All Alone: A Lithuanian AAR

[Ilaruum]

Hello, everyone.

This is my first AAR.

I will try to survive as Lithuania playing as closely to the reality as possible, using also the mechanics for underground resistance of TFH. Thus, there will be no declarations of war on Latvia, Denmark or Ireland, no building of forts, no joining Axis or Comintern early, etc. I have also no skills in modding, so I will try to adapt the story/gameplay to each other as I go.

1936
Difficulty/AI: Normal/Normal
HOI3: TFH (slightly modded - Baltic States Ultimatum event - GiE)

I will probably speed-play the first two years first, but your support/advice for the future years would be really appreciated, as I do not yet know all the thingies of TFH that might be helpful.
Thank you!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

Chapter I. January, 1936.
Chapter II. Christmas, 1936.
Chapter III. Christmas, 1937.

PART I

Chapter I. Calm Before the Storm Early Spring, 1938
Chapter II. The Stand-off. March, 1938
Chapter III. Thunderclouds. March, 1939
Chapter IV. The Storm. Christmas, 1939
Chapter V. Europe in Flames. April, 1940
Chapter VI. To WAR!!! May, 1940
Chapter VII. First Blood. End of May, 1940
Chapter VIII. The Ring Is Tightening. Last days of Spring, 1940
Chapter IX. First Victories. June, 1940
Chapter X. Live to Fight Another Day. End of June, 1940

PART II

Chapter I. Away From Home. Early July, 1940.
Chapter II. Foreign Shores. Early October, 1940
Chapter III. White and Red Sands of Libya. End of 1940
Chapter IV. Desert Rats of Tobruk. January - March, 1941
Chapter V. Long Way to Tripoli. March - July, 1941
Chapter VI. The World on Fire. July – September, 1941
Chapter VII. From Desert To Snow. October - November, 1941
Chapter VIII. A Fjord Too Far. December, 1941 – January, 1942
Chapter IX. North We Go. January - April, 1942
Chapter X. Live Long and Free, Country of Mountain Trolls! April - June, 1942
Chapter XI. Dust in the Wind. June - August, 1942

PART III

Chapter I. Walking on Waves. August - September, 1942
Chapter II. Blood-drenched Ashes. September, 1942
Chapter III. Hanging By A Thread. September - October, 1942
Chapter IV. Cliffs and Mules. October, 1942
Chapter V. The Price of Blood, Pride and Wine. November, 1942
Chapter VI. Egyptian Vacation. December, 1942
Chapter VII. Christmas Are Coming. Late December, 1942
Chapter VIII. La Dolce Vita. December, 1942 - January, 1943
Chapter IX. Roman Tragedy. January - February, 1943
Chapter X. The Yanks Are Coming! The Yanks Are Coming! February - March, 1943

PART IV

Chapter I. The World Is Young. March, 1943
Chapter II. Soft Underbelly Of Europe. March - April, 1943
Chapter III. Mountain Paths To Nowhere. April - June, 1943
Chapter IV. Silent Slopes Of Mount Olympus. June - July, 1943
Chapter V. It's Not Always Easy. July - August, 1943
Chapter VI. If It's Not Okay, It's Not Yet The End. August - September, 1943
Chapter VII. The Power of Words. September - October, 1943
Chapter VIII. The Battle Was Lost. October, 1943
Chapter IX. Clear Skies, Still Sea. End of October, 1943
Chapter X. They Came Here To Stay. October - November, 1943
Chapter XI. We May Never Return Home. November - December, 1943
Chapter XII. The Spirit of Victory. December, 1943 - January, 1944
Chapter XIII. Having a Dream. January - February, 1944

Part V

Chapter I. Operation Market-Garden. February, 1944
Chapter II. Winter Storm. February, 1944
Chapter III. Vrijheid. The Things We Cherish. February - March, 1944
Chapter IV. Argonaut Conference. March 15-22, 1944
Chapter V. No Race To Berlin. March 23 – April 5, 1944
Chapter VI. Apart. April – May, 1944
Chapter VII. Blind Shot. May – June, 1944

 

[Ilaruum]

My name is Antanas M., born on May 11, 1907, in a village of Marijampole county. I spent all my childhood on our farm in a family of wealthy farmers, with my 6 brothers and two sisters. However, I was actually barely seeing my eldest brother, as he left home even before I was born - he has been pursuing clerical education in a seminary in Seinai, near Suwalki.

I do not have any particular recollections about the first world war, as it came forth and went back outside my little world. I had to grow-up pretty early, however, since my another two elder brothers (I was the fourth) have signed-up as volunteers for the newly formed Lithuanian army in 1918, along with more than 10 thousands other Lithuanians, Byelorussians and Jews. They were taking part in Lithuania's struggle for its independence against bolsheviks, bands of Colonel Bermont-Avalov, and, later, with Polish aggressors.
Among more than 2000 lost in battle was my brother Jurgis, killed in one of the last battles with Polish troops, just before stopping the bloodshed by the commission of the League of Nations. This was a severe blow to all of us, but especially to my father, since Jurgis was helping the most on the farm and was raised knowing that he is going to inherit it after the death of my parents.

Lithuanian troops fighting Zheligovski's Legion near Vilnius, 1920​

My life has significantly changed in 1921, when I moved away from home for 4 years in Marijampole, studying at Marijampole's Gymnasium until 1925. While it was not that far away, I was rarely visited by my mother, sisters and younger brothers, and never by my father, whom I saw only during holidays, when coming home for Christmas. I have always felt that he was not expecting much of me, never to be able to fill-in the shoes of my brothers, especially the eldest one - he has been studying in St.Petersberg, Switzerland and Germany, and returned to Lithuania in 1923 as a renowned poet, priest and professor.
However, my eldest brother Vincas has made the biggest impact on my life. We have been continuously corresponding also during my study years, when I chose to become a teacher of Lithuanian, at Marijampole's Teachers seminary, while he was teaching Lithuanian Literature at Lithuanian University in Kaunas.

Teachers' seminarium in Marijampole, 1923​

While I was always patriotic, politics have never been a very a widely debated subject in our family. However, after the resurrection of 1923 and subsequent incorporation of Klaipeda (Memel) region into our country and, especially, after the military coup of 1926, when the always-squabbling clergy and Christian-Democrats dominated Parliament was released in order to consolidate the nation against the impeding threat of communism (communists have been allegedly planning the coup at the same time as well), absolute majority of the patriotically inclined students, military and intelligentsia rallied behind the new leader of the nation - President Antanas Smetona, and his right wing party of nationalists.

Antanas Smetona. The first and the last President of interwar Lithuania​

 

[Ilaruum]

January, 1936

Next 10 years saw the strengthening of our young state - economically, militarily and as a nation, however, the international situation was becoming increasingly shaky and dangerous.

There were no diplomatic relations and close to none economic ties with Poland, which we had the longest border with. The occupation of Vilnius region by Poland has even been one of the strongest drivers behind our national unity, as the cry "We will not rest without Vilnius" was on everyone's lips and the topic of the hunt for Polish spies was in the newspapers almost every day.

In the north we were bordering Latvia, a country with simillar fate, but diplomatically was quite distant, despite their moves for a closer union, or even a military alliance, together with Estonia. They were being strongly influenced by Poland, thus, were thought not to be entirely to be trusted.

Soviet Union, while not immediate on the border, was nevertheless a significant neighbor and a trade partner. While the communist party was banned in Lithuania, there were always something in the newspapers about located and destroyed underground cells of communists. After the peace treaty of 1926, their potential threat to our sovereignty was being consistently downplayed by the politicians.

Finally, in the southwest we had almost 300 km long border with Germany. While, initially, our closest trade partner, after coming of the NSDP into power, the relations have started going into a steep decline. While suppression of local German majority has been cited as the cause, this was of course just a pretext for meddling into the internal matters of our state. Thus, in 1935, after an economic blockade has been established by Germany, both our trade and diplomatic efforts have been re-directed towards Great Britain.

International relations of Lithuania, 1936​

The winter of 1936 found me still living in Marijampole, working as a teacher, trying to nurture the love to our Homeland in the hearts and minds of my pupils. My eldest brother has in the meantime renounced his priesthood and become a publicist and journalist. It is him, working in Kaunas, at the heart our nation, who was keeping me up to date regarding the most important international and internal events.
Therefore, it came as no surprise to me, when on one of the cold Saturdays, at noon, when the announcement was made by our President from the balcony of the President Palace in Kaunas and transmitted all over the country by radio:

"My fellow Lithuanians! We have endured many hardships on the way to our independence, and will not spare the last drop of blood in order to keep it safe from anyone, who may attempt to take it away. We must be ready to defend it at all cost. Therefore, I ask for every man of able body to become a defender of his home, village, town, of his countrymen and women, and join the newly formed Lithuanian Territorial Defence Force!"

President A.Smetona addresses the nation
​

Territorial Defence Force (TDF) was to be created on a basis of the Lithuanian Rifflement Union (LRU) and Border Patrol and attached to the Lithuanian Army, under direct command of the Lithuanian Army Headquarters. LRU was created just after the establishment of our state in 1919, participated in the fighting, and was designed for patriotic volunteers, both men and women, that were pursuing various occupations in their life, but were determined to help defending the country in time of need. The trainings with weapons were being conducted several times a month, on weekends, with the part of the weapons brought by the members, others - old unused guns, supplied from the warehouses of the army. The same way I was bringing my trusty Mossin-Nagant 1907 Carbine, brought home by my brother.

Even though many more people were supporting this movement, there were only about 10000 members in total. Our leaders were certain, that surviving as a nation could only be achieved if the whole population is trained to use guns properly.

LRO members of Birzai town, 1920
​

Being a member of the LRU for several years already, I was overjoyed to become a part of our glorious Lithuanian Army. This meant that both the equipment and training would become much better, perhaps even drawing more people under this worthy cause.

LRO members march through Kaunas, 1936​

 

[Ilaruum]

Christmas, 1936

The following year has brought many changes into the lives of my countrymen. Hearing the cries of despair from the peasants, which have been revolting just several years ago, a land reform was implemented, giving the land to those without any or owning only a small parcel of land, and an extensive mechanization of the agriculture was started.

Agricultural machinery has become much more widespread in 1936​

Industrial development was also not neglected - after the change of economic policies, biggest post-war investments were directed towards the change from the traditional craftsman shops towards heavier industry plants, resulting in the significant increase in production of military supplies.

One of the major factories established in Panevezys, 1936​

While probably not completely unexpected, the refusal by Germany to invite Lithuanian sportsmen to the Olympics in August came as a surprise to many. The newspapers have tried to downplay the importance of this, but to everyone seeing a bigger picture, and, especially, living closer to the border with Germany, it was becoming clear that our big neighbor is becoming restless, but as some said - perhaps only honestly concerned about the situation of the German minority in Klaipeda region.

Klaipeda guarded by Lithuanian Border Patrol, 1936​

According to my brother, officials in Kaunas were becoming concerned not only about the deterioration of economic ties, but also about the absence of allies and lack of counterweights to German influence in the international arena. Our closest ties have been with Czechoslovakia and, quite surprisingly - Latin America countries, such as Ecuador and Nicaragua. It has even been announced in October about the large order by the Ecuadorian government to purchase two wings of Lithuanian made fighter planes - the pride of our aviation industry - ANBO 41, one of the last creations by the chief constructor and commander of the Lithuanian Air Force - A.Gustaitis.

In that time, aviation was on everyone's minds - the release of new planes was constantly followed, aviation shows came close to national festivities, and the aviators were considered as the highest elite - creme de la creme, following the bold, but tragic attempt to cross the Atlantic by a monoplane Lituanica just 4 years earlier.

 

[Ilaruum]

Christmas, 1937

This year ended on a high note, as our young state was growing in strength in every area - the agriculture was further modernized, increasing also the use of phosphate fertilizers, imported from Soviet Union by our improved rail system. Sitting at Christmas table, mother could not stop talking still about how good the harvest was this year, for all the neighbors as well.

Narrow rail system was expanded in 1937​

there were only some news from far away - Japan has declared war on China, and, subsequently, concluded an alliance with Germany. There was no immediate concern, as news reports on the last pages about the war going somewhere anytime (be it Ethiopia, China or Spain) were an everyday occurrence.

Our belief in the Leader and the unity of the nation was unwavering in 1937, and becoming even stronger. The government announced another 3 licensing agreements with El Salvador, Nicaragua and our neighbors Latvia for ANBO 51, a reconnaissance plane.

Probably the best news of the year was the win by Lithuanian basketball team in European Championship in Latvia, defeating a team from Italy in the final match.

The joy of the win in Riga. 1937​

 

[Ilaruum]

Early Spring, 1938. Calm Before the Storm.

The year started well enough. Even though the freezing colds held up until early March, the signs of upcoming spring seemed like the most important thing in life at that time.

Kaunas in early Spring, 1938

Lithuania in colour. 1938​

The most noteworthy development for me personally was the finalization of formation of our Territorial Defence Force regiment, based in Marijampole, as well as another 11 similar regiments all across the Lithuania. While permanent Border Patrol battalions formed the core of the regiment, the members the Lithuanian Riflemen Union, which I was the member of, filled the ranks by approx 75 percent. The training for most of the LRU members was being conducted once or twice a month for two years already; I knew the members not only of my company, but the whole regiment pretty good, in our civilian lives as well. By that time, almost 85% of government officials and schoolteachers were the members of the LRU, numbering in total about 60000 of men and women, ready to defend our homeland, should the need arise.

LRU members march through the streets of Marijampole. I am in the 1st line, 7th row.​

Territorial Defence Force regiments covered all the southern border provinces, 5 regiments for Germany, and 7 for Poland (average 75 km of border per regiment).

It was not believed by many, including the command of the TDF, however, that TDF regiments alone, without the support of, access to and training in the use of heavier weapons or artillery, could stop or even significantly delay the invading enemy, be it the Polish, or Germans. Our main training was focused on controlling the movement of people across the border, impeding the advance of enemy forces and, if unsuccessful, going into underground to disrupt communications and supply lines behind the front line, not even a direct order from the supreme command was necessary. The main blow, however, should be taken by our armed forces, by manoeuvring and tactically retreating to give time for the government to leave the country and, if necessary, withdrawing to a friendly country for internment.

The structure and location of Lithuanian Armed Forces in peace time:

9 Infantry regiments, with 2 artillery and 1 anti-air regiments and their location:

1st Infantry Division
- 1st Infantry Regiment of Grand Duke Gediminas (Ukmerge)
- 2st Infantry Regiment of Grand Duke Algirdas (Kaunas)
- 9th Infantry Regiment of Duke Vytenis (Marijampole)
- Air Defence Regiment

2nd Infantry Division
- 4th Infantry Regiment of King Mindaugas (Panevezys)
- 5th Infantry Regiment of Grand Duke Kestutis (Kaunas)
- 8th Infantry Regiment of Duke of Kaunas Vaidotas (Siauliai)
- 1st Artillery Regiment (Kaunas)

3rd Infantry Division
- 3rd Infantry Regiment of Grand Duke Vytautas (Telsiai)
- 6th Infantry Regiment of Duke of Pilenai Margis (Klaipeda)
- 7th Infantry Regiment of Duke of Samogitia Butigeidis (Taurage)
- 2nd Artillery Regiment (Taurage)

3 Cavalry regiments with a light armor regiment:
- 1st Hussar regiment of Grand Hetman Jonusas Radvila (Kaunas)
- 2nd Uhlan regiment of Duchess Birute (Alytus)
- 3rd Dragoon regiment of Iron Wolf (Taurage)
- Light armor regiment

Airforces:
1 Interceptor wing

Naval Forces:
1 flotilla of transport ships, escorted by a converted/armed merchant ship "Antanas Smetona" and several patrol ships

While our armed forces numbered only a little more than 20000 men in peace time, according to my brother, at that time an official at the Foreign Ministry under Stasys Lozoraitis, Lt-Col C.S. Vale (British military attaché in Kaunas) actually cautioned that any country would be making a grave mistake by thinking about Lithuanian Forces as only three weak and poorly armed infantry divisions.

Lithuanian troops with 20 mm Oerlikon anti-tank gun​

 

[Ilaruum]

March, 1938. The stand-off.

On the 16th day of March every newspaper came out with a headline on the first page about the Anschluss of Austria. While it was somewhat distant, almost everyone became a little more worried whether the same approach could also be applied to Klaipeda region as well.

But it came as a total shock when only two days later the Polish ultimatum was published , demanding our government to establish diplomatic relations, that were non-existent for almost 20 years. As a pretext was cited a
small skirmish on the border, when one of the Polish soldier was killed.

After a conversation with my brother, it seemed that after an extraordinary meeting during the night, everyone in government circles thought that the refusal could only lead to a war, and the acceptance - to a total loss of prestige, especially if the claim on Vilnius as the capital of Lithuania is surrendered.

Polish foreign minister Józef Beck, 1938​

As confided by several foreign diplomats from Czechoslovakia and Estonia, the main fear was the same - that a war could start in the very middle of Europe, that would ignite the whole powder keg, involving also the Soviet Union, Germany, possibly also the Great Britain and France.

The Army generals and the Minister Cabinet were considering the possibility to rely on Soviet Union for assistance, as it has played a significant role as a strategic ally of Lithuania in the past. However, as hastily informed by our closest allies within the Baltic Antante - Latvia and Estonia, we could not count on direct military help against Poland whatsoever, and were urged to accept the ultimatum as soon as possible.

It was commonly understood that any war against Poland could only be a defensive coalition war, as we could only delay the enemy only for several days, few weeks at best. And at that, considering that Germany would not intervene and try to occupy the Klaipeda region, if not more. No guarantees, unfortunately, could be obtained also by our ambassador in Berlin, Jurgis Šaulys.

In response to the ultimatum, the very next day our TDF regiment has been called for further instructions, should any hostilities start. There we also found out that all the army officers were called to their respective headquarters, while no further mobilization was expected, unless the hostilities escalated.

While I have earned the rank of a sergeant after 7 years of service in the TDF, we were only aware of the defensive plans for immediate surroundings - in particular - the defence of the sector of the southern border in the vicinity of Kalvarija. However, have personally known the commanders of the 1st division, which HQ was based in Marijampole, and have had an understanding of a defence plan "L" (lith. Lenkija - Poland), just for the case like the one that was quickly developing these days.

Plan 'L', 1938​

While all 7 TDF regiments along the Polish border were prepared to meet the enemy , it was understood that they would not hold against regular Polish divisions, supported by armour and aviation. The 1st division was to meet the enemy advancing from the south, from Suwalki, in the hills near Marijampole, covering the approach to Kaunas. In case the enemy forces are overwhelming, the division was to tactically retreat behind Nemunas river, destroying the only bridge at Jurbarkas.

The 2nd division was to take defensive positions around Kaunas, using also the river defences and the remnants of the Kaunas fortifications, largely destroyed in WW 1 by Germans, but still providing significant cover and strategic positions for artillery and anti-air batteries. It was expected that the main forces should advance towards these positions, as the 3rd Polish Army Corps was located there, possibly strengthened by additional divisions in advance.

Even if obsolete, it was thought such forts could help stop advancing Polish​

The Northern flank was to be protected by our most mobile forces - Cavalry division with the regiment of light tanks and armoured cars. Should the enemy try to split our forces in half, this division was to withdraw further west - behind Nevezis river.

Finally, the strategically important port and surroundings of Klaipeda were protected by the 3rd division, fearing a possible invasion by sea and trying to ensure a possibility for the government and soldiers to retreat by sea.
While we didn't yet know then, a few weeks later New York Times wrote an article estimating that around 80 000 Polish troops were ready to advance, against mere 20 000 of Lithuanians, and Polish ships have been prepared to leave Gdansk towards Klaipeda.

However, only two days after the ultimatum, after finding out from the Soviet and British diplomats that no support would be granted in case of conflict, the Lithuanian Government has accepted the ultimatum (albeit a bit softened by the Polish concerning Vilnius) and issued the command to withdraw the forces from the border.

The result of the stand-off were the widespread anti-Polish protests, with cries about betrayal of Lithuanians in Vilnius region. On the bigger scale, many Foreign offices all over the Europe were relieved and supportive of such move by Lithuania. It opened some new doors with British diplomats and, at the same time, the relationships with the SU, as well as with Latvia and Estonia grew colder.

 

[Ilaruum]

March, 1939. Thunderclouds.

Surprisingly, the renewed diplomatic ties and relationships with Poland in general, reduced some internal tensions in the society. While the question of Vilnius remained a sore spot, it was felt by many that compromises have to be made, if we are to survive living between the giants. Many were quite disappointed with the cowardly stance of the Soviet Union, and only a few, most of them, of course, in Klaipeda region, had their hopes turned to Germany, after the Anschluss of Austria.

Just 6 months later, Germany pushed for Sudet region of Czechoslovakia at the summit of Munchen. Despite the assurance of peace by all the leaders, this was met with serious concern in Kaunas, resulting in tightened control of opposition press and increased monitoring of German organizations in Klaipeda.

Out of fear of potential hostilities, the 2 year draft was enacted, expanding the mobilisation reserve and significantly enhancing military training. Jonas Galvydis - Bykauskas, our most prominent military commander, then already 74 years old veteran of independence wars with bolsheviks and Polish in the 20's, has been called into active duty as the Chief of the Army.

Changes in Lithuanian military, 1938.​

While Christmas that year was very peaceful, just a short while into the new year, a thunder rolled throughout the Europe - Germany issued an ultimatum to Czechoslovakia and, subsequently, annexed it, releasing only Slovakia as their client country. At the same time, Italy has annexed Albania. The very same evening, the British and French governments have declared their guarantees of independence and inviolability of the borders of Poland. Britain even extended these safety guarantees to Lithuania as well.

It has just even more shocking, when just two days later Ribentropp met with Urbsys, Lithuanian Foreign minister at that time, travelling then from Rome through Berlin, and delivered him the verbal ultimatum to hand over the Klaipeda region under the threat of military intervention. According to my brother, who was in the delegation of the minister, it was made clear that any German losses would only worsen the situation and could mean the loss of independence.

However frightening that was, seeing the fate of Czechoslovakia just several days ago, our Leader has decided to decline the ultimatum. It was hoped in Kaunas, that even though Hitler was acting quite bold in the face of the guarantees by British and French, he would not dare risking a war, which could involve Poland, France and Great Britain at the same time. However, in case such happened, Lithuanian Army commanders had a prepared plan for defence - "Plan 'V' (lith. Vokietija - Germany).

In addition to that, Lithuanian intelligence agents in East Prussia were certain that German army was not prepared for an immediate war, at least for a week, giving the time for mobilization of the Territorial Defence Forces, Army divisions and preparation of border/river defences. The total size with the mobilization reserve at that time already reached near 90,000 men, in 5 Infantry divisions with 4 artillery regiments and air defence regiment, a cavalry division with attached armour regiment, one wing of fighter aviation and 12 TDF regiments.

Plan 'V', 1939. Main purpose of the plan was to hold-on for 2 weeks - up to a month.​

Even though Poland has started the mobilisation of their armed forces, Lithuanian Government was watching closely for Germany's reaction to the rejection of the ultimatum. It was decided, in the end, that for a time, mobilisation was not necessary, it was decided that extending the draft for three years would suffice.

 

[Ilaruum]

Christmas, 1939. The storm.

Everyone was feeling the tension. An increased level of readiness was commanded in all border TDF regiments, and I even received my rifle to store it at home , same as other member of my regiment, whose loyalty to the Republic and the Leader was not in doubt. And German answer came.

True, it was not an ultimatum, but Germany has demanded full access, including military, to Lithuanian port in Klaipeda, as well as free use of railways and airfields, in case such be needed. There were later rumours that Germans have already had their military ships prepared to use this opportunity and station a garrison in Klaipeda, operation called "Flottenparade", under the pretext of defending a new to-be-established small ship re-supply base.

Needless to say, this was perceived in all our Government circles as unacceptable loss of sovereignty , and, even if risky, the request was declined. We will probably never know, what has convinced German Government to subside, but one thing was certain - Germany would not forget or forgive such an insult.
Time passed, and life became more or less normal. Weekly drills in TDF training camps were making progress - we have learned to interact with other regiments and became more confident, knowing that on both flanges, along the whole front there are our compatriots, ready to fight, just the same as we are, in case of need.

Another important development was the significant improvement of relationships with Poland in May. Our Government, seeking allies wherever they could be found, were making big steps in bringing the nations together and healing the wounds of the past. It could be best illustrated by the visit of the Chief Commander of Lithuanian Armed forces Stasys Rastikis to Poland for inspection of Polish military and exchange of views on modern tactics and equipment on the battlefield. The photos were all over the press, especially in a popular military magazine "Kardas" ("Sword").

Gen. S.Rastikis inspects the equipment of a Polish soldier. ​

And then came the summer of 1939. Italy, then Hungary joined the Axis. As a complete shock to everyone, it was announced in early August that Germany and Soviet Union have signed a non-aggression treaty.

Molotov - Ribbentrop Pact, 1939 ​

Even more worrisome was the announcement of mobilisation in Germany, and, few days later, in Finland. It looked like Europe is gearing for war. And there was not much for us to do, than to watch and hope that everything would somehow pass without touching us.

Our hopes were in vain. On September 3, at 17:00, Germany declared war on Poland. The Allies responded with declarations of their own. German envoy in Kaunas has approached our Government with suggestion to fight along the Germans and reclaim the lost region of Vilnius for Lithuania. British, still unsure about the position of Lithuanian government regarding this, warned that any support to Germany on their attack on Poland, would lead to declaration of war on Lithuania by Britain as well.

Lithuania declared partial mobilisation, but stayed out of the fight. On the contrary to the suggestions by Germans, it was even considered to strike them at Koenigsberg, but Nemunas river, our main line of defence against Germans, was the same line for Germans as well. Besides, seeing how Germans were smashing the Polish with their armoured fists, and the destruction brought by Luftwaffe, it was decided that 5 Lithuanian divisions would neither be able to capture Koenigsberg, nor divert enough of German forces for the Polish to recover and be able to hold the line.

Polish Cavalry attack near Sochaczew​

After the Soviet Union stepped-in in the end of September, and the defence of Poland was no more possible, more than 13 000 Polish troops and policemen have crossed the border into Lithuania. According to International Law, they were disarmed and placed in internment camps (mostly in empty sanatoriums in various resort towns, all across Lithuania). While the regime in the camps was not very strict and fugitives were not prosecuted, many Polish left by sea to Sweden and, later, to Great Britain, to join the fight against Germany.

Polish officers are being watched closely by a Lithuanian guard at an internment camp in Vilkaviskis​

The horror continued. Poland has surrendered on 23th of September. Only 5 days later, Germany declared war on Denmark, and it took them two weeks to force the surrender.
Back at home, Lithuanian Army was watching closely the developments in the new ways to wage war, and adjustments to the tactics and communication were implemented to increase organization of our infantry significantly.

Just before start of the winter, Soviet Union has declared war on Finland. It came as a total surprise to many, as no one doubted that Russians knew how harsh winters can be. Of course, this made the situation of Finland not less grave, and no one dared to think what would happen in case such happened to us.

Finland faces Soviet Union​

 

[Ilaruum]

April, 1940. Europe in Flames.

All winter we were watching as Europe was being engulfed by fire. In the North, the Finns fought valiantly a losing battle against Soviet Union, which was trying to punch through the "window to Atlantic". Helsinki fell in the second half of February, after almost three months of blood-and-snow-coloured struggle.

In the West, air battle raged from the peaks of Swiss Alps to the gray shores of North Sea, with reports reaching the press everyday about skirmishes between French and Germans. Brits were trying to get through Luftwaffe to bomb German ships in Hamburg and Wilhelmshaven and Royal Navy was in constant pursuit of German subs and merchant ships along Norvegian coast. All remaining small nearby countries - the Netherlands, Belgium and Norway - were watching with unease, with their forces mobilized (Norway joined Allies just after New Year). In mid January, newspapers reported about massing of German troops starting along Belgian and Dutch borders.

British bomber gunners before one of their long-range missions​

In the South, Italians and British were playing hide and seek in the Mediterranean Sea and on the shores of Northern Africa, but neither side was willing to cross the borders yet.

There was an eerie silence on our Eastern borders. Only the news from the Far East came about imminent defeat of the Chinese to the onslaught of Japanese. Chinese surrendered in the middle of March.

Back at home, we were learning from every source we could. Our riflemen regiment conducted drill every week now - air defence, civilian protection, guerrilla warfare, explosive training - everyone knew that they should be ready if, or when this would be needed to protect the homeland. Our regular army was also always in some kind of exercise - shooting on skis, manoeuvring under wood cover, artillery practice, trench warfare, anti-tank warfare, or just good old shooting practice.
In January, new model semi-automatic rifles and light machine guns started reaching the troops and replacing outdated Mauser rifles and older Czech made ZB-26s.

Another big-scale military exercise in assaulting techniques took place mid March, and was subject to talks for several weeks around the tables in local taverns. The morale of our troops was so high, that they almost thought themselves to be invincible.

Short rest during exercise in shooting range, April 1940​

 

[Ilaruum]

May, 1940. To WAR!!!

April 1st started with the news everyone was expecting, but somehow still hoped that it may somehow pass - Germany declared war on Luxembourg and the Netherlands, in three days - on Norway. In 5 days, there was no more Duchy of Luxembourg, and in two more weeks Germans were assaulting the suburbs of Amsterdam. Once all Dutch territory was occupied, Germany declared war on Belgium, which still was holding to their neutrality in empty hopes and did not join the Allies, despite intensive talks with Allies' leaders. They saw their mistake really soon.

Western Front in early May, 1940​

There was also a full-blown war going in the North Sea, in Norwegian fjords and along Danish coast between British and German navies. The Allies could not let German troops reach Norway, which had only few infantry divisions and lightly protected ports. They feared Scandinavian ore deposits would be much easily obtained by Germans that way, and potential threat to British naval bases, especially at Scapa Flow, was more than enough reason to give their best - minefields, navy blockade of main Norwegian ports, even troops on Norwegian ground.

To Germans, on the other hand, this fight was also of strategic importance, potentially turning the war in their favour. Their Luftwaffe, and, especially, their huge and expanding submarine fleet was in full attack. According to rumours in the press - Germany was building 2 subs a day.

The war for Norway. May, 1940​

Seeing the small German neighbours assaulted without any regard to their neutrality, the President has ordered to start mobilisation, which included also our riflemen regiments, on the 2nd of May. Since the priority was, of course, given to regular troops, only the remainder of the reserve was allowed to join Territorial Defence Forces, and even that process was slower, despite an unexpected surge of volunteers to join armed forces. Only about 7000 out of 12000 that were supposed to make up my regiment, as well as 5 other TDF divisions, were fit for service. We also envied our troops their equipment, as we got only outdated Russian and German carbines made before WW1 or by 1925, that the army was no longer using, some Polish artillery guns from 1897 and fragmentation grenades as our AT weapons, and even those were quite rare.

Polish 75 mm Artillery gun wz.97 in TDF service​

And then, on May 26, 1940, at 9 P.M. , the blow came from another side - Soviet Union has sent ultimatums to all Baltic states, demanding free military access and the right to establish several military bases all over our territory. Latvia and Estonia surrendered at once.

As my brother told me much later, there were a lot of heated talks in the President's palace that night, with Chief Army commander Bykauskas and other top officers present. Chief of the Army argued that there is no real possibility to defend our country, which, unlike Finns, had no fortifications, and no winter outside to stop the Red Horde. However, the younger officers disagreed, stating that even token resistance would allow our state to survive, even if only in the long run, and Lithuanian Army, even if small, was valiant and qualified enough to meet the enemy. The President agreed in the end, and ordered to prepare the country for all-out defence, total mobilisation of all resources and industries for this sole purpose, and arrange everything necessary for eventual evacuation of the government offices, archives, treasury and civilians, willing to leave the country. The Chief of the Army was replaced by gen. P.Liatukas, also an old guard, but capable in defence and surprise manoeuvres, and, most important - willing to defend the fatherland at all costs.

The plan for defence, codenamed 'Plan R' (as Russia), was just a modified plan from 1930's against Poland - TDF regiments were to meet the enemy some 20-30 km deep in our territory and do everything to stall their advance - destroying bridges, supplies, communications, engaging vanguard scouts - to give as much time as possible for our regular troops to entrench properly along Nemunas river in the south, in capital Kaunas and in the northern woody hills around Panevezys and Joniskis.

Defence plan 'R'​

Even if coincidence, Germany annexed Belgium the next day and reached French borders, stretching now in one continuous front line from Switzerland to Calais. Perhaps Soviets even planned the date for the ultimatum according to tbhese developments, so the eyes of the World nations would be on the Western front, instead of Eastern shores of the Baltics.
Norway still stood undefeated.

 

[Ilaruum]

End of May, 1940. The First Blood.

And here we were - small and proud, just the same as Finns so recently, against a giant, which seemed to have no boundaries, no limits. There, on the front line we didn't know how many of the enemy soldiers are there on the border - we got just scattered reports of endless columns crossing into our lands, taking border villages and towns one after another.

We only had so much - 66 000 troops in regular army, supported by 45 000 hastily mobilized Riflemen Union members and Border guards, just a little more than 110 000 in total. We had 220 artillery pieces, 300 20mm automatic guns, 110 mortars, more than 900 heavy and about 4000 light machineguns, nearly 50 light tanks and armoured vehicles, and about 100 working planes - mainly Gloster Gladiators, Ansaldo's A.120 and nearly 40 home-made ANBO's.

The Soviets, on the other hand (and I learned this only much later), after their failure in Finland, have massed several armies on the borders of Baltic states, in the event their ultimatum is refused, and than half this force was directed at Lithuania - 435 000 troops, 8000 artillery guns and mortars, 3000 tanks and 500 armoured cars, more than 2600 planes, including at least 6 wings of medium and heavy bombers.

May 28. Morning. First to fall was the town of Utena. Our forward positions have been pulled back, further to the West, at Ukmerge, since there was the closest TDF mobilization center for the whole county, and the region closer to the border was only lightly populated.

First shots of the war were shot at sundown, at the eastern approaches of Kaisiadorys. Soviets main attack came along the railway from the direction of Vilnius and Trakai (although the bridges and railway itself was blown a bit earlier). Even if the enemy was expected to show up, the onslaught of 12500 troops (two infantry divisions at once - and one of them motorized, with regiments of TD's and AC's ) was impossible to repel by mere 7 500 of ours, and their advance was turning into a breakthrough. Luckily enough, the night came, and the lines were held for several more hours.

Water tower of Kaisiadorys railway station. One of the look-out and defence points​

Almost at the same time, at 22:00, single infantry division (6260 troops) tried our defences in the woods at Ukmerge, further North (about 7000 troops). Since it was already a night, only forward patrols exchanged fire, killing one Soviet soldier.

May 29. With the first rays of sun, two wings of IL DB-3 bombers came roaring from the East to each town. Even if bomb-drops were not very accurate, it was decided not to wait for the daylight, and an order to withdraw was issued, towards fortified positions near cities of Kaunas and Panevezys. The first night saw 53 soldiers lost on our side against 3 Soviet soldiers in Kaisiadorys, and 15 vs. 1 in Ukmerge.

The frontline after the 1st day of fighting​

 

[Ilaruum]

Last days of Spring, 1940. The ring is tightening.

May 29. We were listening to the radio closely. France was still fighting in the West, but Germany has surrounded significant Allied forces in Belgium and were tightening the noose trying to cut them from the North sea. Nearly 300, 000 French troops were caught in the pocket, while BEF scrambled for the coast in hopes to save the remaining forces by sea.

Allied forces surrounded in Belgium and Northern France. May 29, 1940.​

In addition to that, Italy, seeing the weakening of their main rival - France, declared that it is their time to rebuild Empire and joined Germany in this war. Italian bombers started flying over the Southern Alps the very same day. Ethiopian puppet government have followed their master country and joined the war a day later, even though surrounded by British and French holdings.

Again, when the sun was setting down in the West, Red Army moved towards Jonava, against our 3rd TDF division, lead by Maj.Gen Musteikis. They must have expected resistance, since the advance by an Infantry division was overly careful. After initial exchange of fire, it was decided to withdraw, blowing the bridge leading to the town, and so delaying enemy's advance for another few days, so desperately needed for our 2nd infantry division, digging-in around Kaunas. We have lost 10, and Russians 5 troops.

May 30. The positions of our TDF division - four regiments, each almost 2000 men strong, were covering the southern front in the hills near Marijampole, stretched for more than thirty kilometres, mainly focusing on river defences on the on our left flank, and roads and railway coming from the South. We knew that all three bridges across Nemunas river (upstream from Kaunas) have been already blown-up by our engineers, but Soviet positions were also further south, towards Suwalki, in former Polish lands, and there were no natural obstacles for them to cross.

It came as quite a surprise when our forward scouts noticed Soviet troops trying to cross the river on rubber boats in the town of Prienai, without even waiting for darkness to come. This prompted a swift response from our light machineguns, stationed in nearby buildings and trenches on the woody banks. After several boats were sunk, they turned back, but, of course, we knew they will return.

Unknown Lithuanian machine gunner with a Soviet-made DP-28. May 30, 1940​

May 31. The very same night, at least two bomber wings bombed our positions until morning twilight, killing or wounding at least 117 men. While it seemed that we can still hold our lines, all our hopes vanished in the afternoon, when Soviets brought their artillery closer on the other side of the river and two more divisions advanced from the south. First, artillery shelling turned to rout our hastily arranged river defences, then the bombers came in several waves from the south, leaving to our commander no other choice than to order the withdrawal North, to Kaunas. We could do nothing there anymore to stop the Soviets. Our losses were heavy - more than 430 troops, mostly due to bombings, while we estimated 30-40 lost on the enemy side. We saw none of our fighters trying to intercept the bombers, only several light planes, surveying enemy positions.

Aerial photo of Marijampole shortly after bombings, taken by one of our reconnaissance aircrafts. White circles show bomb craters, A - destroyed sugar refinery; B - Army barracks; C - brickyard​

In the meantime, further north, our most mobile unit - Cavalry division, was dashing towards Riga, combat-scouting, full division-strong. It was thought that such a manoeuvre, even if discovered, would further delay the enemy from advancing towards critical points in the frontline. We needed time.

 

[Ilaruum]

June, 1940. The First Victories.

June 2. There was a short pause in the fighting, while we were marching towards Kaunas. We only reached left bank of Nemunas, when we heard that Soviets reached the city from East and North, but withdrew after 2 hours, leaving 21 dead on theirs, and 10 on our side. At the same time, one motorized Soviet division assaulted our positions in the hills near Kybartai in the South and 2 divisions at Pasvalys in the very North. Four wings of bombers also descended on Kaunas in two waves, killing 198..

Front line on June 2, 1940.​

June 3. TDF division in Pasvalys retreated in the morning with 73 in casualties, and only 6 enemy troops were lost. In Kybartai, Soviets were only slightly more in number, but their heavy weapon advantage showed - we lost 84 and they - 35 men.

June 4. Our Cavalry division in Latvia met 3 enemy divisions (including one tank division) in the middle of the night, causing confusion and delay in advance by a sudden charge of cavalry mixed with light tanks. Our guys disengaged shortly, though, having lost several horses and riders, and destroying one of Soviet BT-7 light tanks.

Few hours later, we finally got over the bridge to the inner Kaunas city, and it was blown-up in front of the advancing Soviets, along with the railroad bridge nearby.

Blown bridges over Nemunas River. June 4, 1940.​

Perhaps led by desperation of stopped advance, the commander of 182 Riflemen division, Gen Susaikov ordered forcing the river and began construction of the pontoon bridge under the cover of artillery shelling. Motorized division 'Sivashskaya' was to advance from the North, and 169. Riflemen division from the East, where there were our defences were supposed to be weaker, totalling in about 25,500 men.

On our side, lead by Maj. Gen. Vitkauskas, there were already almost 33,000 men defending the city - it was 3 TDF divisions, and a fortified 1st Infantry division with attached Air-Defence regiment.

The bombers were not slow to show-up. Over the next 3 days, bombing were constant, in regular waves. 1819 men were lost or wounded by bombs, but the defences were held. Our own artillery, even if outnumbered, was still barking further east, while our division was pushing back Soviet attacks trying to get over the river, day after day. Especially hard targeted were our air-defence positions, losing more than a third of the regiment in 3 days. Soviet bombers were falling from the sky everyday as well.

Our AA gun positions, in between of bombing raids. June, 1940.​

June 8. During the night, Soviets, probably annoyed by lack of any progress mounted an all-out attack on all our positions in Kaunas at once, recklessly throwing their men and machines in the fields of fire of our artillery and machine guns.
News also reached our lines from the North that in the morning, as Soviets attacked in the same way, by 3 divisions, including one tank- and one motorized divisions, our positions near Panevezys, defended by one TDF, and one infantry division, fortified with artillery batteries all along the line.
Bombers zoomed overhead again, both in Kaunas and Panevezys, killing 530 and 506 men respectively.

June 9. While battles raged all along the Eastern front, in the North, the 17. Tank division tried to push through Joniskis, defended by our Infantry, Cavalry and TDF divisions.

Later that day, we have noticed that Soviets are withdrawing from all the positions around Kaunas. This was quite unexpected, but a joyful moment, nevertheless, even though we lost more than 804 men in 5 days of fighting, not counting those 215 lost to the last bombings that day only, and 262 lost in Panevezys. Our defences, especially AA, were weakened significantly. Our estimation was that approximately 1460 Soviets were lost in the fighting, not counting downed aircraft.

It took, however, only 3 hours, for Soviets to regroup and send 3 more fresh divisions to the fighting, one of them - cavalry. By evening, another 120 of our troops were lost in action, with 273 Soviets, when an order for retreat was sounded both in Kaunas and Panevezys, where 640 our troops lost their lives, against 260 Soviets, including almost 30 tanks and armoured vehicles.

Burning BT-7 tank. June, 1940.​

Our fight in Kaunas has won another 5 days, needed for civilians to move by roads and rail towards the ports, where our navy and merchant fleet was busy transporting anyone willing to Sweden. The President and most of government officials were still in Klaipeda, while at the same time arrangements were being made with Swedish and British government for further cooperation.

June 12. Our forces have thrown back the Soviets in Joniskis, with the loss of 380, mostly lightly armed TDF troops, against 398 Soviets, and an unknown number of tanks. Due to these losses, it was decided to withdraw the TDF division to prepare defence positions in the woods of Plunge, where a new, shorter defence line was being prepared with the help of all spare forces and civilians.

Third defence line. June, 1940.​

 

[Ilaruum]

End of June, 1940. Live to Fight Another Day.

Soviets were wasting no time with securing their positions. Confident that the frontline is broken they sent armoured spearheads in the middle of the line towards Raseiniai and Ariogala, trying to split our forces in half. Seeing this, it was decided to leave our current defences and tactically withdraw all our divisions to the third defence line to avoid possible encirclements. While we were scrambling from Kaunas in order to stop soviet tanks and troops from 10. division in the plains of midland Lithuania, enemy bombers followed our every step. June 13 alone, we lost 221 men, and our guys in Joniskis - another 90.

June 14. The night battle in Joniskis against 4. Tank and 6. Guards Rifle divisions (more than 16000 enemy troops against almost 10000 of ours) was short and ended with 35 our casualties against 25 of Soviets.

Troops of 6. Soviet Guards Rifle Division in battle of Joniskis. June 14, 1940.
​

At the same time our forces were holding the line in the West, near Siauliai, so troops retreating from Joniskis could withdraw safely.

Further south, in Ariogala, we were fighting for every feet of our land, but exhausted after defence of Kaunas, we were no match for iron beasts, constantly crawling from the East. Our AA regiment, equipped with Swiss made 20mm Oerlikon guns used them as AT weapons, but they were dangerous only to armoured cars and rear compartments of light tanks, where armour was not that thick, and the machines could be ambushed. However, since we had no time to prepare any defences, such positions was a luxury, which we did not have. After losing 381 more men, against 95 of Soviets, 12 damaged tanks and some Armoured cars, we turned back, to the woods of Taurage, where one of our Infantry division and TDF division (moved from Jurbarkas) were digging-in.

June 15. Before reaching these positions, we were overtaken by a Soviet cavalry division, attacking from the North, trying to cut all our ways of retreat. With the cost of 70 lives, and 26 of theirs, the attack was stopped, clearing the path for us. We took our positions several hours later that evening.
June 16. Soviets, seeing our defences along Nemunas, around Jurbarkas, weakening, started an overwhelming attack with 5 divisions, more than 40000 strong, with a tank division from Kaunas leading the blitz. Understanding that defence in this stretch is no longer feasible, commander Maj.Gen Nagevicius decided it was time to join our defences in Taurage. 90 Lithuanian troops were lost, and 15 Soviets.

Soviets crossing pontoon bridge in Kaunas. June, 1940.​

June 17. Our positions in Siauliai were under constant bombing for several days already, having lost 463 men. Under the threat of imminent breakthrough, and despite the efforts to delay enemy's advance, our two infantry divisions withdrew in good fighting order towards Plunge, with casualty count of 243 of ours, and 320 of enemy troops.

June 18. At noon, the radio was turned on in all units, still fighting or resting in the rear areas. The President announced that in order to keep the fight for the freedom of our Homeland alive till the victorious end, upon agreement with the British Government, a government in exile is formed in London. Our Leader and all the ministers have left by plane to Sweden, under the escort of Air Forces, and then - to Great Britain. It was there, that our fighting force should be formed anew to fight for the liberation of Lithuanian people from the yoke of Communists.

While it was a heartbreaking, even if expected, announcement, it was the secret order that we got from our commanders shortly thereafter, which showed that the current fight is coming to an end. All TDF divisions were to be disbanded, weapons hidden in the woods and still-unoccupied cities of Western Lithuania, and we were to return to our civilian lives for now, if possible, or leave the country along the others. Almost a half, about 20 000 members, mainly mobilized from these parts, have returned to their homes. The other half joined our troops for the last stand in the woods of Plunge and Taurage.

June 19-22. Last battles were the bloodiest this war saw. After 543 men lost to bombings, first to break were 3 divisions in Taurage, having fought against 3 times their number - 65000 Red Army troops. 2292 men were lost, against 1216 of Soviets.

The last stand in Taurage. June 19-22, 1940.​

June 19-26. Or troops in Plunge were in a better position - strengthened by armour, even if light, they were defending a shorter stretch of the front against one Infantry division, supported, however, by five more, including 2 Tank divisions. Bombings here were even more terrifying - 2000 men were lost within that week. Machines, horses, men - everything was being smashed from the sky, day after day. After attacking Soviet infantry division was turned to rout, it was replaced by the 29. Motorized division. When it was at a breaking point as well, Soviet tanks joined the attack, and there just was not enough of everything to stop them. We withdrew in the middle of the night, towards the port of Palanga, with direct losses being lighter than those in Taurage - 1294 vs. 1696 Soviet troops.

Battle of Plunge. June 26, 1940.​

June 28. For some reason, the Soviets did not rush to occupy Klaipeda and Palanga. Perhaps, it was diplomatic pressure from the British, that gave us 2 more days, or perhaps they were content without taking almost 70,000 troops as prisoners, but that was enough time to board the ships, waiting at the harbours, and sail towards Sweden. True, all our equipment, artillery, armour, supplies.. all was lost to Soviets. But our lives were saved, to fight another day. While the evacuation was a small-scale when compared to the one at Dunkirk just little less than a month ago, it was OUR Dunkirk.

Klaipeda harbour. June 28, 1940.​

Our losses in the war, which took exactly one month, were heavy - 7671 men lost to fighting, almost the same amount - to bombings. Besides, we had to leave all our tanks, artillery pieces and equipment.
Soviets were bleeding too - almost 6000 men were killed or wounded, nearly 40 bombers were downed, more than 60 tanks burned or damaged.

 

[Ilaruum]

Early July, 1940. Away from home.

The coastline was fading in the last rays of setting sun. There was no joy among any of us for saving our lives. Our hearts were broken, some men cried. There was a strange mix of despair, fear, anger and hatred in the eyes of my brothers in arms, all of us sailing away from Lithuania, away from home.

SS Convallaria. Swedish merchant ship that brought me over the Baltic sea. The same ship was sunk by German U-Boat in Nothern Atlantic 4 months later.​

It took us almost two days to reach the coast Sweden. After standing one more day in the harbour, we were allowed to get ashore. Only then we found out that our ship, along with several others, bringing Lithuanian number here in total to almost a thousand, came to the harbour of Malmö. We were told only much later, that transport ships docked along eastern shore, with the bulk of our forces landing all over Southern Sweden. We were escorted to the territory of the local barracks and ordered to surrender our arms, except only for basic equipment and personal things.

We were all mixed - a lot of guys from TDF, from cavalry units, infantry, different companies, regiments and divisions. A battalion command was created from available officers to bring this mass of scared and tired people into some order. Our officers were our only source of information. It is from them that we knew what awaits us further.

Even though Sweden was officially neutral, their sizeable reservist army, reaching at that time up to 400 thousand men, was the main guarantee of their neutrality, giving at the same time some flexibility to Swedish government to conduct their own politics. After intensive talks for the past several weeks between British, Lithuanian and Swedish governments it was agreed for unhindered passage of the troops to Allied Norway. It was insisted by the Swedes, though, that internment procedures would be followed according to the Law, since, after the Winter War Soviet Union was on the Swedish doorstep already and needed to be reckoned with.
The next day, we were lead to the train station, ready for the departure further north, along the coast, to our new future, to Norway.

Goteborg rail station, Westbound. July 2, 1940.​

Just several days later, after countless paper check-ups, marching, standing, sweating, sleeping, our ragtag battalion finally reached the port of Kristiansand. In about a week, we were joined by another several thousand Lithuanians, transported all the way from Stockholm, and the formation of the 1st volunteer division began. Another division was stationed in Stavanger, further West, while several more regiments were being formed all along the southern coast of Norway, manning the coastal fortifactions.
This was all a part of the Allied Command plan, since Norvegians had trouble covering their vast shores by themselves, having only six fully-staffed infantry division, several support brigades and a light tank/armoured car regiment.

Location of first two Lithuanian Volunteer divisions - "For Freedom" and "For Homeland"​

 

[Ilaruum]

Early October, 1940. Foreign Shores

First half of July was quite uneventful there on the sunny shores of southern Norway. Routine drills, new tactical trainings by British instructors, at last - British Enfield guns (although old) - all looked good. Well, our new British-model helmets were queer nevertheless. All in all, every one of us started feeling as soldiers again. Even us, former TDF members, mere civilians just over six weeks ago. Our home, our families, our land - so much was left behind, and the only way to get all this back was with hope, courage and arms.

Pier of the Kristiansand harbour. One of the bases of Norwegian Home Fleet and our prime source of information about outside world. July, 1940​

The news from the war were dire. The French were still holding the line along the Seine, from Le Havre up to Paris, and further to the Maginot., at least by Mid-July. At first we thought that our (now almost complete) three divisions of lightly armed troops will be sent there to help hold the Germans, but my guess now is that it was all too late. Just one week later we heard rumours that Germans have broken through the line along the beaches and in several places deeper inland and were rampaging the countryside, taking Paris in pincers from East and West.

French river defences along the Seine. Mid-July, 1940.​

Brits in Egypt were taking the beating from Italy. 10th Italian Army (up to 10 divisions strong, including several Blackshirt militia divisions) under Graziani pushed outnumbered British forces (2 undermanned infantry divisions) up to El Alamein, almost reaching Alexandria, until Italians were stopped and routed by a division of British Marines, supported by several divisions of Iraqi infantry by the end of July.

British turning Italian advances to rout. End of July, 1940.​

While battles on land did not go that great, French and Brits had huge superiority out in the sea. Just in two months allies sunk more than 20 German and Italian ships, not counting more than 10 sub packs and several flotillas of destroyers without losing a ship. Most notable was the sinking of Graf Spee, the pride of Kriegsmarine, on its way to Southern Atlantic, just outside of Biscay bay. The killing blow was landed by a French WWI dreadnaught Courbet, which was already outdated and living it's last days.

Courbet on her way to Portsmouth. July, 1940​

On July 31 France surrendered. Well, not quite, but the war in Europe has essentially paused for a while. We were starting to feel desperate - Soviets looming in the East, Germans trampling everything they set their foot on. And our allies - overstretched, frightened, ill prepared, shamed by the defeat.

By the end of August an order was sounded to move for the harbour and board the ships, this time - to Britain! We were at that time complete five divisions. True, only two were fully staffed, others had only 60% of needed number. As we were told, in Britain, in particular - Cardiff, we were to be fully equipped to constitute a fully functioning infantry division - one, at first, with artillery pieces, mortars, AT guns - everything that we have left behind on Lithuanian beaches.

Our place at the harbours in Kristiansand and Stavanger was at last taken by Norwegians themselves, after they finally got their mobilization running. Just a few weeks later after our arrival to Cardiff, we heard that Germans have landed in Narvik, a harbour far in the North, probably deterred by the constant presence of allied troops on the Southern shores of Norway and manned coastal fortifications.

German troops marching through Norwegian mountains. September, 1940.​

Once we heard about this, we all rushed to our division commander Vitkauskas, asking about further plans to get back, to help the country that was so willing to accept us for several months. However, all our pleas were unanswered. The commander of the whole Lithuanian Liberation Army - Gen.Liatukas made an announcement that Brits were lending a hand to the Norwegians, and in the meantime, we will be packing our summer gear and heading South, to Africa.
Allied forces (4 Iraqi divisions and 2 British) under Middle East Command have managed to cross the border in Libya and even captured Tobruk, but being totally exhausted were having trouble defending their positions under the pressure of several newly arrived Italian elite Alpini divisions. This is our new destination - Tobruk!

Frontline West of Tobruk. October 5, 1940​

 

[Ilaruum]

End of 1940. White and Red Sands of Libya.

3 Divisions of Lithuanian volunteers of the Lithuanian Liberation Army were sailing south. A rag-tag army in fact, equipped with leftovers of British army, sailing further away from known shores, to fight against Italians. Guys, that we did not thought to be our enemies, in a war at the end of the world. But, as our company commander has always said, an enemy of your friend is your enemy as well, so better just stick tight and keep punching.

We have unloaded in Tobruk on October 10 and where ordered to form the defensive perimeter straight away, as several divisions of Iraqis were streaming from the West, beaten, tired and bleeding, in no shape to put any resistance, at least for a week or so. Our supreme headquarters have stationed in Alexandria, while our Army commander Gen. Nagevicius and Operative HQ, which was supported by two brigades, lead by Gen Rastikis, stayed with us.

We haven't even had time to adjust to the change of climate, to barren landscape, to the fact that we will be shot at - again, were attacked on the next morning, on October 11, by a single 5th Alpini division, led by Damazzio. Since they did not expect any resistance, our fire came as a surprise to the Italians and they were poking at our defences cautiously for another day. On October 12, a full assault started in the afternoon, with a barrage from mortars and artillery shells. In the meantime, one of the Iraqi divisions finally formed in our rear, ready to assist, should this be needed.

Assault by Italian Alpini on our positions. October 12, 1940​

By the night of October 13, the attack watered down and stopped, leaving our 222 guys lost and wounded, against 467 Italians. First fight, first victory!

The very next morning we heard that Yugoslavia has succumbed to German pressure and joined Axis. One more enemy to the list! Enemies, we do know nothing about..

It was relatively quiet for several days. We were digging in where we can, repairing barbed wire, installing our 20 pieces of 18-pounder artillery guns and building machine gun nests. While we were promised better equipment by the British command, but it seemed that they already had their hands full, and we were quite satisfied with what we had, even if some guns had seen the WWI. A week later, first news reached us about the fight of Norwegians against Germans in the mountains of Northern Norway. It seemed that those tough northern lads were still keeping their land from the invaders and did not intend to lay down and simply die. However, as we learned from our guys coming from Sweden, joining us late, it appeared that Swedish have buckled under Germans as well, as their rail system was overloaded with German troops travelling from Malmo and Goteborg to the far North..

German troops on their way to Narvik. October 20, 1940.​

There was some fighting further south, in the desert, going back and forth several times, but in the end two British divisions had to withdraw, leaving our left flank open for attack, covered by an Iraqi division. In the meantime, our undermanned 3rd Volunteer division "Kaunas" has moved together with Army HQ further to East as a reserve and to protect our communication and supply lines.

In the afternoon of October 24, another attack came from the west by Riserva Centrale division. While not as good trained as Alpini, machine gun fire and shelling did not feel any lighter. We had our positions ready to defend in depth, and allowed the Italians to come closer, before unleashing a hurricane of fire. After their first attack was beaten in about an hour, they did not dare to try any more. We had 3 wounded guys against 48 Italian casualties.

Despite our stand in Tobruk, the overall situation looked bleak. Italians have pushed through the desert and were threatening to surround us, if our 3rd division (just more than 7000 lightly armed guys) is routed from the hills East of Tobruk. British command was considering a full retreat to form a new defensive line about 100 km further East, while the front line was currently held by 2 barely organized Iraqi divisions.

Front line around Tobruk on October 29, 1940.​

On October 31 Italy declared war on Greece, swiftly joined by Yugoslavia and Bulgaria. The Brits vowed to assist Greeks in their struggle, but apart from patrolling the shores in search for Italian navy or an occasional bombing raid, there was not much they could do, with whole Middle East Command committed to defending Egypt.

Royal Air Force had total superiority at least in Libya and were not shy to use it. Every day we saw planes coming from airfields around Alexandria, and even some based in Tobruk, bombing the Italian positions. Since Lithuanian Air Force did not have big bombers, it was an incredible sight and feeling to have such machines on our side this time. Not every one of us could forget the terrifying hum of Soviet bombers flying over our towns and villages.

On November 12, just after sunrise, an alarm was sounded all along the lines around Tobruk. Italians had come this time in strength, nearly 24000 soldiers, at least from two sides at once. Our forces were 2 full staffed divisions, an Operative HQ brigade (nearly 6000 soldiers) and 2 Iraqi divisions, totalling almost 45000 soldiers. After 2 days of fierce fighting, the attacks was stopped, with the cost of 191 Lithuanians, 70 Iraqis and 662 Italians.

Just a week after the battle, several cargo ships have docked in the harbour, bringing a new weapons, sufficient for at least 2 of our regiments - Enfields Mk.III rifles, new mortars, Hotchkiss 25 mm AT guns, loads of ammunition and supplies.

Strange as it is, another month went absolutely uneventful. However, this lull could not take forever - on December 18, 5 fresh Italian divisions, including one Alpini, attacked from three sides at once. This time we have been assisted by the 7th Indian Infantry division, sent as reinforcements from East Africa Command.

Tobruk under siege. December 18-20, 1940.​

It didn't work quite well though, as in that month we were fortifying our positions with everything we had - and there is no lack of stone and sand in a hilly desert. The attack ended with 154 our casualties, 276 allied troops and 616 Italian soldiers lost.

However, as soon as this attack ended, two more fresh divisions jumped on us from South West on the 21st, turning into an all-out assault during 22-23 of December. Then, as two more divisions joined the attack from Gazala, we changed our tactics to elastic defence, avoiding unnecessary casualties and stopping the Italians at every opportunity.

Christmas morning in the front line. December 25, 1940​

The fight raged for another 3 days, with one by one Italian divisions refusing to rise for an attack. Once there was only the sole Alpini division remaining on the battlefield, ambushed on every corner, we understood that we have survived 1940, after all. Not every one, however. In a week of fighting we have lost 330 guys, there were 460 casualties in 7th Indian division, and Italians lost 2017.

In the meantime, Iraqis and Brits recaptured Fort Capuzzo. And Norway still stood undefeated.

 

[Ilaruum]

The Desert Rats of Tobruk. January - March, 1941

During rare moments of quiet and peace in the frontline when on leave, we loved to stretch our legs along the main wharf of Tobruk harbour and have a strong drink or two with British sailors from supply ships, or, occasionally, warships, coming for a short re-supply, instead of going all the way to Alexandria. It was like hearing tales from another world, as most of us, including me, have not seen the ocean before leaving our country just a mere 6 months ago. It was from them that we learned about the beating the Regia Marina was taking from Royal Navy starting from autumn of 1939, and especially during past several months. Crushing victory after a crushing victory (of course, it depends how much you are prepared to believe a drunk Brit), and a half of the Italian navy was now at the bottom of the Med, with only a handful of battered and scattered ships huddling somewhere in the Aegean sea.

According to the latest talks, at the most recent battle of Taranto in November, a British Aircraft Carrier group with HMS Glorious caught a number of Italian ships, and sunk at least 2 Italian battleships and a number of heavy and light cruisers, essentially destroying main Italian fighting force in the Western Mediterranean.

RM Muzio Attendolo. Friendly fire from this ship was mainly responsible for sinking Heavy Cruiser RM Zara at the battle of Taranto, November 12, 1940. The ship herself was sunk at the same battle later by a torpedo from a Swordfish of HMS Glorious.​

What concerns the frontline around Tobruk at the very beginning of 1941, the forces immediately available were as follows:
Lithuanian command: 3 Militia divisions and Operations HQ+2Militia regiments, approx. 35000 troops, 7000 more troops were still undergoing basic training in Alexandria.
Allied command: 3 British and 4 Iraqi Infantry divisions, approx. 50000 troops
Italian command (est.): 9 Infantry and 5 Alpini divisions, approx.91000 troops

The front line around Tobruk on the Eve of 1941.​

January was really quiet. Despite several skirmishes and night raids, there were no significant engagements. In the meantime, additional measures were taken to improve the organization of our command, assigning ranks according to experience and results shown on the battlefield. This way, some of my former TDF comrades have been put to command platoons and companies instead of Army guys. Most of my time, however, was taken by additional training in Desert Warfare, since the day I have volunteered to Special Operations Force, formation of which has just begun. It was supposed to consist of most experienced and determined troops of our two frontline divisions, totalling up to 6000 men, but we had yet a long way to go.

On the outside of our little world, we have heard that USA is moving closer to Allies in this war, as their warship attacked German sub in the Northern Atlantic. Greeks were also fighting for their last stretch of land against Germans, Italians and combined troops from all Balkan nations. By the beginning of February, however, only Crete was in Allied hands.

February 3. Despite knowing that we are reinforced by Brits and Iraqis, 3 divisions of elite Italian Alpinis, more than 20000 men, rushed towards us from the West just before the dawn. Initially, our in-depth defences worked well, but next day the attack turned into a full assault. It broke only on Feb 5, when one of the Italian divisions was routed. We lost 372, Allies - 292, and Italians - 1010 men.

Attack by Italian elite troops. Feb 5, 1940.​

February 13 brought curious news. At first, we saw Italian bombers coming over our heads, perhaps the only time so far. They were immediately chased away by locally stationed wing of British Hurricanes without doing any harm. And later that day we heard about strange speaking and looking guys landing in the desert just over Suez channel. British marines from their base in Alexandria have dealt with them within the next two weeks.

A surprise landing of a Yugoslavian Infantry division. Feb 13, 1941.​

On February 22, two Alpini divisions (same as before) attacked Lithuanian sector of the frontline. With the help of 8th Indian, the Italians were lured into an ambush and routed in less than 20 hours. 260 Lithuanians were lost, 141 British soldier and 765 Italians.

Ambush at night. Feb 22, 1941.​

After another two weeks with no news, the 7th of March brought more than we could have expected. During evening dusk 4 Italian divisions, including 2 Alpini, (almost 24000 men) attacked our positions from south and West. We were just more than 30000 Lithuanians and Brits. At first, we were quite confident that we will be able to push them back, just as who-knows-how-many times before. But on March 9 another infantry division joined the assault from South-West, so we were now not only in giant pincers, but had to divert some more guys to cover the middle of the line.

All on our own - British reinforcements at least 3 or 4 days away. March 9, 1941.​

The assault dragged on, with shelling shocks in between of incoming infantry waves. By the 11th of March we have beaten back at least 2 divisions, but our own lines were being stretched as well. It was decided then to use our reserve 3rd division for a flanking attack on Fort Capuzzo, together with the Iraqis attacking from the East, to ease the situation in Tobruk. However, only after the British reinforcements arrived to Tobruk on the 13th of March, the Italian attack stopped. This time losses were heavy - 1136 Lithuanian were lost, 286 Brits and 1920 Italians.

The fighting was not over, however. While Italians in Fort Capuzzo were occupied defending from the East, we were ordered to counter-attack towards West, to Gazala, where the Italians were exhausted from the recent attack. Even though we were no less tired, it was the elements of our Special Operations Force (while still being in formation) that lead the attack, with our backs defended by newly arrived Brits and our resting troops.

Counter-attack on Gazala. March 14, 1941.​

In just 6 hours the battle ended and Italians were fleeing. We have lost more than 120 guys, against 42 Italians, but we were marching West. At last!!

 

[Ilaruum]

Long Way to Tripoli. March - July, 1941

Our push met little resistance. Italians, retreating on all fronts, have left their artillery pieces. After few days, they were already leaving trucks, armoured cars, even several tanks were left abandoned. Most of the equipment was blown up, but some of them - just out of fuel, left in a rush. It seemed that the whole Italian army was experiencing serious supply problems, which made our job so much easier.

Desolate landscape on our way through Gazala. End of March, 1941.​

By April 1, all their forward positions were in our hands. As we were advancing on foot, we were only following the Italian footsteps, without being able to seriously engage or even cut-off and surround some of their formations, except for some small skirmishes and several overrun HQ's.

A week later, once we reached Ra's at Tin, our command announced the finalization of formation of the SOF unit - Desert Rat brigade, which we have waited for for so long. Equipped with British and trophy Italian trucks and lighter vehicles, we were able to move faster than our main forces, allowing us to drive deeper into the desert and even try to catch some Italian stragglers.

The Desert rats on the way to Tripoli. First week of April, 1941.​

Within the next two weeks we have managed to split the Italian force in two, cutting the way off for at least 3 Infantry divisions, by driving straight for Mersa el Brega, through the hills and mountains of Cyrenaica, instead of going a more convenient way along the coast.

On May 9th, however, we had to stop and wait for supplies ourselves, but just 4 days later we have reached our target, closing the circle around Benghazi. In the meantime, the Iraqis have engaged the garrison of the port city, consisting of Fascist militia, garrison troops and disorganized Infantry division. 2nd Army HQ, lead by Pariani, tried to put up some resistance, but after some losses taken on both sides and constant bombardment from a CAG planes of a British Carrier Group, stationed just outside the harbour, they surrendered the next day. At the same time, the soldiers of Alpini "Cadore" division and Infantry division of Comando Superiore FF.AA. Africa have laid down their weapons in Agedabia, further South. In total - almost 40,000 Italian troops have surrendered.

Benghazi Operation. April 8 - May 12, 1941.​

Meanwhile, the Norwegian war dragged on, with Germans unable to push straight through Norwegian defences, snow, cold and wilderness. The fight even spread to the territory of Sweden, where Norwegians were occasionally ambushing passing German troops in the mountain passes.

Another Winter War, 8 months-long already. May, 1940​

Our next operational targets were the ports of Misurata and, of course, Tripoli. The race continued. With our backs and left flank secured by Iraqi troops, we reached our first goal in about a month. Misurata has fallen after only a token resistance, with only few shots fired from either side. It appeared, that the supplies have finally started reaching Italians, but they had no time to organize themselves properly, being in a constant chase.

Their swift retreat from Misurata was actually a trick to have us cut off, as on June 21, just as we left the city, 2 Italian divisions attacked along the main roads to the harbour, but, luckily, were beaten off by our guys from the 1st Volunteer division, just landed from the ships.

At the very same time, British Command commenced an amphibious assault on Malta, which was taken by Italians sometime in March. After few days of struggle on the beaches, the guns and bombs of the British navy forced Italians to raise white flag above the fortifications. 3 Italian divisions (Militia, Alpini and Infantry) and their HQ surrendered, about 22,000 troops.

Misurata Operation. May - June, 1941.​

Once the skyline of Tripoli was in sight, we knew it will not take long anymore. After beating exhausted and famished militias out of the city and with British ships in harbour, there were no possible ways of retreat anymore for the remainder of Italian troops. Within the next two weeks the whole coast was secured, while Brits and Iraqis pushed Italians deeper into the sands.

Tripoli Operation. June - July, 1941​

True, some Italians have escaped to Vichy France-controlled African territories, but the bulk of Italian African army was surrounded by July 7, and, after several attempts to break out by lone divisions were beaten back - surrendered to British forces. A little bit more than 55,000 have left the Libyan desert as prisoners of war.

Italian PoWs marching to Tripoli harbour. July 13, 1941.​

And so, Lithuanian campaign in Africa has finally ended in victory! It took 9 months from the day I step foot in the harbour of Tobruk until I could finally hope for a little rest again. Through the winds, sands, midday heat and midnight colds, through bombshells, mortarshells, bullets and mines, through the diseases, bugs and other critters of the desert, through the death, pain and suffering of my mates, through the short joys of victories and bitter tears of defeat. We have lived through all of this. Almost 6000 Lithuanians were lost or wounded in battle or from attrition (nearly 50/50), while Italians lost more than 7500 just in the battles, unknown number to attrition, and nearly 120,000 were taken prisoners. Allied losses, when participating in common battles, reached approximately 1500 men, with about double that number in wounded and sick.

The end was nowhere to be seen, however.

Almost the whole of Europe was in the hands of the enemies, and two biggest armies the world has ever seen were lined against each other just on the doorsteps of our motherland, ready to unleash the fire on everything and everyone. And almost each of us still had our fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, caught in between - somewhere there, far away, waiting for our blood-sworn promise to return to come true some day.

Military song, popular in our barracks in 1941.​