Kaiserreich a TL

[Michel Van]

Kaiserreich a TL​

Part One: The Great War 1914-18​

Post 15:

- In mean time: SS Sea Maiden



It was a freighter own by Marco Polis Company
and on way to Sweden a neutral nation, but it got there a office of „Midaspolis“ a facade for Smuggle to the Imperial Germany.
The Captain Howard Johnson was eager to get in Time to Sweden and not like interruption on the Voyages
Like hold up by British Battle ships and there Blockade against Imperial Germany, but each time they were boarded and search and interrogated
Johnson had enough of this, special the crew of protected cruiser HMS Bedford and it’s Captain Finlander.
This ship was always chasing the SS Sea Maiden each time it was near the British isle, once spottet the HMS Bedford came closer and boarded.
It seems that Captain of HMS Bedford made game out of it to hunt mercilessly every vessel he spots.
But this time Johnson would not stop on demands, not this time he had enough of this, This is neutral American freighter on way to neutral Sweden !
(Johnson had no idea that Cargo was be hand over To germans after it Arrival in Sweden)
and again the HMS Bedford appears on Horizon, but this time Johnson was firm, no stop, simply ignore those jerks and continue the Voyage…




Excepts from investigation Report of Royal Navy on HMS Bedford Incident - September-October 1917

With Handwritten note in [red] on copy Report for the British Foreign Office - declassify 1967


…in August 1917, the HMS Belford under Command of Captain Eric Finlander was on Blockade duty
His orders were to stop every Vessel on way to Europe, board it, search and interrogate the Crew, if there on way to Germany oder there Allies Harbor.
on August 7, 1917 the HMS Belford encounter the US freighter SS Sea Maiden own by American Marco Polis Company
Following his order Captain Finlander intercept the US Freighter and order to stop engines for boarding.
The American vessel refused to stop and even trow there rubbish overboard as HMS Belford passt by, This is consider as Insult under seamans !
Then started the SS Sea Maiden evasive maneuver against HMS Bedford, on this order Captain Finlander to fired a warning shot at them.
After order was issue the main gun of HMS Bedford fired and hit full the bridge of SS Sea Maiden !
Killing it’s Captain Howard Johnson and bridge crew, the survivors try to save the burning vessel.
in total 17 seaman died during incident on board SS Sea Maiden [crew of 40, almost half died]



Testimony:

According American Seaman Ben Munceford [negro], was this climax in long series of incidents between the two Vessels.
Former Captain Howard Johnson had enough of what Munceford called „harassment“ by crew of HMS Belford and special point out Captain Finlander as causer!…

Surgeon Lieutenant, R.N. Chaster Potter stated that Captain Finlander criticized his crew for small error, special on sub-lieutenant, R.N. MacArthur
Finlander had order hard drill to rase the effectiveness of the Ship, what let to the crew getting increasingly fatigued, as they encounter the SS Sea Maiden…

Lieutenant, R.N. Raiston stated that he got order „Shoot the Ship“ by sub-lieutenant, R.N. MacArthur over the Ship intercom and follow orders without question…

Sub-lieutenant, R.N. James MacArthur explain to have understand the order „Shoot the Ship“ by Captain Finlander, who demanded that the Order is to execute !

Were MacArthur gave the order to Gun Crew, that the sub-lieutenant was overtired on that moment, was confirmed in testimony of Surgeon Chaster Potter

While rest of bridge Crew can’t not recall what Order had given Captain Finlander, again that there were overtired on that moment, was confirmed in testimony of Surgeon…
[both just follow order, while other cowards shut up, to keep out of trouble…]

Captain R.N. Finlander remain silent during Testimony and refuse any comment. [stubborn bloody bastard !]

Admiral Sir Charles Henry Coke KCVO
The Superior of Captain Finlander explain the harsh condition on HMS Bedford, that Finlander was candidate for promotion to Vice Admiral, a post Finlander wanted at any cost…
[That’s explain allot…]



The Investigation Board comes to the following conclusions:
HMS Bedford Incident was caused mainly by action of both Captains Finlander and Johnson
Mostly Finlander ill fated ambition for Promotion what let to condition his crew endure during disastrous encounter with SS Sea Maiden
But also partly responsibility has the American captain Johnson, who stubbornness let to this disaster. [We have to point that out FIRST to the Americans]
For the Crew of HMS Bedford are not guilty of any misconduct since following orders of Captain Finlander, despite there condition during incident


Recommendations:

The Investigation Board comes to this conclusion,
Captain Finlander is Sole [surviving] Responsible for Incident, he must be demoted and dishonorable discharge from Royal Navy

Sub-lieutenant, R.N. James MacArthur, he will be admonished and demoted to midshipman

The Marco Polis Company should be compensated despite partly liability

[To ease the Tension with Americans, i suggest we extradite former Captain Finlander to US justice]





The News that British battleship just attack a US Freighter, killing part of his crew, hit the USA politic like a Bomb.
A Situation already fueled by Irish Civil war was now on edge of turning into open conflict with British Empire.
Something the British Government not needed, because for War effort, the British and French Empire was depending on USA industry on Food, Oil, steel and war material.
In order to pay the American companies, the British & French took large loans of US Dollar, to be pay back in Gold later.
France in moment had severe financial problem after Nivelle Offensive that they asked Britain for Loans !
On British matter, until now was Capitol Hill indecision in struggle about the Irish Civil War, what let to a dispute inside the Democrat party.
The supporters of the Monroe Doctrine, who were the clincher in this political struggle turn against British Empire after „The Bedford Incident“,
Mostly was the Incident consider as act of War by US Politicians and they demanded Action against Britain,
Again the undecidedness under congressmen and lobbyism intervention by J.P. Morgan jr. and Rockefellers prevented a economic embargo.
Now Congress and Senate voted that US Freighters a companion by US Warships to guarantee free trade for USA against British Empire !
The vote was narrow in favor of Bill, what people not know that several Congressmen and Senators vote for it, because the German Ambassador pay them royally

The British Government condone the Situation, They needed the American goods in support of the War struggle.
Then came the endurance test as several US Freighters and US warships on the way to the British Navy Blockade
But the British Government had in moment other more severe problem as at there Frontline in France Hell broke loose !



Footnotes:
The Monroe Doctrine, on USA not interfering in Europans affairs, so long European not interfering in US.

The HMS Bedford is a Homage to the Book by Mark Rascovich and the Excellent movie „The Bedford Incident“ by James B. Harris
i highly recommend it

 

[Michel Van]

Kaiserreich a TL​

Part One: The Great War 1914-18​

Post 16:

- Wir müssen durch brechen, Kostet was es kostet !



Autumn 1917 was moment Generals Hoffmann and Ludendorff, were waiting for.
The transfer of available troops and there equipment from East to West frontline were completed.
90 Divisions with total of 1.524 Million Soldiers were ready for the Offensive labeled Operation George,
According the plan the German Armies would ram true at fourth sites in French Frontline
First a diversion at towns Soissions and at Diksmuide with 10 divisions,
Follow 30 km wide main offensive at St Quentin with 40 divisions under 18th Army of General Oskar von Hutier
and 30 km wide one at Armentieres north of Arras. with 40 Divisions
Here The Sixth Army under Field Marshal Rupprecht had to brake true frontline and separate this way the British BEF from Belgium army,
Then attack enemy Belgium frontline in the back and conquer Belgium HQ at Hondshoote.
Then force the Belgium into Surrender, then move towards west to harbor Boulogne and conquer it and move along coastline to north.
This would circumvent the marshlands near Calais and Dunkirk and north of Ypers


Generals Hoffmann and Ludendorff, were Lucky,
The dry weather gave German Army a advantage: no mud
The Troops equip with SLF16, Wex Flamethrowers, Kampfwagen (from Enemy) and light Kampfwagen
On 31 August 1917 the operation George began with operation Michelle
The Fifth Army diversion attacks on Soissions, and St Quentin had surprising results, those French frontline tumbled into chaos.
To Crown-prince Wilhelm utterly surprise, his troops conquer the French trenches and could open large gaps in Front-line for fast moving infantry
So They trow the Reserve Troops also into battle and conquer the town Soissons with it important local Railway junction on second day,
This town is vital part for Ammunition supply to north and East part of french frontline in the Ardennes.

Then follow the Attack on Armentieres and Ypers by the german Sixth Army and the attack at St. Quentin by German 18th. Army.
BEF expected a German Offensive, but not considering such large scale attack like this one.
The German Sixth Army attack hard, a weak spot in BEF frontline, what let to the downfall of the BEF Fifth Army under Hubert Grough with 175000 men.
General Hubert Grough was consider by even his time, as not skilled for the task as a frontline General, not alone to deal with a horde of Germans ramming true his part of the frontline.
On first day the German Army manage to brake through at several point in Frontline, killing over 10000 British solders.
On the second Day Grough order full retreat from Ypers area to Hazelbrouck, so the Germans manage to reach North of Ypers and move to Belgium HQ at Hondschoote
But the attack on Portuguese frontline was also successful and there HQ was vanquished, the German were moving from there to Hazelbrouck manage encircle BEF Fifth Army
Third day after start of offensive, the German army finally encircled the Belgium HQ and moved westwards to Boulogne
Then the Sixth Army manage on fifth day to conquer town Hazelbrouck with its Railway junction and Ammunition supply for British frontline. As General Hubert Grough surrender
Seven days later the Germany 18th. Army reach also there old Frontline they abandoned in February 1917.
And Germans Army made marvelousness spoils of War: British Landships, 376 of them on several sites stored for Operation GY planned for use in November.


Field Marshal Haig made fatal mistakes, surprised by break true at Armentieres, St Quentin and Soissons by massive number of Germans troops.
He first order the BEF troops to "fight against the Wall", what let to the downfall of BEF Fifth Army near Hazelbrouck as they try to defend it. and got encircle by germans.
Then Haig came on wrong conclusions that Germans armies really try to encircle him at his HQ in Montreuil
and gave order to His troops to abandon there heavy Equipment and retreat from frontline and move to Montreuil.
The BEF Troops between La Bassee and Arras could mostly withdraw, to high cost: abandon equipment and remain rearguard holding the Germans off.
but for the British forces at German break true in frontline, they were lost, killed in rage of the Attack, or taken prisoners of war if they survive.

Them happen what Field Marshal Haig overlooked in his panic,
Instead Montreuil the German Sixth Army manage to take Boulogne and cut off BEF from main Supply line on Day 13 of the offensive .
The Irony was that between Town of Boulogne and Etaples were almost no German forces
Had Haig moved his forces to Boulogne he could have the chance to push back the Sixth Army from taking Boulogne.
But in his defense, it would be seems logical for German to attack the BEF HQ
In mean time the 18th. Army under General von Hutier manage to conquer Amines and its depots on day 13 of the offensive.
Now Field Marshal Haig realized to late the real goal of this German offensive: the conquest of Entire area !
Haig order BEF to move to Abbevillie to cross the river somme and blowing up every bridge they cross, before the Germans manage to reach coastline at river somme
Abbevillie was good choice to escape a encirclement by the Germans Army
The BEF escape the german grip by getting over river Somme west of town Abberville regroup and take defensive Position
On 18 Day of offensive the 18th. Army of General Oskar von Hutier manage to conquer Abberville closing the Gap for BEF to escape
Then on 24 day of Offensive the 18th. Army reach the Coastline

The French frontline between St Quentin and Soissons collapsed as there troops simply abandon the post and run
While General Franchet D’espery trow his entire Army into battle against the germans, while the Reserve under General Fayolle was trow also against the Enemy
General Micheler reassembled every man he could get and trow them into battle at Crepy en Valois and Forrest of Domeniale de Retz
Even mobilized the locals with every weapon they had, to formed the last defense line against approaching Germans
The near by french Commander-in-Chief Office in Senlis was evacuated and move south to Saint Denise outskirts of Paris

Then the miracle happened the German offensive haled to a stop in Begin October
One part there troop were exhausted after one month non stop combat and refuse to go any further.
and the other part Weather was changing to bad
The French General Foch resign and appointed General Micheler to deputy Commander-in-Chief
in BEF provisional HQ at village Oisemont, Field Marshal Haig write his letter of resignation, took his revolver and shot himself.

Footnote
BEF = British Expeditionary Forces


The Battle of Caporetto
In same time as Operation George happen, started the German with Austrian-Hungary forces a large offensive against Italy.
The Battle was disaster for Italian Army, the Germans - Austrian-Hungary forces push them 150 km back almost to the town Venice and reached the town of Brescia.
And made large amount of Italian prisoners and there equipment.
This was mostly fault of Italian Generals who were ill prepared for offensive,
And were complete surprise from vehemence attack using Gas and the speed of the Germans advance,
While Germans and Austrian-Hungary were blessed with dry weather. But also by use of Mountain Battalion,
Were Erwin Rommel of Royal Wurttemberg Alpenkorps crossing over Tyro to town Valdagno
Here the Royal Wurttemberg Alpenkorps (150 men) manage to capture 10000 Italians soldiers 80 officers and General Brusati of first Italian Army !
Erwin Rommel simply used a ruse to make the Italian believe they were surrounded by entire German Division !

The destruction of first and third Italian army and crippling of the fourth Italian Army was shock for Italians,
The Second Army under Capello withdrawal south to the town of Mantua reunited with remains of Fourth Army and the survivors from first and third Army,
but it was not for best for that Army, it’s General Capello suffering of sickness.

The Italian Government panicked do this tremendous Defeat, they fled to Naples, in fear Rome would next target of a German Offensive in Italy.
So unrealistic was that fear was not, since success of Operation George, the Italians believed that Germans could do such a offensive.
The Demands for Help of Italian to French and British were responded lackluster, the French needed every man at frontline, while British promise, 3 divisions so soon as possible

So on 25 November 1917, the Italian Diplomats proposed the Germans a Separate peace offer. Follow by Portugal
The Entente reacted shocked on news that Italy and Portugal steps out the War, dissolving the second frontline in Europe releasing more germans troops for french front.

 

[Michel Van]

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

Post 17

Obituary notice II


Statt Der Besonderen Anzeige
Den Heldentod für das Vaterland Starb am
26 September in Himmel über La Bassée
unser innigstgeliebter Sohn

Oberleutnant Hermann Wilhelm Göring
Ritter des Eiserner Kreuzes II. Klasse

In tiefster Schmerze
Heinrich Ernst Göring Reichskommissar a.d.
Franziska Göring (geb. Tiefenbrunn)
Karl Ernst Göring, Albert Göring Olga Theresa Sophie und Paula Elizabeth, Rosa Göring



***

Den Heldentod für das Vaterland starben
Capitan Hans Kurt Flemming und Besatzung des Luftschiffes L60
Am 1 September 1917 bei La Basse
Sein Heldentod und der seiner Kameraden ermögliche der sechsten Arme den Sieg in der Schlacht !
Als sie ihr brennen Luftschiff in eine englische Artillerie Stellung lenkten und diese vernichtet.
Seine Tat wird uns ewig in Erinnerung bleiben und Vorbild für uns alle sein.

Großadmiral Eduard von Capelle



October to December 1917

Things were not looking good for the Entente and Central powers.
Belgium and Romania had surrender to German Empire.
Russian and Italy signed a separate Peace agreement with German Empire and Austrian-Hungary

Portugal left the Entente and start Negotiation with Germans, to there surprise to hear from the Portuguese.
That a German Army had invaded north Mozambique, was totally unknown fact for OHL.
General Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck defended successful German East Africa, but also startet attack into North Mozambique.
But to lost of communication, von Lettow-Vorbeck operated now autonomous to defend German East Africa.


The French channel harbors were in hands of Germans and there long range guns firing on Dover.
Until British Navy start massive guns attack on Boulogne, Calais, Dunkirk, De Panne, Niewport, Ostende and Zee Brugge
German Frontline standing at river Somme over Soissions to Verdun
Now German Army standing 62 km away from Paris and firing with long range Siege gun on city and railway that supply the frontline.

The BEF lost over 60% of there Equipment and supplies and standing south of river Somme
To replace that would stretch the Financial reservers of British empire over there limits.
From the 1.35 million soldiers Almost 60 % of them escaped over river somme, what happen to rest was unclear
The Lost of 5th Army was terribly blow for Moral for troops and People back Home,
So harsher was shock as Germans informed Britain that from 212000 BEF soldiers entrap at Hazelbrouck, only 90000 survived as Prisoners of war

New BEF commander Field Marshal Sir William Robertson stand helpless to the situation.
BEF got now resupplied but it would take 6 to 9 months until they get old combat readiness, so long the Germans not attack !
To make matter worst the Germans found in material the French and British abandon, allot corespondents, orders and Code books
Giving the German Army a excellent inside view of BEF and French army operations

Because of this the British Cabinet was really considering to recalled BEF back home for battle in Ireland.
The Issue of Americans fighting for Irish cause let to hotter diplomatic dispute between USA and Britain
The United States threaten Britain with Action against them if Britain keep the Sea blockade against Germany up.
Like Demand of immediate payback on loans to Britain, the loans were needed to buy US products for War Effort
While Canada report US Troops build up near there Border

For the Moment the fractions were recuperating and resupplying fast for last final offensive in Spring of 1918
Field Marshal William Robertson suggestion to start a offensive to retake Boulogne, Calais and Dunkirk
The proposal included a large scale invasion on the Belgium beach at De Panne and install there a bridgehead and attack the german frontline from behind
Response of British Cabinet on Operation H2 was „another Gallipoli ?“

In mean time Major-General John F. C. Fuller proposed a large Offensive of thousand Landships,
Not simply one model, but series of different models of Landships: heavy ones, medium and lights even infantry transporter were planned.
But that program was nearly impossible to get ready until spring 1918, best estimation were that fleet were operational in end of 1918.
if that fleet would be ever build, on other hand was other faster option: Combat Gas in a extent never used before
Behind the back of British Cabinet, a group of British politicians and Diplomats start talks with Germans, in hope they get some agreement to end this war.

Footnote
BEF = British Expeditionary Forces


The French government of George Clemenceau survived a motion of no confidence by french assembly, it shatters the „Holy Union“ of french politic.
As Socialist, Peace fractions and Leftist votes against Clemenceau, it ended with 345 votes for him and 256 against.
He was save by right parties and Ultra Nationalist like the republican Union party, Extremist who consider the War as revenge for Prussian-french war of 1871.
The total conquest of Department of Pas-de-Calais and the north of Some was serious setback for France, they lost there last yieldingly coal mines to Germans.
Now depending on Coal imports from oversea, rising the cost of the War, pushing the French financial reserve to there limits

The French Army was in mutiny and was brink of Total Revolt against there Government.
With resign of General Floch was a power vacuum at Top of French Command what was filled by General Micheler
Who try to manage the current situation, he orders stops to all executions transform them to prison sentence.
He order construction of new trenches system to dig north of Paris.
His Strategy was was a long term Defense tactics to stop further germans advances and play on time until German Empire run out food and supplies.
That is so long the British keep the sea blockade against Germany up.
Until Clemenceau (as Minister of War) appointed General Henri Mordacq to New Commander-in-Chief, instead of General Micheler,
Clemenceau elected hin, because he knew him as liaison officer under General Floch and trusted him,
Clemenceau hope that Mordacq could help to give his Government the trust and mutual respect back to French Army and ensure the final victory for France.
But this backfired, as Army was outrage about appointment of General Mordacq a „pencil pusher“, over General Micheler, a Hero who fought so hard to stop the germans.
Despite General Mordacq had fight on west front and was wounded twice, also his stile of dealing with Army mutiny was „contra-productive“
like Forbidding the french Soldiers to sing protest song Le Chanson de Craonne, and order that military prison sentence are done on french Devil Island, one of the worst Prisons on Earth.
Georges Clémenceau order that French Government is evacuated to city of Orléans (on south side of River Loire) was faced with bad reactions.
He renew harsh demands that the Entente must be put under one Central Command. (This time no french General, just one with professional responsibility)
But the British diplomats went to delaying tactic, waiting on decision of British Government to pull out of war
The opposition under Joseph Caillaux, that wanted Peace, even on price of surrender to Germans, had made contact with German Diplomats in Paris…
As Clémenceau was informed about that, He order the arrest of Caillaux and his political allies, only to discover most of they went into hiding for Police.
The defeat and fiasco that France had suffers, broke the moral of French, more and more people startet to protest to end this war,
At beginn the Police force could follow Clemenceau orders to brake the demonstrations, but more and more people came to protest and not only in Paris
Other french cities hab mass demonstration by people who wanted a end of this War…

Footnote
George Clemenceau had dual office, Prime minister and minister of War



Wilhelm II was eager to give France the final blow in Spring of 1918, with large Offensive He called Operation Siegfried.
But the triumph of Operation George was a Pyrrhic victory and had reversed effect on Germans Troops !
Exhausted after one months offensive the haggard Soldiers, ransacking over rich supplies abandon by Entente
Special the alcohol was consume extensively, in a Letter Field Marshal Rupprecht made his complain to General Hoffmann

The Moral in our Troops diminishes fast, after almost 4 years of deprivation and bloodshed, now having feast on rich supplies of our enemy,
our men realized what life of suffering they had and rebelled to return to that again, they disobey, even beat officers up !
We must end this war so fast as possibly, other wise, we face a revolution by our own Soldiers next year.

Also was another problem the German Empire was on bring of Collapse, another large offensive like Operation Siegfried was nearly impossible to execute.
They lost over 250000 Strumtruppen élite troops, unable to replace them with new ones until Spring of 1918
Do Operation George high losses of solders and equipment, were the germans general hoping for a Miracle.
in Germany the News of victory of Operation George and the Battle of Caporetto was boost for Moral for Germans people
But the people still suffer of hunger under British Sea Blockade, a situation that can turn quickly into uprise and revolution if Operation Siegfried is a failure.
And some communist and Socialist in Germany were thinking about a Revolution like in Russia.


Thing went not good inside the Austrian-Hungary Empire either as as there Members wanted full independence !
Do catastrophic economic condition the Empire endure, because of the War they started four years a go
The Emperor Karl made last Attempt to save the Empire by proposing It’s transformation into a Confederation,
But that was refuse by Hungarian Government, who complete misunderstand the Situation...



J.P. Morgan jr. was agitated after reading the News of the defeat of Entente in german Offensive
He had load to Entente around $1.5 Billion ($37 Billion Today)
Morgan feared that the Entente would not pay back in case they lost the War!
So he cancelled all of his appointments for coming days and travels to Washington D.C. in hope his connections in Capitol Hill could help him…
President Woodrow Wilson had other problems.
He wanted to intervene In War in Europe, put his vision on the World, but Capitol Hill were against it.
To make matter Worst tension between USA and British Empire getting worst by Moment,
The War In Ireland put US Politicians of Irish descent to go on the warpath.
And J.P. Morgan jr. were lobbying that US Government force Britain and France to pay back there War Credits to Morgans bank
While the Rockefellers were demanding action against Britain, after one of there hired Ships was attack by British navy and now the Vanderbills joining there cause !
do to The Sea blockade of British Navy, things getting more hostile between USA and British, special after the Incident SS Arctic Dream and SS Sea Maiden.
Now Congress and Senate voted that US Freighters a companion by US Warships to guarantee free trade for USA against British Empire.
Even they demanding a economic Blockade or even Declaration of War against British Empire!
Lucky the fraction of Warmongers were overruled by fraction who got rich with War and the supporters of US Neutrality.
The US War Department had conducted first large maneuver with regular and volunteers under General John J. Pershing,
That the Maneuver were held near Canadian border was just coincidence according the Secretary of War.

But this change radical as the Rockefellers announcement that a fleet of cargo ships will sail to European Harbors despite the British Sea Blockade,
They are assist by US warship to protect them
In mean time Woodrow Wilson headaches became worst by the day…

Footnote
J.P. Morgan jr. load to Entente around $1.5 Billion are today $37 Billion Today in OTL

 

[Michel Van]

Today no Post
I overworking Story to get Errors out
so long that happens you get illustrations on some Events of this TL

The evolution of Strumtruppen Equipment

1917 version
next standard Gasmask, a Selbstlade Flinte 16 and hand full of Stielhandgranate and ammo.

1944 Version
First generation full body protective suit against Nerve agent - Braunkreuz and Rotkreuz
and new generation Maschinenpistole, the MP44

1980 Version
Fifth generation of BCK protective suit against Biological, Chemical and Kernspaltung weapons. (in US. ABC)
and Maschinenpistole the MP79, the first that use Case-less rounds
The Soldier carry one Jagdkommando Dagger, 3 hand grenade (smoke, flash) and carry 600 rounds for MP79

 

[Kingfish Chris]

Didn't Germany consider shotguns to be inhumane weapons?

 

[Michel Van]

Didn't Germany consider shotguns to be inhumane weapons?

General Ludendorff consider the Shotgun as Inhumane against German Troops
but made no complain on use of Flamethrower and Chemical Weapons against enemies...

 

[Michel Van]

Sorry still working on Post
I hope to be Finish and posting it for the weekend

 

[Michel Van]

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

Post 18

The Pigeon conspiracy

Pigeons were used as main way of Communication for all participants in the Great War.
Special for frontline messages to Command post or even to the Headquarters,
In French the culture of race pigeons and breeding, was very popular in that time, special under the Workers like Socialist and french Radical party members.
So happened in begin October of 1917 to some deviations of messenger pigeons, who not to arrived at Military destination, but at there owners dovecote.
There owner took the Message and delivers to destination, like Joseph Caillaux who was hiding for the authorities.
A Group of officers were organizing a Putsch against the Military leaders and Clemenceau Government.
Clemenceau had moved the Government to the city of Orléans, but not the Administration, that remain in Paris
The Situation in France was despair, the Moral was broken after German Conquest and defeat of the British Expeditionary Forces,
Financial France had to ask British Empire for loans to pay Americans war goods and imports like coal.
Expert knew how close France was to a total Financial and economical collapse,
But prime minister Clemenceau not care, He wanted this War ending victorious, ignoring „the warnings on the Wall“.
He ordered the Police to go in harder actions against „Defeatism“ elements, what let to stronger oppositions against his government.


The Conspirators were careful in there planning and over 3 months prepare there Actions:
They needed to occupy the Élysée Palace, the Parlament and HQ of Military governor of Paris and ministry of War to force the Parlament for vote to end this War,
If that not worked take over the Power, install a new Government and End the War.
The Conspirators found open ears at French Army, special in lower level of the chain of command, were the Generals and politicians like Clemenceau were deeply hated.
Also they found a unexpected large number new equipment for there Action stored in Paris for transport to North frontline.
Do intervening period between General Micheler and General Henri Mordacq as head of french Army, the Putschist use that to there advantage
like establishment of new Divisions, what was a regular procedure after large Offensives or Battles, so no one notice that several division were formed out conspirators.
Official they were orders from General Micheler, what later let to historical dispute, if Micheler was part of the Pigeon conspiracy, Micheler always had denied this.
In mean time the Socialist and Communist force in France unite for combined Actions of Open protest, public demonstration and planned nation wide General Strike.
On day of Coup d’ État a series of Demonstration in Paris would bind the Police forces away from sites were military would occupy.



18 November, Paris

That Troops march true streets of Paris was common site during the War
Since Recruits and Veterans had to cross the city between Gare de Lyon and Gare Montparnasse toward Gare de Nord
So that people hardly notice, until the Soldiers change course and moved toward the Government district in 7th arrondissement.
Some people notice those soldiers wears red armbands marching toward several ministries and surrounding them.
Also surprise were the people, as in several Paris freight train stations, strange vehicles emerge.
The FT-17 mini char could move fast on Paris streets and there crew knew were there targets were and regroup with the Veterans in 7th arrondissement.
Already had this spectacle allured policemen only to be arrest and questing were they loyalty lies, the French people or Clemenceau ?
Then Joseph Caillaux protected by Soldiers arrive at empty seat of Government and occupy it.
in office of Prime Minister he made Phone call to Orleans and demanded to speak to George Clemenceau,
The exact content on this call was never noted down, only recalled by earwitness on both site

Reconstruction attempt:

Caillaux: Hello old friend
Clemenceau: What for a Surprise, Caillaux you want to surrender ?
Caillaux: A group of french Army and socialist under my control have taken over Paris
Clemenceau: Buhahahahahahahaha, Good Joke Caillaux, surrender to police and i promis a fare trail…
Caillaux: I have the Military governor General Dubail as prisoner here listen for your self… [the phone is hand over]
Dubail: Listen please ! The Army took over Paris, they charge my office with Chars !
Clemenceau: Oh my god, Dubail is that you ?
Dubail: you must…[the phone is hand over]
Caillaux: That proves the success of our actions.
Clemenceau: …What you want Calliaux ?
Caillaux: I want that you end this mad War and resign from Office NOW!
Clemenceau: YOURE CRAZY !
Caillaux: We have Paris under our control…
Clemenceau: WHO IS WE?!
Calliaux: The Army, The socialist, The widows of solders, Us the French People who have enough of this madness !
Clemenceau: you filthy Bast.. You think you get away with this ? i will send the Army in and…
Calliaux: [screams] WHAT ARMY ?! THAT GUARDING THE FRONTLINE AGAINST THE GERMANS ?!
Clemenceau: [anathematizes] you… will.. not… get.. away… with… THIS…
Calliaux: you have 24 Hours to reconsider other wise i will declare the Revolution
Clemenceau slams the receiver on Phone

Clemenceau try to call the Ministry of War in Paris but got no connection to Office.
Also no response of Colonel Brody head of Republicans Guards in Paris, they had to protect the Élysée Palace
So he send messengers to Front and south to wards french Algeria and Morocco in hope to get Troops loyal to Him and the french Third Republic.
Special in the Foreign Legion had Clemenceau his greatest Hopes.
For the moment the Police and National Gendarmerie were his forces for the moment to fight the Putschist in Paris…

…In mean time the attempt to storm the Èlysée-Palace almost ended in a bloodbath!
The Republicans Guards at Palace had started fire fights against the Putschist, who rolled Chars in and open fire on the building with there cannons and machine guns.
The Putschist commander in place wanted no bloodshed under french and order ceasefire and began negotiation.
President Raymond Poincaré who was barricade in Palace, was impress by wisdom of that commander, who just demanded that this war ends.
The french President hat not much power in Third Republic, but had one important role: he could terminate the Government and appoint a new Prime Minister.
But there was Wildcard in Situation: the French Senat, it main power was to resolve the Parlament and issue elections.
it was realistic danger that Senat could do that before Parlament voting
Lucky the president of Senat Antonin Dubost was from Radical-Socialist Republicans party and a Financial expert, he knew exactly how the situation was for France.
President Poincaré got compromise with Putschist commander, the Republicans Guards would Protect Parlament and Senat members, so long they respect the armistice between them.

On next morning, the Nation wide General Strike began with socialist and communist worker unions laying down work and occupy factories
Trains service is interrupted as railroader union gets into strike, the Production of Ammunition & War products comes and it transport to stillstand,

Five Days until the French troops run out Ammunition, Coal and Food

While the Military demanded that War supply Production muss restart otherwise the Army stand helpless against a German Offensive.
In major french cities began mass demonstrations, in Paris alone 400000 people went on streets, demanding to end the War.
The Police forces and National Gendarmerie were standing helpless against those numbers of Protesters.
Soon Clemenceau got reports of Police Chiefs that refused to follow his Orders to open fire on Protesters, While others follow that order and got lynch by the mob.
Also He orders to Military to send Troops to Trains service and Factories to break the Strike, if necessary with lethal force !
As the Regiments arrive on order at the Factories and train stations they switch sides and Joint the Strikers !

Frenchmen Shooting Frenchmen ? Never !
protester slogan origin unknown

Three Days until the French troops run out Ammunition, Coal and Food

The news that Government order shooting on Protesters and try to send the Military for more bloodshed , let to a public outcry
President Raymond Poincaré and Antonin Dubost needed two days to assembly the Parlament and Senate
After turbulent opening, by protest and accusations by Nationalist, right Fraction and Democrats, that this Assembly was Force by Military Putsch.
President Poincaré Explain the Situation and Time was running out, since the French Army run out of Ammunitions in three days if National strike continue,
And the regular Troops order to brake the Strike were joining the Putschist !
The Silences that follow was frightening.

The first issue was declaration of Poincaré to terminate the Clemenceau government with Vote of no confidence.
The Voting of Parlament had a surprising result: 451 for and 150 against.
A Majority vote for it and most surprising Clemenceau party the Radical-Socialist Republicans vote against him,
The party Socialist fraction unite under Caillaux, while the Nationalist fraction (50 parliamentarian) were for Clemenceau
Next Voting was to install Joseph Caillaux as french Prime minister, this was follow by outcry and objections in Parlament.
Caillaux made it clear in His speech that France situation was beyond despair, the French Empire will Collapse Financial and Economically, if War continue into 1918.

The French People are sick and tired of three years of Bloodshed, They want peace
now we are on point that Frenchmen Shooting Frenchmen, how deeper we can sink into this Madness ?
We can fight until the total destruction of this glorious nation or we can get out the situation in Dignity and strengen our forces against the Germans barbarians !
In Three Days our troops are Defenseless against another German Offensive

His speech was several times interrupted by Right and Ultra Nationalist, who trow things or insult at him
There Were demands for Alternative Candidate, special the Democratic Republicans offer opposing candidates, delaying the Voting
In mean time the Ultra Nationalist try force the Senat dismiss the Parlament in order prevent the voting, without success.
Finally the voting went on eliminate the candidates, until one was over Joseph Caillaux with 208 for and 188 against while 205 abstention votes

George Clemenceau was informed by Telefone that President and Parliament had Dismiss him and Government and Installed Joseph Caillaux as Prime-Minister
The new Government first Order was warrant of Arrest for Clemenceau and his members of Government.
A furious Clemenceau order that Pamphlet were publish in Major News papers (center)

FRENCHMEN !

The News that President and Parliament has Dismiss Prime-Minister Clemenceau

! THIS IS A LIE !

The President and Parliament and Senat are hostage of Criminal Traitors who work for Germans !

Prime-Minister Clemenceau is only FREE Head of State that Represent the glorious Third Republic now

His Government will crush those Treason, liberate Paris and Terminate the National Strike

in Order to Winn this Patriotic War for Glorious France

! LONG LIVE THE THIRD REPUBLIC !​

Two days until the troops run out Ammunition, Coal and Food.

General Mordacq was killed, as he try to find Soldiers loyal toward Clemenceau Government.
Unfortunately the General encounter a regiment that were associate with putschist.
Prime-Minister Caillaux offert General Micheler, the Commander-in-Chief, at begin he refused, but as Solders begged on knee for his return he took grudgingly the post.
On that news George Clemenceau was on the run, he and George Mandel left Orleans for Marseille, here he hoped to reach Algeria and could return with loyal troops,
But his flamboyant way let to his discovery and arrest in Marseille train station.

In Paris start parliament Speech by Prime-Minister Caillaux were he announce the Arrest of Clemenceau and end of his government.
in end of his speech he urge the Parliamentarians to listen and follow there conscience,
What follow next were series of Speeches putschist officers and first hand reports from Soldiers
The Parlament got first hand accounts from soldiers, how are tire of fighting, the horror of war, the madness that follow the Nivelle Offensive.
Who bad was the Soldiers life on frontline, the deprivation and bloodshed, and worry what happen to wife and children if they died in another senseless offensive.
Allot parliamentarians were shocked about those eyewitness reports, normally they got censored and glossed over reports about military action.
They had no idea what for a meat grinder this War had become.
The Voting of Parlament were surprising result: a Majority vote for Peace agreement 501 for and 100 against.
The Radical right and Ultra Nationalist were Furious, Screaming and protesting about Betrayal of France and shout Anti-Semitic insults toward Caillaux, Poincaré, Dubost and other.

One days until the troops run out Ammunition, Coal and Food

The French approached the Germans Diplomats for negation on truce follow by armistice and Peace agreement,
In the naively beliefe they were in better Position thanks to the British Sea-blockade…

…The Fools had no Idea of that what came next.

 

[Michel Van]

Hi dear readers

Some Changes:
Regular posting in the TL move to Sunday
Additional delays will happen during September and October
because, i move out Belgium (hurra) back to Germany !

 

[Michel Van]

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

Post 19

Even Empires are subject to change…

With the News that France were willing to do Peace negation to end this War. things went fast,

Wilhelm II.: What do you mean ?

Servant: your majesty, the french want armistice agreements

Wilhelm II.: WHAT ?! …How could they! , those dammed french, i wanted a Victorious battle and marching into Paris with our Army And Now THIS ! THOSE …[the Emperor now anathematize]


First reaction of Wilhelm II on the putsch in France

His Second Reaction was to go the High Command of German military.
and order that Operation Siegfried goes immediate into action
To incredulous Wilhelm II. Follow by the Generals refusal of it, the Generals explain that was impossible, do lack of needed manpower and equipment.
Even mobilizing the last reserves, it would ready for march of 1918 and it chance to succeed were marginal…


The Great War brought main European Empires decline and perish
Russia czar empire had collapse, it face now a bloody Civil-war between Soviets, Czarist, anarchist and others
The Ottoman Empire commit genocide and face also a Civil-war between ethnic and under the Young Turks fraction.
Austria-Hungary debilitated from the War, was in process of break-up, as there member states wanted to go separate ways.
Belgium, Italy and Portugal had surrender to Germans and made negations for peace agreement.
France was on edge of financial and economically collapse, they start to negations with Germans for armistice.
Germany face total economically collapse Do the Sea blockade by British Royal Navy.
British Empire had stretch there financial and economically limits, depending on America economy to support the War.

The USA emerge from this war as Economic super power, with production on war good supplies for the Entente
But a series of events let to deterioration in US relation with British Empire
One was British Sea blockade what hampers the neutral USA commerce with European mainland,
Follow by boarding of SS Arctic Dream and Bedford Incident, were a British warship fired on US-freighter, killing 17 Americans
Next were the Irish Civil War started with German help, now supported by Irish Americans with money weapons and Volunteers.
While the British Army in India discover that weapons used in Punjab uprise were from the USA.
The humiliated defeat of BEF in Operation George, let to Panik in USA banks that in case of a Entente Surrender, they come away empty-handed!
Banker like J.P. Morgan jr. demanding there Credit back.
Now fleet of US Freighters and Warships reached the North sea blockade by British Navy,
The US Ambassador Walter Page was very clear to British Prime minster about Capitol Hill intentions,
Any attempt of Royal Navy to stop the Freighters and US warship will attack the British blockade ships.


The British Government was under strain, on one side the Irish civil war with US support with Irish Republican Army (IRA) that help the Irish Volunteers Army,
On other side were the desperately needed War supply by US industry and connected Loans in US Dollar.
And US government was serious on menace, if they try to stop the US freighters.
What the British Empire not needed in this situation was a War with Americans or a economic blockade by them.
Prime minister David Lloyd George and his cabinet spend the night true, discuss the options they had, in morning they only two option left,
So Prime Minister gave a Order to Admiralty, those gave orders to Fleets, here there captains read:

*** ORDER - LET US FREIGHTERS PAST - STOP - *** ORDER - DO NOT ENGAGES US WARSHIPS - STOP - ***​

This simple lines were declaration of defeat of a Empire that had overstretch it’s Limits.
The Blockade Fleet let the US Freighters and there Escorts past on way to to there destinations, mostly German harbors
The Second option the to move the BEF out of France to Irland and India to deal with situation, were India got higher Priority.
The „Private“ talks between British politicians and German Diplomats show results,
They hinted that Emperor Wilhelm II would immediate sigh the armistice agreement With British Empire, if the See-Blockade is completely terminate and leave France to the mercy of Germans.
In exchange once a Peace agreement with British Empire is signed, the German release there British Prisoners and the German Army would leave Belgium.

France had start the negation for a truce, in naively beliefe they were in better Position, thanks to British Sea-blockade.
But During talks were the French informed about Two things that Shocked them
Frist The British had open the Sea Blockade for Americans and prepare the move BEF back Britain to deal with Irish Civil war and the Uprise in India.

Means They had nothing to put pressure on German Empire, to make matter worst Germany had again access to Food, Oil and Supplies to re-start the War Effort.
The French Diplomats rush into armistice Agreement that was signed in December 1917, in hope they could gain time to recuperate there forces.


H. G. Wells wrote about those Days in „The Shapes of Things to Come“ in 1933

End November 1917 was end of the British and others Empire, while The Germans were enormously lucky.
and the Americans manage a victory without firing one single shot.
The biggest Empires in the World were Defeated, not by Military action, but by Economics force !

 

[rommel12]

very good, let's see how this peace treaty will be or maybe it will fail and the war will continue.

 

[Michel Van]

Kaiserreich a TL​

Part One: The Great War 1914-18​

Post 20 All quite at West Front

With singing of the French - German armistice agreements on 23 December, it was called „the Christmas Present Agreement“
With immediate order the Troops stop shooting and firing on each other, the British join volunteering the effort, as sign of good will for there negation.
The west front and Irland was peace full, despite there were still battle and offensive operation on East front and Ottoman Empire and India
On 24 December, at long the West Front line were Solders singing and celebrating Christmas

Solders who try to murder each other in past months, were meeting each other in no man’s land between the Trenches, some groups started to play football match

Something the Generals on both side were not Happy about.
It was not new, in Christmas 1914 its happen first time and Generals crush then any new attempt of this Fraternization with Enemies
now it repeated again only problem if the officers try to intervene, they could be lucky to be beaten up or be shot by there own solders.

Christmas 1917 was happy one in Wartime Europe.
Wilhelm II was celebrating it with his family in Berlin, he was euphoric about situation, now that Sea-blockade was terminate on American side
The German could recover and strengthen Germany could do last great Battle to terminate this War: His Operation Siegfried
He had no idea what was happing a West front…

Others were not so happy on Christmas,
One were The Germans Socialist and Communist, they had hope to exploit the Situation in Germany to bring changes like France or even the Revolution like Russia
But „the Christmas Present Agreement“ and end for British Sea Blockade for Americans ships, brought deescalation in German Politik.
Several of radical Socialist and Communist leaders went in Underground, They will wait and return and bring the Revolution to People.

In Russia began the Russian Civil war (1917 to 1922)
The ruling Bolsheviks faced armed uprise by Democrats, Czar movement, anarchist, minority and areas how wanted independence from Russia.

Some French were not so happy on Christmas 1917, There were fear that German could Attack them in Spring 1918.
And they blame the British and french Jewish politicians to betray France. this was complete far-fetched,
But those people needed some explanations, what was happening for moment and so began the Legend of „Poignardé à mort“ stabbed to death.
In time of war, Logic is the first victim…


Other part of Frontline things went not peaceful during Christmas.
In middle east the British fight the Ottoman Empire while it’s collapsing,
The Empire was ripping itself apart as it started a genocide first against the Armenian, then the Greeks as they join the Entente
Now internally the Leading fraction of Young Turks started to fight under each others,
As the turks support by British start to kill other member who supported other war fractions !
The goal of this was simple make sure the British fraction are only one standing and have better chance on negation once British arrive.
Other Young Turks fraction join massacre in hope they come out as Leader of Empire and save it.

In time of war, Logic is the first victim…


Footnotes:
Christmas truce of 1914
Was event were British and Germans Solders celebrating together Christmas near Belgium Town of Ypers
On East Front the Austro-Hungarians solders meet with Russian


The Young Turks
Was a Political Group of Turkish member of Ottoman Empire
There Goal was to replace the ruling Absolute monarchy, with a constitutional government even a multi-party democracy.
in 1908 the movement manage to over trow the political order of Ottoman Empire.
But they had no experience statesmen to the Rule the Empire, so they rely ruling class to for fill there Demands, what not worked.
There attempt to reform the Ottoman Empire let to it’s downfall

 

[Michel Van]

Sorry no Post today
i'm to busy with moving my stuff into my new Apartment.

 

[Michel Van]

Again no Post today
i was busy with installing bookshelves and furniture in my Apartment. this week.

 

[Michel Van]

Still busy moving my stuff in new Apartment.

 

[Michel Van]

Sorry no new Post
but instead a Map of 1923 Mitteleuropa after treaty of Potsdam

Be Free to Critic, make suggestion and ask Question.

 

[Dellingr]

First, great TL!
I predict that Germany has experienced a lot of turbulence, judging from the map ... The apparent Soviet victory in the Russian civil war is passable, but Germany failing to keep all the Baltic countries free is not the most likely outcome. Has the concept of self-determination become relevant? Judging by the map it seems to me the case, but I don't understand why Galicia is not part of Poland, but the Czechs have their own country. Just looking at the map, it even seems that the Italians were on the winning side of the war ... Maybe Italy will take a different path? It may be an opportunity to build a new alliance, replacing the now absorbed Austria, quite curious about how Austria's dissolution process took place, there are a lot of Germans scattered across the Balkans, will they all be invited to the Reich? In colonial terms, will Mittelafrika become real? And finally, Mitteleuropa? Germany sacrificed a lot for victory in the war, creating an international organization to keep it all together seems obvious, especially when you have a giant communist state in the east, giving legitimacy to the "benevolent" German protection ... Moreover, after this apparent betrayal , I think the French-British entente is dead, I don't see the French doing a successful Blitzkrieg in twenty years, they don't have the resources and population for it, a more interesting war, in the Chinese sense of "living in an interesting time", will be a global war between the imperialist powers, Germany, the UK, Italy and Japan, against the continental powers, the Soviet Union, the USA and China.

 

[Michel Van]

but Germany failing to keep all the Baltic countries free is not the most likely outcome

The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk is in this TL in 1917 freeze the borders at long frontline

but the Czechs have their own country

my error, will correct it, the Germans prefer federal states: see post war Belgium, Hungary, Yugoslavia and Czechoslovakia
For European states, German Empire expand there Zollverein on Netherlands, Belgium, Poland and Czechoslovakia
Those Grey area in east Europe are Territory with Germans from former Austria-Hungary empire, Now protectoral of German Empire.

but I don't understand why Galicia is not part of Poland

my error, will be corrected

In colonial terms, will Mittelafrika become real?

yes, but not in size planned, as germans realize it's too big and they lack of personal to control it.

I think the French-British entente is dead, I don't see the French doing a successful Blitzkrieg in twenty years, they don't have the resources and population for it, a more interesting war,

The French-British entente is so totally dead
On France development over next 20 years, let me say like that: there new Government got Help

it even seems that the Italians were on the winning side of the war ... Maybe Italy will take a different path?

After disastrous Battle of Caporetto sign the Italian government a Separate peace treaty with Germans and A-H Empire (see post 16)
but like you see try Italy to expand there Territory on cost of Ottoman Empire who army in worst condition as the Italian one...

 

[Michel Van]

Here the Overwork Map of Mitteleuropa of 1923

Grey: Territory of German Empire and there Protectorate, Nation with Grey outline are Tribute States of the Empire: Belgium, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Romania.
Nations with dotted lines are Federal states like Belgium, Hungary, Yugoslavia and Czechoslovakia
the Economic union "Zollverein" during 1920s include German Empire, Belgium, Netherlands, Denmark, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Romania

 

[Michel Van]

Sorry, no post
for moment, i busy assembling a Kitchen