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Thread: BoP: Europe 1914 - II

  1. #111

    USA General of the Army

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    Italy withdraws from the Triple Alliance!

    Italy guarantees Albanian Neutrality and Independence.

    Italy mobilises!

    The Duma is assembled in St. Petersburg!

    Pro-Tsarist Nobles and Generals take up arms in St. Petersburg

    Russia rejects secret Austro-Hungarian peace offer!

    Denmark raids Italy’s embassy….so does Sweden, The Ottomans, Norway, etc.

    The United Kingdom enforces the North Sea Declaration!

    Portugal mobilises!

    Portugal blockades the Strait of Gibraltar to German and Austro-Hungarian vessels!

    Britain calls for Volunteers!

    The United Kingdom declares war on Austria-Hungary and Germany.

    Portugal declares war on Germany and Austria-Hungary!

    Britain, France, Spain, Portugal, Serbia and Russia sign no separate peace agreement

    France begins minor military reforms.

    King Carol of Romania dies of flu on his way to sign the no separate peace agreement!

    Romania, Greece and Montenegro all sign the no separate peace agreement.

    Italy declares war upon Germany and Austria-Hungary

    European economies begin to wave in the face of the growing onslaught !


    The Lion Awakens

    The shock of the Italian raids were hardly given time to settle as Rome announced Italy’s departure from the Triple Alliance on the 2nd April. This announcement sent further tremors through and already shocked Germany and Austria-Hungary as a nation they had thought a close friend showed new colours. In Vienna, there were cries for retribution to be had whilst Berlin urged Vienna to not make a rushed choice. Italy’s guarantees to Albania and subsequent mobilisation though, did little to calm the growing anger as Bubapest too joined calls of Vienna. It was clear that relations were soaring by the day and it would take a miracle to repair them. In the East, Russia saw its first gathering of the provisional Duma. This new government, though not yet elected, was a major milestone for Russian democracy which had been but a murmur on lips for many. For some though, it was an outrage. The new government, elected by the people for the people, caused the loss of power for many who were not willing to give it up. As the Duma convened on the 5th April, soldiers stormed the Tauride Palace headed by Grand Duke Nicholas Nikolavich. Under the gaze of muzzle and bayonet, the assembly sat in stunned silence as the Grand Duke declared the Duma illegitimate and defunct. The Grand Duke claimed that the Tsar had been manipulated by some of his advisors into forming the Duma without his full knowledge or understanding. With the wave of an arm the gathered members were cleared out one by one and taken away. By the time night fell, St. Petersburg was firmly in the Grand Duke’s hands!

    While this Coup was taking place, Tsar Nicholas, who was awaiting the arrival of King Carols and Prince Ferdinand in Sevastopol, rejected a secret peace agreement sent to him. The agreement, published in the papers on the 7th, promised Russia gains in British held territories in exchange for peace. This news sent Britain into overdrive. Lord Kitchener, Secretary of State for War, began a mass call for Volunteers across the British Isles to bolster the British Expeditionary Force. The call for 100,000 new men was called overly ambitious by many in Horse Guards and many Generals currently organising the deployment of the B.E.F. felt the same. They were to be proven wrong. Double the wanted men would be signed up for service by the end of the month. As Britain mobilised their army, the Royal Navy was put to sea to enforce the new “North Sea Declaration” which essensay declared North Sea waters East of England and Scotland and maritime no go zone. This was met with little opposition by any parties who saw it as a reasonable arrangement to protect merchant shipping.

    A choice though that was to anger many was Portugal’s actions. Following Britain's announcement of the N.S.D. Portugal, who until now had stayed quiet to European affairs, began mobilisation and put their Navy to sea to blockade the Straits of Gibraltar to German and Austro-Hungarian shipping. Before either nation could issue a full protest though, the reason for the blockade was reviled. In the late afternoon of the 9th April, the United Kingdom issued a formal declaration of war to the German and Austro-Hungarian ambassadors to London. The seperate peace agreement sent to Russia had forced No. 10’s hand. “The humiliation and nerve of the Austro-Hungarian Empire to think to negotiate with our spheres of influence and lands is unthinkable.” Prime Minister Balfour declared before the Commons. This was swiftly followed by Portugal’s declaration not a few hours later. This declaration put Austria-Hungary in an extremely difficult position. With both the Suez and Straits blocked to her, and the French and Royal Navies lurking in the Mediditrainian, merchant shipping was now at serious risk.

    As London declared war, the members of the growing Entente came together to sign a no separate peace agreement. The document, in short, meant that even if one of the Entente members was fully occupied they would carry on the war to either victory or defeat. A valiant agreement, but how will it fair? Sadly, on his journey to Savastapol to place the Romanian signature upon one of the documents, King Carol of Romania fell ill whilst crossing the Black Sea. Though his personal physicians and, upon his arrival, Russian doctors tried their best to bring him back to health he passed at 11:34am on the 12th April 1914 at the age of 75. His son who was with him signed in his place as King Ferdinand of Romania.

    As the war passed through yet another month, questions began to be raised in some of the nations who had joined the war back in February. As merchant ships began to be sunk, blockades set up, and trade halted between warring nations, some nations began to fret about their current stance. In the Nordic nations the loss of trade was starting to begin to worry among some in parliament. With Germany unable to make up for the loss of trade with Britain, France and other Entente members and their merchant navies now being sunk in the North Sea, murmurs of poor thinking were being heard. In Russia, Germany and Austria-Hungary, some Generals were starting to worry that the war was not going to be over as fast as they had hoped. With the massive offensives of Febuary and March, huge amounts of manpower, material and other goods had been burnt through at an alarming pace. With the Royal Navy’s blockade of Germany, Norway, Denmark and the Netherlands now posed a serious economic problem if the war carried on beyond previous expectations. Only time would tell if proper planning could be untaken to avoid a looming threat.

    As the fighting along the many different fronts petered out, Italy made their final move. Minister-President Karl von Stürgkh was eating his breakfast on the morning of the 30th. As the day's business was brought to him a red faced panting man burst into his office waving a sheet of paper. He thrust into von Stürgkh’s hands. The sound of the shattering plate could apparently be heard throughout the whole building as von Stürgkh read the Italian declaration of war.







    The Bear Strikes Out
    Following two months of brutal bloodshed, the Serbian and Montenegrin fronts finally saw some relative peace. The mountainous terrain and grim determination of the Slavic defenders had clearly caused Austria-Hungary enough issues to call off their offensive. Now the two lines faced one another as they both took the time to dig deep and lob sporadic shells and shots at one another. Neither side wished to give the other an easy time to dig in and skirmishes where played out all along the line, the Slavs though faced something they had not expected though. Austrian Gebirgsjägers made daring night time raids into the Serbian lines, throwing hand held explosives into trenches before storming them and retreating with prisoners. This new threat was not something the Serbians were unused to but was not something they had expected from the Austro-Hungarians. The Bulgarian front also remained quiet. Like The Serbian-Montenegro front only light artillery duels and skirmishes were fought throughout the month as the Entente continued to probe the Bulgarian lines for weakness.

    Romania was to be the main battleground of the Balkans. Austro-Hungarian high command was clearly set on knocking Romania out of the war and their renewed offensive showed it. The whole line from the Russian border to Serbia began their offensives. In the West, XII, XI and XIII Korps smashed into the Romanian Armata a 3-a. Expecting a fight but nothing too hard, the Austro-Hungarians were shocked by the Romanians that opposed them. Well armed, supplied and led the Armata a 3-a were some of the best Romania had to offer. As the west stalled, the center and the East also faced issues. With forces of the Armata a 2-a facing overwhelming odds, XVI Korps made a breakthrough north of Ploiești. They began to swing Eastwards threatening the Romanian forces at Focșani who began a retreat towards Galați and along the Danube. The situation looked to be the end of Romanian resistance, where it was not for the timely intervention of the Russian 7-ya and 12-ya armiyas. These two massive formations swept the Austro-Hungarians before them as they began their assault on the 13th. Alongside the Romanians, the Russian offensive took the Austro-Hungarians completely by surprise. High Command in Vienna had reckoned Russia would be unable to launch an offensive of such a scale. Though they had the XIX and XX Korps dug in to face the Russians, the offensive had been expected from the East and not to begin to sweep them from the South. As the East buckled to the Russian onslaught the West and Center stalled and Austro-Hungarian command panicked in their response. Soon much of the gains of the last few months were lost before the Russians began to ease up by the 27th. It was a disaster for the Romanian campaign, and it was clear someone was going to need to be held responsible. As fighting in the Balkans died out, the month saw the loss of 400 Serbians, 200 Montegigrans, 700 Greeks, 400 Bulgarians, 14,000 Austro-Hungarians, 7,000 Romanians, and 9,000 Russians.





    Fighting Withdrawal

    The initial invasion of Russia had caught the Imperial Army on the back foot as the extremely well trained German juggernaut smashed into her. Now though, with the mighty Bear moving more men into the line, the tables were looking a bit more even if not in Russia’s favour. The offensive from March resumed into Poland without much pause for breath. The offensive was spearheaded into Poland by the 16. Armee who began a concentrated push south of Białystok, under the cover of massive Zepillins that moved on ahead to attack Russian supply chains, the offensive cut into the Russian 4-ya Armiya. At the same time to the South, around Lublin, three Austro-Hungarian Armeekorps began their own offensive in tandem with the Germans. The 4-ya Armiya, commanded by General Zaltsa staged a valiant defensive action on both fronts, but realised too late what the duel offensive’s aim was. With his forces attempting to withdraw already, but being pinned by assaults towards his headquarters in Warsaw, the orders to withdraw soon turned to retreat. The 4-ya Armiya began a full scale withdrawal from their current positions and were in a headlong flight to escape the closing pocket. As the days ticketed and the pocket closed the retreat soon turned into a panicked route. Warsaw fell on the 8th to the German 14. And 15. Armee, who found large amounts of Russian supplies abandoned in their haste to escape. As the pocket closed on the 11th, 6 Divisions and vast amounts of supplies from the 4-ya Armiya were trapped. Though a breakout was made by General Zaltsa with his shattered forces, the beleaguered and cut off Divisions surrendered on the 14th. This blow was felt instantly.




    The offensives launched by the 9. and 12. Armees however, did not see as much luck as their compareates in the 13. and 10. Armees. Their drive towards Libava and Dunaburg stalled out instantly with Russian defenses giving very little ground, fighting for every meter of land. With the arrival of the 9-ya Armiya into the region a week after the offensive began, progress ground to a halt. The 10. and 13. managed to capitalise on the shattering of the 4-ya Armiya in their offensives and the cities of Grodno and Białystok fell in rapid succession and elements of L. Armeekorps begin their assault on Vilna. The defenders held though and counter-attacked three days later to clear the Germans from the outskirts of the city. Around the Pripet Marshes the Russian 6 and 11-ya Armiya bagan limited offensives to push the Austro-Hungarias out of their positions. Initially planned with three armies, the 5-ya Armiya had been rushed north to fill the gap created by the collapse in Poland. With the initial plan snow scrapped, commanders went ahead with their attack on the 19th. The assault by the 11-ya was called off within days as no progress was being made of diloding the bug in Hungarian positions. The 6-ya though had a streak of luck. A well placed shell hit what was clearly a small ammo dump in the 20. Honvéd Infanteriedivision. The destination and chaos created presented a perfect breakthrough and the Russians poured into it driving back the XXXIII Armeekorps. The month’s actions ended with 11,000 German losses, 8,000 Autro-Hungarians, and 89,000 Russians.






    Stalemate

    After the savaging that Germany’s Nordic allies had taken in March, the Northern front was without any offensive actions this month. As the Russians dug in, so two did the Nords with neither side doing much to stop each other. The odd shell and minor patrol skirmish were had, but otherwise things were calm. German military advisors to the Nords though were cursing themselves for not pressing for an offensive. Had the North seen a successfully offensive, it would have placed Russia in a very dangerous position.




    The Empire Strikes Back
    As the French siege of Fort Wilhelm II ground on and French high command reorganised command of the IIIe Armée the Ve Armée began to probe the German lines with a new weapon of war. Both armies spent the opening weeks probing the German lines as they reorganised from last month’s failure. The Germans two were also reorganising from last month. On the 15th, both forces managed to launch their offensives at the same time. The French IIIe and Ve Armées mixed into the German 2. and 5. Armees as the front descended into utter chaos. France’s new weapon was to prove decisive in the first week. Armoured cars, an idea that had been knocked around by many nations, had been rushed into service in France. These mobile pill boxes provided a mobile machine platform with which the Infantry could advance with. In use with the Cavalry Brigades though, they were poorly deployed and utilised, but made enough of a difference at first. Like the East, Zeppelins were deployed in disruption missions. The French advanced across the border was stopped on the 18th by the deployment of the 1. Armee and the disruption caused to supply chains by the Zeppelins. Though they did little damage, the threat possessed by the massive German balloons slowed down progress on the roads greatly. These German reservers turned the tide instantly. With the armoured cars now spread thin, being overrun in some places and too slow to redeploy effectively, the Germans began a savage counter offensive. The French retreated back to the border where the fighting reached a fever pitch on the 27th as the 8e Division d'Infanterie were apparently able to redirect the whole 2. Armee. General de Castelnau proudly claimed to have defended France with his Corps. His arrogance was to be his downfall as the 2. Armee swept East and hit the rear lines of the IVe Armées. As the month ended, the French found 3 of their Divisions cut off around Fort Wilhelm II as the Germans drove a wedge into the French lines. If the French were able to recover, it could spell disaster! The month ended with 11,000 French losses and 8,000 German.




    Merchant Navies

    As blockades across Europe were set in place, the Merchant Navies found themselves on the front line. Royal Navy surface raids leapt upon the Nordic shipping lanes around Norway. There was little that the Sjøforsvaret could do to stop them, but hold in their heavily fortified Fjords. On the 16th the HMS Lapwing got over zealous in her chase of the Sweidsh merchant. As the Swed made for the safe refuge of a Fjord the British war ship gave chase. HMS Lapwing was hit and sunk by a Coastal Defense battery at 17:09. The blockade proved to be effective though. Few merchants dared to take to the seas with the Royal Navy at large and with the Central Powers navies not leaving port to give battle, there was little in the way of protection to be offered. The British and French merchant navies were by no means safe though. In the North Sea around Iceland, British Merchants began to be sunk by German U-Boats while French merchants found themselves under attack as well. Though losses were minor, the threat posed by the U-boats could not be ignored.

    The main naval action of the month came in the Gulf of Bothnia. A large strike group from Sweden and Denmark under the cover of two Zeppelins deployed into the Gulf without much incident. In the afternoon of the 17th, with seas calm and weather clear, the Marinen andSøværnet opened fire upon the Russian coastal railway. Remaining on station for three days, the strike force carried out their mission unmolested before retreating back to safety. Massive stretches of the railway were blown away in the attack with damage spread out over miles of track. As reports reached the Imperatorskiy Flot command, Admiral Andrei Eberhardt is said to have quibbed “This whole affair has Germany’s hands all over it ''. As the month ended loss of vessels across all fleets remained low, but the loss of merchant traffic signaled looming problems for many.





    End of a Party

    Italy was active on internal matters throughout March. The Italian Socalist party met a spectacular end as Prime Minister Giolitti declared them illegal on the 9th. Carabinieri set about arresting key figures across the nation. Whilst some went peacefully claiming justice would see them released, others did not. Anna Kuliscioff and Nicola Bombacci both went down in gun fights with their followers. 3 officers fell carrying out their duties.The move rocked Italy, but as the news of the declaration on the 30th swept the news of the ending of the socialists under the rug.






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    Last edited by Bravescot; 05-30-2020 at 12:07 PM.

  2. #112

    "Indivisibiliter ac Inseparabiliter"

    Russian Campaign
    The armies of Austria-Hungary and the German Empire have seen repeated success in facing the Russians in the East. The result of said operations has been the advance in to Poland however we would be remiss to not take a moment to think about all the lives that were lost during this month's engagement. It is our understanding that both Austrian and German troops acquitted themselves well when carrying out their duties despite the overwhelming odds against the Russian bear. As much as we praise the success and bravery of our armies in the field we must also take a moment to remember the fallen. Wars however are seldom won by silence and so we must continue in this bloody business to see that our just cause is fulfilled. His Majesty Emperor Franz Josef I extended his congratulations to many officers attached to the operations held in Poland and did so with a heavy heart as he is not unaware to the suffering of many at the hands of criminals.

    Military Awards
    As a result of this month's successful operations against the Russian foe, His Majesty the Emperor Franz Josef himself has decided to award Generaloberst Karl Graf von Kirchbach auf Lauterbach with Der Militär-Maria Theresien-Orden. It is one of the highest military orders that the Austrian armed forces can bestow upon a soldier serving his monarch. Kaiser Wilhelm II of the German Empire has also seen fit to bestow this man with such high honours with the decision to award Generaloberst Lauterbach with the Pour le Mérite (Blue Max) for his role in the coordinated offensive in Poland between Austrian and German forces. The Kommandeurkreuze was a neck decoration and the "Ritterkreuz" could be worn on the left breast suspended by the traditional Austrian triangular ribbon. Other men that have distinguished themselves at the front have also been awarded with military honours for their feats of bravery. These men are clearly testaments to Austrian military prowess and now add to the fearsome reputation we now enjoy. We pray that our forces continue to show such exemplary standards in combat and that said actions will lead to a victorious end.

    Prince Karl
    Prince Karl Franz the heir presumptive of His Majesty Emperor Franz Josef has settled well in Germany after being given a warm reception by the German Royal family. Germany and Austria-Hungary have easily repaired the rather tumultuous relations before the 20th century and now we enjoy an alliance strengthened through the turmoil of war. Before being posted, Prince Karl has occupied himself by visiting some of the old monasteries in the area he is situated in. Whilst paying homage to his Catholic faith he has also seen fit to see to his military duties and is now setting about further education in matters of war. As second in-line to the throne the Prince will be expected to be dedicated to serving his country and therefore must benefit from an education that is worthy of the duty that he must eventually carry out. He shows great promise in his military ability and under German scholarship we hope that his talents will be encouraged.

    Italy and their declaration of War
    It came at no surprise to the cabinet in Vienna that the next move by the Italians would be a declaration of war or even an attempt at stabbing us in the dark. The Italian declaration of war has done nothing but strengthen the resolve of His Majesty and his government. The Italians have thrown almost every international treaty and convention to the wind and in the eyes of many, the Italians first broke the terms of the alliance when signing a pact of non-aggression with France. Yet another criminal to be added to the executioner’s list. Let it be known that the Austro-Hungarian armed forces will meet the treacherous Italians in a spirit determined to bring these snakes to justice. It is clear that only through strength of arms may we find justice as none can be found in the entente camp. As this move by the Italians was anticipated High Command was quick to react and we are confident that appropriate measures are in place for what the Italians intend on throwing at us.

  3. #113

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    May- Post #1


    "Min Gud, mit land, min ære"


    Reunited at Last


    After months of hard work and perseverance, and with plenty of celebration along the way. The full integration of the newly acquired province of North Schleswig has now been completed. The people of the region have finally been reunited with the Fatherland. The people can now freely express themselves and be proud to call themselves Danish citizens. The Danish kingdom can now throw away the guilt and anguish of past conflicts, and look to the future; fighting for a honorable and noble cause alongside just allies. With the new territory of Northern Schleswig comes new patriots ready to fight and die for their country, ready to remove the stain of tyranny from Europe and bring peace to the land once again. The kingdom of Denmark would once again like to humbly thank the German Empire for agreeing to the terms laid out in the Stockholm Agreement, which laid the foundations for a deep friendship between both Germanic nations.

    Visit to the Front


    With the Northern front quiet, and his beloved armed forces overseas, King Christian X and his son Crown Prince Frederick have taken the liberty to visit the front and the men attached. To help better understand the situation and challenges ahead for the Danish army in Sweden, and to help boost morale. One notable visit will be to the commander of the 1st Danish Army, Peter Laurids Martin Birke; as they hope to gain his insight on the front and the preparations being made to ensure final victory in the field. The King and his son, along with a royal entourage is making its way to the front, planning on speaking to important military officials, German advisors, and the common Danish soldier selflessly defending the nation's allies and interests.


    The Royal Entourage pushing their way through the Swedish port city of Luleå




    Success in the East


    The Danish Kingdom is elated to congratulate the German Empire and the Austro-Hungarian Empire for their highly successful liberation of Poland. Both nation’s armies worked tirelessly for months to drive the Russian Bear back from once it came, sending them dispersed for miles. Such a quick and decisive victory has brought the admirable goals of the Central Powers once step closer to closure, and to right the wrongs of a turbulent and violent Continental Europe. Success however comes with a grim cost, and the Danish people offer their condolences for the men and women who gave their lives dearly for a inspirational vision.
    Last edited by thecow567; 10-03-2020 at 05:15 PM.

  4. #114

    USA Brigadier General

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    "Foedere et Religione Tenemur"

    Our Delusional Neighbor
    As the King read the morning paper of the Austro-Hungarian response, Only laughs could be heard over the sounds of morning kettles. The very nature of our Neighbor is that they believe themselves to be a righteous power that would be ordained by God himself to defend their crumbling and divided Empire. The very idea that Austria-Hungary thinks it has any notion of insults on current matters is a laughable excuse at moronic bravado. One would wonder how someone could be as blind as the leaders of the Empire, though it should be remembered Austria-Hungary is ran by an Inbred and Balding fool. Franz Joseph I and Minister-President Karl von Stürgkh would do well to remember they invaded a sovereign country without cause, and thought they could drag Italy into their problems, as if they controlled the nation itself. At the end of the day the only sympathies the King has is for his former friend in Kaiser Wilhelm, The King hopes that when this all over that both leaders can become good friends once more.


  5. #115
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    "Liberté, égalité, fraternité"

    As Above
    Observers were impressed by the Huns use of airships over the last month of fighting, however jokes and bets were quick to follow amongst our brave soldiers on the ground over the size and sluggishness of the airships and who would be the fist to bring down one of these dirigible dullards. This question has already been answered by the great military minds of France as the army begins to deploy it's mobile anti aircraft guns to the front to fend off these cowardly weapons of war.



    Rent Moratorium for Soldiers Families and Allowance Scheme
    After multiple days of discussion on the matter the government has concluded that an immediate halt shall be placed upon the housing rent of all families whose primary bread winner has bravely come the server France in this dark hour. The government will also be announcing the creation of the soldiers allowance scheme which is to also aid those families with a weekly income to support their financial future. The stoppage of rent collection and allowance scheme shall be set in place until the wars conclusion which, with the strength and brave of our troops, should hopefully be just beyond the horizon.

  6. #116

    "Съ нами Богъ!"


    The Betrayal of Grand Duke Nicholas Nikolavich
    The Backwards behaviour of Grand Duke Nicholas Nikolavich is appaling and on the same level as a low life thug!
    He is immediately to be placed under arrest and stripped from all positions and ranks, awaiting a fair and just trial.
    He is not acting in the name of the Tsar!
    Tsar Nicholas urges the recruits following his orders to rethink their actions, as they are hurting the russian people.



    Gains against the Austrians
    This War is far from over, and the Russian People have once again proven that they will fight for their country!
    The Russian Empire and its allies will show the Germanic Menace that they cant divide Europe how they want to!
    The Great Sacrifice of the 4-ya Armiya will not be in vain. All of the surviving Members will be paid a bonus, and the Family Members of the Fallen and captured Soldiers will also be paid a bonus.

  7. #117

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    Sweden - May #1


    "För Sverige – i tiden"

    Sweden celebrates the victory in the east

    The Swedish people and the Swedish government are celebrating the victory of our allies in the east, thus emphasizing that "even with our forces beaten back. We will stand against the tyrannical regime and liberate the Russian people from their chains their lords have put them in. You will be free and seen as equal, not as slaves serving monsters which profit from your suffering"

    Industry efforts

    The Swedish industry was issued to form a council which is tasked to work out a plan which is meant to make sure that civilian and military supplies are guaranteed, thus making sure that the basic needs are safe. Starting next month, Sweden will roll out the use of ration stamps which will make sure that every soldier and citizen receives a fair amount of supplies. Here the jobs and roles are taken into account, like an industry worker shall receive the right amount and specific food to make sure to keep up the strength needed to do the job and produce the goods needed.

    Soldiers and Family care

    The horrors of war and the tragedy it brings have hit our brave heroes. The Swedish government has committed itself to support the wounded, which will no longer be able to serve in the armed forces and the families who brought the biggest sacrifice possible, may it be financial or in any other way. It has also been announced that during the fight, not a single Swede shall lose their home due to whatever circumstance. The government has issued a law which states that if a soldier or worker looses the ability to work, the state will honour his effort by taking over the payment.

    Art & Entertainment

    To support our heroic forces, musicians and theatre groups will visit our soldiers on the front lines and bring them a little joy. At the home front, artists of all kind have stated that they will make sure that the Swedish armed forces will receive the attention they deserve and will start to "produce" all forms of art. May it be songs, pictures, drawings or even theatre plays which deal with our fight.









  8. #118

    "Dieu Et Mon Droit"

    "Time to Spin"
    Reports of German submarines, a new and modern warship innovation, being used against merchants in open waters has proven very troubling. His Majesty's government considers submarines and "u-boats" to be vessels of a strictly military nature. Considering the inherent nature in which submarines operate, their usage in trade interdiction is very difficult and ensuring that the rules of war are followed by submarines is also difficult. We consider the only proper and truly legal usage of submarines to be against strictly military targets, such as armed combat vessels. Our own naval blockade is only able to be enforced by surface vessels. We politely issue an official protest to the German Empire over the usage of submarines and u-boats for the purpose of interdicting merchant vessels. If the German Empire does not change its course in their usage of u-boats to interdict trade, then the British Empire will be forced to follow suit and allow our own large fleet of submarine vessels to interdict trade as well.



    Royal Condolences
    His Majesty, King George, issues his official condolences to the Romanian Royal Family and congratulations to King Ferdinand of Romania. We reiterate our promise to stand with the Romanian nation and preserve his people's right to independence and freedom from foreign influence. We hope that the new king will be the first of many great Romanian kings and that he shall reign as a good Romanian.

    Long Live King Ferdinand! Glory to the Kingdom of Romania! God Save the Empire, and God Save King George!

    - The United Kingdom protests the usage of submarines against merchant vessels

  9. #119

    "Nihil Sine Deo"


    The King is Dead!

    The nation of Romania announces a day of mourning, following the death of King Carol I on the 8th of March. His death comes at a turbulent time for the Kingdom of Romania, however the nation remains undivided in their memory and love for their former king. Prime Minister Titu Maiorescu gives great thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Russian doctors who worked tirelessly to save the stricken King’s life, however it seems to have been God’s will for him to pass.

    Long Live the King!

    The government of the Kingdom of Romania formally coronated King Ferdinand I of Romania on the 26th of March. As the late King Carol I had no male children to succeed him the throne passed in accordance with Romania law to his nephew King Ferdinand I. The new King’s coronation took place in Bucharest with much festivities despite these dark times. In his first address to the nation the new King made clear that he intended to continue fighting this just war, to defend the nation’s orthodox brothers in arms and that though there would be difficult times ahead, the Kingdom of Romania would emerge triumphant.





  10. #120

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    DER DEUTSCHE REICHSKANZLER
    Reichskanzlei, Berlin

    The Echo of our Victories

    “Now we breathe freely in relief, in deep gratitude and happiness. Russia has come to experience the irresistible force of the German Army and finds its own troops defeated and pursued. Where can you find an example in history for the heroism that the German Army is displaying in this titanic struggle? Where are the people who manage to fight such a terrible war with such ferocity? The whole Russian Army may not yet have been crushed, but now we have certainty: That day will come.”

    With articles like these, the newspapers express growing admiration and astonishment at the unfathomable and overwhelming push of the German Army, which is shattering and breaking all opposing forces, French and Russian, with crushing force and determination. The papers are convinced, now that the gigantic and irresistible phalanx has crushed the Polish salient, the final victory over Russia is already decided and that Germany and Austria-Hungary, in the face of such unprecedented military gains in world history, can look the struggle on other fronts of the war dead in the eye, with utmost confidence. Special amusement and satisfaction were directed at the brilliantly executed encirclement of the French forces around Fort Wilhelm, who seemed more interested in sky gazing and exchanging jokes about deadly machines of war than to prevent a military disaster reminiscent of the Franco-Prussian War.





    Where other countries treat military awards with disrespect and childish gotcha-mentality, the Kaiser still believes in bestowing these highest honours of the state only upon individuals who have shown exemplary valour and confidence in conflict. Over the course of the last two months, the officer corps of the German Army has ensured overwhelming victories and those responsible for these feats of heroism must and will be honoured.

    Among the recipients of awards is Generaloberst Karl von Bülow, who led 2. Armee against the French transgressors and left no doubt that any advance onto German territory will be repulsed with fierce determination and excellence. His actions rightfully earned him the nickname “Watcher on the Rhine” as well as the Order of the Red Eagle and the Pour le Mérite.



    In the East, the actions of Generaloberst Friedrich Sixt von Armin, responsible for the near-total destruction of the Russian 4th Army and the definite liberation of Poland, will also be recognised with the Pour le Mérite. Similarly, Austro-Hungarian elements must be given the credit they deserve for their essential involvement in the planning and execution of this military marvel. The scale of this success could not have been possible without this joint effort. The officer responsible, Generaloberst Karl Graf von Kirchbach auf Lauterbach, will also be rewarded with the Pour le Mérite.






    Imperial Trident

    The German Imperial Navy Office strongly rejects objections raised by the British government in regards to German submarine operations against commercial shipping lanes in open waters. It should suffice to point out that all operations have been and still are being conducted in line with international regulation, which is something taken very seriously by the German government, though this may be too difficult to comprehend for the officials in Westminster. In addition, French submarines had launched hostile acts against merchant shipping far before the German Navy, any objection is, therefore, hypocritical and baseless.

    Nevertheless, the German government is always interested in diplomacy and compromise, so the following counter-offer shall be made: German submarine operations against merchant shipping will cease once the Royal Navy lifts the blockade of ports belonging to Germany and its allies so that goods may again flow freely and unhindered. The blockade is, in its very nature, terrorising and aims to starve the populace to death. Its legality is questionable, though this point is evidently mood with Entente governments anyway.




    The Hobbit

    Though this enormous act of treason was, by no means, an unexpected development, given that the Italian government had already failed to honour its obligations for the past few months, this did nothing to mitigate the outrage at the entrance of the Kingdom of Italy on the side of the Entente. Having broken international law on multiple occasions, Italy will certainly find itself in good company, with the list of criminal governments among the Entente growing by the day. Much could be said about this affront to human decency, but anything from or concerning Italy is not worth the ink it is being printed with. It is, however, very important to His Majesty The Kaiser that there exists no misunderstanding between himself and his lesser Italian counterpart. The Kaiser is, most assuredly, not a good friend of the dwarf king in Rome.




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