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

[Tani Coyote]

Very nice! And who might you attack after Britain?

From what I could glean from earlier posts, the Veld Marschall will be kicking France where it hurts once it's ancient English rivals are gone.

On the story itself, excellent! It's good to see the vessel named in my honor is still afloat, and has the prestige of being in the mighty Boer fleet, which has succeeded(and destroyed) the British fleet as the world's strongest! Or at least in the areas around Eurasia-Africa, darn Yanks.

I can hardly wait for the next bit, I foresee there will be a lot less British red in the Oceania regions.

 

[DJ Bonebraker]

From what I could glean from earlier posts, the Veld Marschall will be kicking France where it hurts once it's ancient English rivals are gone.

That's the idea!

On the story itself, excellent! It's good to see the vessel named in my honor is still afloat, and has the prestige of being in the mighty Boer fleet, which has succeeded(and destroyed) the British fleet as the world's strongest! Or at least in the areas around Eurasia-Africa, darn Yanks.

I can hardly wait for the next bit, I foresee there will be a lot less British red in the Oceania regions.

Yes, and I'll eventually be getting battleships of my own, which should make my navy almost unstoppable, especially considering how I've managed against first-string navies WITHOUT them so far!

Now on to the story:

Book II: Operation Sunset
Chapter 5 Thunder Down Under
Part III: Two States for the Price of One​

​

During the last week of April 1913, Dr. Frankenstein reports that his team has finished its research into Howitzers III, and has successfully test-fired their first prototype.

President Kruger congratulates him and orders the guns to be put into production... Even though the slow, ponderous but powerful guns aren't much use in our "Geblitsoorlog" doctrine, they are perfect for defending territory we already control, thus freeing up our 7.5cm GebK247 and Field Gun batteries on defense duty for use... elsewhere. All cities currently building 7.5cm GebK247's are put to work cranking out Howitzer batteries.

Bangwela launches the Armored Cruiser, FRS Port Franqui II while Abidjan launches the Coastal Submarine, FRS Narwhal. Thessalonika launches a new FRS J. Rush XVIII to replace the one sunk off the coast of Australia, and Vishakhapatman launches the Coastal Gunboat, FRS Cape Town II to replace the historical first Boer Federal Ship that was likewise sunk. As if to commemorate the event, the FRS Manta Ray manages to close in to torpedo range with the crippled R Class DD that sunk the original Cape Town and sends the ship to the bottom with a well-placed torpedo. Admiral Tromp promotes the Sub's crew to elite status for their valor.

In infrastructure news, Rail links between Timbuktu and Bombaka as well as Agades and Benghazi are almost simultaneously completed, giving us two completely separate rail routes across the Sahara. Iran also reaches a sufficient level of development to be admitted as a Federal State.

In Australia, General Veers' artillery hammers Stuart (Alice Springs), inflicting at least 50% casualties on ALL ANZAC Infantry divisions defending the city. In one of our worst battles since Gibraltar, SEVEN regiments of elite Boer Light Cavalry, four Commando divisions and a Boer Infantry division are gunned down by determined ANZAC Infantry units. The British, on the other hand, only lose eight ANZAC Infantry divisions, but the final push led by Defense Minister Voorhees' Gepantser Groep manages to carry the day and Stuart is captured along with the Alice Springs Telegraph Station.

Several Airco DH2 fighters are spotted hightailing it to the Northeast. Several days later, word reaches us that Queen Victoria and Prime Minister Chamberlain have established the British Government in the Solomon Islands. Apparently they haven't gotten word about the Jerusalem Battle Group and its 10+ fully-loaded Steam Transports heading their way....

All other Aussie Crown Loyalist troops in our area are blasted down to 25% strength, and these battles go much better than the one to take Stuart: A regular Commando division wipes out two Aussie Infantry divisions and is promoted to veteran status, while a veteran Boer Light Cavalry regiment wipes out a Colonial Infantry division and a Colonial Cavalry regiment, earning promotion to elite status. Another veteran Light Cavalry regiment wipes out an Aussie Light Horse regiment and our territory is now 100% free of British and Loyalist Australian troops. We now control ALL of the Northern Territory and half of Queensland, which have been handed over to Pat Workman's (former special agent Down Under) Australian Provisional Government for administration.

Some of General Veers' Artillery also sinks an R Class DD and a Steam Transport off the Northeast coast of Australia and the FRS Danial Khan sinks an M Class DD further out to sea off the East coast of Australia.

Elsewhere, the Jerusalem Battle Group reports via radio that they have completed their transit through the Panama Canal and should be in place to hit the Solomon Islands by the first week of July. In Siberia, a veteran Commando division wipes out a division of Rebel Riflemen near the ruins of Noril'sk and six more tons of Raw Materials are shipped to Constantinople.

In early May, the British launch several counter-attacks throughout the Pacific and Indian Oceans: Their Avro's continue to bomb US forces in Kaiser Wilhelm's Land, while an M Class DD launches a foolish attack on the Maarepore Battle Group, and is duly sunk by the FRS Beijing. Near the Republic of India, a British R Class DD sinks our Coastal Defense Gunboat, FRS Karachi off the coast of Sri Lanka. In Australia, a British attack on Stuart is driven off with no losses on our side, and the loss of two ANZAC Infantry divisions and a Colonial Cavalry regiment on theirs.

US Navy Battleships, ticked off at the British bombing of Kaiser Wilhelm's Land, hammer the British Capitol on the Solomon Islands with their 14-inch guns!

Losses:

British: 10 ANZAC Infantry divisions, 2 Aussie Infantry divisions, 1 Col Infantry division, 2 Colonial Cavalry regiments, 1 QF 18-pounder battery, 1 Airco DH2 fighter squadron, 1 R Class DD, 1 Steam Transport, 2 M Class DD's.

Barbs: 1 Rebel Rifleman division.

Boers: 4 Commando divisions, 1 Boer Infantry division, 7 Boer Light Cavalry regiments, 1 Coastal Defense Gunboat.

During the third week of May 1913, our latest spy report from Stanley in the Falkland Islands reveals that the town is STILL defended by only THREE units! Lulea builds our first Howitzer battery and Mogadishu launches the Early DD, FRS Steph. Lome launches the Coastal Submarine, FRS Beluga and Casablanca launches the Armored Cruiser, FRS Stuart to commemorate our victory last month.

In Australia, all available troops move in to hit Brisbane, with General Veers' artillery and our ships opening the show. After the artillery barrage destroys the Coastal Fortress and inflicts 75% casualties on all defending troops, four regular Commando divisions wipe out four Aussie Infantry divisions and an Aussie Light Horse regiment without taking any losses!

Unfortunately my pic somehow got deleted

We capture the city, but the British are able to destroy their Airco DH2 Fighter squadron, QF 18-Pounder battery and scuttle the M Class DD in port before we can capture them. Brisbane, along with the rest of Queensland is under our control, meaning two entire Australian States are under the rule of the Provisional Government.

Artillery along the coast sports the last three British Battleships, and sinks them, along with a Steam Transport they were escorting that was later found to have been carrying two Aussie Light Horse regiments and two Aussie Infantry divisions. (Yes, it's gotten to the point that Britain's military is small enough for me to write down their entire ship and troop roster each turn and keep track of stuff like that).

After having some delicious Bug Pie and Strongbow cider at the Pig and Whistle pub in Brisbane, Veld Marshall Takayama orders all available full-strength units move into position to hit Sydney next month. (Bug Pie is a meat pot-pie made from a type of shrimp endemic to Brisbane Bay known locally as "Brisbane Bay Bugs", and they are really tasty!)

Elsewhere, the smallish invasion force lands in the Falklnds, Britain's last outpost in the Atlantic, and 5 tons of Raw Materials are shipped into Constantinople.

During the last week of May, Japan and La Plata sign a peace treaty.

After the Americans shoot down one of the British Avros bombing Kaiser Wilhelm's Land, they sign a peace treaty as well.

The Japanese land troops outside Manado on Sulawesi Island in Indonesia, while USN Battleships hammer Willemstad in the Dutch Antilles.

Elsewhere, Production in Dakar is Sabotaged! Britain is the prime suspect, and will pay dearly for that bit of shenanegans! A big, smelly, steaming pile of.... Pollution appears on the plains outside Brisbane.

In military news, Germany Takes Bucharest from Spain! Looks like our ally may be in trouble!

So it is, with Britain continuing to get pwned and our Spanish ally losing ground in Europe that this part of the story comes to an end.

Losses:

British: 6 Aussie Infantry divisions, 3 Aussie Light Horse regiments, 1 QF 18 Pounder battery, 1 Airco DH2 fighter squadron, 1 M Class DD, 2 St Vincent BB's, 1 Dreadnought, 1 Steam transport and 1 Avro 540 bomber.

 

[Auralia]

Map!

Alsooooo, just a small thingy, the Northern Territory doesn't have a large enough population to be considered a state, the population back in '11 was uberly small, these days it's only 200,000 more or less. Just me being the pain Australian.

 

[DJ Bonebraker]

Map!

Alsooooo, just a small thingy, the Northern Territory doesn't have a large enough population to be considered a state, the population back in '11 was uberly small, these days it's only 200,000 more or less. Just me being the pain Australian.

Well, in this timeline, all the cities, including Darwin and Stuart/Alice Springs have a population equal to or greater than most EUROPEAN cities, so there you have it... If you notice the map, there is already not just one, but SEVERAL rail lines between Darwin and Stuart/Alice Springs, when, in fact, said rail link didn't get completed until about 20 years ago....

I'm tellin' ya, that butterfly effect has got EVERYTHING screwed up!m

 

[Dumanios]

Map!

Alsooooo, just a small thingy, the Northern Territory doesn't have a large enough population to be considered a state, the population back in '11 was uberly small, these days it's only 200,000 more or less. Just me being the pain Australian.

What,and everything else here is realistic?

 

[ZeletDude]

I hope the Queen and Prime Minister Don't Get too Comfortable in the Solomans

 

[Auralia]

What,and everything else here is realistic?

You catch more flies with honey then vinegar.

 

[DJ Bonebraker]

Book II: Operation Sunset
Chapter 5: Thunder Down Under
Part IV: Fall of New South Wales & South Australia​

During the second week of June 1913, Bangwela launches the Early DD, FRS Padma and Loerenzo Maarkes, in a fit of overconfidence, launches the Armored Cruiser, FRS Canberra. The Iranian city of Gorgon launches the Armored Cruiser, FRS Tehran, the first ship in our Caspian Sea Fleet.

Britain's last outpost in the Atlantic, the Falkland Islands, comes under attack, with our artillery bombardment reducing all Colonial Infantry divisions to 50% strength. In the ensuing battle, two veteran and one regular Commando division are lost along with a Maxim Machinegun battalion, but the British lose all three Colonial Infantry divisions and their hurriedly recruited Colonial Cavalry regiment. When the dust settles, the islands are securely under our control.

President Kruger, not wanting to waste resources on maintaining a garrison in those worthless piles of rock, contacts Argentina and hands control of the islands over in order to win some brownie points. The Argentinians are so happy that they pay for passage of all our military units off the islands and back to Pretoria.

In the Australian Theater, Britain continues to get chewed up by the well-oiled Boer War Machine.... The FRS Tanicius Fox sinks and M Class DD off the coast of Sydney, and the rest of the Maarepore Battle Group bombards Sydney itself. During the naval bombardment, the FRS Agent 89 blows up Sydney's Coastal fortress, while the FRS Dumanios blows up a hangar containing a squadron of Airco DH2 Fighters. The FRS Tubaman lands a solid hit on another hangar containing an Avro 540 Bomber squadron, and the rest of the ships land hits on ANZAC Infantry divisions.

By the time the naval bombardment ends, General Veers' 7.5cm GebK247 Mountain Gun batteries have reached their appointed positions and proceed to open up a can of whoop-ass on the city, inflicting 75% casualties on ALL defending units. Two regular Commando divisions wipe out two ANZAC Infantry divisions and they are both promoted to veteran status. Another regular Commando division wipes two Aussie Infantry divisions off the map and captures Sydney, earning a promotion to veteran status as well.

We now have control of the strategic Port Jackson as well as most of New South Wales.

Special agent Reno's latest report to Veld Marshall Takayama shows that Canberra is defended by only three ANZAC Infantry divisions, one Aussie Infantry division and an Airco DH2 Fighter squadron, so Hikaro orders his men forward... Soon the Capitol of the Australian Commonwealth as well as the rest of New South Wales will be ours!

General Veers' artillery works its magic, leaving the defenders shattered. Three Commando divisions wipe out all the defenders and Canberra is captured!

President Workmann and the Australian Provisional Government, along with all separatist members of the Commonwealth parliment, take control of the Commonwealth's Government buildings and declare themselves to be the legitimate authority in Australia. President Paul Kruger flies into Brisbane, and takes the train to Canberra. There, he makes a speech declaring that the Commonwealth of Australia will henceforth be an independent state in free association with the Boer Federal Republic, whereby the two nations would share financial and military resources, but other matters would be entirely separate. The Presidents of Swaziland, Nubia, Kenya, Ndnongo and the Sultans of Arabia, India and Zanzibar also made speeches and answered questions, due to the fact that they already enjoyed the same status and the benefits thereof.

Meanwhile, Veld Marshall Takayama informs President Kruger that his spies in Adelaide report that the city is only defended by two ANZAC Infantry divisions, two Australian Infantry divisions, three Airco DH2 Fighter squadrions, and a single 3.7" Mountain Gun battery. Furthermore, this will cut Perth (and the rest of West Australia) off from Victoria, give us control of South Australia and severely hamper the recruitment of any additional ANZAC Infantry units. On top of that, taking Adelaide will give us a much-needed source of Coal and allow us to build ships and railroads locally!

The President gives his approval and the attack begins.

General Veers takes his remaining fresh artillery and hits all defenders in the city. Due to the lack of Artillery support and the hubris of commanders wanting to split the remaining Crown Loyalist territories up as soon as possible, 6 Commando divisions and four Boer Light Cavalry regiments are slaughtered in return for a mere two ANZAC Infantry divisions, two Aussie Infantry divisions, three Airco DH2 Fighter squadrons and a 3.7" Mountain Gun battery lost on the British side.

Nevertheless, Adelaide, and the rest of South Australia fall under our control, completely separating the last two Crown Loyalist states on Mainland Australia.

The current geopolitical situation in Australia is thus:

Commonwealth of Australia/Boer Control:

Northern Territory
Queensland
New South Wales
Capitol Territory
South Australia

Crown Loyalist Control:

Victoria
West Australia
Tasmania

All available full-strength units move into the hills outside Melbourne to take it next month.

In Indonesia, the British Destroyer that sunk the FRS Karachi is spotted off the coast of Borneo, providing opportunity for the first successful combat test of one of the new Howitzer batteries. Ironically enough, after the ship takes a hit from the 105mm Howitzer, the FRS Karachi II delivers the coup de grace, sinking its predecessor's killer.

Eight more tons of Raw Materials are shipped into Constantinople.

During the last weeks of June, Brazil and Spain sign a peace treaty right before Argentina goes to war with Brazil. Russia, in an incredibly STUPID move, declares war on Japan!

The British Royal Navy, despite being smaller and, for the most part, weaker than ours, manages to pull off a successful attack that sinks the FRS Calcutta and a steam transport full of troops. Fortunately, their land forces continue to prove completely incompetent, and they lose another ANZAC Infantry in a half-arsed attack on Canberra!

In the Caribbean, the US Navy continues to hammer the Dutch Antilles.

Losses:

British: 3 Colonial Infantry divisions, 1 Colonial Cavalry regiment, 8 ANZAC Infantry divisions, 5 Aussie Infantry divisions, one 3.7” Mountain Gun battery, 1 Avro 540 Bomber squadron, 5 Airco DH2 Fighter squadrons, 1 M Class DD, and 1 R Class DD.

Boers: 9 Commando divisions, 1 Maxim MG battalion, 4 Boer Light Cavalry regiments, 1 Steam Transport full of Troops, and 1 Coastal Defense Gunboat.

 

[Tani Coyote]

You really did crack open a can of whoopass!

I personally would have kept the Falklands as a base of operations for future expansion in South America, but then again, you're a tad more sane and pacifistic than me(for proof of just how militaristic - and ballistic - I get, observe how I painted much of the world yellow(I still find it hilarious that it was the USA that became the first country nuked, and even better by an Asian power) with nuclear fallout in my Erizo story!).

You seem to be pursuing replacing the British-American domination system of the Western and Eastern hemispheres, respectively, with a Boer-American domination system. This will certainly throw off English's position as the world language! (Though still, the top three powers remain Germanic, so the Germanic peoples still maintain their dominance in military, economics and culture)

Now if I was in the position of Veld Marschall... I guarantee I would have plans to blow every country on the map to dust. After all, the Empire of Marius has no borders!

I eagerly await the complete assimilation of Australia and the demise of the British Empire! Perhaps the Boer Republic should rechristen itself the Imperial Boer Republic sometime.

A random side note, but playing Red Alert 3 has made me think of the name Operation: Sunset in a different way. Thanks to the fact uber-Japan is called "The Empire of the Rising Sun" in Red Alert 3, I now associate the Sun just as much with Japan as Britain(though I should do that anyway given their flag)... There's even a level where you defeat the empire called "Forever Sets the Sun"!

So I wonder... given your fascination with Japanese culture, don't you feel they'd be one of the top candidates to join the family of Boer Republics? Besides, since we're keen on the butterfly effect... maybe you could get giant robots in the 1900s. (I mean, Japan had killer robots of doom in the 1980s in Command and Conquer, we might as well rape the timeline some more!)

But regardless of your next strategic decision, Veld Marschall, I'm sure it will be wise. And I, as the President of China, can assure you that wherever the Boer flag flies, the Chinese military will follow! And the Chinese people WILL consent to this, I also assure you! *hides a whip behind my back, attempting to appear innocent*

 

[DJ Bonebraker]

You really did crack open a can of whoopass!

I personally would have kept the Falklands as a base of operations for future expansion in South America, but then again, you're a tad more sane and pacifistic than me(for proof of just how militaristic - and ballistic - I get, observe how I painted much of the world yellow(I still find it hilarious that it was the USA that became the first country nuked, and even better by an Asian power) with nuclear fallout in my Erizo story!).

I already HAVE a base for expansion in S. America... TWO of them, and both are ON the main continent and HIGHLY productive (which the Falklands are NOT)... I may end up expanding my base of operations (at least until I get some coal so I can build railroads), but that depends on if any of the SA nations are stupid enough to join a MA against me when I liquidate France.....

You seem to be pursuing replacing the British-American domination system of the Western and Eastern hemispheres, respectively, with a Boer-American domination system. This will certainly throw off English's position as the world language! (Though still, the top three powers remain Germanic, so the Germanic peoples still maintain their dominance in military, economics and culture)

Now if I was in the position of Veld Marschall... I guarantee I would have plans to blow every country on the map to dust. After all, the Empire of Marius has no borders!

Trust me, I do, but I may not have enough time... We're getting close to SOMEBODY being able to build the League of Nations and I hope it's me, but if not, I want to control at LEAST enough population to either force a no-vote by abstaining or win merely by voting for myself... Hence my priority of destrying those nations with large populations that are furious with me and leaving only those who are cautious or better....

I eagerly await the complete assimilation of Australia and the demise of the British Empire! Perhaps the Boer Republic should rechristen itself the Imperial Boer Republic sometime.

The downfall of mainland Australia will be featured in tonight's episode....

But regardless of your next strategic decision, Veld Marschall, I'm sure it will be wise. And I, as the President of China, can assure you that wherever the Boer flag flies, the Chinese military will follow! And the Chinese people WILL consent to this, I also assure you! *hides a whip behind my back, attempting to appear innocent*

Well, I've heard them Chinese were kinky like that....

 

[ChaosArbiter]

A random side note, but playing Red Alert 3 has made me think of the name Operation: Sunset in a different way. Thanks to the fact uber-Japan is called "The Empire of the Rising Sun" in Red Alert 3, I now associate the Sun just as much with Japan as Britain(though I should do that anyway given their flag)... There's even a level where you defeat the empire called "Forever Sets the Sun"!

Well, Japan did call itself the Land of the Rising Sun (whereas the British had an empire upon which the sun never set), and its flag is supposed to represent the sun.

 

[DJ Bonebraker]

Book II: Operation Sunset
Chapter 4: Thunder Down Under
Part V: The Liberation of Australia​

During the first week of July 1913, Veld Marshal Takayama is going over the latest intelligence reports in his field headquarters outside Melbourne. Tasmania, according to special agent Yuffie Kisaragi, the last major Crown Loyalist stronghold is defended by TWELVE DIVISIONS of Australian Infantry, one Australian Light Horse Regiment, one Home Guard regiment and an Airco DH2 fighter squadron.

Special agent Ocelot Revolver's report from the Marshall Islands indicates that they are defended by a mere three Colonial Infantry companies as well as an Avro Bomber squadron and an Airco DH2 Squadron. Furthermore, there are also two Steam Transports and BRITAIN'S LAST BATTLECRUISER in port. The Jerusalem Battle Group's troops and ships aught to make them fold like a card house!

Special agent Tseng reports that Perth is defended by two ANZAC Infantry divisions, two Aussie Infantry divisions, two Airco DH2 fighter squadrons, an Avro 540 Bomber squadron and a RN Destroyer of some kind.

Vulcan Raven's report from the Bismark Archipelago states that those islands are defended by EIGHTEEN Colonial Infantry divisions and a British Horse Artillery battery. Additionally, there are four Avro 540 Bomber squadrons based there along with 2 Airco DH2 Fighter squadrons... These bombers are likely the ones that have been repeatedly bombing Kaiser Wilhelm's Land....

Wellington, New Zealand is defended by Eight divisions of Aussie Infantry and a single Airco DH2 fighter squadron, and Dunedin has seven Aussie Infantry divisions garrisoned there, along with an Airco DH2 fighter squadron and a RN DD in port, according to special agent Rude.

Special Agent Elena, our spy in the current British capitol in the Solomon Islands, reports that they are defended by four Colonial Infantry divisions and there is a Destroyer and a Steam Transport moored there.

Finally, special agent Raiden reports that Davao is defended by a mere three Colonial Infantry divisions, three Avro Bomber squadrons and a single SE5A fighter squadron.

Hikaro sighs and rubs his head.... The British are obviously near collapse, but the main problem with the offensive now is getting enough ships to move the troops needed to finish the job into place... He decides to deal with the problems that CAN be taken care of quickly:

The battle for mainland Australia continues with the FRS Manta Ray torpedoing the R Class Destroyer that sank the FRS Calcutta last month. The FRS Tanicius Fox, FRS Silver 2039 and FRS Iron Man all sink M Class Destroyers off the Australian coast while the FRS DUmanios sinks a RN Steam Transport loaded with FORU ANZAC INFANTRY DIVISIONS! Take THAT you scunners!!

Meanwhile, General Veers' Artillery begins hammering Melbourne until all defenders are reduced to a quarter of their original strength, after which two veteran Commando divisions wipe out the ANZAC Infantry division and two Aussie Infantry divisions defending the city. Even though the RAF ground crews are able to torch their Airco DH2 Fighter planes before we can capture them, the city still falls under the control of the Boer Republic/Commonwealth of Australia!

Now the state of Victoria is under our control! After General Veers' artillery sinks an M Class Destroyer off the coast of Melbourne, Veld Marshall Takayama orders all available troops to move into position to hit Perth at the end of the month... Soon the last Crown Loyalist stronghold on mainland Australia will be taken out!

To the north, the Jerusalem Battle Group arrives in the Marshall Islands. While the troops and artillery are landing outside the city, all the combat ships begin pounding the city with their 5" and 8" guns. The Coastal Fortress is reduced to rubble and the FRS Civ Agamemnon sinks Britain's last, irreplaceable Lion-Class Battlecruiser and the FRS Quintillus sinks their last Advanced Transport! The FRS Blue Monkey sinks a steam transport, reducing the entire Royal Navy to a mere 12 ships, including transports!

Meanwhile, Goa launches a Coastal Defense Gunboat, the FRS Calcutta II, while our Commando divisions in Siberia report finding another Bandit encampment. Another 3 tons of Raw Materials also arrive in Constantinople.

During the middle of July, Japan and Argentina sign a peace treaty.

In war news, British Avros continue to bomb the Jerusalem Battle Group outside Borneo, damaging the FRS Jerusalem and a Steam Transport. Also in that region, DUTCH Submarines sink a British R Class DD! President Kruger sends his complements to their captains and crews. American Airships and Battleships continue hammering Manado in the Dutch East Indies and Willemstad in the Dutch Antilles.

In Siberia, a MASSIVE horde of Bandit Light Cavalry wipe out our last two Commando divisions in the area. Veld Marshall Takayama and Defense Minister Voorhees draft up a new "Insurgent Hunting" doctrine that states that Bandit hunting groups will consist of no less than FIVE Commando Divisions EACH, accompanied by at least one Boer Infantry division for defense... The Bandit Scourge WILL be dealt with!

Losses:

British: 1 Lion Class Battle Cruiser, 2 R Class Destroyers, 4 M Class Destroyers, 2 Steam Transports, 1 Advanced Transport, 5 ANZAC Infantry divisions, 2 Aussie Infantry divisions, 2 Airco DH2 fighter squadrons.

Boers: 2 Commando divisions.

During the last week of July 1913, Dublin launches the Coastal Defense Gunboat, FRS Cork, Mogadishu launches the Coastal Gunboat, FRS Mogadishu, Casablanca launches the Coastal Gunboat, FRS Casablanca, Bangwela launches the Coastal Submarine, FRS Water Moccasin and Tabriz launches the Early Destroyer, FRS Chieftess, our second Caspian Sea Fleet ship.

The first proper Insurgent Hunting Brigade departs Norway and arrives in Siberia two days later....

In Australia, the Battle of Perth opens up with another symphony of destruction conducted by Maestro of Artillery, General Veers. After all defenders have been blown to smithereens, Brig General Sephiroth van Niebelheim leads the 1^st Light Horse on the attack. After several hours of bitter fighting, the 1^st Light Horse wipes out two ANZAC Infantry divisions, but takes heavy casualties in the process. This desperate attack does, however, clear a path for one of our veteran Boer Light Cavalry regiments to wipe out both the remaining Aussie Infantry divisions holed up downtown and capture the city!

The M Class DD is scuttled in port by its crew and the RAF torches its hangars to prevent their two Airco DH2 Fighter squadrons from being captured. Even so, we still have driven the last of the Crown Loyalists from mainland Australia and have control of the Port of Perth. Lt. Colonel Auralia is elected Governor of the State of Auralia (as the jubilant citizens re-named West Australia in his honor).

To the North, the Battle for the Marshall Islands begins. Land Artillery and combat ships hammer the city. The FRS Klyden destroys an Avro 540 Bomber squadron, the FRS Medina blows up an Airco DH2 Fighter squadron and all defenders suffer 75% casualties.

Four regular Commando divisions storm the city, wiping out all four defending Colonial Infantry divisions and capturing the islands with few losses on their side!

Unfortunately, the pic for this one got lost, too

A Steam Transport sails to the Caroline Islands only to find a US Volunteer Cavalry Brigade hogging the only LZ on the island!!!! After Defense Minister Voorhees hits the roof after recieving that bit of news, Veld Marshall Takayama sends a priority coded radio message to Adalia that all three Naval Infantry divisions are needed in the Pacific Theater YESTERDAY, preferrably sooner. The Marine Corps commander, not being a dummy, loads the Naval Infantry divisions into a Steam transport in Adalia, which makes the short trip to Damascus. From there, they board the Pan-Asian Express, and arrive in Saigon two days later. They board another transport in Siagon that takes them to Sibu in Borneo, where they board yet another transport bound for the Caroline Islands.

Meanwhile, the Jerusalem Battle Group, and all available troops and artillery, head down to the Bismark Archipelago to make life miserable for the British there. The FRS Iron Man also manages to sink a British M Class DD off the coast of New Zealand.

The end of July sees yet another British counter-attack. Avros continue to bomb the Jerusalem Battle Group, hitting the FRS Abeche, FRS Bangalore II, FRS Angora, FRS Elizabethville II and 3 Steam Transports. The Royal Navy, continuing its streak of good luck, sinks the FRS Maarepore off the Southern Coast of Australia, and an R Class DD sinks an empty Steam Transport near Cairns.

The US continues to hammer the Dutch Antilles and Manado in the Dutch East Indes, while a Bandit Light Cavalry regiment gets slaughtered trying to attack our Insurgent Hunting Brigade near the ruins of Soshow'insk.

Thus it is that the month of July 1913 and this chapter comes to a close.

Losses:

British: 2 ANZAC Infantry divisions, 2 Aussie Infantry divisions, 3 Colonial Infantry divisions, 1 Colonial Cavalry regiment, 2 Airco DH2 fighter squadrons, 2 M Class DD's, 1 Avro 540 Bomber squadron.

Barbs: 1 Light Cavalry regiment.

Boers: 1 Armored Cruiser, 1 Steam Transport.

 

[Land_Shark93]

Next great war: The Beors vs Germany (?)

 

[IronMan2055]

Still France. XD

 

[DJ Bonebraker]

Yes, what Iron Man said....

Also, due to the fact that the action is going to be slowing down (basically a bunch of sieges for a while, partly due to trying to root the British out of the Caroline Islands and/or extended ship voyages trying to get units over to various outlying island territories), I'm changing the format slightly to speed up the story (I actually played these turns back in MAY, and have been unable to continue playing due to wanting to get the story caught up with the game and I still have 6 pages of game log to go through)....

Anyways:

Book II: Operation Sunset
Chapter 5: Island Hopping, Redux
Part I: Boer Indonesia​

During the second week of August 1913, Dr. Frankenstein's crack research team finishes their work on Biplane Bombers I and start researching Machine Guns II....

According to the good doctor, we'll have the technology to build Coastal Battleships sometime within the next eight months! Whether or not Britain will still be around by then is anybody's guess.....

In the Pacific Theater, the FRS Pietersburg takes over as flagship of the former Maarepore Battle Group, which is now, of course the Pietersburg Battle Group. The latest intel on the Caroline Islands shows that there are only FOUR Colonial Infantry divisions defending them, and if the Jerusalem and Pietersburg Battle Groups can hammer them into submission, then our Naval Infantry should be able to make short work of them.... Unfortunately the fact that almost the ENTIRE Royal Air Force is stationed on the Island will make this a long, drawn-out siege, due to the fact that the ******** Combat Systems Officers all think that targeting enemy AIRCRAFT takes priority over hitting REAL targets.... A lengthy siege would not have been necessary if the US didn't have an entire Brigade hogging up the rest of the island.

The FRS Angora sinks a British Steam Transport with two divisions of Colonial Infantry on board, while the rest of the Jerusalem Battle Group gets on with the business of pounding the Caroline Islands into submission... The Coastal Fortress, predictably, is blown to smithereens, and the FRS Blue Monkey sinks a Steam Transport in the harbor, earning a promotion to elite status. As predicted, the CSO's on the rest of the ships target the massive horde of aircraft on the island, hitting an Avro and an Airco DH2 squadron....

Elsewhere, 64 units, almost half of which are artillery batteries, land on the Bismarck Archipelago... Soon Britain will lose another territory in the Pacific.

In the Philippines, the island of Davao is captured after several hours of intense fighting. A single Boer Light Cavalry regiment is lost in exchange for three British Colonial Infantry divisions control of the Island... A fair trade if you ask me.

The island of Davao is added to the Indonesian Provisional State (which includes Malaysia, Singapore, Borneo and Puerta Princessa).

Meanwhile, a Task Group under the command of the FRS Baghdad splits off the Pietersburg Battle Group and attempts to intercept a British R Class DD that sunk one of our Steam Transports last month.

The Pietersburg Battle Group continues on to Tasmania and the FRS Shaka Zulu II Sinks an M Class Destroyer nearby while the rest of the ships lay the smack-down on Hobart. The city's Coastal Fortress is destroyed, and the FRS Dumanios sinks the M Class DD that sunk the Maarepore last month, earning a promotion to elite status for the Dumanios. The FRS Adler XVII destroys an entire squadron of Airco DH2 Fighters on the runway.

In other news, we manage to get spies into Austria and Russia, both of whose armies are absolutely pathetic! The Austrians only have 3 Maxim MG battalions, 5 Hungarian Infantry divisions, 6 Austrian Infantry divisions, 2 Austrian Cavalry regiments and 4 Home Guard divisions, and Russia's army isn't much better.... No wonder they were getting their asses handed to them by Japan and Germany.

Goa launches a Costal Submarine, the FRS Anaconda, while two more tons of Raw Materials are shipped into Constantinople.

Near the ruins of Soshow'insk, a veteran Commando division wipes out a Bandit Rebel Rifle Regiment and and seizes 25 Gilders worth of loot in their stronghold.

During the last weeks of August, the British bomb Davao, blowing up our Deep Water Harbor and scoring a few hits on our Maxim MG Battalions... A British Horse Artillery Battery on the Bismarck Archipelago TRIES to bombard our invasion force but fails miserably.

Losses:
British: 1 Steam Transport, 5 Colonial Infantry divisions, 2 M class DD's, 1 Airco DH2 squadron.

Barbs: 1 Rebel Rifle Regiment.
Boers: 1 Boer Light Cavalry regiment.

The First week of September 1913, Canberra recruits a Civil Engineer team, which cleans up the huge steaming pile of Pollution outside Brisbane. Alexandria launches a new Armored Cruiser, the FRS Maarepore II, Hurdiyo launches a Coastal Gunboat, FRS Djibouti, Hue Launches the Armored Cruiser, FRS Nancheng, Dublin Launches another Coastal SS, the FRS Loch Ness Monster, and Kalmar launches the Armored Cruiser, FRS Kashi. In Africa, the Railroad line to Freetown is now complete, linking over 95% of our African cities by rail.

In the Pacific Theater, the siege of the Caroline Islands continues, with more RAF planes getting damaged, but not a single hit on their stupid troops... We need to get more firepower into the area...

At the Bismarck Archipelago, all units (estimated at 20+ divisions) are hit at least once by the artillery barrage. During this battle, SEVENTEEN Commando divisions, one Light Cavalry regiment and a Boer Infantry division are lost during the assault. The British lose eighteen Colonial Infantry divisions and control of the Islands.

A rather Pyrrhic victory, but a victory nonetheless...

During the Middle of September, Japan and Spain sign a peace treaty, and a Bandit Light Cavalry regiment attacks and is killed by our Boer Infantry division stationed near the ruins of Soshow'insk.

Elsewhere, the US captures Manado in the Dutch East Indies, giving them control of the Island of Sulawesi (Celebes)... Indonesia looks to be on its way to being Asia's geographical basket case, with the US, Dutch and Boer Republics claiming territory in the Archipelago.

Losses:

Britain: 18 Colonial Infantry Divisions.

Barbs: 1 Light Cavalry regiment.

Boers: 17 Commando divisions, 1 Boer Light Cavalry regiment, 1 Boer Infantry division.

 

[Tani Coyote]

Excellent!

How many bases do the Tommies have left at this point?! One? Two? The final showdown is nearing...

...The Dutch are still alive? Wow! ...Perhaps, as the sons of the Dutch, the Boers should "aid" their fathers in "administrating" their last outposts?

(Especially so considering the USA seems to be competing with Germany to form a Großdeutschland if they're seizing Dutch territory...)

 

[ZeletDude]

How many cities does Britain have left? can't be that many .
and good job on killing Britain, i bet they were surprised.. if a AI can Even be surprised when you came and kicked there Butts XD

 

[DJ Bonebraker]

Book II: Operation Sunset
Chapter 5: Island Hopping: Redux
Part II: Long Time, No Siege​

The last week of September, Dublin launches the Early DD, FRS Turner. Loerenzo Maarkes and Casablanca both launch Armored Cruiser, the FRS Erenhot and FRS Lanzhou.

In the Pacifac theater, the FRS Dumanios sinks an M Class DD off the coast of Australia and the FRS Baghdad sinks a British Steam Transport between New Zealand and Australia.

In the Provisional State of Indonesia, the British Invasion force on Davao is driven off without a single loss, while the siege of the Caroline Islands continues. The FRS Maarten Tromp and FRS Civ Agamemnon destroy two squadrons of planes (one of them Avro Bombers) and heavily damage the rest... Hopefully we'll soon have reinforcements.

The beginning of November, the Dutch and Spanish sign a peace treaty, while the British continue their hopeless fight in the Pacific.

British Avros bomb the Jerusalem Battle Group, and an M Class Destroyer (one of their last ones) sinks the FRS Beijing.

In other military news, Bandits in Siberia attack a Boer Infantry division and lose two Light Cavalry regiments, while the Japanese conquer the entire Chita Oblast in Russia.

Losses:

British: 1 Col Infantry division, 1 M Class DD, 1 Steam Transport, 1 Avro 540 Bomber squadron, 1 Airco DH2 squadron.

Barbs: 2 Lt Cavalry divisions.

Boers: 1 Armored Cruiser (FRS Beijing).

In the middle of October 1913, Tabriz launches an Early DD, the FRS Sid Meier, while Hue Launches the FRS Chris 85

In the Pacific Theater, the sieges of Hobart and the Caroline Islands continue, with the FRS Civ Agamemnon blowing up an Avro Bomber squadron in the Carolines, and the FRS Agent 89 sinking an M Class DD in port at Hobart.

The first wave of troops, including the 1^st Light Horse Brigade, lands on Tasmania amid the confusion our constant naval bombardment has created.

Three tons of Raw Materials are shipped back to Constantinople.

During the last two weeks of October, the Dutch and British sign a peace treaty, not that it will do either of them any good !

In military action, a British M Class DD attacks the Pietersburg Battle Group! Even though the FRS Mosul is heavily damaged, the offending Royal Navy ship is sunk. Another M Class DD sinks a Steam Transport off the Australian coast.

Elsewhere, the US continues to hammer Dutch positions in Indonesia, and two Bandit Light Cavalry regiments meet their fate at the hands of our Boer Infantry division in Siberia.

Losses:

Britain: 1 Avro 540 bomber squadron, 2 M Class DD's

Barbs: 2 Lt Cavalry regiments.

Boers: 1 Steam Transport.

The first week of November 1913, Casablanca launches an Early DD, the FRS Ogedei The Mad (named in honor of the great Mongol hero of yore ).

Up North, our Civil Engineer teams have finally completed a railroad link between Lulea and Romanov on Murman, finally linking Scandinavia to the rest of Europe by rail.

In the Pacific Theater, finally some good news: Our troops are finally in position on the Solomon Islands, and after a round of shelling that leaves all defenders at no more than 1/4 strength, three regular Commando divisions wipe out FOUR British Colonial Infantry divisions and a Colonial Sentry regiment without taking any losses!

The Solomon Island are captured and added to the New Guinea Provisional State. Several Airco DH2 Fighters and Avro Bombers are spotted Flying Southwest during the last part of the battle, and reports arrive several days later that the British Government has moved to Wellington, New Zealand.

This month, the combined weight the Jerusalem Battle Group is FINALLY able to destroy the Royal Air Force squadrons stationed there: The FRS Hikaro Takayama and FRS Maarten Tromp destroy two Airco DH2 Fighter Squadrons, while the FRS Blue Monkey, FRS Civ Agamemnon, FRS Quintillus, FRS The Omega and FRS Abeche destroy Avro 540 Bomber Squadrons.

In addition, all defending units suffer at LEAST 25% casualties. After going over some last minute reports with Veld Marshall Takayama (via radio), Admiral Tromp orders the Naval Infantry to hit the beaches and try to secure the city before they can reinforce the garrison. One Naval Infantry division is wiped out during the battle, but they are able to collectively take out four British Colonial Infantry divisions and capture the islands!

As per our alliance agreement with Spain, we turn control of the Marshall and Caroline Islands over to Spain (mainly because we don't want to mess with those worthless piles of rock ).

In Siberia, several of our Scandinavian Mountain Gun batteries have joined the Bandit Hunting Task Forces and decide to get some practice bombarding a Bandit encampment. They manage to wipe out half of a Bandit Light Cavalry regiment and a Rebel Rifle regiment, after which our task force moves in for the kill....

Even though a regular Commando division is wiped out during the battle, both Bandit units are wiped out and 25 Gilders worth of loot is recovered from the Bandit camp.

In Tasmania, both artillery and ships bombard the city, with the FRS Agent 89 sinking a British M Class DD in port and all defenders taking some damage. Unfortunately, they are not hit hard enough to consider launching an assault, so we dig in and wait until another bombardment can commence.

The FRS Baghdad sinks an M Class DD off the coast of Brisbane, which reduces the entire Royal Navy to only three ships!

During the middle of November, a massive horde of Bandits attack our Anti-Bandit Task Force in Siberia! The Boer Infantry division defending our troops is wiped out, but a veteran Commando division wipes out two Bandit Light Cavalry regiments and is promoted to elite!

Elsewhere, American Airships and Battleships continue to pound the Dutch East Indies.

Losses:

British: 8 Col Infantry divisions, 1 Col Sentry division, 2 Airco DH2 fighter squadrons, 5 Avro 450 bomber squadrons, 1 M Class DD.

Barbs: 3 Lt Cavalry regiments, 1 Rebel Rifle regiment.

Boers: I Naval Infantry division, 1 Commando division, 1 Boer Infantry division.

 

[ZeletDude]

Is New Zealand there only base left? Or do they have other 1 city islands in the pacific?

 

[DJ Bonebraker]

Book II: Operation Sunset
Chapter 5: Island Hopping, Redux
Part III: Final Preparations​

During the last week of November 1913, Veld Marshall Takayama is in his current Headquarters in Brisbane, Australia going over spy reports with Defense Minister Voorhees and General Veers. Special agent Solid Snake reports that Wellington, NZ, is defended by seven Australian Infantry divisions, one ANZAC Infantry division, an Airco DH2 Fighter squadron and an M Class DD. Special Agent Ocelot Revolver's report on Dunedin reveals that town is defended by seven Aussie Infantry divisions, an M Class DD, and an Airco DH2 fighter squadron... This will be all that's left of the entire British Military once our forces on Tasmania can capture Hobart... Britain's days are numbered!

Hue and Kilwa Launch Armored Cruisers, the FRS Louyang and FRS Beijing II.

In Tasmania, General Veers' Artillery hammers the city, reducing all Infantry divisions to 50% strength or less. General Sephiroth leads the 1^st Light Horse into battle and wipes an ANZAC Infantry division and two Aussie Infantry divisions off the map! Five Commando divisions wipe out 6 Aussie Infantry divisions in a fierce battle that also sees the loss of two veteran Commando divisions.

A Boer Light Cavalry regiment and an Elite Commando division wipe out three Aussie Light Horse regiments, while another elite Commando division wipes out the last Home Guard regiment in Britain's order of battle as well as an Australian Infantry division.

In the final battle for control of the city, an elite Commando division wipes out two Aussie Infantry divisions, but the tide of battle soon turns against us: An elite Commando division wipes out the second-to-last Aussie Infantry division in the city, but is wiped out by the last Aussie Infantry division. This same Aussie Infantry division goes on to slaughter another elite Commando division and a regular Boer Infantry division before a veteran Boer Infantry division FINALLY puts them out of their misery and captures the city!

Tasmania is added to the Australian Commonwealth and our troops and ships begin moving towards New Zealand to deliver the final blow to the British "Empire"...

The FRS Delhi sinks a British Steam Transport and is promoted to elite status, while six tons of Raw Materials are shipped to the export market in Constantinople.

The first week of December sees Brazil and Chile sign a peace treaty while the US Navy continues to hammer the Dutch East Indies with their unholy amount of Battleships.

In Siberia, the Bandits lose two Light Cavalry regiments attacking our Anti-Bandit Task Force.

Losses:

British: 3 ANZAC Infantry divisions, 12 Aussie Inf divisions, 2 Aussie Lt Horse regiments, 1 Home Guard regiment, 1 Steam Transport.

Barbs: 2 Lt Cavalry regiment.

Boers: 4 Commando divisions, 1 Boer Inf division.

During the middle of December 1913, Dr. Frankenstein bursts into President Kruger's office and announces that he's finished researching Machine Guns II and will now start on Super-Dreadnoughts I!

Soon we will have our very own battleships!!!

In the Pacific Theater, the FRS Dumanios, FRS Tubaman and FRS El Justo sink British M Class DD's and the FRS Adlwer XVII sinks a Steam Transport off the coast of New Zealand. The Royal Navy is now reduced to a single M Class DD! So much for the "World's Greatest Navy".... The troop transports accompanying the Pietersburg Battle Group begin unloading troops onto New Zealand... Britain will soon join the list of nations relegated to a dusty corner of history!

A Regular Commando division in Siberia wipes out a Bandit Light Cavalry division and is promoted to veteran status.

The last weeks of December sees the Italians come asking for an alliace against Spain! There is no way in hell we'll break our alliance with them against Britain, so President Kruger gives the joker 2000 gilders to jump-start his comedy career!

Elsewhere, Japan and Russia sign a peace treaty, hopefully buying enough time for the troubled giant to make some attempt at re-building from its latest round of losses.

The Royal Navy, not wanting to go down without a fight, sallies its last M Class DD out from Dunedin and sinks one of our Steam Transports full of troops.

In other military actions, American Airships and Battleships hammer the crap out of Malang, and our Anti-Bandit Task Force in Siberia comes under attack! A regular Commando division is wiped out by a Bandit Light Cavalry division, but an elite Commando division wipes out another Barbarian Light Cavalry regiment.

So it is that the year 1913 and this chapter, comes to a close.

Losses:

British: 3 M Class DD's, 1 Steam Transport.

Barbs: 2 Lt Cavalry regiments.

Boers: 1 Steam Transport full of troops, 1 Commando division.

....And the World Map everyone's waiting for: