The Sacred Grove of Britannia

[pit]

read it all

 

[Allenby]

Considering the problems in Palestine and elsewhere, the resurgent Irish problem really ought to eliminate Britain from the European equation for some time.

 

[unmerged(28944)]

Gee, Humps, I come back from vacation and find that Britannia has gone to hell in a hand basket over Ireland. And you know what, the first thought that came to mind was, "Nice going Nevile, you bloody ass!"

I then thought, "Mayhap this is where dear old Nevile pulls his nuts from the fire and actually turns into a good PM for Britannia and not an idiot." Then... then I woke up!

Great job and can't wait for more!

 

[Sir Humphrey]

Daan, thanks.
Darks63, yep, and to where it leads? Nobody quite knows.
therev, well there is not alot one can do under the circumstances...
cthulhu, after the MRAF thrashing, its a possibility
pit, yah!
Allenby, whilst the eyes are focused on the back garden, Europe will probably stare on the brink...
Draco Rexus, thanks, and it depends on who will be more ruthless. War is no place for niceties, and Chamberlain is unlikely to hold back.

 

[Sir Humphrey]

16th June 1937

London​

(Morning)
'Listen to this Anthony – from the Daily Mail no less. “After the momentous events on the 9th of this month, after a tragic failure of policy or its implementation, Britain once more finds herself at war. It remains to be asked how this crisis came about, and how it can be solved. No doubt once order and civil government have been restored in Dublin, but the this great magnificent blunder falls upon the very new – and some say unqualified shoulders of the Foreign Secretary – the Right Honourable Oliver Stanley MP. When will it be that the Prime Minister asks for his resignation?” And thats just the start of it. Read The Times awful editorial about him. I've had a word with Beaverbrook, we can count on him to support us to the hilt, get his papers behind us. Something has to be done, and we cannot be seen to be ignoring the wishes of the public, during this time of national stress. Anthony, I like Oliver, hes perfectly sound, one of us, but with the public looking for a scapegoat, it will be a great shame to loose him. We'll bump him upstairs in a month or two once things calm down. I think our dear secretary of state for air would make the most amicable foreign secretary. I'll sound him after the meeting, and get one of the parlisecs* to fill the post. Bring some fresh blood into the offing.' Chamberlain mused over his mid morning coffee. It was already beginning to warm up, the Meteorological Office was predicting a warm dry summer ahead, and my midday, the cabinet room would most likely be sweltering. The remaining cabinet entered along with the First Sea Lord, Chief of the Imperial General Staff and the Chief of the Air Staff.

Everyone was seated, and teas and coffees were quietly served. 'So, what is the current state of the situation over there?' Chamberlain mused. 'Prime Minister, as we suspected after the first few days their main assaults have petered out, and are now resorting to attrition warfare, raids and insurrection from the indigenous catholic population in the North. Sir Cyril – initially taking by surprise – as we all were naturally, has stood his ground, our superiority in training and artillery proved useful and a determining factor in the battles that have been fought. There are still enemy concentrations this side of the border and that will be our first objective, to throw them back. Our second objective is to defeat and occupy. Third to enforce our control. Here are the latest aerial photographs of Dublin and their larger troop concentrations. Sir John said, as Chamberlain flicked open his glasses and flicked through the photographs. 'What are these things?' Chamberlain pondered as gray seeming blotches on a photo of Dublin harbour. 'We believe that they are abandoned or unmanned anti aircraft installations, not operational.' He said. Quickly glancing at them. 'If I may speak Prime Minister, We are preparing pinpoint raids on Dublin designed to knock out key communications, shipping and industrial sites. The Irish have no fighters, so our bombers will be unmolested. When the time comes, the Metropolitan Royal Air Force bombers will be at the disposal of the army for close cooperation. Bombers can be in the air within two hours.' Sir Hugh Dowding said, flicking through his notes. 'Fine, put it into operation. What about the army?' Chamberlain continued.

'We are sending two divisions, almost our entire professional army, to be followed by a third in three weeks time, but as its still fresh and forming up and sending them into the fight would be detrimental. Sir Cyril's division has stood up well and can undertake the offensive within the next week. Waiting until reinforcements arrive to better support them. On a positive note, we have excellent campaigning weather, and we have every advantage in terms of arms, training, coordination and officers. Sir Roger (Backhouse, First Sea Lord) can spare a number of vessels from the home fleet to provide heavy support to the army along the cost. The army supply situation is understandable, though we lack reserves of large caliber artillery shells and the the logistics of this campaign will be estranged – though it is but across the Irish seas. We plan to strike West into Donegal, then sweep down and take Cork and the sea ports. The take Dublin. Simple, easy and not overly complicated. Well Prime Minister, there is business to do over at the War Office. Good day.' Sir John said as he gathered his papers and left the room.

'Neville I want to talk to about a matter of great concern.' Oliver Stanley said. 'Yes Oliver. I'm sorry to say this, but your going to be up for a peerage soon, and I was rather hoping you'd accept. It would mean you leaving the Foreign Office unfortunately.' Chamberlain mused. 'Well I am quite happy at the Foreign Office Prime Minister.' Oliver Stanley protested meekly. 'Unfortunately, events and proceedings have already began. And it would look much nicer than a straight sacking.' Chamberlain said as Oliver Stanley stood in front of him, dejected and forlorn. With a hollow sigh, he left the room. Oliver Stanley would become the first political victim to be claimed by the war in Ireland, and would by all accounts not be the last.

[Late Evening)
'Great scott! How did this happen?' Chamberlain blurted out, still half memorized. 'I thought you said that the Metropolitan Royal Air Force would have no problems!' His fury was building up inside him. 'How is it possible that abandoned or destroyed establishments can cause so much damage to an attacking force? I thought the boffins at the Air Ministry said the bomber would always get through? So what the hell happened here then?' Chamberlain raged. 'Prime Minister, if you will let me explain.' Sir Hugh Dowding pleaded with the Prime Minister. 'Alright, get on with the sordid little tale.' Chamberlain said as he sipped his coffee. 'Our high altitude bombers, Whitley's mostly came under sustained and somewhat accurate fire from the ground in their attacks on shipping in the port. After the initial attack, we, that is Sir John Steel, the commander of the bomber forces decided on a fast low level attack on the docks and shipping in Dublin. The attacking force consisted of Blenheim ones, and it was a disaster. Sustained bombardment from the ground, along with considerable small arms took a very heavy toll Prime Minister, with some forced to ditch in the sea and other so badly damaged they were diverted to airfields in Ulster. It may seem impossible to believe Prime Minister that they could do such a thing, but my belief is that the fighter will be the weapon of the choice, not the bomber. What shall I tell her Sir John?' Dowding was fighting to save his own skin, and he was not prepared to loose control of the Air Staff over his subordinate at Bomber Command. 'Sack him. Relieve him of his command Get rid of the clown. Promote whoever you fell is capable of commanding. As for future air policy, have a paper put up.' Chamberlain said, another scapegoat for another disaster being readily found.

'Prime Minister, if I may have a word.' Alfred Duff Cooper asked in a caring manner 'Yes Alfred, what is the matter now?' Chamberlain said as his mood grew darker. 'To points, looks like Mosely is coming back from Italy early – he was in correspondence with Julius Evola, and Anthony asks you if he can hold a conference with the British armament industry, after all we are engaged in a small war at the moment.' Duff-Cooper said, trying to stay in the clear. 'No need to be flippant. Tell Anthony thats fine, and as for Mosely, nobody cares what he has to say any more, all that rubbish about a corporate state and whatnot. Mans a fool and always will be.'

*slang for Parliamentary Secretary

P.M. N. Chamberlain
Ld Pres. Vt Halifax
Ld Chance. Vt Hailsham
Privy S. Earl De La Warr
Exch. A. Eden
For. O. Sir P. Cuncliff-Lister
Home O. A. Duff Cooper
Admir. Sir S. Hoare
Ag. & Fish. W. Morrison
Air H. Balfour
Dom. Aff. M. MacDonald
Col. O. W. Ormsby-Gore
Min. for Co-ordination of Defense. W. Churchill
Bd Educ. Earl Stanhope
Health Sir K. Wood
Lab. E. Smith
Scot. O. W. Elliot
B. o. T. W. Ranciman
Transp. H. MacMillan
War O. Sir T. Inskip
1st C. Works Earl Stanhope
D. Lanc. Earl Winterton

Thrashing of the MRAF

 

[cthulhu]

Those Irish small arms were deadly indeed. What the hell happened in game, Humphrey?

 

[unmerged(28944)]

Yes, truly, what the hell happened to cause those sorts of losses? Where the bomber crews taking tea time during the bombing runs?

 

[Sir Humphrey]

The bomber force was cut to shreds. Still recovering from it. In the game, sent the heavies to attack the transport flotilla in Dublin harbour and it inflicted damage on it (about 30%), but they were taking those losses and called them off. Then I sent in the medium;s to try and finish them off. I was nearly finished off! But I'm not so much worried about this now, but if this damage is done, what of the Germans? In game terms, it means that I will probably focus more on fighters, interceptors, long range (escourts) than bombers. In the terms of the political situation, it will make the fighter branch of the MRAF much more powerful and more likely to gets it way than the bomber force. And with a man like Dowding in charge of the MRAF, fighters will take priority.

Still shocked about the losses, but the crews must have been pissed up or jsut stupid. A sad story for the MRAF.

 

[Darks63]

are ur air doctrines up to speed?

 

[Allenby]

Oh dear. Time to give Winston control of the war effort.

 

[unmerged(28944)]

I whole heartedly agree with you, Allenby!

I can only imagine the outrage that is going to be smeared across the newspapers when the press gets wind of that bloody cock-up!

 

[El Pip]

As much as it pains me to say it, this could be a good thing. It increases the chances of Chamberlain being forced out of office, because the man wont leave of his own accord.

Damn his eyes, why wont he leave?

 

[unmerged(53249)]

How to compose naval forces?

Splendid thread about the basically naval aspects of fighting with Great Britain...

I am a newbie when it comes to naval warfare, I mostly played countries where the army and air force matters most. I tried playing GB yesterday using land strategy, building infantery, marines and paratroppers ready to invade Germany only days after the out break of war between Germany and Poland in 1939. I played at level hard and got my ass kicked really bad, only managed to conquer 7-8 provinces before Germany defeated Poland and started a counter offensive. I learned my lesson well: Britain should focus on naval and air warfare...

However, more surpricing was that I failed to destroy Krigsmarine even though I had a bigger and better navy. This could only mean that I simply do not know how to fight naval war, so I have a few questions for you experienced naval wolfs...

1. How do I compose a naval task force to avoid penalties? There should be a mixture of destroyers and cruisers together with battle ships and carriers, what are the ratios? Should there be one destroyer for every large ship or does light cruisers also count as shielding ships?

2. How do I solve the problem of each province having only 10 size naval bases while many comanders can command larger flottllas with 12 or even 18 ships? Do I dra ships from two bases to the sea and then merge them into one before sending them away to missions?

Any hints or advice is wellcome!

 

[cthulhu]

...Any hints or advice is wellcome!

Dude, here's a hint for ya - this is an After Action Report. It's is a place to read and comment on Sir Humphry's excellent story not to ask about game mechanics. I suggest you take your questions to the main HOI2 Thread.

 

[Sir Humphrey]

Darks63, haven't researched any more, maybe the air staff will look into it, though they may have trouble getting the funds...
Allenby, that drunk? If anything the country needs reassuring...
Draco Rexus, outrage › distraction › praise.
El Pip, that would require a successful vote of no confidence. Its only a small war, with few setbacks.
L Torstensson, in my experience big capital ships and loads of destroyers are needed.
cthulhu,

 

[Sir Humphrey]

23rd June 1937

London​

[early morning]
Chamberlain had by the early morning started with tea, but found himself moving to coffee as the day drew on. It was a cycle that had been repeated for the past days, as the preparation for the first British offensive gathered pace. Chamberlain was deeply interested in the affairs of the campaign, and had sought details and information, even somewhat beyond his scope of expertise. Sir John Dill was briefing the Prime Minister, whilst other members of the cabinet arrived and left and the situation dictated. 'In the attack into Donegal, the six major centers are to be the objectives. Lifford would be the first since it straddles the border. Followed by Letterkenny, Creeslough, Ardara, Donegal itself and Ballyshannon. Our intelligence people indicate that the enemy is scattered and disorganized and not capable of putting up a coherent resistance.' Sir John said reading from the report. 'Are these the same intelligence people that the Metropolitan Royal Air Force used?' Chamberlain said. 'No Prime Minister. This is Army intelligence, not those clowns at Vauxhall Square.' He replied bluntly. 'Two divisions will be used, the 4th under De L'Isle and the 2nd under Hilton Green. We'll make mince meat of the bastards.' Sir John said with a craggy smile.

[late evening]
'Excellent news Prime Minister. We have taken Lifford. We are on the outskirts of Letterkenny. We have taken Donegal and Ballyshannon. With minimum casualties. They are retreating, disorganized and demoralized towards the South. Our forces have taken few causalities, our superiority in training and artillery has been a great success. This will do us good, since the damage that the MRAF caused to the nation was great, I am sure it will give you great pleasure to read in the papers of the military success that has occurred.' He said, that craggy smile beaming down upon the Prime Minister.

 

[Darks63]

first ground victory to the union jack!

 

[unmerged(28944)]

A first victory does not a war finish... unless of course it is so overwhelming that it is, but that's not the case here... I do not sense a finish anytime soon. After all, we are talking about the Irish, they'd don't go down easily.

 

[Sir Humphrey]

Darks63, first, but hopefully not the last.
Draco Rexus, great thigns start small...

 

[Sir Humphrey]

1st July 1937

London​

“Well gentlemen, another day and we once again prepare to be briefed by the generals and admirals of our war machines. What is the situation in Ireland?” Chamberlain pondered. Sir John Dill passed a hidden sigh under his breath. “Well Prime Minister, we have just taken the town of Sligo and all that that entails. The harbor was quite badly damaged by our artillery and mortar fire, making it quite unusable for some time until the Royal Engineers can get in their and clear it from the damage. Prime Minister I understand from the Secretary of State for War that you are eager for our men to continue pushing onwards towards Galway. Unfortunately I must confess that is not an option at the moment. Our men are tired. They have been on the move for weeks now, and the logistics are straining at the seems, you know its harder than it might seem to march armies about and capture things.” Sir John said, the briefing going off topic. “Sir John, why was my plan rejected in this moment of military need?” Churchill said in his capacity as minister for coordination of defense. “There was neither time no resources for such a foolhardy scheme.” Sir John spat out. “Only a bunch of old clots would have rejected that scheme.” Churchill replied gruffly from the depths of a leather chair. “Shame you didn't reject yourself you old drunk.” Sir John spat from the side of his mouth, his eyes glaring. “You old fool. Spent to much time getting soft in the barracks at Aldershot and not enough time in the real world.” Churchill growled. “Put a sock in it the pair of you. At the moment Winston, this briefing is more important than your silly little parlor games. Please continue Sir John.”

“Thank you Prime Minister. Moving on. In the attack, it less than initially successful. After a preliminary bombardment, Hilton Green's division took the brunt of the attack, and took the worst of the causalities – a quite a considerable number. After all, Sir Cyril wasn't quick in launching the supporting attack to take pressure of Hilton Green. At one stage after a series of particularly vicious attacks along the ridge lines above Galway, there were heavy casualties outside the range of the artillery that was slow to move up from the start positions and the terrain was not in our favor. De L'Isle followed up quickly on the heels of Sir Cyril, sending in various elements of his division into the attack, trying to grab the glory, but he was to late, missing most of the action.” Sir John said.

“Good news Field Marshall. Now, whats the Royal Navy doing?” Chamberlain chirped, his mood improving, leaving Sir John Dill to simmer over Churchill. Sir Roger Backhouse, the First Sea Lord began to speak. “The role of the Royal Nay has been somewhat limited. We dispatched HMS Furious, and her aircraft made a number of daylight torpedo and diving bombing attacks on enemy shipping in the harbor, without much success. In all fairness they must have been detracted by the number of MRAF remains in the harbor. However as First Sea Lord, I must say that the Stringbags and Shagbats are getting rather long in the tooth and are beginning to seriously lag behind foreign designs. I will be drafting a white paper to the Chancellor personally. This more than simply waging war Prime Minister, this is a learning experience, from which our inadequacies must be eliminated and our strengths increased. Obviously the chief candidate is the MRAF.” Sir Roger commented. Dowding had to grin and bear it – he could do nothing else.

1.
The office was stuffy, there had been little fresh air some days. Dusty sunlight filtered through the stained and smeared window, casting a dull gray shadow over the body inside. The secretary on the outside wall gave a slight uncaring nod, so he could continue his way into the musty interior. There was a certain air of uncertainty about him – still retaining something of the unknown, the smells of the far east or India perhaps. He placed his hat on the stand, naturally on the highest hook and outstretched his hand to the woman who sat like a monument to decay behind the faded desk. “Mrs?” he asked in a pleasant fashion. She knew the type. Oxford or Cambridge no doubt, farther serving in India, perhaps more than a literal son of Empire. “Miss actually, and we may as well drop the formalities. In this business, the formalities are the last priority.” She said, through pursed lips.

As her eyes slowly rolled over his frame, his eyes stared down wide eyed at her. He stood there, perhaps just five seven, his physique – solid enough without being overbearing. Golden eyes, she stared deep into them, topped with that dusty brown hair, kept neat and short. “May I sit down? If that would be alright?” He questioned. “Yes sit down. I am hardly going to keep you standing.” She replied, quick to respond. As he sat down, he managed to glance into her eyes; dark, deep, almost black. She was perhaps pushing thirty, kept trim and pert, yet he noticed her skin. She was peaky, the years of sitting in an office had taken their toll on her. “Now, let me make one thing quite clear to you. You are mine. You will follow my instructions to the letter. What I say, you do. That is how you will learn. And this not some game.” She said bluntly.

“Of course.” He said with a kind of half smile creeping slowly onto his face. She flicked open a manila folder – gently gliding the papers down onto her desk. Without looking at the papers, she looked back at him. “Seems your quite the fellow. Chode? Rather an odd name that.” Her lips curled up with the words. “To cut the suspense, I am Gertrude Haskins, and you are I are going to be working together for some time. You had an excellent recommendation, and people in high places seem to think you have heading places. Alright Chode, you shall begin immediately. Head down to the mess and we shall begin this afternoon."

The mess hall was partially full, with people intermittently entering and leaving. There was an empty table in the corner that overlooked the street below, and sitting down, the coffee was warm, yet lacking in character. “I say, your the new lad. Hows it been?” The mustache clad man said carrying a simmering tea pot in his hand. “Yes, quite. Its been an interesting experience to say the least. This Haskins woman seems a total bore.” Chode said, almost mumbling. “Well you don't want to get on the wrong side of Gertie.” He warned ominously, resting the tea pot on the table and sitting down. “Why, will she start brandishing her rolling pin or threaten to not start dinner?” Chode said, laughing. “Now look, I'll let you off with that – given that your new, but do not do that again. If GH finds out, by golly she would eat you alive. My name is Southcott by the way.” He said, pouring the tea into a spare mug, the soft trails of steam wafting into the air. “Seems like a trumped up housewife to me.” Chode continued. “Son take a word of advice from me. Don't arse about GH. Here at SIS, we take orders, from our superior officers. You continue in your present tune, and you won't last long here. So pick up your game, be one of the lads and get through it. Believe me, I support you on this, women like her ought to know their place, but times are changing. So put a sock in it, keep a stiff upper lip.” Southcott said, the sternness seeping through his onto his face.

“Well thank you.” Chode said, a self assured smile on his face. Southcott got up to leave. “Take the tea, much better than the coffee.” He said as he walked off down into the bowls of the building. He finished his coffee and dull meal and slowly made his way back to the office. He knocked on the door and entered, looking around and sat down. The door swung closed behind him, and as he spun round, Gertrude was staring at him. “You failed the first test. Revealing secrets contacts to a stranger and possible enemy agent and revealing sensitive information. It was your first day, you are new, so I am willing to give you a chance. Rule number one, don't reveal anything unwittingly, no matter how familiar the contact is. Do not trust anyone. That man Southcott, you trusted him and revealed secrets, even in casual conversation. What if he was working for the someone else? You could have put yourself or your colleges in danger. Learn from your mistake.” She said. Chode looked down beaten. “Do you see that wall over there?” Gertrude queried. Chode nodded. “You dare to call me a housewife ever again, I'll put this revolver against your temple and blow your brains all over that wall. It is within my power to do so.” Chode swallowed hard at the prospect.