The Red Shield - Union of Britain AAR

[Jedrek]

OK, I know I have my Uzbeks pending. However... Well... I'll do my best to mobilise myself and finish them someday. One dead AAR is enough.

So, I'll try my best with Union of Britain, Kaiserreich mod. Since Kaiserreich AI is rather clumsy, I plan to do some roleplay, such us no massive army buildup or doing dirty work for France. I'd try to keep in mind the Internationale has two mortal enemies - Entente and the Mitteleuropa. Plus, should CSA fail the Civil War, I'll try to make MacArthur or Long's victory a bitter one.

So, let's get down to business...

The Red Shield

Chapter One:
From Revolution to the First International Congress

Part I: A new Britain
Part II: Renown and the Republican Navy
Part III: Directive number 32
Part IV: The 10th anniversary of Union's Proclamation
Part V: RNS Rebecca comissioned
Part VI: Spring manouvers of 1936
Part VII: The Six Years' Plan
Part VIII: Economical problems of Six Years' Plan
Part IX: Socialist revival of 1936

Chapter Two:
Red Tide Rising

Part X: Apocalypse now
Part XI: Mustering the forces
Part XII: Opening
Part XIII: Dispute
Part XIV: The Second International Congress
Part XV: Something ends, something begins
Part XVI: Reformation and expansion
Part XVII: Socialism on the march
Part XVIII: The Black-Red Banner flies!
Part XIX: Pathway to power
Part XX: Long way to hell
Part XXI: Melting point

[Jedrek]

I
A new Britain

(extract from British History post 1914 by Norman Davis, London, 2009)

It is well known that the so-called Great Imperialist War ended in 1921, when the burgeoise government of the United Kingdom under David Lloyd George bowed down to German demands and signed an armstice with the Second Reich. Continental Europe was left to German mercy, while British monarchists retreated to their imperial possesions. They hoped that the "Splendid Isolation" will once again suffice to preserve their rule over the oppressed people of the crumbling Empire. However, this hope turned out to be as fragile as thin ice.

David Lloyd George (1863-1945), prime minister of the United Kingdom (6 XII 1916 - 24 October 1926) who submitted to German demands.


George V, king of the United Kingdom (6 V 1910 - 24 X 1925) and Canada (1 I 1926 - 20 I 1936)

In 1925 the legendary labour strike in Wales provoked a series of greater incidents, which culminated into a General Strike proclaimed by the Trades Union Congress. Monarchist government replied by sending troops, which in turn resulted in open civil war between the rulers and the workers. The revolution, long ago predicted by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, finally reached Britain.

When the triumphant Popular Militia, led by comrade Tom Wintringham, managed to evenlope London and even bombard the Buckhingam Palace (now People's Palace) with captured heavy artillery pieces, the Windsor family fled England, abandoning their subjects just as they had abandoned European allies four years before. Land property owners and monarchist politicians followed, creating a power vaccum that was quickly filled by TUC members.

Thomas Henry Wintringham (15 V 1898 - 16 VIII 1949), first commander of the Popular Militia

Houses of Parliament have been disbanded, replaced by a newly established Congress of Trade Unions (CTU). The day of Congress' proclamation, 24th of October 1925, is nowadays celebrated in England and France as people's holiday, along with Bastille and Revenge Days. Internal conflicts were quickly solved and a coherent body was established, uniting members of all major socialist forces of Britain.

CTU elected Philip Snowden as its chairman; a former landowner, yet a staunch pacifist and pre-war Labour sympathiser, he was thought to be an excellent compromise leader. He fulfilled those expectations - many hesitating Britishmen made up their minds about supporting the Revolution once they had seen a "socaristocrat" in charge.

Philip Snowden (18 VII 1864 - 15 V 1937)

The office of General Secretary was occupied by Arthur Horner - a living legend of his time, man who took led the workers during the Welsh Strike. His federalist views greatly influenced the Congress, while immense charisma helped to keep the young Republic stable during its most turbulent early years.

Arthur Horner (1894 - 1968)

[Jedrek]

II
Renown and the Republican Navy

(article from Armchair General, issue 3/2009)

One of the most pressing matters for the young Republic was the question of navy. Although the Popular Milita was victorious on all fronts, most of the Royal Navy managed to escape the advancing republicans. Only a number of small vessels surrendered, creating the core of the future Republican Navy. Light cruiser Liverpool, captured in her namesake city, became its first flagship.

HMS Liverpool

Majority of the Royal Navy escorted the Windsors to Canada, while a small yet modern squadron with battlecruiser Renown as their flagship remained behind to prevent the Commune of France from openly supporting the Revolution. However, one of the most talented military minds of the Republic, Fred Copeman, proposed using captured submarines to strike Renown down and force the Royalist to accept the inevitable; the end of their rule in Britain.

HMS Renown

After spotting Renown on the Channel, the submarines quickly locked down exit routes to both North Sea and the Atlantic, with surface craft waiting to support the attack. The Royalist commander decided to utilise an equally bold tactic; using Renown's superior speed, he hoped to blast through the thin blockade. The rest of his squadron was to follow the lead, using the hole created by the battlecruiser.

Normally, the Royalist plan would have succeeded; Renown had far greater firepower and her armour should have been capable of withstanding even a full barrage from Liverpool. However, it was the moment when bad luck stroke. A single Republican submarine fired a lone torpedo, which scored a direct hit at Renown's rudder. Two out of four propellers have been destroyed, and the battlecriuser started to lose speed and take an uncontrolled turn right, directly towards Britain.

Fred Copeman (1907-1983)

Not willing to surrender to the Republicans, battlecruiser's commander ordered his crew to scuttle the ship. However, misfortune struck for a second time; not all charges fired, and the ones that detonated have not been synchronised. The commander then commited suicide, and the second officer, not willing to sacrifice his crew, decided to surrender to the Republicans.

Renown was then towed to Plymouth, the closest port capable of servicing such craft. A huge celebration was organised, with both Horner and Snowden present to declare that "the People's Navy has successfully thwarted the Royalist menace and secured peace for Republican waters". Renown was then repaired and included into the Union's fleet as a new flagship. What is interesting, both events (her capture on the Channel and recommisioning) took place on the 5th of November - Guy Fawkes Day. However, a proposition to rename Renown to honour the famous dissident was rejected, although the name itself was reserved for use in the future.

[Asalto]

Kaisserlich is great!
I'll follow this one.
Good luck.

[Valhalla's Call]

Looks interesting, I'll be following this.

[Treppe]

I second valhalla's statement.

[Jemisi]

Reds in London, it breaks my heart! Who will overthrow them?

[Gigalocus]

Wonderful! Always love Kaiserreich AARs.

I'll defiantly be reading.

[Jedrek]

Thanks people

[Davisx3m]

Subscribes*

[Jedrek]

III
Directive number 32

(published by Union's Naval Commissar in 1926)

Our victory over the remnants of the Royalist fleet in Britain and the capture of Renown are certainly great achievements. However, we must not underestimate the Royalist ability to regroup in Canada and mount a proper invasion. In such situation, the Republican Navy as it is today would be hopelessly outclassed, outgunned and outnumbered. Thus, I propose the following:
1) To repair and prepare for use all naval yards and drydocks on the island.
2) Utilise all data and designs left behind by the Royalists. Use them as a base for our own designs.
3) Initiate a massive naval buildup in order to restore our battle capacity back to pre-war period. The Exchequer and the Commissar of Industry are to analise our industrial capacity and propose a realistic timeline for the proccess. However, it should not exceed the period of 12 years.
4) Tighten our relationship with Commune of France in terms of naval cooperation and joint training of naval forces.
5) Develop new naval construction technologies, allowing us to keep up with worldwide naval arms' race.
All those actions should be commenced as soon as possible, with the Exchequer, Naval and Industry Commissars coordinating all their phases.

Signed:
Naval Commisar
Fred Copeman

[Tommy4ever]

I'll be following this one ...

[Jedrek]

IV
The 10th anniversary of Union's Proclamation

(an article, first printed in Daily Worker, NY, 6th of November 1935)

Our British comrades have been surely busy with celebrations last month! From the very beginning of September, every city, town and village in Britain was doing its best to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Proclamation Day and Guy Fawkes Day. I've seen preparations in London, Manchester and Liverpool - and I must admit, even our 4th of July may have a hard time when compared to British celebrations! Tons of fireworks, parade before drills and so on - a splendid view for every supporter of workers' cause.

The Proclamation Day commemorates the triumphant entrance of Republican Army into London, the dissolution of the corrupt Parliament and the creation of Union of Britain. Traces of this glorious moment can be seen everywhere in London - in names, like VIL, standing from Vladimir Illych Lenin, which replaced "Big Ben" or the Revolution Bridge on the Thames (former Tower Bridge). New monuments are also present - a huge statue of Marx replaced imperialist admiral Nelson on Picadilly Circus and Oliver Cromwell, the first true British Republican, welcomes all those who decide to visit the People's Palace (former Buckhingam Palace). There are many more - all you have to do in order to see them is simply to take a hike.

VIL, illuminated during night

The celebrations begun on the 24th of October, opened by a military parade. Hundreds of militia marched from the former Parliament towards Picadilly. Numerous airplanes - mostly Gloster Gauntlets and Gladiators - accompanied the heroes from the air. Republic's tanks, although very few in numbers, have also made their appearance. Once the parade was over, comrades Horner and Snowden made appearance on a honorary tribune on Picadilly Circus. Their speeches reflected their different personalities - Snowden's calm, deep voice advocated peace in Britain and Europe, and congratulated all British workers for their constant devotion to the cause. Horner, on the other hand, reminded that the socialist paradise is still far away from being realised. He recalled the "Hunnic Hammer" and "American Anvil" - an unevitable alliance of imperialism and capitalism, ready to strike against Britiain at any moment.

Vickers mk. II, of the Republican Army

The celebration held one huge surprise; a speech by comrade Oswald Mosely, leader of the so-called Maximist faction and Exchequer himself. He annouced that 1st of January will mark the completition of the "Great Reconstruction" - a massive naval buildup, commenced almost ten years ago. The last vessel to be completed will be RNS Rebecca - an aircraft carrier, designed to dominate the Atlantic Ocean as far as the Azores.

The Black Shirt of Britain - comrade Exchequer, Oswald Mosley

When I write those words, it's 4th of November. I'm packing my things up and get ready to go to Liverpool, where Rebecca is being finished. Comrade Fred Copeman - the Naval Commissar - promised that I'll be able to get some clear shot of her Guy Fawkes Day's maiden voyage.

Workers of the world, unite!
Jack Reed

LAST MINUTE!

In their generosity, our British comrades allowed our reporter to make a number of airborne shots of RNS Rebecca. The hull's complete, and according to Naval Commissar's annoucement, the ship will enter service in March 1936.

RNS Rebecca just after launching

[Jedrek]

This concludes all pre-1936 updates. I'll try to keep this AAR rather diversified - with historybook-style updated mixed with articles, speeches and documents. I don't like gameplay updates, and I noticed that by sticking to one update style I quickly lose willingness to write new updates - we'll see how far I get this time. Hopefully till the very end

Thank you for all the comments and encouragement. I'll do my best not to dissappoint you.

And last but not least - I'd like to thank comrade th3freakie for inspiration. His Soviet naval AAR made me realise that there are no exploited countries in HoI2. And that naval AARs can be even more fun than land ones. I'll do my best to keep up with you, comrade!

[Viden]

Congratulations for the quality! I will follow this.

[Jedrek]

V
RNS Rebecca comissioned

(from: Red Banner and the Seven Seas; memoirs of Andrew Cunningham, commander of the Grand Fleet, London 1989)

The Republican Navy entered year 1926 with one damaged battlecruiser, a light cruiser and a handful of obsolete torpedo boats. Battleships, heavy cruisers, all modern vessels - everything fled to Canada with the Windsors, leaving our island unprotected against possible retaliation. Attitudes of higher naval commaders, including comrade Copeman, have been pretty grim. Of course, Directive number 32 was rapidly introduced into life - all major shipyards have been brought back to operational status until January 1927 and construction works begun as soon as it had become possible. Still, we needed time for the Great Reconstruction to produce results.

Liverpool shipyards contributed greatly to the Great Reconstruction

Luckily, massive Royalist exodus to Canada caused panic troughout the Empire - India rose up against Royalist control, and the whole penisula quickly fell into dissarray. Australia and New Zealand united under common government, rejecting monarch's direct rule. South Africa, facing a quickly consolidating German domination on the continent, declared its isolation and severed all connections with mainland. Finally, de facto coup d'etat took place in Canada, with George V introducing martial law and forcing the governor to accept direct Windsor rule and a new prime minister. Commaders from former United Kingdom took important places in General Staff, and Canadian Navy was quickly absorbed into the Royal Navy. All those changes caused increadible chaos - which gave Union time to prepare its defences.

First two socialist battleships - RNS Digger and RNS Godwin - were built and commissioned within two years since Directive 32 was published. New craft followed, and until 1936, after RNS Rebecca had been launched, the Republican Navy could be proud of her numbers - 2 carriers, 10 battleships, 5 battlecruisers, 1 heavy cruiser, 12 light cruisers, 27 submarines and over 100 destroyers. As comrade Horner stated during 1930 Guy Fawkes Day's celebrations in Dover, the "Our Red Shield is slowly getting prepared to protect five years of joint socialist effort from inevitable Royalist revenge".

RNS Digger on blue waters

(...)

RNS Rebecca was officially commissioned on the 13th of March 1936 in Liverpool, base of the Grand Fleet. I was present during the ceremony, delighted to see the second British carrier fully operational and prepared to defend our motherland. Unfortunately, comrades Snowden, Horner and Copeman, preoccupied with some important events in the capital, did not participate. Still, we recieved an official letter from the Congress. I read it to fellow sailors at the end of my speech, causing an applaud.

Admiral Cunnigham ready to get onboard RNS Rebecca

A few days later, orders from London came. As soon as Rebecca and her pilots had completed all trails, the Grand Fleet was to leave Liverpool and sail westwards, towards a a yet unspecified location. Sailors recieved those orders with mixed feelings; some considered this to be preparations for landing in Ireland. Others feared that such demonstration may be used by Canada as a pretext to attack. Younger sailors anticipated joint manouvers with the French. Needless to say, I felt disturbed as well.

Three days later, some hours after I reported Rebecca and the Grand Fleet ready to be dispatched, exact orders came via the radio. We were supposed to sail westwards, towards the border between British and Irish sea zones, then turn North and enter international waters. After reaching them, our orders told us to keep sailing along the Irish waterzone's border, until we reach the southern tip of the island and head back towards Liverpool. In short words, we were supposed to execute a classical demostration of power.

The Grand Fleet at full speed

Needless to say, such action just had to cause some response of the Entente...

[trekaddict]

Nooooo! Not A.B. Cunningham!

[th3freakie]

What?! I demand royalties!

Not really, subscribed and best of luck.

[Gigalocus]

What awful names for ships ...

Ahh ... I mean, wonderful to see such a glorious Fleet!

[Jedrek]

@ Gigalocus -> The Grand Fleet will be presented in the coming update. You'll see that RNS Digger was not invented during designers' prime...

@ th3freakie -> A person who wrote AARs with SOV and UoB should be the last one to demand a royalist AAR

@ trekaddict -> I'll make things worse - Tovey's in the officer pool as well