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Operation Vitéz Küzdelem – July 1939
***NOTE*** The sentiments expressed in the beginning of this chapter are particularly hateful and offensive. I meant to write the chapter as a propaganda piece, and I assure you that these are in no way my views, simply the views I imagine might have been displayed by the Hungarian propaganda press in this situation.
Only two centuries before, the vast Ottoman Empire had ruled over much of Hungary. Her defenceless women were violated, her innocent children oppressed by a brutal regime. Nothing could be done; no revenge could be taken against such an unopposable might. For centuries, the cruel injustices suffered by Hungary and much of Eastern Europe had rested unavenged, a brand of shame on the shoulder of all Hungarian peoples. Every Hungarian sole had borne the despicable burden or remembrance, remembrance for the untold thousands of innocent people, thrust under the harsh yoke of Ottoman slavery. Even now the pitiful pretence of democracy had been established in modern Turkey, that sorry excuse for a nation still had cities filled with scheming, reptilian men who still eyed the wealthy lands of Hungary with malignant intent, set upon taking what they could for themselves by any means. As a people, they were as vultures: waiting in the shadows for the slightest sign of a stumble, which would herald their descent to feast upon the remains.
Had our nation had the means, an invasion of the vile Turkish lands, in order to purify them of the despicable evil that resided within them, would have been affected far earlier. However, Turkey, despite the shedding of its empire, maintained a large area under its rule, and its armed forces were too large for us to safely invade. Also, the position of Turkey made attacks impossible until a land border had been established, which was only done after the incorporation of Bulgaria into the kingdom, at which point there were more pressing targets to attack. The annexation of Greece finally meant that sufficient force could be gathered across a large enough area to make a wholly land-based invasion practical. Whether or not to ask for assistance from the other Axis powers was a matter of no little discussion between High Command and the Cabinet. High Command argued that Hungary’s growing tank force would ensure victory, although the speed of it would be decided by how quickly Hungarian forces could move through Istanbul and into Asia, where there was far more room for manoeuvre. The Cabinet claimed that the people would not tolerate another lengthy war after Czechoslovakia, and that if the war were to be conducted at all, the lack of knowledge about the power of the Turkish military would warrant at least the help of the Italians. Eventually Horthy settled the matter by siding with High Command and reminding the cabinet that if Italy were to become involved in the war, then their handling of the conflict was inevitable, thus meaning the Turks would surrender to Italy, and Italy would decide the fate of Turkey, most likely creating a puppet state. Thus, the matter was settled and plans were drawn up. High Command’s final plan was fairly basic, but lack of military intelligence from Turkey made fine-tuning impossible.
High Command’s plan for the Turkish invasion.
It was decided that the operation would be called ‘Valorous Struggle’, very suitable given that Horthy was anxious for the people to see this war as righteous vengeance, a de facto crusade, to right the wrongs inflicted to the Hungarians under Ottoman occupation.
Around the same time that the name for the invasion was finalised, the monthly diplomatic report was received from the foreign ministry. Several smaller nations, who had been paying to receive Hungarian crude oil, had been unable to keep up their payments, and had had to cancel their deals. Other nations had found their reserves of metals falling, and so had ceased sending their resources to Hungary in exchange for money. These setbacks had been removed by the adept formation of new agreements by the Foreign Ministry, which pleased Horthy. As usual, he also received a comprehensive document detailing the diplomatic standpoint of other nations.
The diplomatic report for June, 1939.
As Horthy digested this, High Command prepared the Intelligence Report on Turkey. What few spies Hungary could spare had been sent into the country, and tasked with military intelligence gathering. They had done well, already identifying four military divisions, and confirming one as an infantry division in Istanbul. Information like this was of great help to High Command.
The intelligence report from Turkey, first week of June, 1939.
Also prepared for Horthy’s consideration was a new theory, proposed by a military strategist within High Command. It hypothesised that, considering that the strength of the Soviet army was so great, a line of defensive forts could be placed along the border with the U.S.S.R., thereby securing the frontier without demanding a very high level of soldiers. After consulting his advisors, Horthy decided that, at present, the immense cost and time required to deploy worthwhile fortifications on such a large scale made the idea impractical. It was denied funding, but the dossier prepared on it was stored in government archives, in case put into action later.
The long border with the Soviet Union, which would have required much time and necessitated the large scale redirection of Hungarian industry towards preparing the required fortifications.
The First Armour Corps reported that a third armoured division was now deployed and organising itself for full combat duties. This development showed other Axis powers that the military of Hungary was becoming a force to be reckoned with.
The First Armour Corps, now with three tanks divisions at its disposal.
All remaining preparations for the invasion were swiftly made, and without problems. The Kingdom of Hungary was as ready for war as ever when, at 1500 hours on the 1st of July, 1939, a notice issuing a declaration of total war between the Kingdom of Hungary and Turkey was delivered to the Turkish embassy. The crusade, the valorous struggle, had begun.
The declaration of war.
With war declared, public demands for the government to continue the production of products for the public declined, allowing the government to commence training on more garrison divisions, who would be badly needed in the aftermath of the invasion.
The commencing of war allowed Hungarian industry to increase levels of military production.
Within a day, the first Turkish province was under Hungarian control. Unsurprisingly, it had been secured by the tank divisions, rolling unopposed towards Istanbul.
Early advances made by Hungarian tanks.
Less than a day later, the tanks had advanced again and begun attacking Istanbul, where the first Turkish resistance, in the form of the one infantry division discovered by the Hungarian spies, was met. Given that the Turkish were outnumbered, and facing tanks, against which they had little or no methods of fighting, victory was all but assured, and the time before full control of Istanbul was established doubtlessly short.
Fighting rages in Istanbul.
One unexpected method of resistance employed by the Turkish was the use of a tactical bomber wing to engage the advancing tanks. Before the bombers caused any major damage, Fiat CR.42 biplane interceptors, the only squadron in Hungary at the time, were called into action and engaged the bombers, inflicting casualties. Their bold engagement with the Turkish allowed the attack on the ground to continue unhindered.
Aerial combat rages above the advancing Hungarian tanks.
Soon after the first dogfights erupted, the main body of infantry reported that the first provinces assigned to their advance had been taken with no losses, or engagements with the enemy. The invasion was progressing significantly faster than expected.
The initial advances of the Hungarian infantry divisions.
Just less than one week after the invasion began, resistance ceased in Istanbul. Just over 900 Turks had been killed, compared with 186 Hungarians. The beachhead into Asia had been created and the only Turkish forces yet sighted were on the run, wholly disorganised.
Victory in Istanbul.
Another victory, although this time not a military one, was announced only hours after the occupation of Istanbul. Research teams had succeeded in improving the efficiency of Hungarian industry, allowing fewer factories to produce the same number of guns and tanks. This would free up much needed factory space for new projects.
The efficiency of Hungarian industry is improved.
Meanwhile, as news of the technological advancement was filtering in to Horthy, High Command ordered all Headquarters units at a Corps level or higher to redeploy to Istanbul, where they could better communicate with the advancing Hungarian divisions ahead of them.
H.Q. divisions redeploy.
One event that High Command had hoped would not happen, but had prepared to deal with, was the beginning of raids on Hungarian convoys by Turkish submarines. Such attacks were an annoyance, but to call off the convoys would almost certainly result in the cancellation of all overseas trade deals, a hammer blow to the Hungarian economy. It was hoped that, with Istanbul in Hungarian hands, Turkish submarines would be forced to rebase too far away from Hungarian shipping to engage convoys, or at least that the one remaining Turkish naval base could be taken before too much damage was done. At this point Hungary had no more spare convoy vessels to deploy.
Turkish submarines raid Hungarian shipping.
Unaffected by Turkish submarines, the Hungarian ground forces continued to move through Turkey, expanding Hungarian territory in Asia without meeting resistance. A river that might have provided an excellent defensive barrier to halt the advance was unguarded. Mountainous terrain, almost impassable for tanks, was ungarrisoned, leaving the Hungarians to advance with bandoliers, in many cases, still full of ammunition.
The Hungarians continue to advance freely through the Turkish heartlands.
The only engagement begun by the Turkish had been a probing attack on an advancing tendril of Hungarian infantry by the division that had been ousted from Istanbul. They were still chronically disorganised, and were repulsed after a brief skirmish.
A half-hearted Turkish counteroffensive is easily dealt with.
Finally, at the last port still in Turkish hands, and a vital city for the taking, Eregli, stiffer resistance was found. The first tank division to arrive became locked in a battle on the plains outside the city. Although close, the battle was swinging noticeably in the favour of the Hungarians, as, despite their numerical advantage, The Turks were killed in large numbers by well-trained Hungarian armoured car gunners, and were unable to destroy the Hungarian vehicles with their small arms.
The battle for Eregli in its earliest stages, with the staunchest Turkish resistance yet encountered.
Two days later, with the battle of Eregli now swinging decisively to the Hungarians, Horthy announced to the public that many companies that had previously been semi-privately owned were now to be nationalised and taken over by the government. Although the higher production levels this granted were a great benefit, much of it had to be deployed towards pacifying the population, who were somewhat disgruntled in places, with consumer products. The resulting price drop in these goods pacified the people enough to allow what remained of the new factory space to be devoted to supply production.
The nationalisation of the private sector is announced.
The division that had defended Istanbul unsuccessfully, and later attempted the failed counter attack had been tracked down to the mountains of Akyazi. There, one of the elite new Hungarian divisions cornered and engaged them. What little resistance the Turks put up resulted only in high casualties for them. They soon pulled back.
A Turkish infantry division in Akyazi under attack.
Elsewhere, where the Turkish armed forces had been notable for not once being seen, the advance progressed in two tendrils: one towards Ankara, the capital; the other toward Izmir, a city on the Mediterranean coastline.
The march toward Ankara and Izmir continues.
A few days later, the Hungarian tendril progressing towards Ankara encountered only the second Turkish division to be seen in the invasion, at Beypazan. One Hungarian division stopped and engaged, with the battle going well, whilst the rest continued to Ankara.
Turkish soldiers in Beypazan are engaged by Hungarian infantry.
Seemingly determined not to let Eregli fall, the Turkish High Command poured more troops into Eregli, including several Corps Headquarters. Despite their efforts, the arrival of the remaining Hungarian armoured units meant that the advantage was always with the Hungarians.
A Hungarian tank crosses a stream, moving ever closer to Eregli.
The 23rd of July saw the central Hungarian advance tendril reach Ankara and lay siege to it. Its defenders consisted of one infantry division and, without fortifications and on flat, unbroken terrain, the quality and numbers of the Hungarians showed quickly.
The siege of Ankara begins.
The same day, Turkish submarines struck again, sinking one transport vessel from another Hungarian convoy. Nothing could be done but wait nervously, for these were ships Hungary could ill afford to lose.
Turkish submarines again strike at Hungarian convoys.
At Eregli, the Hungarian advances were slow, but unbroken, with Turkish infantry grimly holding every line of defence until eventually pulling back to the next. Though they were ill equipped to deal with tanks and armoured cars, what few anti-tank guns and grenades they had been issued with were employed well. Casualties for the Turks soared after every advance, whereas the number of Hungarian dead climbed slowly. The sight of a destroyed tank in Eregli was rare, but not as rare as High Command would have liked.
The Turks hit back. Destroyed Hungarian tank, outskirts of Eregli.
The Southern Hungarian tendril, who had not yet encountered the Turkish military, occupied Izmir without a fight on the 26th of July. From there, they split and moved out, hunting for the Turkish army.
Izmir is occupied.
The next day, the defenders of Ankara, starved of support as what remained of the Turkish army was thrown into Eregli, finally gave in. The city was occupied and the will to fight of the Turkish government had all but disintegrated.
Ankara is lost by the Turks.
In the evening of the 27th, just as news of the occupation of Ankara was filtering through, Düzce, another major town, bordering on Eregli, but high in the mountains, with a permanent snow covering, was taken. Casualties on both sides were roughly equal, but low, with the Turks too resigned to their fate to be capable of much more than token resistance. Hungarian soldiers were taken by surprise by the cold, but, by a quirk of fate, the division assigned to take Düzce had accidently been given winter uniforms, amongst their supply train. Although the cold would almost certainly not have resulted in any deaths, High Command knew the importance that happiness makes in the fighting effectiveness of soldiers.
Victory in Düzce.
It appeared that Düzce was the last loss that the Turks were willing to suffer. The unconditional Turkish surrender was issued at midnight on the 28th/29th. Fighting continued sporadically, particularly in Eregli, where the Turks seemed reluctant to lay down their arms after such a hard-fought struggle. Elsewhere, however, the Turks accepted their fate with little resistance. Especially in the South, where there had been no real fighting, fraternisation became commonplace. High Command eventually decided to encourage this, as a good relationship with the Turks might help reduce civil unrest in future, a remarkable change in approach from the almost evangelical fury directed against the Turks at the beginning of the conflict by the Government.
The Turkish surrender, delivered in the dead of night.
With territories stretching across two continents and covering what used to be six independent countries (with parts of another), it was decided that Hungary was too big to be simply the ‘Kingdom of Greater Hungary’. Lands such as these warranted a different title. The Kingdom of Hungary was no more. The Empire of Greater Hungary had taken its place.
The new territories of the Empire.
***NOTE*** The sentiments expressed in the beginning of this chapter are particularly hateful and offensive. I meant to write the chapter as a propaganda piece, and I assure you that these are in no way my views, simply the views I imagine might have been displayed by the Hungarian propaganda press in this situation.
Only two centuries before, the vast Ottoman Empire had ruled over much of Hungary. Her defenceless women were violated, her innocent children oppressed by a brutal regime. Nothing could be done; no revenge could be taken against such an unopposable might. For centuries, the cruel injustices suffered by Hungary and much of Eastern Europe had rested unavenged, a brand of shame on the shoulder of all Hungarian peoples. Every Hungarian sole had borne the despicable burden or remembrance, remembrance for the untold thousands of innocent people, thrust under the harsh yoke of Ottoman slavery. Even now the pitiful pretence of democracy had been established in modern Turkey, that sorry excuse for a nation still had cities filled with scheming, reptilian men who still eyed the wealthy lands of Hungary with malignant intent, set upon taking what they could for themselves by any means. As a people, they were as vultures: waiting in the shadows for the slightest sign of a stumble, which would herald their descent to feast upon the remains.
Had our nation had the means, an invasion of the vile Turkish lands, in order to purify them of the despicable evil that resided within them, would have been affected far earlier. However, Turkey, despite the shedding of its empire, maintained a large area under its rule, and its armed forces were too large for us to safely invade. Also, the position of Turkey made attacks impossible until a land border had been established, which was only done after the incorporation of Bulgaria into the kingdom, at which point there were more pressing targets to attack. The annexation of Greece finally meant that sufficient force could be gathered across a large enough area to make a wholly land-based invasion practical. Whether or not to ask for assistance from the other Axis powers was a matter of no little discussion between High Command and the Cabinet. High Command argued that Hungary’s growing tank force would ensure victory, although the speed of it would be decided by how quickly Hungarian forces could move through Istanbul and into Asia, where there was far more room for manoeuvre. The Cabinet claimed that the people would not tolerate another lengthy war after Czechoslovakia, and that if the war were to be conducted at all, the lack of knowledge about the power of the Turkish military would warrant at least the help of the Italians. Eventually Horthy settled the matter by siding with High Command and reminding the cabinet that if Italy were to become involved in the war, then their handling of the conflict was inevitable, thus meaning the Turks would surrender to Italy, and Italy would decide the fate of Turkey, most likely creating a puppet state. Thus, the matter was settled and plans were drawn up. High Command’s final plan was fairly basic, but lack of military intelligence from Turkey made fine-tuning impossible.
High Command’s plan for the Turkish invasion.
It was decided that the operation would be called ‘Valorous Struggle’, very suitable given that Horthy was anxious for the people to see this war as righteous vengeance, a de facto crusade, to right the wrongs inflicted to the Hungarians under Ottoman occupation.
Around the same time that the name for the invasion was finalised, the monthly diplomatic report was received from the foreign ministry. Several smaller nations, who had been paying to receive Hungarian crude oil, had been unable to keep up their payments, and had had to cancel their deals. Other nations had found their reserves of metals falling, and so had ceased sending their resources to Hungary in exchange for money. These setbacks had been removed by the adept formation of new agreements by the Foreign Ministry, which pleased Horthy. As usual, he also received a comprehensive document detailing the diplomatic standpoint of other nations.
The diplomatic report for June, 1939.
As Horthy digested this, High Command prepared the Intelligence Report on Turkey. What few spies Hungary could spare had been sent into the country, and tasked with military intelligence gathering. They had done well, already identifying four military divisions, and confirming one as an infantry division in Istanbul. Information like this was of great help to High Command.
The intelligence report from Turkey, first week of June, 1939.
Also prepared for Horthy’s consideration was a new theory, proposed by a military strategist within High Command. It hypothesised that, considering that the strength of the Soviet army was so great, a line of defensive forts could be placed along the border with the U.S.S.R., thereby securing the frontier without demanding a very high level of soldiers. After consulting his advisors, Horthy decided that, at present, the immense cost and time required to deploy worthwhile fortifications on such a large scale made the idea impractical. It was denied funding, but the dossier prepared on it was stored in government archives, in case put into action later.
The long border with the Soviet Union, which would have required much time and necessitated the large scale redirection of Hungarian industry towards preparing the required fortifications.
The First Armour Corps reported that a third armoured division was now deployed and organising itself for full combat duties. This development showed other Axis powers that the military of Hungary was becoming a force to be reckoned with.
The First Armour Corps, now with three tanks divisions at its disposal.
All remaining preparations for the invasion were swiftly made, and without problems. The Kingdom of Hungary was as ready for war as ever when, at 1500 hours on the 1st of July, 1939, a notice issuing a declaration of total war between the Kingdom of Hungary and Turkey was delivered to the Turkish embassy. The crusade, the valorous struggle, had begun.
The declaration of war.
With war declared, public demands for the government to continue the production of products for the public declined, allowing the government to commence training on more garrison divisions, who would be badly needed in the aftermath of the invasion.
The commencing of war allowed Hungarian industry to increase levels of military production.
Within a day, the first Turkish province was under Hungarian control. Unsurprisingly, it had been secured by the tank divisions, rolling unopposed towards Istanbul.
Early advances made by Hungarian tanks.
Less than a day later, the tanks had advanced again and begun attacking Istanbul, where the first Turkish resistance, in the form of the one infantry division discovered by the Hungarian spies, was met. Given that the Turkish were outnumbered, and facing tanks, against which they had little or no methods of fighting, victory was all but assured, and the time before full control of Istanbul was established doubtlessly short.
Fighting rages in Istanbul.
One unexpected method of resistance employed by the Turkish was the use of a tactical bomber wing to engage the advancing tanks. Before the bombers caused any major damage, Fiat CR.42 biplane interceptors, the only squadron in Hungary at the time, were called into action and engaged the bombers, inflicting casualties. Their bold engagement with the Turkish allowed the attack on the ground to continue unhindered.
Aerial combat rages above the advancing Hungarian tanks.
Soon after the first dogfights erupted, the main body of infantry reported that the first provinces assigned to their advance had been taken with no losses, or engagements with the enemy. The invasion was progressing significantly faster than expected.
The initial advances of the Hungarian infantry divisions.
Just less than one week after the invasion began, resistance ceased in Istanbul. Just over 900 Turks had been killed, compared with 186 Hungarians. The beachhead into Asia had been created and the only Turkish forces yet sighted were on the run, wholly disorganised.
Victory in Istanbul.
Another victory, although this time not a military one, was announced only hours after the occupation of Istanbul. Research teams had succeeded in improving the efficiency of Hungarian industry, allowing fewer factories to produce the same number of guns and tanks. This would free up much needed factory space for new projects.
The efficiency of Hungarian industry is improved.
Meanwhile, as news of the technological advancement was filtering in to Horthy, High Command ordered all Headquarters units at a Corps level or higher to redeploy to Istanbul, where they could better communicate with the advancing Hungarian divisions ahead of them.
H.Q. divisions redeploy.
One event that High Command had hoped would not happen, but had prepared to deal with, was the beginning of raids on Hungarian convoys by Turkish submarines. Such attacks were an annoyance, but to call off the convoys would almost certainly result in the cancellation of all overseas trade deals, a hammer blow to the Hungarian economy. It was hoped that, with Istanbul in Hungarian hands, Turkish submarines would be forced to rebase too far away from Hungarian shipping to engage convoys, or at least that the one remaining Turkish naval base could be taken before too much damage was done. At this point Hungary had no more spare convoy vessels to deploy.
Turkish submarines raid Hungarian shipping.
Unaffected by Turkish submarines, the Hungarian ground forces continued to move through Turkey, expanding Hungarian territory in Asia without meeting resistance. A river that might have provided an excellent defensive barrier to halt the advance was unguarded. Mountainous terrain, almost impassable for tanks, was ungarrisoned, leaving the Hungarians to advance with bandoliers, in many cases, still full of ammunition.
The Hungarians continue to advance freely through the Turkish heartlands.
The only engagement begun by the Turkish had been a probing attack on an advancing tendril of Hungarian infantry by the division that had been ousted from Istanbul. They were still chronically disorganised, and were repulsed after a brief skirmish.
A half-hearted Turkish counteroffensive is easily dealt with.
Finally, at the last port still in Turkish hands, and a vital city for the taking, Eregli, stiffer resistance was found. The first tank division to arrive became locked in a battle on the plains outside the city. Although close, the battle was swinging noticeably in the favour of the Hungarians, as, despite their numerical advantage, The Turks were killed in large numbers by well-trained Hungarian armoured car gunners, and were unable to destroy the Hungarian vehicles with their small arms.
The battle for Eregli in its earliest stages, with the staunchest Turkish resistance yet encountered.
Two days later, with the battle of Eregli now swinging decisively to the Hungarians, Horthy announced to the public that many companies that had previously been semi-privately owned were now to be nationalised and taken over by the government. Although the higher production levels this granted were a great benefit, much of it had to be deployed towards pacifying the population, who were somewhat disgruntled in places, with consumer products. The resulting price drop in these goods pacified the people enough to allow what remained of the new factory space to be devoted to supply production.
The nationalisation of the private sector is announced.
The division that had defended Istanbul unsuccessfully, and later attempted the failed counter attack had been tracked down to the mountains of Akyazi. There, one of the elite new Hungarian divisions cornered and engaged them. What little resistance the Turks put up resulted only in high casualties for them. They soon pulled back.
A Turkish infantry division in Akyazi under attack.
Elsewhere, where the Turkish armed forces had been notable for not once being seen, the advance progressed in two tendrils: one towards Ankara, the capital; the other toward Izmir, a city on the Mediterranean coastline.
The march toward Ankara and Izmir continues.
A few days later, the Hungarian tendril progressing towards Ankara encountered only the second Turkish division to be seen in the invasion, at Beypazan. One Hungarian division stopped and engaged, with the battle going well, whilst the rest continued to Ankara.
Turkish soldiers in Beypazan are engaged by Hungarian infantry.
Seemingly determined not to let Eregli fall, the Turkish High Command poured more troops into Eregli, including several Corps Headquarters. Despite their efforts, the arrival of the remaining Hungarian armoured units meant that the advantage was always with the Hungarians.
A Hungarian tank crosses a stream, moving ever closer to Eregli.
The 23rd of July saw the central Hungarian advance tendril reach Ankara and lay siege to it. Its defenders consisted of one infantry division and, without fortifications and on flat, unbroken terrain, the quality and numbers of the Hungarians showed quickly.
The siege of Ankara begins.
The same day, Turkish submarines struck again, sinking one transport vessel from another Hungarian convoy. Nothing could be done but wait nervously, for these were ships Hungary could ill afford to lose.
Turkish submarines again strike at Hungarian convoys.
At Eregli, the Hungarian advances were slow, but unbroken, with Turkish infantry grimly holding every line of defence until eventually pulling back to the next. Though they were ill equipped to deal with tanks and armoured cars, what few anti-tank guns and grenades they had been issued with were employed well. Casualties for the Turks soared after every advance, whereas the number of Hungarian dead climbed slowly. The sight of a destroyed tank in Eregli was rare, but not as rare as High Command would have liked.
The Turks hit back. Destroyed Hungarian tank, outskirts of Eregli.
The Southern Hungarian tendril, who had not yet encountered the Turkish military, occupied Izmir without a fight on the 26th of July. From there, they split and moved out, hunting for the Turkish army.
Izmir is occupied.
The next day, the defenders of Ankara, starved of support as what remained of the Turkish army was thrown into Eregli, finally gave in. The city was occupied and the will to fight of the Turkish government had all but disintegrated.
Ankara is lost by the Turks.
In the evening of the 27th, just as news of the occupation of Ankara was filtering through, Düzce, another major town, bordering on Eregli, but high in the mountains, with a permanent snow covering, was taken. Casualties on both sides were roughly equal, but low, with the Turks too resigned to their fate to be capable of much more than token resistance. Hungarian soldiers were taken by surprise by the cold, but, by a quirk of fate, the division assigned to take Düzce had accidently been given winter uniforms, amongst their supply train. Although the cold would almost certainly not have resulted in any deaths, High Command knew the importance that happiness makes in the fighting effectiveness of soldiers.
Victory in Düzce.
It appeared that Düzce was the last loss that the Turks were willing to suffer. The unconditional Turkish surrender was issued at midnight on the 28th/29th. Fighting continued sporadically, particularly in Eregli, where the Turks seemed reluctant to lay down their arms after such a hard-fought struggle. Elsewhere, however, the Turks accepted their fate with little resistance. Especially in the South, where there had been no real fighting, fraternisation became commonplace. High Command eventually decided to encourage this, as a good relationship with the Turks might help reduce civil unrest in future, a remarkable change in approach from the almost evangelical fury directed against the Turks at the beginning of the conflict by the Government.
The Turkish surrender, delivered in the dead of night.
With territories stretching across two continents and covering what used to be six independent countries (with parts of another), it was decided that Hungary was too big to be simply the ‘Kingdom of Greater Hungary’. Lands such as these warranted a different title. The Kingdom of Hungary was no more. The Empire of Greater Hungary had taken its place.
The new territories of the Empire.
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Nice update!
Now I wonder what will happen once Germany goes at war with the Allies and the Soviet Union.
After all, you'll have to fight a war on several fronts then.
I'm looking forward to how you'll solve this issue.
Now I wonder what will happen once Germany goes at war with the Allies and the Soviet Union.
After all, you'll have to fight a war on several fronts then.
I'm looking forward to how you'll solve this issue.
Nice expansion, though more borders mean more problems in this case. Did you consider redesigning your infantry divsions as 2x Inf + 2x Art? This should enable you to emply more punch in each division without reducing their strength too much. It'd mean a much bigger strain on your supplies, though, but you really need more numbers if you want to have a fighting chance versus Russia.
Before you think of enlarging Hungary even more, eg by knocking out Persia / Afghanistan, remember that all your supplies will have a very long way to travel, that this will enlarge your frontage vis a vis Russia and the Allies even more and that you may gain crude oil but also have to have the garrisons to protect them.
Poland joining the Axis is ... suprising. So, indeed no Danzig or war event. You will probably have to start WWII by yourself then
May be it's possible to dow switzerland and call in Italy? If this works, you could dow the Baltic countries and call in Poland, thus enlarging the Axis a bit.
Before you think of enlarging Hungary even more, eg by knocking out Persia / Afghanistan, remember that all your supplies will have a very long way to travel, that this will enlarge your frontage vis a vis Russia and the Allies even more and that you may gain crude oil but also have to have the garrisons to protect them.
Poland joining the Axis is ... suprising. So, indeed no Danzig or war event. You will probably have to start WWII by yourself then
May be it's possible to dow switzerland and call in Italy? If this works, you could dow the Baltic countries and call in Poland, thus enlarging the Axis a bit.
Guys,
You've made a mistake here.
Poland didn't JOIN the Axis.
Let me run through some events.
You will remember from the Czech campaign that I drafted in Austria to help me out. That means no Anschluss. We were invading.... Czechoslovakia! Which means no Munich Agreement etc., which meant that no Allied independence guarentee on Poland.
Because of this, Germany just decided to invade Poland by itself. Oddly, I don't remember hearing a thing about this, but on the diplomacy screenshot provided you can see that Poland is a puppet of Germany. On the map, Germany have also gained control of the Polish corridor.
Because of my wanton conquering, Switzerland has joined the Allies. =(
The Baltic states is a good idea though, as there isn't an M-R pact.
I hadn't considered taking Persia, as what oil it has is useless towards me. Romanian oil for the win!
You've made a mistake here.
Poland didn't JOIN the Axis.
Let me run through some events.
You will remember from the Czech campaign that I drafted in Austria to help me out. That means no Anschluss. We were invading.... Czechoslovakia! Which means no Munich Agreement etc., which meant that no Allied independence guarentee on Poland.
Because of this, Germany just decided to invade Poland by itself. Oddly, I don't remember hearing a thing about this, but on the diplomacy screenshot provided you can see that Poland is a puppet of Germany. On the map, Germany have also gained control of the Polish corridor.
Because of my wanton conquering, Switzerland has joined the Allies. =(
The Baltic states is a good idea though, as there isn't an M-R pact.
I hadn't considered taking Persia, as what oil it has is useless towards me. Romanian oil for the win!
Wow, strange news indeed... So the German AI does not have any other wars up it's sleeve.
A risk worth taking?
Yeah, but more oil, more oil sales towards eg Germany, more stuff you can buy ...eg production licences.
Germany seems extremely low on cash, or else I would have made a killing selling oil already....
Well, I think I might have just about built my army up to the point where it can take on the formidable might of Lithuania, then Latvia, then Estonia... I don't know, though, those guys are absolute nutters...
Well, I think I might have just about built my army up to the point where it can take on the formidable might of Lithuania, then Latvia, then Estonia... I don't know, though, those guys are absolute nutters...
Only one thing. 200% officer ratio and 255 diplomatic influence with Hungary at the start? Maybe something wrong with your game.
@ bureaucrat2
The 200% officer ratio was gained a few months after I started. This was mostly because I wasn't sure how much leadership to put into officers (hadn't been playing for long) so I put far too much. Diplomatic points have risen slowly, mostly in the long periods at the start when I was still mostly self-sufficient for long periods. Anyway, I can assure you that none of this was present at the start, as the first screenshots are in fact from April '36.
The 200% officer ratio was gained a few months after I started. This was mostly because I wasn't sure how much leadership to put into officers (hadn't been playing for long) so I put far too much. Diplomatic points have risen slowly, mostly in the long periods at the start when I was still mostly self-sufficient for long periods. Anyway, I can assure you that none of this was present at the start, as the first screenshots are in fact from April '36.
The First Axis Grand Conference – 15th of August 1939
Having travelled from all parts of the world the days and weeks before, representatives from each and every Axis power, even some from the exiled puppet Chinese government in Japan met at a huge meeting in Munich. Although only the Japanese and the exiled ‘Sino-Japanese Harmony Party’ were actually at war, it was common knowledge that this was a war conference, and was to be treated as such. Despite this, the Allies and Comintern saw nothing amiss, as they frequently held conferences of their own. No Allied nations commented on the gathering, just – it would appear – as Hitler had planned.
The first day saw immediate action. As soon as all parties were seated, Hitler himself began to speak. He claimed that, although Japan and her Axis neighbours would certainly have to give the conflict in China top priority, the time would soon come for the rest of the Axis to begin what he described as ‘The long road to ultimate vengeance’. Hitler spoke so fervently on the need for final revenge, that even those, like Horthy, who were possessed of a more moderate disposition, found themselves with little choice but total agreement or complete disagreement which was impossible at this point. Germany’s dictator spoke in great detail on the injustices dealt not just to Germany, but also to Hungary, who had lost so much of her territories to inferior nations; how the Italians had been deceived by the treacherous Franco-British alliance and made to sacrifice thousands of men for a war that did not concern them (at this, Mussolini and much of his entourage nodded firmly in agreement); and how Japan, too, had been forced into a war for no gains, only huge casualties (Admiral Ozawa, the head of the Japanese mission murmured his concurrence). Finally, Hitler sat down and said, rather more quietly, that the real business, that of winning the war the Axis was soon to begin would commence at once.
The relative stalemate in China meant that Japan would not be able to play a key role in the war against the Allies.
The nations split to work on their objectives. The Japanese, aside from two Germans who served the simple purpose of acting as messengers, sending what plans the Japanese had decided upon to the German High Command; worked alone with their Chinese allies. Most of the Germans worked with the Polish and some of the Italians, drafting a plan for the invasion of France and the Benelux nations. Horthy and his commanders conferred with the Austrians, the Czechs, a small German group and other Italians. Their discussions were the only ones to be recorded and preserved by the Hungarian press.
The Franco-Italian border.
The German border with France, defended by the world renowned Maginot Line.
The German border with Belgium and the Netherlands.
First, it was agreed that the onus of Hungarian operations was to be placed on the East, not the West. Sending Hungarian soldiers all the way through Austria, Italy or Germany would be wholly impractical and probably unnecessary. If a Hungarian presence was required in the West it could be sent later. Hungary would secure French held Syria and Lebanon, along with Iraq. From there, it could send forces westward, or continue towards the Suez Canal.
Hungarian war objectives in Syria and Lebanon.
Hungarian targets in Iraq.
The Austrians would be the main attackers of Switzerland, as they had several fully trained mountain divisions that would be vital for the assault on central Switzerland. From there, they would push on into France, perhaps attempting to encircle the Maginot line, perhaps supporting the Italian advance, it would be decided later. They would be supported in this by a small German contingent, about the size of one Army Corps.
The Italians present were mainly concerned with North Africa. Whilst almost certain that Libya could be defended, whether the British and French could be pushed back from Egypt and Tunisia respectively was uncertain. It was likely that a limited offensive could be carried out, particularly against the French, but the Suez Canal would probably have to be secured by Hungary, and Tunis would probably never be reached.
The small German group was happy to receive confirmation that, with the presence of Hungary in the East, they would not be required to support the Italians to claim the Suez Canal. They were also pleased to hear that, if required, Hungary could support the Western Front with additional troops. However, the main reason for their presence was to discuss, only with the Hungarians, a matter that, although less pressing, would certainly prove important in time.
The large volumes of German and Polish troops in Poland. These would all be redeployed when war was declared.
Having travelled from all parts of the world the days and weeks before, representatives from each and every Axis power, even some from the exiled puppet Chinese government in Japan met at a huge meeting in Munich. Although only the Japanese and the exiled ‘Sino-Japanese Harmony Party’ were actually at war, it was common knowledge that this was a war conference, and was to be treated as such. Despite this, the Allies and Comintern saw nothing amiss, as they frequently held conferences of their own. No Allied nations commented on the gathering, just – it would appear – as Hitler had planned.
The first day saw immediate action. As soon as all parties were seated, Hitler himself began to speak. He claimed that, although Japan and her Axis neighbours would certainly have to give the conflict in China top priority, the time would soon come for the rest of the Axis to begin what he described as ‘The long road to ultimate vengeance’. Hitler spoke so fervently on the need for final revenge, that even those, like Horthy, who were possessed of a more moderate disposition, found themselves with little choice but total agreement or complete disagreement which was impossible at this point. Germany’s dictator spoke in great detail on the injustices dealt not just to Germany, but also to Hungary, who had lost so much of her territories to inferior nations; how the Italians had been deceived by the treacherous Franco-British alliance and made to sacrifice thousands of men for a war that did not concern them (at this, Mussolini and much of his entourage nodded firmly in agreement); and how Japan, too, had been forced into a war for no gains, only huge casualties (Admiral Ozawa, the head of the Japanese mission murmured his concurrence). Finally, Hitler sat down and said, rather more quietly, that the real business, that of winning the war the Axis was soon to begin would commence at once.
The relative stalemate in China meant that Japan would not be able to play a key role in the war against the Allies.
The nations split to work on their objectives. The Japanese, aside from two Germans who served the simple purpose of acting as messengers, sending what plans the Japanese had decided upon to the German High Command; worked alone with their Chinese allies. Most of the Germans worked with the Polish and some of the Italians, drafting a plan for the invasion of France and the Benelux nations. Horthy and his commanders conferred with the Austrians, the Czechs, a small German group and other Italians. Their discussions were the only ones to be recorded and preserved by the Hungarian press.
The Franco-Italian border.
The German border with France, defended by the world renowned Maginot Line.
The German border with Belgium and the Netherlands.
First, it was agreed that the onus of Hungarian operations was to be placed on the East, not the West. Sending Hungarian soldiers all the way through Austria, Italy or Germany would be wholly impractical and probably unnecessary. If a Hungarian presence was required in the West it could be sent later. Hungary would secure French held Syria and Lebanon, along with Iraq. From there, it could send forces westward, or continue towards the Suez Canal.
Hungarian war objectives in Syria and Lebanon.
Hungarian targets in Iraq.
The Austrians would be the main attackers of Switzerland, as they had several fully trained mountain divisions that would be vital for the assault on central Switzerland. From there, they would push on into France, perhaps attempting to encircle the Maginot line, perhaps supporting the Italian advance, it would be decided later. They would be supported in this by a small German contingent, about the size of one Army Corps.
The Italians present were mainly concerned with North Africa. Whilst almost certain that Libya could be defended, whether the British and French could be pushed back from Egypt and Tunisia respectively was uncertain. It was likely that a limited offensive could be carried out, particularly against the French, but the Suez Canal would probably have to be secured by Hungary, and Tunis would probably never be reached.
The small German group was happy to receive confirmation that, with the presence of Hungary in the East, they would not be required to support the Italians to claim the Suez Canal. They were also pleased to hear that, if required, Hungary could support the Western Front with additional troops. However, the main reason for their presence was to discuss, only with the Hungarians, a matter that, although less pressing, would certainly prove important in time.
The large volumes of German and Polish troops in Poland. These would all be redeployed when war was declared.
Nice update!
It's nice to see a layout of your plans for the future, and I'm really curious how this will play out and whther the Soviets will become a major obstacle in you plans after they have annexed the baltic states.
It's nice to see a layout of your plans for the future, and I'm really curious how this will play out and whther the Soviets will become a major obstacle in you plans after they have annexed the baltic states.
Most interesting approach. What are the Czechs going to do in all this? They're the only country not bordering a non-Axis country. Their forces should logically relieve the German formations in eastern Poland, thus giving Germany the ability to defeat France faster.
As for the Hungarian attempt towards the Suez, you might want to issue objectives to your armies individually if you're planning on letting the AI handle this stage. Furthermore, you go quite a lot of units down there it seems, supplies might become an issue.
As for the Hungarian attempt towards the Suez, you might want to issue objectives to your armies individually if you're planning on letting the AI handle this stage. Furthermore, you go quite a lot of units down there it seems, supplies might become an issue.
@ HecNev
Well, as there is no M-R pact, I don't see the USSR annexing the Baltic States unless they join the Axis. The next update will concern the Soviet Union...
@Baltasar
The Czechs are my puppet, but I can't imagine them going all the way down to help me in the East, I imagine they'll go towards France, but I haven't got a clue about them, to tell the truth.
I will be controlling the Eastern mission myself, the set orders are just to get the troops to the border and also provide a nice screenshot (or two) of my objectives. The supply situation will likely be poor and I probably should have thought about that. Fortunately, I am not playing ahead of my writing so I will heed your advice and reduce the numbers of troops attacking.
Well, as there is no M-R pact, I don't see the USSR annexing the Baltic States unless they join the Axis. The next update will concern the Soviet Union...
@Baltasar
The Czechs are my puppet, but I can't imagine them going all the way down to help me in the East, I imagine they'll go towards France, but I haven't got a clue about them, to tell the truth.
I will be controlling the Eastern mission myself, the set orders are just to get the troops to the border and also provide a nice screenshot (or two) of my objectives. The supply situation will likely be poor and I probably should have thought about that. Fortunately, I am not playing ahead of my writing so I will heed your advice and reduce the numbers of troops attacking.
It's from the Armenian genocides, but I think that the absence of swastikas/references to Nazism in general makes it OK. If I'm wrong, I will get rid of it.
Pictures of the holocaust or any mass genocide is not permitted on this forum. Elastic Fish, if you could, please remove the photo. There is more tasteful ways in presenting the Turkish atrocities on the Armenian people then by showing such a brutal (even though horribly truthful) photo.
*** Sorry about the shortness of this update and the lack of pics, but it's really an 'add-on' to the previous one.***
The Soviet Dilemma
The Axis Conference had ended after a few days. Many crucial decisions had been argued on and disputed, but the final plan for the Axis offensives had been finalised and agreed. However, the end of the talks did not result in all delegations returning home. Poland and Hungary stayed on, to discuss with Germany something rather less immediate, but equally vital. Aside from Manchukuo, which had been ruled out of offensive action due to the Sino-Japanese conflict, Poland and Hungary were the only two nations within the Axis that shared a land border with the USSR.
The role of Poland had already been shown as little more than an ‘agreement machine’, backing the German view of anything wholeheartedly, whether through fear or through actual ideological similarities. No matter what reason, this meant that, though they remained, the Poles took an almost wholly backseat role.
Nevertheless, it was the Polish border that was discussed first. That the offensive (when it came) would be launched through Poland was unanimously agreed. It was a wide, open border which would allow offensive movements either straight ahead, to the North or to the South. Germany also had various military access treaties with Poland, which would make any large build-up of troops somewhat less conspicuous. At the present time, not enough was known about the balance and positioning of Soviet ground forces, so whether the main thrust would be to the Kremlin or Kiev and the Caucasus was undecided. The direction of the offensive would be supervised by the Germans; after all, it was their offensive.
The Polish border with the Soviet Union, where the main offensive was to be launched.
Next up for debate was what was to be done with Hungary’s borders with the Soviet Union. Both of them. The European front was shorter, and, although an advance in the South could potentially reach the Crimea, it would be an advance against frontline Soviet units, and, with Hungary’s somewhat precarious manpower situation, it was decided that a Hungarian offensive through Romania would be unwise. The Danube marked an excellent defensive line. The Soviets would be lured in by the apparent absence of Hungarian troops on the border, and, before any important cities were occupied, they would hit a line of Hungarian forces, dug in along the Danube. There, any Soviet attempts to cross would be repulsed and, it was hoped, the more pressing situation on the Polish border would cause the majority of Soviet troops to withdraw, creating a stalemate with no great loss to Hungary. This line, along the Danube, was to be called the Magyar Line. If at all possible, proper fortifications would be constructed in as many areas as possible along the river.
The Northern border, with the Danube, an integral part of the Magyar line, clearly visible.
Now that the Northern border had been designated as a defensive front, the next question was whether the Hungarians would advance through the Southern border. It was long, mountainous and without any key cities nearby, however if it became lightly garrisoned, as hoped, when the German invasion began, then an offensive could easily be mounted. The ultimate objective, if all went well, would be Stalingrad. From there, the Hungarian forces from the Northern front could potentially advance, linking up with the remainder of Hungarian troops. Then, the Magyars would march East, securing any cities along their route and hopefully helping to force a Soviet surrender.
The longer, Southern border that Hungary shared with the U.S.S.R.
This great invasion, to subdue an army of millions and claim untold riches, would not come about for a few more years. First, the dithering, weak democracies of the West had to be subjugated, their Empires overthrown.
The Soviet Dilemma
The Axis Conference had ended after a few days. Many crucial decisions had been argued on and disputed, but the final plan for the Axis offensives had been finalised and agreed. However, the end of the talks did not result in all delegations returning home. Poland and Hungary stayed on, to discuss with Germany something rather less immediate, but equally vital. Aside from Manchukuo, which had been ruled out of offensive action due to the Sino-Japanese conflict, Poland and Hungary were the only two nations within the Axis that shared a land border with the USSR.
The role of Poland had already been shown as little more than an ‘agreement machine’, backing the German view of anything wholeheartedly, whether through fear or through actual ideological similarities. No matter what reason, this meant that, though they remained, the Poles took an almost wholly backseat role.
Nevertheless, it was the Polish border that was discussed first. That the offensive (when it came) would be launched through Poland was unanimously agreed. It was a wide, open border which would allow offensive movements either straight ahead, to the North or to the South. Germany also had various military access treaties with Poland, which would make any large build-up of troops somewhat less conspicuous. At the present time, not enough was known about the balance and positioning of Soviet ground forces, so whether the main thrust would be to the Kremlin or Kiev and the Caucasus was undecided. The direction of the offensive would be supervised by the Germans; after all, it was their offensive.
The Polish border with the Soviet Union, where the main offensive was to be launched.
Next up for debate was what was to be done with Hungary’s borders with the Soviet Union. Both of them. The European front was shorter, and, although an advance in the South could potentially reach the Crimea, it would be an advance against frontline Soviet units, and, with Hungary’s somewhat precarious manpower situation, it was decided that a Hungarian offensive through Romania would be unwise. The Danube marked an excellent defensive line. The Soviets would be lured in by the apparent absence of Hungarian troops on the border, and, before any important cities were occupied, they would hit a line of Hungarian forces, dug in along the Danube. There, any Soviet attempts to cross would be repulsed and, it was hoped, the more pressing situation on the Polish border would cause the majority of Soviet troops to withdraw, creating a stalemate with no great loss to Hungary. This line, along the Danube, was to be called the Magyar Line. If at all possible, proper fortifications would be constructed in as many areas as possible along the river.
The Northern border, with the Danube, an integral part of the Magyar line, clearly visible.
Now that the Northern border had been designated as a defensive front, the next question was whether the Hungarians would advance through the Southern border. It was long, mountainous and without any key cities nearby, however if it became lightly garrisoned, as hoped, when the German invasion began, then an offensive could easily be mounted. The ultimate objective, if all went well, would be Stalingrad. From there, the Hungarian forces from the Northern front could potentially advance, linking up with the remainder of Hungarian troops. Then, the Magyars would march East, securing any cities along their route and hopefully helping to force a Soviet surrender.
The longer, Southern border that Hungary shared with the U.S.S.R.
This great invasion, to subdue an army of millions and claim untold riches, would not come about for a few more years. First, the dithering, weak democracies of the West had to be subjugated, their Empires overthrown.
It's going to be build up till WW2 proper kicks in. Unless something paticularly juicy presents itself....