and seizing a ton of raw materials the Colonial Infantry were transporting. The Commandos are promoted to veteran status, and return to the siege lines outside Kuango.

Durban launches a new coastal defense gunboat, the SBB Moezambiek, which sets sail to patrol our western coast.

In international news for late April, Mexico brings Austria into the war against China, and joins Central America's war with Chile. Persia joins Scandinavia's war against Russia, and Uruguay and Brazil also join the dogpile against Russia. Central America and the Ottomans go to war with Uruguay and the Balkans and China go to war with Brazil.

The US takes Montreal, conquering the lower half of Quebec, while Britain makes up this loss by taking over Elizibethville in the Belgian Congo. Brazil continues to besiege Tamatave in French Madagascar.


In early May, the siege of Kuango continues, with artillery scoring 5 hits. Our agents in the city report that there is still nine companies of Portuguese Colonial Infantry and a company of Colonial Sentries, backed by three Horse Artillery batteries, so the besieging army digs in until the 1^st Light Horse is once again re-armed and at full strength.

In international news, Persia and Mexico form an alliance against Scandinavia, and Portugal and Central America sign a peace treaty.

In military news, the US captures Quebec city, along with the rest of the province, and Halifax as well as the rest of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

In the Ottoman province of Iraq, the city of Basra is burned to the ground!

On June first, thanks to continued agitation by suspected Portuguese pamphleteers, as well as the drawn-out war siege of Kuango, the people of Moezambiek riot in the streets. Chief of Staff Takayama hires entertainers to calm things down.

The artillery outside Kuango bombards the city, scoring only two hits! General Veers, after cussing out the gunners, orders all units to attack the city. Three companies of regular Commandos, three Light Cavalry companies and a veteran Commando company are cut down by the merciless barrage of defensive artillery fire and the storm of bullets unleashed by the city's defenders. The 1^st Light Horse takes out two companies of defending Colonial Infantry, but suffers heavy casualties in the process. An elite Commando company and a veteran Commando company defeat two companies of Colonial Infantry while sustaining heavy casualties. Two companies of elite Commandos demolish three companies of Portuguese Colonial Infantry, while sustaining moderate casualties. A regular company and elite company of Commandos massacre the remaining Colonial infantry company and two companies of colonial sentries fortified in some buildings downtown, and the city is ours!

Three Portuguese Horse Artillery batteries and six tons of raw materials are seized during the capture of the city.

Shortly afterward, President Kruger travels to the city of Luanda where, standing in front of the old Portuguese slave-trading fort, he makes a speech, dedicating the former Portuguese colony of Angola to the native Bantu peoples that the Portuguese have exploited and enslaved over the years, proclaiming the territory as the "Sovereign Bantu Republic of Ndongo," with Luanda as its capitol. The locals, wasting no time, re-name Benguela and Kuango to a more Bantu-friendly Bangwela and Kwango.

We also sign a Right of Passage agreement with the Netherlands so they can use our rail network to strike back at the British better, and we can pass safely through their territory to reach Timor in July.

The Pretoria Battle Group is almost within range of Timor, but spots a massive army of La Plata Peruvian Riflemen camped outside the city of Dili, blocking access to the only landing zone for our troops! Hopefully, the Peruvian Riflemen will get slaughtered next month and we can take Timor....

At the End of June, Mexico and Uruguay ally against Japan, and Brazil and Japan ally against the US. The Ottomans send an envoy asking us to ally against the Netherlands. Despite the fact that grabbing the rest of the Belgian Congo before the Brits can take it would be very satisfying, we decline due to the fact that we just signed a Right of Passage agreement with them, and don't want to ruin our reputation.

Meanwhile, the US takes Monterrey in Mexico, signaling that overly-ambitious country's impending demise.

The Pretoria Battle Group arrives at Timor in July, but La Plata's Troops are still in the way, so the fleet blockades the island in order to prevent anyone else from landing. Hopefully someone will make a move sometime soon and we can take our first truly overseas territory.

In late July, the Balkans and Chile form an alliance against Central America, and New Granada and Brazil ally against China. Hispañola unilaterally declares war on Italy! Japan and Portugal sign a peace treaty after a Japanese destroyer bombards Dili, and Italy signs a peace treaty with Germany and Austria.

In the former German East African city of Tanga, the British dig up the Cullinan Diamond, a massive stone weighing in at 3,106.75 carats... Another war with Britain may be in our future.

The BEF takes Port Franqui in the Belgian Congo, leaving the Netherlands in control of only two cities in all of Africa. In a battle that sent shockwaves around the world, the Chinese take Honolulu, capturing Hawaii from the United States!

In August, since nobody is budging on Timor, the Pretoria Battle Group moves into international waters, and the President radios our consulate in Lisbon. We sign a peace treaty with Portugal, without having to pay a dime! The first time such an event has ever occurred in the Republic's history. The long, bitter war with Portugal is finally over.

Defense Minister Voorhees, General Veers, and Admiral Tromp begin drawing up plans to invade German East Africa, followed by another war with Britain to "liberate" the territories they took from German East Africa and Belgian Congo. The Pretoria Battle Group and the Lusaka Task Group are ordered to set course for Zanzibar... If we go to war with Britain again, that will be one of our first targets.

Mr. Goudboer, the Exchequer of the Treasury, also authorizes spending to hurry construction projects in newly "liberated" provinces.

In late August, Scandinavia and Uruguay ally against Japan and the Ottoman Empire, while Spain unilaterally declares war on Great Britain.... They might as well kiss their African colonies good-bye! Brazil is hard at it again, and brings Central America into its war with Russia, and joins Austria's war with the Balkans.

The US further weakens Mexico by capturing Guadalajara, effectively splitting Mexico in half.

In more peaceful news, Portugal signs peace treaties with Persia, Germany and Austria. The US, meanwhile, launches the Klondike Gold Rush in its recently-acquired city of Dawson.

Defense Minister Voorhees catches a La Plata spy trying to infiltrate our government, and tests his new machete out on him.

Thus the month of August comes to a close, along with this chapter in the History of the Boer Republic.

 

[Tani Coyote]

Sounds like a North American union is not too far away!

Fortunately, a South African Union is already complete. Who knows how the war with Britain will go, you'll obviously be aiming for Kenya and Zanzibar, but maybe you could take the British-occupied Belgian Congo as well. If you're really ambitious, you may even take some of Sudan. Eliminating the British outposts on the Indian Ocean will end their empire! Or greatly weaken it. The fact they lost Malta to the Italians shows how overstretched they are. That weakens their naval influence, so let's hope Britain doesn't re-take it any time soon.

I also find it funny how humane the Boers are. Weren't they partially-responsible for apartheid? But then again... giving a conq- er, liberated, people some freedom generally makes them more receptive to your ideals.

 

[DJ Bonebraker]

Sounds like a North American union is not too far away!

Ah yes, about that... I've already played the next chapter, and I may be throwing a monkey wrench into that (hey, the Mexicans should have known better than to sign a Military alliance against me with Germany!)

Fortunately, a South African Union is already complete. Who knows how the war with Britain will go, you'll obviously be aiming for Kenya and Zanzibar, but maybe you could take the British-occupied Belgian Congo as well. If you're really ambitious, you may even take some of Sudan. Eliminating the British outposts on the Indian Ocean will end their empire! Or greatly weaken it. The fact they lost Malta to the Italians shows how overstretched they are. That weakens their naval influence, so let's hope Britain doesn't re-take it any time soon.

Well, you forget: I have a German war to fight first (and thus evict at least ONE colonial power from Africa for good!), then the goal is to take Tanzania, the congo, and if I don't get dog-piled in the process, Kenya as well.... But we'll see... I was actually starting to experience WAR WEARINESS in some of my cities (12%: Why don't we give peace a chance?), so after the German war, I won't be going to war with anybody for at least six months..... Gotta build up my military first (although with my treasury taking in around 1500 gold per turn, that won't take too long this time around).

I also find it funny how humane the Boers are. Weren't they partially-responsible for apartheid? But then again... giving a conq- er, liberated, people some freedom generally makes them more receptive to your ideals.

Well, the roots for Apartheid didn't really get set down until the BRITISH took over the region, not to mention that IRL, the Boers also don't have a 21^st Century time-traveller/mad scientist calling the shots either.

The arrangements between the Boer Federal government and the "Sovereign Republics," such as Swaziland and Ndongo, is similar to that between the US government and the Sovereign Indian Nations in the Modern US, although, unlike most reservations in the US, the Sovereign Republics are located in economically and agriculturally rich regions.

 

[DJ Bonebraker]

Chapter 9: Operation African Anschluß​

It is early September, 1905, and Chief of Staff Takayama is in the "special room" of the Presidential palace in Pretoria, talking to one of his many agents spread out around the world.

What can I do for the Flying Ace today, over? a voice on the other end of the radio link asks.

Hikaro Takayama, a.k.a. Flying Ace replies, "Snake, I need information on the troop dispositions in the two cities in 'Tanzania' still under German control, over."

Special Agent Solid Snake (not his real name) replies, Copy sir, reports from Raiden and Otacon, our agents inside Kilwa and Dodoma indicate the following: Defenses of Kilwa consist of fivecompanies of Schutzetruppe Infantry, and Dodoma is defended by eight companies, over.

"Good job, Snake! I'll relay your report to the president immediately. Flying Ace over and out." Chief of Staff Takayama hangs the radio handset back on its hook, and delivers Solid Snake's report to the president.

The President, after looking at the report says, "Good work, Mr. Takayama, the 1^st Light Horse will be back up to full strength next month, and we'll declare war on Germany then." After Chief of Staff Takayama leaves, the President calls in Defense Minister Voorhees, Admiral Tromp and General Veers, and gives them copies of Solid Snake's report so they can make plans for the impending war with Germany.

Port Nolloth commissions the light cruiser, SBB Kwango, which sets sail to St. Helena Is. (uninhabited island in this mod) to spy on South Atlantic shipping.

Later in the month, Germany and Scandinavia join forces against Persia, while Central America drags Japan into its war with China. Japan also joins Austria in its war against Uruguay, and Spain in its war against Scandinavia. Brazil brings Persia into its war against the Balkans.　

Portugal signs a peace treaty with La Plata... It would seem that the anti-Portugal alliance is falling apart. China takes Sakhalin Island from Russia (in an odd parody of the RL Russo-Japanese war, I might add)

President Kruger contacts the Embassy in Berlin on September 11, and tells them to let Kaiser Wilhelm II know that he's getting evicted from Africa... Soon, hopefully, all German/Dutch/Flemish/Afrikaans speaking peoples in Africa will be united under one flag... A military operation code-named "African Anschluß"

All available units are moved into the fertile plains outside Kilwa, and the Artillery begins shelling the city. After the gunners land five solid hits on the defending Schutzetruppe Infantry guarding the city, the Embassy in Berlin radios Pretoria to let the president know that Austria has just declared war on us, thanks to their mutual protection pact with Germany. The President replies that since Austria is already neck-deep in enemies at home, that we don't have much to fear from THEM.

The 1^st Light Horse leads the assault on the city, annihilating two companies of veteran Schutzetruppe, and taking moderate casualties in the process. Two Light Cavalry companies, two regular Commando companies and a veteran Commando company all perish under a withering barrage of fire coming from the fortified city defenses, but two elite Commando companies overrun the decimated defenders, and take control of the city.

Five tons of raw materials are also captured, and sent back to Pretoria, while a Maxim MG battalion from Moezambiek is sent to help defend the city. All full strength companies and the artillery are moved to Lusaka in preparation for the assault on Dodoma.

In late September, Central America pulls Mexico into its war with Japan, while Brazil joins Persia in its war with China, and pulls Hispañola into its war with Russia. Finally, Spain and Japan form an alliance against Central America and Uruguay.

On a more peaceful note, Portugal makes peace with Scandinavia, Uruguay. China makes peace with Russia and Central America and France and Chile also sign a peace treaty.

Britain and Portugal also sign a peace treaty mainly because Britain captured Goa in India from them. This war saw the downfall of Portugal as a major colonial power... They now only control four cities: Lisbon and Porto in Portugal, Bissau in Guinea-Bissau, and Dili in Timor. Of course, even when horribly dogpiled, the war didn't really start to go sour for them until we got involved.

The British also plan an expedition to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, but seem to have trouble getting financial support for their undertaking.

The US captures Hermosillo in Mexico, completely isolating Baja California from the Rest of Mexico. New Granada takes Hawaii from China! This is the first overseas victory by one of the minor powers, excluding our victories on Madagascar.

On October first, the Lusaka Task Group takes up station in international waters near Zanzibar, while our forces begin moving along the difficult overland approach to Dodoma.

During the second week of October, Central America Joins Brazil in its war with Italy, and Hispañola joins Japan in a war against France.

The British and US sign a peace treaty, which leaves only two cities in Canada under British control. Military analysts in the Boer Republic all come to the same conclusion: Mexico is royally screwed, blued and tattooed now!

Suspected Persian forces put the ancient city of Amman in the Ottoman empire to the torch! The Germans also send a regular company and elite company of Schutzetruppe Infantry to occupy the silver deposits outside Lusaka!

During the last week of October, Dr. Frankenstein informs the President that our new Gems and Precious Metals mining technology is tested and ready to go. Now we can establish gold, silver and diamond mining companies in cities near gold, silver or diamond deposits.

On Halloween, two Schutzetruppe companies outside Lusaka are bombarded by the artillery that were en route to Dodoma. The gunners have an extremely good day, scoring eight hits, which reduce the two companies to a fraction of their full strength. A regular commando company just trained in Pietersburg, and led by Defense Minister Jason Voorhees himself, ambushes the decimated Schutzetruppe companies in the dead of night.

The first indication that the hapless Schutzetruppe had that they were under attack was Defense Minister Voorhees firing up his chainsaw and savagely hacking one of the guards to pieces. By the time they realized what was going on, they were completely surrounded by the Commandos, and after a brief melee, were all shot, bayoneted or chainsawed to death.

After wiping the blood off his chainsaw and splattered uniform, Defense Minister Voorhees promotes the Commando unit to elite status and has them sieze the two tons of raw materials that the two Schutzetruppe companies had been carrying with them.

More troops, including the 1^st Light Horse, move into position in the mountains outside Dodoma. Secret agent Raiden radios Chief of Staff Takayama at the capitol and reports that there are now only six companies of Schutzetruppe in Dodoma. Unfortunately we only have five companies, including the 1^st Light Horse available to attack next month...

Early November sees some more escalation in the great war, with Hispañola bringing Japan into its war with Russia. Japan then goes on to drag Germany and Persia into its war with Uruguay, and join forces with Spain against the US. Central America also joins Brazil in the South-American dogpile against Chile. Last but not least, Germany and Mexico sign a military alliance vs the Republic...

Yeah, great job guys: If I was getting the crap kicked out of me in my overseas colonies by a second-rate power, the FIRST people we'd turn to for help is Mexico, a pathetic nation getting horribly pwned by the US and not likely to last much longer. No wonder Germany has lost most of its wars, so far.

A whole new round of peace negotiations goes through at the beginning of November as well: Russia and the Ottoman Empire finally sign a peace treaty, and Russia also makes peace with Persia, after the Persians take Astrakhan in Eastern Kazakhstan from them. Mexico and Portugal also sign a peace treaty, for all the good it will do either nation. Germany and Austria also sign a peace treaty with the US.

Off the coast of Zanzibar, the SBB Port Elizabeth sails too far off shore, due to a navigational error made by an inexperienced conning officer. The ship sinks in a bad storm that suddenly blew in off the ocean. Thankfully, they were able to get all the lifeboats into the water, and almost all of the crew was rescued by the Lusaka, which came as soon as they recieved the Port Elizabeth's distress call.

The stalemate in Europe eases up a bit, and the Spanish actually manage to capture Belgrade from the Balkans. The British capture Kongolo in the Belgian Congo from the Netherlands, leaving Leopoldville as the only Dutch-controlled city in Africa.

Mid-November sees the siege of Dodoma continue, with the artillery stationed outside the city scoring five direct hits on defensive positions in the city, and more troops moving into position in the mountains outside the city. General Veers is informed that the assault will begin next month.

Durban also launches a new coastal defense gunboat, which is christened as the SBB Port Elizabeth II in honor of the ship lost at sea near the beginning of the month. The Pretoria Battle Group rendezvous with the Lusaka Task Group off the coast of Zanzibar, and are told to hold station... The British war, if it happens, will have to wait until after we resolve the war with Germany.

In international news, Brazil brings Persia into the war with Chile, and Hispañola into its war with the US... Good luck guys, you'll need it! Persia and Japan join the dogpile on France, while Austria declares war on the Ottomans, most likely due to Ottoman troops attacking Germany...

Persia and Scandinavia sign a peace treaty, and Chile signs peace treaties with the US and Central America.

The US takes Santa Rasalia in Baja California from Mexico, and the Azores from Spain. Persia captures Mogadishu in Italian Somaliland, making Somalia the first European colony in Africa, aside from the ones liberated by the Boer Republics, to be captured by non-European nations.

A lone elite German Schutzetruppe Kavellierie company actually manages to defeat our regular Maxim MG battalion in Moezambiek despite taking moderate losses! The riflemen force them to retreat, but who knows for how long!

During the first week of December, our artillery bombards Dodoma from the side of the mountain outside the city, and only scores two hits on the defending Schutzetruppe companies, prompting General Veers to launch into another lengthy ass-chewing session with the gunners.

The 1^st Light horse, once again, leads the assault, and single-handedly destroys two companies of veteran Schutzetruppe, but takes heavy casualties in the process. A company of Light Cavalry and two elite Commando companies supporting the 1^st Light Horse are slaughtered in the assault, but a regular Commando company manages to defeat one of the defending Schutzetruppe companies manning the defenses, and is promoted to veteran status for their valor. Three companies of elite Commandos also manage to flank the strong enemy positions and hit the last three Schutzetruppe companies from the rear, slaughtering them to the last man.

Dodoma, along with a ton of raw materials, is ours! Also, for the first time, a European colonial power has been completely evicted from Africa. Dodoma and Kilwa are organized into the Tanzanian Provisional state. One of the elite Commando units that was in line to assault the city if the others failed, was ordered to kill the elite Schutzetruppe Kavellerie menacing Moezambiek, after which the President gets on the radio to our embassy in Berlin.

Kaiser Wilhelm is willing to negotiate, but he'll only sign peace if we pay 175 standard gold units in indemnities. Since the treasury takes in about ten times that much money in a month, we fork over the gold, and sign a peace treaty with Germany. The Mexicans, however, still refuse to even acknowledge our envoy, but since they will likely be eliminated soon, we could care less... As a matter of fact, a quick strike to take Cancun or Villa Hermosa would give us a nice base of operations in North America, not to mention a launch pad for a war with Central America.

The President decides, however, that we must build up our military, as well as the production capabilities of our newly "liberated" territories before conducting another war. Chief of Staff Takayama plants agents in Mexico, and they report back that even though Mexico is pretty much on its last legs, all remaining cities have Maxim MG battalions guarding them, making any assault a costly proposition, unless we can bring all of our artillery and the 1^st Light horse over.

Civil Engineers complete a railroad line that connects Livingstone to Maarepore and the Moezambiek-Kilwa Railroad line, linking all our cities on the East cost by Rail. Zambia is also developed enough to be admitted as a full state this month.

In the middle of December, Brazil sends and envoy asking us to join their war against Portugal. Since we already got what we wanted from Portugal, we decline, but instead sign a Right of Passage agreement with them. La Plata signs Russia in on its war with Argentina, but it's unlikely that Russia will be of much help.

Italy and Mexico make peace, again, not that it will do either country much good at this point. Germany and Austria also sign a peace treaty with the Ottoman Empire, and Portugal makes peace with New Granada, virtually ending the massive dogpile it had against it earlier.

Overzealous American forces burn La Paz to the Ground (although some cynics said that it was an improvement for that city), and the Chilean city of Arica is pillaged by some unknown South American army (possibly Brazillian). The British take Leopoldville, completing their conquest of the Belgian Congo, thus kicking another European colonial power out of Africa.

We continue to build up our military for a possible third war with Britain. Secret Agent Solid Snake reveals that Zanzibar is only guarded by four companies of British Colonial Infantry, and thus would be easy for the troops on the Pretoria Battle Group's transports to take.

In international news, the Balkans bring Uruguay into their war with Germany, Brazil brings La Plata into its war with Russia and Hispañola into the war against the Balkans. La Plata and the Balkans join forces against Spain, while Japan brings Portugal into its war against Russia. Japan and the Ottomans also form an alliance against the US and Mexico, thus initiating a three-way conflict.

The Balkans sign peace treaties with the Ottoman Empire, Italy and Central America. China signs peace treaties with the US and Brazil so that it can concentrate on wars that are closer to home (such as its war with Japan and Russia) The French also sign peace treaties with the Netherlands, Austria and Germany.

....And so the year 1905, and this chapter, comes to an end.

Now, for your viewing pleasure, an updated world map:

Thee First Trulie Accurate Mapp of the Worlde, the Result of Intents Research by Our Skilled Teem of Surveyors. Skillfully Drawn by Skilled Zulu Crafstmen. Available only from C.M.O.T. Dibbler, Esquyre of Treacle Mine Road, Pretoria

We now control 3% of the land area and 5% of the population, which make us ranked 4th in overall land area and 5th in overall population.

 

[Civ Khan]

Nice job mate. Let's see if you can get all of Africa, shall we?

 

[DJ Bonebraker]

Okay, time to review our list of potential targets:

#1: Mexico... We're already at war, and need to end that before we take anyone esle on. Best way to do that would be to invade, starve their cities down, pound them into dust with our artillery, let the Americans wear the defenders down, then snatch the city right out from under their noses. Of course, preparing a massive invasion fleet will be no easy task (we need at least four more transports), and Mexico's remaining cities all have Maxim MG battalions guarding them (although only one or two each in the case of Villa Hermosa and Cancun), however, capturing Mexico city would give us an "industrialization" resource, a victory point, and a perfect launchpad for an invasion of Central America (so we can get oil and another "industrialization" resource and a second VP location). Additionally, completely eliminating a foreign nation will be a nice feather in our cap.

#2: Great Britain: The British Lion has been biting off way more than it can easily chew for some time now: their virtual collapse in Canada, and the loss of Malta to the Italians and Kaiser Wilhelm Land in New Guinea plus the fact that they STILL haven't captured any of the remaining French colonies in Africa or the remaining Italian colony of Eritrea is a good indication of how over-stretched their forces are. Additionally, once we secure the cities they hold in former German East Africa, we can move every available Maxim MG unit to create a complete blockade of our territory from east two west (or as I like to call that strategy, the Thin Green Line )

#3: France: We could push them off of Madagascar fairly easily, and once we capture the three cities in former German East Africa and the Former Belgian Congo that the British hold, we'll be right next to Gabon/Congo and Oubangui-Chari (modern-day Central African Republic)....

#4: Central America... They're at war with half the world, and are a puny 4-city nation that should be easy to overrun, provided we get our base in Mexico The Aztec and Mayan Republic established, not to mention we'll have a second VP and industrialization resource available.

#5: Spain: After taking British and French holdings south of the Equator, Rio Muni will be in easy reach.

#6: Uruguay: Despite picking fights with just about every nation in the world, nobody seems to be able to knock them down... We should show them how its done.

...But we'll see.

 

[Civ Khan]

Well, atleast you have plenty of opportunities for war.

 

[DJ Bonebraker]

Actually, not so many as it turned out... The British decided to be up to their old tricks, and now the only parts in Africa NOT under British Control are Gabon, Central African Republic, the N. African coast, Eritrea, Somalia, and, of course, everything I control South of the Congo and Great Rift.

In addition, it would take 13 turns for me to get to Mexico, and, well, let's just say that if I'd have wasted the time, I'd have got there too late, anyways.

Therefore the Next chapter, which I'll be writing soon, involves our build-up for the next war, which is code-named "Operation Zanzibar"

 

[Civ Khan]

Ooh....I wonder where you'll be invading...

 

[Tani Coyote]

Therefore the Next chapter, which I'll be writing soon, involves our build-up for the next war, which is code-named "Operation Zanzibar"

Cue another Metal Gear Solid reference?

 

[DJ Bonebraker]

Chapter 10: Careful Preparations​

January of 1906 sees the Great War continuing virtually unabated, and the Boer Republics greatly expanded and in a state of relative peace, despite the fact that the Mexican government still refuses to see our envoys.

General Veers, Admiral Tromp and Defense Minister Voorhees are discussing plans for future military operations to be undertaken by the Republic. Initially, the Defense Minister wanted to send the Pretoria Battle Group over to central America to punish the Mexicans for declaring war on us, but Admiral Tromp replied that it would take almost an entire year for the Pretoria Battle Group to arrive at Mexico, and by then there most likely wouldn't BE a Mexico left to invade.

General Veers agreed: It would be much better to focus on matters closer to home, namely slowly, but surely, driving the British and other colonial powers out of Africa. The plans were drawn up for a three-pronged attack on the British Island of Zanzibar, as well as Tanga and Dar Es Salaam in British-Occupied German East Africa... A decisive strike on Tanga also would give us the opportunity to seize the Cullinan Diamond while the British colonial authorities still had it on display in the city.

General Veers, Admiral Tromp and Defense Minister Voorhees all agreed that this was the best plan for the next war, and they submitted it to the President for approval.

After going over the plan, and consulting with Chief of Staff Takayama's spy reports, President Kruger gives the invasion plan his approval and the code name, "Operation Zanzibar"

In late January, Mexico continues its suicidal folly, joining the Portuguese war against France, Uruguay's war against Germany, Persia's war with the Balkans and La Plata against Spain. Scandinavia forms alliances with New Granada against China, Central America against the Ottoman Empire and Uruguay against France. Brazil brings Central America and the Netherlands into its war with Spain, while Japan pulls Britain into its war with China, Argentina into its war with Italy and New Granada into its war with Uruguay. Finally, Hispañola and the Ottomans form and alliance against Central America.

Italy signs peace treaties with Persia and La Plata, while Britain and France finally end their long, drawn-out and bitter war. The war between France and Britain was the longest and most destructive conflict the world has ever seen, with France losing most of its colonial possessions in Africa, Southeast Asia and the New World.

In war news, the British Expeditionary Forces (BEF) take Samarinda in the Dutch East Indies and the Spanish colony of Rio Muni in Africa! The Germans continue to beat the Russians back, taking Tallin in Estonia from them, while New Granada lands troops outside of Tamatave in French Madagascar!

In February, Mr. Goudboer, Exchequer of the Treasury, approves over 2000 standard gold units (to be simply referred to as "Gilder" or "Gil" from here on out) to hurry the completion of several gold and diamond mining companies throughout the Republic. General Veers continues to mass troops in Kilwa and Dodoma in preparation of "Operation Zanzibar"

February is a quiet month on the international front. The only new wars cropping up are the Germans allying with the Ottomans against Italy and the Japanese against the Balkans.

A few wars also end this month: Central America and Uruguay sign a peace treaty, and the US also end their War. China and Portugal, due to the fact that they're both already dogpiled, end their war with each other as well.

President Cleveland also sends diplomats demanding 100 Gilder in payment from us to aid their war efforts against Mexico. We're more than happy to oblige. The Germans, in a bold move, take Kazan in central Russia... Thanks to the Persians capturing Astrakhan earlier, Russia is now almost split in half.

In late February, the Republic continues troop buildups in Kilwa and Dodoma, while Mr. Gildboer signs more allotments to rush the completion of more gold, silver and diamond mines throughout the Republic.

Early-March sees the Great war heating up, once again, with New Granada forging an alliance with La Plata against Argentina and Spain as well as an alliance with Japan against the US. Scandanavia forms an alliance with Argentina against La Plata and France and one with Uruguay against Austria. To round out this month's alliances, Central America and the Balkans join forces against Germany.

The Us and Uruguay sign as peace treaty as do Russia and Brazil.

In Military action this month, the combined La Plata and Brazilian forces in French Madagascar have almost brought the colony to its knees, as our gunboats sitting off shore can only see Colonial Sentries defending the city of Tamatave.

The second week of March sees our diplomatic missions to Mexico turned away, yet again, and the infrastructural and economic improvement work throughout the Boer Republic nearing completion.

The end of March sees a further escalation in the war, with New Granada forming a series of alliances: They join the Ottomans against France, the British against Argentina, and the Netherlands against Brazil. The Scandinavians join the Netherlands in a war with Mexico, and Central America in the war against Italy. Brazil and Britain go to war with the Netherlands, and Argentina and the Ottomans team up against Central America. The US joins Central America against Persia and Britain against the Balkans... That could be bad news for "Operation Zanzibar"! Finally, Hispañola and Japan double-team Uruguay, while Mexico, in its infinite stupidity, joins Uruguay in its war against Austria.

Once again, peace talks are few and far between this month: Hispañola ends its wars with France and China, while Russia signs a peace treaty with Austria and Germany... Who knows how long THAT will last!

New Granada's Light cavalry company and Colombian Rifle companies take Tamatave, transforming French Madagascar into New Granada Madagascar...

New Granada may be turning into a force to be reckoned with: They're the only South American country to capture not one, but TWO overseas territories, and ones that are quite some distance from its home land (Hawaii and Fr. Madagascar). The Japanese Imperial forces capture Mukden, furtering Russia's woes. American troops, after having one too many when celebrating their victory over Cancun "accidentally" set the entire city on fire. Some cynical S.O.B.s in the Boer Republics who'd been to Cancun claim that the fire was an improvement.

In news closer to home, the BEF captures Sid Ifni, and the Spanish Sahara, completely eliminating the Spanish presence in Africa, making Spain the third European power to be evicted from Africa.

The Boer Republic's first destroyer, the SBB Paul Kruger is launched from the Durban dry docks during April as part of the Naval expansion program. Chief of Staff Takayama also meets with New Granada diplomats to sign a Right of Passage agreement so that our civil engineer (who had finished improving most of the terrain surrounding Ft. Dauphin) could safely travel from Ft. Dauphin to Diego Saures.

April also sees the Ottomans joining Austria's Central American war, and Brazil's Spanish war. The Netherlands and Scandinavia go to war with Austria. The biggest news comes from New Granada, however: Not only does New Granada drag the Balkans into their war with Argentina, but they also pull Great Britain into their war with the US!!!!! A renewed US-British conflict plays directly into our hands regarding "Operation Zanzibar"

Mexico continues its suicide spiral by joining Portugal in its war with Brazil. We get a visit from Mexican diplomats later in the month:

Mexico wants to end their pointless war with us, and we're more than happy to agree due to the fact that they're too far away to invade in a timely manner. The US and Spain also end their war, as do the Portuguese and Ottomans. The Balkans and Russia also sign a peace treaty. France signs peace treaties with Central America and La Plata.

The Spanish send an Envoy demanding 100 Gilder in aid for their war effort against Britain, and with our treasury taking in at least ten times that in a month, we are more than happy to oblige.

In the only significant military actions this month, the Japanese capture Asmara, gaining control of Italian Eritrea, making Italy the fourth European power to be evicted from Africa!

The last week of April sees the naval expansion program paying off as the destroyer, SBB Hikaro Takayama is launched from the shipyards in Loerenzo Maarkes, and two more protected cruisers, the SBB Dodoma and SBB Kilwa are launched from Port Nolloth and Lüderitz, respectively. The troop buildup in Dodoma and Kilwa continues.....

Early May sees more wars erupting, with Brazil joining Austria in declaring war on Central America, and pulling Britain into its war with Portugal. Japan joins La Plata against Argentina and Portugal against Uruguay. Meanwhile, Mexico, determined to go out with a bang, Joins New Granada in its war with Austria, and Central America's war with Argentina.

Russia signs peace treaties with Uruguay and the Netherlands, while Portugal makes peace with Italy. Spain also signs peace treaties with the Balkans and Britain.

In military action during the first week of May, the US takes Mexico City! The Mexicans, who have been reduced to the single city of Villa Hermosa, are DOOMED! New Granada, proving once again that it's a power to be reckoned with, captures Rosario in Argentina! Britain captures the Azores from the US, however, since Mexico has been eliminated, most analysts say that Britain is likely to get pwned by the US in coming months.

Dr. Frankenstein announces in mid-May that we've completed research into a technology known as "Mountain Guns II", which will not only allow us to start producing the improved 7.5cm GebK(247) mountain guns, but also allow us to upgrade all our existing 75mm Krupp mountain guns at the facilities we have in Pretoria. The President, hearing that news, congratulates Dr. Frankenstein, telling him to work on "Field Guns II" so we can get better field artillery. Once Dr. Frankenstein leaves, he radios General Veers and has him send all 75mm Krupp batteries back to Pretoria to be upgraded. The cost for upgrading all our 75mm's came out to 420 Gilder, but it was well worth it, due to the fact that the improved artillery would no doubt save the lives of many of our troops in the coming war.

Also, as part of the continuing build up for "Operation Zanzibar," Luanda launches our 12^th protected cruiser, the SBB Bangwela.

The last half of may sees relatively little in the way of new wars.... Austria allies itself with Brazil against Portugal, and unilaterally declares war on Italy. Mexico, continuing its insane death spiral, joins New Granada's war on Italy.

In the latest round of peace talks, Chile and Uruguay sign a peace treaty, and Scandinavia ends its wars with the Balkans and Spain.

The US completes construction of the Ford Motor Company, the first factory for mass-producing automobiles, in Detroit, Michigan.

Britain captures the Portuguese colony of Guinea-Bissau, making Portugal the fifth European power to be evicted from Africa. Since the Portuguese have been reduced to three cities, they aren't expected to last much longer.

In a surprising development, Brazil captures Suriname from the Netherlands, preventing Britain from uniting all of Guiana under its flag.

June sees the Exchequer of the Treasury, Mr. Gildboer, allotting over 3000 Gilders in funds to speed up the arming of military units throughout the Republic in preparation for "Operation Zanzibar."

General Veers and Admiral Tromp receive coded radio transmissions informing them to move all available units into place: "Operation Zanzibar starts next month.

Late June Germany and the US going to war with Scandinavia... Looks like Germany may be trying to unite ALL Germanic-speaking peoples under one flag!

Mexico, in their final death throes, pulls Hispñola into its war with Argentina and Portugal into its war with Uruguay, shortly before American troops overrun Villa Hermosa, eliminating Mexico as a nation.

Argentina signs a peace treaty with Chile and Portugal, and Uruguay makes peace with Germany and Austria. France and the Balkans also end their pointless war, and Italy finally makes peace with Britain.

Thus June, and the six months of military buildup comes to an end, with the Boer Republic poised to launch the most daring and audacious offensive since the gamble they took with invading British South Africa in 1901: Operation Zanzibar, the attempt to seize all British territory in Africa South of the Equator, begins next chapter!

 

[DJ Bonebraker]

Okay, and for a nice little bonus, here's a map of the planned invasion routes for "Operation Zanzibar":

Objective 1: Land all troops and artillery in transports in the Pretoria Battle Group, and the military ships accompanying the transports bombard the city before taking up positions to blockade the city against reinforcements.

Objective 1a: Have the Lusaka Task Group sink both the British transports, and help with the blockade.

Objective 2: Bombard the crap out of Tanga (at least until all defenders have taken at least one hit), then lead the assault with the 1^st Light Horse, and continue the assault until the city falls.

Objective 3: depending on how Objective 2 turns out, move all available units to hit Dar Es Salaam, hopefully taking both cities in one turn. If not, wait until next turn, bombard the city and try again.

Objective 4: Once Tanga, Dar Es Salaam and Zanzibar are secured (and the artillery and offensive troops from the Zanzibar invasion are back on the main land), move in to take out Mwanza.

After that, we'll probably be fighting for our lives against the massive British counter-attack, but hopefully, we'll have the "Thin Green Line" (a row of Maxim MG battalions stretching from one side of Africa to the other) in place and be able to beat them back. After that, our primary objectives are to liberate the former Belgian Congo and, if at all possible, take Kenya.

 

[Tani Coyote]

May the British Empire continue to crumble...

Having lost most of Canada and all of South Africa, the loss of Kenya would be very stinging to Britain's pride and position. If I dare say so... it looks as if Britain's actually being cut down so bad Russia will take top position(so long as the Japanese and Germans don't push in too much further)!

 

[DJ Bonebraker]

May the British Empire continue to crumble...

Having lost most of Canada and all of South Africa, the loss of Kenya would be very stinging to Britain's pride and position. If I dare say so... it looks as if Britain's actually being cut down so bad Russia will take top position(so long as the Japanese and Germans don't push in too much further)!

I don't know about that... They've managed to take the Azores from the US, and capture everything in Africa North of the Boer Republics, with the exception of the CAR (or rather Obangui-Chaari, given the time period), Gabon, Northern Morocco, Northern Algeria, Tunisia, Libya (ottoman control), Japanese Eritrea, Ottoman Somoliland and Persian Somaliland...

...Although, lets just say that there was a slight change to the order of battle for Operation Zanzibar: The fact that they left a BORDER city guarded only by Colonial Sentries gives some indication of how over-stretched they are.

 

[Tani Coyote]

...Although, lets just say that there was a slight change to the order of battle for Operation Zanzibar: The fact that they left a BORDER city guarded only by Colonial Sentries gives some indication of how over-stretched they are.

I wish they were overstretched in my game... they have 400+ Colonial Infantry alone! On top of that, they have a huge navy(though ship for ship I am stronger, despite the fact they are several techs ahead and have Super Dreadnoughts). They have 40 Airships to boot and many bases to launch them from. Thankfully, I can blockade Africa with my superior navy to keep them from using the full strength of their empire. My hope is to rob North China and South Arabia from them when we finally wage war. The fact I'll be smart enough to ship machineguns into the colonies beforehand will even the odds...

And I wish you luck! Not that you'll need it as the AI has a poor sense of priorities. "Hmm. The Boers have attacked us before, but let's leave our border under-guarded anyways."

 

[DJ Bonebraker]

Unfortunately I don't know how many troops the British have... I was able to get a slight jump-start on the war when I tried to plant a spy in London... The original plan was that after I used my diplomats to investigate the cities of interest, I'd plant a spy so I could continue checking out their cities as well as see how their military stacked up, but that didn't work out...

All I'm going to say is that Objectives 1-3 of Operation Zanzibar are complete (as well as one of the far-off objectives regarding the Congo), but Objective four has kind of stalled due to delays caused by demolishing a British Colonial Cavalry Stack of Doom ^tm that they sent in to try and re-claim Tanga.... Those new 7.5 cm GebK's are worth their weight in gold in such a situation. Even though 4 more units of British colonial cavalry managed to kill two riflemen and a Maxim MG unit defending my cities, I think the British have pretty much shot the bolt as far as their African offensive capabilities are concerned.

....Still, one more round like that, and I may have to mobilize my economy.

 

[7ronin]

The Boer Trekker, Pretoria, 1906
an editiorial by the publisher, Mattias Voerke
Thanks to the vision and leadership of our President, Mr. Krueger, and the superb generalship of Field Marshall Takayama, our troops are poised to fulfill the Boer Peoples rightful place in Afrika. We will not rest until the foul British have been thrown out of the entire continent for once and for all. We strongly urge our leaders not to relax for one instant the strong unending pressure which has heretofore been applied against the enemy. Once we have liberated Kenya from under the foot of the opressor we must set our sights on the Congo. It is a land of untold riches whose liberation should surely confound the British and contribute to the increase in our war coffers. On to London for justice and the destiny of the Boer Nation!

 

[DJ Bonebraker]

Chapter 11: Operation Zanzibar
Part 1: Sudden Strike​

It is July first, 1906, and once again, President Kruger is meeting with his top advisers in the "special room," listening to special agent "Solid Snake's" latest reports on the defenses of Tanga, Dar Es Salaam and Zanzibar.....

Big Boss (a.k.a. the President), our agent in Tanga, Ocelot Revolver, reports that there are only six companies of British Colonial Infantry and a single 6" Howitzer battery guarding the city... Otacon says that there are eight companies of Colonial Infantry garrisoned in Dar Es Salaam, but they don't have any artillery in the city. Raiden's latest report from Zanzibar shows that the British just loaded up two transports heading back to England, and they've only left two companies of Colonial Infantry guarding the city, sir.

The President replied, "Excellent work, Snake, keep us posted. Mr. Takayama, I want you to get one of your operatives to infiltrate London... We need to have a steady source of intelligence once we begin 'Operation Zanzibar.' Mr. Voorhees: Once we have an agent in London, inform General Veers and Admiral Tromp that 'Operation Zanzibar' is a go... I want Tanga and the Cullinan Diamond by the end of the week!"

Chief of Staff Takayama and Defense Minister Voorhees salute the President as he leaves the "special room," and go make a few calls on the radio. Not long after Chief of Staff Takayama makes his call to the consulate in London to send an agent to infiltrate the Queen's privy council, the Ambassador to Britain comes back on the radio with an urgent message:

Sir, our agent in London, "Liquid Snake" was caught leafing through some files.... Queen Victoria just delivered her declaration of war against the Republic, along with a kidney pie that appears to have been made from our, uh, former agent's kidneys!

"Roger that, London, I'll inform the president immediately," the Chief of Staff replied, "Pretoria over and out." After hanging the radio handset back on its hook, he delivers the news to the President Kruger.

A huge grin erupts on the President's face, "Excellent! That saves us the trouble of declaring war on them ourselves... Tell Mr. Voorhees to get Admiral Tromp and General Veers on the radio immediately: We're going to bag us some Tommies today!"

Less than half an hour later, General Veers' troops on the border between the Tanzanian Provisional State and British East Africa (formerly German East Africa) as well as the various ship captains around the Republic all receive the same message: "Operation Zanzibar" is a go.

The gunboat, SBB Port Nolloth, sinks a British Transport off the coast of New Granada Madagascar, taking only light damage from the transport's 3" defensive gun, while the destroyer, SBB Hikaro Takayama, sinks another transport off the Swaziland coast. It also takes some minor damage from the transport's gunners, and it returns to Durban for repairs, where Defense Minister Voorhees promotes the vessel to elite status. The gunboat, SBB Moezambiek, sinks another transport off the coast of Namibia, while the protected cruisers, SBB Lusaka and SBB Maarepore sink both the transports leaving Zanzibar. The Lusaka gets hit a couple times by the transports' guns, but is in no danger of sinking, so the two ships move in to blockade Zanzibar. The Republic's territorial waters are now 100% Royal Navy-free!

When the ships in the Kilwa Battle Group maneuver into position to bombard Leopoldville in the former Belgian Congo, lookouts are able to see that the only troops defending the city are hurriedly-conscripted Colonial Sentries! The radio operator on the Kilwa relays this information to Pretoria, and a strike is ordered on Leopoldville to take advantage of it's lack o prepared defenses!

Three newly trained troop companies, one Light Cavalry, one Commando and one of Riflemen, strike out from Luanda and overrun the poorly trained colonial sentries in a matter of minutes, taking minimal casualties.

Leopoldville, along with the Congo Free State of Leopold II (another FP type wonder that also boosts production and makes 1 person unhappy) and eight tons of raw materials is ours! A Maxim MG battalion is moved up from Luanda to defend the city from a possible British counter-attack.

Meanwhile, General Veers' artillery beginst to pound Tanga hard... Over half the batteries are armed with the new 7.5 cm GebK mountain guns, and thanks to the improved artillery, the gunners are actually able to score some hits, blowing huge holes into the defending Colonial Infantry companies' ranks. The 1^st Light Horse, once again, leads the charge, single-handedly overrunning three companies of Colonial infantry, while only takes moderate casualties in the process. In the heavy fighting to reduce the last fortified positions in the city, three companies of regular Commandos and a veteran Commando company are gunned down, but two elite Commando companies are able to overrun the last of the resistance, and the city is ours!

The Cullinan Diamond is found to still be on display in the town center (sorry guys, you aren't going to cut it up for your crown jewels in THIS universe!), and we also gain control of the German East Africa admin buildings (another FP) as well as six tons of raw materials.

A company of riflemen sieze four more tons of raw materials that had been carelessly left outside Kilwa by British forces, bringing our total up to almost 100 tons. (I REALLY need to get a VP location, somehow!)

In the Meantime, the Pretoria Battle Group unloads the troops and artillery on Zanzibar in preparation for the attack later this month. The ships in the Battle Group then join the Lusaka Task Group in blockading the island.

A few days after launching "Operation Zanzibar," the following editorial appears in the Boer Trekker, one of the main competitors to the Pretoria Chronicle:

The Boer Trekker, Pretoria, July 4, 1906
an editiorial by the publisher, Mattias Voerke
Thanks to the vision and leadership of our President, Mr. Krueger, and the superb generalship of Field Marshall Takayama, our troops are poised to fulfill the Boer Peoples rightful place in Afrika. We will not rest until the foul British have been thrown out of the entire continent for once and for all. We strongly urge our leaders not to relax for one instant the strong unending pressure which has heretofore been applied against the enemy. Once we have liberated Kenya from under the foot of the opressor we must set our sights on the Congo. It is a land of untold riches whose liberation should surely confound the British and contribute to the increase in our war coffers. On to London for justice and the destiny of the Boer Nation!

While some might dismiss some of the blatant errors in the article, the President and his cabinet are somewhat concerned: How the blue blazes did this editor figure out Chief of Staff Takayama's "other" title and that he is one of the key figures involved with the Republic's military strategy? Chief of Staff Takayama decides to assign a couple agents to keep an eye on Mr. Voerke to see if he did, in fact, make an honest mistake, or if he should be given "an offer he cannot refuse": I.e. either work for the intelligence department or take up residence on the bottom of the Vaal river.

In international news for the first two weeks of July, Japan demands 100 Gilder in payment, which we fork over... War with ONE major power is more than enough, thank you! New Granada, ambitious as ever, joins Germany's war on Persia.

There are a lot of peace treaties being signed in the following days, namely New Granada makes peace with Uruguay, France and Italy, while Germany and Austria sign a peace treaty with the Balkans. Russia signs peace treaties with Hispañola and Chile, while the US signs a peace treaty with Persia.

Spain and Portugal end their war, after Spain takes Porto in Portugal!! It would seem Portugal is on its last legs!

In addition to that conquest, the latest war reports also reveal that the Japanese have taken Port Arthur from Russia.

...And so the first phase of "Operation Zanzibar" comes to a close, along with Part 1 of this chapter. Stay tuned for Part 2, same bad time, same bad station.

 

[DJ Bonebraker]

Chapter 11: Operation Zanzibar
Part 2: The Empire Strikes Back​

Not too long ago in a galaxy not too far away....

Boer Wars
Episode XI: The Empire Strikes Back​

It is the month of July in the Year of our Lord, 1906, and the Boer Republic has launched a daring attack against the EVIL BRITISH EMPIRE, taking two key cities in a single turn. Emboldened by their overwhelming victory, the Boer Republic's forces are poised to take two more Imperial cities this turn.
Unknown to them, the Evil Empire has begun assembling a new Stack of Doom, which it hopes shall crush the Boer Republic once and for all.....

....Anyways, Late July sees rioting in Capetown, as the city's largely British population protests the war against their former fellow countrymen. Chief of Staff Takayama quickly goes around to all formerly British cites and hires extra entertainers to keep the people calm while "Operation Zanzibar" unfolds.

A British Cressy class Armored Cruiser is spotted between the Mauritius Islands and Madagascar. The SBB Pietersburg, which was ported in Mauritius for the express purpose of providing advanced warning of British (or other) ships entering the area, pulls out and lobs a few shots at the British cruiser before ducking back into the Mauritius Islands. Unfortunately, the Pietersburg's hurriedly-aimed attack misses. It is suspected that the British cruiser is heading on a course to attack the Pretoria Battle Group, but all nearby ships and land-based artillery is put on alert to bombard the British ship if the opportunity presents itself.

On land, the battle of Dar Es Salaam opens with a massive bombardment that lands nine solid hits on the enemy fortifications, wounding and killing many troops in the defending companies of Colonial Infantry. Two companies of regular Boer Light Cavalry that lead the charge run down and butcher two companies of veteran Colonial Infantry on the outskirts of town and are promoted to veteran status for their valor. Inside the city, a massive battle rages between the remaining six companies of Colonial Infantry, which is supported by a company of Colonial sentries and seven companies of regular Commandos, a company of Boer Light Cavalry and two Elite commando companies. The Light Cavalry and three of the regular Commando companies perish during the battle, but two of the remaining regular Commando companies display extraordinary valor and are promoted to veteran, and the elite Commandos sweep aside the remaining resistance.

The British flag flying atop the town center is pulled down and replaced by the Boer Republic flag, and the city is ours! Eight tons of raw materials are captured along with the city.

Not far away, the battle of Zanzibar commences with both naval and land artillery barrages. The Pretoria Battle Group's ships manage to all over-shoot the target area, but the Krupp 75mm's and Horse Artillery land five solid hits, blasting the city defenses to rubble and reducing the number of troops in the two companies of Colonial Infantry by half. A company of regular Commandos accompanied by the elite Guard Cavalry overruns the badly mauled defenders and captures the city as well as three tons of cloves and nutmeg (raw materials) awaiting shipment.

The regular Commando company is promoted to veteran status for exemplary conduct in the field of battle.

All offensive military units (except one regular commando company, which is posted outside the city to prevent anyone from landing troops) and artillery are loaded onto transports and shipped to Tanga. All the Krupp 75mm's are sent to Pretoria to be upgraded to 7.5cm Gebk mountain guns for a cost of 280 Gilder.

The Pretoria Battle Group forms up for possible action against Mombasa in Kenya next month.

The Great War (which is ever increasingly just a big mess of multiple little wars) heats up once again.... Central America forms alliances with New Granada against the USA and with Scandinavia against Brazil. Scandinavia also allys with Portugal against La Plata, while Persia and Brazil join forces against poor, 2-city Portugal. Uruguay and the Balkans go to war with Brazil while the US and Austria form and alliance against Japan and La Plata.

The only peace treaties signed at the end of the month are between China and New Granada, Brazil and Chile, and Italy and Brazil.

Meanwhile, at the BEF headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, Sir Reginald Tarkin, commander of Her Majesty's Royal Army of East Africa, is sitting at his desk, poring over a map of Africa, which has many penciled in notations and changes, and reading the latest situational reports and scowling. A knock at the door to his office interrupts his musings and he says, "Enter!"

A tired-looking enlisted man steps into the office and renders a salute, which Sir Tarkin returns and says, "What do you want, soldier?"

The soldier drops his salute and says, "Sir, that rabble the Boer Republics have the gall to call an 'army' has just taken Zanzibar AND Dar Es Salaam! It is feared that they shall also overrun our positions in the Congo as well... We just can't seem to stop them and those bloody German-designed 7.5 cm guns they're using." Reaching into a pouch he has slung over his shoulder, he hands a report to the general and continues, "According to our best intelligence, sir, it is believed that their next target is Mwanza. The city sent me to request that your lordship sends some kind of aid before the stinking rabble can loot, plunder and pillage their fair city."

Sir Tarkin smirked at the soldier's last comment: At least the propaganda people were doing their jobs... If the citizens found out how the Boers REALLY treated people in the lands they'd conquered, he had little doubt that they'd willingly defect on the morrow, especially considering how the German and Native African citizens had suffered under British rule.

He shook his head to clear his thoughts for the task at hand, and replied, "Don't worry soldier, according to my latest intelligence reports, the Boer rabble's army is less than half our size... I've just sent two Colonial Cavalry divisions along with a battalion of Colonial Infantry to deal with Tanga and Dodoma... We'll slaughter the Boers to the man!"

In Kuango, the regular Maxim MG battalion defending the city spots a company of British Colonial charging towards them, and they open fire, slaughtering the mounted soldiers, and earning a promotion to veteran status. President Kruger almost craps a brick when he receives an urgent radio message from General Veers about 2000 British Colonial Cavalry and 200 Colonial Infantry moving into the hills outside Tanga and Dodoma. "Can you handle them, over?" he asks the General over the radio.

I think so, sir... Are all the Krupp 75's finished being upgraded yet, over?

"Yes, they're ready, why, over?"

Then send them up our way, sir... We'll give the Tommies a proper "welcoming ceremony," over.

"Excellent idea, Mr. Veers! You do that! Pretoria, over and out." The President has a grin on his face as he hangs up the radio handset and walks back into his office whistling... The British won't know what hit them.

In other news, the Russians manage to drive the Japanese out of Mukden, and the city is once again under Russian rule.

August begins with all available 7.5 cm GebK's (including those just upgraded in Pretoria and shipped by rail to the front) and Horse Artillery opening up on the 2200 British units approaching the city. The rain of shells blasts into the ranks of Colonial Cavalry and Colonial Infantry, wounding and killing many soldiers and horses. The 1^st Light Horse, with Defense Minister Voorhees himself leading the charge, slams into the British cavalry column, demolishing four entire companies of Colonial cavalry before retreating back to Dodoma. Even though the 1^st Light Horse suffers significant casualties, even the British POWs taken during the battle had to grudgingly admit that the Defense Minister showed great skill and prowess on the battlefield: It's not easy to wield a heavy-duty chainsaw from horseback. In another section of the battlefield, an elite Commando division slaughters a company of Colonial cavalry, but is gunned down during a fierce fight with another. Two regular Commando companies and a company of regular Light Cavalry, embroiled in the fiercest part of the battle annihilate twice as many British Colonial Cavalry companies. For their valor in combat, the Commando companies are promoted to veteran and the Cavalry company is made elite!

Two veteran Commando companies defeat two British Colonial Cavalry and one Colonial Infantry company, and both are awarded elite status, and a Veteran Light Cavalry company kills two companies of Colonial Cavalry and is also promoted to elite status. A company of elite Commandos snipe off a company of Colonial Cavalry and the last Colonial Infantry company, while the Elite Guard cavalry finishes off the last Colonial Cavalry within striking distance of Tanga. Eighteen tons of raw materials are captured after the battle, and the British counter-attack is stopped cold!

In Naval action, the Pretoria Battle Group bombards Mombasa, scoring three solid hits on the city, blasting the coastal fortress to rubble and shredding troops in two of the Colonial Infantry companies garrisoned in the city. The repairs to the SBB Hikaro Takayama are complete and the ship gets underway to guard the channel between Madagascar and the African mainland.

Later that week, the British and Hispañola join forces against Central America and Brazil, while they drag Italy into their war against us. President Kruger and Chief of Staff Takayama aren't overly concerned by this since Italy is at war with almost everyone, and has been completely stripped of its colonies in Africa. As a matter of Fact, President Kruger, Chief of Staff Takayama and Defense Minister Voorhees begin drafting up a set of plans code-named "Operation Stromboli"... The industrial resources of Italy would make a great asset, particularly if we succeed in driving the British out of Africa. Italy, in its state of perpetual over-confidence, also declares war on the Balkans as well as allying with the US against Germany.

Brazil and La Plata go to war with Austria, Japan and Brazil ally against New Granada and in an act of ultimate stupidity, the Balkans and Portugal declare war on the US. Portugal and Japan ally vs Central America and Scandinavia, and Japan also drags Persia into its war with Italy.

On a more peaceful note, Chile and Scandinavia end their pointless war, as do the Ottomans and China.

Three companies of colonial cavalry, most likely reserves from the last battle, attack the defenses of Tanga. Despite their bravery and the losses sustained by the Colonial cavalry companies, the Maxim MG battalion and two companies of Boer Riflemen are slaughtered before the remaining forces in the city repel the invaders. Two of the Colonial Cavalry that suffered the worst losses try to flee up Mt. Kilimanjaro for safety, but if our Commandos have anything to say about it, they won't live to regret attacking our city.

In Canada, the US Captures Ft. Severin, gaining control of Nunuvut and the Hudson Bay, leaving the British with nothing but the city of Quaqtaq and Northern Quebec and Newfoundland in Canada.

In early September, Dr. Frankenstein, the Minister of Science, informs the President that the research into "Field Guns II" is complete and we can now upgrade all our Horse Artillery into Field guns. Once all available Field Guns (except the one on Madagascar) are sent to Pretoria, 420 Gilder are allotted for the upgrade and overhaul project, but the new guns will be much better than the old Horse Artillery pieces we'd been using up until now.

All the invading British Colonial Cavalry are bombarded until they are at 1/4^th strength, after which one regular and two elite Commando companies ambush the demoralized Colonial Cavalry, slaughtering them to the man, exacting revenge for the deaths of our Maxim MG team and the two Rifle companies. Two tons of raw materials are also captured during the battle.

Out at sea, the Cressy class Armored Cruiser, as predicted, is moving in on the Pretoria Battle Group. Half the battle group bombards the British cruiser from a distance, scoring one good hit, while the SBB Maarepore closes in and begins slugging it out with the bigger, more heavily-armed British warship. After a short battle, the armored cruiser is sunk and the Maarepore emerges victorious and unscathed! The British counter-offensive has been completely wiped out! The rest of the ships bombard Mombasa, but don't hit the broad side of a barn....

Only three new military alliances are formed in the early part of September: The Chinese and Americans team up against the Netherlands and Central America, and the Germans also jump in on the dogpile against the Netherlands by unilaterally declaring war on them.

Meanwhile, Chile Makes peace with Persia, Brazil and America end their long, pointless war while Central America signs peace treaties with Germany, Austria and Russia.

Russia also manages to re-capture Port Arthur, completely reversing earlier Japanese gains, while Spain captures Tripoli in Libya from the Ottoman Empire, thus re-establishing themselves in Africa.

In Nairobi, Sir Reginald Tarkin, Commander of Her Majesty's Army of East Africa is sitting at his desk, looking in shocked disbelief at the latest report that his messenger brought in, before letting slip a stream of curses against the Boer nation, its people, their mother's and their wee doggies, too!

Gone! Two whole DIVISIONS of Her Majesty's finest Colonial Cavalry, completely wiped out by the Boer Rabble, and he didn't have anything else to throw at them right now... The British control of Africa could very well be in dire jeopardy!

And so the British counter-offensive, and this part of the story of "Operation Zanzibar" comes to an end.