Chapter 2
The Spanish intervention.
April 27th 1937 - August 9th 1937
And till the end of the year (Januari 1st 1938)
Wilhelmshaven was a buzz of activity. Tanks and troops were boarding the fleet supervised by Admiral Raeder which had just returned from La Coruna.
The first troops had already arrived in La Coruna. Though the intelligence delivered by the nationalists showed only a scattered 3-province holding on the Spanish mainland the spirit of the troops was high. Now they could show the Count their abilities. The entire airforce, with exception of the transport squadrons was underway too:
Operations started after the troops had gotten used to the environment. Even with part of the army assigned to the Spanish theatre still in Wilhelmshaven first opposition was overrun with ease, almost to easy. The panzerdivision under Guderian after the first battles and the liberation of the nationalist capital had an open road to Madrid, but the nationalist troops at the Mediterranean needed help urgently, having been isolated for too long and they were in danger of being overrun. On the 10th of may the second part of the forces finally set sail to Spain:
Guderian managed to storm through northern Spain and came near the east coast. The nationalists thinking another republican assault was upon them readied themselves to defend once more, even though they were exausted and practically out of ammo. Suddenly they heard a roar in the skies and noticed it had been blackened by unknown planes. To their suprise these attacked republican positions and in close coordination with the planes the unknown tanks began shooting at those positions too. After being almost defeated relieve had come just in time. The tanks having taken up positions between the now advancing western forces and the garrisson on the east coast was immediately and constantly under attack during the comming days. But with skill and dedication they managed. With the mountaineers advancing in the north and an army HQ now supporting the tank-divisions they counterattacked. First south:
Then they moved north till the pocket in the north was destroyed:
Now the nationalists slowly began advancing with the Germans. The enemy was getting more and more disorganised. The time was right for an all out assault against Madrid with her large industry. The republicans knew this assault was comming and many shook their heads knowing they had been so close in defeating the nationalists. Then the attack came:
It was taken, forcing the republican troops in 2 clusters. One to the southwest of Madrid, the other in Valencia. they would have to be dealt with separately and decisively. First the army turned towards encircling Valencia:
This was achieved succesfully, trapping 6 divisions. The attack was made, however the first assault, which was sustained for many hours to days was beaten of. Since Valencia was now their capital the supplies were adequate for the republicans and also their spirits were still not broken:
Orders were given to Raeder to start shore bombardments and the entire airforce, large part of which was now based in Madrid was put on interdiction duties in the area of Valencia. The 2nd attack wasn't beaten of and once again a republican capital was taken. In this time it needs to be said a republican relieve force from the west was beaten of by a nationalist motorized division. Finally they were getting into combat too for the liberation of their country. In Valencia however they only defended the northern flank and didn't take part in offensive operations.
After the fall of Valencia the forces in the west were easily mopped up. Finally on the 9th of august the war was over and the troops could return home.
It took 2 months for the last of the forces to reach La Coruna. The fleet took the battle hardened and weary soldiers back home. Sailing through the English Channel looking at both shores many wondered if the 2 countries they saw would stay friends or would become their future enemies. A chill came down many spines and most decided not to think about it to much.
In the officers mess on board the KMS Deutschland:
It truly is an impressive sight, those 2 potential enemies. Who knows what the future will bring. I surely hope they won't be so stupid as too connect their fates with that of Poland.
It would probably be as stupid as the Federation going to war against the Klingons.
O no, not another one.
What was that Herman, my minister of offence?
Nothing, Herr Count, nothing.
Well actually it was the Klingons who went to war against the Federation and after their energy planet blew up they were sort of forced to sort of join the Federation.
Am I the only sane person on this ship? Ehm, sorry Herr Count, a slip of the tongue.
Ok, but since the British and French don't have an energy planet we must deal with them the conventional way. We must direct all our industry toward the construction of offensive weaponry, the anti air and radar projects must be put at the bottom of the production queue. Furthermore we must expand our alliance. Georg, my minister of foreign affairs, what's the stance on that?
We have alliances with Nationalist Spain, Hungary and Argentina. The exchange of technology gives us the money to conduct further diplomacy. We are currently trying to win over Turkey, Bulgaria and Yugoslavia, though I'm not sure they will comply.
Well then, the defeat of communism in Spain is a great step towards achieving our goals. We have gained an ally with the potential to seal of the Mediterranean if necessary. Now, I understand that the Austrians might be willing to join our empire, and there is even some movement towards union with Chechoslovakia. The latter I'm hesitant of, because this won't go well with the British. 1938 will be a difficult year. Might as well enjoy the current victory though, where's the Heineken?