My dear Benito, I do hope that your machine troubles have been rectified, I do so enjoy the lyrical bent of your words as I read them! I am sorry to say, however, that some of my words may grate upon your ears, as my great Italy has suffered several setbacks. I know you would comfort me, but know that I am confident that this situation will be turned around.
On the 6th, the Americans assaulted Belfast yet again! I cannot understand why they persist with this venture, but I cannot complain as it hurts them far more than it hurts me. As you can see, their famed Field Marshal Eisenhower commanded their task force this time, and he met with defeat! I have taken on the best they have and I won! Also, I must note that this was Pescatori’s final defense of Belfast, as shortly afterward I relieved him, replacing him with Major General Morigi. Morigi is not only a more skillful general than Pescatori, but he specialized in defensive works. I cannot think of any better soldier to command the garrison of Belfast, which is sure to remain as beleaguered as it has ever been.
Pescatori’s final defense of Belfast, and he performed as well as he had always had.
On the 10th, Dalmazzo decided it was time to cut off and isolate the Allied divisions in their remaining toehold in eastern Africa and thus attacked Mombasa. Unfortunately, despite early successes against the British defenses, the next day they stymied his progress and forced him to halt his attack.
The first battle for Mombasa, which was a victory for Italy.
Thus, on the 13th he supported Nasi’s attack into Nairobi. The British, outnumbered, were of course quickly brushed aside. The conquest of Nairobi would allow my brave Italians to bring greater force to bear on Mombasa in the up and coming month.
The attack on Nairobi.
My bomber patrols have this month again had good luck, Benito! On the 14th, my bombers discovered a fleet of American ships, including four carriers (!), in the English Channel. Unfortunately, my bombers could only inflict minor damage on one carrier before they escaped. However, in the waters around Scotland my bombers sank what is believed to have been the final British carrier, an escort carrier, after a fine and exhilarating chase!
The American ships escaped with light damage, but the British carrier was sunk.
On the 18th, the perfidious Americans landed at Bristol. Of course, they drew an immediate response from Clerici and Di Bennati and the single American division was destroyed quickly.
Another American beachhead in southern England, created and destroyed.
Meanwhile, by the 22nd, my Italians were beginning their withdrawal into the very heights of the Caucasus mountains. The new line would be shorter than the old one, along Batum-Tblisi-Makhachkala.
Our demi-voluntary withdrawal has begun. I do hope that this will not adversely affect the Russo-German front.
The Soviets could not, of course, resist attacking a withdrawing enemy and assaulted Voroshilovsk. Grazziani, however, proved superior and even his withdrawing army halted the Soviet attack and bloodied their noses yet again.
I wonder if this may be the last battle for Voroshilosvk…?
And thus, my empire has grown in Africa but seemingly at the expense of territory in the Soviet Union! As I write this, the Americans are actually assaulting Belfast yet again and Morigi is already proving his competence quite competently.
My empire!
I have little other news to report, only that on the 23rd FIAT presented me with the TO&E for their basic motorized division. I was pleased with this offering, but ended up awarding a contract to Arturo Crocco instead, to develop a practical turbojet engine. Soon, I hope to see turbojet bombers owning the skies! Glory to Italy!
