Rank and File: A clerk's war Germany 1936 (Semper Fi)

[Uriah]

Rank and File
A clerk’s war​

January 8th to January 10th 1936

This diary entry has been written over the few days of my train trip to Wilhelmshaven. I had expected that it would be a quiet and restful interlude, but Germany is rapidly changing and events overtook me.

I left early on the 8th, and dropped in to the Reichskanzlei to give a few last minute orders to my staff. As I walked through the city, I could sense the discontent. The sharp reduction in consumer goods had upset a lot of the workers. Despite the sullen atmosphere on the street, when I arrived at work the whole office was buzzing, even though it was before 8am. After hearing the news, I could understand why.

Majorgeneral Haase had been ordered to take his two regiments and march into the Rhineland demilitarised zone! The 25. Infanterie Division was to cross the bridge to enter Donaueschingen and occupy the town. The Kanzlei was split: one half overjoyed that the Rhineland will be a proper part of the Reich, the other half alarmed at what the French may do in response.

The picturesque town of Donaueschingen: could this peaceful spot be the starting place of a new war with France?​

Well, the die is cast. It could mean war by nightfall, and I knew that the Wehrmacht was in no condition to fight. As there was nothing I could do about it I headed to the Bahnhof to catch my train.

Security for inter-city travel has been increased – luckily all my papers were in order so obtaining a return 2. Klasse ticket to Wilhelmshaven was not a problem, though I saw a few other people getting refused. Goebbels (as Minister for Security) and Frick (as Minister for the Interior) are determined that not a single spy will survive inside Germany.

The train stopped at virtually every town so I did not arrive in Wilhelmshaven until late: I found a cheap boarding house (no hotels on my salary) and enquired about viewing the fleet the next day. My landlady looked at me a bit suspiciously at first but when I showed her my Reichskanzlei security pass she was more helpful.

The morning of the 9th was cold but clear. The light snow had stopped and while rain was threatening, it looked as though it would hold off. I headed for the docks on foot, looking forward to the sight of Germany’s pride, the Kriegsmarine. I was not disappointed.

Once again my security pass came in useful: I spoke to a pleasant young Korvettenkapitan who was very helpful after he had seen I was not a potential spy. He got me entry close to the naval yards where I could see the whole fleet as it prepared to head to sea for exercises. Even better, he had a camera and provided me with a few photographs to keep as souvenirs of my visit. (I knew better than to try to get access to a naval base with a camera!)

The "Admiral Scheer" leads the "Deutschland" out to the naval exercises​

And what a sight it was! The mighty Panzerschiffe “Deutschland”, “Admiral Scheer” and the newly commissioned “Admiral Graf Spee” were obviously the stand-outs.

A file copy I found at the office showing the launch of the "Admiral Graf Spee"​

The Lechte Kreuzer “Nurnberg”, “Leipzig”, “Konigsberg”, “Karlsruhe”, “Koln” and “Emden” were equally as impressive. Even the two squadrons of Z1 Zerstorer looked sleek and dangerous as they powered up and slipped from their moorings.

The "Nurnberg" builds up speed as she heads for open sea, her crew parading on the deck​

It made my heart swell to see our nation’s pride heading out into the Nordsee. The young kapitan explained that this was in fact only the main part of the fleet. Far away in the Ostsee was another powerful (if older) fleet, based in Konigsberg. The Baltic fleet had two battlecrusiers (the “Schleswig-Holstein” and the “Schlesien” ) and three more flotilla of Zerstorer. I realised that while we might not yet be able to challenge the Royal Navy or the “La Royale”, we possess a mighty naval force in our own right. I was tempted to tell my new acquaintance about the plans currently being put into place and to tell him of the even more powerful warships that were to be built over the next few years, but discretion is a clerk’s best friend and I held my tongue.

After a very enjoyable (if bracing) day, I headed back into town to grab some sleep and catch the morning train to Berlin. Before getting on the train I picked up a copy of the local paper and read the headlines to find out the French reaction to the re-occupation of the Rhineland. It could be summed up in one word: Nothing. Despite having at least ten times the strength of General Haase’s two understrength regiments, the French Army of the Maginot facing Donaueschingen simply sat tight!

All the way back home I could sense the jubilation of my fellow citizens. All the unhappiness and discontent of the past week has been wiped without a trace. As a nation we have regained our pride!

It was only as we pulled into Berlin that I read more of the paper. There were a few articles explaining that the temporary restriction on the production of consumer goods had been lifted. According to the authors this had been an emergency measure to kick start an economic expansion. One overseas report indicated that the United Kingdom government was making diplomatic moves to encourage South Africa to sign a military alliance. France was making similar moves to Greece and, strangely, Japan. New Zealand had apparently approached the United Kingdom and was looking for closer ties.

But the most interesting article was buried in the middle of the paper.

New conscription laws had been passed by the Cabinet, effective immediately. Instead of the two year draft introduced only a week ago, we are to have a three year draft. The reporter mentioned that this would lead to an effective 25% increase in military manpower, with a similar increase in officer recruitment. Reserve units would be brought up to 75% efficiency and conscript rotation reduced by a third. I thought back to the discussion papers I had seen from the New Year’s Day conference: obviously the Fuhrer felt the occupation of the Rhineland had been such a success that the population was less neutral and would not object to such a warlike move. And from the lack of response from my fellow travellers, it would seem he was right.

 

[Uriah]

Rank and File
A clerk’s war​

January 11th to January 31st 1936

After the hectic excitement of the first week, and the exhilaration of my trip to see the Kriegsmarine (let alone the surprise of the re-occupation of the Rhineland), the rest of January was quite routine.

On my first day back I was interested to find on my desk a confidential report on Operation “Winter Exercise” (as the Rhineland remilitarisation had been code-named). According to the unnamed author, the results of sending a few thousand men across a river had been astounding. As I had noticed myself, the population of the Reich had suddenly thrown off any pretence of pacifism, and were now firmly in favour of aggressive action in foreign affairs. What had not been anticipated was a huge influx of capital (500 million RM?), and a surge in recruitment for the army (manpower growth charts showed a huge increase in volunteers). The nation was more unified and all dissent had been erased.

Obviously our relations with other countries had been damaged to some extent, but the damage seemed restricted to France, the United Kingdom, Belgium and Holland. The USA ignored the whole incident, as did the USSR. Intelligence from France and the United Kingdom indicated that their populations were also becoming more belligerent. Overall, a fair result.

Most of the documents that came across my desk related to trade. Minister von Neurath’s diplomats were busy and millions of Reichsmarks of orders were placed and received. As far as I can see, the flow of raw materials for the booming factories is under control, but several high level economists in the Department of Trade (which is now basically a subsidiary of the Armaments Ministry) are warning that we are running down stocks of metal, rare materials and that oil is a continuous problem. What seems to be an underlying issue is that Minister Schacht is not only trying to massively increase production, but simultaneously lay down reserves of fuel and supplies. While we can convert some coal to oil and then refine this to fuel, the amount is miniscule. To be self sufficient in all materials for a sustained period of warfare, we must increase our stockpiles enormously during peacetime. So we need to be not only avid traders, but extremely canny at the same time.

As can be seen from the summary sheet prepared jointly by the Department of Trade and the Armaments Ministry, we not only have a problem in producing equipment for new units and upgrades, but we are running down our stockpiles of metal, rare materials and fuel. (Fuel is running down as the conversion process from oil is on hold until our stocks are built up.) The bright spot is cash reserves, boosted by the cash flow following Operation Winter Exercise​

At the end of the month I received a copy of a combined ministry report for the Cabinet. Every Minister is to report on progress towards the aims of the New Year’s Day Conference.

The Foreign Minister was quietly pleased with the performance of his staff, but requested that the Office of Skilled Personnel allocate some talented young men as the work load was increasing. (The OSP advised this had been carried out on 13th January). He saw trade as dominating his area for months to come. Since the beginning of the month, the French have stopped trying to influence Greece but the British have started negotiations with them. He didn’t seem worried by the prospect. Several Japanese delegations have arrived and are discussing military agreements with us.

The Office of Skilled Personnel allocation chart for late January 1936, showing a small number of diplomats being trained to help our trade missions​

Hjalmar Schacht reported armament production proceeding as planned, although some sabotage had been detected. Research was also being hindered by foreign agents, but was progressing fairly swiftly. He estimated delay caused to research teams by such activity to be approximately 6%.

My Minister, Wilhelm Frick, responded for both himself (as Head of Intelligence and Minister for the Interior) and for Minister Goebbels, the Security Minister. Together they have built up 10 networks of domestic spies, all of whom are dedicated to counter-intelligence. During January, 21 spy networks were crushed. According to the latest information, spies from the United Kingdom and Austria were disrupting research, while agents from France were involved in industrial sabotage.

With the domestic network now fully staffed, freshly trained spies are now being sent to the United Kingdom, France, Austria and the Soviet Union. Their mission is currently counter-espionage, to reduce their chances of being eliminated.

There were no reports from the Wehrmacht, as there has been no time for a major change. There was a brief note that the entire military structure was being reviewed.

My first month in the job has gone fairly fast, as so much happened. The Reichskanzlei is definitely the place to be to find out what is really happening. What will next month bring?

 

[Uriah]

Rank and File
A clerk’s war​

February 1st to February 28th 1936

Another month has passed since the New Year’s Conference set Germany on the path to expansion. It seems clear that this will be a slow, gradual process. Nearly everything coming through my office is routine or to do with the ever increasing global search for trade opportunities.

Everything, that is, bar the eruption of war in Europe!

Well, a civil war in Spain. But that was late in the month. Up until the 21st February all I saw was a procession of import contracts for rubber, chrome, manganese, cotton and, of course, oil. It seems very fortunate that last month we received that cash boost, because the market for our coal seems to have vanished.

Back to the interesting news. As you may already know, early in the month the Frente Poplar won an election in Spain. There was considerable discontent, particularly in the Army, and on February 21st a coup d’etat was staged by General Francisco Franco. In much of the country the Government disarmed the army units and issued the weapons to unionists and left-wing parties. After a few days the country was split into regions held by one side or the other.

Spain a few days after the start of the Civil War. The Nationalist capital is Burgos in the north, while the Republicans hold Madrid. As can be seen, there is no "front", just a disorganised mess of provinces held by one side or the other​

Immediately the news of the uprising arrived in Berlin there was an emergency Cabinet meeting down the corridor from my office. It was over quickly, there apparently being little discussion. A press release was issued straight after: Germany supported the Spanish people in their attempt to overthrow the Communists and Socialists who, with the support of Moscow, had stolen the election.

What the press release did not mention was that several decisions were taken at that meeting. These decisions were included in the minutes (which of course I had to file appropriately). In essence, we were going to secretly support General Franco with arms, money and even with “volunteers”. In the Fuhrer’s view, the longer this war continued the better, to distract the French from our preparations and to give us time to forge alliances.

Benito Mussolini was not far behind us. The Foreign Office believes he sees Spain as part of his “Mediterranean Empire” and that Italy should be responsible for its affairs. He is openly sending troops and munitions and declaring that Spain will never answer to Moscow.

This of course prompted the Soviet Union to also pledge support, this time for the Government forces. Cargo ships are apparently heading to Spain from the Black Sea. How Mussolini will respond is not known, but the general feeling is that he will not provoke a full scale war with the Soviets.

Britain and France are sitting on their hands. They are mouthing platitudes and offering moral support. This caused a lot of mirth in the Cabinet meeting.

Despite the assistance from ourselves and Italy, the early news from Spain is not promising. The newspapers are all reporting victory after victory against the Communists, but the official news is that the Nationalists forces are outnumbered and struggling to hold the areas they currently occupy. I will try to keep an eye out for military reports on the fighting. I saw a reference to a “Condor Legion” and there are veiled comments leading me to believe that some of our regular army units are heading to Spain.

As I mentioned last month, each Ministry is supposed to report on progress at the end of the month. With all the excitement some did not get reports in. The Trade Ministry simply mentioned that thanks to the cash surplus it had managed to increase imports substantially, but this was a short term solution. We need to find markets for our coal or start selling military supplies.

Resource and production figures for February: an improvement from January but is it just temporary?​

The Foreign Ministry advised that Count Ciano, the Italian Foreign Minister, had been cautiously hinting at a military alliance.

The Security/Intelligence report was the most comprehensive (probably a testament to the fear generated by Minister Frick). We now have 138 spy networks abroad, as well as ten domestically. 20 spy cells were eliminated in February. Minister Schacht claims lost research time due to disruption is down to 4%, and Minister Goebbels believes a French group is responsible. Agents from Oman and Bhutan have somehow infiltrated our production facilities and are causing delays.

Winter is gradually leaving us, and the snow is getting less. Hopefully next month will see an early spring. If the weather improves, I may find a reason to go and visit my brothers: a drive in the Brandenburg countryside might be a nice change from the office.

 

[Uriah]

Rank and File
A clerk’s war​

March 1st to March 31st 1936

My friendly Korvettenkapitan, (whom I met on my trip to Wilhelmshaven) sent me a letter at the beginning of this month. He has been given command of a Zerstorer, part of a new flotilla assigned to the Kriegsmarine. He is overjoyed with his brand new ship, a Z1 class.

I noted that this is not the only new unit the Navy has received. A third flotilla of Unterseeboots (Type IIB) has joined my brother-in-law’s Flotte in Kiel. While this looks good (and press releases are boasting about the increased naval power we now possess), from the dates on the tender documents etc is quite clear these vessels were ordered long before any decision to expand the Wehrmacht.

Less publicity has been given to the demobilisation of a flotilla of Type IIA submarines, based at Wilhelmshaven. The boats are to be sold as scrap and the crews assigned to other vessels. While no doubt depressing to all involved, with the research planned into new submarine models, the Type IIA was an embarrassment. Christoph tells me they are nicknamed “Einbaum” – dug-out canoes.

A final trip for U-1, the first of the "dug-outs". Although the Type IIA U-boat will never fire a shot in anger, the crews were not unhappy to be re-assigned. Taking to sea in one of thes antiques was a dangerous decision to make.​

The war in Spain continues. While I have seen nothing concrete, I am convinced we have regular troops involved, but everything is top secret and I am not keen to push too hard. The military reports are confusing, but I get the impression that General Franco has seized a few provinces more than he has lost. It does seem though, as if Morocco has been lost to the Republicans.

Spain at the end of March 1936. Franco's forces seem to be taking ground, but at what cost? The lack of decent information makes it difficult to see if the Nationalists are winning overall.​

Midway through the month I saw a Security Order for our overseas agents. All spy cells in Austria have been ordered to work to increase support for the NSDAP. The intention is to increase the pressure we can put on the Austrian Government. All spies in the United Kingdom and France are to spread rumours and carry subversion to make it appear that the respective governments have plans to attack their neighbours. While this may seem ludicrous, the results show that some countries have cooled their enthusiasm for the Allies, feeling that they represent a threat to them.

Our spies in the Soviet Union are to keep up their counter-intelligence operations. The Communists have an extremely efficient spy service. The GUGB (“Main Directorate of State Security”) has managed to kill or otherwise eliminate many of our spies and Minister Goebbels wants more time to reduce the danger.

On the trade front, we have managed to pick up more deals for oil, some from Persia and some from the USA. What is a concern is the number of deals rejected by the USA. We not only want their oil, but we need to maintain close relations with them to stop them moving to join the Allies.

The economy is still struggling with the expanded demand for equipment and supplies, though oil and fuel seem to be under control at the moment.​

The monthly intelligence report boasts that we have no spies disrupting research. We caught 28 spy groups this month, and the only activity remaining is a small French cell affecting production. We now have 144 cells abroad and 2 cells ready to be deployed. As a result, we have decided to send spies to a range of countries we believe it may be useful to monitor.

As I mentioned last month, I have been looking for a reason to visit my brothers at their bases outside Berlin. When I became aware of a routine Records Division review of local army and air bases , I quickly pulled rank and said I would do a couple of reviews myself. The first of course, being to Wunsdorf where my brother’s Panzer Regiment is based.

A car called for me early and we drove through the gently rolling fields to the small town of Wunsdorf, site of Panzertruppenschule II and home base for Panzer Regiment 5 “Wunsdorf”, Heinz’s unit. I quickly got the formality of work out of the way and then spend a relaxing afternoon with Heinz.

Heinz was his usual excitable self. He couldn’t wait to show me his new tank. No longer does he drive a PzKpfw 1: he is the proud owner of a PzKpfw IIf, the latest model. Over 90% of the 3rd Panzer Division has now been issued with the new equipment and he is not sorry to see his old vehicle go. Trying to stop him extolling the virtues of his Panzer was virtually impossible. He only stopped when I asked about his commanding officer, General von Viettinghoff-Scheel. His voice went quiet as he told me that there were rumours of a major shake-up: apparently the barrack gossip is that within weeks all senior positions are to be made vacant and a complete command restructure is to take place. He said that he had heard his unit was to be deployed to the east, close to the Polish border, so maybe it was fortuitous I visited him this month.

A photograph of Heinz's new tank (a PzKpfw IIF) - I think he carries a copy in his wallet​

It was already dark when my driver delivered me back to the Reichskanzlei, after a most enjoyable day. I think I can arrange another field trip soon – perhaps to visit JG 26 “Schlageter” and see my other brother Ernst. I had better hurry though, as the rumours of a major reorganisation in the Wehrmacht are getting stronger, and who knows where his unit may be sent?

 

[Uriah]

Rank and File
A clerk’s war​

April 1st to April 30th 1936

My decision to visit Ernst before the rumoured Wehrmacht re-organisation was actually made easier when I received an invitation to attend the opening of Luftkriegschule Berlin-Gatow on 1st April 1936. I wasn’t the only one to be invited: I think the Luftwaffe propagandists wanted a big crowd for the opening of the first pilot training school since the New Year’s Day Conference. However, as Ernst was based at Gatow, it did seem fortuitous.

A motorbus picked up a group of us from the Kanzlei and we headed southwest towards the Havelsee. Farmers were busy in the fields, putting the spring crops, and the large forested areas were already green, completely recovered from winter.

The ceremony was mercifully short, though Minister Goering did take the opportunity to wear one of his more ostentatious uniforms, loaded with medals. I know he was a famous Great War fighter pilot, but sometimes I think he overdoes this. Anyway, after the formalities, I was able to slip away and talk to Ernst.

Ernst's new love, Dora. (A factory fresh Bf 109D)​

Like Heinz, he was exuberant because he has found a new love. His is called “Dora”: a sparkling new Messerschmitt Bf 109D fighter. KG 26 “Schlageter” is about 85% re-equipped, with the old He-51 biplanes being either sold to other nations or stripped of anything useful and destroyed. As we walked around I did see a few adapted He-51s on the Havelsee, these will apparently be kept until we develop better seaplanes.

The He-51, no longer a front line fighter, but able to carry out specialised roles. Gatow has been chosen as a site for a Luftwaffe training school as it allows seaplane training as well as standard land based facilities.​

Ernst has also heard of the looming military changes. While the leadership of the Luftwaffe air units is supposed to be secure, he has heard that many air formations will be placed under control of Army units. He shrugged as he said this – the general consensus of our military thinkers is that the primary purpose of the Luftwaffe is to help the Heer so it would make sense to have it integrated into the structure.

The afternoon passed quickly as we strolled around the extensive base, talking constantly (except when a fighter Staffel roared close overhead). Then it was time to say our goodbyes. As our bus headed back to the city in the twilight I wondered where Ernst and his “Dora” would end up, and whether he will fly her into combat in the next few years.

Back at work the next day, it was the now normal pile of trade agreements on my desk. I have never seen so much paper about oil deals! I have got to the stage of simply looking at the cover sheets, initialling them and moving to more interesting documents.

The new allocation of leaders-to-be, showing the 5 new resarch projects that the reshuffle has allowed​

There has been a major re-allocation of personnel by the Office of Skilled Personnel. We have sufficient espionage assets now, and the demand for researchers is unlimited. As a result, enough scientists have been recruited to start 5 new projects. Intelligence agent recruitment will be cut to about 10 per month, about 20 diplomats will be trained each month, and the Wehrmacht will receive about 5 officers a day.

Nearly all of the research is to do with a new destroyer model: new main armament, anti-aircraft, engines and armour. The background material suggests that because of the long construction time we need to develop designs now, to allow construction to be completed by 1940. (Admiral Raeder has argued for a long time that we need lots of destroyer flotillas to screen our expensive battle-fleet).

The only other project is for a basic fuel tank for our bombers. The current design is apparently woeful and a few simple changes will allow our planes to range far into the enemy rear areas, at a slight cost in fuel consumption and a slightly heightened risk of taking damage from enemy fire.

The command structure of the Wehrmacht on 1st April 1936​

The long awaited re-organisation of the Wehrmacht was announced on 9th April. It was far reaching, and as anticipated the first step was a complete change in leadership. Every command position was declared vacant, and then officers were appointed based on inherent skills rather than seniority. The Chief of the Army, Werner von Blomberg, was ruthless. All the “Old School” Generals were moved out of active commands. The highest level commands were given to officers with proven logistical experience, to keep the cost of running a peacetime Wehrmacht to a minimum (Minister Schacht, the Armaments Minister, will be pleased – he is continually complaining about supply demands by military formations).

Locations of military units in Germany on 1st April 1936​

All other leadership positions were determined on the likely task of the relevant unit. Military formations in the West, facing the French, will be led by Generals with a flair for defence, while those in the East, on the Polish and Czech borders, will have leaders who are more aggressive.

The command structure of the Wehrmacht on 10th April 1936​

All decisions regarding basing and unit movement will be given to the new Army commanders: no longer will the Fuhrer make every decision himself. I suspect that while this will be accepted while we are at peace, that once we are at war OKH will be watching progress closely and may step in if progress is slow (I will not mention the possibility of defeat – that would be unwise).

Locations of military units on 30 April 1936, after movement and relocation orders issued by the Army Groups rather than OKH (and the Fuhrer himself).​

During all the confusion, I nearly missed an important notice. Buried in an army movement memo was the news that the first units raised since the New Year’s Conference have been assigned. Two anti-aircraft brigades have been sent to provide protection for the Armies of the West: the Westwall and Benelux Armies (there is a fear that the Allies may attempt to bomb our command units to destruction). Two anti-tank units (equipped with the PaK 40 gun) have been sent to join the 25th and 10th Divisions. Most importantly, a whole new infantry division (the 44th) has been formed and has been assigned to IX Armeekorps, part of the Westwall Army.

With production available, another infantry division (3 infantry brigades and a support anti-tank unit) has been authorised.

Politically, the Foreign Office reports that New Zealand has sent more diplomats to London and has started to alter its policies to align more closely with the United Kingdom. While this is of mild concern, any worries we might have about our influence in the Pacific are offset by news that Japan is growing closer to us.

Benito Mussolini has been crowing about his victory in Ethiopia. On 20th April Haile Selassie fled the country (our information is that the British sent a cruiser, HMS Enterprise, to pick him up) and has set up a Government in Exile in Jerusalem. A puppet government has been set up by the Italians, with Victor Emanuel III proclaimed Emperor of Ethiopia.

Spain at the end of the month. The war moves backwards and forwards, with no clear winner​

In Spain, the war grinds on. The little news we get tells of extremely violent clashes and towns and villages changing hands constantly. Neither side appears likely to achieve a quick victory.

As usual, the month ended with a report from Ministers Goebbels and Frick. Disruption of research teams has risen again (estimated 2%), but our overseas spies are at an all-time high of 151. 21 successful raids were carried within Germany. Our intelligence forces believe that a French cell is affecting research, while a Polish group is operating in some munitions factories.

A lot happened this month. We are speeding up as we move towards the apparent deadline of 1939-40. I expect next month to see even more developments.

 

[Prussian Prince]

Good update! I like this style of writing.

 

[Uriah]

Good update! I like this style of writing.

Thank you, Prussian Prince. Even though I enjoy writing these, it is encouraging to get feedback.

I have found as I write that it helps me appreciate the hundreds of decisions that have to be made in this game.

Hoping to get another one or two done this weekend, but they do take a bit of time to get right.

 

[Uriah]

Rank and File
A Clerk’s War​

1st May to 31st May 1936

Looking back at the events of the last month, what I remember most is the stream of patents and technical papers that passed through my office. The emphasis that has been placed on education and scientific research is starting to pay dividends.

The first I remember was a patent for the world’s first homing acoustic torpedo, nicknamed the “Falke”. Instead of simply heading for its target in a straight line, after about 400 metres the Falke switched to acoustic mode and searched for a target. Slow (roughly 40km/hr) and reliant on a capricious lead-acid battery for power for its electric motor, the Falke was still a real breakthrough for our U-boats. The new torpedo allows our boats to fire while submerged, with no need to go to periscope depth.

Another bundle of documents contained the results of dozens of trial landings of aircraft on ships. These dangerous experiments took place mainly in quiet lakes far from prying eyes. Heinkel 51 and Henschel 123 biplanes were found to give the best performances during the trials, and these have been selected for the first carrier air groups (when we get a carrier!). The result is that the Kriegsmarine now has enough information to start researching a simple escort carrier, and the team was directed to continue the project.

A Henschel 123 coming in to land during the top secret “carrier” trials. I always think they look odd, with the sesqiplane configuration making the lower wings so much shorter than the top. The whole idea of landing planes on ships seems dangerous to me: I hope Ernst doesn’t think it would be exciting.​

The Wehrmacht has also been trialling new equipment and organisation for what has been called a “Pionier” regiment, similar to the British Sappers or the French Sapeur. The results have been overwhelmingly positive and the formation of such units has been approved at by the Chief of Army, General von Blomberg. There is an appendix that notes that promising lines of research include Bridging Equipment and Assault Weapon Development.

Our light tanks will be safer in future as we have developed a technique for incorporating 15mm armour in their design. There was an unexpected benefit from this project, as a non-turreted prototype has been identified as being very effective as a tank destroyer. While the new weapon has been called the 4.7 PaK auf Panzerkampfwagen 1 ohne Turm, the troops themselves call it the Panzerjager 1, a much more practical name. (Armaments Minister Schacht will be pleased as this will allow us to re-use the Panzer 1 chassis rather than scrapping them). The metallurgists and engineers have been congratulated and will continue their work, this time on fitting 30cm armour to our tanks.

A file photograph showing the first Panzerjager 1ready for assignment. The French may have have more tanks than us, but we will have a few surprises!​

Two new projects have been started, using the allocation from the OSP. Naval engineering teams are busy working on a new submarine engine, while a group of military strategists and analysts are investigating guerrilla warfare techniques. The Wehrmacht hopes that not only will this research help us achieve tactical surprises and ambushes more often, but that an understanding of small unit tactics will help reduce supply consumption by our headquarters units.

We had our usual ups and downs in the world trading market. It was disturbing that Italy cancelled a big order for coal, but they are apparently nearly bankrupt, so this was understandable. Turkey stopped supplying us with some hard to obtain metals, but overall our trading activities were successful.

A new motorised Division has been assigned to join the 1st Lechte Panzerkorps. The aim is to have 2 divisions equipped with light tanks together with two motorised divisions in each Panzerkorps. While enormously expensive, the General Staff see this as the way to use our technology to offset our manpower constraints. Another motorised division is being raised.

The Luftwaffe took delivery of a new fighter wing, and a new Fliegerkorps was created in the west. Messerschmitt has been ordered to continue production, and already savings in production costs and times can be seen. The next wing will be ready in two days less, and will cost .28 units of industrial capacity less. Given the cost of modern aircraft, any saving at all is gratefully accepted.

I was very impressed by all these examples of our nation’s scientific and technical expertise, and I was glad to see that our security services were continuing the fight against those who wished to slow our progress. Research time lost to spies was down to 1%, and 16 spy cells were smashed. For some reason most activity this month comes from the Middle East, with Omanis corrupting our research and Yemenis (together with a group from Bhutan) sabatoging production.

Finally, all the news from our contacts in General Franco’s headquarters is bad. The Nationalists are being thrown back in many areas and most of the south has been lost to the Republicans. How can the socialist rabble win against the regular Spanish Army units bolstered by Italian troops and German “volunteers”? It must be the Russians – somehow they must have smuggled several divisions into the country.

The map above has been put together from information provided by our intelligence operatives in Spain. It shows the Republicans sweeping the south clear of Nationalist troops.​

On that depressing note I will end this month. Next month will be six months since the New Year’s Day Conference set Germany on a new path. How things have changed in such a short time.

 

[Uriah]

Rank and File
A Clerk's War​

1st June to 30th June 1936

June has been a very quiet month. No new technologies were developed, no new units joined the Wehrmacht. Some coastal defences were completed around the naval base at Wilhelmshaven, and the builders were transferred to Emden to start work there. The Westwall was extended into Villingen and construction started in Donaueschingen.

Overlooking Wilhelmshaven - a 105mm gun in its new concrete emplacement​

Otherwise my office was quiet. Off course my staff was flat out, as the ordinary business of Government produces a mountain of paperwork that must be collated, duplicated and filed. However I have mastered the art of delegation and have strict orders that I am only to be bothered with the most important (or interesting) documents.

So the bulk of the trading deals now bypass my office, though I did notice that the United States is still refusing a lot of offers to buy oil. I cannot understand why – they have so much of it to spare and we are desperate. Well, desperate to build up stockpiles for war.

One order did land on my desk – it had an authority from the Fuhrer himself. I could easily see why: it was for refined fuel. Il Duce had personally requested that we meet some of Italy’s needs as they cannot refine enough themselves. There are strict laws prohibiting the export of militarily sensitive materials and fuel heads the list. But we intend to be close to Italy, hence the Fuhrer’s authority to override the export ban.

The only matter of interest was an instruction to our agents in Russia. Minister Goebbels is now satisfied that the Soviet counter-espionage has been shattered, and he has instructed every spy cell to start the spread of disinformation to make the USSR appear more threatening to its neighbours. To my mind, what could be more threatening than having a Communist for a neighbour, but who knows how those foreigners think.

The Spanish Nationalists have signed contracts for large quantities of military supplies. The rumour is that they have been looting captured towns for gold and precious metals, but no-one really knows what is happening in Spain. The only information I have seen this month would indicate that Franco continues to give up ground.

No good news from Spain - it looks like the Communists and Socialists have General Franco on the run.​

Anyway, research is at 99% efficiency, with the only known agents in Germany being a group of Iraqis who have infiltrated a university research centre. 12 spy cells have been eliminated.

I did see one table that summarised progress over the last six months, but it actually seemed to show lack of progress. It was by the same group who had measured our national knowledge base back in January. I was amazed to see that in nearly every area of knowledge we had gone backwards!

The only exceptions were:

Mobile Unit Practical
Artillery Practical
Destroyer Practical
Cruiser Practical
Submarine Practical
Light Aircraft Practical

"State of Knowledge in the Reich": report for period ended 30th June 1936​

My concern was alleviated a little when I read the attached report. The authors explained that with many research projects still underway and with a lot of construction and manufacture incomplete, the knowledge measurements were not picking up all progress. Hopefully the end of year report will give a better view.

 

[Baltasar]

As always, very nice update. Do you plan to forge an alliance with Italy? I'd postpone that until mid-39 because Italy will raise your threat level quite a lot and too early.

 

[Uriah]

As always, very nice update. Do you plan to forge an alliance with Italy? I'd postpone that until mid-39 because Italy will raise your threat level quite a lot and too early.

Thanks again Baltasar.

In my game I am a fair bit advanced on my AAR. I invited Italy very early, purely because I could. The threat hasn't been too bad yet, but as I indicated in my earlier AAR, my initial diplomatic plan revolves around keeping the USA out of the Allies. I didn't want to spent leadership on influencing people, as I thought I would try to rely on trade and espionage to keep countries neutral.

Maybe the threat has been reduced in 1.3, because I haven't noticed any bad results yet. I know in 1.1 when I invited Italy early it was alarming!

Anyway, as I said in an earlier post, I have never claimed to be a good player!
I just play for fun. I have a view of how things would have gone in my fictional Germany: I'll just see how it turns out.

For example, I am sure people will be critical of my research priorities, but I always like to have a navy, and in my world, if Germany was to have a navy, it would be modern!

Thanks again for your post, but I suppose I will learn from my mistakes.

 

[Uriah]

Baltasar - I was interested in seeing if 1.3 has affected the threat generated by Italy so compared my save games.

I invited Italy 4th July 1936. Before and after (31/7/36) threat for 5 countries I am interested in is as follows:

Rumania 1.38 1.73
USA .20 .25
Yugoslavia 3.44 4.31
Finland 4.00 5.00
France 7.00 8.00

So, yes, a pretty big leap, but bearable. And Italy has been quite useful as it spends its diplomacy influencing countries on my behalf. Not always very well, but it is free.

Thanks again for your interest and comments.

 

[Uriah]

Rank and File
A Clerk’s War​

1st July to 31st July 1936


Momentous times! The month started with a surprise announcement from the Fuhrer: we have signed a Stahlpakt with Italy!

On the 4th of July the Wilhelmstrasse was a mass of confusion as diplomatic cars jostled to gain access to the front door of the Foreign Office, next door at No.76. I must admit I went and joined the crowds gawking at the procession of dignitaries arriving for the formal signing of the agreement.

While it was enjoyable watching the luxury vehicles arriving and leaving, it was not as exhilarating as, over the next few days, reading the background material sent to my Division for filing. I found it amusing that the Fuhrer had actually intended the “Pact of Steel” to be the “Pact of Blood” but the Il Duce protested that this would upset the Italian population: possibly they still remember the casualty lists from Ethiopia.

The content of the Treaty was basic, a series of Articles stating our two countries would to help each other in various ways. It will last for 10 years: well beyond the time when it is intended that we will make our bid for European dominance. What wasn’t made public was a secret protocol, binding us together militarily and committing out countries to support each other in the event of hostilities.

Not everyone was pleased. I saw a protest note drafted by a high ranking official in the Auswartiges Amt, a Herr Baltasar, who was concerned about how other countries would view such an agreement. He argued that associating with Italy while memories were still fresh of its aggression in Ethiopia and its walk out from the League of Nations would damage our attempts to keep other countries neutral towards us. While he acknowledged the value of such a treaty, he felt that we should wait until we are closer to putting our plans into operation. Herr Baltasar is not alone: our ambassador in Italy advised that the Italian Foreign Minister, Count Ciano, was also against the treaty.

Any concerns have been shrugged off by the Minister, von Neurath, who is basking in the glory of such a significant diplomatic coup. Anyway, the treaty has been signed by both von Neurath and Ciano, and there is no going back.

It looks as though Italy intends to be an active partner. Within days I saw that reports were in that Count Ciano had sent delegations to both Hungary and Portugal to persuade them that they had nothing to fear from the new Pact. In fact, if they altered their policies to be more in line with ours, they could benefit considerably in the future. On the other hand, New Zealand continues to seek closer ties with the United Kingdom.

Personally I have been in trouble. I received a letter from my sister Helga (the one married to Christoph, the submarine officer). Apparently Heinz and Ernst have written to her and both mentioned that I had visited them. She wanted to know why I hadn’t visited her. I thought it would be obvious that a day trip to the outskirts of Berlin was a little easier to arrange than a trip to Kiel, but there was no point arguing: I agreed to visit her in the near future. (Thank God she doesn’t know of my holiday in Wilhelmshaven!).

Otherwise, at work things have been going well. The systems I have set up to maintain and protect the vital paperwork of the Reich are proving to be effective. Also effective is my unofficial policy of having all interesting documents brought to my attention. This month I saw that we have set up our first “Sturzkampfkorps”, a formation of specialised close air support planes. Stukageschwader 2 (nicknamed “Immelman”) has been assigned to the new unit. I must admit I knew nothing about these new “Sturzkampfflugzug” dive-bombers so I had a quick look in the files. These planes have been developed as part of our philosophy that the Luftwaffe’s primary task is to support the Heer. The Stukas (as everyone now calls them) are to be used as a sort of airborne artillery. Their ability to dive on a target allows them to be very accurate, and so they can be used in close proximity to our troops. It all sounds very promising, and we are going to have quite few of them, if the long term contracts with Junkers are completed.

A Stuka 87B, the most modern addition to the Luftwaffe. How will our enemies stand up to the sight of dozens of these diving straight at them?​

These first planes were quite difficult to construct (though nowhere near as complex as a traditional bomber) and absorbed 9.10 units of industrial capacity over 185 days. The next detachment will easier: estimated 8.73 units over 178 days. According to the production engineers at Junkers, these efficiency gains can be expected to continue as we build more aircraft.

Trade is picking up. Our harbour masters report Nationalist Chinese freighters are loading with coal at our ports, and several countries have contacted us seeking military supplies. Cash reserves seem to be stabilising – maybe we can soon afford to increase our imports of oil.

Production and national reserves at the end of July 1936. Everything is looking promising, our trade deals are proving successful.​

The efforts of our enemies to disrupt our progress are never ending. Research disruption has doubled to 2%, despite the trials and convictions of a dozen enemy agents. The Omanis continue to slow our research, aided by the Iraqis. A new cell from Nepal has been identified as being behind recent industrial sabotage. Our overseas espionage assets have increased to 161.

When will General Franco be able to stem the retreat?​

Once again, I will end on a sour note. Yes, our Spanish friends lose more territory and show no signs of holding their ground, let alone throwing the Communists back to Russia! At least we have one strong ally – together with Italy we will show the world!

 

[Uriah]

Rank and File
A Clerk’s War​

1st August to 31st August 1936

The month started with very good news (at least for the scientific community). The Office of Skilled Personnel has decided that more resources can be allocated to research, as the demand for spies and diplomats has decreased. This means two new projects can be started (bringing the total to 22).

The Wehrmacht has been told to be prepared for combat operations anywhere in Europe and has had some concerns about the standard of protective equipment available. Harsh environments such as could be expected in mountainous regions or extreme cold in the far north will require special clothing and gear. OSP has authorised the start of research into both Mountain Warfare and Arctic Warfare equipment. Although it could be argued that we will not need this expertise for some years, the feeling is that the level of technology need is well within our reach now. Other promising areas of research are perhaps beyond our capacity at the moment.

On the 4th my morning paper (the Deutsche Allgemeine Zeitung, not the useless Volkische Beobachter!) carried news of the death of Britain’s King George V. A sad day. Although he led England during the Great War, he was after all the cousin of our Kaiser Wilhelm II, and was of good German stock. I wonder what the new King will be like: the Beobachter is always running stories of his affairs with married women! On the other hand, he is known to be quite friendly to Germany. We will found out over the next few years, I suppose.

But enough of celebrity! I have more important things to consider. Our armaments industry is really starting to get moving, and several new units have been created in the past few weeks. A new Panzer Division has been formed and assigned to the 1st Lechte Panzerkorps. The accompanying documents showed that the Wehrmacht will not be ordering any more light tanks in the foreseeable future. The research we have been carrying out into a heavier tank model is looking promising and the panzer generals are asking for improved vehicles to take on the heavy French tanks. Heinz may have to look for a transfer if he is to move up in the ranks.

A new korps has been formed in the south. The 1st Gebirgsjagerkorps only has one division at the moment, but it is intended to have at least three specialised mountain divisions. This first division only has three mountain regiments but I have seen the personnel requests for the follow up units and they both have an additional pionier brigades.

A photograph I think the Gebirgsjager regiments use for recruitment: it looks idyllic!​

Three anti-air brigades have been assigned to the west, and more flak guns are on order.

Our research teams have not been idle (and the efforts of our security forces to keep disruption to a minimum are paying off). The naval engineers at Deutsche Schiff- und Maschinenbau AG have completed all necessary research for a new destroyer, but it is still far behind the world standard and Grossadmiral Raeder has authorised another round of projects to improve the engine, armour, main guns and anti-aircraft weaponry.

The Luftwaffe specialists have finished work on the improved bomber fuel tanks and are now examining ways to build better bombs.

On the diplomatic front, Japan is still making overtures of alliance – but we have a little way to go before they join Italy as full partner of the Reich.

Trade is steady but no significant deals, other than a lucrative order for military supplies from the UK. (Schacht approved this on the basis that we have plenty of supplies but cash is hard to obtain.)

Our research teams claim 3% of all work is being lost due to enemy agents, even though we caught another 13. Once again it is the British puppets that are behind it all: Iraq, Nepal and Bhutan disrupting our technical groups, while Oman slows production.

I suppose one interpretation of the news from Spain is the the Republicans have been cut in half. The fact that they have captured the Natioanlist capital of Burgos suggests a less favourable interpretation. The new Nationalist capital is in the far north-west, at Cabello.​

In Spain the situation seems to have worsened. Our diplomats have heard that several provinces have thrown out Franco’s men, and casualties are hard to replace. Maybe autumn will bring better news from the Iberian Peninsula. It seems as though Portugal is becoming quite friendly to us.

 

[Uriah]

Rank And File
A Clerk’s War​

More breakthrough diplomatic news leads off the month. On the 3rd of the month another flurry of activity next door at the Auswartiges Amt, and I noticed a number of Japanese faces heading into the building. So it was no real surprise when the evening editions of the papers were all carrying the same story: Japan has joined our alliance. Although formally titled the “Tri-partite Pact”, the headlines are already saying the agreement has formed an “Axis” of major powers.

The official photograph of the signing of the Tri-partite pact: the Fuhrer, Count Ciano from Italy and Saburo Kurusu representing Japan.​

Within days, the Soviets started to influence Sinkiang to join the Comintern, while France sent envoys to Belgium and the Netherlands. The Japanese were obviously annoyed at this response to their legitimate desire to ally with the Reich, and have sent diplomatic missions to Portugal and South Africa. Towards the end of the month we heard that the Irish have started talks with the United Kingdom. I have seen a succession of papers from Foreign Ministry bureaucrats insisting that we watch closely over the following months to make sure that the Allies do not sign up more counties to oppose us.

Our factories and training grounds are stepping up production of men and equipment. Several infantry brigades were assigned to bring the 25th and 45th Infanterie Divisions up to normal strength. It seems so long ago that I wondered why the 25th had been split in two. Little did I know that it was the first step on our road to European dominance. How well the Fuhrer had understood the French – the simple claim that we possessed 40 divisions was enough to freeze their response to our march into the Rhineland.

The 46th Infanterie Division and another brigade have been posted to the Westwall. Wehrmacht priority is to ensure that before we start any threatening actions in the east that we have a sizeable force covering our backs.

Our first dedicated naval air unit has been formed. 1st Seeluftflotte only comprises Seeaufklarungsgruppe 125 at the moment, but the plan is to increase it considerably. Grossadmiral Raeder and Air Minister Goering are in complete agreement: for the Kriegsmarine to take on the Royal Navy we must inflict damage on them to offset our smaller navy. Naval bombers are seen to be our “secret weapon” to cripple the British before our guns blast them out of the water! The Luftwaffe orders setting up the unit included several photographs: the Dornier 217 is certainly a leading edge aircraft.

The Luftwaffe's newest addition: naval bombers. Let's see how the Royal Navy handles these beautiful and deadly aircraft!​

Our standard bombers have not been neglected. Dornier factories must be working three shifts, because a new wing of Do-17 tactical bombers also entered service. KG “Lowen” has joined 4th Taktischeflotte.

When I examined the accounts for construction and training, I can see that once again we are getting real benefits from our increase in technical and manufacturing skill. The next batch of Do-217 planes should only use 11.74 Industrial Capacity, compared to the original 12.88, and will be completed in 228 days, rather than 246. Similarly, the second tranche of Do-17s will only consume 13.68 I.C.(from the original 15.42) and take 25 days less. The production line process is going to lead to significant savings in building up the Luftwaffe, even if it is a bit slower.

General Bach-Zelewski, commander of the East Prussia Army, is a relieved man. I have seen his letter of congratulation to Admiral Raeder, which refers to the commissioning of our first dedicated troop transport flotilla. The 1st Truppentansporterflotte will be based at Stettin, and the General is pleased because now we can reinforce his forces in East Prussia. He says the three divisions he currently has are fine troops, but worries about the number of men the Poles have lined up on the border. He fears he would be overwhelmed in the event of surprise attack, and welcomes the prospect of additional units.

One of our military “think tanks” has presented a paper to the General Staff on Operational Level Organisation. I didn’t read the whole paper, these analysts lose me with all their long words and theories, but the essence of the paper was that with some slight changes in command structure, we could cut unit recovery time after a successful attack by 24 hours. The paper received a very good response, and the team has been asked to look into the logistics of fighting over a wide front. The hypothesis is that by doing so we can increase our likelihood of inflicting localised “shock” attacks, while being so spread out will reduce headquarters supply needs.

The engineers at Kriegsmarinewerft have also been busy, completing research on a new hull design of our next generation of submarines. The whole team has now been sent to Germaniawerft in Kiel to work on improving our battleship engines.

A quite confusing document from some secret Luftwaffe unit discussed work they have been carrying out on controlling our fighter from the ground. I understand how we can issue orders over the radio, but how will we know what to tell them? There is some talk of a top secret radio detection system that is still in its initial stages: as far as I can tell, when it is full operation, it will allow our ground control officers to direct our fighters to enemy planes. We really do live in the era of technological advancement.

Speaking of advancement, we are leaping ahead in tank armour science. Now that we know how to construct a tank from 30mm steel we can start to develop a medium tank design. The Panzer commanders will be happy.

There is no need for me to attach the monthly map from Spain: the retreat of the Nationalists continues. I am still bemused at how trained soldiers can be defeated by a rabble of anarchists and Communists. Obviously Franco’s troops are not a patch on the fine men of the Wehrmacht!

As usual, the monthly intelligence reports are more reasurring. Although only 10 spies were caught, Iraqis and Yemenis only managed to slow research by 2%. There has been an increase in industrial sabotage, with groups from France, Bhutan and Nepal suspected.

So ends September 1936. Next month I make my promised trip to Kiel to see Helga and Christoph. I am actually looking forward to it. I have never been to Kiel and want to fit in some sight-seeing while I’m there. And of course, spend some quality time with my sister!

 

[Prussian Prince]

What's characters rank? Must be a general staff officer of some kind.

 

[Uriah]

What's characters rank? Must be a general staff officer of some kind.

I made him the Head of the Filing Section in the Reichskanzlei, with very high security clearance. That way he can see nearly every document that passes through the Chancellor's (ie Hitler's) office. (You will notice that nearly everything he talks about comes from some sort of document).

I suspect that if such a position existed it had no such clearance, but it seemed a good way for one character to be aware (or at least partially aware) of everything that was happening, politically, diplomatically, militarily and economically.

The minor characters are to allow him to move around a bit and actually see things: I don't want him cooped up in an office until 1945!

 

[Baltasar]

Btw, I like the monthly report style, helps a lot to keep up with the events. It'll be harder to keep that style up once you're commited, though

Since you've played ahead already, there doesn't seem much to do except sit back and snatch the popcorn

 

[Tolroth]

Nice AAR. Keep up the good work!

 

[Uriah]

Btw, I like the monthly report style, helps a lot to keep up with the events. It'll be harder to keep that style up once you're commited, though

Since you've played ahead already, there doesn't seem much to do except sit back and snatch the popcorn

Baltasar:thanks again for the encouragement. I suspect that once things really get going I will have to modify but I am trying to give a bit of an idea of the decisions I am making on the way to war: we'll see how wise they were after Danzig!

And I am not a long way ahead: have just loaded 1.3 (and as promised by Johan my save games still work!) and am about May/June 37. I like to keep a month or so ahead.

Nice AAR. Keep up the good work!

Thanks Tolroth - I am enjoying writing these so hopefully will be going for a while.