A Gentleman's War : The Middle-East Command (HoI3 TFH - UK AAR)

[Eurasia]

A Gentleman’s War : A Middle-East Command
(HoI3 TFH - UK AAR)
Chapter Two-Hundred-Fifty : The Axis Economies - 15.3.1941

The reports from London waiting for the Field Marshall seemed to have good news.

Norway was falling into British hands quickly. The Germans didn’t have enough units to cover everything and the British were swiftly absorbing German territory faster than the enemy units could move to stop them.

The reports from the invasion of Italy were not as positive.

Blackadder stated that the Italians had more reinforcements. Unknown reinforcements. Which was annoying as one enemy unit had already retreated.

What made this even more upsetting was the defenders were failing to delay the British troops. But if they kept getting fresh units…

The Battle for Civitavecchia was going slightly better. But the fears of Italian reinforcements meant that there was a chance this battle could go sour also.

The Field Marshall sighed, looked over his breakfast, and said, “I’m not hungry.”

At noon the British Navy announced another sinking of a German cargo ship in Asian waters. Seems the European Axis powers were still trying to trade with the Asian Axis powers. And failing.

About an hour later the tactical bombers bombed Napoli. The Field Marshall pondered switching their mission to ground attacks on Rome but realized they were likely doing more good destroying the Italian’s economy in the long run.

And it also give him information about enemy units. There were a lot of them posted in the ports. He had failed to take into account how willing the Italians were at abandoning one port, or more, to save Rome.

By nightfall news came out of Africa. Ethiopia had agreed to allow the UK to buy on credit. Good news. As Ethiopia’s only useful export was coal.

A few hours later one of the CAGs bombed Rome. Of course the Italian pilots did show up but much too late to stop the British pilots.

A few hours before midnight the tactical bombers were at it again. This time they bombed Froggia. At this rate the Italians might not have any ammo, fuel, or equipment to give their soldiers.

Then the Italian fighters attacked two of the British CAGs. Right over the Fleet. Not smart. They were defeated in the end and driven off.

“Well,” the Field Marshall murmured to himself before he went to bed. “At least I can place my trust in our sailors and pilots to do their duty.”

 

[TheButterflyComposer]

Which invasion has the most likely chance if success? Italy, with their army already ruined by North Africa, sicily and having to fight across the continent, or Norway, with a Germany army right there having just conquered it?

This is...a little odd.

 

[Eurasia]

A Gentleman’s War : A Middle-East Command
(HoI3 TFH - UK AAR)
Chapter Two-Hundred-Fifty-One : Sherlock - 16.3.1941

In a warehouse in a foggy part of the East End of London Sherlocka Holmes had solved another case for the police. And Chief Inspector James Harold Japp was very pleased.

“Excellent work, Mr. Holmes,” said Chief Inspector James Harold Japp. “You captured the German spy, found the Crown Jewels, and saved the ration booklets for all of England from being destroyed. Plus you saved that lorry full of kittens, puppies, nuns, and assorted babies.”

“All in a night’s work Chief Inspector,” said Sherlock. “Anything else I can do for King and County?”

“Not today,” remarked Japp. “And may I say you’re much better than that Hercule Poirot. That little chap always gets on everybody’s nerves. And I think he overcharges us.”

“Well, he is Belgian,” replied Sherlock, “and as you know all Belgians are evil litt-”

“Yes, yes,” cut in Doctor Watson. “Good evening Inspector. I think Holmes and I better return to our residence. It has been a long night and we all need our sleep,”

As the Doctor directed Sherlock towards the nearest major street he glared at him.

“Really, your hatred of the Belgians is uncalled for,” he said as he waved down a cab. “You really should control it.”

“But they are evil,” proclaimed Sherlock. “Coming over here, taking jobs from honest English detectives.”

“Really, Sherlock,” said the Doctor as he helped his friend into the cab. “We need to get you some strong tea.”

“I prefer morphine,” replied the Sherlock as the Doctor gave the driver directions to 221B Baker Street.

“No,” was all the Doctor had to say to that. “Mrs. Hudson’s tea will have to do for now.”

“Hmmm,” was all Sherlock had to say to that as he started to fill his pipe.

 

[serutan]

I eagerly await how you manage to include Dr. Doolittle.

 

[Eurasia]

A Gentleman’s War : A Middle-East Command
(HoI3 TFH - UK AAR)
Chapter Two-Hundred-Fifty-Two : More Ships - 16.3.1941 To 17.3.1941

The morning of the 16th brought interesting news from the Axis powers.

Seems German had signed a Trade Agreement with Italy. Which begged the question - what did Italy have that Germany needed?

And of course the Norwegian Front was as active as ever.

Then there were the Italian fighter pilots. Who kept going after the British CAGS.

But did so while flying over the Mediterranean Fleet. Which meant lots and lots of anti-aircraft guns.

And of course the tactical bombers woke up the people of Foggia with a bombing run on their industrial centers and warehouses.

During the afternoon the Italians sent a bomber unit after the Mediterranean Fleet.

Only to have it attacked by the carriers’ planes. And the bombers were defeated again.

While this was happening the tactical bombers hit the Province of Podgorica.

The Italian fighters showed up but, once again, they were too late to stop the British crews from dropping their bombs.

The Italian fighters pounced, again, on the tactical bombers even as they started their return journey.

And as night came one of the CAGs launched a ground attack on Rome. Which really didn’t do much to help the Land Combat. Though it is said they killed at least twenty defenders.

The morning of the 17th brought news of a naval bomber attack on the Med. Fleet. Which of course the carriers’ planes attacked and drove off. Once again defeating the Italian pilots and crews.

Around 11 AM more Italian bombers were spotted and attacked by a lone CAG. The Italian air units seemed to be having a bad few days. Or weeks to be honest.

At this time the Battle of Civitavecchia took a turn for the worst. The defenders had received reinforcements.

And the Italians in Rome had changed their tactics. Instead of trying to delay they were putting up a spirited defense. No doubt fueled by the reinforcements and the promise of more reinforcements.

Before going to lunch the Field Marshall sent a request to the British Navy. He demanded more ships.

So the British Navy, under pressure from the Prime Minister, handed the Empress of Canada Flotilla, a Fleet with two transport flotillas, a destroyer flotilla, and two light cruisers, over to the Mediterranean Theatre.

Which was ordered to the Port of Olbia.

“Just in case we can use the second wave,” remarked the Field Marshall before going to ‘lunch’.

Before midnight there was some news from the Greeks. Seems some of their subs, and some UK subs, had attacked a small Italian Fleet. As they were attacking warships it wasn’t really that smart of a move.

“Tell me how it turns out in the morning,” said the Field Marshall as he picked up his teddy bear and went to bed.

 

[Eurasia]

A Gentleman’s War : A Middle-East Command
(HoI3 TFH - UK AAR)
Chapter Two-Hundred-Fifty-Three : Italy Winning? - 18.3.1941 To 19.3.1941

When the Field Marshall came to breakfast on the morning of the 18th he was told the results of the Battle of Southern Coast of Dalmatia.

The Italians, amazingly enough, had fled the submarines. It had been a Allied victory.

“The Italian Navy truly is down on its luck if it can be defeated by a bunch of submarines,” he reported after reading the report and switching his attention to his toast and bangers.

“Almost like veteran troops being defeated by a bunch of green garrison units during a major invasion,” responded the Captain as he served the Field Marshall his tea.

“Indeed,” said the Field Marshall drily.

By nightfall the invasion of Italy was slowly falling apart. The attack on Rome was pretty much the same but the attack on the nearby Port of Civitavecchia had gotten worse.

The Italian defenders had received even more reinforcements. Seems they understood the importance of keeping the port.

“Not good, sir,” remarked the Captain after he had passed the newest report to the Field Marshall.

“I fear we must assume that our invasion of Italy will be a failure and will cost us…well, a lot of good men,” stated Sir Anthony C.H. Melchett.

The next morning the Field Marshall found, next to his breakfast of baked beans, bacon, ham, tomatoes, and mushrooms, a report from the Mediterranean Fleet.

One of their carrier attack groups had bombed the defenders of Rome around 1 AM. No doubt forcing thousands of soldiers out of their bedrolls and into the shelters. And they killed, maybe, five or six Italian soldiers.

In doing so the pilots were able to announce that more enemy reinforcements were on their way.

During the afternoon the Norwegian Front announced they had captured two German provinces.

Then the Germans tried to fight back by attacking the Province of Ringebu. As the German Infantry Division was facing a lone HQ unit it was a good bet they would win.

It also looked like a German heavy armoured unit was going to take a unprotected province.

An hour later the Germans won the Battle of Ringebu. Neither side lost a man. Likely the British staff had the good sense to run the second the battle had started.

A hour before midnight the Field Marshall was enjoying a glass of goat milk while dressing up his teddy bear in the bear’s sleeping robe.

There was the knock at the door and the Field Marshall said, “Come in Captain.”

As Captain Timothy Malek entered the Field Marshall added, “Bad news first, please, Captain.”

The Captain didn’t even bother to place a map on the desk as he stasted, “We’re going to fail in the invasion of Italy. Operation ‘Pax Romana’ will go down in history as a failure. A enemy capital too far.”

The Field Marshall sighed. “I better get the old writing pen out for all the letters I will have to write. Anything else?”

“Those ships you asked for are making their way past Portugal,” said the Captain. “May get here just in time to help to wait around for our next major operation.”

“Any good news?”

“Norway is going to be a big mess for the Germans,” said the Captain as he placed a map onto the desk.

The Field Marshall examined the map. “Our men better watch out. There are gaps in their lines. Spread out too far and they will be fighting for their lives. Anything else?”

“The Italians see us as their greatest enemy,” commented the Captain. “Or at least their people do according to British Intelligence.” He handed the Field Marshall a report marked ‘Top Secret’.

“Hmmm,” responded the Field Marshall. “No doubt their people are not happy with their government.”

“And our OWN people?” he added as he glanced up at the Captain.

“Well, yes,” replied the Captain with a frown. “The Italians and Germans have been hitting our convoys six times this past week. It is hurting public spirit. But soon new cargo ships will be launching from our dry docks. So…it should get better.”

“And the Battle for Britain?”

“The what-what?”

“The air battles in our airspace?” explained the Field Marshall with a annoyed look. “Do keep up with the latest slang, Captain.”

“The German launch naval strikes, we chase them away, they come back,” replied the Captain. “There is no evidence that the German pilots or aircraft are suffering in any way. They are well organized, supplied, and reinforced.”

“Well, remember, every dark cloud has a silver lining,” pointed the Field Marshall as he picked up his teddy bear. “Time for bed. Turn off the lights will you Captain? And don’t worry I am already pondering our next move.”

“A silver lining?” said the Captain as he tucked in the Field Marshall.

“Well, just think,” said the Field Marshall as he adjusted his pillows, “most of the Italian military is now in Italy. Along with a bunch of other Axis units. Which means other regions are WIDE open.”

As the Captain turned off the lights and left the room he thought on what the Field Marshall had just said.

Did he mean….Greece?

 

[TheButterflyComposer]

Oh god...

 

[serutan]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

 

[serutan]

And yet again (over history, not just this) what was supposed to be the main event turned into a diversion and the diversion into a main event.

 

[El Pip]

If only all those bombers had been supporting the invasion, rather than wasting their time on strategic strikes. Alas seems little chance of the Field Marshall realising that.

Time perhaps for another change in command, ship the current incumbent off to count penguins in the Falklands and give some new blood a chance. Someone who can actually use air power properly ideally.

 

[roverS3]

“Well, he is Belgian,” replied Sherlock, “and as you know all Belgians are evil litt-”

I'll take it as a compliment.

Quite the operational disaster. I guess Rome will have to wait a little longer for peace to come.

I do wonder whether Marshall Melchett actually has sufficient forces for a land front in the Balkans. It's a whole different ball game when German reinforcements team up with remaining Italian forces and those of several Axis puppet states. Anyhow, all the best for the new operation, and if hit fails too, at least it will have entertained us...

 

[Eurasia]

A Gentleman’s War : A Middle-East Command
(HoI3 TFH - UK AAR)
Chapter Two-Hundred-Fifty-Four : St. John’s Tactical Bombers - 20.3.1941

When the Field Marshall came to breakfast he received some weird reports from the Captain.

Seemed the St. John’s HQ was sending a lone tactical bomber unit through Europe.

It was attacked by German aircraft over Montbard, France, around 3 AM.

Then attacked by Italian aircraft over the Aegean Sea.

“Where the heck is it going?” asked the Field Marshall.

“Looks like Africa or Asia,” remarked the Captain. “We don’t know yet.”

One benefit of its flyby was that parts of enemy territory were exposed to British eyes.

Northern Italy was a mess of movement. Mostly Italians redeploying to their new borders while German units just seemed to mill around.

While the Italians, spotted by submarines, in Yugoslavia seemed to be on their way out. And Greece seemed to have a small occupying force.

Not much happened till a report from Blackadder stated that Rome had received more forces.

A long CAG, around 7 PM, launched a ground attack on Rome. And killed, an estimated, five defenders. Maybe seven?

Before going to bed the Field Marshall was told by the Captain that the cargo ships for the convoys would start coming out of the docks by 28th of March.

“About time!” grumbled the man as he grabbed his teddy bear and adjusted his moustache net.

 

[serutan]

Time perhaps for another change in command, ship the current incumbent off to count penguins in the Falklands and give some new blood a chance. Someone who can actually use air power properly ideally.

Churchill endorses this statement.

 

[Eurasia]

A Gentleman’s War : A Middle-East Command
(HoI3 TFH - UK AAR)
Chapter Two-Hundred-Fifty-Five : Defeat - 21.3.1941 To 22.3.1941

As the Field Marshall waited for news from the invasion of Italy there was news from other parts of the European conflict.

On the morning of the 21st the British Navy announced new destroyers joining the Fleets of the Home Command Theatre.

The Home Command Theatre also reported air clashes over the mainland while German naval bombers were attacking ships north of Spain.

The Bismarck, with some escort warships, was even attacked by a lone flotilla of American made destroyers. And yes, the destroyers were defeated but still escaped without being totally destroyed.

By night fall London reported that South Africa was allowing the UK to purchase material on debt. Which seemed like good news to end the day with.

The next morning started out with some good news also. Seems Naval Air Targeting had been researched and new advances had been made.

Sadly this was followed by bad news. German naval bombers were attacking British warships in Bristol Channel.

On the other hand the Empress of Canada Flotilla had arrived at Olbia.

By the time the Field Marshall’s breakfast was over there was news from Norway. Seems that German heavy tanks had taken the Province of Koppang.

“This is not turning out the way we wanted,” remarked the Field Marshall as he read the reports.

Then there was horrible news that afternoon.

The Battle of Civitavecchia was a defeat. The British invaders lost one thousand and four soldiers while the defenders only lost eight hundred or so men.

The Field Marshall sighed. “I am not surprised by the defeat but…so many men. A thousand? Will we ever recover? Our manpower can’t handle an invasion of Italy if THAT is the kind of loses we will receive.”

Luckily the Italians were not able to stop the division from retreating back to their transports.

With nightfall came one of the CAGs which dropped bombs on Rome. Once again the Italian fighters showed up. And once again they were too late to the party to stop the British bombs from dropping.

When the 5th Air Wing returned to its carrier it was told to stop bombing the Italians in Rome and return to CAG Duty. It needed to rest and, to be honest, it wasn’t really helping much in Land Combat.

Shortly before midnight the Italian fighters attacked a couple of CAGs.

Once again, right over the anti-aircraft guns of the Fleet. And, yes, the Italian pilots were defeated.

So the 22nd closed with the Field Marshall working overtime writing letters to sad widows and grieving children. Letters that had to seem that they came from Sir. Anthony C.H. Melchett.

So they had to be letters that praised how heroic it was for the lost soldier to die for his county while at the same time being insulting towards the same soldier.

‘After all’ stated one letter ‘if he had been a real soldier he would have brushed off the six bullet holes and kept fighting’.

“I hate this job,” murmured the Field Marshall as he wrote letter after letter.

 

[TheButterflyComposer]

The Field Marshall sighed. “I am not surprised by the defeat but…so many men. A thousand? Will we ever recover? Our manpower can’t handle an invasion of Italy if THAT is the kind of loses we will receive.”

Maybe we should STOP trying to invade Italy, you goddamn psychopath?

 

[El Pip]

Definitely time for a change in command. For a theatre commander 1000 casualties is not quite a rounding error but it's close. For context the US Army had about 1500 non-battle related deaths a month during the war. Air forces were worse if you count training accidents.

In the context of a badly mishandled failed invasion it is a miracle losses were so low. A disaster to be sure, but easily recoverable from after a change in command.

 

[TheButterflyComposer]

Definitely time for a change in command. For a theatre commander 1000 casualties is not quite a rounding error but it's close. For context the US Army had about 1500 non-battle related deaths a month during the war. Air forces were worse if you count training accidents.

In the context of a badly mishandled failed invasion it is a miracle losses were so low. A disaster to be sure, but easily recoverable from after a change in command.

I have no idea how a division landed on an occupied beach, fought for a bit and then retreated back to their transports with only a thousand casualties. Presumably the Italians stopped firing within minutes and the British very briefly touched the beach before turning around.

 

[Bullfilter]

Not much happened till a report from Blackadder stated that Rome had received more forces.

Not sure why that attack wasn’t halted at that point, rather than being allowed to proceed in a futile mess.

The Field Marshall sighed. “I am not surprised by the defeat but…so many men. A thousand? Will we ever recover? Our manpower can’t handle an invasion of Italy if THAT is the kind of loses we will receive.”

A thousand? Chicken feed to what a full campaign would cost.

 

[Eurasia]

A Gentleman’s War : A Middle-East Command
(HoI3 TFH - UK AAR)
Chapter Two-Hundred-Fifty-Six : Rome Stands - 23.3.1941

On the morning of the 23rd of March there was some weird news.

Blackadder had been replaced by George as the overall Commander of the Battle for Rome.

"Who ordered that?" said the Field Marshall as he sipped his tea. The Captain just shrugged.

And the Italian pilots had attacked the CAGs while stationed over the Fleet. And were defeated again.

Then shortly after lunch there was horrible news.

The Battle for Rome was a defeat in which the British lost two thousand-seven-hundred-thirty-six men and the Italians lost something like nine-hundred soldiers.

The Field Marshall sighed and pulled out his pen set from inside his desk.

The divisions survived to withdraw to the transports.

All ships were ordered to Olbia where they would unload their troops and also meet the Empress of Canada Flotilla.

By evening two-thirds of the Mediterranean’s ground forces were together in one port.

The two transport flotillas were reformed so as to be mostly equal in their numbers.

And so the day ended with a massive force now waiting for new orders as the Italians celebrated two major victories in a row.

 

[Wraith11B]

George probably became the battle commander when Blackadder's division was withdrawn from the action due to the organization loss.