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Memoirs of a General: The NEW New Roman Empire AAR

Discussion in 'Hearts of Iron' started by Mussolini, Jul 25, 2007.

  1. Mussolini

    Mussolini Gaming Guru WW2|ORG Editor

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    February 6th, 1936

    It is with great joy that i write! Italian forces in Ethiopia have successfully defeated their enemies and Ethiopia has come under Italian rule! Il Duce was more then happy to hear this news! It seemed that 1936 was off to a better year then ever! But where to start?

    Il Duce started the new year by sacking the Armaments Minister along with the Chief of the Army. Not a good New Years present for them, eh? Nevertheless, Il Duce had his reasons for doing so. Il Duce himself took over as Armaments Minister while he appointed Errico Mattei as Chief of the Army. The Cabinet rumbled at this but didn't voice their opinions. You see, Mattei is not a Fascist! But what Il Duce says must go!

    One of the first things Il Duce did upon taking control of his new position was to reshuffle Generals around and solidify the unity of current military posts. He also implemented a few changes that would give Italy a better Standing Army rather then one that was mostly Drafted. The victory in Ethiopia was further proof that his methods - and the new Chief of the Army - were the correct ones to take, putting down any dissent from the other Cabinet ministers.

    Il Duce also announced four new technologies which were well underway even as i write. It won't be long now before major breakthroughs are made in the field. Macchi is researching Early Fighters in the hopes to upgrade the Italian Air Force. Breda, on the other hand, is focusing on Basic Cavalry Divsions. They've already developed a new Machine Gun for use by Cavalry!

    The Cantieri Ansaldo has been working on Early Field Artillery. They've developed a 75mm Gun and accompanying Gun Carriage, currently focusing their efforts on a new type of Shell. Meanwhile, Societo Montecetini has focused on Italian Industry, developing Basic Machine Tools to improve Industry output. Of all the Technologies, that is the least i am familiar with!

    Tension in Europe has been on the rise. Everyone can feel it. Its just a matter of when War will break out. Everyone remembers the Great War and what happened in its aftermath. Il Duce has promised that such an outcome will not occur again! He has promised a new Roman Empire that will span the globe, return Rome - the Italians - to their glory!

    It can be this fact that a Light Armored Division is being trained, with two more to follow all in the next year. By this time in 1937, the first Armored Korps should be ready to save Italia!

    Signed,

    General ------------
    February 6th, 1936
     
    Otto likes this.
  2. Mussolini

    Mussolini Gaming Guru WW2|ORG Editor

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    April 28, 1936

    In the two months that have passed since the annexation of Ethiopia, little has happened apart from Paper Work. Lt. General Lisi was promoted to General for his services in the conquest of Ethiopia shortly after the Annexation. The rest of February was a month filled with troop repositioning, solidifying of Officers in various posts, and re-ordering the East African Armies. Much of the airforce that had participated in the attack on Ethiopia was recalled to Italy or sent to Libya.

    It is not until March 30th that anything of importance happens. On that date, Cantieri finished its research project on Early Field Artillery and commenced at once on Basic Static AA, incorporating its previously developed weapons into the project. 75mm Guns, chasis, and HE shells - that sort of thing. More of an adaption from Artillery to Anti-Air.

    April 9th also stands out as a date, when Societa finished Basic Machine Tools. Almost immediately there was a 5% increase in Industrial Efficiency! Spurred on by these advances, Societa immediately began to look at ways of improving Basic Machine Tools by looking into Improved Machine Tools!

    It is rumored that in the next two weeks or so, the first Italian Armored Division will have completed its training and manufacturing and be ready for service! It is good timing too, as tensions in Spain are starting to heat up.

    Il Duce has also cemented ties with Adolf Hitler of Germany. Every other day in April so far has seen some sort of diplomatic deal occur, usually shipping Italian Supplies to Germany in exchange for Energy. Only two such deals have also included the exportation of Oil to Germany in exchange for Energy.

    Signed,

    General ---------
    April 28th, 1936
     
  3. Mussolini

    Mussolini Gaming Guru WW2|ORG Editor

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    Note: The Following is the Italian Air Force as it stands as of April 28th, 1936. This information was passed onto me by the Chief of the Air Force.


    Italian Air Force Command

    1st Naval Bomber
    - Lt. General Brigant
    • Cr. 42 Falco (Interceptor)
    • Br. 20 Cicogna (Naval Bomber)
    2nd Naval Bomber - Lt. General Ricci
    • Cr. 42 Falco
    • Br. 20 Cicogna
    3rd Naval Bomber - Air Marshal Balbo
    • Cr. 42 Falco
    • Br. 20 Cicogna
    1st Bomber Squadron - Major General Bazzani
    • 2 X Capronia Ca. 111 (Tactical Bomber)
    2nd Bomber Squadron - Major General Longo
    • Cr. 42 Falco
    • Caproni Ca. 111

    1st Interceptor Squadron
    - Major General Fougler
    • Cr. 42 Falco
     
  4. JTF-2

    JTF-2 Member

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    woot..another one! Can't wait
     
  5. Mussolini

    Mussolini Gaming Guru WW2|ORG Editor

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    July 1st, 1936

    May saw most of the Army improvements begun in January come to their conclusion. Italian Armed Forces were now better equipped and better trained then ever before. I was also informed on May 20th that Macchi had developed Early Fighters! This saw major improvements to the Cr. 42 Falco - which now become obsolete. They were replaced with MC. 200 Suetta's instead! Much more powerful machines! Macchi then turned this new technology to use, beginning the first stages of developing Early Close Air Support!

    The Rumor i had heard of the L. Armored Division turned out to be true! On May 24th, 1936 the first Italian Light Armored Division was deployed just North of Rome! Work had already begun on the next Division, which would be ready faster then the first one due to some improvements in the field!

    May turned into June with little event until June 14th, when Breda developed the Basic Cavalry Divsion. The new technologies were quickly implemented in the three Cavalry Divisions that already existed, improving them greatly. Breda was turned down for its next project, instead Il Duce decided to employ Italo Balbo to research the Battlefield Destruction Doctrine.

    Fears of War turned out to be true, only not in Europe. It seemed that the tension amongst the warlords in China boiled over and word reached us on June 17th that Guangxi Clique had declared war on Nationalist China. The Nationalist's were soon joined by two other Factions in the fight.

    June 29th saw Canteiri developed Early Static Anti-Air. The new 75mm Guns soon replaced the older, WWI-Era models and Cantieiri began to research Early Anti-Tank Guns!

    Signed,

    General ----------
    July 1st, 1936
     
  6. Mussolini

    Mussolini Gaming Guru WW2|ORG Editor

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    Note: The Following Information regarded the Italian Royal Navy has been released.

    Italian Royal Navy

    1st Battle Fleet
    - Admiral Che
    18 Ships - 11 Capitals, 7 Screens
    • 4 BB
    • 7 CA
    • 7 CL
    1st Patrol Fleet - Rear Admiral Mascherpa
    5 Ships - 5 Screens
    • 2 CL
    • 3DD
    1st ASW Fleet - Admiral Campiconi
    15 Ships - 1 Capital, 14 Screens
    • 1 CA
    • 3 CL
    • 10 DD
    MS Convoy Raider I - Rear Admiral Brivonesi
    • 3 SS
    MS Convoy Raider II - Rear Admiral Aimone di Savoia Aosta
    • 3 SS
    MS Convoy Raider II - Admiral Riccardi
    • 3 SS
    East Africa Convoy Raider - Grand Admiral Thaon di Revel
    • 3 SS
    Transprot Fleet I - Vice Admiral Quilicci
    • 6 TP
    • 4 DD
     
  7. Mussolini

    Mussolini Gaming Guru WW2|ORG Editor

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    September 21st, 1936
    Spanish Intervention

    Improvements on the Technological Front were advancing as well as anyone could have hoped for. The improvements were truly bringing Italy into a stage of Global Contention. Italian Colonial Armies had proved their worth in defeating the Ethiopians. Now the stage was set for them to partake in Battle in Europe. On July 18th, 1936, the Spanish Civil War broke out between Nationalists and Republicans.

    Il Duce saw this as a marvelous oppurtunity. He immediately mobilized the 1st Cavalry Army along with the 3rd Army in light of intervention. Hitler was also anxious by news of this Civil War. Both Il Duce and Hitler agreed to send aid to their Nationalist Brothers in Spain. This would have been fine if not for the fact that the Soviets also sent vast amounts of Aid to the Republicans just two days later. Il Duce saw that this would overwhelm the Nationalists who controlled only a handful of provinces in Spain. On July 24th, Italy as a Nation declared war on Republican Spain.

    By the end of the first week of August, the afore mentioned Armies had landed in Murcia and secured Albacete to the North. 1st Army and the 1st Armored Korps arrived in Murcia on August 9th as reinforcements. The true nature of the Soviet intervention was not realized until Italian Forces clashed with Republicans.

    The 1st Cavalry Army quickly secured Guadalajara after a brief skirmish, 1st Army moving in to occupy Albacete. A combined attack was launched on Valencia in the hopes to secure the Airfield to use it as a base of operations. Sardinian Airbases were too far away to be effective.

    The 22nd saw Valencia in Italian hands and the 5th Army was quickly transported by Sea to reinforce it while the 3rd Army marched on Castellon. The end of September would see the launch of a major attack on the City of Madrid. The Battle would last for Four Days before Italian forces emerged victorious! On September 2nd, Madrid was occupied by Italian forces.

    These central provinces would prove pivotal to the offensive in Spain. It took away key Industrial centers and forced the Republicans to be be split in half - small forces to the East and West with Nationalist Spain occupying the North and South West.

    Tarragona was occupied on September the 9th and Il Duce ordered a Serial Run of 3 Infantry Divisions to be started in light of how effective the Serial Run of L.Armor was.

    The first great battle, and turning point in the campaign against forces that vastly outnumbered the Italians, was the battle of Sargosa. It occurred over the 10th and 11th and saw 3 Italian Divisions completely route 7 Republican Divisions during the course of the battle. This would permanently separate East from West.

    It soon came apparent that the Republicans would hole up in one of three Mountain Provinces. The 1st Mountain Army, a group of 4 Mountain Divisions that specialized in such combat, was immediately dispatched to Spain.

    On September 20th, Western Republican forces ceased to exist. But Il Duce was furious! The Nationalists, his so called brothers, were taking over territory that Italian blood had been shed taking. This happened on three occasions, each time infuriating Il Duce. Rumor quickly spread that he was going to declare war on the Nationalists.

    Signed,

    General ------
    September 21st, 1936
     
  8. Mussolini

    Mussolini Gaming Guru WW2|ORG Editor

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    October 23rd, 1936
    Spanish Acquisition

    It is with great joy that i write today! But i get ahead of myself and will start at the beginning!

    The rumors of war against the Nationalists were soon made true, when, on September 22nd Il Duce declared War against the backstabbing Spaniards. The following day, Balbo presented his Doctrine that he had been researching. It was met with success and was soon adopted by the Air Force. He began speculation on Bomber Veteran Initiative.

    The 24th saw the first defeat of the War. Balbao, a Mountainous region, proved too much for a small Italian Force trying to take on Mountain Units of the Republicans. The Italian forces would be defeated several more times trying to attack this last, vital provence of the Republicans. It was not until the 1st Mountain Army's arrival that it was captured!

    The 28th saw Societa develop Improved Machine Tools. However, the improvements were not all that great and Il Duce did not renew his contract with them. Instead, Fiat was given the oppurtunity to start research on Basic Encryption Devices. The 1st Cavalry Army, in the mean time, moved from Jaen to Malaga, defeating Nationalist Forces everywhere it went. On the 30th, it reached Jaen.

    October 1st saw more victories in Southern Spain against a demoralized Nationalist Army, especially once word of Italian victory in the capital province of Burgos was announced.

    The 4th saw Cantieri develop Early ATG's and began to work on Basic Light Tanks. A serial run of Br. 20 Cicogna Tactical Bombers was also scheduled to be started based on the effectiveness of the Aerial Campaign.

    On the 5th, the 1st Mountain Army attacks and conquers Huesca, leaving the Republicans the stronghold of Bilbao in the Mountains of North-Eastern Spain.

    The 9th saw the seconda Light Armored Division completed and deployed in Italy, where it would remain in reserve for the duration of the war. Its services were not needed currently.

    The 1st Mountain Army successfully attacked Bilbao on the 12th, routing the steadfast Defenders. It was occupied on the 18th at which point Republican Spain was annexed. The Nationalists also offered a peace offer but it was flatly rejected!

    Huelva and La Coruna, the last key provinces of Nationalist Spain, were occupied within 3 days of each other, even while mop-up operations commenced in the South. Nationalist Spain was also annexed on the 23rd, ending two Months of War in Spain, with the Italians coming out on top!

    Even as i write, victory celebrations are occuring in the streets of Rome!

    Signed,

    General -------
    October 23, 1936
     
  9. Mussolini

    Mussolini Gaming Guru WW2|ORG Editor

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    January 1st, 1938
    A Peaceful Year

    It has been well over a year since i have written, and not because i have been busy or on the move. I shall start back with October 25th, 1936.

    On this day, after day long talks with Spanish Officials, Il Duce announced the Liberation of Nationalist Spain. It seemed he still had regrets about declaring war on our Nationalist Brothers and this was a gift to them. In return, Corpo Truppe Volontaire - the Italians who had fought with the Spaniards (and then against them when we went to war with Spain) returned home after several months abroad. As a sign of good will, they returned with two blueprints of Technologies that the Spanish possessed. At the time, this seemed like a one-time deal.

    November 16th saw a Non-Aggression Pact signed with the Spanish shortly followed by the development of Close Air Support Aircraft by Macchi. Macchi then turned its attention to improving Basic Interceptors.

    December 1st saw a new Infantry Unit, part of the Italian Afrikan Korps, deployed.

    1937
    New Years was another joyous time in Italy, celebrating the years conquests and advancements. It was also noted that relations with Germany were on the rise. It comes as no surprise then that on the 8th of January, Il Duce signed the Anti-Comitern Pact with Germany and Japan. Communism needed to be stopped!


    Fiat developed Basic Encryption Devices on the 25th and turned its attention to Basic Artillery, further upgrading Italian Armed Forces. February 4th saw the development of the Re. 2000 Falco Interceptors, Macchi now turning its attenion to Basic Fighters.

    February 9th saw Italo Balbo's research team complete Veteran Bomber Initiative, instead employing Pietro Badoglio to develop Pre-Planned Defense Doctrine.

    The 17th saw the first L. Armor deployed to complete the Afrika Korps, the following day a new Division of Infantry was also deployed. March 17th saw a Tactical Bomber Squadron developed too.

    March 30th was an interesting date. Nationalist China Annex Xibie San Ma during the Civil War that rages there.

    April 1st saw Fiat develop Basic Field Artillery and begin research on Early Tank Destroyer.

    June 4th was the next important date of the year, as Japan declared war on Nationalist China, Shanxi, and GC. The USA and Soviets both decided to send aid to the Nationalist though this can not bode well for our Japanese Friends. At the same time, production of 3 Light Armored Units were also requested.

    June 12th saw Cantieri develop Basic Light Tanks and start on Basic Heavy Tanks. Badoglio's team was fired due to lack of progress and Cancia was hire to research Rear Area Supplydumps.

    July 22nd was a day of benefits. Nationalist Spain offered Italy Rear Area Supply and Agrichemistry Blue Prints for free! Truly a beneficial relationship. At the same time, Fiat developed its Early Tanks and becan on Basic Anti-Tank Guns. UPDGRADES of the Armed Forces also continued, Italian Industry working around the clock to keep up.

    August 19th saw Macchi complete Basic Fighters and begin on Great War Air Carriers. Two days later, the North African Bomber Squadron was completed.

    September 5th saw Lancia develop Rear Area Supply, with help from the Blue Print. However, they were replaced by Breda who began work on Semi-Motorized Cavalry.

    On the 24th of October, Japan manages to annex Shanxi in its war against its Chinese Enemies.

    The 26th saw Fiat complete Basic ATG and begin Self-Propelled Artillery.

    Cantieri completed Heavy Tanks on December 19th and began Improved Light Tanks. A week later, Breda develops Semi-Mot Cav and begins Basic Infantry Division. Advanced Machine Tools and Dive Bombing Technology Blue Prints were also obtained from Spain.

    Thus ends 1937 and begins 1938.

    Signed,

    General ------
    January 1st, 1938
     
  10. Mussolini

    Mussolini Gaming Guru WW2|ORG Editor

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    January 1st, 1940
    Prelude to Global War

    1938 was a year full of growing tension across the Globe. For Italy, it was a year that saw numerous improvements. Air Craft Carriers, Self-Propelled Artillery, Airforce Doctrines, Machine Tools, and Infantry Divisions to name but a few.

    Politically, Italy was rather quiet. March 20th did see Germany Annex Austria, and while the Italians supported this acquisition, most of the rest of the world did not.

    1939 was a year vastly different then 1940.

    On March the 2nd, Japan annexed Nationalist China and most of its allies. The might of the Japanese can not be clearly seen through this feat. They defeated a much larger nation and its allies that had supported from the United States and the Soviet Union! Very awe-inspiring.

    March 15th also saw Germany Annex Czechoslovakia, freeing Slovakia in the process. Again, Italy backed Germany up but the rest of the world did not like this. Italy, on the other hand, went to war with Albania on March 26 after Albania refused to become part of Italy. It took only a matter of days for 2nd Army to gain control of Albania and add it as a Puppet to Italy.

    The rest of the year was occupied with further new technology and the upgrades that accompanied them. It seemed like there was always a new technological advance to be used to upgrade some armed forces somewhere.

    The Molotov-Ribbentrop Act had a Historical Outcome and on August 30, Europe was consumed in flames. Germany Declared War on Poland and the Allies responded in kind, Declaring War on Germany.

    Italy was not yet ready to come to the aid of Germany. There were still too many units being upgraded, and these upgrades were what would give Italy a fighting chance against the Allies.

    October 4th saw the end of Poland, Germany Annexing it and giving east Poland to the Soviets. German Bombers were seen flying over Italy to Bomb allied shipping in the Med. Sea. Italy tolerated this invasion of Air Space.

    On November 14th, the USSR declared war on Finland though didnt seem to make any noticeable gains by the end of the year. It is still debatable how ready for war the USSR was at the time.

    As the new year approaches, Italians are being mobilised for war.They are fully upgraded and as ready as they will ever be, though all reports show odds against them. In North Africa alone, British Troops outnumber Italians nearly 3:1!n War is only a matter of days away.

    Signed,
    General ----------
    January 1st, 1940
     
  11. Mussolini

    Mussolini Gaming Guru WW2|ORG Editor

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    Will be updating this next week. Been a while since i played and have been playing the OOO Mod for Oblivion (which is such an awesome game). Will also post with pic-updates to show off the map!
     
  12. Joe

    Joe Ace

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    By the way, what does AAR stand for anyway?
     
  13. Mussolini

    Mussolini Gaming Guru WW2|ORG Editor

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    After Action Report.
     
  14. Joe

    Joe Ace

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    ahhhh......
     

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