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Gentlemen, Chairmen, Chiefs, Generals; will it be necessary for the congress to directly control the war? We have allowed the hawks to lead us into this war, yet we are still in a massive state of confusion over asset deployments. Why was a major fleet sent to the Philippines with no ground forces in place to defend the base and no air forces in place to protect a Surface Action Group from aerial attack? Congress authorized a major facilities build up on what we were told were islands of strategic importance, yet few if any assets were deployed to protect these important bases. Shall we just hand them over to the Japanese? Generals; why was there no foresight regarding the need for a corps of marines in the Atlantic, especially with the fall of Gibraltar? I cannot speak for the other members of congress, but this debacle must be cleared up forthwith and more foresight, nay common sense must be used in the future.
Richard Newman,
Senator Georgia(R)
 
To General Bradley, I approve version B of your plans, as less territory loss now means when we go on the offensive we have less territory to regain and more to soley gain.

Senator Randall McGeehan Jr.
Version B is untenable at this time. Version A with an eye toward holding our forward bases should be implemented to protect CONUS from direct Japanese attack.
Leroy Grumman,
Secretary of War
 
Updating my plan and issuing the needed travel orders to the 1st Armored Corp. Also keep me posted on the possible launch date of my first offensive.

General Stillwell C-in-C Atlantic Northern Command

((Guess that will teach me to ask for more troops, I lose all my armor lol. I completely understand as Norway is not armor friendly))
 
To: General MacArthur
C-in-C Atlantic Theater

From:General Omar N. Bradley
C-in-C Pacific Theater

Subject: Force Reallocation

Mac,

Given your pressing need for forces capable of retaking Gibraltar from the Axis, I've green-lighted the plan to transfer my Marines to your temporary command. Just make sure I get them back in one piece as soon as you're done with them and operational requirements permit. As soon as the first Japanese wave is beaten back, I was planning on using them to spearhead a counterattack into the Marshall Islands group. Please keep me appraised of your operational status vis-a-vis the USMC.

Give my best to Jean!

Best,

Brad
 
Updating my plan and issuing the needed travel orders to the 1st Armored Corp. Also keep me posted on the possible launch date of my first offensive.

General Stillwell C-in-C Atlantic Northern Command

((Guess that will teach me to ask for more troops, I lose all my armor lol. I completely understand as Norway is not armor friendly))

General Stillwell,

We anticipate that - assuming the Chiefs approve - you should be able to launch your offensive by the beginning of December, as the removal of the 1st Armored Corps should shorten your transportation time by a full two weeks.

((Yeah, I apologize for stealing your armored corps at the last second - I seriously underestimated how much firepower we'd need to beat the Italians, since I assumed the RN could at least keep them confined to Egypt. Unfortunately, since the Italians are literally hours from crossing the Suez and the British have basically nothing between the Italians and Baghdad, Tel Aviv is the last chance we have of holding them in place. If it's any consolation, the German garrison in Norway is about half the size it was when we originally drafted the invasion plans, so you should still have force superiority - the invasion will just be a bit slower.))

To: General MacArthur
C-in-C Atlantic Theater

From:General Omar N. Bradley
C-in-C Pacific Theater

Subject: Force Reallocation

Mac,

Given your pressing need for forces capable of retaking Gibraltar from the Axis, I've green-lighted the plan to transfer my Marines to your temporary command. Just make sure I get them back in one piece as soon as you're done with them and operational requirements permit. As soon as the first Japanese wave is beaten back, I was planning on using them to spearhead a counterattack into the Marshall Islands group. Please keep me appraised of your operational status vis-a-vis the USMC.

Give my best to Jean!

Best,

Brad

Brad,

You're a lifesaver. My boys and I ruled out all our other options - a land assault won't work because the Spanish don't want to get involved, we can't reach Egypt from East Africa, and the Italians will just ignore a Libyan landing and link up with Persia instead. I can't promise that your Marines will be pictures of health when they're done - Gibraltar's a natural fortress, and I doubt the Italians have left it undefended - but the experience they gain should be invaluable for your upcoming Pacific assaults.

Speaking of those assaults, if you don't have any plans for the Montana's battle group, you could use it to support your landings - the Mo may be an inefficient, oversized shipwreck-in-waiting, but its massive guns would be perfect for supporting an assault. Once we have some airbases within range of Italy, I might be able to spare Yorktown's taffy - since the Kriegsmarine is finished, I'd be willing to trade the CTF for a wing or two of Privateers once we have Norway and Egypt under control.

As ever, Jean and I send you and Mary our best wishes. I know you're on the opposite side of the nation, but I'd be honored if we could meet halfway to catch a game of football or two. I hear this year's Kentucky Derby is slated to be good: personally, I'm putting my money on Devil Diver, but I hear Alsab and Shut Out are likely to give him a run for his money. Of course, chances are good that neither of us will be able to see the race - I'm hoping to be in Palermo by May, and I bet you'll be in Manila. (Let me know if you need any help dealing with the administration there - I may be halfway across the world, but my name still carries some weight with President Quezon.)

Best regards,

Doug
 
Doug,

I can't spare the whole Surface Action Group-we'll need every ship we can get to keep the Japs away, given our lack of air power-but you can have the Mighty Mo herself. Between her, your 8 New Yorks, and 1 remaining Arkansas, you should be able to provide enough fire support for all your disparate landings. We can talk about potential force reallocation's if the time proves right, but I am definitely interested in snagging another Carrier Task Force.

Speaking of the Mo, I wonder why we built her in the first place? She's hardly able to keep up with the line of battle, and already the lighter Iowa's are outclassing her. Well, we'll just have to make due since we've already got her.

How's Jean handling all the moving around? Will she be accompanying you to Europe? I know Mary's upset that we've had to give up the villa in Manila, but it can't be helped given how we were caught with our pants around our ankles! We might have to put off catching that game until after we've taught these bastards a thing or two.

Best wishes Doug, hope all is well!

Brad

PS-Manny is proving to be somewhat of a pain in the rear. He's been howling for us to reinforce the islands for years, but now that the war's here, it's too late. He was one of the ones heavily pushing for Buckler B, hoping for a miracle that we can get there in enough strength to stop the Japs. I've already recommended that he evacuate to CONUS, but he's proving rather reluctant on the subject. I may have to be more forceful in my reasoning to save his backside...
 
((First of all, I highly approve of the RP bantering. If I had some awesome award to award, I would give it to you. Keep it up ;))

Gentlemen,

As a reminder, in order to ensure the maximum efficiency of order transmission, it would be wise to have finalized plans on my desk soon. The current deadline is Wednesday at 10 PM (-6 GMT). Please let me know if you need more time or have any questions.

President Willkie
 
((Just a question, but do you post the most current savegame somewhere I don't see or is it just in the updates? I'd like to have the current one please))
 
Gentlemen,

As a reminder, in order to ensure the maximum efficiency of order transmission, it would be wise to have finalized plans on my desk soon. The current deadline is Wednesday at 10 PM (-6 GMT). Please let me know if you need more time or have any questions.

President Willkie

Mr. President,

My finalized orders are summarized as follows:

-Initiate Operation Buckler A, with variations for operational tempo as required
-Transfer the Battleship Montana to the Atlantic Command for use as a shore bombardment platform, or as they see fit
-Transfer the I. Marine Corps to the Atlantic Command for use in taking the fortress of Gibraltar

Your O'bst Servant,

General Omar N. Bradley, C-in-C Pacific Theater


((Just a question, but do you post the most current savegame somewhere I don't see or is it just in the updates? I'd like to have the current one please))

((The save game can be found in post #1114 on page 56. However, I agree with the sentiment. Is there any chance we could get the latest save game posted to the front page, just so we can make sure not to miss it?))
 
(( Just to make a point, we don't have any Iowas yet, only the North Carolinas, which are arguably still better ships than the Mo. She's purely a prestige model. ))
 
((A superb idea, KILLER BOB! I'll post a link to the most recent save on the OP. ))

General MacArthur, would you please post a finalized version of your operations in Africa or Norway? If your original plans have been edited, please inform me. I'd like the Chiefs and Secretary of War to vote as soon as possible.

President Willkie
 
Mr. President,

Pending the Chiefs' approval, my orders are as follows:

  • Initiate Operation Tinderbox immediately.
  • Initiate Operation Fortitude as soon as transport capacity permits.
  • As soon as we take Gibraltar, return the USMC to the Pacific Theater (with my compliments), delaying Antipasti operations if necessary to ensure their speedy return.
  • If Fortitude encounters minimal opposition from the Luftwaffe, transfer CTF Yorktown to the Pacific Theater.

    - General Douglas A. MacArthur, C-in-C Atlantic Theater

    ((Sorry, very busy today. I'd write more, but I'm likely to be staying up all night to get tomorrow's work done, so I've got to run. Also, Bob - thanks for the SAG Montana, but I actually meant that you could use for your landings, not me. Not that I'm complaining about having it, mind you. ;) ))
 
Atlantic Northern Command awaits the order to deploy. Mostly fully reinforced, the large scale german offensive in southern russia ensures Norway would be easy pickings right now. Awaiting your orders sir....

General Stillwell C-in-C Atlantic Northern Command
 
Under the power vested in me as Commander-in-Chief, I am authorizing Operations Tinderbox, Fortitude, and Buckler A.

President Willkie

((Let's get this dog and pony show on the road! Update tonight (possible) or tomorrow (probable).))
 
State of the Union Address: January 1, 1942

Key for future reference: SAG = Surface Action Group, CTF = Carrier Task Force, TRG = Transport Group.

My fellow Americans,

On November 6, 1941, we declared war on Nazi Germany. Although some Senators indicated that they would prefer outright annexation, Mr. Churchill convinced me that the installation of a friendly democratic regime in Germany would be far more valuable.

newwargoal.jpg


I have agreed to work with Mr. Churchill to create a unified diplomatic front as well; the United Kingdom is the titular "war leader", although he assures me that American units will remain under strictly American control.

unandtoratora.jpg


I also issued orders to transport all Atlantic Northern Command units to Boston, the Southern Command units to Norfolk, and recalled our patrols in the Atlantic Ocean. The US Marine Corps was later that same day ordered to take rail to Norfolk as well. The First and Second Fighter Squadron, the 1st Long Range Squadron, and the 1st Bomber Squadron were all redeployed to the United Kingdom. In the Pacific, SAGs 'Montana', 'Colorado', and 'Nevada' were ordered to patrol the Japanese islands around Guam while our submarine squadrons looked for Japanese shipping. ((Tom -- I missed where you got the Montana SAG in your original orders. Sorry :rolleyes:)) CTF 'Lexington' departed for Guam a little later.

Shipments of American soldiers to the United Kingdom began on November 11th, with SAG 'New York' escorting TRG 'Buffalo.' TRG 'Bull Moose' followed a few hours later. On November 20, SAG 'Texas' was sent to Newcastle, UK to support the first stages of Operation Fortitude: the invasion of Trondheim. Logistical problems hampered the actual conduct of the Operation until December. ((Read: I kept forgetting about units to transfer, and we didn't have the transport capacity to send the whole Northern Command at once.))

Also on November 20, US and Japanese forces clashed in Pacific, resulting in the destruction of the Japanese light cruiser Oji.

southmarianabasin.jpg


A battle the next day was even more successful, with American sailors sinking two Japanese armored cruisers -- the Furutaka and the Izumo -- and three light cruisers -- the Kiso, Tenryu, and Nagara.

nwpenapeapproach.jpg


Two more inconclusive battles were fought, but on November 24, two American ships were sunk by Japanese carrier air groups.

cagsinking1.jpg


SAG 'Nevada' was forced to put in for repairs at Kota Bharu in British Malaysia. The British reported a great success of their own the next day at the Battle of the Philippines, although specific casualties were unavailable prior to this speech. The Japanese carriers Ryujo, Akagi, and Kaga were encountered by American forces on November 26; the carriers were lightly damaged, while three more Japanese light cruisers were sunk, at the cost of the 29th Destroyer Division, again sunk by Japanese planes.

farswnwpacbasin.jpg


farswnwpacbasin2.jpg


The carriers were spotted again by CTF 'Lexington', although only superficial damage appeared to be caused to the Japanese. We lost USS Richmond. After a bureaucratic delay was corrected, the 1st Coastal Squadron attempted to engage enemy fleets, but to no avail.

December 10th 1941 marked the formal beginning of Operation Fortitude, with the invasion of the 7th Army Corps supported by SAG 'Texas.' It also saw the loss of the 10th Submarine Division, which was caught by Japanese cruisers near the Home Islands.

invasionoftrondheim.jpg


Despite the guns of the Texas, German forces continue to defend Trondheim with skill. Unexpectedly, the German First Mountain Division and 41st Garrison Division were there to oppose our landing. On December 14, General Critten ordered a tactical withdrawal of the 29th and 30th Infantry Divisions. On December 30, after much debate, the Carrier Air Wings of the CTF 'Yorktown' began a bombing run on German infantry at Trondheim, inflicting 102 casualties with minimal damage by this morning's address. The combined forces of CTF 'Lexington', SAG 'Montana' and SAG 'Colorado' found the Japanese carriers, but they were able to elude the American pursuit; it is unknown how much damage, if any, was inflicted.

cagsupport.jpg


As of this morning, intelligence indicates a substantial reinforcement of Trondheim by German troops, including two more garrison divisions and an infantry division.

trondheimreinforcements.jpg


I have delayed Operation Tinderbox given our difficulties in Norway; forces have begun transit across the Atlantic, and should be present within a week or two. At the very least, the US Marine Corps should be ready to retake Gibraltar, unless we choose to deploy them to Norway instead.

That should get all of you up to speed on American operations. Admiral Leahy has provided his usual briefing packet for all who are interested. We must also produce a budget for FY 1942, in addition to considering more short term questions of deployment.

Thank you, and God bless America.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Constructed between 11/6/41 and 1/1/42: 8 IC (5 for Des Moines, IA; three for Mankato, IA, chosen for central location); 4 CAGs (two to Sacramento, CA and two to Campton, KY); 4 AA brigades (undeployed.)
Research between 11/6/41 and 1/1/42: Twin Engine Airframe 2, Bomber Targeting Focus 3, Light Tank Reliability 4, Battleship Armor 5, Destroyer AA 3, Battleship AA 5, Armored Car Armor 1, AA Barrel and Ammunition 3, Aero Engine 2, Large Bomb 2, Large Fuel Tank 2, Heavy Bomber Ground Crew Training 4, Armored Car Gun 3, Anti-Tank Barrel and Muzzle Velocity 3.

Europe, 1942:

europe42n.jpg


Asia, 1942:

asia42.jpg


Techs and leadership:

techs1942.jpg


ls1942.jpg


IC and build queue:

ic1942.jpg


buildqueue421.jpg


buildqueue422.jpg


Save game: http://www.mediafire.com/?a41ecid6tru3ryd
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Our agenda for the next few days:

1. Budget for FY 1942 and adjustments to build plans and techs.
2. Evaluating American progress in the war and making adjustments to plans, if any.
3. Any other bills you care to propose.

I'd like preliminary bills done by Saturday at 10 PM (-6 GMT). For planning purposes, assume the next update will cover a maximum of thirty days. It might be shorter, but it won't be longer -- a lot depends on what happens.

Tom, your plan for Tinderbox had "Seventh Army" deploying to the UK; I assume you meant "Second Army," since we have no Seventh Army. :) Chimina, I need deployment orders for the four AA brigades and everything else you've got in the queue; same thing for all other existing construction that doesn't currently have a home, Chiefs. Bob, I haven't moved the Pacific Command yet, since our record against the Japanese fleet is pretty shaky; consult the save for more details.

As always, let me know if you have any questions!
 
The commotion on the Senate floor quiets as a general steps up to the Speaker's podium. He looks exhausted and bitter from some unseen burden - yet despite the tension shown in his harsh, taut face and the despair in the slight trace of alcohol on his breath, his anger and resolve are apparent to those around him. As the room settles to a stony silence, he begins to speak:

Ladies and gentlemen of the United States of America:

It is my deep and eternal disgrace to report that the Fortitude landings have failed - not because of any lack of courage among our fighting men, who bravely fought the German foe for every inch of ground, but because we simply never foresaw how treacherous these landings would be. Though we may never know exactly how many of our courageous soldiers fell over the past three weeks, I am saddened to report the loss of nearly six thousand fighting men - including nearly four thousand from the 29th Infantry Division, which took the brunt of the German fire - for negligible gains. As of this morning, I have suspended those landings, and have ordered that the survivors withdraw to England, where they will recuperate in preparation for our next campaign.

This defeat - for the loss of so many fine men for so little gain can be called nothing else - is a bitter blow, and one that I will regret to my dying day. But - to every mother who has lost a child to German guns, to every father whose son died at enemy hands, and to every warrior who left his brother's body on the black beaches of Norway - I can offer but one thing.

Revenge.

For as terrible as this defeat has been, it has not been in vain. With the knowledge that we bought at so high a price, we have learned how the Germans fight - and how we must change if we are to triumph in this conflict. Our armies, though humbled, have not been crushed; our people, though saddened, have not surrendered; our spirit, though tested, stands unbroken. Soon, we shall return to Norway, to liberate it from the grip of German tyranny - and this time, the Germans will be driven back into the sea, and receive the punishment they so truly deserve.

On my honor as an American, a soldier, and a man, I, Douglas A. MacArthur, promise you, the people of these United States of America, that such a disaster will never again happen under my watch. We will return to Norway... and when we do, the Germans will pay for every man they have killed today.

God bless you all, and God bless the United States.

General MacArthur, having finished his speech, bows his head and quickly withdraws from the Senate floor, brushing aside the waiting reporters' cameras with nary a word.

((The upshot: Fortitude has been temporarily suspended due to heavy, entirely futile losses and is being revised. Tinderbox is also being revised, though for different reasons: the Italians have overrun Tel Aviv, meaning Phalanx has been overtaken by events; I'll have revised plans for both reposted in-thread by Friday. The exact casualty count, for those curious, is 5,931, counted in MP (5.931) rather than in deployed troops.

The main reason for these losses, if anyone's curious, is because I didn't specify how I wanted the landings to happen: I told Avindian to "invade Trondheim," and didn't say that I meant "land around Trondheim and attack from multiple sides" rather than "amphibious assault the port directly." So if you're looking for someone to blame, it's me - not genbrad, not Avindian, not the Chiefs, just me. Apologies to all, and here's to making my instructions more specific so that we don't waste entire brigades on pointless attacks.))
 
Gameplay question, since I'm relatively new to FtM (in that I bought the game a while ago, but only play it infrequently) -- is there any way I could have seen who the Germans had at Trondheim prior to the assault? I know overflights work, but there's no range for anything but CAGs.
 
I'd just like to wish our troops and other personnel, from the bottom of my heart, the best. I just thank God we're finally protecting democracy. I'd also like to thank President Willkie for paving the way to a democratic Germany head on. I may have suggested annexation then a democratic regime be placed, I have confidence it will still work out smoothly.

- Senator Elexis Sinclaire (R - MA)
 
Gameplay question, since I'm relatively new to FtM (in that I bought the game a while ago, but only play it infrequently) -- is there any way I could have seen who the Germans had at Trondheim prior to the assault? I know overflights work, but there's no range for anything but CAGs.
I wouldn't worry about it. CAG's likely would have worked. Did you scout with the fleet before ordering the assault? These are the early days of the war. Consider this our "Kasserine Pass".
 
I wouldn't worry about it. CAG's likely would have worked. Did you scout with the fleet before ordering the assault? These are the early days of the war. Consider this our "Kasserine Pass".

I did scout, but all the ships told me was "there are some Germans there!"

((Chimina, please contact Tom ASAP or clear out your inbox -- thanks!))