This is a great AAR.
Looking forward to read the future of the glorious Roman Empire!
Looking forward to read the future of the glorious Roman Empire!-
We have updated our Community Code of Conduct. Please read through the new rules for the forum that are an integral part of Paradox Interactive’s User Agreement.
Tommylotto,
When I last checked in here, you were busy in Yugoslavia. Alot's happened since then! I like the empire you've built.
In order to recreate the Roman Empire, it seems like you'll need to go after France and Britain anyway. Wouldn't now be a good time, since France is already being weakened by Germany? Yes, it presents long-term problems and a protracted war, but otherwise you may be forced to take this territory from Germany instead.
Rensslaer
When I last checked in here, you were busy in Yugoslavia. Alot's happened since then!
I like the empire you've built.In order to recreate the Roman Empire, it seems like you'll need to go after France and Britain anyway. Wouldn't now be a good time, since France is already being weakened by Germany? Yes, it presents long-term problems and a protracted war, but otherwise you may be forced to take this territory from Germany instead.
Rensslaer
Thanks for reading. The Vichy Event needs some serious reworking in Vanilla Semper Fi. That strategy is not really an option, plus you are wedded to Hitler.
Its appears to me that you might be gearing for a naval war. All the CAG's and Carriers plus 8 full Marine divisions are a strong indication. I dont think you can remain idle, the old Roman blood is to thick in your veins.
I always assumed the UK would DOW me. Now, I'm not so sure. If Chamberlain ever works up the stones to do so, I'll make him pay. With Gibraltar surrounded from the landward side, with two carrier task forces, and with a full army of marines, the Med would hopefully be an Italian pond in short order.
Chapter Twenty One: Dealing With The Devil (1/6/40 - 1/9/40)
Chapter Twenty One: Dealing With The Devil (1/6/40 - 1/9/40)
On January 6, 1940, Mussolini received a diplomatic communique from Chancellor Hitler. The text was brief and sounded like a summons: “Meet me on the ninth of this month at the Brenner Pass Railway Station, between Gries am Brenner (Reich) and Colle Isarco (Italia). We have weighty matters to discuss, and personal attendances by both of us are required.” The summons was highly unusual, particularly since the Chancellor had just commenced the invasion of France.
Mussolini was concerned that if he met with Hitler it might look like he was conspiring to join the Axis, and that might appear threatening to the Allies. However, in the final analysis, Mussolini determined that it was the prudent thing to attend. Mussolini was relying on Hilter’s assumption that Italy was a natural ally and would eventually enter the war on the side of the Axis. Ignoring Hitler’s insistent invitation would do more damage than the appearance of a single meeting between the two European leaders.
Mussolini took a plane to a landing strip in Verona. He landed in the middle of the night and traveled by car towards Innsbruck early in the morning. He hoped that the meeting would be low key as possible. However, when he met Hitler at the designated location, Hitler insisted upon a review of the Italian border guards.
Although this was their first meeting since June of 1937, Hitler made no mention of Italy’s recent campaigns and the founding of a vast new Empire. Rather, Hitler merely expressed his admiration for Mussolini’s new Fiat 2800 convertible limousine, and then he requested a ride in it back to his hotel in Innsbruck where they could discuss the matters which were the subject of their meeting.
As they approached the hotel, it was clear that Hitler and his agents had the population turned out with all the pomp and circumstance of a meeting of state. Photographers were plentiful, much to Mussolini’s chagrin.
Finally, they made their way through the crowded streets and entered the hotel. They then retreated to the relative privacy of a general-filled conference room with maps spread out across the tables. The maps were of France, of course, and appeared to show, according to current German intelligence, the status of Italian forces on the French border in both Spain and Northern Italy.
Hitler finally told Mussolini the purpose of the meeting. He expected Italy to invade France. The maps spread out on the tables also showed the progress of the German invasion. The Maginot line had been breached, but the French line had stiffened and progress had already slowed.
Hitler indicated to the map and called for Italian troops to attack southern France from both directions. His intelligence indicated that the German attack had resulted in a reduction of the defenses along Italian borders. He further anticipated that four corps of 16 divisions on each of the two fronts, 32 divisions total, would be sufficient. More, obviously, would be preferable.
Mussolini reminded Chancellor Hitler of the Empire’s neutrality in the current conflict. Hitler waved that off and started bargaining. He offered Italy the French border provinces, including Monaco, after the defeat of France. Mussolini responded that Italy would only be interest in Southern France if the entire coastal region (creating an uninterrupted land bridge to the Spanish provinces) were on the table. Hitler reacted to this comment like a rug salesman in a Turkish bazaar. If Italy wanted that compensation, she would need to contribute 80 divisions, not just 32. Mussolini reminded Hitler an attack on France would mean war with the United Kingdom, and Italy sought to avoid such a war, at least until her carrier fleets were ready. Hitler assured Mussolini that he had nothing to fear from the tottering British Empire. After the fall of France, Hitler planned to bomb London into submission, and if they refused to submit, he was manufacturing troop transports for an invasion of the island kingdom.
Mussolini studied Hitler’s maps, and he feigned interest in Hitler’s plans. He asked numerous questions about troop coordination and plans to link forces. However, Mussolini refused to provide any commitment. Hitler demonstrated no diplomatic tact and bluntly pressed for a commitment. He wanted the attack to commence within 30 days. Mussolini’s response was more diplomatic but just as blunt. Italy had no dispute with Germany and did not object to its territorial ambitions, whether in the east or in France. In fact, Italy would cheer on its fascist brethren in their struggle with the decrepit democracies. However, Italy had just finished over two years of on-and-off war involving eight different campaigns and was still at war with the Portuguese colonies. The Italian people were tired of war, and they were determined to sit this one out. The answer at that time was no.
Hitler lost his temper and began to shout in his course German staccato. The interpreters had trouble keeping up with his diatribe. They caught something about “foolish decision” “involvement inevitable” “will be at war one way or the other” “historic opportunity” “regret” “fascism begat Nazism” “betrayal” and other similar thoughts. Mussolini assured Hitler that if the Allies were foolish enough to attack the New Roman Empire, that she would be more than willing to form a Pact of Steel with Germany, but absent such provocation, Italy would not enter the war. He excused himself and directed his driver to put up the top on his Fiat 2800 for the return trip to the Italian border.
On the drive back to the border, Mussolini mumbled to his driver, “I never liked the look of that man, and he lies. He lied to them about Czechoslovakia, and he was lying to me about southern France.”
If the New Roman Empire wanted that territory, she would have to fight Germany for it.
I don't like the look of him. -- Benito Mussolini
Chapter Twenty One: Dealing With The Devil (1/6/40 - 1/9/40)
On January 6, 1940, Mussolini received a diplomatic communique from Chancellor Hitler. The text was brief and sounded like a summons: “Meet me on the ninth of this month at the Brenner Pass Railway Station, between Gries am Brenner (Reich) and Colle Isarco (Italia). We have weighty matters to discuss, and personal attendances by both of us are required.” The summons was highly unusual, particularly since the Chancellor had just commenced the invasion of France.
Mussolini was concerned that if he met with Hitler it might look like he was conspiring to join the Axis, and that might appear threatening to the Allies. However, in the final analysis, Mussolini determined that it was the prudent thing to attend. Mussolini was relying on Hilter’s assumption that Italy was a natural ally and would eventually enter the war on the side of the Axis. Ignoring Hitler’s insistent invitation would do more damage than the appearance of a single meeting between the two European leaders.
Mussolini took a plane to a landing strip in Verona. He landed in the middle of the night and traveled by car towards Innsbruck early in the morning. He hoped that the meeting would be low key as possible. However, when he met Hitler at the designated location, Hitler insisted upon a review of the Italian border guards.
Although this was their first meeting since June of 1937, Hitler made no mention of Italy’s recent campaigns and the founding of a vast new Empire. Rather, Hitler merely expressed his admiration for Mussolini’s new Fiat 2800 convertible limousine, and then he requested a ride in it back to his hotel in Innsbruck where they could discuss the matters which were the subject of their meeting.
As they approached the hotel, it was clear that Hitler and his agents had the population turned out with all the pomp and circumstance of a meeting of state. Photographers were plentiful, much to Mussolini’s chagrin.
Finally, they made their way through the crowded streets and entered the hotel. They then retreated to the relative privacy of a general-filled conference room with maps spread out across the tables. The maps were of France, of course, and appeared to show, according to current German intelligence, the status of Italian forces on the French border in both Spain and Northern Italy.
Hitler finally told Mussolini the purpose of the meeting. He expected Italy to invade France. The maps spread out on the tables also showed the progress of the German invasion. The Maginot line had been breached, but the French line had stiffened and progress had already slowed.
Hitler indicated to the map and called for Italian troops to attack southern France from both directions. His intelligence indicated that the German attack had resulted in a reduction of the defenses along Italian borders. He further anticipated that four corps of 16 divisions on each of the two fronts, 32 divisions total, would be sufficient. More, obviously, would be preferable.
Mussolini reminded Chancellor Hitler of the Empire’s neutrality in the current conflict. Hitler waved that off and started bargaining. He offered Italy the French border provinces, including Monaco, after the defeat of France. Mussolini responded that Italy would only be interest in Southern France if the entire coastal region (creating an uninterrupted land bridge to the Spanish provinces) were on the table. Hitler reacted to this comment like a rug salesman in a Turkish bazaar. If Italy wanted that compensation, she would need to contribute 80 divisions, not just 32. Mussolini reminded Hitler an attack on France would mean war with the United Kingdom, and Italy sought to avoid such a war, at least until her carrier fleets were ready. Hitler assured Mussolini that he had nothing to fear from the tottering British Empire. After the fall of France, Hitler planned to bomb London into submission, and if they refused to submit, he was manufacturing troop transports for an invasion of the island kingdom.
Mussolini studied Hitler’s maps, and he feigned interest in Hitler’s plans. He asked numerous questions about troop coordination and plans to link forces. However, Mussolini refused to provide any commitment. Hitler demonstrated no diplomatic tact and bluntly pressed for a commitment. He wanted the attack to commence within 30 days. Mussolini’s response was more diplomatic but just as blunt. Italy had no dispute with Germany and did not object to its territorial ambitions, whether in the east or in France. In fact, Italy would cheer on its fascist brethren in their struggle with the decrepit democracies. However, Italy had just finished over two years of on-and-off war involving eight different campaigns and was still at war with the Portuguese colonies. The Italian people were tired of war, and they were determined to sit this one out. The answer at that time was no.
Hitler lost his temper and began to shout in his course German staccato. The interpreters had trouble keeping up with his diatribe. They caught something about “foolish decision” “involvement inevitable” “will be at war one way or the other” “historic opportunity” “regret” “fascism begat Nazism” “betrayal” and other similar thoughts. Mussolini assured Hitler that if the Allies were foolish enough to attack the New Roman Empire, that she would be more than willing to form a Pact of Steel with Germany, but absent such provocation, Italy would not enter the war. He excused himself and directed his driver to put up the top on his Fiat 2800 for the return trip to the Italian border.
On the drive back to the border, Mussolini mumbled to his driver, “I never liked the look of that man, and he lies. He lied to them about Czechoslovakia, and he was lying to me about southern France.”
If the New Roman Empire wanted that territory, she would have to fight Germany for it.
Last edited:
Such an interesting Development. On another note: Will you try and take over all of Rome's old land? Or just that of the current one plus France
Things are really heating up. Doesn't seem like you will be able to stay neutral for long.
Ahh, yes -- the obvious conflict between aspiring hegemons.
Interesting! Looking forward to seeing how this develops.
Rensslaer
Interesting! Looking forward to seeing how this develops.
Rensslaer
Nice development!
So we'll see in how far the surrender of France will affect the balance of power!
So we'll see in how far the surrender of France will affect the balance of power!
Perhaps, three uber powers in continental Europe, each too scared to make a move on the other.
Mussolini is showing great restraint. Surely the power of Germany, USSR and the USA grows daily.
Chapter Twenty Two: Aryan Nations (1/10/40 - 1/15/40)
Chapter Twenty Two: Aryan Nations (1/10/40 - 1/15/40)
Both Hitler and Mussolini were “hot” when they departed Innsbruck, but apparently cooler heads prevailed north of the border. Hitler immediately sent his close confidant Herrman Goering, President of the Reichstag and commander in chief of the Luftwaffe, to personally travel to Rome in the midst of the invasion of France in an effort to smooth the feathers of the two great European powers. Goering apologized to Mussolini for the Furher’s outburst and claimed it was a result of the stress brought on by the challenges presented by the war. Mussolini acknowledged the personal weight that must be borne in times of war. He accepted the apology, reiterated the Empire’s neutrality, and offered Germany his private (as oppose to public) moral support in its war against the French. Goering, seemingly satisfied that the Furher’s outburst had not pushed Mussolini into the arms of the Allies, returned to Germany to resume his duties sending bombers to attack French columns.
The Land Of The Aryans
In the Great Game, at the end of the century and the beginning of the next, Great Britain and Russia vied with each other in efforts to assert influence over central Asia, including Persia. Resentment towards these colonial efforts, created a desire by the native Persians to find a third power to rely on for modernization efforts. Rezā Shāh Pahlavi, who in the 20’s had fought off a Soviet-finance coup, started establishing closer ties with Germany in the 30’s in an effort to protect his country from further foreign intervention. The Persian schools started filling up with German professors, and the Persian army started hiring German advisors. Then on March 21, 1935, the Shāh issued a decree asking foreign delegates to use the term “Iran” instead of Persia in formal correspondence. Iran, meaning “Land of Aryans,” was seen by many as an effort to flatter Hitler and his genetic obsessions.
The two leaders continued to mutually flatter each other, as Hitler was desperate to add to the rolls of the Axis. However, the Shāh was hesitant to join, because due to the geographic separation of the two countries, they could not coordinate their forces and Germany would be powerless to aid Persia in the event of war. However, Hitler personally assured the Shāh that Italy, by then in control of Anatolia on Persia's northwest border, was an unofficial Axis member and would be joining the Axis upon the out break of hostilities. With this realistic assurance of aid, the Shāh was convinced. On March 20, 1939, during the Persian New Year, the Shāh joined the Axis. Hitler immediately congratulated his new ally.
The good feelings, though, were short lived. Just six months later, in September of 1939, Germany declared war on Poland. The United Kingdom, Poland’s ally, declared war on Germany. Then using the outbreak of hostilities with Germany as pretext, the United Kingdom declared war on Germany’s ally, Persia. The British invaded from India in the east, and Iraq in the west.
Fazlollah Zahedi, the military governor of oil-rich Khuzestan province and chief of the national police, took command of the Isfahan Division and fought the Allies on behalf of the Nazis to the bitter end. However, on January 15, 1940, the Isfahan division was surrounded and forced to lay down their arms. Zahedi was arrested by the British, and the Shāh was forced to abdicate his throne.
Chamberlain smiled with guarded satisfaction. The indulgences that he had extended to Mussolini were, for the moment, paying dividends. The Germans were powerful, but isolated.
Race? It is a feeling, not a reality. Ninety-five per cent, at least. Nothing will ever make me believe that biologically pure races can be shown to exist today.… National pride, on the other hand, has no need of the delirium of race. -- Benito Mussolini
Chapter Twenty Two: Aryan Nations (1/10/40 - 1/15/40)
Both Hitler and Mussolini were “hot” when they departed Innsbruck, but apparently cooler heads prevailed north of the border. Hitler immediately sent his close confidant Herrman Goering, President of the Reichstag and commander in chief of the Luftwaffe, to personally travel to Rome in the midst of the invasion of France in an effort to smooth the feathers of the two great European powers. Goering apologized to Mussolini for the Furher’s outburst and claimed it was a result of the stress brought on by the challenges presented by the war. Mussolini acknowledged the personal weight that must be borne in times of war. He accepted the apology, reiterated the Empire’s neutrality, and offered Germany his private (as oppose to public) moral support in its war against the French. Goering, seemingly satisfied that the Furher’s outburst had not pushed Mussolini into the arms of the Allies, returned to Germany to resume his duties sending bombers to attack French columns.
The Land Of The Aryans
In the Great Game, at the end of the century and the beginning of the next, Great Britain and Russia vied with each other in efforts to assert influence over central Asia, including Persia. Resentment towards these colonial efforts, created a desire by the native Persians to find a third power to rely on for modernization efforts. Rezā Shāh Pahlavi, who in the 20’s had fought off a Soviet-finance coup, started establishing closer ties with Germany in the 30’s in an effort to protect his country from further foreign intervention. The Persian schools started filling up with German professors, and the Persian army started hiring German advisors. Then on March 21, 1935, the Shāh issued a decree asking foreign delegates to use the term “Iran” instead of Persia in formal correspondence. Iran, meaning “Land of Aryans,” was seen by many as an effort to flatter Hitler and his genetic obsessions.
The two leaders continued to mutually flatter each other, as Hitler was desperate to add to the rolls of the Axis. However, the Shāh was hesitant to join, because due to the geographic separation of the two countries, they could not coordinate their forces and Germany would be powerless to aid Persia in the event of war. However, Hitler personally assured the Shāh that Italy, by then in control of Anatolia on Persia's northwest border, was an unofficial Axis member and would be joining the Axis upon the out break of hostilities. With this realistic assurance of aid, the Shāh was convinced. On March 20, 1939, during the Persian New Year, the Shāh joined the Axis. Hitler immediately congratulated his new ally.
To the King of Kings of Iran:
I would like to extend my cordial congratulations for the festival of Nowruz (Persian new year). I hereby send my best wishes for the further blooming of Iran.
Adolf Hitler
Chancellor of the German Reich
I would like to extend my cordial congratulations for the festival of Nowruz (Persian new year). I hereby send my best wishes for the further blooming of Iran.
Adolf Hitler
Chancellor of the German Reich
The good feelings, though, were short lived. Just six months later, in September of 1939, Germany declared war on Poland. The United Kingdom, Poland’s ally, declared war on Germany. Then using the outbreak of hostilities with Germany as pretext, the United Kingdom declared war on Germany’s ally, Persia. The British invaded from India in the east, and Iraq in the west.
Fazlollah Zahedi, the military governor of oil-rich Khuzestan province and chief of the national police, took command of the Isfahan Division and fought the Allies on behalf of the Nazis to the bitter end. However, on January 15, 1940, the Isfahan division was surrounded and forced to lay down their arms. Zahedi was arrested by the British, and the Shāh was forced to abdicate his throne.
Chamberlain smiled with guarded satisfaction. The indulgences that he had extended to Mussolini were, for the moment, paying dividends. The Germans were powerful, but isolated.
Last edited:
annexing persia is gona thin british troops on the ground, to prevent an uprising in persia. will italy take advantage of this, i wonder
Chapter Twenty Three: Gaul and Germania (1/15/40- 1/1/41)
Chapter Twenty Three: Gaul and Germania (1/15/40- 1/1/41)
Although the United Kingdom was faring reasonably well in the Middle East, their allies were not faring so well in Europe, even without Hitler’s requested attack on southern France by the Empire.
By April 6, 1940, the Wehrmacht had breached the entire Maginot Line, exposing those fixed fortifications as obsolete. Then the Wehrmacht exploded through central France.
In the maelstrom, Luxembourg was swallowed whole and the old colonial empires of Belgium and Holland had their European holdings reduced to a few cut-off channel ports. Paris was sacked, and the mighty Teutonic hordes were inexorably advancing towards the Empire’s borders. Mussolini was concerned that they would not stop, but would continue to roll all the way to Gibraltar.
However, on April 29, 1940, France betrayed their English allies and offered a separate peace.
Hitler, eager to isolate the the implacable British, demonstrated uncharacteristic mercy and generosity to his prostrate foe.
Northern France and the entire Atlantic seawall were to be occupied by German troops. However, a quasi-independent French state was to be set-up in Southern France in the town of Vichy under the nominal control of Maréchal Pétain.
This French state also included attractive territories in Syria, including Beirut, and vast tracts of land in North Africa, including the fabled Carthage -- all territories to which the Empire had an historical claim.
Mussolini was initially very excited by the prospects of this development. The French were all but defeated as a world wide power, and the United Kingdom, who refused recognize this “Vichy Regime” would certainly not object too strenuously to a war waged on these traitors. Such a war would almost complete the Empire. Most important would be the addition of Gaul to the Empire, as it would provide the Empire with that all important land bridge to Iberia. However, upon review of the finer points of the establishing treaty between Germany and the Vichy Government, it became apparent that Germany was guarantying the independence of its puppet. Declaring war on Vichy would mean war with Germany. This considerably dampened Mussolini’s enthusiasm for this development.
While the German hordes mopped up the low countries and descended upon a hapless Denmark to the north, to the south, Mussolini found himself in the frustrating position of being surrounded by territories that he wished to acquire for the Empire, but all those territories were secured by a major power. Any move by Italy would result in war with either the United Kingdom, Germany or the Soviet Union. Italy was not yet ready for such conflicts, but preparations were being made, preparations that would occupy the remainder of 1940.
An intricate defense network was established in Iberia. Every port was covered with a maniple mini-division of one infantry brigade and one artillery brigade. This was thought to be sufficient to stop all but the most concerted efforts by the British if they were to attempt an amphibious assault. Pintor’s full infantry corps, headquartered in Seville, was stationed around Gibraltar and Cadiz with instructions to take the rock if and when hostilities were ever to break out between the Empire and the United Kingdom. Mancinelli was headquartered in Zaragoza with his Alpini defending the Pyrenees. Aymoninno’s Corpo d’Armata Eritreo, a full infantry corps, was headquartered as reserve with Balbo’s Iberian Command Army Group in Madrid with his four divisions stationed in the surrounding countryside to discourage Spanish freedom fighters. Finally, the Marine army was stationed in Lisbon but was prone to be relocated around the Empire when ever and where ever Italy wanted to project a little force.
As the soldiers returned from the conquest of Iberia, the defense of Northern Italy was reestablished. The virtually empty provinces on the French border were re-occupied, not to the level they had been when France was a major power, but still five full infantry divisions stood guard over the border with the Vichy Regime. Messe’s armi combinate corps was strategically placed in Trieste where it could defend the homeland if necessary or react to threats to the Balkan provinces. Scattini’s pure Alpini were stationed in their element in the Alps in Vittorio Vento adjacent to Innsbruck, and Roatta’s mixed mountaineer corps was stationed in Venezia. Then around these concentrated experienced forces a vast army slowly started to develop like a coral reef. Small maniple divisions (consisting of one infantry and one artillery brigade) began appearing on each of the border provinces with Germany starting with the Swiss border and continuing east. These small divisions were formed into new corps of 4 mini divisions each, and with them came a new crop of inexperienced leaders, with unfortunately questionable skills. Gens. Grazioli, Bennati, and Gonzaga del Vodice were assigned the French border, while Gens. Parini and Umberto Principe de Piemonte were given commands of new corps along the former Austrian border.
Similarly, the Balkan borders, where once were stripped bare, started to bristle. Mannerini’s Infantry corps was stationed and headquartered in Zagreb. A brand new armi combinate corps, the Corpo d’Armata Ariete under Gen Carboni, was stationed in Budapest opposite the Slovakian border. This Ariete corps consisted of four divisions, each composed of two motorized infantry brigades supported by two tank destroyer brigades. Fautilli’s mixed mountaineers were stationed and headquartered in Chisinau, away from the Soviet border. Mussolini did not want to antagonize the bear. Then like the Italo-Austrian border, the Balkan frontier was gradually covered by maniple mini divisions organized into four division corps. In the Hungarian provices, these corps were led by Gens. Filiberto Duca di Pistoia in Szombathely, Pignetti in Szekesfehervar and di Benedetto in Miskolc. In the Romanian provinces, the corps were led by Gens. Clerici in Satu Mare, Cei in Putyla, Nasi in Targu Neamt and Guillet in Galati. The Romania defensive frontier with the Soviet Union was drawn up behind the Prut and Danube Rivers, conceding Moldova
In awarding general assignments, Mussolini insisted that all of the leaders of the divisions of Carboni’s Ariete corps in Budapest be firm believers in the armi combinate warfare doctrine and adherents of Messe’s teachings. They included Gens. Arena, Barbieri, Bergonzoli and Calvi di Bergolo. They were inexperienced and of little skill but had demonstrated potential as armi combinate leaders. Also, due to a shortage of qualified generals, Mussolini was forced to even give assignments to some of the old guard generals that he had worked so hard to root out from their prior influential positions in the Regio Esercito. These old generals may be stuck in their old ways and incapable of grasping some of the concepts of modern warfare, but they were nonetheless capable patriotic leaders and accepted their assignments like any good soldier accepts his orders.
In Anatolia, a large section of the Eastern frontier was conceded. The defensive frontier started in Erzurum, where Gen. Galbiati’s Infantry corps was headquartered and stationed. His picket line like defense was eventually supported by maniple mini-division corps under Gens. Gambelli in Gumushane and Prizio Biroli in Elazig.
In addition to these frontier forces, maniples were scattered across the Empire on islands, at ports, and in the areas prone to partisans or rebels. In the Mediterranean, the Regia Marina launched the RM Aquila on February 19, 1940 and the RM Spaviero on October 10, 1940. These two ships were both fleet carriers with two wings each of carrier air groups. These carriers were grouped with four modern light cruisers to form Italy’s first carrier task force. With this, plus a full army of marines consisting of no less than eight divisions, the Empire had the ability to quickly project massive force anywhere within its ships’ range.
Thirty centuries of history allow us to look with supreme pity on certain doctrines which are preached beyond the Alps by the descendants of those who were illiterate when Rome had Caesar, Virgil and Augustus. -- Bentio Mussolini
Chapter Twenty Three: Gaul and Germania (1/15/40- 1/1/41)
Although the United Kingdom was faring reasonably well in the Middle East, their allies were not faring so well in Europe, even without Hitler’s requested attack on southern France by the Empire.
By April 6, 1940, the Wehrmacht had breached the entire Maginot Line, exposing those fixed fortifications as obsolete. Then the Wehrmacht exploded through central France.
In the maelstrom, Luxembourg was swallowed whole and the old colonial empires of Belgium and Holland had their European holdings reduced to a few cut-off channel ports. Paris was sacked, and the mighty Teutonic hordes were inexorably advancing towards the Empire’s borders. Mussolini was concerned that they would not stop, but would continue to roll all the way to Gibraltar.
However, on April 29, 1940, France betrayed their English allies and offered a separate peace.
Hitler, eager to isolate the the implacable British, demonstrated uncharacteristic mercy and generosity to his prostrate foe.
Northern France and the entire Atlantic seawall were to be occupied by German troops. However, a quasi-independent French state was to be set-up in Southern France in the town of Vichy under the nominal control of Maréchal Pétain.
This French state also included attractive territories in Syria, including Beirut, and vast tracts of land in North Africa, including the fabled Carthage -- all territories to which the Empire had an historical claim.
Mussolini was initially very excited by the prospects of this development. The French were all but defeated as a world wide power, and the United Kingdom, who refused recognize this “Vichy Regime” would certainly not object too strenuously to a war waged on these traitors. Such a war would almost complete the Empire. Most important would be the addition of Gaul to the Empire, as it would provide the Empire with that all important land bridge to Iberia. However, upon review of the finer points of the establishing treaty between Germany and the Vichy Government, it became apparent that Germany was guarantying the independence of its puppet. Declaring war on Vichy would mean war with Germany. This considerably dampened Mussolini’s enthusiasm for this development.
While the German hordes mopped up the low countries and descended upon a hapless Denmark to the north, to the south, Mussolini found himself in the frustrating position of being surrounded by territories that he wished to acquire for the Empire, but all those territories were secured by a major power. Any move by Italy would result in war with either the United Kingdom, Germany or the Soviet Union. Italy was not yet ready for such conflicts, but preparations were being made, preparations that would occupy the remainder of 1940.
An intricate defense network was established in Iberia. Every port was covered with a maniple mini-division of one infantry brigade and one artillery brigade. This was thought to be sufficient to stop all but the most concerted efforts by the British if they were to attempt an amphibious assault. Pintor’s full infantry corps, headquartered in Seville, was stationed around Gibraltar and Cadiz with instructions to take the rock if and when hostilities were ever to break out between the Empire and the United Kingdom. Mancinelli was headquartered in Zaragoza with his Alpini defending the Pyrenees. Aymoninno’s Corpo d’Armata Eritreo, a full infantry corps, was headquartered as reserve with Balbo’s Iberian Command Army Group in Madrid with his four divisions stationed in the surrounding countryside to discourage Spanish freedom fighters. Finally, the Marine army was stationed in Lisbon but was prone to be relocated around the Empire when ever and where ever Italy wanted to project a little force.
As the soldiers returned from the conquest of Iberia, the defense of Northern Italy was reestablished. The virtually empty provinces on the French border were re-occupied, not to the level they had been when France was a major power, but still five full infantry divisions stood guard over the border with the Vichy Regime. Messe’s armi combinate corps was strategically placed in Trieste where it could defend the homeland if necessary or react to threats to the Balkan provinces. Scattini’s pure Alpini were stationed in their element in the Alps in Vittorio Vento adjacent to Innsbruck, and Roatta’s mixed mountaineer corps was stationed in Venezia. Then around these concentrated experienced forces a vast army slowly started to develop like a coral reef. Small maniple divisions (consisting of one infantry and one artillery brigade) began appearing on each of the border provinces with Germany starting with the Swiss border and continuing east. These small divisions were formed into new corps of 4 mini divisions each, and with them came a new crop of inexperienced leaders, with unfortunately questionable skills. Gens. Grazioli, Bennati, and Gonzaga del Vodice were assigned the French border, while Gens. Parini and Umberto Principe de Piemonte were given commands of new corps along the former Austrian border.
Similarly, the Balkan borders, where once were stripped bare, started to bristle. Mannerini’s Infantry corps was stationed and headquartered in Zagreb. A brand new armi combinate corps, the Corpo d’Armata Ariete under Gen Carboni, was stationed in Budapest opposite the Slovakian border. This Ariete corps consisted of four divisions, each composed of two motorized infantry brigades supported by two tank destroyer brigades. Fautilli’s mixed mountaineers were stationed and headquartered in Chisinau, away from the Soviet border. Mussolini did not want to antagonize the bear. Then like the Italo-Austrian border, the Balkan frontier was gradually covered by maniple mini divisions organized into four division corps. In the Hungarian provices, these corps were led by Gens. Filiberto Duca di Pistoia in Szombathely, Pignetti in Szekesfehervar and di Benedetto in Miskolc. In the Romanian provinces, the corps were led by Gens. Clerici in Satu Mare, Cei in Putyla, Nasi in Targu Neamt and Guillet in Galati. The Romania defensive frontier with the Soviet Union was drawn up behind the Prut and Danube Rivers, conceding Moldova
In awarding general assignments, Mussolini insisted that all of the leaders of the divisions of Carboni’s Ariete corps in Budapest be firm believers in the armi combinate warfare doctrine and adherents of Messe’s teachings. They included Gens. Arena, Barbieri, Bergonzoli and Calvi di Bergolo. They were inexperienced and of little skill but had demonstrated potential as armi combinate leaders. Also, due to a shortage of qualified generals, Mussolini was forced to even give assignments to some of the old guard generals that he had worked so hard to root out from their prior influential positions in the Regio Esercito. These old generals may be stuck in their old ways and incapable of grasping some of the concepts of modern warfare, but they were nonetheless capable patriotic leaders and accepted their assignments like any good soldier accepts his orders.
In Anatolia, a large section of the Eastern frontier was conceded. The defensive frontier started in Erzurum, where Gen. Galbiati’s Infantry corps was headquartered and stationed. His picket line like defense was eventually supported by maniple mini-division corps under Gens. Gambelli in Gumushane and Prizio Biroli in Elazig.
In addition to these frontier forces, maniples were scattered across the Empire on islands, at ports, and in the areas prone to partisans or rebels. In the Mediterranean, the Regia Marina launched the RM Aquila on February 19, 1940 and the RM Spaviero on October 10, 1940. These two ships were both fleet carriers with two wings each of carrier air groups. These carriers were grouped with four modern light cruisers to form Italy’s first carrier task force. With this, plus a full army of marines consisting of no less than eight divisions, the Empire had the ability to quickly project massive force anywhere within its ships’ range.
Last edited:
tactical brilliance using the natural boundaries at your disposal for future defensive lines
surely the Empire will be undefeatable in the case of a defensive war
surely the Empire will be undefeatable in the case of a defensive war
Tough situation, having all your potential conquests guarateed by a major alliance...