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I wish the Allies could actually hold their Normandy Beachhead at this start date (kind of ruins the "fun" of a two-front war to the death). 
Anyways, good luck and a good start!
Anyways, good luck and a good start!
Well facing the Soviet Bear is fun, but not nice
I wish the Allies could actually hold their Normandy Beachhead at this start date (kind of ruins the "fun" of a two-front war to the death).
Anyways, good luck and a good start!
To be honest, I really didn't think it will go this easy on hard difficulty. I have transfered like 20 divisions to the east and they are building up forces in Italy so Allies are still a serious treat. Thanks for good wishes
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Somewhere in France in Army HQ, 12th of July 1944
Paul: Tell me, Erich. What do you think about this so called Operation "Caesar". I am sure you have read it.
Erich: Well, it is promising. I like the concept of standard 2 pincer offensive but i doubt we have enough infantry there to push the line. From what i have seen, we have only 1 mountain division stationed in Italy, and most of the fighting in the first phase will take place in hills and mountains, which is bad.
Paul: I have noticed it too. Allies keep sending reinforcements there, after the Normandy debacle. They don't want to make the same mistake in Italy, of course. And what do you think of our Army tasks?
Erich: Achieving a breakthrough and taking Rome in swift move with so many divisions won't be a problem. Even if allies counter-attack, they won't do much against Tigers in open plain. Biggest problem for us will surely be the Appenines in the Monte Casino sector. Allies have had a hard time penetrating our defense there and if allies are able to rush reinforcements there after we achieve the breakthrough, they will stop the advance. Since northern pincer will be much weaker, entire offensive would be called off.
Paul: I partly agree with you. I doubt Allies will have enough time to rush more divisions there. We can't ignore the fact they lost 2 armies just a week ago. Monte Casino will only slow us down.
Erich: We will see that yet. Northern pincer seems to be to weak. It will be composed of armored divisions stationed in Italy (most panz-grenadiers) united in Mobile Group "Italy".
Paul: That might be a problem.
Erich: Yes, i wouldn't be surprised if we lend them some of our divisions.
***Sepp Dietrich enters the room.***
Sepp: Heil Hitler!
Erich, Paul: Heil Hitler.
Paul: You came just in time, Sepp. We are discussing the Operation "Caesar". You have read it, right?
Sepp: No, I didn't. I was busy all they paying a visit to men of my former division, the "LSSAH". I didn't even get the document.
Paul: Here it go. Read it.
Operation "Caesar"
After successfully dealing with Allied invasion of Normandy, destroying 2 armies in the process, a similar blow must be dealt to Allied forces in Italy. For this purpose, elite 1st SS Panzer army is being redeployed in Italy, with its own air fleet, consisting of 800 aircraft. In charge of operation is General Paul Hausser, commanding with combined force of 34 divisions.
Phase I: Main attack will be launched by the 1st SS Panzer Army and Mobile Group "Italy. 1st SS will launch attack following the Tyrrhenian coast and after penetrating the allied front take Rome in swift move (operation "Rubicon") and then continue with its advance towards Monte Casino cutting allied supply lines. Mobile group "Italy" will folow the Adriatic coast and after achieving the breakthrough at "Macerata", keep advancing towards the Molise-Puglia region. From there, they will make a move south west, meeting with the 1st SS, closing the gap. After closing the gap, 1st SS will capture Napoli, ending the first phase.
Phase II, Operation "Scipio": This phase involves destruction of allied pocket. Attacks will be carried by all infantry and mountain divisions available in Italy, supported by the Mobile group "Italy". Fighting will take place in the mountains which will prolong this operation.
Phase III: Final phase of operation "Caesar". After the destruction of allied pocket, 1st SS and Mobile group will strike again following the same coastlines. This time, they will be supported by infantry. After recapturing the southern Italy, 1st SS Panzer army will be sent to the east, while other forces will start preparing for Operation "Hannibal", invasion of Sicily.
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Dialogue will continue in next chapter. I have decided to post an overview of other aspects (production and stuff) as a separate chapter. I am sorry but i don't have time to do it now.
Paul: Tell me, Erich. What do you think about this so called Operation "Caesar". I am sure you have read it.
Erich: Well, it is promising. I like the concept of standard 2 pincer offensive but i doubt we have enough infantry there to push the line. From what i have seen, we have only 1 mountain division stationed in Italy, and most of the fighting in the first phase will take place in hills and mountains, which is bad.
Paul: I have noticed it too. Allies keep sending reinforcements there, after the Normandy debacle. They don't want to make the same mistake in Italy, of course. And what do you think of our Army tasks?
Erich: Achieving a breakthrough and taking Rome in swift move with so many divisions won't be a problem. Even if allies counter-attack, they won't do much against Tigers in open plain. Biggest problem for us will surely be the Appenines in the Monte Casino sector. Allies have had a hard time penetrating our defense there and if allies are able to rush reinforcements there after we achieve the breakthrough, they will stop the advance. Since northern pincer will be much weaker, entire offensive would be called off.
Paul: I partly agree with you. I doubt Allies will have enough time to rush more divisions there. We can't ignore the fact they lost 2 armies just a week ago. Monte Casino will only slow us down.
Erich: We will see that yet. Northern pincer seems to be to weak. It will be composed of armored divisions stationed in Italy (most panz-grenadiers) united in Mobile Group "Italy".
Paul: That might be a problem.
Erich: Yes, i wouldn't be surprised if we lend them some of our divisions.
***Sepp Dietrich enters the room.***
Sepp: Heil Hitler!
Erich, Paul: Heil Hitler.
Paul: You came just in time, Sepp. We are discussing the Operation "Caesar". You have read it, right?
Sepp: No, I didn't. I was busy all they paying a visit to men of my former division, the "LSSAH". I didn't even get the document.
Paul: Here it go. Read it.
Operation "Caesar"
After successfully dealing with Allied invasion of Normandy, destroying 2 armies in the process, a similar blow must be dealt to Allied forces in Italy. For this purpose, elite 1st SS Panzer army is being redeployed in Italy, with its own air fleet, consisting of 800 aircraft. In charge of operation is General Paul Hausser, commanding with combined force of 34 divisions.
Phase I: Main attack will be launched by the 1st SS Panzer Army and Mobile Group "Italy. 1st SS will launch attack following the Tyrrhenian coast and after penetrating the allied front take Rome in swift move (operation "Rubicon") and then continue with its advance towards Monte Casino cutting allied supply lines. Mobile group "Italy" will folow the Adriatic coast and after achieving the breakthrough at "Macerata", keep advancing towards the Molise-Puglia region. From there, they will make a move south west, meeting with the 1st SS, closing the gap. After closing the gap, 1st SS will capture Napoli, ending the first phase.
Phase II, Operation "Scipio": This phase involves destruction of allied pocket. Attacks will be carried by all infantry and mountain divisions available in Italy, supported by the Mobile group "Italy". Fighting will take place in the mountains which will prolong this operation.
Phase III: Final phase of operation "Caesar". After the destruction of allied pocket, 1st SS and Mobile group will strike again following the same coastlines. This time, they will be supported by infantry. After recapturing the southern Italy, 1st SS Panzer army will be sent to the east, while other forces will start preparing for Operation "Hannibal", invasion of Sicily.
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Dialogue will continue in next chapter. I have decided to post an overview of other aspects (production and stuff) as a separate chapter. I am sorry but i don't have time to do it now.
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Now I have to spoil it
I have postponed this operation for better times, unfortunately... I had to take command of Romanian and Hungarian front and sent all reinforcements (including the 1st SS PA) there. Soviets were (and are still) very close from capturing Budapest and Bucharest...
Now I have to spoil it
Donner und Doria!! I have taken the mistery from next update
Somewhere in France in Army HQ, 12th of July 1944
---Dialogue continues from previous chapter---
**Sepp has just finished reading the document**
Sepp: It is promising, but risky. I like the idea, but am not sure armored divisions in Italy are strong enough to penetrate the Adriatic line.
Paul: Thats what concerns us most too. Even if they are able to breach the line, there is no way they could repel allied counter-attacks.
Erich: That is why we will probably lend them one or two of our divisions.
Paul: We don't know that yet, but probably.
Sepp: Regarding the following invasion of Sicily, how do they think to pull it off? There are no Axis transport ships in the Med. It could be done by paratroopers, but they can't capture the island only by themselves.
Paul: I am not sure. What do you think Erich?
Erich: They will probably build some transport ships in Marseilles. But still, Allied fleets will surely guard the passes. It will be a very risky operation, and surely conducted in the night.
***A young lieutenant enters the room and gives new orders to Hausser. He reads them.***
Paul: Gentleman, this discussion was pointless. We have been ordered to immediately start moving towards Hungary. It seems Soviets have pushed hard there, and are threatening our rear.
Erich: I can't say i am surprised. This was expected. Ill equipped and trained Romanian and Hungarian soldiers don't stand a chance against mad Soviets. I just hope we will arrive in time.
Paul: Situation is very dramatic. I am sure we are not the only reinforcements on the way.
Sepp: Heh. Again against the Soviets. This bring back memories.
Erich: Time to have my revenge.
Paul: It's nice to see you motivated. Get ready, tactical briefing will begin in 1 hour.
Tell this to other members of the staff. (Saying to the lieutenant who brought the orders)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Overview of other aspects
Cabinet
As you can see, i have focused on production of aircraft and heavy armor. Reasons are simple. I can't waste manpower on producing more infantry and currently have only 2 H-armor brigades, so this choice is logical.
I am also producing 6 interceptor air wings and 3 transport wing. I lost 2 wings over Normandy and Dortmund and allied strategic bombing is taking a high toll on my industry. Stopping that is a top priority. I also have many bomber wings which i can't use without air superiority which is provided by fighters of course.
Strange, i have many paratroopers but NONE transport wing. It really makes sense right? I also have supply issues in Romania and transports can drop them by air.
If you are interested in anything else, just say it and i will post it (and explain) in next update.
---Dialogue continues from previous chapter---
**Sepp has just finished reading the document**
Sepp: It is promising, but risky. I like the idea, but am not sure armored divisions in Italy are strong enough to penetrate the Adriatic line.
Paul: Thats what concerns us most too. Even if they are able to breach the line, there is no way they could repel allied counter-attacks.
Erich: That is why we will probably lend them one or two of our divisions.
Paul: We don't know that yet, but probably.
Sepp: Regarding the following invasion of Sicily, how do they think to pull it off? There are no Axis transport ships in the Med. It could be done by paratroopers, but they can't capture the island only by themselves.
Paul: I am not sure. What do you think Erich?
Erich: They will probably build some transport ships in Marseilles. But still, Allied fleets will surely guard the passes. It will be a very risky operation, and surely conducted in the night.
***A young lieutenant enters the room and gives new orders to Hausser. He reads them.***
Paul: Gentleman, this discussion was pointless. We have been ordered to immediately start moving towards Hungary. It seems Soviets have pushed hard there, and are threatening our rear.
Erich: I can't say i am surprised. This was expected. Ill equipped and trained Romanian and Hungarian soldiers don't stand a chance against mad Soviets. I just hope we will arrive in time.
Paul: Situation is very dramatic. I am sure we are not the only reinforcements on the way.
Sepp: Heh. Again against the Soviets. This bring back memories.
Erich: Time to have my revenge.
Paul: It's nice to see you motivated. Get ready, tactical briefing will begin in 1 hour.
Tell this to other members of the staff. (Saying to the lieutenant who brought the orders)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Overview of other aspects
Cabinet
As you can see, i have focused on production of aircraft and heavy armor. Reasons are simple. I can't waste manpower on producing more infantry and currently have only 2 H-armor brigades, so this choice is logical.
I am also producing 6 interceptor air wings and 3 transport wing. I lost 2 wings over Normandy and Dortmund and allied strategic bombing is taking a high toll on my industry. Stopping that is a top priority. I also have many bomber wings which i can't use without air superiority which is provided by fighters of course.
Strange, i have many paratroopers but NONE transport wing. It really makes sense right? I also have supply issues in Romania and transports can drop them by air.
If you are interested in anything else, just say it and i will post it (and explain) in next update.
In next chapter I will write about fighting in Romania and Hungary so i suppose Manstein will devise a plan in the chapter after that.
In general, i am trying to establish a defensive line and clear the mess that AI created... This is for Southern front only, AI is still holding the Central and Northern fronts.
Diary entry 9, 4th of August 1944, Somewhere in Germany
We have just received news from the frontline.
Situation is much worse than we all expected.
Soviets were able to penetrate our lines in deep cutting lines of communication between Army groups North and South Ukraine.
Large salient has been created and enemy is pouring more and more troops into it giving them numerous opportunities.
They could swing south and encircle our entire southern front or swing north and threaten Central front rear.
They could also push deeper into Romania, Yugoslavia and Hungary.
Whatever they decide to do will deal heavy damage on us.
It is good that reinforcements have arrived on time in Transilvania so they can not swing south before dealing with those troops.
They have occupied very good defensive positions in the Carpathes which leaves Soviets helpless.
Only option Soviets have is to pass around but they currently don't have enough troops to do that.
To make it worse for then, divisions in Transilvania have launched counter attack on the salient's southern flank, which now has to be reinforced.
On the northern flank of the salient, Soviets spearheads have reached and established a beachhead on the Tisza river, leaving them a chance to invade Slovakia.
If something doesn't change soon, Budapest will fall even before we arrive!
Moldavian front is still somehow holding.
The most important strong point in impenetrable city of Iasi.
We had received reports of costly attacks on the city while we were still in France.
Soviets have tried to seize the city in frontal assaults for few times already.
They were forced to retreat every time with large casualties.
From what i heard, their losses are up to 60.000 (of which around 10.000 killed) while ours are no more than 5.000.
Even with Iasi holding, our troops won't be able to hold out for much longer.
Other sections of the front will surely be breached soon while enemy spearheads are already approaching the Danube delta.
With both of the flanks threatened, i have advised commanders to prepare new defensive positions in the Carpathes.
If this is not done at the time, Soviets will be able to pull off an encirclement and destroy 2 army groups.
When we arrive, there won't be enough time to assemble all divisions so we have been ordered that first divisions which arrives will immediately engage in the battle.
Only when all divisions are engaged, we will be able to pull off an organized counter-attack.
At the beginning we couldn't understand how a possibly could someone issue so foolish order but now everything is perfectly clear.
High command is counting at the time of our arrival enemy will be at the gates of Budapest and won't be time to wait.
Later today at the tactical briefing we will decide our course of action.
Erich von Manstein,
Commander of the II. SS Panzerkorps.
We have just received news from the frontline.
Situation is much worse than we all expected.
Soviets were able to penetrate our lines in deep cutting lines of communication between Army groups North and South Ukraine.
Large salient has been created and enemy is pouring more and more troops into it giving them numerous opportunities.
They could swing south and encircle our entire southern front or swing north and threaten Central front rear.
They could also push deeper into Romania, Yugoslavia and Hungary.
Whatever they decide to do will deal heavy damage on us.
It is good that reinforcements have arrived on time in Transilvania so they can not swing south before dealing with those troops.
They have occupied very good defensive positions in the Carpathes which leaves Soviets helpless.
Only option Soviets have is to pass around but they currently don't have enough troops to do that.
To make it worse for then, divisions in Transilvania have launched counter attack on the salient's southern flank, which now has to be reinforced.
On the northern flank of the salient, Soviets spearheads have reached and established a beachhead on the Tisza river, leaving them a chance to invade Slovakia.
If something doesn't change soon, Budapest will fall even before we arrive!
Moldavian front is still somehow holding.
The most important strong point in impenetrable city of Iasi.
We had received reports of costly attacks on the city while we were still in France.
Soviets have tried to seize the city in frontal assaults for few times already.
They were forced to retreat every time with large casualties.
From what i heard, their losses are up to 60.000 (of which around 10.000 killed) while ours are no more than 5.000.
Even with Iasi holding, our troops won't be able to hold out for much longer.
Other sections of the front will surely be breached soon while enemy spearheads are already approaching the Danube delta.
With both of the flanks threatened, i have advised commanders to prepare new defensive positions in the Carpathes.
If this is not done at the time, Soviets will be able to pull off an encirclement and destroy 2 army groups.
When we arrive, there won't be enough time to assemble all divisions so we have been ordered that first divisions which arrives will immediately engage in the battle.
Only when all divisions are engaged, we will be able to pull off an organized counter-attack.
At the beginning we couldn't understand how a possibly could someone issue so foolish order but now everything is perfectly clear.
High command is counting at the time of our arrival enemy will be at the gates of Budapest and won't be time to wait.
Later today at the tactical briefing we will decide our course of action.
Erich von Manstein,
Commander of the II. SS Panzerkorps.
In what state are the panzers that are located in the northeastern Romanian province on the other side of the frontline gap? Can they plow through the gap and pocket the Soviet breakthrough?
Diary entry 10, 11th of August 1944
We are slowly approaching the Hungarian border.
9. and 10 SS. Panz-divs are first to arrive while our reinforced heavy tank battalions are far behind.
They probably won't arrive in time to participate in our counter-offensive.
On tactical briefing we agreed to attack Soviet salient from multiple directions.
First divisions to arrive will launch the attack deep in Soviet lines and establish a defensive positions "inside" the salient.
They will lead the attack to close the salient, together with Kampfgruppe "Romania", which will be composed of no more than 3 divisions.
Of course, this is just a basic concept because salient will be extended until we arrive.
On Moldavian front, Soviets are slowly closing the gap around Iasi.
Commander of forces inside the city informed me they have a ready evacuation plan but are delaying the Soviets as long as possible.
Biggest problem for us now is that enemy was able to reach and capture the Danube delta, threatening to outflank us.
From that position they could also launch a quick drive towards Bucharest and Sofia (Bulgaria) which would probably force their governments to surrender, leaving our troops in their lands without supply.
Also, Ploesti oil fields are in great danger.
Their loss would mark the end of war, since our oil and fuel supplies are already dwindling.
I am beginning to lose faith in positive outcome of this war.
It is possible things won't change on better even with our arrival.
What we need is a miracle!
Erich von Manstein,
Commander of the II. SS Panzerkorps.
Diary entry 11, 20th of August 1944
9th and 10th SS Panzer divisions "Hohenstaufen" and "Frundsberg" have reached the frontline and are about to launch the attack.
After much consideration, I have decided to point them towards Debrecen.
Capturing and securing it would put us deep in their salient, preparing the stage for our counter-attack, now code named "Summer Awakening".
Debrecen also has a airfield, which will enable our aircraft to fly more sorties.
The most important thing about Debrecen is it lays on the Tisza river.
This way we will establish a bridgeheads on the river even before the operation begins.
Opposing us is one Soviet rifle division.
After they are overrun, road towards the Debrecen will be clean.
There is, although, danger of being encircled, but other divisions of the 1st SS will break it when they arrive.
Erich von Manstein,
Commander of the II. SS Panzerkorps.
General's Conrath (commander of the "Hohenstaufen" division) report to von Manstein
General,
I am pleased to inform you we have routen the enemy!
We didn't conduct any flanking maneuver as you had ordered. Our frontal attacks with tanks and armored vehicles forced them to retreat after no more than 2 hours. Panzers IV attacked in first echelon, breaking through the Soviet line and clearing some of the anti-tank defenses. Second echelon, supported by part of grenadiers, provided covering fire and then engaged enemy infantry. They were able to clear the rest of anti-tank and artillery positions. Third echelon with rest of grenadiers just forced them in chaotic retreat. Although, some of the Soviets reorganized and set up defenses at the airfield. Fighting around the airfield lasted for additional 2 hours. They were well entrenched and prepared. After 2 hours of intense fighting, they finally retreated, leaving the airfield to us. We are now advancing towards Miscolc and are still encountering fierce resistance.
General Conrath,
Commander of the 9th SS Panzer division "Hohenstaufen".
We are slowly approaching the Hungarian border.
9. and 10 SS. Panz-divs are first to arrive while our reinforced heavy tank battalions are far behind.
They probably won't arrive in time to participate in our counter-offensive.
On tactical briefing we agreed to attack Soviet salient from multiple directions.
First divisions to arrive will launch the attack deep in Soviet lines and establish a defensive positions "inside" the salient.
They will lead the attack to close the salient, together with Kampfgruppe "Romania", which will be composed of no more than 3 divisions.
Of course, this is just a basic concept because salient will be extended until we arrive.
On Moldavian front, Soviets are slowly closing the gap around Iasi.
Commander of forces inside the city informed me they have a ready evacuation plan but are delaying the Soviets as long as possible.
Biggest problem for us now is that enemy was able to reach and capture the Danube delta, threatening to outflank us.
From that position they could also launch a quick drive towards Bucharest and Sofia (Bulgaria) which would probably force their governments to surrender, leaving our troops in their lands without supply.
Also, Ploesti oil fields are in great danger.
Their loss would mark the end of war, since our oil and fuel supplies are already dwindling.
I am beginning to lose faith in positive outcome of this war.
It is possible things won't change on better even with our arrival.
What we need is a miracle!
Erich von Manstein,
Commander of the II. SS Panzerkorps.
Diary entry 11, 20th of August 1944
9th and 10th SS Panzer divisions "Hohenstaufen" and "Frundsberg" have reached the frontline and are about to launch the attack.
After much consideration, I have decided to point them towards Debrecen.
Capturing and securing it would put us deep in their salient, preparing the stage for our counter-attack, now code named "Summer Awakening".
Debrecen also has a airfield, which will enable our aircraft to fly more sorties.
The most important thing about Debrecen is it lays on the Tisza river.
This way we will establish a bridgeheads on the river even before the operation begins.
Opposing us is one Soviet rifle division.
After they are overrun, road towards the Debrecen will be clean.
There is, although, danger of being encircled, but other divisions of the 1st SS will break it when they arrive.
Erich von Manstein,
Commander of the II. SS Panzerkorps.
General's Conrath (commander of the "Hohenstaufen" division) report to von Manstein
General,
I am pleased to inform you we have routen the enemy!
We didn't conduct any flanking maneuver as you had ordered. Our frontal attacks with tanks and armored vehicles forced them to retreat after no more than 2 hours. Panzers IV attacked in first echelon, breaking through the Soviet line and clearing some of the anti-tank defenses. Second echelon, supported by part of grenadiers, provided covering fire and then engaged enemy infantry. They were able to clear the rest of anti-tank and artillery positions. Third echelon with rest of grenadiers just forced them in chaotic retreat. Although, some of the Soviets reorganized and set up defenses at the airfield. Fighting around the airfield lasted for additional 2 hours. They were well entrenched and prepared. After 2 hours of intense fighting, they finally retreated, leaving the airfield to us. We are now advancing towards Miscolc and are still encountering fierce resistance.
General Conrath,
Commander of the 9th SS Panzer division "Hohenstaufen".
thats a big emptiness of troops you have in Hungary... hope the 1ste SS Panzerarmee can close it