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Chapter Thirty Four: Alpini to Berlin (6/4/42 - 7/7/42)
Chapter Thirty Four: Alpini to Berlin (6/4/42 - 7/7/42)
When Petain and the Vichy government surrendered and consented to annexation, the morale of the Italian troops soared. They were overcome with the hope of quick victory, and that hope led to redoubled efforts. The Italian forces surged forward all along the front. Mussolini realized that Germany was still very dangerous, but he also knew that if his troops continued their reckless deep penetrations into German territory it might lead to a premature end of the war. However, that strategy entailed risks.
Gen. de Stefanis’ armored corps had been the tip of the Italian spear in Yugoslavia, Greece, Bulgaria, Turkey, Romania and Spain. However, on June 3, 1942, his division was advancing without concern for its flanks towards Berlin when it found itself surrounded in Magdeburg and facing annihilation.
On June 5, 1942, the American army finally decided to ventured out of Bordeaux. However, a British general operating with the Americans as an expeditionary force reminded the over enthusiastic Americans that due to the recent Vichy surrender, any territory occupied by American troops in the former Vichy Republic would technically revert to Italian control. Based upon their convoluted rules of engagement as imposed on the Americans by the joint operation, the Americans were required to immediately return to their former positions.
On June 6, 1942, de Stefanis’ encircled tanks were rescued by Gen. Frattini’s mixed mountaineers from Gen. Roatta’s corps. Berlin was within sight, but heavy German units were moving in from the east to make a last stand.
Back east, the heavy tanks in Krakow had moved on for the defense of Berlin, thinning the German lines in Poland. Taking advantage of the Tigers’ absence, and with great satisfaction, the weary Gens. Giorgis and Magli reentered a ghost town named Krakow.
In the far northwest, an overly zealous Gen. Gandin had advanced all the way to Wiesmoor, and attacked and seized Wilhelmshaven.
On June 20, 1942, Mussolini was interrupted from his rare sleep to inform him that his army had won the battle of Bastogne. He wondered what the fuss was all about and went back to sleep.
While he slept, on June 20, 1942, elements of Gens. Roatta, Carboni and Messes’s old corps started the final drive on Berlin. Three fancy mechanized divisions under Gens. Arena, Zingales and Calvi di Bergolo attacked northeast from Magdeburg through Stendal and on towards Wittenberge. They were certain they would be the first to enter Berlin, but they needed to pause their advance to refit their half-tracks. While they were doing so, the Alpini divisions under Gens. La Ferla and Caracciolo di Feroleto (Roatta’s old Ferlauto gang) march on foot right past them and occupied Wittenberge on the outskirts of Berlin.
Three years ago, during the chaotic maelstrom of central Spain, Gen. Ferla found his Alpini alone on the outskirts of Madrid. Once again, his black feathers were Johnny-on-the-spot on the outskirts of Berlin. In Madrid, he had learned that waiting for additional offensive forces to assist with the coup de grace will only allow more defenders to invest the capital. So, on June 27, 1942, without waiting for assistance, Gens. La Ferla and Caracciolo di Feroleto’s Alpini launch an immediate assault on Berlin. La Ferla was right. Berlin was only defended by a garrison division of two brigades and three headquarter units and the assault seemed to be progressing satisfactorily.
By July 3, 1942, Gens. Arena, Zingales and Calvi di Bergolo’s half-tracks were back on track and joined the Ferlauto gang in the attack on Berlin. Also, an infantry division under Gen. Carta and de Stefanis’ armor division moved into Potsdam to add its weight to the assault on Berlin. Erkner was also occupied by Gens. Amedeo Duca degli Abruzzi and Frattini to assist with the envelopment of the capital. However, the Germans had been able to evacuate the headquarters units and move in an infantry division and an elite Gebirgsjäger division.
On July 7, 1942, a fierce counter attack was launched by German panzers in Nuebrandenberg, but it was too little, too late. The last German infantry division was forced to retreat from the capital.
Gens. La Ferla and Caracciolo di Feroleto occupied Berlin. It cost the lives of 2,575 Italians and 6,369 German soldiers.
"We...?" Roosevelt, Churchill and Stalin were all spectators as they watched in amazement and admiration as Italy, alone, captured Berlin for them. On an side, when the above photograph hit the papers, Mussolini wondered, “What were they meeting about, and why was I not invited?”
As La Ferla’s Alpini searched the ruins of Berlin for Hitler’s bunker, the Fuhrer was evacuated via glider by his Fällschirmjager and resumed his command from Stettin, Germany.
Chapter Thirty Four: Alpini to Berlin (6/4/42 - 7/7/42)
When Petain and the Vichy government surrendered and consented to annexation, the morale of the Italian troops soared. They were overcome with the hope of quick victory, and that hope led to redoubled efforts. The Italian forces surged forward all along the front. Mussolini realized that Germany was still very dangerous, but he also knew that if his troops continued their reckless deep penetrations into German territory it might lead to a premature end of the war. However, that strategy entailed risks.
Gen. de Stefanis’ armored corps had been the tip of the Italian spear in Yugoslavia, Greece, Bulgaria, Turkey, Romania and Spain. However, on June 3, 1942, his division was advancing without concern for its flanks towards Berlin when it found itself surrounded in Magdeburg and facing annihilation.
On June 5, 1942, the American army finally decided to ventured out of Bordeaux. However, a British general operating with the Americans as an expeditionary force reminded the over enthusiastic Americans that due to the recent Vichy surrender, any territory occupied by American troops in the former Vichy Republic would technically revert to Italian control. Based upon their convoluted rules of engagement as imposed on the Americans by the joint operation, the Americans were required to immediately return to their former positions.
On June 6, 1942, de Stefanis’ encircled tanks were rescued by Gen. Frattini’s mixed mountaineers from Gen. Roatta’s corps. Berlin was within sight, but heavy German units were moving in from the east to make a last stand.
Back east, the heavy tanks in Krakow had moved on for the defense of Berlin, thinning the German lines in Poland. Taking advantage of the Tigers’ absence, and with great satisfaction, the weary Gens. Giorgis and Magli reentered a ghost town named Krakow.
In the far northwest, an overly zealous Gen. Gandin had advanced all the way to Wiesmoor, and attacked and seized Wilhelmshaven.
On June 20, 1942, Mussolini was interrupted from his rare sleep to inform him that his army had won the battle of Bastogne. He wondered what the fuss was all about and went back to sleep.
While he slept, on June 20, 1942, elements of Gens. Roatta, Carboni and Messes’s old corps started the final drive on Berlin. Three fancy mechanized divisions under Gens. Arena, Zingales and Calvi di Bergolo attacked northeast from Magdeburg through Stendal and on towards Wittenberge. They were certain they would be the first to enter Berlin, but they needed to pause their advance to refit their half-tracks. While they were doing so, the Alpini divisions under Gens. La Ferla and Caracciolo di Feroleto (Roatta’s old Ferlauto gang) march on foot right past them and occupied Wittenberge on the outskirts of Berlin.
Three years ago, during the chaotic maelstrom of central Spain, Gen. Ferla found his Alpini alone on the outskirts of Madrid. Once again, his black feathers were Johnny-on-the-spot on the outskirts of Berlin. In Madrid, he had learned that waiting for additional offensive forces to assist with the coup de grace will only allow more defenders to invest the capital. So, on June 27, 1942, without waiting for assistance, Gens. La Ferla and Caracciolo di Feroleto’s Alpini launch an immediate assault on Berlin. La Ferla was right. Berlin was only defended by a garrison division of two brigades and three headquarter units and the assault seemed to be progressing satisfactorily.
By July 3, 1942, Gens. Arena, Zingales and Calvi di Bergolo’s half-tracks were back on track and joined the Ferlauto gang in the attack on Berlin. Also, an infantry division under Gen. Carta and de Stefanis’ armor division moved into Potsdam to add its weight to the assault on Berlin. Erkner was also occupied by Gens. Amedeo Duca degli Abruzzi and Frattini to assist with the envelopment of the capital. However, the Germans had been able to evacuate the headquarters units and move in an infantry division and an elite Gebirgsjäger division.
On July 7, 1942, a fierce counter attack was launched by German panzers in Nuebrandenberg, but it was too little, too late. The last German infantry division was forced to retreat from the capital.
Gens. La Ferla and Caracciolo di Feroleto occupied Berlin. It cost the lives of 2,575 Italians and 6,369 German soldiers.
"We...?" Roosevelt, Churchill and Stalin were all spectators as they watched in amazement and admiration as Italy, alone, captured Berlin for them. On an side, when the above photograph hit the papers, Mussolini wondered, “What were they meeting about, and why was I not invited?”
As La Ferla’s Alpini searched the ruins of Berlin for Hitler’s bunker, the Fuhrer was evacuated via glider by his Fällschirmjager and resumed his command from Stettin, Germany.
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The Fuhrer only has so much longer he can last on. He's basically become the leader of France.
your strategy is funny, send lone armies to the other side of the continent and hope they dont get encircled? 
But another great update!
But another great update!
What is the status of Germany's surrender with the fall of Berlin? They shouldn't have too much left with home much of their nation has been captured.
With the high German national unity I expect the Italians will be forced to at least take Paris before the fuehrer surrenders.
I know. I am usually conservative, but there always comes a point where I sense victory is imminent and I figure the reward is worth the extra risks. From the other side, you have to imagine that Hitler was freaked out by those deep penetrations, though Mussolini ends up loosing those guys in Wilhelmshaven.your strategy is funny, send lone armies to the other side of the continent and hope they dont get encircled?
We need the next update ASAP.
You should finish up, so you can start on a FTM AAR!
You should finish up, so you can start on a FTM AAR!
Chapter Thirty Five: Finishing Off The Reich (7/8/42 - 9/1/42)
After escaping Berlin just before the fall, Hitler traveled in disguise through northern Germany until he felt secure enough to resume the levers of power. He reestablished Germany’s capital in Dusseldorf. However, that city also soon found itself under siege.
On July 8, 1942, Gen. Balisti’s immediate assault was repulsed, but Gen. Pelligra’s infantry division was approaching from the south through Kohl and a motorized combined arms division was bearing down on the city from the north through Recklinghausen. Meanwhile, Fautilli’s mountaineers moved through Luxembourg and on to Belgium and France.
In France, news of the the fall of Berlin ran through the German lines like a bolt of lightning from the Ark of the Covenant. Their units, though still very dangerous, no longer made a cohesive front. Mussolini desired to beat the western powers to Paris, and feared a US breakthrough or a UK landing. So, he determined that the rewards once again exceeded the risk and order his troops to advance with reckless abandon.
At the same time in the East, Mussolini determined that Italy would strategically benefit by controlling the port of Danzig. So, he ordered his troops to surge forward and beat the Russian to that port at all costs.
These reckless advances were not without without their losses. Gen. Grandin, after penetrating deep into German territory managed to seize Wilhelmshaven and force the Kriegsmarine to sea. However, his infantry division soon found itself surrounded and assaulted. The Regia Marina did its best to keep it supplied and even attempted an evacuation. However, Grandin’s division was attacked and defeated, with retreat not an option, they surrendered and were destroyed, never to be seen again.
On July 9, 1942, the German infantry division in Dusseldorf was concentrated to the south of the city, and they were weary from having repelled Gen. Balisti’s assault. They were then taken by surprised and overwhelmed by the fresh mobile division now under the command of Gen. Oxilia attacking from the north. Once again, Hilter eluded capture, escaped to a port on the french coast and was transported via U-boat to Königsberg in East Prussia. His rivalry with Mussolini was now such that he would prefer to fall into the Russian’s hands. The Italian armies continued to advance on every front.
By August 1, 1942, Paris was enveloped and under heavy assault by no less than twelve divisions. A mysterious British unit was seen on the outskirts of the city, but none of Mussolini’s intelligence officers could determine its mission.
At the same time in the east, the race to Danzig was officially on. It was evident from the Russian advance that both competitors were well aware of the existence of the race, and the persistent Germans incessantly initiated blocking and delaying attacks to slow the advance of the Italian columns.
On August 4, 1942, six Italian divisions marched into the streets of Paris. The Parisians were happy to be rid of the Germans, but were weary of the Italians. They were concerned that they were just exchanging one overlord for another.
Back in the east, on August 13, 1942, Gen. Cavellero led six infantry divisions into Grudziadz and on to an assault on Danzig. The Russian tanks were right behind him in Brodnica.
Three days later, on August 16, 1942, Cavellero was victorious and Danzig was captured. Italian occupation of Danzig did in fact confer a beneficial strategic effect to the Empire, and Mussolini was proud of his troops efforts in winning the race to Danzig.
One week later, Stalin announced the “liberation” of Poland and the founding of a new government (of Russian stooges) in Warsaw. Mussolini took one look on the map and wished the pitiful landlocked nation all the luck in the world, because they were going to need it.
However, two days later, Mussolini realized the significance of Stalin’s actions. The Polish government immediately assumed all Polish territory up to its original western border with Germany. Without even asking Mussolini’s permission, land that Italian boys died for, including the strategically important Danzig was given to the new Warsaw government and the Italians were, in no uncertain terms, instructed to immediately leave. Mussolini knew that pressing the Empire’s claims would mean war with the Soviets. Discretion is the better part of valor. So, he agreed to withdraw his troops.
Meanwhile, back in France on August 25, 1942, a very expensive mechanized division under General Coppi was ordered to make a deep penetration into western France and attempt to seize the ports of Lorient and Brest before the British or the Americans could make landings. Coppi’s division was powerful enough to overcome any single division it encountered. So, they were not concerned when their supply lines to the rear were cut off. They would merely take the port of Brest, and supplies could be shipped in by sea. They launched the attack and overcame the garrison, but right before the Italians could occupy the port, a British division made an unopposed landing and swooped in seizing the the city. Coppi’s mechanized division was now battle weary, out of supply and surrounded. They had no other option other than attack Lorient and win, or face the same fate as Gandin in Wilhelmshaven. They would survive.
By August 26, 1942, the Third Reich was reduced to a sliver of land in East Prussia around Königsberg, Northwest Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, most of Belgium and the Atlantic coast of France.
On August 29, 1942, Brussels was captured by Messe’s mechanized divisions.
On August 30, 1942, Italians were victorious in the battle of Aachen, as well as in the battle of Kiel in northern Germany. Later that day, Hilter was murdered by his own Fällschirmjager boadyguards, and his generals immediately sued for peace.
The hun was vanquished and consented to annexation.
After escaping Berlin just before the fall, Hitler traveled in disguise through northern Germany until he felt secure enough to resume the levers of power. He reestablished Germany’s capital in Dusseldorf. However, that city also soon found itself under siege.
On July 8, 1942, Gen. Balisti’s immediate assault was repulsed, but Gen. Pelligra’s infantry division was approaching from the south through Kohl and a motorized combined arms division was bearing down on the city from the north through Recklinghausen. Meanwhile, Fautilli’s mountaineers moved through Luxembourg and on to Belgium and France.
In France, news of the the fall of Berlin ran through the German lines like a bolt of lightning from the Ark of the Covenant. Their units, though still very dangerous, no longer made a cohesive front. Mussolini desired to beat the western powers to Paris, and feared a US breakthrough or a UK landing. So, he determined that the rewards once again exceeded the risk and order his troops to advance with reckless abandon.
At the same time in the East, Mussolini determined that Italy would strategically benefit by controlling the port of Danzig. So, he ordered his troops to surge forward and beat the Russian to that port at all costs.
These reckless advances were not without without their losses. Gen. Grandin, after penetrating deep into German territory managed to seize Wilhelmshaven and force the Kriegsmarine to sea. However, his infantry division soon found itself surrounded and assaulted. The Regia Marina did its best to keep it supplied and even attempted an evacuation. However, Grandin’s division was attacked and defeated, with retreat not an option, they surrendered and were destroyed, never to be seen again.
On July 9, 1942, the German infantry division in Dusseldorf was concentrated to the south of the city, and they were weary from having repelled Gen. Balisti’s assault. They were then taken by surprised and overwhelmed by the fresh mobile division now under the command of Gen. Oxilia attacking from the north. Once again, Hilter eluded capture, escaped to a port on the french coast and was transported via U-boat to Königsberg in East Prussia. His rivalry with Mussolini was now such that he would prefer to fall into the Russian’s hands. The Italian armies continued to advance on every front.
By August 1, 1942, Paris was enveloped and under heavy assault by no less than twelve divisions. A mysterious British unit was seen on the outskirts of the city, but none of Mussolini’s intelligence officers could determine its mission.
At the same time in the east, the race to Danzig was officially on. It was evident from the Russian advance that both competitors were well aware of the existence of the race, and the persistent Germans incessantly initiated blocking and delaying attacks to slow the advance of the Italian columns.
On August 4, 1942, six Italian divisions marched into the streets of Paris. The Parisians were happy to be rid of the Germans, but were weary of the Italians. They were concerned that they were just exchanging one overlord for another.
Back in the east, on August 13, 1942, Gen. Cavellero led six infantry divisions into Grudziadz and on to an assault on Danzig. The Russian tanks were right behind him in Brodnica.
Three days later, on August 16, 1942, Cavellero was victorious and Danzig was captured. Italian occupation of Danzig did in fact confer a beneficial strategic effect to the Empire, and Mussolini was proud of his troops efforts in winning the race to Danzig.
One week later, Stalin announced the “liberation” of Poland and the founding of a new government (of Russian stooges) in Warsaw. Mussolini took one look on the map and wished the pitiful landlocked nation all the luck in the world, because they were going to need it.
However, two days later, Mussolini realized the significance of Stalin’s actions. The Polish government immediately assumed all Polish territory up to its original western border with Germany. Without even asking Mussolini’s permission, land that Italian boys died for, including the strategically important Danzig was given to the new Warsaw government and the Italians were, in no uncertain terms, instructed to immediately leave. Mussolini knew that pressing the Empire’s claims would mean war with the Soviets. Discretion is the better part of valor. So, he agreed to withdraw his troops.
Meanwhile, back in France on August 25, 1942, a very expensive mechanized division under General Coppi was ordered to make a deep penetration into western France and attempt to seize the ports of Lorient and Brest before the British or the Americans could make landings. Coppi’s division was powerful enough to overcome any single division it encountered. So, they were not concerned when their supply lines to the rear were cut off. They would merely take the port of Brest, and supplies could be shipped in by sea. They launched the attack and overcame the garrison, but right before the Italians could occupy the port, a British division made an unopposed landing and swooped in seizing the the city. Coppi’s mechanized division was now battle weary, out of supply and surrounded. They had no other option other than attack Lorient and win, or face the same fate as Gandin in Wilhelmshaven. They would survive.
By August 26, 1942, the Third Reich was reduced to a sliver of land in East Prussia around Königsberg, Northwest Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, most of Belgium and the Atlantic coast of France.
On August 29, 1942, Brussels was captured by Messe’s mechanized divisions.
On August 30, 1942, Italians were victorious in the battle of Aachen, as well as in the battle of Kiel in northern Germany. Later that day, Hilter was murdered by his own Fällschirmjager boadyguards, and his generals immediately sued for peace.
The hun was vanquished and consented to annexation.
Well that map sure looks ugly. Any chance of cleaning it up forcefully? It needs WAY more green.
Chapter Thirty Six: Liberation Day (8/30/42 - 10/9/42)
Chapter Thirty Six: Liberation Day (8/30/42 - 10/9/42)
On August 30, 1942, the new Armistice Day, the borders of controlled territories in France were a mess. The Americans were in control of Aquitaine. The British controlled Brest. The coastline and isolated pockets reverted to the control of the French government in exile set up by the British in London after the fall of France to the Germans in 1940. The rest of the former great country, including Paris, itself was occupied by Italians. Some Italian troops had even been cut off and isolated on the French coast and had no way out unless the Allied controlled French government consented to give the Empire transit rights.
However, Mussolini learned his lesson from Stalin in Poland, and he vowed to seize the political initiative in post-war France. He had seen this day coming and was prepared. He had brought back the pliable Marshal Petain out of retirement, telling him that his country needed him again.
At Mussolini’s behest, Petain and former admiral Jean Darlan formed what they called a French Unity Government with Petain as acting Prime Minister and Darlan as acting President. The first order of business of the new government was to sign a comprehensive peace agreement with the New Roman Empire.
On that same day, August 30, 1942, Mussolini announced the liberation of France, Belgium and Luxembourg. The people of Paris irrupted in ecstasy.
Freedom and independence at last. The two year nightmare was finally over. France was restored.
However, in the initial thrill and celebration, it was over looked by many that peace came with strings. The treaty did not effect Vichy territory. That territory had already been annexed by the Empire and would remain annexed. However, the new French Republic would retain control of the formerly German occupied territories as well as the Free French colonies, excepting, of course, Aquitaine and Brest still under the Allied military government. The new French Unity Government agreed to enter into an alliance with the Empire and grant the Empire military transit rights over its territory. Finally, the government agreed to hold a popular referendum within 5 years on the question of complete annexation into the now pan-European New Roman Empire. In essence, the new French government was a puppet of Rome, and similar agreements were reached with similar cooperative governments in Belgium and Luxembourg. Significantly, the Netherlands had no agreement with Rome. Italian troops had made little headway into Dutch territory at the time of the German surrender and the Allies were able to put their government in exile back into power.
Mussolini immediately gave the general order for all Italian troops to leave “French” territory. Italia was perceived as a benevolent power voluntarily relinquishing conquests.
The Allies had been caught flat footed by Mussolini’s rapid diplomatic activity. Popular sentiment in France quickly turned against the Allies and pressure mounted on the US and the UK to cede their French territories to the new French government in Paris. Churchill was content to play the part of the bloody conqueror and hold out until he obtained an allied puppet government in Paris, but Roosevelt saw Mussolini’s master stroke as a fait accompli.
Not to be out done by Mussolini’s apparent generosity, on September 1, 1942, Roosevelt ordered the US military government in Aquitaine to turn over all administrative functions in the territory to the new government in Paris. The US even gave the new Italian puppet a large number of powerful new divisions as an expeditionary force to augment the new French army. The UK reluctantly followed suit and released Brest.
Meanwhile the Regio Esercito had no time for celebration. Once the Germans surrendered they started forming a new front to defend against possible attack by the Bolsheviks. However, as to not overly antagonize the Bear, the new Italian defensive line was erected off of the immediate border.
Also, by early October a powerful armada consisting of two carrier task forces, two surface action fleets and a transport flotilla loaded with eight marine divisions assembled in Lisbon.
Chapter Thirty Six: Liberation Day (8/30/42 - 10/9/42)
On August 30, 1942, the new Armistice Day, the borders of controlled territories in France were a mess. The Americans were in control of Aquitaine. The British controlled Brest. The coastline and isolated pockets reverted to the control of the French government in exile set up by the British in London after the fall of France to the Germans in 1940. The rest of the former great country, including Paris, itself was occupied by Italians. Some Italian troops had even been cut off and isolated on the French coast and had no way out unless the Allied controlled French government consented to give the Empire transit rights.
However, Mussolini learned his lesson from Stalin in Poland, and he vowed to seize the political initiative in post-war France. He had seen this day coming and was prepared. He had brought back the pliable Marshal Petain out of retirement, telling him that his country needed him again.
The Allies had been caught flat footed by Mussolini’s rapid diplomatic activity. Popular sentiment in France quickly turned against the Allies and pressure mounted on the US and the UK to cede their French territories to the new French government in Paris. Churchill was content to play the part of the bloody conqueror and hold out until he obtained an allied puppet government in Paris, but Roosevelt saw Mussolini’s master stroke as a fait accompli.
Meanwhile the Regio Esercito had no time for celebration. Once the Germans surrendered they started forming a new front to defend against possible attack by the Bolsheviks. However, as to not overly antagonize the Bear, the new Italian defensive line was erected off of the immediate border.
Also, by early October a powerful armada consisting of two carrier task forces, two surface action fleets and a transport flotilla loaded with eight marine divisions assembled in Lisbon.
A lot of very interesting things happend. Time for the italians to rest a little while and relax.
However didnt Rome also control Switzerland and Egypt? They still dont look very green.
O and can you release Prussia or something? A german country that owns the northern seaborder, would be interesting.
However didnt Rome also control Switzerland and Egypt? They still dont look very green.
O and can you release Prussia or something? A german country that owns the northern seaborder, would be interesting.
Well you were kind of forced to liberate France anyway. At least they're still technically Roman anyway.
