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Ghost_dk

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This is a 1936 campaign using the 0.71 C.O.R.E. Mod but with the regular victory point allocation to attempt and reach normal US entry.



Plan GrossDeutschland​


January, 1936​

Something is brewing in Berlin
In the early morning hours of January 2nd. Hitler called together his staff of Generals and Advisors to a meeting that was going to determine the future of Germany.

He startet by announcing that he had been informed by Himmler that certain groups in the population were not completely satisfied with the current situation in the country and were making constant attempts to steal and gather large amounts of resources for themselves. This situation cannot be toleratet and therefore Himmler is emmidiately appointed new Minister of Security and charged with finding and removing any such individuals, harming the future of The Reich.

Next point on the agenda was a large reorganisation of the German Wermacht. The Following list was presented to the Generals who were asked to make the changes in troop placement and command structure. The changes were to be made and fully executed by February 1st. New conscripts are to be enlisted and 18 new infantry divisions formed and incorporated into the infantry korps. These new divisions are to be supplied with the latest in anti-tank equipment, and are to stand ready as soon as possible.

New Wehrmacht OOB:

Armeegruppe Ost
FM Von Brauchitsch

I. ArmeeKorps(Elbing)
FM Von Brauchitsch
11. Infanterie-Division
21. Infanterie.Division

XIII. ArmeeKorps(Königsberg)
General Halder
1. Infanterie-Division
2. Infanterie-Division


Armeegruppe Adler
FM Von Rundstedt

II. ArmeeKorps(Stettin)
FM Von Rundstedt
12. Infanterie-Division
32. Infanterie-Division

XIV. ArmeeKorps(Landsberg)
General Von Küchler
4. Infanterie-Division
8. Infanterie-Division

III. Armeekorps(Oppeln)
FM Von Witzleben
3. Infanterie-Division
23. Infanterie-Division

VIII. Armeekorps(Breslau)
General Von Kleist
18. Infanterie-Division
28. Infanterie-Division

I. PanzerKorps(Berlin)
General Rommel
1. Panzer-Division
2. Panzer-Division
3. Panzer-Division "Baer"


Armeegruppe Süd
FM Von Reichenau

VII. ArmeeKorps(Nürnberg)
FM Von Reichenau
17. Infanterie-Division
27. Infanterie-Division

XV. ArmeeKorps(München)
General Jodl A.
7. Infanterie-Division
10. Infanterie-Division

XI. ArmeeKorps(Würzburg)
FM Keitel
19. Infanterie-Division
31. Infanterie-Division

XVI. ArmeeKorps(Erfurt)
General Von Salmuth
9. Infanterie-Division
13. Infanterie-Division

VI. ArmeeKorps(Leipzig)
General Blaskowitz
16. Infanterie-Division
26. Infanterie-Division

IV. ArmeeKorps(Dresden)
FM Von Bock
14. Infanterie-Division
24. Infanterie-Division


Armeegruppe West
FM Von Klüge

V. ArmeeKorps(Stuttgart)
FM Von Klüge
25. Infanterie-Division
35. Infanterie-Division

XVII. ArmeeKorps(Freiburg)
FM kesselring
5. Infanterie-Division
34. Infanterie-Division

XII. ArmeeKorps(Essen)
FM Von Leeb
33. Infanterie-Division
36. Infanterie-Division


Armeegruppe Nord
FM List

XVIII ArmeeKorps(Wilhelmshafen)
FM List
6. Infanterie-Division
20. Infanterie-Division

X. ArmeeKorp(Hamburg)
General Von Weichs
22. Infanterie-Division
30. Infanterie-Division

IX. ArmeeKorps(Münster)
General Phleps(Promoted)
15. Infanterie-Division
29. Infanterie-Division


February, 1936​


Führer enjoys victories at the Winter Olympics
From his personal podium Adolf Hitler watched as the great athletes of Germany gained victory after victory in the Olympic Winter Games in Gamish-Patenkirchen. A total of 89 medal, 33 of which were gold, distracted the rest of the world as the armies of Germany finished rearranging and The conscripts arrived at barracs all around the country and began training. The Fuhrer was pleased. Very pleased, and spoke of many triumphs to come for Germany in the years to come.

Gustloff's Murder in Switzerland
On February 10 distressing news reached the Nazi headquarters. The leader of the National Socialists in Switzerland had been murdered. Hitler took this as yet another attempt by the world to put constraints on the nation of Germany. He attended the Funeral two days later and spoke to those who had come to lay Gustloff to rest:

. . . BEHIND every murder stood the same power which is responsible for this murder; behind these harmless insignificant fellow-countrymen who were instigated and incited to crime stands the hate-filled power of our foe, a foe to whom we had done no harm, but who none the less sought to subjugate our German people and make of it its slave - the foe who is responsible for all the misfortune that fell upon us in 1918, for all the misfortune which plagued Germany in the years that followed. Those members of the Party and honorable comrades of ours all fell, and the same fate was planned for others: many hundreds survived as cripples or severely wounded, blinded or lamed; more than 40,000 others were injured. And among them were so many loyal folk whom we all knew and who were near and dear to us, of whom we were sure that they could never do any harm to anyone, that they had never done any harm to anyone, whose only crime was that they devoted themselves to the cause of Germany.

In the ranks of those whose lives were thus sacrificed there stood also Horst Wessel, the singer who gave to the Movement its song, never dreaming that he would join those spirits who march and have marched with us.

And now on foreign soil National Socialism has gained its first conscious martyr - a man who did nothing save to enter the lists for Germany which is not only his sacred right but his duty in this world: a man who did nothing save remember his homeland and pledge himself to her in loyalty. He, too, was murdered, just like so many others. Even at the time when on January 30 three years ago we had come into power, precisely the same things happened in Germany, at Frankfort on the Oder, at Köpenick, and again at Brunswick. The procedure was always the same: a few men come and call someone out of his house and then stab or shoot him down.
That is no chance: it is the same guiding hand which organized these crimes and purposes to do so again. Now for the first time one who is responsible for these acts has appeared in his own person. For the first time he employs no harmless German fellow-countryman.

It is a title to fame for Switzerland, as it is for our own Germans in Switzerland, that no one let himself be hired to do this deed so that for the first time the spiritual begetter of the act must himself perform the act. So our comrade has fallen a victim to that power which wages a fanatical warfare not only against our German people but against every free, autonomous, and independent people. We understand the challenge to battle and we take up the gage! My dear comrade! You have not fallen in vain!



April, 1936​


The Forces are gathering
The first 7 infantry divisions have finished their training and have been assigned to their future posts. The Fuhrer is pleased but demands caution, England and France must not know of our plans or we risk intervention by them before we are ready for it.

Mussolini visits Germany
on April 24th. Mussolini arrives by train in Berlin and is Greeted by Hitler who congratules him on the resent Italien victory in Africa. The following talks are casual yet somewhat reserved as Mussolini brings up the resent propaganda campaigns by Germany in Austria and his concerns about this. Hitler assures him that he will take no actions that are unwanted by the Austrian people as long as the German minority in Austria is treated fair.
 
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May, 1936​

New U-boats launced
It was a proud day on May 16th. when Admiral Dönitz was handed command of a new flotilla of U-boats at the harbor in Kiel. Spectators watched as Gross Admiral and Chief of Navy Raeder himself launched the last of the new Type VIIA - medium range U-boats.

VIIA.jpg


New days ahead for the Luftwaffe
The red ribbon was cut this morning of May 21st. by Herman Göring at the semi-official opening of the new pilot training center in Halle. He stated that with this new flight academy the German civil air pilots would strive to even higher standards. In reality this was to be the start of a new breed of German military pilots bringing the German luftwaffe to a whole new level of training and dedication.


The German military mission to China
In concensus with Foreign Minister Neurath and Adolf Hitler, it was decided that the German mission to China which had been in existence since 1934 was to expand into a more military perspective. The Germans were to supply the Chinese with railroad track, manufacturing machinery as well as armored cars and other military equipment. Along with the supplies an agreement was formed for the training of 20 Chinese divisions. General Von Falkenhausen was assigned to the task of heading the German military advisors in China. The Chinese however opted that the German involvement in Chinese development was to be only short term.

Falkenhausen.gif

June, 1936​


German scientists develop the Z1 computer
On June 1st. The German Engineer Konrad Zuse presented his new invention the Z1 mechanical computer to a small group of people from the faculty at the University of Berlin. Minister of Armament Hjalmar Schaht was not late to recognize the importent impact that calculations made by the Z1 would have on the future development of all branches of research in Germany, and even more importent. To keep the discovery a secret from the rest of the world.

fig7b.jpg

July, 1936​

The Fuhrer demands further strenghtening of the Wehrmach
In a staff meeting on july 5th. Hitler announced his plans for a further strengthening of the wermach. He proposed the expansion of all Infantry Korps from 3 to 4 divisions. The new divisions were to hold batallions of highly trained personel in the fields of engineering and thereby help in the removal of fortified structures and rebuilding of damaged or destroyed bridges along a fast moving front and to secure supply routes behind the front troops. A proud Werner von Fritsch argued that now might be a better time to expand with 3 new panzer divisions by the proposal was denied by Hitler who was angry that the last of the divisions ordered in january was not set to be ready until 2½ months from now.

The Austrian - German agreement
On July 16th. Von Neurath offered chancellor Schuschnigg an agreement stating that if the Austrian governement were to respect the demands of the German minority in Austria and install some of it members into the governing cabinet, Germany would cease any attempt to spread propaganda or otherwise interfere in Austrian politics. Schuschnigg was under great pressure and saw no other alternative then to sign the agreement.

Outbreak of the Spanish civil war
On the morning of july 18th. the Nationalist forces under General Franco declared their independence from Republican Spain. Having clear interests in a Nationalist Spainish victory, Hitler ordered Göring to dispatch the Condor Legion including the just developed Stuka dive bombers to aid them in their struggle and to start sending supplies immidiately. We have recieved word that also the Italians decided to support Franco while the Soviets and Poles send its military advisors and supplies to Republican spain.


August, 1936​

The Z-Plan beginns to take shape
On August 2nd the first of a long line of warships under the Z-plan entered service. Placed at Rostock they were to lay the base of a new and modernized Kriegsmarine.

z5paul.jpg

Bf109D interceptor planes start production
Göring was smiling all over when he precented the new line of interceptors that were to start production and replace the old Heinkel HE-51 fighters that made up the main core of the Luftwaffe. Hitler was very pleased.

bf109d-i.jpg
 
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September, 1936​

Hitlers denounciation of communism
In a speech at Nürnberg Adolf Hitler made a very blunt verbal attack on the bolshevic movement:

hitler.jpg

I CAN come to no terms with a Weltanschhauung [bolshevism] which everywhere as its first act after gaining power is - not the liberation of the working people - but the liberation of the scum of humanity, the asocial creatures concentrated in the prisons - and then the letting loose of these wild beasts upon the terrified and helpless world about them....

Bolshevism turns flourishing countrysides into sinister wastes of ruins; National Socialism transforms a Reich of destruction and misery into a healthy State and a flourishing economic life....

Russia planned a world revolution and German workmen would be used but as cannon-fodder for bolshevist imperialism. But we National Socialists do not wish that our military resources should be employed to impose by force on other peoples what those peoples themselves do not want. Our army does not swear on oath that it will with bloodshed extend the National Socialist idea over other peoples, but that it will with its own blood defend the National Socialist idea and thereby the German Reich, its security and freedom, from the aggression of other peoples.... The German people as soldiers is one of the best peoples in the world: It would have become a veritable 'Fight to the Death Brigade' for the bloody purposes of these international disseminators of strife. We have removed this danger, through the National Socialist Revolution, from our own people and from other peoples....

These are only some of the grounds for the antagonisms which separate us from communism. I confess: these antagonisms cannot be bridged. Here are really two worlds which do but grow further apart from each other and can never unite. When in an English newspaper a Parliamentarian complains that we wish to divide Europe into two parts, then unfortunately we are bound to inform this Robinson Crusoe living on his happy British island that - however unwelcome it may be - this division is already an accomplished fact.... That one should refuse to see a thing does not mean that it is not there. For many a year in Germany I have been laughed to scorn as a prophet; for many a year my warnings and my prophecies were regarded as the illusions of a mind diseased....

Bolshevism has attacked the foundations of our whole human order, alike in State and society, the foundations of our conception of civilization, of our faith and of our morals: all alike are at stake. If this bolshevism would be content to promote this doctrine in a single land, then other countries might remain unconcerned, but its supreme principle is its internationalism and that means the confession of faith that these views must be carried to triumph throughout the whole world, i.e., that the world as we know it must be turned upside down. That a British headline-writer refuses to recognize this signifies about as much as if in the fifteenth century a humanist in Vienna should have refused to admit the intention of Mohammedanism to extend its influence in Europe and should have objected that this would be to tear the world asunder - to divide it into East and West. Unfortunately I cannot escape the impression that most of those who doubt the danger to the world of bolshevism come themselves from the East. As yet politicians in England have not come to know bolshevism in their own country; we know it already. Since I have fought against these Soviet ideas in Germany, since I have conquered and stamped out this peril, I fancy that I possess a better comprehension of its character than do men who have only at best had to deal with it in the field of literature.... I have won my successes simply because in the first place I endeavored to see things as they are and not as one would like them to be; secondly, when once I had formed my own opinion I never allowed weaklings to talk me out of it or to cause me to abandon it; and thirdly, because I was always determined in all circumstances to yield to a necessity when once it had been recognized. Today when fate has granted me such great successes I will not be disloyal to these funda- mental principles of mine....

. . .: It is not necessary for me to strengthen the fame of the National Socialist Movement, far less that of the German Army, through military triumphs. He who is undertaking such great economic and cultural tasks as we are and is so determined to carry them through can find his fairest memorial only in peace.... But this bolshevism which as we learned only a few months since intends to equip its army so that it may with violence, if necessary, open the gate to revolution amongst other peoples - this bolshevism should know that before the gate of Germany stands the new German Army.... I believe that as a National Socialist I appear in the eyes of many bourgeois democrats as only a wild man. But as a wild man I still believe myself to be a better European, in any event a more sensible one, than they. It is with grave anxiety that I see the possibility in Europe of some such development as this: democracy may continuously disintegrate the European States, may make them internally ever more uncertain in their judgment of the dangers which confront them, may above all cripple all power for resolute resistance. Democracy is the canal through which bolshevism lets its poisons flow into the separate countries and lets them work there long enough for these infections to lead to a crippling of intelligence and of the force of resistance. I regard it as possible that then - in order to avoid something still worse - coalition governments, masked as Popular Fronts or the like, will be formed and that these will endeavor to destroy - and perhaps will successfully destroy - in these peoples the last forces which remain, either in organization or in mental outlook, which could offer opposition to bolshevism.

The brutal mass-slaughters of National Socialist fighters, the burning of the wives of National Socialist officers after petrol had been poured over them, the massacre of children and of babies of National Socialist parents, e.g. in Spain, are intended to serve as a warning to forces in other lands which represent views akin to those of National Socialism: such forces are to be intimidated so that in a similar position they offer no resistance. If these methods are successful: if the modern Girondins are succeeded by Jacobins, if Kerensky's Popular Front gives place to the Bolshevists, then Europe will sink into a sea of blood and mourning....


Conscription law passed
In order to meet the rising demand for personel in the growing wehrmach and prepare the general population in response to the rising thread from the bolshevists in the east, a law has been passed introducing a 2 year conscription law for all men between the ages of 18-25. While this step is not popular amongst some part of the population that are not completely loyal to The Reich we have to do whats necessary for the greater good of Germany and the German people.

wehrpflicht_geschichte_gr.jpg

Summer olympics: Another German triumph
Hitlers face was glooming with pride at the ending ceremony for the Olympic Summer games in Berlin. The german athletes had outdone themselves and captured the most medal. The rest of the world watched in astonishment of the German achievements and for a moment forgot about the not so joyous interests of Germany.

0000-1614.jpg


October, 1936​

New divisions presented before Hitler
At a ceremony in München the last of the 18 divisions ordered in January, was presented to Hitler, who gave a thundering speech of national pride and the glorious future of the wehrmach.

Supplies for Spain
In order to counter the increasing assistance by the USSR in favor of Republican Spain, Hitler ordered the shipment of further supplies and weapons to Franco, in return putting him more and more in debt to Germany. The supplies were much needed so Franco had no other option then to accept.


November, 1936​

Neurath and Koki sign Anti-Comintern Pact
German and Japanese Foreign ministers met in Berlin on November 29 to join hands in their struggle against communist influence all around the world. The signing of the anti-comintern pact marked the beginning of German-Japanese co-operation.

Germany Takes control of waterways
In an official statement by the German foreign ministry it was made clear Germany would no longer accept foreign intervention in issues conserning the the rivers and waterways of Germany. This was a direct violation of the WW1 treaty's and the German neighbors were not late in declaring their dissatifaction with this move.


December, 1936​

Stuka's replace the HS-123
Having proven their value in the Spanish civil war, the Luftwaffe recognized the need to replace its old HS-123 ground support bombers with the JU-87 Stuka's. The Sturzkampfgeswader 51 was transfered to Magdeburg and placed under command of air general Weise who immidiately began training with the new aircrafts.
 
Sgt. Schultz said:
Nice AAR so FAAR Ghost. There are to few of them done using C.O.R.E. Best of luck! :)

Thanx a lot for the Feedback I really appreciate it as this is my first attemp with an AAR.

thx again :)

Ghost_dk
 
January, 1937​

New minister cabinet appointed by Hitler
In his opening speech to the Reichstag, Hitler announced that there were going to be changes made to his ministers cabinet. A surprised and angry Himmler watched as Hitler gave his seat as Minister of Security to Karl Sack, a Lawyer who had had a lightning carreer in the fast growing wehrmach. Erich Hoepner replaced Beck as Chief of the armed forces on grounds of the need to integrate the wehrmacht better with the artillery protions of the army.


February, 1937​

Engineering divisions stand ready
As February ended the last of the ordered infantry divisions were assembled. Hitler was enthusiastic and ordered another 18 divisions with artillery attacthments to take advantage of the newly developed artillery guns.

March, 1937​

Göring inspects new aircrafts
Production of the Bf109D have reaced new hights and it is a proud Göring who inspects the new replacement planes for the Luftflotte I in Mannheim. A few days later the Luftflotte III in Halle recieve new planes as well.

April, 1937

And they call THAT democracy
Hitler was frantic when Neurath brought him the new that the South African legislation had just passed a law forbidding all foreign political activity in the country. This is an outrage and a direct attack on the rights of those of proud German herritage in the region and we must strongly protest against this move.

Entartete kunst
Ever since the Nazi regime came into power it has done whatever necessary to sort out and remove any og those so called artist that produce art, degenrating the spirit of the german people and promoting bolshevism. Any located pieces of such were collected and made into an exebition of degenerate art, to show the German people just how low they would sink if they allow themselves to be dragged into the bolshevic abbys.

kandinsky.comp-9.jpg


Concerns about the war economy
Schacht to Goering, warning him against a war economy
… Enhancing the economy through armament policy and the Four Year Plan has caused German industrialist to give preference to the more lucrative and rissoles business in Germany over export of goods. Although all agencies within my jurisdiction have received strictest orders to give export production preference in allocating raw materials, there is an ever growing shortage of raw material for export… The armament industry and the Four Year Plan have absorbed so many skilled workers, that industry for export is experiencing a growing shortage of adequate labour. This is especially true for the industries, which have the highest possibilities for export. The size and urgency of military and recently of Four Year Plan orders have taxed the capacity of German industry to such an extent, that their ability to fulfil orders for export was strongly impaired. These development result in creating such a long waiting time for supply by the export industry, that buyers abroad prefer to deal with firms in Switzerland, Sweden, Belgium, the United States and Czechoslovakia. Often even agreed upon schedules for delivery are not held, and the reputation of German businessmen suffers extremely… Recently the situation has deteriorated due to orders issued by different offices at the Agency for Raw Materials and the army to give export production second priority. We can therefore predict that not only will we not accomplish the expected amount of export, but we will see a decline in the second half of 1937. I am afraid that the income from export and the import possibilities will decline for the time being, and as a result, the foreign currency at our disposal. I do not have to point out that this development will endanger the execution of the Four Year Plan and put the continuing armament program into question, especially if the coming harvest would make large imports necessary. Naturally, this would also influence our independence in Foreign policy.

May, 1937

Hitler reveals secret gebirgsjäger project
At an assembly of the cabinet today Hitler revealed the existense of a secret and newly deployed gebirgsjäger division. The first of four divisions to assemble at Konstanz near the Austrian border. Command of the new korps was given to Leutnant genaral Dietle who was at the same time promoted to General.

geb1.jpg


Von Fritsch inspects modernised small arms factory
Von Fritsch attended the opening ceremony of the modernized Berlin Lübecker Werke. New production methods were to greatly increase the production of a wide range of small arms necessary for equipping all standard wehrmach divisions.

karabiner98_1.jpg


Soviets request naval plans
The soviet ambassador to Germany has proposed a deal granting Germany large quanteties of coal, steel and oil in return for allowing soviet naval engineers to inspect the building of the Tripitz and Bismark in order to learn some of the building techniques necessary for undertaking such grand a naval project. Under the current circumstances regarding the resource situation for the German industry it is deemed most helpfull to the German economy to accept the proposal.
 
June, 1937

First long distance submarines launched
The first flotille of long distance submarines moved to their new station at Kiel on June 6th and were put under the command of Dönitz. The new type IXA class submarine is capable of striking targets at twice the range of the standard German submarine of the time.

IX.jpg


Hitler requests evaluation of possible war scenarios
The General Political Situation

TOP SECRET June 24th 1937
Staff Officers Only 4 copies

General guiding principles:

1. The general political situation justifies the supposition that Germany need not consider an attack from any side. Indications of this are, in addition to the lack of desire for war in almost all nations particularly the Western Powers, the lack of preparedness for war of a number States, and of Russia in particular.

The intention to unleash a European War is held just as little by Germany. Nevertheless, the politically fluid world situation, which does not preclude surprising incidents, demands constant preparedness for war on the part of the German Armed Forces:

a.) to counter an attack at any time
b.) to make possible the military exploitation of politically favorable opportunities should they occur.

Preparations of the Armed Forces for a possible war in the period 1937/38 must be made with this in mind. They must therefore be arranged to meet various possibilities and are subdivided into:

a.) general preparations
b.) work on hypothetical wars which are highest on the list of probabilities....
c.) special studies ... confined to the High Command.

2. General preparations cover the following:
a.) permanent preparedness for mobilization...
b.) work on "mobilization without a public announcement" in order to put the Armed Forces into a position to begin a war which will take the enemy by surprise....
c.) work on the transport of the army in East Prussia to the Reich.
d.) preparatory measures should German territory be violated suddenly by a foreign power.

3. Among the probable wars for which plans should be drafted are:
I.) War on two fronts with the main struggle in the West (Operation RED)
II.) War on two fronts with the main struggle in the South-East (Operation GREEN)

4. Special preparations are to be made to cover the following eventualities
I.) Armed intervention against Austria (Operation OTTO)
II.) Warlike complications with Communist Spain (Operation RICHARD)
III.) England, Poland, Lithuania take part in a war against us (Operation EXTENSION)....

Probable wars:

In the preparation of responses for these probable wars, the following conditions, tasks and instructions are to be assumed:

1. War on 2 Fronts with the main struggle in the West (RED)
Assumptions: France is the enemy in the West; Belgium may or may not join in on the side of France. It is also possible that ... France will occupy Luxembourg. In the East, all indications point to the hostile attitude of Russia and Czechoslovakia. It is expected that Poland and Lithuania will at first remain neutral. At the least, we should count on the benevolent neutrality of Austria, Italy, Hungary, and Yugoslavia. England's attitude is uncertain.
The war will probably begin by an aggressive attack upon Germany by the French army and air force with the partial participation of the French navy. In the East, Czechoslovakia is expected to hold back temporarily, unless they are under pressure from Russia to enter prematurely, primarily by using her air force which will have been strengthened greatly by Russian aid. Russian naval units will probably also participate.

Task of the German Armed Forces: Carry out preparations so that the bulk of the army can be used against the French attack and that the defenses in the East be kept to the smallest reserve.

a.) Army: The concentration of land war will be in the West. The first task will be to carry the war as close as possible to the borders of the enemy and prevent him from crossing the Rhine and the Black Forest mountains and to hold the German territory West of the Rhine and North of the Mosel as long as possible.... Security of the East and South borders of the Reich can temporarily be left in the hands of the border police and home reserves. East Prussia is to be defended, even though the political situation must reckon with the evacuation of some or most of the active military units by way of the sea into the Reich.

b.) Air Force: The concentration of the air warfare will also be in the West. The first task of the air force will probably be to oppose the enemy's air force and attack their ground support units, as well as the principle armament centers of the enemy's airplane industry.... Attacks upon centers which have primary political importance (for example, Paris) must await in every case my special permission.

2. War on 2 Fronts with main struggle in the South-East (GREEN)
Assumptions: The War in the East could begin with a surprise German operation against Czechoslovakia in order to parry the imminent attack of a superior enemy coalition. The necessary conditions to justify such an attack politically and in the eyes of international law must be created beforehand.
It is to be expected that Poland and Lithuania will remain neutral or at least waiting developments; Austria, Italy and Yugoslavia will preserve benevolent neutrality or better. Hungary will possibly join in sooner or later in Germany's attack on Czechoslovakia. France and Russia will probably open some hostile action against Germany, Russia temporarily limiting herself to naval and air strikes. The neutrality of England -- which is an absolutely essential precondition for operation GREEN -- as well as that of all the other unnamed states who are capable of undertaking military action against Germany will probably arrive against the conduct of German policy.
The task of the German Armed Forces is to make their preparations in such a way that the bulk of all forces can break into Czechoslovakia quickly, by surprise, and with the greatest force, while in the West the minimum strength is provided as rear cover for this attack. The aim and object of this surprise attack by the German armed forces should be to eliminate from the very beginning and for the duration of the warm the threat by Czechoslovakia to the rear of its operations in the West, and to take from the Russian air force the most substantial position of its operational base in Czechoslovakia. This must be done by the defeat of the enemy armed forces and the occupation of Bohemia and Moravia.

a.) Army: The bulk of the army is to participate in the attack. The start of this operation will depend on the current strength and military preparedness of the German army as well as upon the state of preparation and also the attitude taken by Poland. In working out the preparation of this operation. it is to be assumed that the political leadership will have cleared the way for German troops to march through Austrian territory.... The rear guard action in the West must be limited to the fewest possible and least valuable troops. They must make do with whatever the state of their fortifications are then in.... East Prussia is to be defended, even though the political situation must reckon with the evacuation of some or most of the active military units by way of the sea into the Reich.

b.) Air Force: The great mass of the air force is to be used against Czechoslovakia and only the very smallest number of units are to be reserved in the West. The first task of the air force will be the hindering of the Czech mobilization, especially by attacking their air force and ground support organization, as well as mobilization centers and the most important transportation centers. Here, the principle job would be to destroy the Czech state in an effective manner and thus facilitate its occupation by the army. Employment of the air force should, however, be such as to spare all the industrial and factory installations which might subsequently prove useful to us....

Special Preparations:

The following cases are to be studied within the High Command

I. Operation OTTO: "Armed intervention in Austria in the event of her restoring the monarchy." The object of this operation will be to compel Austria by armed force to give up a restoration. Making use of the domestic political dissension of the Austrian people, there will be a march in the general direction of Vienna, and any resistance will be broken. Part of the air force will be assigned to tactical support of the army. Further units of the air force must await my further and specific decision. The question as to whether armed units of the Party will also be used must also await the decision of the head of the army. In the preparation of OTTO, the following are to be taken into account:
a.) this action may take place without any activity on other fronts.
b.) This action may take place in conjunction with Operation RED. It is not expected that OTTO and GREEN will take place simultaneously. Should the political preconditions for the employment of both arrive at the same time, OTTO will be postponed until the conclusion of GREEN. In the deliberation on this plan, you should take into account the possibility that OTTO might develop into GREEN.

II. Operation RICHARD: "Warlike complications with Red Spain." In the Spanish Civil War lies the danger that, through accidental or provoked incidents, conflict may arise between Germany and Red Spain which can lead to a state of war between the two governments. Preparatory deliberations to meet this eventuality are to be instituted only by the Navy. For the army and air force, it will remain a matter of assisting White Spain with material and personnel, as has been the procedure up to now. Sections of the air force may possible be placed under the command of the navy.

III. Operation EXTENSION RED-GREEN. The military and political assumptions used as a basis for RED and GREEN may be rendered void, if either England, Poland, or Lithuania, or all three countries mentioned join the side of our opponents from the beginning of the war. Thereupon our military position would be worsened to an unbearable, even hopeless extent. The political leadership will therefore do everything to keep these countries neutral, especially England and Poland. Nevertheless, deliberations are to be instituted by way of supplement to the strategic plans for RED and GREEN to meet the eventuality of the failure of this intention by the political leadership. The following premises are to be the basis for the study:

a.) England: England will employ all her available economic and military resources against us. She will at first support France with sea and air forces and eventually try to win Belgium and possibly Holland too as bases.
b.) Poland: That Poland should take part in an opening of hostilities against us, of possible at the side of Russia, is, in view of the present political situation, more than improbable. Should it nevertheless come to this, then Poland's land concentration against Germany would take place in a form which, in essence, is known to us -- to conquer East Prussia and (in conjunction with Czechoslovakia) Silesia. With her air force, who will in addition to using parts of it against East Prussia, take part in a joint Czech and Russian attack against the Reich. And at sea she will cooperate with the Russian fleet to cut communications between East Prussia and the Reich.
c.) Lithuania: Lithuania will, above all, serve the Russian air force as an advance base. An attack on land need only be reckoned with in combination with Poland or after the arrival of the Russian Army in Lithuania.

Minister of War and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces
General Erich Höepner


July, 1937

Number of stuka squadrons trippled
With the addition of 200 new planes the Luftflotte II in Magdeburg has trippled the number of stukas at its disposal.

Motorized artillery carriers deployed
With the deployment of several thousand Sdfkz 7 artillery carriers the German wehrmacht has moved a step closer to more mobile artillery. This will greatly improve the way our artillery units can operate together with other wehrmach units.

Sdkfz7s_88sc.jpg


August, 1937

Duty Year law passed
In light of the stress on the German economy, a law was passed stating that all able women were to sign up for one year of patriottic work at a local factory ect.

September, 1937

Mussolini and Hitler meet in Berlin
Adolf Hitler outdid himself on Mussolini's state visit to Germany in September of 1937. Sensing the Duce's frustration over Italy's treatment by England and feeling an actual kinship with the Italian Dictator, Hitler treated Mussolini to five days of parades, rallies, and offical visits. Hitler would even grant a request of Mussolini's to view the ultra secret armament factories of Krupp Steel. Even downpours and guffaws by the German military wouldn't sour Mussolini's mood. In the largest international media event of the time, millions around the world would hear Mussolini and Hitler suprisingly declare that Fascism and National Socialism were equal political movements in the Olympic Stadium. While the international community knew the day would come for a fascist alliance, the magnitude of the event hung a cloud of inevitability of war over Europe. For morale purposes, England would not transmit the event.
 
October, 1937

Duke and Duchess of Windsor meet Hitler
Hitler spent time in October showing the Duke and Duchess of Windsor around in Berlin.

Hitler Guarantees Belgian integrity
The German foreign ministry has issued a statement declaring the integrity of Belgium as undisputed as long as Belgium continues its policy of neutrality on all German matters.

November, 1937

Italy signs the anti-commintern pact
Another victory for German diplomacy and the war agains bolchevism was won today by the signing of the anti-commintern pact by Italy.

HitlerMussolini.jpg

Poland and Germany enter agreement on minorities
Polish and German officials entered into an agreement on november 5th regarding the treatment of minorities in both countries. Hitler speaks af a reconciliation and possible solution to the Danzig problems.

Hitler meets with Lord Halifax
Hitler meets with British foreign minister Halifax in Berlin. Sensing the British reluctanse to interfere directly in the German matters concerning Czekoslovakia. This policy of "appeasement" might prove to become a very valuable key to Geman diplomatic success in the future.

Halifax1940.jpg

December. 1937

Death of General Ludendorff
Shortly before christmas, at the age of 72, General and long time friend of Hitler Erich Ludendorff dies in his home in Tutzing. He is given a state funeral which Hitler attends.

Ludendorff.jpg

January, 1938

New foreign minister
Hitler has appointed a new foreign minister. Neurath is replaced by Joachim von Rippentrop former ambassador to Britain and long time advisor for Hitler on foreign affairs.

Ribbentrop.jpg
 
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February - May 1938

February, 1938

Withdrawal from China
With the formal recognition of Manchuria a state governed by Japan the base was set for a full withdrawal of its advisors in Nationalist China. Although the lack of resources comming in from China will further hurt our economy there is no other way in which we can further justify our involvement in the Japanese-Chinese conflict and still hope for the co-operation of Japan in the fight agains bolschevism. Von Falkenhausen is to return to germany and re-enter into the officers-reserve to be called for again should the need arise.

Production of the HE-111 beginns
In search for a successor for the Dornier DO-17 which serves as the main tactical bomber of the Luftwaffe the aviation specialist have turned out a military version of the commercial HE-110 aircraft. While the added equipment and armament needed to perform the sort of missions intended seriously sloved down the speed of the aircraft, tests have shown that with the use of the new Daimler-Benz DB-600 engines the characteristics of the plane far outmatches any previous planes of this type. The first part of the implimentation plan calls for the formation of 2 new bomber squadrons and once the planes are in service additional builds are to replace the DO-17's of the Luftflotte IV.

he111-3.jpg

The Reich and the church
Josef Rarkowski has been appointed Catholic Field Bishop at a lavish ceremony conducted by Nuncio Orsenigo, assisted by Bishops Preysing and Galen.

Adolf Hitler believed that the clergy undermined the National Socialist ideal, and had plans to dissolve organized religion after the war. In its early stages, the Party had to tolerate the clergy because many of the senior military officers were religious, and Hitler needed their support. Military bands were prohibited from playing at church services, officials and teachers had to sever membership in religious associations, and the clergy was prohibited from trying to convert atheists in the military. In 1933, Germany signed a secret agreement with the Vatican wherein it was agreed that clergy members would be activated for medical service only. However, this was limited to ordained clergymen serving as head pastors. All other clergymen, including assistant pastors, monks, and theology students, were conscripted into any branch of the military and used as infantrymen, tank crewmen, anti-aircraft gunners, etc. Roughly 20,000 such men were inducted between 1939-45. Although strictly prohibited by regulation, many clergymen in the military held religious services, heard confessions, and delivered the sacraments. Frequently, the commanding officer turned a blind eye to these activities because he saw that it was comforting to his men.

There were limited vacancies for those choosing to become military clergymen in the Army and Navy. The Air Force did not have its own clergymen. Throughout the war years, Franz Dohrmann was the Evangelical Field Bishop, while Josef Rarkowski was the Catholic Field Bishop. Most of the military clergy served at headquarters and large hospitals, so their actual visits to deployed units were rare. Although commissioned officers, military clergymen were frequently treated with disdain by both NCO's and other officers.

March, 1938

Anschluss
On 9th March 1938, the Austrian Chancellor Kurt Schuschnigg announced a plebiscite on the independence of Austria.

Adolf Hitler took this as an opportunity to take action against the Austrian State. Schuschnigg was pressed to resign. The National Socialist Arthur Seyss-Inquart took over the chancellorship and formed a new government. The Austrian National Socialists took power in Austria.
On the morning of 12th March 1938, troops of the German Wehrmacht and the SS crossed the German-Austrian border. On 13th March 1938, Hitler announced in Linz the legislation on the “Anschluss” of Austria into the German Reich.

During the great celebrations in all of Austria, many potential opponents of the regime were arrested. National Socialist rule has been established now in Austria through propaganda and enticements.

The 13 infantry-, 1 cavalry- and 1 motorized division were incorporated into the wehrmach and began recieving shipments of new equipment and beginn training on how to use it.

ReibertATk1.jpg

XV. Armeekorps is to be transferred to Vienna and the I. GebirgsKorps to Bregens

austiaborderremoved.jpg
anschlu2.jpg

April, 1938

Artillery infantry divisions deployed
The last of the infantry divisions with artillery attatchments have been deployd. All Infantry Korps have been expanded to 5 divisions.

May, 1938

Hitler Visits Rome
Chancellor Adolf Hitler made another visit to Rome and met another magnificent reception by Benito Mussolini. The visit was a demonstration of the ever growing relations between the two countries despite the German annexation of Austria and the fall of the Danubian Pact. During the visit Hitler deliberately failed to pay the otherwise obligatory visit to the Vatican to show his disapproval of the verbal attack issued by the Pope against Germany policies earlier this month.

The Hindenburg Crashes
On May 6th the German zeppelin Hindenburg Crashed in a tragic accident while traveling from Franfurt to Lakehurst. Preliminary reports indicate that a spark from the mooring mast caused a fire onboard the airship. Of the 97 passengers and crew only 12 passengers and 37 crew members survived the crash. The rest perrished in the flames or were caught between parts of the airship when it hit the ground. This accident is a major setback for the German civil aviation industry which has until now been spared from major accidents. It is unlikely that it will recover any time soon.

hindenburg-crash-1.jpg

Construction of Gneisenau completed
Construction on the schlachtschiff Gneisenau was finished late May and Raeder praised the the New ship that was going to lead the way to a new era of German battleships.

Gneisenau.jpg

Republican offensive in Spain
Having been confined to a few provinces in northern spain for more then a year, Republican have gone on the offensive. In a bold attack Republican forces attacked Zaragosa and pushed back the Nationalist. By the end of May Republican mountain troops reentered the Madrid and reclaimed the capital.
 
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Sgt. Schultz said:
Nice pics G. Any chance we will get some screenshots once the war starts?

absolutely :D I plan to do a prewar OOB and then front and battle reports through screenshots. Working on my drawing skill to get some nice arrows and stuff. Anybody know a good way to make those?

Thanx

Ghost_dk
 
Fantastic AAR. One question. The Operational plans you mentioned (Red, extension. etc), were they actual? If not, I must say your writing carries a historical authenticity the likes of which I haven't seen. Congrats!
 
Keravnos said:
Fantastic AAR. One question. The Operational plans you mentioned (Red, extension. etc), were they actual? If not, I must say your writing carries a historical authenticity the likes of which I haven't seen. Congrats!

Have to admit i I stole them but they are absolutely correct and the request for them by hitler also :) Only thing changed was the auther name to reflect my current chief of staff

vigilantsldr: how come they would be deleted?

Ghost_dk