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Yes, they finally fixed the log-in issues! :D

Anyway, I meant to update yesterday, but computer issues forced me to sign out, and after that issues with logging in kept me off. But as long as I don't have more technical issues, I'll reply to posts and update once I'm out of class for the day.
 
Great, really great! Interesting to see what you do when the war starts!
 
Lookin good! Subbed!
 
A very good, detailed and interesting look into the swedish armed forces! I enjoyed the chapter quiet alot and I can't wait for the next one! :)

Glad you liked it!

nice update, but what can these heavy cruisers do against the mighty Bismarck and Tirpitz should they come together?

Not much sadly. I was talking from a historical perspective in the update...in game terms, my navy would get soundly trounced if the German AI actually spends time upgrading the Kreigsmarine. Of course, I soundly trounced the Soviet Baltic Fleet in my test game, so if I end up at war with them, I have that at least :p

I'm pretty sure Sweden has tank techs in TFH HPP, I guess it was overlooked for the SF version.

That must be the case. It sucks for me though, since I'm only getting tanks via-Germany now. Not that I really have the leadership to try and pursue tanks anyway though...

Sweden seems in a good position to attack and defend itself against any invader be they from North, East, South or West!

Once I've reinforced my army somewhat, Sweden itself should be fairly secure. Now doing any good out of Sweden is a bit more difficult. :p

Very nice start!

In TFH Sweden has a Coastal Battleship tech that gives extra firepower and hull in exchange for speed and range but I don't know if that was there in the SF version?

When I played Sweden I never had to defend the strait because Germany never invaded Denmark (vanilla before I first tried HPP) but you should be wary of German naval bombers - you probably don't have a naval base they can't reach so I think your focus on air defences is absolutely correct.

Thanks! And if Sweden has a CB tech, I haven't found it. Germany never invading Denmark would be odd, but it would certainly help me out if I end up Allies. Then again, it could force them to go for a Swedish Sealion, and that could hurt.

Nice overview of the forces at your disposal and the position of Sweden, excellent update!

Thanks!

I like it. Subscribe

Glad you like it.

that was intresting, MOAR! :)

I'm working on the update now ;)

Great, really great! Interesting to see what you do when the war starts!

Thanks! And I'm interested in what I'll do when the war starts too, considering I still don't know who I'll end up with.

Lookin good! Subbed!

Glad to have you.


@everyone: I'm trying to get an update up tonight, but my wifi has now decided it hates me and this AAR, so the chapter may be delayed until tomorrow. We'll see how that goes.

EDIT: Yep, ran out of time to type. I should be able to update tomorrow though, and it will be the first half of 1936 (January through June).
 
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Warriors of the North said:
Chapter 1.2: January-June 1936

Now that the military and political state of Sweden has been established, we move into the first half of 1936. As has been established, the year started out as could be expected of a year in the 1930's. The nations of the world were recovering from the Great Depression, some better than others. Among those nations, there were various ways they worked to recover. Sweden sold its wealth of natural resources left and right, giving its economy a much-needed boost.

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Swedish trade...from Norway to the Balkans

While Sweden was becoming a center of trade for Europe, rather more worrying news came, once again, from their southern neighbors. While the Swedes had no real quarrel with Germany, and were somewhat friendly with them in fact, it didn't change the worry that came with the freshest news from the Third Reich. The Rhineland, territory that was demilitarized after the Great War, was reoccupied by the German Army. The factories there were pushed into high-gear, more and more Swedish steel being requested by the Nazi-ruled state.

There were grumblings from some of the parties opposed to the Social Democratic party that was in power at the time. They said that Germany was violating the Treaty of Versailles left and right, and that this was a bad sign. Germany was getting more and more militaristic, and it was only a matter of time until they turned their eyes on other territories taken from the Empire after the Great War. Danzig, the Sudetenland, Alsace-Lorraine, the southern provinces of Denmark...anything that could be considered German.

The most vocal of these opposition leaders was soon the target of an assassination attempt. No documentation exists even slightly tying the Social Democrats to this event, but at the time that mattered little.

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Some suggested using the army to stamp down on the resulting riots. The military refused, stating that it would merely aggravate matters. And in any case, they were still retraining and shuffling units. The hardliners backed down, and the government went to work on soothing the opposition, who had good reasons to be angry at any rate. With that minor crisis settled, the eyes of the Swedish leadership once more turned outward, watching events that would gain historical importance play out around them.

One of the most important, at least from the view of the Swedish government, was the death of King George V of Great Britain. The Monarch had been in declining health for quite some time, but it was still a shock to see the man who had lead Britain through the Great War pass away. The Drottning Victoria and her battlegroup set sail with a Swedish delegation for the funeral of George V and the coronation of his son, Edward VIII. It was a somber time indeed.

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While the nation was in mourning, the British government continued to work however. The Swedish delegation noticed that the delegations from other nations, notably the United States, France, Italy, and Japan, had all been traveling to the same spot. It wasn't until they returned home that it became clear what was going on there. The Second London Naval Conference had been in its early stages while the Swedes were there. This shouldn't have concerned the Swedes overly much, as their navy was exempt from any regulations placed by a treaty that came out of this conference, just as it was exempt from the earlier ones.

Not that Sweden had any real capability to build anything bigger than a Heavy Cruiser at the time anyway. What was rather more worrying, was the end result of the Conference. A treaty that should have continued to shape the status-quo of the navies, backfired rather spectacularly, depending on which nation you asked the people of. The UK, United States, and France all continued to adhere to the naval treaties.

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That wasn't the problem however. What was worrying, was that Italy and Japan both walked out of the Conference and refused to sign the resulting Treaty. Japan would never pose a threat to Swedish interests, though it could prove dangerous to the other Europeans who had holdings in Asia. What was more dangerous was the Italian response. While it was doubtful that Italy could reach Sweden in the event of a war (and one could question what reason they had for a war in the first place), the Regia Marina was one of the most powerful navies in the world. Leaving the treaty allowed Mussolini to refit old ships, and push through construction of bigger and more powerful battleships.

Couple this with the aggressive expansion that the Fascists were performing in Ethiopia, and it is easy to see the cause for worry. This situation became even more serious when, not even a couple months after walking out of the Conference, Italy annexed Ethiopia and declared that they would no longer be bound by the older treaties either.

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The news of the fall of the last Free State of Africa, and the RM Andrea Doria, modernized with the retreat from the treaties

While a war in general was seen as unlikely, and a war with the Italians even more so, this news still shook the Swedish high command. Obsolete or not, the Ethiopian military was larger than what the current Swedish military could muster. The only advantage they had compared to the Africans was the still-small Air Force, and the Navy. However, Italy had just proven that they could, and would, build their navy even stronger. If Germany, or the Soviet Union were to do the same...and not to mention the Royal Navy, treaty-bound but still the strongest force in the world. Suddenly Sweden's position seemed a lot less secure than it had.

Things got even worse with news from Spain. The country had been falling apart at the seams for years now, as an inefficient government tried to hold it together. The latest news was even more dire than normal however. The latest election had lead to civil unrest all over the country, that put the problems Sweden had with the opposition to shame. Open rebellion began, with the Fascist revolters calling themselves 'Nationalists'. The government sent in the army to try and forcibly put down the Nationalists, but that backfired when the army joined the rebels. The newly coined 'Republicans' found themselves without an army, and forced to join with the other side of the revolting people, the Socialists.

Other than vindicating those who had opposed using the Army during Sweden's own troubles, it would appear at first glance, that this wouldn't effect the Swedes. They had no trade with the Spaniards, and Iberia was on the other side of Europe. What caused problems, was that the Soviets, Germans, and Italians all sent their own troops to support either side of the war. Reports came back from the Spanish newspapers about the 'Condor Legion', Germany's soon-to-be famous contribution. While Sweden could not send its own troops, some officers were sent to observe the war and hopefully learn new tactics.

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All of this bad news combined to make the first half of 1936 a rather dark year. One of the few bright spots was the reformation of the Swedish Army being completed in early June. While the Spaniards tore themselves apart and the Italians took over parts of Africa, the Swedes were improving their army. No longer a drafted force, it was now a professional Standing Army. Knowing that they could ill-afford to rely on waves of conscripts with their limited manpower, Sweden had opted for professional soldiers, even if fewer numbers of them.

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great update, but I think you made a little mistake... Liberia was at least de jure the only remaining free state in Africa (many argue that the country was a de facto colony of the USA though)
 
great update, but I think you made a little mistake... Liberia was at least de jure the only remaining free state in Africa (many argue that the country was a de facto colony of the USA though)

Liberia is a US puppet in HPP actually. ;)

The world is getting closer to war... Hopefully your professional soldiers will be well trained and most of all well supplied with an army infrastructure that is as good as it can get (unlike nowdays).

I'm hoping so too.


Not an update, but a question. I dabble somewhat in 3D modelling, and I was wondering if anyone would mind if I (occasionally) try and make one to integrate into a post. Example being:

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Old example actually, I've improved since I made that thing. And on the subject of an update, I'll aim for one either tomorrow or the day after if all goes well.
 
That's a very original idea, if you like doing that, by all means go ahead! I always like looking at what kind of ships and equipment my army actually uses:p
 
Would love to see something new! It would be AARwesome!
 
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Warriors of the North said:
Chapter 1.3: June-December 1936

We left off with the reorganization of Sweden's Army into a professional force, the envy of the world. The first units to be recruited into this Standing Army, not just retrained, were the two Cavalry Divisions that had been under construction during the preceding months. These two divisions were made up of two brigades of traditional horse-mounted cavalry, and one brigade of Volvo armored cars. There was some debate over the practicality of putting fuel-hungry armored cars with the traditional horses, but the added firepower won out in the end.

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Even though the terrain was somewhat unfavorable for these units, they were quickly railed up to, and assigned to, the Northern Army Corps. General Douglas, despite being aware of these problems, had convinced the Swedish High Command that he needed to reinforce his Corps first. The cavalry were the only units available, at least until more infantry could be raised, and thus they were assigned to the Finnish border. It was viewed as a temporary measure at best, only until more suitable units could be trained and equipped. At that point, the cavalry would be reassigned to the Central Corps, where their speed would be more use in covering the long Swedish coastline.

However, with the completion of the cavalry, a gap was formed in the Swedish arms industry where the rifles, machine guns, and armored cars had been. Several different suggestions were raised in the High Command of the time, from the sensible (more infantry) to the somewhat absurd (a battleship). In the end, it was neither the Army or the Navy that made the suggestion that the High Command used. It was in fact the young Air Force that brought up a valid point. While the Swedish industry was too tied up in constructing new factories to produce any sufficient number of fighters or bombers, what it could produce were anti-aircraft guns to outfit specialist brigades. It was a stop-gap measure at best, as Sweden needed fighters if it truly wanted to be secure from air-attack. But orders were placed at Bofors nonetheless, the Swedish arms giant setting to work on producing enough of their soon to be famous anti-aircraft guns to outfit three brigades...one for each of the Corps.

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While Sweden was busy with its steady improvements to its military, life went on in the world at large. Despite some protests to boycott the event, the 1936 Olympics were well-underway in Germany. Sweden was doing well in the Games, having won several medals by this point. The athletes at the Olympics said that their German hosts were a bit stiff, but they were still good hosts. Their were still some problems with the Nazi's policies, but nothing major enough to derail the grand games.

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Sweden would end the games in 7th overall, behind Finland and France by one gold medal...despite also having one more medal overall

It was notable that only one nation actually boycotted the Games in the end (the Soviets were too isolated to compete regardless), and that nation was Civil War-torn Spain. The Spanish Civil War had been ongoing for several months by this point, the momentum swinging back and forth between the Nationalists and the Republicans several times. Sweden was, understandably, divided on which side to support in this war. The Nationalists were rebelling against the legitimate government...but that government had very noticeable ties with the Soviets, who did little to hide their want for Finland's 'Russian' possessions. This was part of the reason why the Swedes only sent observers, who were extremely careful to avoid tying themselves to either side in the war.

For what it was worth, the Spaniards seemed to respect Swedish neutrality in this war. Neither side attacked Swedish officers attached to the other side, and any prisoners that were taken were quickly sent back to Sweden. It was believed, rightly, that this was because the Swedes made no effort to truly support a side. The Condor Legion and the Soviet volunteers were treated much worse, as they were 'interfering in a Spanish dispute'. Hypocritical when both sides continued to use foreign support, but something that made the Swedish officers very happy they weren't directly involved.

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War-torn Spain. Madrid had fallen to the Nationalists, but Seville had fallen to the Republicans. Either side could win at this point.

While the Spanish tore themselves apart over governmental disputes, Sweden had calm elections. The Election of 1936 was average in just about every way, aside from lingering distrust from the opposition.

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Unsurprisingly, the Social Democratic Party retained control of the Government, even if a good half of the ministers were from another party. This allowed the work that they had already started to continue, pushing through the reforms of the military and government. It also showed a level of trust that the Swedish people were willing to place on their shoulders...something that the SD did not waste. This government had begun too much for it to slow down, especially now that it had become apparent that the Swedish people approved of the moves they had made.

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Gustav V would soon relieve his Prime Minister of his temporary duties during the Election Period

To the south, Germany was also making changes to its government. Nothing so drastic as elections, but something that had even more potential to upset the Status Quo of the world. For Germany, never hiding its distrust and dislike for Communism, had proposed a so-called 'Anti-Comintern Pact'. Hitler was asking all like-minded nations to sign this Pact, which while far from a formal alliance, had the effect of proclaiming to the world that they would forever be hostile to the Soviet Union, and any nations that followed their polices.

This Pact would take some time to gain signatories in more neutral parts of the world, but Italy (similar-minded that it was) and Hungary (near enough to the Soviet Bear to consider it a very real threat) signed nearly immediately after the Pact was announced. Japan would join in the following month.

What was more important from a Swedish perspective, however, was the fact that the German government began a concerted effort to woo the Swedes to their side. While Sweden had always been friendly with Germany, it was a rather large leap for the Nazi government to make real efforts to draw Sweden away from Great Britain and her allies, and to Germany and her allies. Despite reservations from Gustav, the Swedish government was fairly receptive to the efforts, especially considering how financially reliant it had become on German money for its own steel. Or, rather, how reliant it had become on German coal to run its expanding factories.

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At first, it appeared this would be the last major event for Sweden in the year 1936. However, news came from Iberia...the Civil War had ended in under a year. The Republicans advances had disguised major flaws with their 'military'. Made up of conscripts, Socialist/Communist volunteers, and the odd Regular units, it was a mismatched force that barely maintained any discipline. While it had fought hard and made some gains, the Nationalist forces were the Spanish Army. And with support from the Condor Legion, it blunted the desperate Republican offenses and pushed them back into two pockets. One around Gibraltar and one around the new capital at Barcelona.

By that point, however, the Republicans knew they could never win this war, barring direct support from Portugal or France. Neither power had any desire to help the beleaguered Barcelona government however. Seeing this, the President told the Army to lay down their arms, and officially surrendered to the Nationalist forces lead by José Sanjurjo Sacanell. Sanjurjo, unlike what his subordinate Fransisco Franco suggested, merely took the position of Prime Minister however, once the Spanish Government was reestablished in Madrid. The new head of the Spanish Government would be King Javier, king of a restored Kingdom of Spain.

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nice update! but, how long till mountain troops can be trained?
 
Hi all,

it would be Landsverk armoured cars, not Volvo. And abt. 700 Swedes served as volunteers with the Reps, don`t know how many with the Rebs. 700 is a lot for a country without population.
BTW, sry for the nitpicking but it`s one of my fav pastimes.

Rgds, Oldtimer
 
There sure is alot of stuff happening! Hoepfully you will have time to expand your army before the war comes.

Things are going to get busier as I get closer to the war. Thankfully though, if I do end up in the Axis (like it looks like at the moment) I probably won't get called into the war until Barbarossa, so I might have up until 1941 before I have to worry.

Very nice updates! Since you mentioned a shortage of manpower, I hope you've made right choice going with the standing army. It does allow you to recruit before you go to war but you will get less manpower overall before you are forced into an emergency draft.

Right now, my manpower is 170 or so and going up by 1.9 per month. Certainly not going to be a lot, even with the fact I can sit out the first couple years of the war (at the moment). I'm hoping I made the right choice too.

nice update! but, how long till mountain troops can be trained?

Still some time sadly. Got to finish the AA guns, and then start building some fighters. Right now my army and navy are decent enough, but the Air Force has all of one fighter group, and building a new one takes 18 IC right now.

Hi all,

it would be Landsverk armoured cars, not Volvo. And abt. 700 Swedes served as volunteers with the Reps, don`t know how many with the Rebs. 700 is a lot for a country without population.
BTW, sry for the nitpicking but it`s one of my fav pastimes.

Rgds, Oldtimer

Nah, don't worry about the nitpicking. I always like learning more about the history that I might mess up on.

Anyway: I used what the game gave me when I wrote the chapter. That means I ended up with Volvo armored cars, and I never got the option to send volunteers to Spain (though that might be because of how fast that war ended). It is interesting to find out that 700 Swedes served there though.

@everyone:

I'll aiming to update either tonight or tomorrow. Please keep commenting, I like seeing what readAARs think! :D
 
Hi,

there not being an option to send volunteers from Sweden to Rep. Spain. is correct. Our gov`t, socialist or not, frowned on Swedes serving in foreign armies. It`s still illegal to volunteer for a foreign army, BTW. Those who went, on their own account and by their own devices, were working-class lads and many faced harrassment after coming home.

Still, legal or not, more then 20000 Swedes fought in WWII, mostly with the Allies. Abt. 100000 were involved in armed operations after WWII, mostly in connection with UN actions. We´re not as cuddly as we seem.

Rgds, Oldtimer
 
Okay, hit a slight snag in posting...namely having five or so tests this week.

I should, hopefully, be able to post at some point tomorrow though. Also, a question for the native Swedish speakers: what is 'Valiant' in Swedish? I'm planning on naming one of the new ships classes I (eventually) get around to making that. I would just use Google translate or something, but I don't trust that as far as I can throw it :p