Kaiserreich a TL

[Michel Van]

Kaiserreich a TL
Part One: The Great War 1914-18 ​

Post one
A package from Belgium

June 1914
Gavrila Princip came from a postoffice in Sarajevo, he carrying a package from Belgium
It’s from a town called Herstal by Company „Fabrique National d’ Armes de Guerre“
At Home he unwrap it and reveal a box and open it.
He see it’s content and smile, the pistol look futuristic compare to the revolvers nowadays
Princip took the pistol in hand ignoring the letter in side the Box
he could not read the Letter anyhow, it was written in french, were FN congratulates him for purchase of,
There Semi-Automatic Pistol type FN Model 1910…
Gavrila Princip had other things in mind: The revolution and the Murder he and his conspirators want to commit…

...The Death of Franz Ferdinand, heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary commit by Gavrila Princip, Was the starting shot for one of biggest disaster of History: The Great War

Austria-Hungary mobilized there Army to invade Serbia, consider responsible behind the Assassination of archduke Franz Ferdinand.
Then Serbia government received a declaration of War by Austria-Hungary empire on 28 Juli 1914.
Follow by Russia Empire mobilized there Troops to help there allies Serbia against Austrians-Hungary by declaring War on them,
The German Empire allies of Austria-Hungary empire, declared war to Russian Empire.
Then Russian allies the Frenchs declare war to the German Empire.

The British try to stay neutral, but the moments as Germans Army invade there protectorate Belgium, Britain had to declared War to German Empire

The People were excited about this, that Europe enter another patriotic war after almost 43 year of Peace
Young men enlisted the Empires Army went joyful to Battle field, believing the generals promise „This war is over In Christmas 1914“ !
They had no Idea what for a hell on earth they would descent into…

All quiet on the west front (1979 version)

 

[Michel Van]

i need help from Russian speaking forum members

I looking for Russian Name or wordplay on family name with terms like severe, hardness or merciless.
i look into name for new leader of USSR in TL, a General who rise in Party ranks after he executed someone...

 

[Michel Van]

Kaiserreich a TL
Part One: The Great War 1914-18 ​

Post two

Greed…

The Great War brought unexpected opportunity for USA
US Banks gave credits to British and French to finance there War effort
Like J.P. Morgan Jr. who load to the Entente around $1.5 Billion.
Companies own to US financiers and bankers like J.P. Morgan or Rockefellers and Vanderbills produce products and ammunitions needed for War effort, making allot of US citizen very rich.

US citizen like Marco „Midas“ Polis.
Born In 1885 in New York from Dutch and German descent, started his career in Trade and Shipping begin of 1910.
in order to survive with his business Polis operate sometimes in illegal activity like Smuggle and other activity for New York Mafia.
What brought him quite Reputation.
But the need of US products for the Entente War effort and its transport to Europe rise. He look for his part of this share.
Unfortunate for Polis, was that J.P. Morgan Jr. were not giving contracts to „Shady racketeer and mobsters“,
The Rockefellers Family were more unscrupulously in taking a share of that War Business, so they hired Polis shipping company.
But Marco Polis found also Alternative business model that make him rich with War.
The British Navy installed a Sea Blockade against German Empire in hope economic blockade would defeat the Germans.

But the Blockade had a Loophole: the Neutral Netherlands and Sweden, the British Navy had to past any ship to ways to those nations.
With his connection to the Dutch part of his Family he installed in Netherlands, the Trade Company „Midaspolis“ with HQ in Rotterdam
and started a Smuggling operation with help of it’s German part of his Family
Goods vital for Germany were bought in USA or Britain, ship to the Neutral countries were there Smuggled over border.
He provided goods needed by German industry like chromium or manganese and molybdenum for Steel production.
A Scheme that make Polis rich because the German Government pay him royally

Notes:
The Entente is the alliance of Britain, France and Russia later join other nations this alliance
The credit of $1.5 Billion are $37 Billion today value.

 

[Michel Van]

Kaiserreich a TL
Part One: The Great War 1914-18​

Post three

The Aitken Report on Alleged German Outrages

In September 1914, the Prime minister H.H. Asquith order founding a committee to investigate the outrages of German Army in Belgium.
Head of the „Committee on Alleged German Outrages“ became Assistant Home Secretary George A. Aitken,

In March 1915, A Conflict rise in Committee, Harold Cox MP for Liberal Party, questions the honesty of investigation.
Because The Belgium Government was only supplier of Information and Witness testimony toward Committee
George A. Aitken refuse a additional re-interview of Witnesses, Harold Cox resign from Committee because of this.
This bad news damage the truthfulness of Aitken Report, special that Cox in interviews overtly spoke about the Issue:

„It’s about to find out the Truth, nothing, but the Truth it self !
I believe that Report is adulterated by Belgium Propaganda to portray the Germans as Animals
My investigation into that subject to unravel the Truth, was hinder by Committee led by Aitken
but what you expect from a Report financed by [British] War propaganda Bureau ?“

Harold Cox in a Interview for Newspaper The Daily Herald

The Aitken Report was published 6 may 1915 in 30 language.
US Ambassador for Britain, Walter Hines Page send a Telegram to White House and Capitol Hill, were he warn about the report as:

„not credible and a piece of Propaganda, confirmed by former member of that committee in news press“

So the US politicians ignored the Report...

 

[Michel Van]

Kaiserreich a TL
Part One: The Great War 1914-18​

Post Four
Gassed…

Picture by john Singer 1919.

The Large Offensive that began in 1914 ended at West front in defensive trench warfare with little movement.

Early in Stalemate the Enemy look into use of poisonous Gas to gain a victory.
The French and British try use of Tear gas and nitrogen gas
But the Germans under Major Max Bauer a Artillery expert, went for more radical way, he wanted to use cheap byproducts of Ammunition production,
This let to a research program were germans Nobel Laureates begann experiment with toxic gas for Battlefront
The first results were Ni-Gas what irritates eyes and respiratory system and Eye irritant xylyl bromide
But chemist Fritz Haber proposed a more radical use of chlorine gas: to kill the enemy in trenches !
Chlorine gas was cheap around 40 tons/day was produce as byproduct of Ammunitions productions, it was easy to store and transport in steel-vessel.
in Letter to OHL, Field Marshal Rupprecht made his concern about the Use of Gas at Frontline:

If it proves to be effective, the enemy would resort to the same means and, in the prevailing west-easterly wind, could blow off gas against us ten times more often than we could against him.

On 22 April 1915 the german Army released 150 tons of chlorine gas on 6 kilometer wide french frontline at Ypers, killing and wounded thousands french soldiers
The german infantry troops with primitive gas-mask manage to take french trench, but failed to use brake true in Frontline because upcoming wind dispense the chlorine gas
and following intervention by 1st Canadian Division.

Fritz Haber later received the shocking news that his wife Clara Immerwahr shot herself out of protest about „this Perversion of Science“, her husband had created.
The Entente protests violent against use of deadly gas because, it was violation of 1907 Hague Convention on Land Warfare that prohibited the use of poisoned weapons.
The French grab also into box of pandora, they used Phosgene in combination with Chlorine, called by Entente as „White Star“ or „Etoile Blance“ more potent killer as chlorine gas
and Primitive gas-mask were useless against White Star, It started the arm race for better protection Gas mask and more potent combat gas by Germans.

The Germans began to perfect there Gas shells
Several were used in Combination (german term Buntschießen)
first they hit the target with „Blaukreuz“ a diphenylchloroarsine, a substance that penetrate the Gas-mask filters, letting to sneezing and violent vomit forcing enemy to remove there gas mask
Follow by „Grünkreuz“ a pulmonary agent, a mixture of Chlorine, Phosgene, Diphosgene and Chlorpicrin.

Then came turning point with Mustard Gas, original created by Belgium chemist Cesar Mansuete Depretz in 1822,
it was perfected by Wilhelm Lommel and Wilhelm Stainkopf as „Gelbkreutz“ in 1916.
„Gelbkreutz“ was new quality of death, it’s colorless and odorless vapor was not only toxic,
it’s chemical burn organic tissue like Skin or bronchus, the victims suffer of third degree burns with blistering of skin or respiratory organ.
Later it became know that Gelbkreutz as is mutagenic and highly carcinogenic
Chemist Fritz Haber warnt the Oberste Heeresleitung about its use:

It’s unclear if the War can be won within a year, if not, the enemy could develop there own version of Gelbkreuz [mustard gas] and use it against us

In 1917 the Germans used Gelbkreuz first in 12 July 1917 at battle of Ypern, The French labels that new death as Yperite, the British as Hun Stuff,
And like Fritz Haber predicted the French and British chemists start R&D of own Mustard Gas version.
Haber started to worry about that Entente would produce a more deadly stuff as there creation…


Strumtruppen

In mean time the German Army had need for new combat tactic against Trenches
While British and french thought of a new Weapon system would bring better success,
Were Germans more pragmatical they re-created new form of Troops: the Stosstruppen
In Old days of warfare the Strosstruppen were light infantry forces for close assault and siege operation
But under Haupmann Willy Rohr there became infiltration units that attack on enemy trenches with new name „Strumtruppen“
His Tactic was Simple: during support fire of heavy weapons like MG and Field artillery, squads of Sturmtruppen move toward the enemy trenches.
Once in place, they used massive, hand grenades and karabiner 98a on enemy force in trenches following series of wave of attacking solders
This tactic was perfected under General Oskar von Hutier of the eight Army and later adapted by Erwin Rommel for the Alpenkorps

but major problem for Sturmtruppen was lack of effective weapons for trench warfare, but that would change radical in coming years…
Ironically, the French army captain Andre Laffargue proposed in 1915 a similar method for French Army
But his superiors not were interested, to make matter worst his aristocratic Commanding Officer send Laffargue into certain dead during assault on German frontline
To make sure he never bug again the officer with annoying proposal for combat tactics…
The British never bother with Andre Laffargue ideas…

 

[Michel Van]

Kaiserreich a TL
Part One: The Great War 1914-18​

Post Five:

SM U-20 and it’s successful 19th patrol

The U-20 is in first row, second of the Left



Seiner Majestät U-boot Nummer 20 was put in service on 5 August 1913
A Type U 19 submarine with 35 men crew and 4 torpedoes tubes with 6 torpedoes and one 105 mm gun on deck.
Since begin of the great war the SM U-20 made 14 patrol with 9 sinking.
In April 1915 the SM U-20 and SM U-27 got new orders for patrol:

Large British troop transports to be expected starting from Liverpool, Bristol Channel, Dartmouth.
To harm these transports U 20 and U 27 should be sent as soon as possible.
Shipping quickly around Scotland to there stations, as long as the supplies permit. Those Boats must to be attack: Troop-ships, merchant ships, warships.
Americans merchant ship are to be spared !

The U-20 under lieutenant commander Walter Schweiger, left it navy base at Emden 30 April 1915.
on May 5, the U-20 arrived at station south Irish sea and start it’s patrol
and found first victim a old merchant schooner the Earl of Latthom, stopped the vessel, order the crew in lifeboats and sink the schooner.
a day later on 6 may the U-20 sank the British Steamer under neutral flag the Cayo Romano, near Fasten Rock and on same day sank the Steamer Candidate
despite the general warning the U-20 manage to damage the liner SS Arabic, follow sinking the Centurion a British cargo ship under neutral flag, all near Conigbeg light ship
but the U-20 had because there success now two problems they were low on fuel and two torpedoes left
on morning of May 7 lieutenant commander Walter Schweiger give order to return to navy base Emden to refuel
In Schweigens own word in log of U-20:

Our successes cost us too much Diesel with that was is left, plus reserve, we will manage barely to get home,
Next to that visibility getting worst almost impossible to see Ships, another reason to terminate our patrol.

Only 4 hours after departure of U-20 the RMS Lusitania past this position
The ship was one of largest passenger ship of it time, At there arrival at Liverpool, The ship was required by British Navy as Troop-ship and under went conversion for gun installment.
It had to replace a sunken troop-ship for Gallipoli campaign.
The Americans who arrived with RMS Lusitania were informed by US embassy, they have to take US passenger ship to return for there own safety.
One who that returns offer was „Midaspolis“ shipping-line
The U-20 return on 13 may at Emden, in total the U-20 made 29 patrols during the Great War


Notes:
There allot historical speculations about the question, What about: the U-20 was less successful and encounter the RMS Lusitania ?

Like Phillip K. Dick The Grasshopper Lies Heavy and it sequel Radio Free Albemuth use the What about: U-20 sinks the RMS Lusitania.
in historical speculation novel Teddy Roosevelt is not assassinated, but instead Woodrow Wilson is killed by John F. Schrank
As President Roosevelt let the USA into victorious War with German Empire in 1915 what let to a total different World

Or Harry Turtledove very unrealistic Worldwar tetralogy, He copy the idea that U-20 encounter the RMS Lusitania and sank it,
Killing over thousand people, what let to US declare War on the German Empire in 1917…
Germans Science-Fiction critics, like Wolfgang Jenschke point out about those unrealistic scenario, like that a German U-boat commander would Torpedo a passenger ship !
While Rainer Castor even accusing Turtledove of historical revisionism.

Literature:

Phillip K. Dick
The Grasshopper Lies Heavy (1962)
Publisher: Putahm
1963 Hugo Award for Best Novel.
Radio Free Albemuth (1985)
Publisher: Dell Publishing

Harry Turtledove „Worldwar“ tetralogy
World War 1: The USA victorious ! (1994)
World War 2: The Great Dictator (1995)
World War 3: The Cold War (1996)
Publisher: Ballantine Books
1997 Kurt-Laßwitz-Preis for worst Novel for „World War 2: The Great Dictator“

Wolfgang Jenschke:, „Harry Turtledove Weltkriege, Eine unrealistische Romane Serie“
Rainer Castor: „Der Geschichtsrevisionismus des Harry Turtledove“
Both Publish in Das science Fiction Jahr 1998
Publisher: Heyne Verlag

 

[Michel Van]

Today no new post

I for moment in vacation in north Germany

But little bit of feat-back on TL, would be nice

 

[Michel Van]

Kaiserreich a TL
Part One: The Great War 1914-18​

Post Six: Gallipoli

British Empire wanted military actions against Ottoman Empire
it was not only in war effort against coalition of Germans, Austrians-Hungary and Turks, but also that Britain and french politicians wanted expansion of there empire.
also to Help Russia with supply once the Dardanelles were in hand of the Entente,
They even promise Russia the territory of the Turkish Straits and city Istanbul after the victory.
With a victory the British and french hope that Italy and Balkans nation join the Entente
Also was the Ottoman Empire consider as „easy victim“, since The Ottoman minister of War Ismail Enver Pasha started several disastrous campaigns against the Entente.

But Dardanelles operation was ill planned and bad executed,
At first the Royal Navy try from sea to destroy costal fortress, only to see several British and French battleship sinking do mines fields!

The Second attempt was landing troops on Shore of Gallipoli, but they selected wrong landing sites and used untrained cavalry men as infantry troops
Also the Turks had notice the build up of Entente force near Lemnos, they were warned of the landings.
The results were extrem high losses of Australians and New Zealanders as they manage to install bridgeheads along more cleft beach of Gallipoli.
The french try to distract the Ottoman forces by feint attack at Kumkale but that ended in deadly fiasco for french, then loosing like the British 70% of there men.

Biggest problem for British and French was the commander of 19th Ottoman Division at Gallipoli: Colonel Mustafa Kemal
He manage brilliantly to use the unorganized Attacks and landing attempts by British and French for his advantage.
In mean time the local german submarines manage to sink several Ships, like the Battleship HMS Majestic, HMS Triumph and Troop-ship HMT Royal Edward
What force the British Royal Navy to required RMS Lusitania as replacement for the lost Troop-ship.

The battles at Gallipoli prolong to 21 August 1915, here it became clear that entire operation is impossible to win.
After a series of General were replaced, 1st Earl Kitchener finally gave order of the bridgeheads evacuation in October 1915
Do this disaster the minister Winston Churchill resign from his office and went to west Front

Colonel Mustafa Kemal was not promoted for his victory
The minister of War Ismail Enver Pasha consider the Colonel as a rival, he almost succeed that Kermal resign from the Army,
But do intervention by German General Liman von Sanders prevented it and in 1916 Mustafa Kemal was promotet to General and title Pasha
Mustafa Kemal Pasha was order to fight the Russian front of Ottoman empire in Armenian homeland.

But here the new General and Minister had dispute, As Ismail Enver Pasha after Russian defeat, consider new Campaigns against British in Egypt and Mesopotamia
General Kemal Pasha was suspend for „health“ reason by Enver Pasha, to make sure he would no make trouble for that what follows,
Interior Minister Mehmet Talaat Pasha, consider the christian Armenians as Traitors who worked for Russians. his Orders were executed by Ismail Enver Pasha
What follow was the genocide of Armenians People were millions died.

Mustafa Kemal was promoted (better say sideline) to Military attache for crown prince Vahideddin Mehmet
He had small hope that once Mehmet become Sultan, he could influence him for needed Reforms the Ottoman empire need.

Note:
General Otto Liman von Sanders severe with other germans military in Ottoman Empire in Joint War Effort
He combated at Gallipoli and other frontline in Ottoman Empire
Those germans military had a close connection to German Fraction of Young Turks.

Pasha, a Title for higher rank in the Ottoman political and military system, typically granted to governors, generals, dignitaries and others.

 

[Michel Van]

Kaiserreich a TL​

Part One: The Great War 1914-18​

Post Seven: 1916 - Hell On Earth

The original promised „The war is over In Christmas 1914“ is now ongoing two years.
In order to brake the stalemate the Generals sacrifices over Hundred thousand men senselessly in trench warfare.
They not care about there losses, so long the enemy losses are higher.
on February 21, 1916 the Germans try to brake-true the Frontline at Verdun,
It was biggest attrition Warfare ever made, the most brutal demonstration of Industrialization of Warfare in History.
Around 40 to 60 million shells were fired, poisonous Gas and Flamethrowers were used.
Ten months later over 714,231 Soldiers were dead, 1136061 wounded and both sides gain nothing !
The French government released General Joffre from his duty and put General Robert Nivelle as new Head of French Army.
At German Oberste Heeresleitung, General Erich von Falkenhayn consider the carnage as success since „The French looses were higher as Germans“
He was forced to resign and was replaced by Generals Hindenburg and Ludendorff.
Next to military disaster, was the Reputation of crown prince Wilhelm von Preussen severe damage, It went so far that His 5th Army refused to follow His orders…
But behind the scenes, things were happen that will change the outcome of the Great War:

-March 1916

The SS Maverick of „American-Asiatic Oil Company“ was coming from San Francisco over Dutch East Indies towards Karachi, British India.
Before arrival they made night rendezvous with local fisher boats and reloaded to them, boxes with American weapons
The „American-Asiatic Oil Company“ was German Cover organization, after a year delay and problems, its plan was completed.
Those weapons destine for Ghadar Party and liberation of Punjab from British supremacy

-April 20, 1916 Coast of Ireland, Tralee bay, Night.

The german Freighter under Swedish flag name SS Arktisk Dröm arrive to rendezvous with Irish Fisher boats.
Many boxes were reloaded from the Freighter to Fisher boats,
Then surface the german Submarine U-19 and led group of people on one of Fisher boats.
After that the SS Arktisk Dröm start it engine an move west follow, by the german Submarine that submerge fast.
The boxes were most important for Irish, it contains 20,000 American rifles, 10 machines guns and its ammunition and explosives.
Roger Casement brought them to Ireland to start the Revolution against British supremacy.


-April 24

Newspapers The Times page 3

Diplomatic Incident between Britain and United States
The British Government gave formal excuse to Ambassador of United States in case of „SS Arctic Dream“
on 20 April, the United States Freighter was intercept by warship HMS Bluebell and escorted toward Cork Harbour, were it’s was searched and crew arrested and interrogated.
According the British government „There must be some mistake“ but gave not further information why „SS Arctic Dream“ had be boarding,
The United States harshly condemn this kind of action, since the US is Neutral in the War in Europe and warned the British government of Action if this happen again.
The owner of Ship the Marco Polis Shipping company demanded compensation from British Government…

Same time people read this Times article, in Ireland the Irish attempt there uprise at Eastern.
Sadly it was was hastily ill coordinate move by several independent groups, who act on there own. At 29 April the British Authority had Brutal suppress it, around 485 People got killed.
But it’s political fallout was more drastic, during 3 to 12 May, Roger Casement and other leaders of Easter uprise were executed.
This turn Irish people worldwide against British supremacy of Irland and there was the German Weapon delivery ready for use.
Special in USA, Irish Americans were protesting against Britain and those groups were lobbying in Capitol hill.
Also were Tension between USA and British Empire rising,
Do the British Naval Blockade that hampers neutral US free trade with Europe, after Incident with „SS Arctic Dream“ the situation worsen.
The Rockefellers use there political influence at Republicans to make public condemnation of British action against US merchant ships
And also force US Banks to demand pay back of loans British Empire made, for financing the War effort.
In mean time at British Government got informed by Secret Service Bureau, that there was communication error between the Bureau and a MI6 agent.
Who was investigating Roger Casement activity, he had discovers information about a Ship named Arktisk Dröm.
But some how in Bureau the name got transcript to english Arctic Dream in Dossier and Royal Navy look out for a Ship with a english name.
In Irland however happen changes during summer of 1916, the Irish independents groups reorganized and
United them self under name Ógaligh na hÉirann better know under english nam „Irish Volunteers Army“ (IVA), there leader a certain Michael Collins…

-Christmas Day 1916

After Months of thorough preparation the Ghadar Party of Punjab, started there uprise.
The British authority first consider that as riot, until they realized its a full scale insurrection by armed forces.
They called British Government in London for Help and for more Troops.

NOTE
Arctic Dream and Arktisk Dröm are homage to Geon excellent TL „How silent Fall the Cherry Blossoms“
https://www.alternatehistory.com/wiki/doku.php?id=timelines:how_silent_fall_the_cherry_blossoms

 

[Michel Van]

Kaiserreich a TL​

Part One: The Great War 1914-18​

Post Eight: New Weapons for Strumtruppen

All quiet on the west front (1930 version)


Selbstladeflinte 1916 (SLF16)

In 1915 the german had need for new weapon for trench warfare
since Pistols and rifle were quite useless in man to man combat in Trenches
So had the Soldiers made there own weapons, Bayonets, cubs, Mele weapon and even sharpen spades were used.
For the technological advance War in history, Battles mostly ended in medieval bash someones head in...
in 1915 The German Rifle Testing Commission at Spandau, Berlin, gave order to design new Weapons for trench warfare
Various weapons were tested modified Pistols based on Luger 08 and C96 Mauser were found useless.
During one test a officer used a Shotgun on test trench with resounding success !
It was a breakthrough there looking for, but there was a problem, they needed pump action shotgun. something the German weapon industry not build.
The Germans preferred simple manual slow loaded rifle shotguns for Hunting.
But there were a factory in Europe that build pump action shotgun and German army had conquer it: Fabrique National d’ Armes de Guerre in Herstal, Kingdom of Belgium.
There Shotgun Browning Auto-5, that was the Rifle, needed by Testing Commission, were fast and easy to produce for the troops.
General Ludendorff was not happy of this weapon he consider as violation of the Hague treaty war convention.
but the Rifle Testing Commission committed field trails of pump action Shotgun and Sturmtruppen wanted that Weapon!
So Ludendorff was overruled by Hindenburg and the Emperor,
The Oberste Heeres Leitung gave the order for Production of that shotgun for Strumtruppen
If you could persuade the Belgium to build it, after all of obstacle and protest and threats of executions, FN Herstal finally agreed
But there production was prone to sabotage, so the production had to be checkt true on errors or malfunction, delaying there introduction.
Finally in begin 1917 the Selbstladeflinte1916 (SLF16) enter service in German Army first to Strumtruppen later in summer 1917 to regular troops.
In mean time the Bergmann Waffenfabrik was working on a new infernal weapon that would revolutionizes this Warfare…

Flammenwerferapperat

The Germans consider flamethrower as additional weapon to break the Stalemate of trench warfare
The Army had developed two models
Großflammenwerfer a big flame thrower operated by two man even Three man
Kleinflammenwerfer operated by one man
mostly used by Strumtruppen, it was later also used as defense system for approaching enemies
but like The Sturmtruppen and the Combat gas brought the Flame thrower no advance,
because of Lack on Man power to use the gaps in frontline to invade backland.
Next to that had Kleinflammenwerfer serious issue: to explode on battlefield

The British and French were outrage of use of this barbaric weapon as another Violation of the Hague treaty
While British never look into option of flamethrowers, were the french took the opportunity
In 1917 during the Neville Offensive the German Solders found several French Schilt Flame Throwers
superior as the Germans Kleinflammenwerfer
The french Schilt features were soon incorporated into production of second generation Kleinflammenwerfer: the Wex a more safer design.

 

[Michel Van]

Kaiserreich a TL
Part One: The Great War 1914-18​

Post 9: Kampfwagen we need Kampfwagen !

The Trench warfare let to stalemate in 1915
BEF and French found a Solution: a armored vehicle that use Tracks to move over terrain of Battle field referred as „Landships“
The Idea was that armored Vehicle rolle down the barbwire and help Infantry to move faster to enemy
15 September 1916 the British used first armored vehicle called „Boiler“ after its codename at Factory they build them.
(The Military told the workers they were building mobile water Boilers for West Front)
But so innovative the boiler was it had major drawback, with mass of 28 tons, it hab no suspension or shock absorbers,
Means that a Boiler had cross an trench or extrem terrain, it could knockout it’s crew, next to that had the engine serious issue with poisoning the Crew with carbon monoxide.
Allot of those „Landships“ fell this way in germans hands

The French Program suffered allot under Rivalry, lack of support, money and material, also technical delays.
it had after several miserable prototype failures, until they were successful with two „Char“ design
A heavy Char design the Schneider CA1, It’s design philosophy was to be a mobile canon to use on battlefield
Therefore was a 75 mm Canon install into nose sections of the char

The other was Light weight small armored vehicle that use Tracks,
The „Char“ Renault FT-17, a 2 man vehicle equip with 37 mm gun or a 8 mm machine gun
Its advantage was it could be produce in large numbers from 1917 on

The French Generals order Calvary troops to be retrained in Use of Chars
This let to allot of problems because those men were not Engineers, who count’t do repairs on battlefield
and over 25% of french Chars CA1 broke down with technical problems , while other 20% got stuck, only 55% to manage to reach there objectives


The German Army was surprised by emerge of new type Battle Vehicle
To make matter worst there were not even a agency to deal with matter of armored combat vehicle in Army !
So OHL order the development of a german armored combat vehicle
At Prussian War Ministry, the Abteilung 7 „Verkehrswesen des Allgemeinen Kriegsdepartements“,
Here Someone remember a Patent from 1911 by Austrian Günter Burstyn that Abteilung 7 had study in that time.
His proposal was highly detailed, well calculated and almost direct useable to build a prototype immediately.
After 6 months of work, the chief Engineer Joseph Vollmer offers two designs in 1916
A combat Vehicle called „Schwere Kampfwagen“ and a easy to build light design called „Leichter Kampfwagen“

The „Schwere Kampfwagen“ was on first look tiny but it was one of Advance Tank designs of it's Time.
It based on Patent of Burstyn-Motorgeschütz
The result was remarkable, Compact in size it was able to move better over frontline as french or British design
With extended arms it’s cross trenches
The gun was installed in a swiveling Touret that gave the „Schwere Kampfwagen“ vast firing range, compare the Char Schneider CA1 fix cannon or Landships Mark I two side guns,
Only of 17 tons mass, equip with a Daimler engine giving a total of 100 horse power to two caterpillar track with suspension.
it maximum speed on road was 28 km/h or on battle field 8 km/h (the Landships Mark I made only 6 km/h)
it range lies at 60 km on roads on battle field 35 km (the Landships Mark I range was 36 km)
Equipped was the „Schwere Kampfwagen“ with 37 cm Cockererill-Nordenfelt cannon made by the Belgium.
and two 7,92 mm MG08/15 machines guns

But the design was not perfect the Burstyn-Motorgeschütz had original crew of 3 men: Driver, Gunner, and Commander
This make the use of Weapons on board problematic they had to change between Cannon and machines guns use.
The larger „Schwere Kampfwagen“ was simplified, the Wheels systems for driving on road were removed.
Next to that in the original, the Drive had to face backwards what complicated the Steering, This was change by Vollmer turning Driver seating and putting a Fourth crew member in tank.
Also was crew selected after size to fit inside the „Schwere Kampfwagen“

The „Leichter Kampfwagen“ was based on a Daimler car chassis with front-mounted engine and driver compartment behind it
instead of wheels, the 60 hp. Engine powers now tracks, the armored driver compartment offers place for 3 men
it maximum speed was 18 km/h on road and on battle field 8~10 km/h with range lies at 60 km on roads or 40 km on battle field
The Leichter Kampfwagen was equipped with one 7,92 mm MG08 machine gun or a Flammenwerferapparat (flamethrower)

Both vehicle had another advance compare to Char CA-1 and Landship Mark I & II, they were lighter as there counterpart
what was needed in Flanders with it’ muddy ground, BEF had learned a hard lesson in Battle of Passchendaele as Landships failed in flemish mud.
The OHL had provisions against the „Leichter Kampfwagen“ and wanted only the „Schwere Kampfwagen“
but Abteilung 7 could convince that the „Leichter Kampfwagen“ could be produce in masses and could be sooner at Frontline as the „Schwere Kampfwagen“
Were Joseph Vollmer estimate „Schwere Kampfwagen“ would be ready in autumn 1917/Begin 1918, compare to begin of 1917 for „Leichter Kampfwagen“
The OHL gave a order for 560 „Leichter Kampfwagen“ and so many „Schwere Kampfwagen“ as possible to build
in mean time they gave orders to The German Rifle Testing Commission at Spandau, Berlin.
For development of a Rifle able to penetrate the armor of the new enemy armored vehicle, what became the Mauser 1918 Boiler-Gewehr.
A nasty brutal Surprise for every Enemy Boiler or Char, the M1918 Rifle could penetrate Armor plate or hit it so hard, on inside deadly shrapnel broke off.

Notes
OHL = Oberste Heeres Leitung, the German military High Command during war time
Abteilung 7 „Verkehrswesen des Allgemeinen Kriegsdepartements“ In english: Prussian War Ministry, Deparment 7, „generally Traffic Section“

 

[Michel Van]

Kaiserreich a TL
Part One: The Great War 1914-18​

Post 9: Mean Time in…


Romania

During the Great War, the Kingdom of Romania try to be neutral for first 2 years, but the French Diplomats manage to lure the Romania Government into joining the Entente.
With promise to get ALL Romania speaking territory from Austria-Hungary empire, next to that hope France and Russia a exoneration at East frontline.
But it ended in failure never seen before, As Romania try to invade Transylvania and Siebenburgen
The Romania Army to be composed of, ill equipped, non-skilled illiterates were no match for the central powers.
The central powers forces manage to invade Romania, within two months they occupy 2/3 of Kingdom as the Romania Government surrender.
For Russian Empire it was a Disaster instead a exoneration at East frontline, it led to more losses and defeats,
As they try to support Romania leading to higher losses on Russian solders and equipment.
At December 1917 Romania signed a armistice with the central powers and a forced Agreement by German Empire
The Kingdom of Romania had to support the German Empire with timber and food deliveries,
But harder decision that hurt Romania was the German ordered surrender all the Oil and Gas fields to German State oil company DSEA

During the Romania campaign a certain Erwin Rommel of Royal Wurttemberg Alpenkorps, made a name as a daredevil at OHL


Meanwhile in USA

The Reelection Of President Wilson was most to thanks Democratic party slogan „He kept us out of War!“
But in fact Woodrow Wilson never say anything about that during his campaign,
In his point of view this War was a sign, that old regimes were destroying themselves, while Democracy like the USA rise to power, Global Power !
And His vice President Thomas Marshall declared publicly that USA had to Intervene in Europan War, he got public criticizes by Press and Capitol Hill
The Death of Theodore Roosevelt was another blow for US War effort, Had he be President the USA would had enter the Great War and ended it military.
He would have unite the Republicans to support any declaration of War, but Roosevelt is dead, shot in 1912 by a delusional man.
Now Republicans were divided on issue, but most were loyal to the Monroe Doctrine, on USA not interfering in Europans affairs, so long European not interfering in US.
Also were business Lobbyist supporting heavily for US neutrality, while other Lobbyist were fighting against British Sea blockade that Hamper US trade with Europe.
But the Civil War in Irland let to more tension between the USA and British Empire,
Wilson attempt failed to deal with the matter and focus on War instead. Because of the US politicians of Irish ancestry,
It went even so far that Democratic party started to divide internally
On one part the Southerners who support Wilson and his policy of „US imperialism“ and racial segregation,
The other part are Midwest and East fraction with allot catholics Irish members who abhor the British action in Irland.
It went even so far that they demanded that USA support Irland cause by declaring war on British Empire !
This had farfetched consequences for future of Democrat party as this dispute evolved into a Shiism in 1920s

To make matter worst for Willson, the Democrats lost there majority in Congress and Senat, do dead of representatives or renegades toward Republicans
Now there 215 Republicans against 211 Democrats, for every political decision now every single vote could be deciding

Note:
The Midwest fraction of Democrats are Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois
The East fraction of US East coast, here the Irish around New Jersey and New York


The Situation in Irland and India

At begin of summer of 1916, the Irish groups united under Irish volunteers army (IVA) under the leadership of Michael Collins and began a Guerrilla warfare.
First victim was Commander-in-Chief Bryan Mahon in Irland follow by Former military governor John Grenfell Maxell.
He was responsible for execution of Irish leaders of Easter uprise. Maxell died in a bomb attack in York
The country site of Irland became dead traps for British Patrols, who were ambushed and killed were ever they encounter IVA
While Irish agents commit bomb attacks and assassination attempt in Ireland and England.
In USA the pro Irish groups organize themselves to support the War effort, with Money, weapons, ammunition and fighters for the Irish Volunteers Army.
The US Volunteers united under Irish Republican Army (IRA)
Also started campaign of Irish Civilian disobedient were they refuse to pay Taxes or Irish railwaymen refused to Transport British military or there supplies.
Another issue were the Fear of Irish men to be forced to serve in BEF at West front what let to join IVA.
During 1917 Irland became a hellhole for the British Force, the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) was falling Apart.
There substitutions, the Auxiliaries and „Black and Tans“ were Paramilitary forces and were notorious for there reprisal terror attacks on Irish civilians.
The Military concentrates there activity in major cities and Coast area from summer 1917 on.
The Army had relative control over east part Norther Irland province of Ulster, but only with help of Ulster Special Constabulary and protistan Extremist.
Unfortunate those force used same tactic as IVA what let to bloodshed and murder, silently sanctioned by British forces and the Government in London.


British colony of India, the Ghadar Party was fighting against the British rule in Punjab.
Parallel to the guerrilla fighting was other group organizing a Civilian disobedient movement led by a Mahatma Karamchand Gandhi
The British Government had order Colonel Reginald Dyer to India to deal with matter, unfortunate he lack of any intuition, empathy and sensitivity to defuse the Situation.
Dyer went hard brutal and roughshod against the Ghadar Party and Gandhi movement like wise.
This accumulated in the Amritsar massacre in 13 April of 1918, were he order to open fire on nonviolent demonstrators in Jallianwalan
From 10000 people around 2000 Men women and children and four sacred cow were killed and almost Mahatma Gandhi, who survived the massacre wounded.
The massacre let to outcry in India. Colonel Dyer was relieved from duty and order back to Britian to face Investigation committee of house of lords.
In mean time under India solders start to organized inside BEF, handwritten pamphlet in Hindi, Darvidian and Panjabi language were found in barracks at west front
Translation:

You have to died for England ?

No !

Join Us to fight the Englanders

Fight for Freedom of India

Sabotage the War effort

The British Generals at frontline were concerned about those pamphlet, but higher command and Field Marshal Haig were not.
In India a convalesced Gandhi was over thinking if his Strategy of Peaceful resistance, is really effective against the British like Colonel Dyer.
Gandhi realize he must change his strategy...

 

[Michel Van]

Kaiserreich a TL
Part One: The Great War 1914-18​

Post 10: Obituary notice I


Berliner Tageblatt
15. January 1917
Title-page: headlines

HINDENBURG IS DEAD

We have sad duty to Inform the German People, That National Hero General marshal Paul von Hindenburg is dead
According press release by Oberste Heeresleitung the Hero of Tannenberg, died in tragic car accident near Belgium Town of Spa...


The Entente propaganda reacted Happy on news as Military leader of German Empire had died.
While there Generals hoped the Dead of von Hindenburg would cripple the German High Command
For Oberste Heeresleitung it was not so tragic lost, Because the real Hero in Battle of Tannenberg, were His General Staff under Hindenburg, who slept during the Battle !
and On day of his dead he was on way to Casino of Spa for gambling and instructed the chauffeur to drive faster, despite the icy contorted road !
Some of this General Staff were even quite happy that General marshal Hindenburg was Dead, what meaning promotion.
General Eric Ludendorff became sole Chief of the general Staff, while Generalmajor Max Hoffmann rise to second in command.
Also was Military command of the central powers were united under Oberste Heeresleitung, so the Austrians Army had become auxiliary Force for German Army.
It became necessary out of german fear that Austrian Hungary could collapse and there politicians sign a separate Peace agreement with the Entente.


Berliner Tageblatt
15. January 1917
Page 3

State secretary for Foreign Affairs Arthur Zimmermann was arrested, removed from office and replaced by Richard von Kühlmann
What happen is unclear, the Foreign Affairs office refused a explanation, refer nondisclosure under current War.
But we found out, that Zimmermann was transported to Dalldorf a well know psychiatric clinic,
This could mean that former State secretary Zimmermann couldn’t handle the stress.
Understandable under this circumstances…

…What really happen
State secretary Zimmermann one of men involved in Irish rebellion
wanted another grater success, he planned an alliance with Mexico and Japan against USA, if they declare war.
But there were one thing, he worked arbitrary and not consulted his superior Minister, neither the Oberste Heeres Leitung.
One of his subordinates for correspondence, got doubts about trueness of Zimmerman action and reported him to Secretary of State Gottlieb von Jagow
After short conversation of Secretary of State with Zimmerman, follow investigation, what let to his Arrest.
Informed Emperor Wilhelm II was so furious about Zimmerman arbitrary act, that Emperor order his admission to psychiatric clinic of Dalldorf.
It was not about the Zimmerman Plans, but about his boldness to do this without informing the Oberste Heeres Leitung !
After Foreign Affairs office study the plans in detail, they were shocked about the consequence:

Japan was on side of the Entente, they would have given that Information to British and they to USA !
Mexican for moment was under brutal Civil war, were several fraction were raiding the USA, but that was not the Government who Zimmerman was addressing to.
in fact the raiders were the Enemy of current Mexican Government !
Zimmerman Initiative would had violated the Monroe Doctrine, on USA not interfering in Europans affairs, so long European not interfering in US.
Alone the publication of this plan, would have let declaration of War by USA.
Not that Germans were worry, the USA had a army with 107,641 men. to compare the German Army had 13,250,000 men !
What German really fears was another economic blockade, this time by USA, what could let to defeat for Germany
So the entire case was label top secret, memos and dossiers destroyed and Arthur Zimmerman remain for rest of his life in psychiatric clinic of Dalldorf.

On 24 January demand Johann von Bernstorff, German Ambassador to USA,
$50000 to „influences“ member of US congress to vote for US remain neutral.
The budgetary committee of Reichstag gave the acceptance on von Bernstorff demand.
Much to anger of Eduard von Capelle the Secretary of state for the Navy,
Who consider this as waste of money, unfortunately he arrives to late to budgetary committee hearing and voting.
What he not know was, that money were well spend.

Footnote
$50000 are today over million us dollars.
Oberste Heeres Leitung = OHL = high Command of German military.


Braunkreuz
Fritz Haber got letter by colleague who informed him about a incident at Bayer Werke in Leverkusen.
There were several chemist try support the war effort by developing on there own new chemical weapon.
But they got sick and two died during experiment ! so what wend wrong ?
The Military order Haber and his team to look into strange case because more people got sick and died at that Laboratory in Bayer Werke.
The interview of survivors in Hospital brought Fritz Haber new and disturbing Information:
His colleagues experiment with Dimethylhopramidocyanidate, a stuff discover by Adolph Schall in 1898.
But for a reason they got sick and died, also the workers order to clean the mess up in lab, died on contact with material in lab.
Haber testing were under most extreme security measurement since this stuff react deadly on skin contact,
The results were disturbing: this stuff was of a extreme toxicity, it not attack the skin or lungs like Mustard gas
It attack the nervous system direct by absorption by skin or by inhaling, follow by a fatally failure of the nervous system of mammalian. the victims die instantly.
Adolph Schall in 1898 was lucky since he synthesized it in low quality, his unlucky colleagues 19 years later produce it almost in Pure form.
Fritz Haber was shock by lethal dose of only 400 mg for a human being, he label it Tabu (Taboo)
But the German Military wanted it and label it as Braunkreuz, since it had light brown color in less pure form.
and here the problem started they could not use it, Braunkreuz was to toxic and Solders needed full body protection gear with own Air tanks.
Something the German industry was unable to build in large quantity for moment.
Some doctors believed that there was antidote to Tabu mode of action, but it would take years to develop it.
After long discussions and dispute the OHL came to verdict: To use Braunkreuz only as a Doomsday weapon in case all was lost…

​

 

[Michel Van]

Kaiserreich a TL
Part One: The Great War 1914-18​

Post 11: The Collapse of Russian Empire

Events from March to June 1917
For Tsar Empire things went not good during Great War, There Military was not match for German forces and tactics
Since Disastrous Battle of Tannenberg in 1915, were the Russians was retreating form German army and Austrians advances.
Particular after the disastrous Gorlice-Tarnów offensive with over 250000 Russian casualties and the Romania campaign.
And Russian Generals found only one solution: sacrifice massively Russian soldiers, so long the enemy losses are higher.
The result in begin 1917: The Russian Army had lost nearly FOUR million Men.
After disaster of the Romania campaign the Situation was more south Russia was now easy to reach for the central power,
while Russian troop deployment to there, weaken there frontline at Galicia and Volhynia
and Situation was chaotic The Army ran short on rifles and Ammunition, Moral was so low that Solders murder there officers.
In Homeland Russian the situation was worst, the economy had collapsing under demands to keep Army alive, while a Wild Inflation let to price rising and food shortage.
on March 8, Soviets workers at Putilov industrial plant started a Strike in Petrograd this strike expanded over other Russian cities.
Tsar Nicholas II order crackdown of Strike by force, but what follows are mutiny by troops in Russian Cities, soon the Tsarist regime was demolish and new government rise.
On march 14, The Tsar try to return to Petrograd, to deal with situation. But his train was stop by revolutionaries at train station of Malaya Vishera,
While Duma declare order No. 1 „The Dual Power of Soviets and Duma“ replacing the Tsarist autocracy.
in Meantime the Duma and chief of Army found agreement and offers Tsar Nicholas II to abdicate the Throne, in favor of his son Alexei Nikolaevich.
What the Tsar dit on 15 march 1917, while the Duma form a provisional Government under Prince Georgy Lvov, there first action is to arrest Tsar Family and deport them to Siberia.

footnotes:
Soviets, Russian word for Council of Workers deputies.
Petrograd, capitol of Russia, Former St Petersburg, later renamed into Petrograd, 1918 renamed Leningrad.
Duma, a former Russian assembly , establish by the Tsar in 1906, dissolve in 1918.
Russian army lost around 2 million in combat and around 1.8 million Prisoner of War to the Germans


In Mean time the Germans realized what for a opportunity this gave and organized for Russian revolutionary Vladimir Lenin, a train voyage to Russia.
17 April, Lenin arrive in Petrograd, on next day he held a speech were he demand the end of this senseless War and immediate start peace talks.
Duma voted for interdiction for dual mandate, this mean that in provisional Government several minister has to resign
like Minister of justice Alexander Kerensky leader of Socialist Revolutionary party.

But on end April happen scandal that shake Russia deeply
Newspaper publish a Diplomatic Note from Minister of Foreign Affairs Pavel Milyukov to the Entente Governments,
Were He stated that Russia will continue the War effort to „its glorious conclusion“
As result workers and soldiers started demonstration, demanding Milyukov resignation or execution.
In wake of Scandal Minister of War Alexander Guchkov and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pavel Milyukov resign from Office to save the provisional Government.
But the Opposition and Displeasure rise against the provisional Government, who failed in promise reforms.
Next to that was a Rumor in Russian Army, about a Large Scale Offensive to attack the German and Austrians forces in late April - begin May.
Large part of the Army tired of War, joint the Soviets and Bolsheviks, a Situation Vladimir Lenin and Leo Trotsky exploit for there plans…
but Bolsheviks Party could not gain majority in Duma dominated by Socialist, Socialist-Revolutionaries and Mensheviks, this let the Bolsheviks return to armed combat

Footnotes:
Bolsheviks, „Majority“ a radical revolutionary Group under Vladimir Lenin, who goals are given by work of Karl Marx
Mensheviks. „minority“ a moderate Splitter group of Bolsheviks under leadership of Julius Martov
That rumor of large scale offensive was the Russian part of Nivelle Offensive

On April 31 started spontaneous armed demonstration against provisional Government and there war effort.
Do to Rumor of large Military Offensive against Germans beginn of May and failed reforms of government
Over 120000 people in Petrograd were protesting more violent as one of February
and provisional Government found a scape goat and order a crackdown of the Bolsheviks Party !
While more and more solders, sailor and industrial workers armed with weapons arrive in Petrograd.
The Bolsheviks from Ekaterinburg had order there loyal regiment to come to Petrograd, they arrived with out further order.
There Commander Boris Ivanovich Zhestkov took the initiate in his own hand and organized the armed troops into a Red Army of around 30000 men.
Order them to secure law & order on streets of Petrograd and hunt down and arrest anyone of the provisional Government.
Chairman of Central Committee Yakov Mikhallovich Sverdlov manage to contacted Zhestkov, and was highly impress of talent of this military
Then on Sverdlov order was the military head of The Petrograd district, arrested as he refused to submit this authority under the leadership of Zhestkov
As Vladimir Lenin and Leo Trotsky return to Petrograd on 4 May (they went hiding as the provisional Government issue warrants of arrest on them)
Both found The Petrograd district under control of Sverdlov and Zhestkov .
Not only that most members of the provisional Government were arrested or killed as the Bolsheviks stormed the Tauride Palace (Were Prince Georgy Lvov was arrested and force to sign his resignation.)
Zhestkov men also manage to arrest also members of military so taking control over the Army
The Bolsheviks declared them self victorious of this Revolution
Bruce Lockhart who was British Consul-General during those days in Moscow wrote about this:

Those strange days from 31 April to 4 May, were the most chaotic and brutal events in Russian history, in this turmoil manage this General [Zhestkov]
To accomplish with a motley Army the Bolsheviks Revolution, belief me they had a fortunate stroke of serendipity,

The Germans were pleased about this development, Lenin first actions, next consolidation of Bolsheviks power, was immediate cease-fire with begin of peace talks with German Empire.

 

[Michel Van]

A note on post 11

Boris Ivanovich Zhestkov is a major character in TL Part 2 & 3.
He is fictional character, His Russian name means "hard".
And Hard he will go against political opponents like Joseph Stalin.


Special thanks to AH member WotanArgead
for helping me to find the Name

 

[Shahanshah of Xsassa]

I don't know why I haven't discovered it earlier. Amazing!

 

[Michel Van]

Update, I adapted for more clarity and additional Information .

Prolog, Post 2# The Scandal of the Herero and Namaqua genocide
Prolog, Post 3# The captain of Köpenick

 

[Michel Van]

Kaiserreich a TL​

Part One: The Great War 1914-18​

Post 12: Nivelle Offensive, Turning point in this bloody War



Prolog: La crise du pinard…

January 1916
The shortage of french wine do poor harvest on grape in previous years before the great war, let to some problems.
The French army gave allot of cheap wine to there soldiers to ease them from the stress, the pain, the horror, the futility of this war,
Now the French Army HQ demanded from Government money for Import of wanted badly wine, what let some penny pincher to protest,
They consider that money had to be spent on resources needed for War Effort like Coal and ammunitions.

...Our men not needed to be drunk, our men have to died glorious on battlefield for France victory !
No, my decision stay, One Bottle of Wine per Soldier a day that’s enough for them...

Minister of Finance Alexander Ribot in letter to minister of War Hubert Lyautey, about the matter in 1916.

Many Historians consider this decision as one of most decisive turning points in War (together with Nivelle Offensive)
because it largely affected the Moral of French Troops in the War extremely negatively !



The Nivelle Offensive it self,

Le Chanson de Craonne (french Soldier protest song)
Scene from French Movie „A Very Long Engagement“ 2004


June 1917, Excerpts from the News Paper Le Petit Parisien

General Nivelle say in 48 hours are germans Front lines ours, in a week would the glorious french army marching in Berlin.
TWO Month has past and what we gain ? SIX METER OF FRONTLINE !
How many French Men died in this senseless carnage ? Why is General Nivelle holding the casualties numbers secret ?

...Six months earlier
After brutal offensive of Verdun and on the Somme, over 200000 french soldiers died senseless
The French government released General Joffre from his duty and put General Robert Nivelle as new Head of French Army.
Commander-in-Chief Nivelle was in difficult situation, not only he had to turn the war in favor of the third Republic, but end it also victorious.
So he envision a coordinated Entente Offensive that would end this war, it would have high numbers of casualty, but if its successful, it would be Victory for France.
Its feature a coordinated Russian-British-French Attacks on Several site on both Germans font lines to distract them.
The Main offensive start with attack of 7000 artillery pieces on German trenches, between Reims and Roye
in mean time on East front the Russian army would start large offensive against German, so ensure by the new government in Russian.
follow by invasion by Entente forces with 27 french division over 10 km long frontline in April
Also French Army would use new weapons, the heavy Char Schneider CA1 and portable Flamethrower.
In end after several dispute the Entente got compromise to start the Attack in May


The Nivelle Plan was not bad, but he hab very bad luck
on German site the Commander-in-Chief was replace, not by one but two Generals: Ludendorff and Hindenburg (later one by Hoffman.)
They foresee that the Entente would try such Offensive, later confirm by German Air reconnaissance.
At German Frontline a new group of Troops were formed „Die Eingreif Division“ (the intervention division)
A Specialized army formations that counter-attacking against enemy troops who try to brake true the German defensive.
Eingreif Division consist mostly out Strumtruppen who were not in Offensive operation.
Then between 9. February and 15. March to surprise of the Entente, the Germans abandon part of there frontline and destroy it.
and moved to new frontline eastwards to „Siegfriedstellung“ a well heavy fortified frontline.
What the Entente found was scorched earth: destroy infrastructure and ruins of villages there inhabitants deported to the east.
The areas was filled with body traps and lands mines, The Germans became to know as „the worst Barbarians“

This delay preparation for Nivelle and to make matter worst BEF Field Marshal Haig order the distraction Attacks on original schedule, before French Troops could reorganized on new situation.
That was partly because Haig dislike on Nivelle plan, because British Prime minister push that plan, without consultation with BEF Marshals, de facto make BEF the Subordinates of the French Army !
While the Russian Revolution had let to total chaos, that there Army never started there Offensive on West and East Front
On 16 April the French Fifth Army started a misty and overhasty attack on the new german frontline,
Under worst weather after days of rain the Trenches and Battlefield turn into mud fields slowing down the advance of infantry.

There Char Schneider CA1 were a disaster, poorly integrated into the Cavalry, braking down or get stuck in mud or in German traps
Those who reach the Enemy got gun down by German cannons, after they found out Char weak spot, there fuel tank was in front of Char and was not heavy protected
The french infantry were stopped by German machine guns or flamethrowers in concrete bunkers, the Eingreif Division were very successful during counter attack, after 5 days over 200000 french solders were dead
The British lost over 100000 men and 1/3 of there Air-force in two weeks and no sign of breakthrough, 3 British Generals started to complain directly at Field Marshal Haig about the rise of casualties.
On french side General Micheler and Petain demanded from General Nivelle a stop of this carnage, what he stubborn refused.

On May 3 the Entente try started another Attack, Then it happen !
The Russian troops on west Frontline refused to fight, after french command used them so ruthlessly, they had enough that Russians died senseless on this Battlefield.
While India soldiers in BEF and the French colonial troops start to refuse to follow orders,
At towns of Soissions, A french soldier refuse to go into slaughter, other follow his example and as there Officer threaten to execute them and pull his revolver, he was kill by his own men.
Along the Frontline section of Soissions the french stop all Offensive and remain only defensive for German Attacks.
Over follow days the mutinies spread over 16 separate French army corps, in total 112 regiments demanded reasonable end of this madness !

On May 5 French President Poincare order General Nivelle to stop the offensive.
As Nivelle ending it, the french had almost 300000 dead soldiers, gain only six meter frontline…
General Nivelle blamed General Mangin, Micheler and Petain for failure (mostly Micheler because he opposed the Nivelle Plan from begin)
The Way General Nivelle to deal with this disaster just made things even worst, General Charles Mangin was to order to deal with situation, He is better know as „The Butcher“
The French Government named General Petain to new Commander-in-Chief, while General Nivelle was sacked and exiled to a military outpost in Algerian desert.
Also Minister of War Paul Painlevé resign from office, following by entire the Government Ribot.
In Soissions the local Soldiers declare Socialist revolution and no longer Part of that murderous Regime.
At the headquarters the Generals realized there old fashion Tactics are not working and this War is descending into total chaos…

The Aftermath
Jean-Batiste Guerin was dispatch rider between the frontline and the french Commander-in-Chief Offices in Senlis.
He drive his motorcycle like usual but in his shoulder bag was empty envelope and loaded officer revolver.
Jean-Batiste Guerin had enough of this war the senseless killing and death Friends and members of his Family in trenches
Like his cousins , He die in the Nivelle Offensive,
For Jean-Batiste Guerin the french version of „The Worm has turned“ was reach, For his family, he would put vengeance on those Butchers.
He arrived on destination parked his Motorcycle and past the Soldiers guarding the door, they knew him.
The Officers in Office was little more challenging „I have urgent Message for General Micheler to General Petain , for his eyes only !“
The Officer looked irritated on that, Jean-Batiste Guerin additions „ About New German Activities on Frontline“, Officer open the Door.
And Jean-Batiste Guerin enter and salute to General Petain „i have urgent Message from Frontline SIR !“ and hand over the Envelope
General Petain open it looks into empty content looking up to dispatch rider saying „is this some kind of Jo…“
Jean-Batiste Guerin reply „We have enough of your Butchers“ pulled the revolver and shoot six time on General Petain
The Officers stormed into Office overwhelm Guerin, taking the revolver away, screaming for a Doctor
but it was to Late, General Petain lie on face on his desk and large puddle of blood was forming on table…

…General Charles „The Butcher“ Mangin was furious, how could this happen ?
A simple dispatch rider manage to assassinate Commander-in-Chief Petain, how low was Moral in French Army fallen ?!
Even his men were started to conspire against Him !
He was on his way to a car that would bring him to Commander-in-Chief Offices in Senlis, were other Generals were waiting to deal with the matter.
for „The Butcher“ was the Answers simple allot of Trouble maker would die soon, in Executions or in Glorious dead on Battlefield for France.
The double click clack of two Rifles and sound of two shots, came for General Mangin as complete surprise,
He was already dead as his face hit the gravelly soil, shot by his own colonial bodyguards,
They had act in Panic, out deadly fear „The Butcher“ would become new Commander-in-Chief…

…What was consider by French Army command as a pacifistic and socialistic agitations, was now see as grave rebellion against the War effort
in mean time french officers arbitrary try to get situation under control under there Troops like „normalize“ the situation in Soissions
3427 innocent soldiers were elected randomly and execute, to bring there regiments to obedience,
This worked in begin, but long term it destroy French Army moral and first men thinking about revenge and revolution…
The new French Government named General Foch to new Commander-in-Chief
The French Troops were not filled with enthusiasm about this news

From Stanley Kubrick „Path of Glory“ 1957

Footnote:
Jean-Batiste Guerin is a Fictional character

 

[Michel Van]

Kaiserreich a TL
Part One: The Great War 1914-18
​

Post 13: Ruhe vor dem Sturm (Calm before the storm)



Except from a Letter to Field Marshal Haig from war cabinet London

June 14, 1917

Hello dear chap

...I sorry to inform you, that your request for reinforcement are denied !
We need every available men in Ireland and India to keep the Empire together.
Things in Ireland are not looking good, even with Canadian forces we can only control Norther Ireland
Rest of Ireland is a hellhole that’s murder our brave British solders
While we reroute the Australian and New Zeelands forces to India to keep the uprise there under control.

I heard of you trouble with the India soldiers in BEF, that led to cancelation of this disaster named Neville Offensive.
For my part deal with them like Nivelle dit with his revolt, just execute them all, it’s best for troops moral.
just make sure you not get killed like General Petain, everything will be fine.

For that fiasco at Messines, it’s shame that those bloody krauts figure out what we planning and withdrawal deeper into there trench system
I relay wanted the explosion had kill them all, but hell no…

…Sadly the Americans will not help us, since the „SS Arctic Dream“ Affaire this January.
There congress is in stalemate between political fraction. They believe we want to force them into War,
I afraid dear chap that we are victim of a German plot to weaken us with Uprise in Ireland and India and let to dispute with Americans.
Now Americans „volunteers“ join the insurrection in Irland, while US government is hiding behind there „Neutrality“
and because of this we could lose this War…

Learning from Nivelle Disaster, the British Army needed new approach to defeat the Germans
Major-General John F. C. Fuller and General Julian Byng proposed this in June 1917 what became Operation GY
instead wasting the infantry in senseless battle, a massive attack of 500 Landships and Aircraft has to make a break true in frontline at Cambrai
This would punch a hole into German frontline and enable the conventional Warfare for 9 divisions infantry following the Landships.
The Plan was radical new innovative, but it had two problems: BEF had not yet the numbers of needed Landships for that offensive.
Other problem was Field Marshal Douglas Haig rejection of the proposal, in his conservative mindset he consider it as too ambitious and far-fetched.
And orders another bloody Offensive, today know as disastrous Battle of Passchendaele. with 448000 casualties on British side.
After intervention by Prime Minister David Lloyd George, that stop the massacre and push for Operation GY
But to Looses and Delays do Battle of Passchendaele, Fuller and Byng plan would be only ready in November of 1917
Both hope that German not start large offensive before that.

Footnote:
That fiasco at Messines was BEF attempt to dig several tunnels and fill them with thousands tons of explosion right under German Frontline.
After the Detonation British infantry had to invade true the Gap on Enemy side.
Unfortunately two tunnels were discovered by Germans, who order withdrawal deeper into there Trench system
As biggest explosion before Kernspaltungs Bombs happened, It killed only hand full germans guards and reconnaissance soldiers.
Next to that BEF had to canceled infantry offensive as the Terrain created by the explosion was impassable.



The French had also serious manpower issue after disastrous Nivelle offensive
They missing 110000 soldiers for Frontline, what hampering operations.
It went even so far that General Foch had to dissolve three division to fill up others,
Expected were 100000 new recruits will arrive at frontline in early October 1917
Another issue was failure of Char Schneider CA1 in combat,
The Germans had adapted well by shooting with armor piercing ammunition on fuel tank of the Char, who they now nicknamed „Rollendes Krematorium“ (Rolling crematorium).
All hopes lies now on Char Renault FT-17 who would ready in large numbers end of 1917
General Foch hope the Germans would not attack during that time slot…

French endured a Political crisis as Holy Union in Parlament show major cracks
After the Resign of the Government Ribot, came proposal to form new government under Paul Painlevé, former Minister of War during the Nivelle Disaster.
Soon a opposition formed in parliament demanding for other better candidates, President Raymond Poincaré talked with Georges Clémenceau and Joseph Caillaux.
President Poincaré chose for Clémenceau instead of Caillaux, who really consider the option of armistice agreement with German Empire !
But was Clémenceau a good choice ?

Once in power, Prime minister Georges Clémenceau start to rule with hard hand, bypassing the parliament,
He declare him self Minister of War and order brutal suppression of rebellion in French Army,
issue nation wide censorship and start brutal crack down of Peace demonstration in street of Paris and on the Strikes by socialist workers against the ongoing War.
Clémenceau made harsh demands that the Entente must be put under one Central Command, best a french one ! Alienating the Entente member from France.
meanwhile Clémenceau got politically Isolated, while the Holy Union of French parties finally breaking up do his authoritarian rule
And a opposition formed under Joseph Caillaux, that wanted Peace, even on price of surrender to Germans…


The Belgium Government were opposing plans by there Generals to increase the number of Congolese soldiers,
This could let to dangerous situation in there colony, once the Battle-proven Congolese would return home…



For German Army things not looking good, Do to the British sea blockade the Solders were undernourished and there equipment sub standard compare before War.
There were missing Troops on west front to exploit the possible breaks true in Frontline made by Strumtruppen.
Germany Army were waiting on there Diplomats until they got armistice Agreement with soviet Russian and Germany and Austria-Hungary, so they can move there Troops to West front…
Those negotiations were in total secrecy…

 

[Michel Van]

Kaiserreich a TL
Part One: The Great War 1914-18​

Post 14

- Kaiserschlacht - Operation George vs Operation Michael

Emperor Wilhelm II was woken up with nice surprise: a Telegram send by Manfred Von Richthofen and his Brother Lothar
Both were on Order of OHL negotiating with Soviet Delegation for a armistice agreement with following Peace Treaty.
To Wilhelm II delight the Soviet had sign the armistice agreement and begann the Peace Treaty talks.

With news that Russian are holding there armistice, General Ludendorff could start to plan final battle against the West front and here the dispute started !
Wilhelm II. wanted a large offensive from St Quentin to Soissions moving toward Paris, label as Operation Michael.
While Ludendorff proposed Operation George, a offensive at La Bassée moving north encircle Belgium forces and conquer the rest of Belgium.
After the Belgium King is forced to surrender, the german army move west cutting the Supply lines of Channels ports Towards BEF And French army
Simultaneous German division break true at St Quentin and move at long river Some direction coast line.

During chief of staff meeting started argument between Emperor and Ludendorff
Wilhelm II not like Operation George and opposed it: „Paris is our target, not the Coast !“
During fierce debate counter Erich Ludendoft and Max Hoffmann: „If we take the Belgium out the war and occupy the Supply lines, the British and French are defenseless“
They ask the visiting Military attache from Ottoman Empire, Mustafa Kemal Pascha for his option (he was part of crown prince Vahideddin Mehmet delegation on that Meeting)
The Hero of Gallipoli look over Plans and ask the German Emperor a direct question via translator:

What bring you the Operation Micheal ? is there any benefits ?
and What are you objectives? i see only break true frontline but no further objectives for a large scale Offensive, either targets to reach.
and what if ´this operation failed, what will you do ?

On That the perplex Emperor look around to his Generals, who stared with open mouths to Mustafa Kemal Pascha who continue:

In order to Defeat a Enemy here, you have to make his operation so difficult as possible, i use that in Gallipoli against the British.
If you want victory here, then attack there weaker forces and the Supply lines of stronger forces…
...by taking the entre area

A argumentation even for Wilhelm II seems logical, who to began favored Operation George.
Both Generals Ludendorff and Hoffmann overlooked there options and planning
Hoffmann proposed to Ludendorff to abandon the plan for conquest of city of Ypers, by pass left and right and besiege the town with reserve troops.
only the North part of City had to be taken for Offensive troops movement, This would save time and main force move fast to Hondshoote the town were Belgium army HQ stands
After surrendering of Belgium, the Troops would move to Boulogne and Calais to cut of the entente supply line to frontline.
Parallel would German Army attack Portuguese Section of front at Neuve Chaepelle directing to there HQ at St Venant as support of Troops that Attack Belgian, by binding British and Portuguese forces here.
in mean time a break-true from St Quentin toward Amiens the most important Railway junctions and Supply Depot for Entre Frontline in area.
But Wilhelm II could put his plan also into action, scale down it would be diversion attacks at St Quentin and Soissions labels Operation Michelle
in total 90 divisions would part of Operation George 30 for battle around Le Bassee and Ypern, 30 at St Quentin to Soissions with 30 division in Reserve

In order to manage that the Generals envision this strategy for the Break-true of Enemy lines,
would first be a artillery Attack, first Buntschießen, then the „Feuerwalze“ a tactic by lieutenant Colonel Georg Bruchmüller the Artillery expert develop a effective and economical creeping barrage scheme.
The Entente will face three way attack, first brief but heavy Artillery attack on Command center and Communications, follow by second attack on Entente artillery and third of Frontline defense systems,
Those Attack were alway brief to keep surprise factor, as during chaos the Strumtruppen storm the area.
The frontline attack would be at hinge between French, British, Portuguese and Belgiums forces, by the Sturmtruppen, follow by trench Infantry, supporter by Kampfwagen.
This would punch a hole into Entente frontline and enable the conventional Warfare.
Once they occupy the enemies trenches, the Infantry from East front move fast true the opening, actually they had acquired fast moving tactic against the Russians.

General Oskar Von Hutier notice also the Stromtruppen and fast moving Infantry could not carry enough food and Ammunition on foot for long range offensive planned for operation George !
To there Horror Ludendorff and Hoffman realized they needed a fast supply line for troop movement.
So like germans say „make a virtue of necessity“ they took smaller Kampfwagen to pull supply and Ammo sleds over battle field.
Following by confiscated trucks with supplies, also got the Troops order to use the Entente equipment falling in there hands.
Also was given priority to Capture Railway for Transport supplies and weapon, special for Offensive at St Quentin an La Fere offers Rail the Ideal access to Amiens and Coast line
The Plan was modify for the conquest of towns of Argentines and Le Fere for there important Railway junction.
The Engineers of Rail corps of German army had to do make a miracle to connect those sever railways at frontline to give Germans access to French Rail ways systems.

Footnote
Buntschießen, - A german term for the use combination of different combat gases, first „Maskenbrecher“ who penetrate the Gas-mask filters and let to vomiting, Follow by pulmonary agents and Finally mustard gas.
OHL - Oberste Heeres Leitung = High Command of German military.

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