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Vann the Red: Thanks a lot! I am really having a blast with the game and writing the AAR... Not to mention updating my knowledge about the Italians during World War II. I aim to post a new update before leaving on ski vacation to Norway on Saturday 
Lifeless: Seems like I am already using a ton of money upgrading those damn 1918 infantry divisions. Rather mass produce the 1939 divisions than the 1936... It is not like I am currently having problems finding things to spend my industrial capacity on!
Lifeless: Seems like I am already using a ton of money upgrading those damn 1918 infantry divisions. Rather mass produce the 1939 divisions than the 1936... It is not like I am currently having problems finding things to spend my industrial capacity on!
Taswir said:I aim to post a new update before leaving on ski vacation to Norway on Saturday
Stay home. Winter and snow is overrated.
Tantor said:Taswir said:I aim to post a new update before leaving on ski vacation to Norway on Saturday
Stay home. Winter and snow is overrated.
What did you say?
No need to start a fight :rofl: I will bring my computer and make sure that I have some goodies for you when I get back to Denmark!
I comunisti devono essere arrestati!
Italy entered the year of 1937 still being virtually at war with Republican Spain. The combat had shown the need for bringing the latest equipment to the battlefield to support the Italian troops. However, it had been a slow and costly process to get all the obsolete 1918 divisions upgraded, because all the troops were drafted and thus had to also take care of their factories and farms. The Fascist Grand Council therefore decided to make part of the army professional (1 towards standing army).
In January, the first engineer brigade was raised with the technical expertise of Lancia. Additionally, one artillery brigade and an infantry division was upgraded. On the research side, Macchi developed "Early aircraft carrier", which showed great improvements especially with new aircrafts. Mussolini decided to put Cantieri Nvali Riunite in charge of further developing the aircraft carriers (Basic aircraft carrier).
The civil war in Spain had clearly displayed the intention of Russia to force communism on the rest of the world also within the interest spheres of Germany and Italy. It was therefore decided to hold a meeting in Berlin to agree on how to prevent Russia from infecting the rest of the world with "the red disease". Relations between Russia and Japan had for a long time been very difficult with Russia consistently trying to impose communism on Asia, and Japan was therefore also invited to the meeting.
Il Duce was very direct at the meeting: "Gentlemen, my dear friends. The last year we have witnessed an agressive Russian intervension into Italy's sphere of influence with the support of Republican Spain in the Spanish civil war. The Russian intensions of forcing the yoke of communism onto the people of Europe has been revealed in all their horror. Lesser minds and weaker souls may argue that it is best to dug our heads and let Russia have its way. To those I say "No"! Russia dares not to take on strong nations like Italy, Germany and Japan at the moment.
However, communism is an infection that spreads through the veins of Europe from the weaker countries and to the strongest of nations. Therefore it is of outmost important that we today confirm our strong determination to repulse any Russian attempt to spread communism!"
Italian foreign minister Ciano with his German colleague Von Ribbentrop - two of the main architechts behind the Anit-Comintern pact
Il Duce's speach was met with deafening applauses and followed up by powerful speaches by Hitler and the Japanese representatives. The three countries decided on the following agreement:
Agreement Guarding Against the Communistic International
"Article I
The High Contracting States agree that they will mutually keep each other informed concerning the activities of the Communistic International, will confer upon the necessary measure of defense, and will carry out such measures in close co-operation.
Article II
The High Contracting States will jointly invite third States whose internal peace is menaced by the disintegrating work of the Communistic International, to adopt defensive measures in the spirit of the present Agreement or to participate in the present Agreement."
In February, 3 infantry divisions were upgraded and an additional engineer brigade deployed. The war in Spain had shown the vulnerability of the existing tactical bombers of the Regia Aeronautica - the Caproni CA 111. Due to its very low speed of 298 km/h it was easy prey for the experienced Russian pilots. It was therefore decided to introduce the new tactical bomber that had been developed by Macchi - FIAT BR.20 Cicogna. The naming of the aircraft had been changed to distort British intelligence efforts into Italy's research program The bomber had much better range and speed than the CA 111 and proved a valueable improvement to the Regia Aeronautica. As another consequence, it was decided to put Macchi in charge of developing "Escort fighter", when Italo Balbo finished his research into "Operational destruction doctrine".
FIAT BR.20 was a great improvement of the tactical bombers of Regia Aeronautica
March, April and May were quiet months with the upgrade of the final infantry division and arillery brigade rendering the entire army up to date. The two final engineer brigades were also deployed and the airbase in Tobruk further expanded. The two first squadrons of tactical bombers were also upgraded and FIAT developed "Basic cavalry division"
In July and August, further upgrades of one squadron of tactical bombers and interceptors and expansion of the airbase in Tobruk. A lot of progress was made on the research side with the development of:
Research was ordered into
More to follow...
Italy entered the year of 1937 still being virtually at war with Republican Spain. The combat had shown the need for bringing the latest equipment to the battlefield to support the Italian troops. However, it had been a slow and costly process to get all the obsolete 1918 divisions upgraded, because all the troops were drafted and thus had to also take care of their factories and farms. The Fascist Grand Council therefore decided to make part of the army professional (1 towards standing army).
In January, the first engineer brigade was raised with the technical expertise of Lancia. Additionally, one artillery brigade and an infantry division was upgraded. On the research side, Macchi developed "Early aircraft carrier", which showed great improvements especially with new aircrafts. Mussolini decided to put Cantieri Nvali Riunite in charge of further developing the aircraft carriers (Basic aircraft carrier).
The civil war in Spain had clearly displayed the intention of Russia to force communism on the rest of the world also within the interest spheres of Germany and Italy. It was therefore decided to hold a meeting in Berlin to agree on how to prevent Russia from infecting the rest of the world with "the red disease". Relations between Russia and Japan had for a long time been very difficult with Russia consistently trying to impose communism on Asia, and Japan was therefore also invited to the meeting.
Il Duce was very direct at the meeting: "Gentlemen, my dear friends. The last year we have witnessed an agressive Russian intervension into Italy's sphere of influence with the support of Republican Spain in the Spanish civil war. The Russian intensions of forcing the yoke of communism onto the people of Europe has been revealed in all their horror. Lesser minds and weaker souls may argue that it is best to dug our heads and let Russia have its way. To those I say "No"! Russia dares not to take on strong nations like Italy, Germany and Japan at the moment.
However, communism is an infection that spreads through the veins of Europe from the weaker countries and to the strongest of nations. Therefore it is of outmost important that we today confirm our strong determination to repulse any Russian attempt to spread communism!"
Italian foreign minister Ciano with his German colleague Von Ribbentrop - two of the main architechts behind the Anit-Comintern pact
Il Duce's speach was met with deafening applauses and followed up by powerful speaches by Hitler and the Japanese representatives. The three countries decided on the following agreement:
Agreement Guarding Against the Communistic International
"Article I
The High Contracting States agree that they will mutually keep each other informed concerning the activities of the Communistic International, will confer upon the necessary measure of defense, and will carry out such measures in close co-operation.
Article II
The High Contracting States will jointly invite third States whose internal peace is menaced by the disintegrating work of the Communistic International, to adopt defensive measures in the spirit of the present Agreement or to participate in the present Agreement."
In February, 3 infantry divisions were upgraded and an additional engineer brigade deployed. The war in Spain had shown the vulnerability of the existing tactical bombers of the Regia Aeronautica - the Caproni CA 111. Due to its very low speed of 298 km/h it was easy prey for the experienced Russian pilots. It was therefore decided to introduce the new tactical bomber that had been developed by Macchi - FIAT BR.20 Cicogna. The naming of the aircraft had been changed to distort British intelligence efforts into Italy's research program
The bomber had much better range and speed than the CA 111 and proved a valueable improvement to the Regia Aeronautica. As another consequence, it was decided to put Macchi in charge of developing "Escort fighter", when Italo Balbo finished his research into "Operational destruction doctrine".
FIAT BR.20 was a great improvement of the tactical bombers of Regia Aeronautica
March, April and May were quiet months with the upgrade of the final infantry division and arillery brigade rendering the entire army up to date. The two final engineer brigades were also deployed and the airbase in Tobruk further expanded. The two first squadrons of tactical bombers were also upgraded and FIAT developed "Basic cavalry division"
In July and August, further upgrades of one squadron of tactical bombers and interceptors and expansion of the airbase in Tobruk. A lot of progress was made on the research side with the development of:
- Semi-motorized cavalry
- Basic air carrier
- Advanced machine tools
- Basic escort fighter
Research was ordered into
- Early anti-tank gun
- Improved air carrier
- Basic interceptor
- Advanced construction engineering
More to follow...
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waiting on the next update.. Great AAR playing Italy myself took ur advise to try to control the sea but it's not easy i can say because i have problems in the air and not enough IC to construct both carriers and planes(playing on hard)
playing Italy myself took ur advise to try to control the sea but it's not easy i can say because i have problems in the air and not enough IC to construct both carriers and planes(playing on hard)
Stroph: Sorry about the picture o . Didn't even notice the swastika, but have edited it out now.
Lifeless and Alexus: Thanks for the support guys! Very happy that you continue to keep up with my AAR. Next update tomorrow!
Lyko: Thanks a lot! I am not quite sure about the exact difference in terms of available IC between normal and hard, but it all boils down to prioritization I guess I have so far played until September 1940 and without saying too much, I can reveal that Regia Marina is doing quite well I will post next update on 1937-38 tomorrow and already have to complete updates for you guys on 1940! Looking forward to hearing your comments...
o . Didn't even notice the swastika, but have edited it out now.Lifeless and Alexus: Thanks for the support guys! Very happy that you continue to keep up with my AAR. Next update tomorrow!
Lyko: Thanks a lot! I am not quite sure about the exact difference in terms of available IC between normal and hard, but it all boils down to prioritization I guess
I have so far played until September 1940 and without saying too much, I can reveal that Regia Marina is doing quite well I will post next update on 1937-38 tomorrow and already have to complete updates for you guys on 1940! Looking forward to hearing your comments...
Il provocation albanese continua...
Albanian soldiers of King Zog's army - note the "Z" on their cap
In September 1937 the situation in Albania became more concerning with King Zog openly flirting with the Russians and closing down society to the outside world with the brutal force of his "Z" army. In end of September a leading Albanian scientist fled from Vlore and was picked up by an Italian coast patrol. His stories about the situation in Albania were horrifying: mass starvation, imprisonment and torture of Italians and fascist supporters. The Fascist Grand Council condemned the actions of King Zog and was happy to support the Albanian scientist in his further research into anti-air artillery (blueprints gained for "Early static anti-air artillery").
In September and October, significant improvement was made to Regia Aeronautica with the upgrade of 2 interceptors to Macchi 200 Saetta and the completion of one squadron of naval bombers. Additionally, the production of 2 tactical bombers were ordered (serial run). In November, FIAT completed their research into "Early anti-tank gun". However, the results were not very impressive with much worse performance than artillery brigades and much lower strategic flexibility (e.g. very low soft attack values). Il Duce therefore decided not to pursue anti-tank guns further for now and asked Cantieri Ansaldo to develop "Early Marines". Macchi also finished their research into "Basic Interceptor" developing the Reggiana RE. 2000 Falco. Impressed with Macchi's result, Il Duce asked them to develop "Basic Tactical Bomber".
On the 5th December 1937, Vittorio Veneto and Littorio from was launched from Cantieri Navali Riuniti dell'Adriatico in Trieste and Cantieri Ansaldo, Sestri Ponente in Genova respectively. These impressive ships represented a significant improvement of Regia Aeronautica's striking power. They were 237.8 meters long, 32.9 meters wide and with armor up to 380 mm (frontally). The armament was also very impressive:
The launch of Vittorio Veneto from Cantieri Navali Riuniti dell'Adriatico in Trieste
The completion of Vittorio Veneto and Littorio freed up significant industrial capacity and Mussolini commissioned 2 artillery brigades (parallel run) and an interceptor. In January 1938, the professional component of the Italian army was further increased (1 towards standing army). The airbase in Tobruk was also further expanded, and Mussolini decided that the current capacity should be sufficient for ensuring air superiority in North Africa and cancelled remaining production.
The first interceptors of the Reggiane RE 2000 arrived on the 8th of January. The flight characteristics and the handling of the new fighter were excellent right from the start and this was confirmed during the military comparison test effected in Guidonia flown by Regia Aeronautica test pilots. The results of the comparative mock-up dogfights were even more surprising: The RE 2000 turned out to be more maneuverable of the Fiat Cr.42 and it was the clear winner even against the German Bf 109E! The only reason for concern was that its Piaggio P.IX engine was highly unreliable. It did not take very long before new Reggiane fighter raised much interest in several countries and materialized into real contracts and supplies with Sweden and Hungary.
Several other improvements were made until mid march with the completion of two artillery brigades and the upgrade of 2 interceptor squadrons. Mussolini ordered the production of one AA battery to strengthen harbor defenses in Taranto. On the research side, Lancia developed "Advanced construction engineering" and Fiat was asked to develop “Improved computing machine”. Cantieri Navali Riunita also developed “Improved aircraft carrier” and Breda started the research into “Strafing doctrine”. Discussions with Germany convinced Mussolini in his decision of introducing a professional army (completely influenced by Germany - standing army set to 5).
Aquila and the two other aircraft carriers would represent a significant improvement of Regia Marina
On the 21st of March, Il Duce ordered the production of 3 aircraft carriers (CV IV in parallel production) to leverage the recent technological breakthroughs. In March and May, the strengthening of anti-aircraft defenses in Taranto was completed. Regia Aeronautica was also further strengthened with the completion of one squadron of tactical bombers and the upgraded of one interceptor. On the research side, Macchi developed “Basic tactical bomber” and Cantieri Ansaldo developed “Early Marine division”. Research into "Mass assault doctrine” and “Basic field artillery” was ordered.
In June, July and August, the recent experiences with spread of communism in Albania led the Fascist Grand Council to tighten their control on society to protect the Italian people (Policy “Open Society” set to 1 due to German influence). Several breakthroughs were made on the research side with the development of “Strafing doctrine”, “Basic Field Artillery” and “Improved computing machine”. Research was commissioned into “Logistical strike doctrine”, “Basic Encryption devices" and “Early static anti-air artillery”. 7 artillery brigades were upgraded and also one tactical bomber was upgraded to the new type: Cant. Z.1007 bis Alcone.
The fall of 1938 was also very quiet with the finishing of one tactical bomber squadron. Il Duce requested 3 carrier aircraft groups (CAG IV in serial run) to be finished in February 1940 and 2 Marine divisions (serial run). Two tactical bomber squadrons were upgraded. Progress on the research side:
Completed research
Commissioned research
Albanian soldiers of King Zog's army - note the "Z" on their cap
In September 1937 the situation in Albania became more concerning with King Zog openly flirting with the Russians and closing down society to the outside world with the brutal force of his "Z" army. In end of September a leading Albanian scientist fled from Vlore and was picked up by an Italian coast patrol. His stories about the situation in Albania were horrifying: mass starvation, imprisonment and torture of Italians and fascist supporters. The Fascist Grand Council condemned the actions of King Zog and was happy to support the Albanian scientist in his further research into anti-air artillery (blueprints gained for "Early static anti-air artillery").
In September and October, significant improvement was made to Regia Aeronautica with the upgrade of 2 interceptors to Macchi 200 Saetta and the completion of one squadron of naval bombers. Additionally, the production of 2 tactical bombers were ordered (serial run). In November, FIAT completed their research into "Early anti-tank gun". However, the results were not very impressive with much worse performance than artillery brigades and much lower strategic flexibility (e.g. very low soft attack values). Il Duce therefore decided not to pursue anti-tank guns further for now and asked Cantieri Ansaldo to develop "Early Marines". Macchi also finished their research into "Basic Interceptor" developing the Reggiana RE. 2000 Falco. Impressed with Macchi's result, Il Duce asked them to develop "Basic Tactical Bomber".
On the 5th December 1937, Vittorio Veneto and Littorio from was launched from Cantieri Navali Riuniti dell'Adriatico in Trieste and Cantieri Ansaldo, Sestri Ponente in Genova respectively. These impressive ships represented a significant improvement of Regia Aeronautica's striking power. They were 237.8 meters long, 32.9 meters wide and with armor up to 380 mm (frontally). The armament was also very impressive:
- 9 Cannons 381/50 mm.
- 12 Cannons 152/55 mm.
- 12 Cannons 90/50 mm. a.a.
- 4 Cannons 120/40 mm. for illuminating shooting
- 20 machine guns 37/54 mm. a.a.
- 16 machine guns 20/65 mm. a.a.
- 3 aircrafts
The launch of Vittorio Veneto from Cantieri Navali Riuniti dell'Adriatico in Trieste
The completion of Vittorio Veneto and Littorio freed up significant industrial capacity and Mussolini commissioned 2 artillery brigades (parallel run) and an interceptor. In January 1938, the professional component of the Italian army was further increased (1 towards standing army). The airbase in Tobruk was also further expanded, and Mussolini decided that the current capacity should be sufficient for ensuring air superiority in North Africa and cancelled remaining production.
The first interceptors of the Reggiane RE 2000 arrived on the 8th of January. The flight characteristics and the handling of the new fighter were excellent right from the start and this was confirmed during the military comparison test effected in Guidonia flown by Regia Aeronautica test pilots. The results of the comparative mock-up dogfights were even more surprising: The RE 2000 turned out to be more maneuverable of the Fiat Cr.42 and it was the clear winner even against the German Bf 109E! The only reason for concern was that its Piaggio P.IX engine was highly unreliable. It did not take very long before new Reggiane fighter raised much interest in several countries and materialized into real contracts and supplies with Sweden and Hungary.
Several other improvements were made until mid march with the completion of two artillery brigades and the upgrade of 2 interceptor squadrons. Mussolini ordered the production of one AA battery to strengthen harbor defenses in Taranto. On the research side, Lancia developed "Advanced construction engineering" and Fiat was asked to develop “Improved computing machine”. Cantieri Navali Riunita also developed “Improved aircraft carrier” and Breda started the research into “Strafing doctrine”. Discussions with Germany convinced Mussolini in his decision of introducing a professional army (completely influenced by Germany - standing army set to 5).
Aquila and the two other aircraft carriers would represent a significant improvement of Regia Marina
On the 21st of March, Il Duce ordered the production of 3 aircraft carriers (CV IV in parallel production) to leverage the recent technological breakthroughs. In March and May, the strengthening of anti-aircraft defenses in Taranto was completed. Regia Aeronautica was also further strengthened with the completion of one squadron of tactical bombers and the upgraded of one interceptor. On the research side, Macchi developed “Basic tactical bomber” and Cantieri Ansaldo developed “Early Marine division”. Research into "Mass assault doctrine” and “Basic field artillery” was ordered.
In June, July and August, the recent experiences with spread of communism in Albania led the Fascist Grand Council to tighten their control on society to protect the Italian people (Policy “Open Society” set to 1 due to German influence). Several breakthroughs were made on the research side with the development of “Strafing doctrine”, “Basic Field Artillery” and “Improved computing machine”. Research was commissioned into “Logistical strike doctrine”, “Basic Encryption devices" and “Early static anti-air artillery”. 7 artillery brigades were upgraded and also one tactical bomber was upgraded to the new type: Cant. Z.1007 bis Alcone.
The fall of 1938 was also very quiet with the finishing of one tactical bomber squadron. Il Duce requested 3 carrier aircraft groups (CAG IV in serial run) to be finished in February 1940 and 2 Marine divisions (serial run). Two tactical bomber squadrons were upgraded. Progress on the research side:
Completed research
- Logistical strike doctrine
- Early static anti-air artillery
- Mass Assault Doctrine
- Basic encryption devices
Commissioned research
- Production control
- Basic infantry division
- Production planning
- Basic motorized division
This inspired me to play Italy... and it kicks ass! Spain, UK, France, Yugoslavia, Greece... MINE!
Keep up the good work!
Keep up the good work!
Guerra in Europa...
The national comparison at the beginning of 1939 highlights that Italy is lacking significantly behind in the size of its army...
1939 started with a tough meeting in the Fascist Grand Council. Head of Intelligence Cesare Amé distributed the latest intelligence reports showing the latest national comparisons of the army, Regia Marina and Regia Aeronautica. While the situation for Regia Marina and Regia Aeronautica was acceptable (#4 and #5 respectively) the army was under all criticism. Mussolini was very concerned:
"Our proud army is only the 10th biggest in the world and while this report doesn't compare the quality of the troops, it is totally unacceptable that we are lacking behind inferior countries such as Poland, Nationalist Spain and Romania! Additionally, we have made little progress towards complying with the I-plan. It will require a major effort from all of us to turn this situation around. I expect all of you to do your outmost! The first step will be to move one step further towards a standing army"
Mussolini's pep talk quickly turned the situation around with the upgrade of the HQ division in the beginning of February and FIAT completing their research into “Basic Infantry Division”. With adequate technology available, Il Duce commissioned the development of: "more infantry divisions than the eye can see..." (99 in serial production)
As a consequence of the recent order for 3 aircraft carriers, Domenico Cavagnari was asked to look further into how to use these vessels effectively (develop “Subsidiary Carrier Role Doctrine”). Lancia also developed “Production control” and Arturo Grocco started researching “Basic decryption Devices”. In the beginning of March, Italy also finished its first Marine division and was now one of the only countries in the world to have these highly specialized troops at their disposal. The first of the carrier air groups was also finished and placed in storage buildings in Taranto for now.
The development of Marines opens up new strategic options for Commando Supremo
On the 26th of March 1939 the situation in Albania became intolerable. King Zog was starting to denounce Italian influence in Albania, closed the Italian embassy and turned it into headquarters for the communist party. This was the last straw that broke the camel's back and Il Duce decided to send an ultimatum to King Zog. Victor Emmanuel III criticized the plan to take Albania as an unnecessary risk, but Foreign Minister Ciano delivered Tiranë an ultimatum, demanding that it accede to Italy's occupation of Albania. Zog refused to accept money in exchange for countenancing a full Italian takeover and colonization of Albania, and a couple of days later Italian troops invaded Albania. Despite some stubborn resistance, especially at Durrës, the Italians made short shrift of the Albanians. Unwilling to become an Italian puppet, King Zog, his wife, Queen Geraldine Apponyi, and their infant son Skander fled to Greece and eventually to London. On March 30, the Albanian parliament voted to unite the country with Italy. Victor Emmanuel III took the Albanian crown.
The annexation of Albania not only increased Italy's prestige, but also added important oil resources
In March, April and May, FIAT's recent technological breakthrough into infantry research was put into action. 11 divisions were upgraded to 1939 standard and the first 1939 division of the new armaments program was deployed. It was also decided to deploy 5 garrison divisions (serial production) although this would delay the completion of the aircraft carriers slightly. On the research side, Giulio Natta finished “Production planning” and Cantieri Ansaldo developed "Basic motorized division". FIAT was asked to develop “Improved encryption devices” and Lancia to look into “Rear area repair shop”.
June, July and August didn't have much action, but 10 divisions were upgraded, and one garrison and infantry division was deployed. Artucro Crocco also developed “Basic decryption devices” and Cantieri Navali Riunite was asked to develop “Floating Fortress Doctrine”
German soldiers parade after the fall of Warzaw...
On the 29th of August, German SS troops put on a false attack on a German radio station at Gliewitz dressed in Polish uniforms to convince the world that Poland is the aggressor nation and to justify their coming invasion of Poland. The day after the German naval training ship 'Schleswig Holstein' fires opening shots of World War II and shells the Polish naval base at Westerplatte. At exactly 0445 hours, German tanks thundered across the Polish border supported by Junkers Ju87 dive-bombers. Despite the fact that 73 divisions at its disposal at the outbreak of war versus Germany's 99 divisions, Poland had to surrender unconditionally on the 26th of September. While Italy chose to remain neutral for now, Great Britain and France chose to honor their guarantee of Polish independence. However, the effect of this official declaration of war was limited to a landing of French troops in Danzig and never had any real impact.
The fall of 1939 was very quiet in Italy with dedicated efforts to comply with the I-plan, while the world was watching Germany. The second marine division was deployed and a large number of infantry divisions upgraded resulting in that by 12th November 1939, the whole army was at 1939 standard. Two interceptor squadron was upgraded along with two squadrons of tactical bombers. Additionally, one infantry division and two garrison divisions were deployed. Impressed with Germany's success in Poland, Il Duce decided to align domestic policy further with Germany (influenced towards "Standing army" and "Free market" set to 5). Research progressed as follows:
The national comparison at the beginning of 1939 highlights that Italy is lacking significantly behind in the size of its army...
1939 started with a tough meeting in the Fascist Grand Council. Head of Intelligence Cesare Amé distributed the latest intelligence reports showing the latest national comparisons of the army, Regia Marina and Regia Aeronautica. While the situation for Regia Marina and Regia Aeronautica was acceptable (#4 and #5 respectively) the army was under all criticism. Mussolini was very concerned:
"Our proud army is only the 10th biggest in the world and while this report doesn't compare the quality of the troops, it is totally unacceptable that we are lacking behind inferior countries such as Poland, Nationalist Spain and Romania! Additionally, we have made little progress towards complying with the I-plan. It will require a major effort from all of us to turn this situation around. I expect all of you to do your outmost! The first step will be to move one step further towards a standing army"
Mussolini's pep talk quickly turned the situation around with the upgrade of the HQ division in the beginning of February and FIAT completing their research into “Basic Infantry Division”. With adequate technology available, Il Duce commissioned the development of: "more infantry divisions than the eye can see..." (99 in serial production)
As a consequence of the recent order for 3 aircraft carriers, Domenico Cavagnari was asked to look further into how to use these vessels effectively (develop “Subsidiary Carrier Role Doctrine”). Lancia also developed “Production control” and Arturo Grocco started researching “Basic decryption Devices”. In the beginning of March, Italy also finished its first Marine division and was now one of the only countries in the world to have these highly specialized troops at their disposal. The first of the carrier air groups was also finished and placed in storage buildings in Taranto for now.
The development of Marines opens up new strategic options for Commando Supremo
On the 26th of March 1939 the situation in Albania became intolerable. King Zog was starting to denounce Italian influence in Albania, closed the Italian embassy and turned it into headquarters for the communist party. This was the last straw that broke the camel's back and Il Duce decided to send an ultimatum to King Zog. Victor Emmanuel III criticized the plan to take Albania as an unnecessary risk, but Foreign Minister Ciano delivered Tiranë an ultimatum, demanding that it accede to Italy's occupation of Albania. Zog refused to accept money in exchange for countenancing a full Italian takeover and colonization of Albania, and a couple of days later Italian troops invaded Albania. Despite some stubborn resistance, especially at Durrës, the Italians made short shrift of the Albanians. Unwilling to become an Italian puppet, King Zog, his wife, Queen Geraldine Apponyi, and their infant son Skander fled to Greece and eventually to London. On March 30, the Albanian parliament voted to unite the country with Italy. Victor Emmanuel III took the Albanian crown.
The annexation of Albania not only increased Italy's prestige, but also added important oil resources
In March, April and May, FIAT's recent technological breakthrough into infantry research was put into action. 11 divisions were upgraded to 1939 standard and the first 1939 division of the new armaments program was deployed. It was also decided to deploy 5 garrison divisions (serial production) although this would delay the completion of the aircraft carriers slightly. On the research side, Giulio Natta finished “Production planning” and Cantieri Ansaldo developed "Basic motorized division". FIAT was asked to develop “Improved encryption devices” and Lancia to look into “Rear area repair shop”.
June, July and August didn't have much action, but 10 divisions were upgraded, and one garrison and infantry division was deployed. Artucro Crocco also developed “Basic decryption devices” and Cantieri Navali Riunite was asked to develop “Floating Fortress Doctrine”
German soldiers parade after the fall of Warzaw...
On the 29th of August, German SS troops put on a false attack on a German radio station at Gliewitz dressed in Polish uniforms to convince the world that Poland is the aggressor nation and to justify their coming invasion of Poland. The day after the German naval training ship 'Schleswig Holstein' fires opening shots of World War II and shells the Polish naval base at Westerplatte. At exactly 0445 hours, German tanks thundered across the Polish border supported by Junkers Ju87 dive-bombers. Despite the fact that 73 divisions at its disposal at the outbreak of war versus Germany's 99 divisions, Poland had to surrender unconditionally on the 26th of September. While Italy chose to remain neutral for now, Great Britain and France chose to honor their guarantee of Polish independence. However, the effect of this official declaration of war was limited to a landing of French troops in Danzig and never had any real impact.
The fall of 1939 was very quiet in Italy with dedicated efforts to comply with the I-plan, while the world was watching Germany. The second marine division was deployed and a large number of infantry divisions upgraded resulting in that by 12th November 1939, the whole army was at 1939 standard. Two interceptor squadron was upgraded along with two squadrons of tactical bombers. Additionally, one infantry division and two garrison divisions were deployed. Impressed with Germany's success in Poland, Il Duce decided to align domestic policy further with Germany (influenced towards "Standing army" and "Free market" set to 5). Research progressed as follows:
- FIAT developed “Improved encryption devices”. Pietro Badoglio asked to develop “Preplanned defense doctrine”
- Lancia completed research into “Rear area vehicle repair shops”. Asked to develop “Assembly line experimentation”
- Dominico Cavagnari developed “Subsidiary carrier role doctrine”. Macchi asked to develop “Improved Tactical Bomber
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I now that I am spoiling you guys with two updates in one day! :wacko: However, I want to speed up things a little bit, since I am a bit ahead with the actual game (end 1940) and have two finished updates waiting for you on 1940 I hope that you will bear with me in terms of the quick progress through the years... and the conciseness of the updates.
Alexus: Glad that I inspired you to play Italy. Hopefully, all those countries mentioned are to a larger extent ambition than real conquests or I will look miserable with my performance as Italy
Lifeless: Yep, to brand new BB's are surely nice... but the three new CV IV's are going to prove even more useful I can promise
I hope that you will bear with me in terms of the quick progress through the years... and the conciseness of the updates.Alexus: Glad that I inspired you to play Italy. Hopefully, all those countries mentioned are to a larger extent ambition than real conquests or I will look miserable with my performance as Italy
Lifeless: Yep, to brand new BB's are surely nice... but the three new CV IV's are going to prove even more useful I can promise
And I thought I was good at this game. You deteated Poland before you attacked them!
Nice update...
Stroph1 said:And I thought I was good at this game. You deteated Poland before you attacked them!
Nice update...
Yep, all the fuzz about the Enigma is totally out of proportion. The Italian time machine... now that's what I call high-tech
Alexus: Wow... that's really impressive! Please don't tell me that you played a historical game with no DOW's before mid 1940 and at normal or higher difficulty?!?
Nevertheless, I hope that you will still enjoy the Italians kicking ass in Mare Nostrum despite somewhat weaker performance
I was on normal but took out Albania and Spain before the war started. I'm looking forward to seeing how well you do