i like this AAR. its like a gameplay AAR with a twist of theatrical-ed-ness... right... anywho you have a new subscriber 
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i like this AAR. its like a gameplay AAR with a twist of theatrical-ed-ness... right... anywho you have a new subscriber
Glad to hear it duke
20.00 September 6. Jodl's HQ. Warsaw, Greater Germany.
*Hitler has decided to hold the next conference at Jodl's HQ, this is in Warsaw. Hitler is keen to know what has happened during the last 10 days, he hopes for great deeds, the question is, has the troops delivered. Hitler takes a seat in Jodl's HQ in the room which has been designated as the conference room, originally it had been the seat of the Jewish council in Warsaw, the irony is striking. The generals arrive one at a time, Raeder and Udet are the last ones to arrive, the conference is set to start.*
Hitler: Gutem abent meine herren, please take your seats and make yourself comfortable.
Everyone else: Danke Mein Fuhrer.
Hitler: So Von Ribbentrop and Frick, you are both at my military conference again, I trust you have something important for me then, yes?
*Von Ribbentrop rises and thereby indicating that he would like to start.*
Hitler: Have you achieved any diplomatic triumphs Joachim?
Von Ribbentrop: Yes Mein Fuhrer in fact I have. About five days ago I went to Lisboa myself. In order to speak to the Portuguese prime minister, he wanted to talk to me about joining the Axis Mein Fuhrer.
Hitler: Güt! What did your meeting end with?
Von Ribbentrop: The Portuguese have seen our naval power during the last months and they have also heard about our encirclement in Russia at Lwow. After all of this combined with the Italian advance into Egypt, the Portuguese leadership is confident that we will win the war. They have wanted more possessions in Africa for ages now and they consider this to be a great opportunity for them. The Portuguese signed into the Axis last week and they are now part of our military alliance. This will have huge benefits for our navy, as we can use Portuguese bases for our U-boats and surface ships, I am sure that Raeder will enjoy this bonus!
Raeder: Oh yes I will, güte arbeit Von Ribbentrop.
Von Ribbentrop: The fact that the Portuguese joined us will also make it much more likely that Franco's Spain will do the same, if that is the case then we will have at least 20 more ships to attack the Royal navy with, we will also close Gibraltar and put a lot more pressure on the British!
Hitler: Excellent! Keep up your good work Von Ribbentrop!
*Von Ribbentrop takes his seat again and Frick, the minister of intelligence rises.*
Hitler: Have you managed to fulfill what I asked for Wilhelm?
Frick: My agents in England were shocked by the news and they at once started to plan how they would bring the traitor to book. Göring was being held in Wales, and he went daily by train to London for meetings with Churchill. Our agents found out when his train was leaving Wales and they blew up the railroad track, once the train stopped and Göring walked outside to see what was happening they shot him dead on the spot, five magazines were poured into him, after this our agents disappeared into the countryside. Churchill is furious that the guards on the train had not managed to protect Göring. Anyways Mein Fuhrer, the problem has been dealt with!
Hitler: Güte arbeit Frick, I am proud of your agents, they have performed very well. If that was all from you then I think we can move on to the Eastern front, yes?
Von Leeb: Jawohl Mein Fuhrer, I would be happy to start.
Hitler: I like your enthusiasm Von Leeb, I guess there are some successes then since you are keen to start.
Von Leeb: There have been successes during the last ten days Mein Fuhrer, and further ones lie just beyond the corner, here is my map as usual, take a look.
Von Leeb: In Estonia, We have secured Narva, General Biell moved his 86. Infanterie-Division fast along the coast and reached Narva early last week. When this was done he started to support our attack on Mustvee, this sector was taken after light fighting, the Soviet's were completely outclassed by Von Mackesen's troops. General Brand took Aloja very quickly as well and then we launched a coordinated attack on Abja-Paluoja from three sectors at once, the defenders were quickly subdued.
Von Mackesen's troops clearing a village for Soviet troops in Mustvee
Hitler: This all sounds very good, are you continuing with your attacks Von Leeb?
Von Leeb: Yes Mein Fuhrer, we are not letting up on the pressure, the Soviet's are very close to breaking point. We are attacking Mustvee from three sectors, the Soviets only have one rifle-division which is desperately trying to hold it's ground, General Pfeiffer is leading the attack against the Soviets under the command of Gagen, General Dietl says that he is confident in Pfeiffer's abilities and that victory is certain! We have also launched an attack against Cesis, this is one of the last provinces that stand in our way when it comes to uniting Dietl's men with the Riga corridor. The Soviets are determined to hold the area, and they have stacked three Divisions and several HQ units there, all amounting to 29 000 men, they are however, poorly equipped and exhausted from the fighting in Aloja. General Brand is leading the attack against the Soviet troops of General Zuev, Brand is highly skilled and I am confident when it comes to his abilities to outwit the Soviets.
Hitler: Sehr güt, I am looking forward to hear about the connection between Riga and Estonia! Anything else in your sector Von Leeb?
Von Leeb: Yes. The Soviets have launched an attack against our men in Marijampole, General Poplavski is leading the Soviet attack, and if I might say so myself, it is poorly executed. General Von Sodenstern is defending Marijampole and he too is confident of victory.
General Von Sodenstern's men defending Marijampole with great vigor.
Von Leeb: We have also, together with Armegruppe Mitte seized Alytus, this was achieved with extreme casualties on both sides, about 10 000 on our side and 14 000 on the Soviet side, you can add another 2000 Soviet dead from the Luftwaffe. Nevertheless these casualties are too high in every respect. The Soviet attack on Marijampole has given us a huge opportunity , the Soviet striking force was partly troops from Kaunas, the Lithuanian capital. Those troops are now quite exhausted after they have been attacking MArijampole for some days, our men in Alytus have started an attack on Kanas, and we are confident of sucess, as you can see it is not that far from Kaunas to Riga, and a pocket is highly possible to execute, the conciquences of such a huge pocket would be the destruction of over half the troops of the Soviet northern front.
Hitler: Güt, I hope we can pull it off, very good news indeed Von Leeb, if that was all then I want to hear from Von Bock.
Von Bock: Aber naturlich Mein Fuhrer. Armeegruppe Mitte, has made great gains this week, take a look!
Von Bock: As Von Leeb has told you, we managed to secure Alytus, a long and bloody battle is finally over! We have also seized Grodno from the Soviets, after Grodno fell to our troops we exploited this by supporting the attack on Mosty. A long and bloody battle followed, but after a week we could claim victory, the Soviets paid with many dead. The result of these victories is that the Soviet troops in Byalistok and Kamieniec are encircled. The troops trapped in the Byalistok amount to 3 Rifle-divisions, and 2 Tank-divisions and 3 Rifle and one Tank-Divisions in Kamieniec, if we add all their men together it should be almost 80 000 men.
Hitler: Sehr güt Von Bock, please continue.
Von Bock: We had to fall back before Lida, the enemy massed to many troops against us, and we risked being encircled therefore I ordered my men to fall back to an new line. The Soviets are desperate when it comes to braking out of the pocket, they have launched an attack against our men in Augustov, General Merekulov is leading the Soviets in another uncoordinated battle, General Behlendorf has assembled a strong defense and he has assured me that the Soviets won't be able to open a route into the pocket trough Augustov. The Soviets are having much better success against General Reinhard's Panzer-Division in Grodno, Reinhard's men are disorganized, we have sent reinforcements from Mosty and we hope that Reinhard can hold out until the reinforcements reach him. To support Reinhards Die hard defense I have ordered General Hans Valentin Hube to attack the Soviet's in Skidel, hopefully it will release some pressure of Reinhard.
German soldiers of Reinhard's Panzer-Division defending Grodno with two 8 cm Granatwerfer 34's.
Hitler: Very well, I hope Reinhard can hold his ground. Have you started to reduce the pocket?
Von Bock: Yes Mein Fuhrer, we have launched an attack against Byalistok, General Loch is in command, and all his men are rested and ready for combat, the same cannot be said about the Soviet's under General Remizov, their frontline is disorganized and poorly supported, Loch is expecting to achieve victory within two or three days. General Von Manstein is attacking Kamieeniec, General Morgunov has nothing to match Von Manstein's genious, and I am sure that he will have to surrender within a few days.
Hitler: With Loch and Von Manstein in command the Soviets does not stand a chance! Have you started your attack on Torczyn?
Von Bock: Yes, we have, it is not proceeding as well as we had hoped, but I am sure that victory will be ours within the week is over. The Soviet's in Torczyn is relying on General Firin, he has managed to pull together a decent defense, however, it is nothing General Eibl can't break!
Hitler: Sehr güt Von Bock, you have shown me that you deserve you post as commander of Armeegruppe Mitte!
Von Bock: Danke Mein Fuhrer.
Hitler: Who want to go next?
*Von Rundstedt rises and starts giving his report for the last ten days.*
Von Rundstedt: We have not made great gains Mein Fuhrer, but there are many situations which can't be exploited if we make the right decisions. Take a look.
Von Rundstedt: As Von Bock has mentioned we launched an attack against Torczyn, it is progressing well enough. We have also launched an attack against Zloczów, we are making decent progress under General Von Greifenberg, his one division is up against three Soviet Divisions, one of them armored, the Soviets can rely on the leadership of General Tanaschishin, he is quite outmatched by Von Greifenberg, and I expect victory within the week.
Hitler: You better be able to seize Torczyn, the future of the Reich is at stake!
Von Rundstedt: Yes Mein Fuhrer. As you can see we have taken back Novyi Rozdyl, it only took us a few days and the Soviets left behind many dead. We have however lost Stryj to the Soviet's, General Haccius was not up to the task, and he fell back.
Von Rundstedt's men during their attack on Torczyn, it is a bloody battle.
Hitler: He is to be relieved of his work at once.
Von Rundstedt: Jawohl Mein Fuhrer. General Model has led his men against the Soviet's in Bolekhiv and they have been literally thrown out of the sector! We now stand with an opportunity to encircle the Soviet's in Stryj, We can strike Zydaczów from both Bolekhiv and Novyi Rozdyl, this should be more than enough to break the will of the enemy. In Romania General Von Dem Bach Zellewski has secured Sniatyn, and he wants to move on and take Buczacz as soon as it is possible. If you look briefly at the southern front you can see that it is fairly possible for us to connect the Romanian front with the advance from southern Poland, if we can manage such a feat then we can destroy a good portion of the Soviet strength in the south, what is your response Mein Fuhrer?
Hitler: I order that you start with you planned maneuvers at once.
Von Rundstedt, alles fur Deutschland!
Von Rundstedt: Heil Mein Fuhrer.
Hitler: Very well, then i guess it is your turn Halder.
*General Halder looks as if he once again fears for his life, however he valiantly rises and starts giving his rapport after handing Hitler a map of Northern Finland. *
Halder: My men have been very passive this week Mein Fuhrer, the Soviets have pushed and are moving in from the south, I don't have enough men to maintain the frontline. The Soviet's have been kind enough to seize their attacks, this has resulted in that my men are pretty organized and rested, I will begin to launch countermeasures the next week. And if it is comforting Mein Fuhrer, the Soviets have only taken economically dead regions they have not seized anything of importance.
Hitler: WAS! They have occupied a third of the country and you have done nothing!?
Halder: We have launched an attack against the Soviet armor in Nautsi, and the attack is proceeding well, I expect that the Soviet's will push to far as usual, then we can cut them off, Von Leeb has accepted my strategy as has Field Marshall Blomberg, supreme commander of the Wehrmacht in Norway and Finland. I am confident of our success MEin Fuhrer, we just need more time, that is all.
Hitler: Very well, you did not fail me earlier Halder, and if Von Leeb supports your strategy then I guess it is not so bad after all. Be sure to congratulate your men from me, they have endured a lot of hardships.
Halder: Thank you for your understanding Mein Fuhrer, the men will fight hard for you in the near future.
Hitler: Heil! I guess that only leaves you Raeder, please, tell us, what have you achieved this week?
Raeder: We have achieved a new record in ships sunk, here are the sinking's.
Raeder: The British have lost a staggering amount during the last ten days, they have lost 16 transports, again not a single escort has been sighted or sunk, I think Mr Churchill is empty of them by now!
Hitler: Excellent Raeder, once again you have done a great job! How many Soviet ships have been sent to the bottom this week?
Raeder: We have sunk a huge amount of Soviet ships to, 7 of their transports have been sent to the bottom, they can ill afford these losses, the Soviet's might have a huge army, but their navy is not in good shape!
Hitler: Excellent, I trust you were overjoyed when the Portuguese opened their naval bases for you.
Raeder: Yes, both myself and Dönitz were overjoyed. I have some news which are not that good thou, this week we lost one of our U-boats to the British, this is the first one until now, and it was one of our new type IX boats.
Hitler: I hope this is something which will not repeat itself.
Raeder: I will do my best not to let it happen again Mein Fuhrer.
Hitler: Any other enemy ships sunk?
Raeder: Yes, the Red navy has lost another three U-boats, these were sunk by the Kriegsmarine Reserven again operating outside Finland, Saalwächter's ships sunk the 1., 3. and 9. Flotilya Podlodok, the Soviet's does not have many submarines left after all the ones they have lost since Barbarossa started.
Hitler: Excellent, I think that makes up for our one of our U-boats. Anything else Raeder?
Raeder: Yes, Schacht has released more ships for me this week, a new Type IX has replaced the one we lost, this is the 31. Unterseebootsflottille, I have put Rear Admiral Krause in command of the boat, he will start operating in the Atlantik in a few days. We have also got a new Zerstörer Geschwader have been deployed in Denmark and they will be sent to Norway at the end of the month. This is the7. Zerstörer Geschwader and I have placed Rear Admiral Schuster in command of the newest addition to the Kriegsmarine.
The 7. Zerstörer Geschwader
Hitler: Great news indeed, a job well done when it comes to our shipbuilders! I think the meeting is over then.
Ernst Udet: Not quite Mein Fuhrer, I just want to say that the Luftwaffe is back on it's feet, I have reinforced the understrengh squadrons and we have been operating over the Byalistok-pocket all week. My squadrons claim at least 2000 enemy dead. I thought you would be glad to know it Mein Fuhrer.
Hitler: I am very pleased Udet, continue like this and the Luftwaffe will win back my respect.
Ersnt Udet: Danke Mein Fuhrer.
*The meeting is summed up and each of the VIP's leave for the front with new confidence and spirit.*
*Hitler has decided to hold the next conference at Jodl's HQ, this is in Warsaw. Hitler is keen to know what has happened during the last 10 days, he hopes for great deeds, the question is, has the troops delivered. Hitler takes a seat in Jodl's HQ in the room which has been designated as the conference room, originally it had been the seat of the Jewish council in Warsaw, the irony is striking. The generals arrive one at a time, Raeder and Udet are the last ones to arrive, the conference is set to start.*
Hitler: Gutem abent meine herren, please take your seats and make yourself comfortable.
Everyone else: Danke Mein Fuhrer.
Hitler: So Von Ribbentrop and Frick, you are both at my military conference again, I trust you have something important for me then, yes?
*Von Ribbentrop rises and thereby indicating that he would like to start.*
Hitler: Have you achieved any diplomatic triumphs Joachim?
Von Ribbentrop: Yes Mein Fuhrer in fact I have. About five days ago I went to Lisboa myself. In order to speak to the Portuguese prime minister, he wanted to talk to me about joining the Axis Mein Fuhrer.
Hitler: Güt! What did your meeting end with?
Von Ribbentrop: The Portuguese have seen our naval power during the last months and they have also heard about our encirclement in Russia at Lwow. After all of this combined with the Italian advance into Egypt, the Portuguese leadership is confident that we will win the war. They have wanted more possessions in Africa for ages now and they consider this to be a great opportunity for them. The Portuguese signed into the Axis last week and they are now part of our military alliance. This will have huge benefits for our navy, as we can use Portuguese bases for our U-boats and surface ships, I am sure that Raeder will enjoy this bonus!
Raeder: Oh yes I will, güte arbeit Von Ribbentrop.
Von Ribbentrop: The fact that the Portuguese joined us will also make it much more likely that Franco's Spain will do the same, if that is the case then we will have at least 20 more ships to attack the Royal navy with, we will also close Gibraltar and put a lot more pressure on the British!
Hitler: Excellent! Keep up your good work Von Ribbentrop!
*Von Ribbentrop takes his seat again and Frick, the minister of intelligence rises.*
Hitler: Have you managed to fulfill what I asked for Wilhelm?
Frick: My agents in England were shocked by the news and they at once started to plan how they would bring the traitor to book. Göring was being held in Wales, and he went daily by train to London for meetings with Churchill. Our agents found out when his train was leaving Wales and they blew up the railroad track, once the train stopped and Göring walked outside to see what was happening they shot him dead on the spot, five magazines were poured into him, after this our agents disappeared into the countryside. Churchill is furious that the guards on the train had not managed to protect Göring. Anyways Mein Fuhrer, the problem has been dealt with!
Hitler: Güte arbeit Frick, I am proud of your agents, they have performed very well. If that was all from you then I think we can move on to the Eastern front, yes?
Von Leeb: Jawohl Mein Fuhrer, I would be happy to start.
Hitler: I like your enthusiasm Von Leeb, I guess there are some successes then since you are keen to start.
Von Leeb: There have been successes during the last ten days Mein Fuhrer, and further ones lie just beyond the corner, here is my map as usual, take a look.
Von Leeb: In Estonia, We have secured Narva, General Biell moved his 86. Infanterie-Division fast along the coast and reached Narva early last week. When this was done he started to support our attack on Mustvee, this sector was taken after light fighting, the Soviet's were completely outclassed by Von Mackesen's troops. General Brand took Aloja very quickly as well and then we launched a coordinated attack on Abja-Paluoja from three sectors at once, the defenders were quickly subdued.
Von Mackesen's troops clearing a village for Soviet troops in Mustvee
Hitler: This all sounds very good, are you continuing with your attacks Von Leeb?
Von Leeb: Yes Mein Fuhrer, we are not letting up on the pressure, the Soviet's are very close to breaking point. We are attacking Mustvee from three sectors, the Soviets only have one rifle-division which is desperately trying to hold it's ground, General Pfeiffer is leading the attack against the Soviets under the command of Gagen, General Dietl says that he is confident in Pfeiffer's abilities and that victory is certain! We have also launched an attack against Cesis, this is one of the last provinces that stand in our way when it comes to uniting Dietl's men with the Riga corridor. The Soviets are determined to hold the area, and they have stacked three Divisions and several HQ units there, all amounting to 29 000 men, they are however, poorly equipped and exhausted from the fighting in Aloja. General Brand is leading the attack against the Soviet troops of General Zuev, Brand is highly skilled and I am confident when it comes to his abilities to outwit the Soviets.
Hitler: Sehr güt, I am looking forward to hear about the connection between Riga and Estonia! Anything else in your sector Von Leeb?
Von Leeb: Yes. The Soviets have launched an attack against our men in Marijampole, General Poplavski is leading the Soviet attack, and if I might say so myself, it is poorly executed. General Von Sodenstern is defending Marijampole and he too is confident of victory.
General Von Sodenstern's men defending Marijampole with great vigor.
Von Leeb: We have also, together with Armegruppe Mitte seized Alytus, this was achieved with extreme casualties on both sides, about 10 000 on our side and 14 000 on the Soviet side, you can add another 2000 Soviet dead from the Luftwaffe. Nevertheless these casualties are too high in every respect. The Soviet attack on Marijampole has given us a huge opportunity , the Soviet striking force was partly troops from Kaunas, the Lithuanian capital. Those troops are now quite exhausted after they have been attacking MArijampole for some days, our men in Alytus have started an attack on Kanas, and we are confident of sucess, as you can see it is not that far from Kaunas to Riga, and a pocket is highly possible to execute, the conciquences of such a huge pocket would be the destruction of over half the troops of the Soviet northern front.
Hitler: Güt, I hope we can pull it off, very good news indeed Von Leeb, if that was all then I want to hear from Von Bock.
Von Bock: Aber naturlich Mein Fuhrer. Armeegruppe Mitte, has made great gains this week, take a look!
Von Bock: As Von Leeb has told you, we managed to secure Alytus, a long and bloody battle is finally over! We have also seized Grodno from the Soviets, after Grodno fell to our troops we exploited this by supporting the attack on Mosty. A long and bloody battle followed, but after a week we could claim victory, the Soviets paid with many dead. The result of these victories is that the Soviet troops in Byalistok and Kamieniec are encircled. The troops trapped in the Byalistok amount to 3 Rifle-divisions, and 2 Tank-divisions and 3 Rifle and one Tank-Divisions in Kamieniec, if we add all their men together it should be almost 80 000 men.
Hitler: Sehr güt Von Bock, please continue.
Von Bock: We had to fall back before Lida, the enemy massed to many troops against us, and we risked being encircled therefore I ordered my men to fall back to an new line. The Soviets are desperate when it comes to braking out of the pocket, they have launched an attack against our men in Augustov, General Merekulov is leading the Soviets in another uncoordinated battle, General Behlendorf has assembled a strong defense and he has assured me that the Soviets won't be able to open a route into the pocket trough Augustov. The Soviets are having much better success against General Reinhard's Panzer-Division in Grodno, Reinhard's men are disorganized, we have sent reinforcements from Mosty and we hope that Reinhard can hold out until the reinforcements reach him. To support Reinhards Die hard defense I have ordered General Hans Valentin Hube to attack the Soviet's in Skidel, hopefully it will release some pressure of Reinhard.
German soldiers of Reinhard's Panzer-Division defending Grodno with two 8 cm Granatwerfer 34's.
Hitler: Very well, I hope Reinhard can hold his ground. Have you started to reduce the pocket?
Von Bock: Yes Mein Fuhrer, we have launched an attack against Byalistok, General Loch is in command, and all his men are rested and ready for combat, the same cannot be said about the Soviet's under General Remizov, their frontline is disorganized and poorly supported, Loch is expecting to achieve victory within two or three days. General Von Manstein is attacking Kamieeniec, General Morgunov has nothing to match Von Manstein's genious, and I am sure that he will have to surrender within a few days.
Hitler: With Loch and Von Manstein in command the Soviets does not stand a chance! Have you started your attack on Torczyn?
Von Bock: Yes, we have, it is not proceeding as well as we had hoped, but I am sure that victory will be ours within the week is over. The Soviet's in Torczyn is relying on General Firin, he has managed to pull together a decent defense, however, it is nothing General Eibl can't break!
Hitler: Sehr güt Von Bock, you have shown me that you deserve you post as commander of Armeegruppe Mitte!
Von Bock: Danke Mein Fuhrer.
Hitler: Who want to go next?
*Von Rundstedt rises and starts giving his report for the last ten days.*
Von Rundstedt: We have not made great gains Mein Fuhrer, but there are many situations which can't be exploited if we make the right decisions. Take a look.
Von Rundstedt: As Von Bock has mentioned we launched an attack against Torczyn, it is progressing well enough. We have also launched an attack against Zloczów, we are making decent progress under General Von Greifenberg, his one division is up against three Soviet Divisions, one of them armored, the Soviets can rely on the leadership of General Tanaschishin, he is quite outmatched by Von Greifenberg, and I expect victory within the week.
Hitler: You better be able to seize Torczyn, the future of the Reich is at stake!
Von Rundstedt: Yes Mein Fuhrer. As you can see we have taken back Novyi Rozdyl, it only took us a few days and the Soviets left behind many dead. We have however lost Stryj to the Soviet's, General Haccius was not up to the task, and he fell back.
Von Rundstedt's men during their attack on Torczyn, it is a bloody battle.
Hitler: He is to be relieved of his work at once.
Von Rundstedt: Jawohl Mein Fuhrer. General Model has led his men against the Soviet's in Bolekhiv and they have been literally thrown out of the sector! We now stand with an opportunity to encircle the Soviet's in Stryj, We can strike Zydaczów from both Bolekhiv and Novyi Rozdyl, this should be more than enough to break the will of the enemy. In Romania General Von Dem Bach Zellewski has secured Sniatyn, and he wants to move on and take Buczacz as soon as it is possible. If you look briefly at the southern front you can see that it is fairly possible for us to connect the Romanian front with the advance from southern Poland, if we can manage such a feat then we can destroy a good portion of the Soviet strength in the south, what is your response Mein Fuhrer?
Hitler: I order that you start with you planned maneuvers at once.
Von Rundstedt, alles fur Deutschland!
Von Rundstedt: Heil Mein Fuhrer.
Hitler: Very well, then i guess it is your turn Halder.
*General Halder looks as if he once again fears for his life, however he valiantly rises and starts giving his rapport after handing Hitler a map of Northern Finland. *
Halder: My men have been very passive this week Mein Fuhrer, the Soviets have pushed and are moving in from the south, I don't have enough men to maintain the frontline. The Soviet's have been kind enough to seize their attacks, this has resulted in that my men are pretty organized and rested, I will begin to launch countermeasures the next week. And if it is comforting Mein Fuhrer, the Soviets have only taken economically dead regions they have not seized anything of importance.
Hitler: WAS! They have occupied a third of the country and you have done nothing!?
Halder: We have launched an attack against the Soviet armor in Nautsi, and the attack is proceeding well, I expect that the Soviet's will push to far as usual, then we can cut them off, Von Leeb has accepted my strategy as has Field Marshall Blomberg, supreme commander of the Wehrmacht in Norway and Finland. I am confident of our success MEin Fuhrer, we just need more time, that is all.
Hitler: Very well, you did not fail me earlier Halder, and if Von Leeb supports your strategy then I guess it is not so bad after all. Be sure to congratulate your men from me, they have endured a lot of hardships.
Halder: Thank you for your understanding Mein Fuhrer, the men will fight hard for you in the near future.
Hitler: Heil! I guess that only leaves you Raeder, please, tell us, what have you achieved this week?
Raeder: We have achieved a new record in ships sunk, here are the sinking's.
Raeder: The British have lost a staggering amount during the last ten days, they have lost 16 transports, again not a single escort has been sighted or sunk, I think Mr Churchill is empty of them by now!
Hitler: Excellent Raeder, once again you have done a great job! How many Soviet ships have been sent to the bottom this week?
Raeder: We have sunk a huge amount of Soviet ships to, 7 of their transports have been sent to the bottom, they can ill afford these losses, the Soviet's might have a huge army, but their navy is not in good shape!
Hitler: Excellent, I trust you were overjoyed when the Portuguese opened their naval bases for you.
Raeder: Yes, both myself and Dönitz were overjoyed. I have some news which are not that good thou, this week we lost one of our U-boats to the British, this is the first one until now, and it was one of our new type IX boats.
Hitler: I hope this is something which will not repeat itself.
Raeder: I will do my best not to let it happen again Mein Fuhrer.
Hitler: Any other enemy ships sunk?
Raeder: Yes, the Red navy has lost another three U-boats, these were sunk by the Kriegsmarine Reserven again operating outside Finland, Saalwächter's ships sunk the 1., 3. and 9. Flotilya Podlodok, the Soviet's does not have many submarines left after all the ones they have lost since Barbarossa started.
Hitler: Excellent, I think that makes up for our one of our U-boats. Anything else Raeder?
Raeder: Yes, Schacht has released more ships for me this week, a new Type IX has replaced the one we lost, this is the 31. Unterseebootsflottille, I have put Rear Admiral Krause in command of the boat, he will start operating in the Atlantik in a few days. We have also got a new Zerstörer Geschwader have been deployed in Denmark and they will be sent to Norway at the end of the month. This is the7. Zerstörer Geschwader and I have placed Rear Admiral Schuster in command of the newest addition to the Kriegsmarine.
The 7. Zerstörer Geschwader
Hitler: Great news indeed, a job well done when it comes to our shipbuilders! I think the meeting is over then.
Ernst Udet: Not quite Mein Fuhrer, I just want to say that the Luftwaffe is back on it's feet, I have reinforced the understrengh squadrons and we have been operating over the Byalistok-pocket all week. My squadrons claim at least 2000 enemy dead. I thought you would be glad to know it Mein Fuhrer.
Hitler: I am very pleased Udet, continue like this and the Luftwaffe will win back my respect.
Ersnt Udet: Danke Mein Fuhrer.
*The meeting is summed up and each of the VIP's leave for the front with new confidence and spirit.*
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I will try to put it in tomorrow, that is if my spes can figure it out ^^
10.00 September 14. Wolfschanze, Rasteburg, East Prussia
*Hitler has something special on the agenda, today he is meeting up with one of his foreign colleagues. Today the dictator of Norway, Vidkun Quisling. Quisling has met Hitler many times before, nevertheless he is very keen every time Hitler calls him for an audience. Hitler has been very impressed with the 6.SS fighting in Finland and the 5.SS in southern Russia, both these divisions are comprised almost entirely of Norwegians and Hitler wants Quisling to drum up more Norwegian support as this will able the Germans to field more Die Hard SS volunteers. *
Quisling: What a HQ Mein Fuhrer, this is something entirely different than my office back in Oslo, I am really impressed as always.
Hitler: Danke shön Vidkun, it is always a pleasure having you in Germany.
Quisling: How is the Eastern front coming Mein Fuhrer, we are breaking the Bolsheviks, yes?
Hitler and Quisling.
Hitler: They are very close to falling apart, we just encircled another 80 000 men in the central sector, and more encirclement's are under way. Surely you have heard of the SS Nord's glorious contribution during Unternehmen Nordlicht?
*Quisling has to use some time to translate what Hitler just said to Norwegian, his German is not frightfully good.*
Quisling: Yes of course Mein Fuhrer, I was very intrigued, very intrigued indeed.
Hitler: I am glad to hear it, how many Norwegians do you think you can rally behind us Vidkun?
Quisling: Well a lot of the population is still loyal to the king, and they will not cooperate in any way, but we are confident in the fact that as time passes by the population will eventually realize that The Reich is the right way to follow.
Hitler: Güt, but you did not answer my question.
Quisling: Well, I think I can get about 80 000 more fresh recruits from Norway, many of them ex-army soldiers, who feel betrayed by the pre war government and their demobilization of the country. So some of the men will have combat experience both from the Winter war and Wesserübung.
Norwegian volunteers before being put into uniform.
Hitler: Very good, we need more men of that caliber on the Eastern front. Well, I have a military council in a few minutes, would you like to join, we can have lunch afterwards.
Quisling: Aber naturlich Mein Fuhrer, I would be honored to see how the Oberkommando der Wehrmacht works in action.
Hitler: Güt, follow me to my HQ, it is in the bunker.
*The two men walk slowly towards the bunker, chatting all the way about the bright future, they reach the conference room after about 15 minutes. When they enter the VIP's are all present and ready for a new conference.*
Hitler: Ahh.... meine herren, this is my very good friend from Norway, Vidkun Quisling, I don't think many of you have met him before, except of course you Erich.
Halder: I have met the good Quisling before Mein Fuhrer, he inspected the 6.SS after unternehmen Nordlicht, I think he was quite impressed, weren't you Vidkun?
Quisling: Yes indeed I was General Halder, it was terrible what the Soviet's did when they occupied Kirkenes, good thing that you threw them out again.
Hitler: Anyways meine herren, Vidkun here will be a spectator, he wants to see how the best army in the world is lead.
Von Leeb: I don't think he will be disappointed Mein Fuhrer.
Hitler: Very well, I see that Schacht is present today, what do you have to say Hjalmar?
Schacht: Mein Fuhrer, I have quite worrying news for you, we are finishing up our last supplies of crude oil within the month, we will have enough fuel for quite some time, but unless we can get some new trade-deals or acquire some oil facilities, we will literally be starved of oil. And for our armed forces whom rely so much on fuel driven machines the consequences of fuel-starvation would be catastrophic.
Hitler: WAS! Why has no one told me this before. Von Ribbentrop, you are to get in contact with some of the oil producing countries as quickly as possible, we need to acquire more oil or fuel in the nearest future.
Von Ribbentrop: I will get to it Mein Fuhrer, we can most likely get some from the Romanian's or from the Arab nations, they have all plenty of oil.
Hitler: Do we have a enough money to but oil?
Von Ribbentrop: Yes I have secured coal exporting deals for millions of Reich marks, it is no problem for us to finance the purchases, it is much harder to find countries who are willing to trade with us, most of the oil producing countries have embargoes us. I will find a way Mein Fuhrer, trust me.
Hitler: Sehr güt. I have one further question, herr Frick, have you any idea how the British public is affected by the submarine campaign?
Frick: My spies report that the British national unity is down, significantly. The public in Britain are not keen on continuing the war, they have been put on rations, and very few luxury wares are getting trough our blockade. There is also some national dissent in Britain, however, not much, we hope that we might increase it in the future.
Hitler: Excellent. Now let's move on to the military, shall we?
Jodl: Yes Mein Fuhrer.
Hitler: Who would like to go first?
Von Bock: I can start Mein Fuhrer.
*Von Bock's voice is high and confident, he hands Hitler a map and speaks up.*
Von Bock: As you can see Mein Fuhrer, the Byalistok-pocket is no more, after repeated and coordinated attacks made by Von Manstein and Loch the enemy started to collapse. They continued with their relief attempts for quite some time and they managed to force General Reinhard out of Grodno, the Soviet success was however, short lived, General Ringel forced the enemy out with three divisions, and the pocket was once again closed.
Hitler: Did any enemies manage to escape while Grodno was in their hands?
Von Bock: Not a single divisions Mein Fuhrer! After the pocket was sealed we reduced it for another day and the Soviets finally surrendered two days ago. We were a bit short on our estimates, when it came to the amount of enemies trapped in the pocket. We had estimated the number to be about 80 000, we were wrong, it was clearly more than 90 000, we took about 85 000 prisoners when the Soviet General decided that the game was up.
Some of the Soviet prisoners taken at Byalistok.
Hitler: Anything else in connection with the pocket?
Von Bock: Yes we have also captured hundreds of guns and artillery pieces, they are being distributed among the divisions that took part in the reduction process, we have also captured a lot of enemy tanks, some of which have been pressed into service by our divisions. We have also captured a sample of a fully intact T34, our engineers are testing its capabilities at this very moment, in a few days we will be entirely sure of what we are up against.
Hitler: Excellent Von Bock! Please, continue.
Von Bock: Yes Mein Fuhrer, we have also secured Torczyn, thereby trapping more Soviet divisions in Kovel and Holoby, I have not yet been able to estimate how many this amounts to, but it is about 6-7 divisions, so well over 50 000 men Mein Fuhrer. The pocket is far from secure, and the enemy are trying to break through our lines at Poworsk, General Bittrich is holding the area with two Infanterie-Division's we ave sent help, hopefully, they will arrive in time to assist him. The Soviets are lead by General Povetkin, not a very competent man, but he heavily outnumbers Bittrich.
Hitler: Have you started to reduce the pocket?
Bittrichs men are putting up a determined fight.
Von Bock: Yes Mein Fuhrer, we started with the task at once, the Soviets are however, holding very well, they have a huge stomach for the fight. We are making best progress against Kovel, Von Kluge is leading our assault, he is up against General Luchimchuk, I have always considered Von Kluge to be too cautious, but we shall see. We have also launched an attack against Holoby, Panzer-General Von Radow is leading our men, progress is slow but steady, the Soviets have a decent General for once, they are lead by General Chernov. I trust in Von Radow and I am confident that we will be the victors.
Hitler: Aber naturlich! Von Bock I want you to launch a new attack against Lida, look here, I will draw it for you.
*Hitler picks up a white pen and draws the lines were he wants Von Bock to launch his attack.*
Von Bock: Aber Mein Fuhrer, this is simply not realistic at this time....
Hitler: Silence! I expect that you carry out my orders when you get back to the front, Lida is to be encircled and that is final, do I make myself clear?!
Von Bock: Jawohl Mein Fuhrer, as always.
Hitler: Very well, Von Rundstedt, it seems as if the central pocket is in strong connection with your Armeegruppe Süd, you may give me your report now.
Von Rundstedt: I am happy to do so Mein Fuhrer, here is a map as always.
Von Rundstedt: As Von Bock has told you we have managed to take Torczyn, it came at a price, 2000 casualties, for 3500 Soviet losses, and we have started to reduce the enemy pocket as best we can, however, the men in this sector are extremely tired and I do not blame them, they have been fighting non-stop for three months now.
Hitler: Very well, continue.
Von Rundstedt: We have started to attack Krystnopol, which is a part of the Torczyn pocket, the attack is going fairly well, but here too the Soviets are putting up determined opposition. Our attack is lead by a man who commands my respect, General Von Hammerstein-Equard G. he is leading our troops in an admirable fashion and the Soviet General Russiyanov is completely outclassed. The enemy have started with a relief attempt in my area as well, they are trying to seize Kamionka Strumilowa from us, I have been defending it myself Mein Fuhrer, only handing away command when I left for Prussia. I am confident that the Soviets will not break my lines Mein Fuhrer.
Von Hammerstein-Equard's men clearing the outer Soviet defenses in
Krystnopol.
Von Rundstedt: As soon as my troops recover a bit I will launch them against Kostopol as well, I have spoken with Von Bock and he will assist me once he has dealt with the Soviet pocket in his sector. Further south I have also commenced my attack against Zydaczów, General Dippold is leadind our attack against the Soviet troops under Romanenko I.G. a fairly decent Soviet General with good defensive skills. We are not sure whether we can achieve a breakthrough in the sector but we will make a decent attempt at least Mein Fuhrer!
*Von Rundstedt catches his breath for a few moments and then he continues.*
Von Rundstedt: In Romania Von Dem Bach Zelewski has seizedSniatyn, he is under a heavy attack, the Soviets did not like the idea that they had to concede the sector and they are attacking him from 5 directions at the same time. The general is not giving up however, and he has ordered fresh troops forward from his reserves.
Hitler: This sounds fairly decent Von Rundstedt, have you encountered any problems?
Von Rundstedt: The Soviets seem to be regaining their organization quicker than us, and they also have air superiority in the south, I have spoken with Udet and he will see what he can do about it. The Soviets are also getting greater numbers of their T34's all the time, while no Marders have reached me yet.
Hitler: Also güt, then I suppose we have to do something about that. Von Leeb, what are the news from the north?
Von Leeb: We have pushed further in Lithuania, take a look.
Von Leeb: As you can see, my panzer's have taken Kaunas, it was done fairly quickly, the Soviet's did not have the will to hold the city, nor did they have resources or adequate leadership. The battle was in other words very quick. As soon as the Panzer's reached Kaunas I ordered General Keppler to push even further, his men are now attacking Seduva, which is held by General Vishnevskij, the Soviets are tired from the earlier battles and they will not be able to mount a long resistance, General Keppler is confident that the battle will be over within the next few days. After Seduva is taken there is only Panevezys which stands between us and a huge pocket, we will attack it from two sides, and hopefully we can close it fairly quickly. I will put General Keppler in command, he has developed a reputation for being quick and absolutely ruthless.
Keppler's men during their advance into Seduva, the men are tired after more than three weeks of continual combat.
Hitler: Sehr güt, I can't imagine how many Soviet's which will be trapped if the pocket is closed, any news from Estonia Von Leeb?
Von Leeb: We are continuing with the same attacks which we launched last week, the Soviets have lost a lot of men trying to hold them, and it is only because they have poured more and more men into the struggle that we have not won yet. General Brand and General Von Mackensen are confident that they will succeed within days. And of course Geneal Von Sodenstern has held the enemy attack and about 1000 enemies fell compared to 500 of our men, an acceptable ratio.
Hitler: Well, Von Leeb, you have two objectives for the forseeable future, connect with Dietl's men and encircle the Soviet forces in Lithuania, I am sure you will succeed in both tasks.
Von Leeb: Thank you for your confidence Mein Fuhrer, I will do my best not to fail you! Sieg Heil!
Hitler: Heil, very well, then I think it is your turn General Halder.
Halder: Very well Mein Fuhrer, I have however little to report, take a look.
Halder: As you can see Mein Fuhrer, we have retaken Nautsi from the Soviets, another triumph for the SS Nord. I have drafted up a defense line which are to be held for the moment until the Soviets commit a mistake which we can then exploit, and after my experience they make mistakes quite often. I want to pull the 6.SS away from the Petsamo area and send them over to the left side of the line, they are the only fast troops I have and therefore they are best suited to cut the enemy supply line, if such an opportunity presents itself.
Hitler: Very well, I trust that you will recover all the territory which have been lost in the last weeks General Halder.
Halder: Danke Mein Fuhrer, I almost forgot, we have also destroyed the division which we encircled earlier in the central district, the Fins came up with another division and assisted us, this was more than enough to brake the Soviets.
Hitler: Excellent, then I suppose if you are done Halder that we only have Raeder left, correct?
Raeder: Yes Mein Fuhrer, here are the weeks sinking's Mein Fuhrer.
Raeder: We have not been able to match last weeks enormous success, but we have quite decent figures for this week as well, the British have lost a grand total of 9 transports and 1 escort, evidently The British had just built a new escort, only for us to send it to the bottom on its first mission.
Hitler: Güt. Any losses for the Red navy Raeder?
Raeder: Yes as you can see Mein Fuhrer, we have sunk 6 Soviet transports this week, that is my opinion not too bad. We have, however, not sunk any warships this week.
Hitler: Very well, I guess you don't have much more for us Raeder?
Raeder: Not really Mein Fuhrer.
Hitler: Very well, then we can conclude the meeting meine herren. Raeder I want you to eat lunch with Vidkun and myself.
Raeder: Danke mein Fuhrer, I would be honored to do so.
*The conference is ended in a normal fashion, with the Generals flying back to their respective HQ's.*
*Hitler has something special on the agenda, today he is meeting up with one of his foreign colleagues. Today the dictator of Norway, Vidkun Quisling. Quisling has met Hitler many times before, nevertheless he is very keen every time Hitler calls him for an audience. Hitler has been very impressed with the 6.SS fighting in Finland and the 5.SS in southern Russia, both these divisions are comprised almost entirely of Norwegians and Hitler wants Quisling to drum up more Norwegian support as this will able the Germans to field more Die Hard SS volunteers. *
Quisling: What a HQ Mein Fuhrer, this is something entirely different than my office back in Oslo, I am really impressed as always.
Hitler: Danke shön Vidkun, it is always a pleasure having you in Germany.
Quisling: How is the Eastern front coming Mein Fuhrer, we are breaking the Bolsheviks, yes?
Hitler and Quisling.
Hitler: They are very close to falling apart, we just encircled another 80 000 men in the central sector, and more encirclement's are under way. Surely you have heard of the SS Nord's glorious contribution during Unternehmen Nordlicht?
*Quisling has to use some time to translate what Hitler just said to Norwegian, his German is not frightfully good.*
Quisling: Yes of course Mein Fuhrer, I was very intrigued, very intrigued indeed.
Hitler: I am glad to hear it, how many Norwegians do you think you can rally behind us Vidkun?
Quisling: Well a lot of the population is still loyal to the king, and they will not cooperate in any way, but we are confident in the fact that as time passes by the population will eventually realize that The Reich is the right way to follow.
Hitler: Güt, but you did not answer my question.
Quisling: Well, I think I can get about 80 000 more fresh recruits from Norway, many of them ex-army soldiers, who feel betrayed by the pre war government and their demobilization of the country. So some of the men will have combat experience both from the Winter war and Wesserübung.
Norwegian volunteers before being put into uniform.
Hitler: Very good, we need more men of that caliber on the Eastern front. Well, I have a military council in a few minutes, would you like to join, we can have lunch afterwards.
Quisling: Aber naturlich Mein Fuhrer, I would be honored to see how the Oberkommando der Wehrmacht works in action.
Hitler: Güt, follow me to my HQ, it is in the bunker.
*The two men walk slowly towards the bunker, chatting all the way about the bright future, they reach the conference room after about 15 minutes. When they enter the VIP's are all present and ready for a new conference.*
Hitler: Ahh.... meine herren, this is my very good friend from Norway, Vidkun Quisling, I don't think many of you have met him before, except of course you Erich.
Halder: I have met the good Quisling before Mein Fuhrer, he inspected the 6.SS after unternehmen Nordlicht, I think he was quite impressed, weren't you Vidkun?
Quisling: Yes indeed I was General Halder, it was terrible what the Soviet's did when they occupied Kirkenes, good thing that you threw them out again.
Hitler: Anyways meine herren, Vidkun here will be a spectator, he wants to see how the best army in the world is lead.
Von Leeb: I don't think he will be disappointed Mein Fuhrer.
Hitler: Very well, I see that Schacht is present today, what do you have to say Hjalmar?
Schacht: Mein Fuhrer, I have quite worrying news for you, we are finishing up our last supplies of crude oil within the month, we will have enough fuel for quite some time, but unless we can get some new trade-deals or acquire some oil facilities, we will literally be starved of oil. And for our armed forces whom rely so much on fuel driven machines the consequences of fuel-starvation would be catastrophic.
Hitler: WAS! Why has no one told me this before. Von Ribbentrop, you are to get in contact with some of the oil producing countries as quickly as possible, we need to acquire more oil or fuel in the nearest future.
Von Ribbentrop: I will get to it Mein Fuhrer, we can most likely get some from the Romanian's or from the Arab nations, they have all plenty of oil.
Hitler: Do we have a enough money to but oil?
Von Ribbentrop: Yes I have secured coal exporting deals for millions of Reich marks, it is no problem for us to finance the purchases, it is much harder to find countries who are willing to trade with us, most of the oil producing countries have embargoes us. I will find a way Mein Fuhrer, trust me.
Hitler: Sehr güt. I have one further question, herr Frick, have you any idea how the British public is affected by the submarine campaign?
Frick: My spies report that the British national unity is down, significantly. The public in Britain are not keen on continuing the war, they have been put on rations, and very few luxury wares are getting trough our blockade. There is also some national dissent in Britain, however, not much, we hope that we might increase it in the future.
Hitler: Excellent. Now let's move on to the military, shall we?
Jodl: Yes Mein Fuhrer.
Hitler: Who would like to go first?
Von Bock: I can start Mein Fuhrer.
*Von Bock's voice is high and confident, he hands Hitler a map and speaks up.*
Hitler: Did any enemies manage to escape while Grodno was in their hands?
Von Bock: Not a single divisions Mein Fuhrer! After the pocket was sealed we reduced it for another day and the Soviets finally surrendered two days ago. We were a bit short on our estimates, when it came to the amount of enemies trapped in the pocket. We had estimated the number to be about 80 000, we were wrong, it was clearly more than 90 000, we took about 85 000 prisoners when the Soviet General decided that the game was up.
Some of the Soviet prisoners taken at Byalistok.
Hitler: Anything else in connection with the pocket?
Von Bock: Yes we have also captured hundreds of guns and artillery pieces, they are being distributed among the divisions that took part in the reduction process, we have also captured a lot of enemy tanks, some of which have been pressed into service by our divisions. We have also captured a sample of a fully intact T34, our engineers are testing its capabilities at this very moment, in a few days we will be entirely sure of what we are up against.
Hitler: Excellent Von Bock! Please, continue.
Von Bock: Yes Mein Fuhrer, we have also secured Torczyn, thereby trapping more Soviet divisions in Kovel and Holoby, I have not yet been able to estimate how many this amounts to, but it is about 6-7 divisions, so well over 50 000 men Mein Fuhrer. The pocket is far from secure, and the enemy are trying to break through our lines at Poworsk, General Bittrich is holding the area with two Infanterie-Division's we ave sent help, hopefully, they will arrive in time to assist him. The Soviets are lead by General Povetkin, not a very competent man, but he heavily outnumbers Bittrich.
Hitler: Have you started to reduce the pocket?
Bittrichs men are putting up a determined fight.
Von Bock: Yes Mein Fuhrer, we started with the task at once, the Soviets are however, holding very well, they have a huge stomach for the fight. We are making best progress against Kovel, Von Kluge is leading our assault, he is up against General Luchimchuk, I have always considered Von Kluge to be too cautious, but we shall see. We have also launched an attack against Holoby, Panzer-General Von Radow is leading our men, progress is slow but steady, the Soviets have a decent General for once, they are lead by General Chernov. I trust in Von Radow and I am confident that we will be the victors.
Hitler: Aber naturlich! Von Bock I want you to launch a new attack against Lida, look here, I will draw it for you.
*Hitler picks up a white pen and draws the lines were he wants Von Bock to launch his attack.*
Von Bock: Aber Mein Fuhrer, this is simply not realistic at this time....
Hitler: Silence! I expect that you carry out my orders when you get back to the front, Lida is to be encircled and that is final, do I make myself clear?!
Von Bock: Jawohl Mein Fuhrer, as always.
Hitler: Very well, Von Rundstedt, it seems as if the central pocket is in strong connection with your Armeegruppe Süd, you may give me your report now.
Von Rundstedt: I am happy to do so Mein Fuhrer, here is a map as always.
Von Rundstedt: As Von Bock has told you we have managed to take Torczyn, it came at a price, 2000 casualties, for 3500 Soviet losses, and we have started to reduce the enemy pocket as best we can, however, the men in this sector are extremely tired and I do not blame them, they have been fighting non-stop for three months now.
Hitler: Very well, continue.
Von Rundstedt: We have started to attack Krystnopol, which is a part of the Torczyn pocket, the attack is going fairly well, but here too the Soviets are putting up determined opposition. Our attack is lead by a man who commands my respect, General Von Hammerstein-Equard G. he is leading our troops in an admirable fashion and the Soviet General Russiyanov is completely outclassed. The enemy have started with a relief attempt in my area as well, they are trying to seize Kamionka Strumilowa from us, I have been defending it myself Mein Fuhrer, only handing away command when I left for Prussia. I am confident that the Soviets will not break my lines Mein Fuhrer.
Von Hammerstein-Equard's men clearing the outer Soviet defenses in
Krystnopol.
Von Rundstedt: As soon as my troops recover a bit I will launch them against Kostopol as well, I have spoken with Von Bock and he will assist me once he has dealt with the Soviet pocket in his sector. Further south I have also commenced my attack against Zydaczów, General Dippold is leadind our attack against the Soviet troops under Romanenko I.G. a fairly decent Soviet General with good defensive skills. We are not sure whether we can achieve a breakthrough in the sector but we will make a decent attempt at least Mein Fuhrer!
*Von Rundstedt catches his breath for a few moments and then he continues.*
Von Rundstedt: In Romania Von Dem Bach Zelewski has seizedSniatyn, he is under a heavy attack, the Soviets did not like the idea that they had to concede the sector and they are attacking him from 5 directions at the same time. The general is not giving up however, and he has ordered fresh troops forward from his reserves.
Hitler: This sounds fairly decent Von Rundstedt, have you encountered any problems?
Von Rundstedt: The Soviets seem to be regaining their organization quicker than us, and they also have air superiority in the south, I have spoken with Udet and he will see what he can do about it. The Soviets are also getting greater numbers of their T34's all the time, while no Marders have reached me yet.
Hitler: Also güt, then I suppose we have to do something about that. Von Leeb, what are the news from the north?
Von Leeb: We have pushed further in Lithuania, take a look.
Von Leeb: As you can see, my panzer's have taken Kaunas, it was done fairly quickly, the Soviet's did not have the will to hold the city, nor did they have resources or adequate leadership. The battle was in other words very quick. As soon as the Panzer's reached Kaunas I ordered General Keppler to push even further, his men are now attacking Seduva, which is held by General Vishnevskij, the Soviets are tired from the earlier battles and they will not be able to mount a long resistance, General Keppler is confident that the battle will be over within the next few days. After Seduva is taken there is only Panevezys which stands between us and a huge pocket, we will attack it from two sides, and hopefully we can close it fairly quickly. I will put General Keppler in command, he has developed a reputation for being quick and absolutely ruthless.
Keppler's men during their advance into Seduva, the men are tired after more than three weeks of continual combat.
Hitler: Sehr güt, I can't imagine how many Soviet's which will be trapped if the pocket is closed, any news from Estonia Von Leeb?
Von Leeb: We are continuing with the same attacks which we launched last week, the Soviets have lost a lot of men trying to hold them, and it is only because they have poured more and more men into the struggle that we have not won yet. General Brand and General Von Mackensen are confident that they will succeed within days. And of course Geneal Von Sodenstern has held the enemy attack and about 1000 enemies fell compared to 500 of our men, an acceptable ratio.
Hitler: Well, Von Leeb, you have two objectives for the forseeable future, connect with Dietl's men and encircle the Soviet forces in Lithuania, I am sure you will succeed in both tasks.
Von Leeb: Thank you for your confidence Mein Fuhrer, I will do my best not to fail you! Sieg Heil!
Hitler: Heil, very well, then I think it is your turn General Halder.
Halder: Very well Mein Fuhrer, I have however little to report, take a look.
Halder: As you can see Mein Fuhrer, we have retaken Nautsi from the Soviets, another triumph for the SS Nord. I have drafted up a defense line which are to be held for the moment until the Soviets commit a mistake which we can then exploit, and after my experience they make mistakes quite often. I want to pull the 6.SS away from the Petsamo area and send them over to the left side of the line, they are the only fast troops I have and therefore they are best suited to cut the enemy supply line, if such an opportunity presents itself.
Hitler: Very well, I trust that you will recover all the territory which have been lost in the last weeks General Halder.
Halder: Danke Mein Fuhrer, I almost forgot, we have also destroyed the division which we encircled earlier in the central district, the Fins came up with another division and assisted us, this was more than enough to brake the Soviets.
Hitler: Excellent, then I suppose if you are done Halder that we only have Raeder left, correct?
Raeder: Yes Mein Fuhrer, here are the weeks sinking's Mein Fuhrer.
Hitler: Güt. Any losses for the Red navy Raeder?
Raeder: Yes as you can see Mein Fuhrer, we have sunk 6 Soviet transports this week, that is my opinion not too bad. We have, however, not sunk any warships this week.
Hitler: Very well, I guess you don't have much more for us Raeder?
Raeder: Not really Mein Fuhrer.
Hitler: Very well, then we can conclude the meeting meine herren. Raeder I want you to eat lunch with Vidkun and myself.
Raeder: Danke mein Fuhrer, I would be honored to do so.
*The conference is ended in a normal fashion, with the Generals flying back to their respective HQ's.*
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Hmm, Portugal has joined the Axis and the Soviet front, except for Finland, is looking good. Great work.
Hmm, Portugal has joined the Axis and the Soviet front, except for Finland, is looking good. Great work.
Thanks
21.00 September 22. Wolfschanze, Rastenburg, East Prussia.
*It is three months since the start of Barbarossa, Hitler is not satisfied with the progress of the attack, there have been no German disasters in terms of lost men, but Finland is more or less occupied by the Soviets and the central and southern front's have not made large gains by any means, only the navy and Armegruppe Nord has been successful, today Hitler wants to point out to Von Rundstedt and Von Bock, that they are in big danger of being replaced. In the meeting which will be held in a few minutes Hitler has also assembled the commander of the Armies in the west, Erwin Von Witzleben. After Hitler has eaten his usual vegetarian dinner Hitler starts heading for the conference room. When he enters the room the generals have been waiting for some time and they all look happy to see the Fuhrer. *
Hitler: Gutem abent meine herren, I am curious, what do you have for me today?
Jodl: Not very much Mein Fuhrer, but we will go through nevertheless, we have made gains, but the attacks which are underway need more time before we can see any major developments.
Hitler: Also güt, I see that Joachim is here, what do you have for us from the diplomatic front Von Ribbentrop?
*Von Ribbentrop looks as if he has just achieved a diplomatic coup de Grasse, he starts talking with a high voice which oozes of confidence.*
Von Ribbentrop: Mein Fuhrer, last week minister Schacht told us that we had an imminent oil crisis, and I said I would take care of the problem, I am sure you remember that.
Oil wells in Ploiesti in Romania, these were crucial to the German war machine.
Hitler: Yes I was not very pleased with those developments. Have you secured any major oil deals for us Joachim.
Von Ribbentrop: Yes Mein Fuhrer, one might say so. I have talked with Marschall Antonescu in person and he was very keen indeed to sell oil to us, we managed to secure a deal of 35 Crude oil per day, although this is less than I had hoped for it is still a considerable amount which we will have a great need for.
Hitler: Excellent, have got oil from any other nations?
Von Ribbentrop: Yes, we were shocked to find out that Italy was able to trade us 50.00 fuel per day! I have no idea where they are getting all that fuel from, they must have stockpiled an enormous amount before the war, anyways this huge amount of clean fuel will help our war effort considerably, I have already told all our panzer-leaders that they can drive their tanks at full speed without worrying about fuel!
Hitler: Das is doch wunderbar! I want to invite Mussolini next week, see to it Von Ribbentrop, that man has just made my day brighter! Any other diplomatic plans?
Von Ribbentrop: I have started discussions with Spain, Franco seems willing to join the war after his forces are a bit stronger and more ready for the fight. I have also started discussions with Turkey and Argentina, both of these countries are quite potential allies in the near future. I will start discussions with Hungary in order to secure some of their oil, and of course Vichy France will be persuaded to join us as well!
Hitler: Excellent, sounds as if you have quite a lot of work to do in the near future.
Von Ribbentrop: Nothing I can't handle Mein Fuhrer.
Hitler: Heil, then I think we can move on to you Schacht, what do you have for us today?
Schacht: Mein Fuhrer, I have news from the technological front, I have spoken as lot with Von Leeb lately, and he has told me that we need to focus more on our armored doctrine, to be really effective, and therefore I have authorized for an increase in research.
Hjalmar Schacht, armaments minister in Germany.
Hitler: Sehr güt, continue.
Schacht: Many of our other research programs will be ready in December and in January, this will give us a lot of benefits for the second year of the war with Russia. After speaking with a lot of the other generals I have got the impression that one of our major problems is responding to attacks at night, therefore I have ordered a research time to start developing night fighting equipment, this is far ahead of our time, but I am confident that our researchers can achieve a breakthrough in a year, once we have this invention we will be literally owning the night, and in Von Bock's words, if we do not own the night we do not own the battlefield!
Hitler: Very good indeed Schacht, I expect that our researchers will do their work as efficiently as possible.
Schacht: Aber naturlich Mein Fuhrer. That was all I had for today.
Hitler: Güt, then we can move on to Von Witzleben.
Von Witzleben: Heil Mein Fuhrer, Why have you called me here today?
*Hitler fetches a map of western Europe and the British isles and starts to talk about his new version of unternehmen Seebiber, the invasion of Ireland.*
Hitler: I have thought a lot about the treacherous Irish lately, and I have decided that they are going to pay for their decision to join the allies! I want you Von Witzleben to invade Ireland, that is unternehmen Seebiber. Raeder originally designed the plan, he wanted us to land in Belfast and secure a port which is big enough to supply our army before anything else, but I think that is a too obvious move. Nein meine herren, we shall attack from the south, and land in Cork! From Cork my plan is to move north and seize Dublin, when that is done the Irish will have to surrender and then we can move into northern Ireland and seize Belfast, by this time Ireland will be ours. I want you to start the operation as soon as possible.
*Von Witzleben looks paralyzed, the Fuhrer is continuously pointing his finger at Dublin and waits impatiently for a response.*
Von Witzleben: Mein Fuhrer..... such a plan is not possible at the moment, we have far too few warships, not enough air cover to cover our landing, and we not merely enough transports or convoy transports. If I start such an operation then we would be losing a lot of men in an operation which is doomed from the start. Our troops might be able to land, but without a port and air cover we will be starved into submission.
Erwin Von Witzleben, the man in charge of Heeresgruppe D and the man responsible for carrying out Unternehmen Seebiber.
*Hitler takes off his glasses and looks as if he is taking Von Witzleben comments in a calm way, he appears to agree with the aging general, suddenly the Fuhrer burst in to rage.*
Hitler: Es ist ein befehl! I don't care what you think you old defeatist! Either you carry out the operation when the Kriegsmarine is ready for it or you are without a job! Do I make myself clear!?
Von Witzleben: Very well Mein Fuhrer, I will do what you require of me, alles für Deutschland. I will assemble my troops from Holland and from the Maginot line as fast as possible, we will be ready within the month.
Hitler: Heil, I expect you to launch the operation within the next five weeks, possibly four. Raeder you will have to assemble a striking fleet, and try to sink some British combat vessels, your ships have excelled in convoy raiding, now we shall see what they can do against the enemy's battleships!
*Raeder looks at the Fuhrer and expects him to say that he has been joking, the Fuhrer however, waits for Raeder to say that his order will be done.*
Raeder: Mein Fuhrer, the Kriegsmarine can't fight the Royal navy on such a basis. We are merely able to carry out these convoy raiding missions, we can't challenge British naval supremacy, that would be suicide.
Hitler: WAS! Are you questioning my order as well!?
Raeder: Nein Mein Fuhrer, I am sorry, I will support the operation with every vessel under my command.
Hitler: Güt. The I expect a great success within the month meine herren. Since you have already started Raeder, what are the week's sinking's?
Raeder: I think you will be pleased with that Mein Fuhrer, here is my list.
The British have lost more than they can afford this week, they have lost:
- 15 transports
- 2 escorts.
Raeder: As you can see Mein Fuhrer, The British have started to escort their convoys once more, but this is having no effect at all, their escorts are evidently to few since our kill list is so high. Churchill has most likely demanded the British admiralty to send out their new escorts before they are enough of them to make a difference and as a consequence we are sinking as many transports as before except that we also get some escort-kills. I have also spoken with herr Frick, and he tells me that the British public are getting more angry for each that that passes.
Hitler: Excellent, I hope we can add some combat vessels next week to this list.
Raeder: I will do what I can Mein Fuhrer, the British will pay for their continued resistance towards the Reich!
Hitler: Heil, have you sunk a lot of Soviet ship's during the week Raeder?
A type IX heading back into the Atlantic after undergoing maintenance
Raeder: We have sunk 7 Soviet transport, these losses are ships which the Red navy can ill afford. If we add the British and Soviet losses then we have a grand total of 22 transports and 2 escorts for this week.
Hitler: Any losses for the Kriegsmarine?
Rader: Yes, unfortunately we have lost 1 transport, it was headed for Trondheim, the British caught it on the way and sank one of the transports, the escorts did not manage to react before it was too late.
Hitler: Very well, I think it is a very acceptable kill list Raeder, we can replace that one transport with ease.
Raeder: Heil Mein Fuhrer, that was all I had for this week.
Hitler: Güt, then we can move on to Von Leeb.
Von Leeb: We have engaged the Soviet's in many locations this week Mein Fuhrer, take a look.
Von Leeb: As you can see Mein Fuhrer, we have almost linked up with Dietl's men, they have pushed at an amazing speed under General Brand. During the last week our men managed to secure Abja Paluoja, the Soviet's had other plans, and they launched a counterattack with 6 divisions, our1 Infanterie-Division could not hold them for very long, and Dietl ordered it to withdraw. In response of the attack we have dispatched reinforcements towards Abja Paluoja, and we have also taken some other countermeasures.
Dietl's men are putting up a determined fight in Abja Paluoja.
Von Leeb: Our men have launched an attack against the Soviets in Imavere, General Pfeiffer has led his one division against three Soviet divisions under General Mironov P.A. General Pfeiffer is not achieving very much, and I will call of the attack within the day. We have launched three divisions against the Soviets in Salacgriva s well, three of our divisions under General Bernhard is attacking an equal number of Soviets under General Gagen, Bernhard is making good progress and he is tiring the Soviet troops in a ruthless attack. As soon as that hole in our lines is plugged we will unite with the 18. Armee of General Busch, north of Riga.
General Bernhard's men during their attack on Salacgriva.
Hitler: Excellent Von Leeb. Anything else?
Von Leeb: We continued our attack against Seduva, the enemy have reinforced the area all the time, but we are confident that we will soon push our way trough their defenses and seize the area, General Scölmer is leading the attack against the Soviets under Zakharov M.V. and Scölmer is sure that he will force his way trough within a few days.
One of General Scölmer's Panzer mark IV's ausf. F2, one of the few German tanks able to knock out a T34.
I have ordered attacks to begin on the pocket which is forming in Lithuania, this will hopefully prevent the Soviet's from retreating and also draw troops away from Seduva. General Guderian has taken his men and the men of General Jänecke's Armeekorps Kurland and he is leading them in an attack against Jelgava, Guderian is confident that he will keep the Soviet troops under General Koroteev occupied, while simultaneously inflicting casualties on them. We have also launched an attack against the Soviets in Dobele, our attack is led by General Von Wiktorin, we are making slow progress, the Soviets are dug in and led by General Pakhomenko, nevertheless they will not be going anywhere. Our last attack is against Taurag, General Von Pfeffer-Wildenbruch has thrown his men against the Soviets under General Bolotnikov, progress is slow but steady.
Hitler: This sounds very good Von Leeb, I hope we can close the pocket before the next week is over. Linking up with Dietl is also a high priority.
Von Leeb: Jawohl Mein Fuhrer, that was all from Armeegruppe Nord.
Hitler:Very well, then we will continue with Armeegruppe Mitte, what do you have for us Von Bock?
Von Bock: The front is more or less the same as last week, take a look.
Von Bock: I have begun you encirclement order against Lida, however we had to launch it further south than intended, we did not have forces in Alytus to begin any major strike towards Lida. Therefore I ordered my men to attack Druskienniki, our attack is led by General Behlendorf, a highly competent general. The Soviets do not have very strong forces in the area, but they are putting up a tough resistance under General Kirichenko, I know what Behlendorf is capable of so I would not worry when it comes to this attack Mein Fuhrer.
Hitler: I don't like it when someone alters the plans I make, but in this instance it is alright. Carry on Von Bock.
Von Bock: Danke Mein Fuhrer. We have continued our reduction of the Kovel-pocket, and the Soviets are beginning to collapse in Kovel, General Bremer has been absolutely ruthless and now we are seeing the results. The Soviets under General Luchimchuk are not ready to surrender and they are still clinging to their trenches. The Soviets are trying to open a new escaperoute into the pocket and under General Liudnikov they have launched an attack against Kamien Koszyrski, however, General Scholz Von Referance is in command and he is holding the Soviets in an admirable fashion. We have also started to reduce the enemy in Holoby, and General Altrichter has launched his men against the Soviets under General Chernov, Altrichter is making good progress even though he is outnumbered, and victory is in the air.
Von Bock's heavy artillery reducing the Kovel-pocket.
Hitler: Very good Von Bock, The Soviets are once again pushing against Torczyn, how is our defense there?
Von Bock: General Kammerhofer is in charge and the Soviets under General Goltsev are not achieving a lot, they are giving us losses, but it is highly unlikely that they will manage to open the escape route again.
Hitler: Very good, have you encountered a lot of these T34's this week Von Bock?
Von Bock: My generals report of more of them each day, but the problem is not as serious as before Mein Fuhrer, most of our men have been supplied with the new PAK38 and this gun can pierce their armor at some distance making them less of a problem, we have also started using our FLAK88's against the enemy tanks, they are working wonders I can tell you. And anyways the Soviet attacks are poorly executed and often we can outmaneuver their T34 and then we can destroyed them with every AT weapon.
Hitler: Very good Von Bock, then I want to hear from Armeegruppe Süd.
Von Rundstedt: Very well Mein Fuhrer, here is my map.
Von Rundstedt: Well Armegruppe Süd's sector have been very quiet this week, not a lot has happened. We have assisted Armeegruppe Mitte's attack on the Kovel-pocket. Early last week we seized Krystynopol from the enemy, General Hammerstein Von Equard's men fought very well, and we could claim victory. The Soviets have however, reclaimed Lopatyn, and with that they have opened a new escape route to the Kostopol-pocket, we have launched an attack against Lopatyn under General Keiner, the Soviets are clinging on under General Ivanor M.M. General Keiner is known to attack without stopping and we expect victory within days. The Soviets managed to seize Nvyi Rozdil from us early this week, and when that happened we had to abandon our encirclement of Stryj, instead I ordered my men to attack Stryj head on, our attack is lead by the seasoned Von Stülpnagel C.H. and he is making very good progress against the Soviet defenses held by General Alexandrv's troops.
Hitler: What has happened in Romania?
Von Rundstedt: Not a great deal, we are still holding Sniatyn under General Von Dem Bach Zellewski, the defense is, however, a lot weaker than what it was a week ago. To support him we have made a spoiling attack on the Soviet flank, it seems to have little effect on the battle of Sniatyn, Von Dem Bach Zelewski has ordered reserves forward, one of the strongest divisions is commanded by General Rozin.
Romanian troops defending Sniatyn.
Hitler: Very well, I expect you to close the pocket as quickly as possible, the future of the Reich is at stake!
Von Rundstedt: Heil Mein Fuhrer.
Hitler: I think that leaves you General Halder, what news do you have from Finland?
Halder: Not a lot, we have retreated further, take a look Mein Fuhrer.
Halder: In the north the Soviets have started to attack our defensive line, the Tannebaum-line as we have called it. Their first attack was against Von Falkenhorst's division in Nautsi, Von Falkenhorst's men are dug in deep and they are holding well against the Soviet attack. To support him we have launched an attack against the Soviets in Paatsjoki with two divisions, they are commanded by me and we are making good progress against the Soviet defenders of Paatsjoki. I have also ordered one of the Gebirgsjäger-divisions to attack the Soviets just east of Vaalesjoki. That should make sure that Von Falkenhorst wins the battle of Nautsi
Hitler: Very good, it sounds as if the Soviets will not break the Tannenbaum-line. What has happened with the 6.SS'es move against the far left Soviet line?
Halder: Well the Soviets have launched their men against General Heitz'es HQ which is stationed in Inari, Heitz is holding for the moment and the 6.SS will arrive in a day or two and when the SS arrives the Soviets will have to abandon their assault. And when this is done the SS can cut the Soviet line southwest of Inari.
A bunker which is part of the Tannenbaum-line.
Hitler: Excellent, it seems as if you have a very solid plan Halder.
Halder: Danke shön Mein Fuhrer.
Hitler: Very well meine herren, I am not very impressed with the speed of our attack into Russia, those who are unable to speed up in the near future will be replaced, that was all for today.
*The meeting ends with many of the generals beginning to doubt Hitler's military genious.*
*It is three months since the start of Barbarossa, Hitler is not satisfied with the progress of the attack, there have been no German disasters in terms of lost men, but Finland is more or less occupied by the Soviets and the central and southern front's have not made large gains by any means, only the navy and Armegruppe Nord has been successful, today Hitler wants to point out to Von Rundstedt and Von Bock, that they are in big danger of being replaced. In the meeting which will be held in a few minutes Hitler has also assembled the commander of the Armies in the west, Erwin Von Witzleben. After Hitler has eaten his usual vegetarian dinner Hitler starts heading for the conference room. When he enters the room the generals have been waiting for some time and they all look happy to see the Fuhrer. *
Hitler: Gutem abent meine herren, I am curious, what do you have for me today?
Jodl: Not very much Mein Fuhrer, but we will go through nevertheless, we have made gains, but the attacks which are underway need more time before we can see any major developments.
Hitler: Also güt, I see that Joachim is here, what do you have for us from the diplomatic front Von Ribbentrop?
*Von Ribbentrop looks as if he has just achieved a diplomatic coup de Grasse, he starts talking with a high voice which oozes of confidence.*
Von Ribbentrop: Mein Fuhrer, last week minister Schacht told us that we had an imminent oil crisis, and I said I would take care of the problem, I am sure you remember that.
Oil wells in Ploiesti in Romania, these were crucial to the German war machine.
Hitler: Yes I was not very pleased with those developments. Have you secured any major oil deals for us Joachim.
Von Ribbentrop: Yes Mein Fuhrer, one might say so. I have talked with Marschall Antonescu in person and he was very keen indeed to sell oil to us, we managed to secure a deal of 35 Crude oil per day, although this is less than I had hoped for it is still a considerable amount which we will have a great need for.
Hitler: Excellent, have got oil from any other nations?
Von Ribbentrop: Yes, we were shocked to find out that Italy was able to trade us 50.00 fuel per day! I have no idea where they are getting all that fuel from, they must have stockpiled an enormous amount before the war, anyways this huge amount of clean fuel will help our war effort considerably, I have already told all our panzer-leaders that they can drive their tanks at full speed without worrying about fuel!
Hitler: Das is doch wunderbar! I want to invite Mussolini next week, see to it Von Ribbentrop, that man has just made my day brighter! Any other diplomatic plans?
Von Ribbentrop: I have started discussions with Spain, Franco seems willing to join the war after his forces are a bit stronger and more ready for the fight. I have also started discussions with Turkey and Argentina, both of these countries are quite potential allies in the near future. I will start discussions with Hungary in order to secure some of their oil, and of course Vichy France will be persuaded to join us as well!
Hitler: Excellent, sounds as if you have quite a lot of work to do in the near future.
Von Ribbentrop: Nothing I can't handle Mein Fuhrer.
Hitler: Heil, then I think we can move on to you Schacht, what do you have for us today?
Schacht: Mein Fuhrer, I have news from the technological front, I have spoken as lot with Von Leeb lately, and he has told me that we need to focus more on our armored doctrine, to be really effective, and therefore I have authorized for an increase in research.
Hjalmar Schacht, armaments minister in Germany.
Hitler: Sehr güt, continue.
Schacht: Many of our other research programs will be ready in December and in January, this will give us a lot of benefits for the second year of the war with Russia. After speaking with a lot of the other generals I have got the impression that one of our major problems is responding to attacks at night, therefore I have ordered a research time to start developing night fighting equipment, this is far ahead of our time, but I am confident that our researchers can achieve a breakthrough in a year, once we have this invention we will be literally owning the night, and in Von Bock's words, if we do not own the night we do not own the battlefield!
Hitler: Very good indeed Schacht, I expect that our researchers will do their work as efficiently as possible.
Schacht: Aber naturlich Mein Fuhrer. That was all I had for today.
Hitler: Güt, then we can move on to Von Witzleben.
Von Witzleben: Heil Mein Fuhrer, Why have you called me here today?
*Hitler fetches a map of western Europe and the British isles and starts to talk about his new version of unternehmen Seebiber, the invasion of Ireland.*
Hitler: I have thought a lot about the treacherous Irish lately, and I have decided that they are going to pay for their decision to join the allies! I want you Von Witzleben to invade Ireland, that is unternehmen Seebiber. Raeder originally designed the plan, he wanted us to land in Belfast and secure a port which is big enough to supply our army before anything else, but I think that is a too obvious move. Nein meine herren, we shall attack from the south, and land in Cork! From Cork my plan is to move north and seize Dublin, when that is done the Irish will have to surrender and then we can move into northern Ireland and seize Belfast, by this time Ireland will be ours. I want you to start the operation as soon as possible.
*Von Witzleben looks paralyzed, the Fuhrer is continuously pointing his finger at Dublin and waits impatiently for a response.*
Von Witzleben: Mein Fuhrer..... such a plan is not possible at the moment, we have far too few warships, not enough air cover to cover our landing, and we not merely enough transports or convoy transports. If I start such an operation then we would be losing a lot of men in an operation which is doomed from the start. Our troops might be able to land, but without a port and air cover we will be starved into submission.
Erwin Von Witzleben, the man in charge of Heeresgruppe D and the man responsible for carrying out Unternehmen Seebiber.
*Hitler takes off his glasses and looks as if he is taking Von Witzleben comments in a calm way, he appears to agree with the aging general, suddenly the Fuhrer burst in to rage.*
Hitler: Es ist ein befehl! I don't care what you think you old defeatist! Either you carry out the operation when the Kriegsmarine is ready for it or you are without a job! Do I make myself clear!?
Von Witzleben: Very well Mein Fuhrer, I will do what you require of me, alles für Deutschland. I will assemble my troops from Holland and from the Maginot line as fast as possible, we will be ready within the month.
Hitler: Heil, I expect you to launch the operation within the next five weeks, possibly four. Raeder you will have to assemble a striking fleet, and try to sink some British combat vessels, your ships have excelled in convoy raiding, now we shall see what they can do against the enemy's battleships!
*Raeder looks at the Fuhrer and expects him to say that he has been joking, the Fuhrer however, waits for Raeder to say that his order will be done.*
Raeder: Mein Fuhrer, the Kriegsmarine can't fight the Royal navy on such a basis. We are merely able to carry out these convoy raiding missions, we can't challenge British naval supremacy, that would be suicide.
Hitler: WAS! Are you questioning my order as well!?
Raeder: Nein Mein Fuhrer, I am sorry, I will support the operation with every vessel under my command.
Hitler: Güt. The I expect a great success within the month meine herren. Since you have already started Raeder, what are the week's sinking's?
Raeder: I think you will be pleased with that Mein Fuhrer, here is my list.
- 15 transports
- 2 escorts.
Raeder: As you can see Mein Fuhrer, The British have started to escort their convoys once more, but this is having no effect at all, their escorts are evidently to few since our kill list is so high. Churchill has most likely demanded the British admiralty to send out their new escorts before they are enough of them to make a difference and as a consequence we are sinking as many transports as before except that we also get some escort-kills. I have also spoken with herr Frick, and he tells me that the British public are getting more angry for each that that passes.
Hitler: Excellent, I hope we can add some combat vessels next week to this list.
Raeder: I will do what I can Mein Fuhrer, the British will pay for their continued resistance towards the Reich!
Hitler: Heil, have you sunk a lot of Soviet ship's during the week Raeder?
A type IX heading back into the Atlantic after undergoing maintenance
Raeder: We have sunk 7 Soviet transport, these losses are ships which the Red navy can ill afford. If we add the British and Soviet losses then we have a grand total of 22 transports and 2 escorts for this week.
Hitler: Any losses for the Kriegsmarine?
Rader: Yes, unfortunately we have lost 1 transport, it was headed for Trondheim, the British caught it on the way and sank one of the transports, the escorts did not manage to react before it was too late.
Hitler: Very well, I think it is a very acceptable kill list Raeder, we can replace that one transport with ease.
Raeder: Heil Mein Fuhrer, that was all I had for this week.
Hitler: Güt, then we can move on to Von Leeb.
Von Leeb: We have engaged the Soviet's in many locations this week Mein Fuhrer, take a look.
Von Leeb: As you can see Mein Fuhrer, we have almost linked up with Dietl's men, they have pushed at an amazing speed under General Brand. During the last week our men managed to secure Abja Paluoja, the Soviet's had other plans, and they launched a counterattack with 6 divisions, our1 Infanterie-Division could not hold them for very long, and Dietl ordered it to withdraw. In response of the attack we have dispatched reinforcements towards Abja Paluoja, and we have also taken some other countermeasures.
Dietl's men are putting up a determined fight in Abja Paluoja.
Von Leeb: Our men have launched an attack against the Soviets in Imavere, General Pfeiffer has led his one division against three Soviet divisions under General Mironov P.A. General Pfeiffer is not achieving very much, and I will call of the attack within the day. We have launched three divisions against the Soviets in Salacgriva s well, three of our divisions under General Bernhard is attacking an equal number of Soviets under General Gagen, Bernhard is making good progress and he is tiring the Soviet troops in a ruthless attack. As soon as that hole in our lines is plugged we will unite with the 18. Armee of General Busch, north of Riga.
General Bernhard's men during their attack on Salacgriva.
Hitler: Excellent Von Leeb. Anything else?
Von Leeb: We continued our attack against Seduva, the enemy have reinforced the area all the time, but we are confident that we will soon push our way trough their defenses and seize the area, General Scölmer is leading the attack against the Soviets under Zakharov M.V. and Scölmer is sure that he will force his way trough within a few days.
One of General Scölmer's Panzer mark IV's ausf. F2, one of the few German tanks able to knock out a T34.
I have ordered attacks to begin on the pocket which is forming in Lithuania, this will hopefully prevent the Soviet's from retreating and also draw troops away from Seduva. General Guderian has taken his men and the men of General Jänecke's Armeekorps Kurland and he is leading them in an attack against Jelgava, Guderian is confident that he will keep the Soviet troops under General Koroteev occupied, while simultaneously inflicting casualties on them. We have also launched an attack against the Soviets in Dobele, our attack is led by General Von Wiktorin, we are making slow progress, the Soviets are dug in and led by General Pakhomenko, nevertheless they will not be going anywhere. Our last attack is against Taurag, General Von Pfeffer-Wildenbruch has thrown his men against the Soviets under General Bolotnikov, progress is slow but steady.
Hitler: This sounds very good Von Leeb, I hope we can close the pocket before the next week is over. Linking up with Dietl is also a high priority.
Von Leeb: Jawohl Mein Fuhrer, that was all from Armeegruppe Nord.
Hitler:Very well, then we will continue with Armeegruppe Mitte, what do you have for us Von Bock?
Von Bock: The front is more or less the same as last week, take a look.
Von Bock: I have begun you encirclement order against Lida, however we had to launch it further south than intended, we did not have forces in Alytus to begin any major strike towards Lida. Therefore I ordered my men to attack Druskienniki, our attack is led by General Behlendorf, a highly competent general. The Soviets do not have very strong forces in the area, but they are putting up a tough resistance under General Kirichenko, I know what Behlendorf is capable of so I would not worry when it comes to this attack Mein Fuhrer.
Hitler: I don't like it when someone alters the plans I make, but in this instance it is alright. Carry on Von Bock.
Von Bock: Danke Mein Fuhrer. We have continued our reduction of the Kovel-pocket, and the Soviets are beginning to collapse in Kovel, General Bremer has been absolutely ruthless and now we are seeing the results. The Soviets under General Luchimchuk are not ready to surrender and they are still clinging to their trenches. The Soviets are trying to open a new escaperoute into the pocket and under General Liudnikov they have launched an attack against Kamien Koszyrski, however, General Scholz Von Referance is in command and he is holding the Soviets in an admirable fashion. We have also started to reduce the enemy in Holoby, and General Altrichter has launched his men against the Soviets under General Chernov, Altrichter is making good progress even though he is outnumbered, and victory is in the air.
Von Bock's heavy artillery reducing the Kovel-pocket.
Hitler: Very good Von Bock, The Soviets are once again pushing against Torczyn, how is our defense there?
Von Bock: General Kammerhofer is in charge and the Soviets under General Goltsev are not achieving a lot, they are giving us losses, but it is highly unlikely that they will manage to open the escape route again.
Hitler: Very good, have you encountered a lot of these T34's this week Von Bock?
Von Bock: My generals report of more of them each day, but the problem is not as serious as before Mein Fuhrer, most of our men have been supplied with the new PAK38 and this gun can pierce their armor at some distance making them less of a problem, we have also started using our FLAK88's against the enemy tanks, they are working wonders I can tell you. And anyways the Soviet attacks are poorly executed and often we can outmaneuver their T34 and then we can destroyed them with every AT weapon.
Hitler: Very good Von Bock, then I want to hear from Armeegruppe Süd.
Von Rundstedt: Very well Mein Fuhrer, here is my map.
Von Rundstedt: Well Armegruppe Süd's sector have been very quiet this week, not a lot has happened. We have assisted Armeegruppe Mitte's attack on the Kovel-pocket. Early last week we seized Krystynopol from the enemy, General Hammerstein Von Equard's men fought very well, and we could claim victory. The Soviets have however, reclaimed Lopatyn, and with that they have opened a new escape route to the Kostopol-pocket, we have launched an attack against Lopatyn under General Keiner, the Soviets are clinging on under General Ivanor M.M. General Keiner is known to attack without stopping and we expect victory within days. The Soviets managed to seize Nvyi Rozdil from us early this week, and when that happened we had to abandon our encirclement of Stryj, instead I ordered my men to attack Stryj head on, our attack is lead by the seasoned Von Stülpnagel C.H. and he is making very good progress against the Soviet defenses held by General Alexandrv's troops.
Hitler: What has happened in Romania?
Von Rundstedt: Not a great deal, we are still holding Sniatyn under General Von Dem Bach Zellewski, the defense is, however, a lot weaker than what it was a week ago. To support him we have made a spoiling attack on the Soviet flank, it seems to have little effect on the battle of Sniatyn, Von Dem Bach Zelewski has ordered reserves forward, one of the strongest divisions is commanded by General Rozin.
Romanian troops defending Sniatyn.
Hitler: Very well, I expect you to close the pocket as quickly as possible, the future of the Reich is at stake!
Von Rundstedt: Heil Mein Fuhrer.
Hitler: I think that leaves you General Halder, what news do you have from Finland?
Halder: Not a lot, we have retreated further, take a look Mein Fuhrer.
Halder: In the north the Soviets have started to attack our defensive line, the Tannebaum-line as we have called it. Their first attack was against Von Falkenhorst's division in Nautsi, Von Falkenhorst's men are dug in deep and they are holding well against the Soviet attack. To support him we have launched an attack against the Soviets in Paatsjoki with two divisions, they are commanded by me and we are making good progress against the Soviet defenders of Paatsjoki. I have also ordered one of the Gebirgsjäger-divisions to attack the Soviets just east of Vaalesjoki. That should make sure that Von Falkenhorst wins the battle of Nautsi
Hitler: Very good, it sounds as if the Soviets will not break the Tannenbaum-line. What has happened with the 6.SS'es move against the far left Soviet line?
Halder: Well the Soviets have launched their men against General Heitz'es HQ which is stationed in Inari, Heitz is holding for the moment and the 6.SS will arrive in a day or two and when the SS arrives the Soviets will have to abandon their assault. And when this is done the SS can cut the Soviet line southwest of Inari.
A bunker which is part of the Tannenbaum-line.
Hitler: Excellent, it seems as if you have a very solid plan Halder.
Halder: Danke shön Mein Fuhrer.
Hitler: Very well meine herren, I am not very impressed with the speed of our attack into Russia, those who are unable to speed up in the near future will be replaced, that was all for today.
*The meeting ends with many of the generals beginning to doubt Hitler's military genious.*
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I am very, very far from it, and yes I am far behind the historical schedule, it's just that the Russians are really strong :S
well im sure the invasion of Ireland will help
If my transports ever reach Ireland x]
Hi guys just thought I should sat that there will probably not be a new update today.
anger exudes from me
it will be worth it
for once the Fuhrer will have a good reason to be happy C:
Hi again guys, I meant to post a new update today, however, there has been some minor problems in my time schedule for the day, and I was not able to finish the AAR-post for today, truly sorry. It will be ready for tomorrow afternoon, that's for sure