Walla Walla, Washington is a nice little town which is especially nice when the dogwoods are in bloom. Including the Marcus Whitman Hotel in your narrative was a good, authentic touch. I'm really enjoying this.
The Lucky Country: Protect and Survive in Australia
- Thread starter PimpLenin
- Start date
PimpLenin
Banned
Thanks. When I was looking for a hotel that would have been there in 1984, I came across the Marcus Whitman. The place looks awesome - the lobby looks like it came straight out of the Edwardian age. I don't know why I would, but if I ever end up in Walla Walla I am checking that place out.
PimpLenin
Banned
31 March 1984 - 6:10 am
Cape St. Vincent
Sagres, Portugal
Commander Garry Woodward of the Royal Australian Navy stood on the remains of the Fortress of Sagres, looking down from the cliffs upon the harbour. Henry the Navigator ordered the construction of the fort to protect Cape St. Vincent in the 15th century. Its current form dated to 1793. He looked down at the hundreds of tiny fishing boats in the harbour, and at the HMAS Perth and Success anchored just beyond. Commander Woodward was standing on the southwestern-most point of Europe, and the cradle of Portuguese exploration. It was a few moments before he noticed the young Lieutenant standing next to him, saluting.
“Sir, we’ve spoken to most of the local leaders - at least the ones that can speak English. There is little to report, really. Since February 21, they have been isolated here. Radio and telephone communications have been down. They have not seen or heard anything from their military or government in Lisbon. They’ve just been carrying on with their fishing and all. They are oblivious; almost…happy not knowing what is going on outside of their local area.”
“Thank you, Lieutenant.”
Commander Woodward looked out into the Atlantic and at the sun sinking low into the western sky.
“I suppose there isn’t much else that we can learn from here. Time to get back to the Perth and move on.”
As the Commander descended down from the fort, he thought to himself “Thank God at least one small slice of Europe survived.”
1 April 1984 - 10:35 am
Astoria, Oregon
Mikey Walsh watched the six ships sail out of the Port of Astoria, and out into the open sea. For quite a long time- he was not sure for how long- he watched them through his binoculars as they sailed on, until they appeared to fall below the horizon. The U.S.S. John Young, U.S.S. Callaghan, and U.S.S. Sacramento were joining the HMAS Canberra, HMAS Sydney. and HMAS Supply on a voyage to Terra Australis.
Cape St. Vincent
Sagres, Portugal
Commander Garry Woodward of the Royal Australian Navy stood on the remains of the Fortress of Sagres, looking down from the cliffs upon the harbour. Henry the Navigator ordered the construction of the fort to protect Cape St. Vincent in the 15th century. Its current form dated to 1793. He looked down at the hundreds of tiny fishing boats in the harbour, and at the HMAS Perth and Success anchored just beyond. Commander Woodward was standing on the southwestern-most point of Europe, and the cradle of Portuguese exploration. It was a few moments before he noticed the young Lieutenant standing next to him, saluting.
“Sir, we’ve spoken to most of the local leaders - at least the ones that can speak English. There is little to report, really. Since February 21, they have been isolated here. Radio and telephone communications have been down. They have not seen or heard anything from their military or government in Lisbon. They’ve just been carrying on with their fishing and all. They are oblivious; almost…happy not knowing what is going on outside of their local area.”
“Thank you, Lieutenant.”
Commander Woodward looked out into the Atlantic and at the sun sinking low into the western sky.
“I suppose there isn’t much else that we can learn from here. Time to get back to the Perth and move on.”
As the Commander descended down from the fort, he thought to himself “Thank God at least one small slice of Europe survived.”
=====
1 April 1984 - 10:35 am
Astoria, Oregon
Mikey Walsh watched the six ships sail out of the Port of Astoria, and out into the open sea. For quite a long time- he was not sure for how long- he watched them through his binoculars as they sailed on, until they appeared to fall below the horizon. The U.S.S. John Young, U.S.S. Callaghan, and U.S.S. Sacramento were joining the HMAS Canberra, HMAS Sydney. and HMAS Supply on a voyage to Terra Australis.
Sagres at that point would have a little over 2000 people.
Between a(n independent) and popular President who is a retired general with combat (and management) experience, and a relatively popular PM *within a grand coalition (with support of two thirds of the population, and additional support if needed from half the opposition), Portugal should do (relatively) "ok".
The secondary nature of Portugal should ensure that barring massive nuking, interim government authority should fall to the (then existing) government appointed civil governors of each district, or in their absence (due to death) to the mayors.
In Azores and Madeira, the authority would go to the (then existing) Ministers of the Republic, presidentially appointed representatives of the Portuguese state.
In 1984, Faro's Civil Governor would be Horácio Manuel Tavares de Carvalho.
*Although the personal relations between President and PM were poor, even though both were roughly from the same political area (the centre-left).
---
Keep it up, PimpLenin!
PimpLenin
Banned
3 April 1984 - 11:00 am
Parliament House
Melbourne, VIC
This is John Hinde reporting live from the front of Parliament House in Melbourne. Today is a historic day for Australia. The Federal Parliament will soon begin its first session held in this city since 1927. It will also be the first session since the war began. There is a large, cheering crowd here numbering in the tens of thousands. Many are waving flags, celebrating this small part of returning normalcy to the country, and also to witness history. All morning, the crowd has been entertained by the likes of Slim Dusty and John Farnham. Sir Don Bradman gave a speech earlier today, and has been signing autographs. The Royal Australian Air Force Band has been playing patriotic tunes. Dignitaries and Members of Parliament have been arriving in a constant stream. Some have stopped and given brief remarks to the crowd here. In fact, we have one of our more esteemed statesmen with us right now, Sir Les Patterson, who is the Australian Cultural Attaché to the Court of St. James. Sir Les, would you mind speaking with us for a moment?
"Of course. Happy too. What is this? The ABC?"
Yes, Sir Les. So, why aren’t you inside Parliament House with the other dignitaries?
"Because I can’t find the bloody entrance!"
What do you think about Melbourne being named the new capital of Australia?
"Well, Melbourne is a fine city. There are plenty of good pubs and brothels, right?"
I know there are plenty of good pubs, but I don’t know about the brothels, Sir Les.
"Ahhhh…..I see mate. Bit of a poof, are ya? Our little secret."
Well, um…thank you sir Les for speaking with us.
"Someone better let me inside this place!"
Sir Les Patterson, Australian Cultural Attaché to the Court of St. James
The Prime Minister, Mr. Bob Hawke, was on of the first to arrive at Parliament House this morning. We are expecting him to come out and address the crowd here before Parliament officially opens. It is not known what Parliament’s first order of business will be today, but some speculate it will give retroactive approval to the emergency measures taken by the government and the Prime Minister over the last few weeks. Now, the cheers of the crowd are getting louder..…just a moment…..it looks as though all of the MP’s are out to the front steps of Parliament, led by the Prime Minister. Yes, they are lining up along the steps and Mr. Hawke is in front. The Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Mr. Kevin Chamberlain, is at the podium.
"Ladies and gentlemen! Today is a proud day for the city of Melbourne. For the first time since 1927, we are once again proud to be the capital of Australia! This honour, however, has come at a high cost. I would like everyone here to observe a moment of silence in memory of those that we have lost in Canberra, Sydney, Perth, Fremantle, Darwin, Alice Springs, Cairns, and Townsville on February 22, and in the days since."
(MOMENT OF SILENCE)
"Thank you. Now, please stand for the playing of our national song, “Advance Australia Fair,” performed today by the band of the Royal Australian Air Force."
The Playing of “Advance Australia Fair“ by the RAAF
And now, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to present to you the Prime Minister, Mr. Bob Hawke.
(CHEERS)
"Fellow Australians! I am proud to stand here before you today. I have just completed my tour of the devastated areas of the country. I took strength in meeting and talking with the people who have suffered the most, but have retained their courage and spirit despite what they have been through as a result of the darkest day in human history. It has reinforced my confidence that Australia will re-build, and that we will be stronger than ever. The return of Parliament is another important step in the reconstruction of our nation. Thank you all for being here to show your support."
(CHEERS)
That was the Prime Minister, Mr. Bob Hawke. The MP’s and dignitaries are going back inside Parliament House, and the session is scheduled for formally open at noon. Tune in tonight for news on today’s proceedings in Parliament. This is John Hinde, reporting from Melbourne for the ABC.
=====
3 April 1984 - 2:20 pm
HMAS Perth
English Channel
Captain Ross Bailey turned to his Executive Officer, Commander Garry Woodward.
“Are you positive that they know we are arriving soon? I don’t want a case of mistaken identity.”
“Yes, sir. We last made radio contact with Portsmouth an hour ago. They have even dispatched a ship to meet us and escort us in.”
Captain Bailey looked portside and could see the Isle of Wight on the horizon. “It’s been a bloody long trip,” he though to himself, “but we made it!”
=====
3 April 1984 - 3:30 pm
Portsmouth, England
Around one thousand people were waving and cheering as the HMAS Perth and Success, along with their escort vessel HMS Battleaxe, entered port in Portsmouth, England. The local Salvation Army band was there, first playing ”Song of Australia“ followed by ”Rule Brittania”. The men of the Perth and Success lined the rails of their ships, waving and cheering back. As Captain Bailey disembarked from the Perth, he was greeted by Ray Whitney, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, and Admiral of the Fleet John Fieldhouse, the First Sea Lord. Whitney had to yell to be heard over the crowd.
“Captain Bailey! Please follow Admiral Fieldhouse and I! We have a car waiting!”
A minute later, the three men were driven off. Captain Bailey smiled.
“I was not expecting a welcome like that.”
Whitney smiled back.
“Well, Captain, it has been awhile since the people of Portsmouth had anything to cheer about. I am Ray Whitney, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, and this if the First Sea Lord, Admiral of the Fleet John Fieldhouse.”
“Well, those titles are a mouthful. I am Captain Ross Bailey, Royal Australian Navy.”
Admiral Fieldhouse chuckled.
“We are on our way to see the Prime Minister for an informal dinner. Your crew will be billeted at HMS Nelson.
“Thank you, Admiral. May I ask, who is the Prime Minister?”
“Mr. William Whitelaw, and he will be interested to hear about your trip.”
3 April 1984 - 7:00 pm
Here is the news from the ABC.
Parliament met for the first time today since the start of World War III. The first official act of the session was the retroactive approval of all actions taken by the government under the National Emergency Act of 1984. The emergency act was then repealed. This ends the nation-wide state of emergency in Australia, but local states of emergency still exists in areas affected by nuclear detonations.
Riain
Banned
I know that Hawke changed the anthem from 'Australia's sons' to 'Australians all', I was at school, but had he done it by 1984? I left primary school in 1985 so the timing will be close.
EDIT it was accepted with the new words when it was adopted as the anthem in April 1984.
EDIT it was accepted with the new words when it was adopted as the anthem in April 1984.
Last edited:
“Gentlemen, this is Captain Martin Stanfield and Captain Joseph Freeman of the Royal Australian Navy. Sirs, this is Mr. Robert Gates, the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, Major General Colin Powell of the United States Army, and Mr. William F. Bolger, the Acting President of the United States.”
Since Bolger is the Acting President, he would be introduced first.
Since Bolger is the Acting President, he would be introduced first.
Would have thought that Sir Les would have been evacuated to Corsham if he had been at the High Commission in London.
PimpLenin
Banned
4 April 1984 - 4:10 pm
HMNB Portsmouth
Portsmouth, England
Sir John Fieldhouse, Admiral of the Fleet and First Sea Lord, was sitting behind his desk when Captain Ross Bailey entered the office and saluted.
“Thank you for coming in to see me, Captain Bailey. There is something I want to inform you about, so please have a seat.”
Captain Bailey took a seat with an obvious look of curiosity on his face.
“Early this morning, an auxiliary vessel of the Royal Navy arrived in Portsmouth. It was heavily damaged and there were casualties. They barely made it in.”
“The Russians?” inquired Captain Bailey.
“No, actually. It was the Argentine Navy. Our ship was assessing the situation in the Falkland Islands when she was attacked. She managed to shoot her way out of the mess and outrun them.”
Again, Captain Bailey posed a question.
“How do you plan to respond?”
“We already have, and the situation is resolved. I just wanted to let you know of what happened, considering you are our guest and a representative of the Australian government.”
Captain Bailey began to shift uncomfortably in his seat.
“It was resolved? How? I don’t understand.”
“Well Captain, after much debate between the King, the Prime Minister, and myself, it was decided that the HMS Renown would launch two of its Polaris missiles against Argentina. Buenos Aires and Tierra del Fuego were the targets. The missiles were launched one hour ago.”
All colour left Captain Bailey’s face.
“But…..why?”
“Captain, Britain may be down but we are not out. The world needs to know that if we are attacked, whether it be by the Soviet Union, Argentina, or Tuvalu, we will strike back and strike back hard.”
Captain Bailey, still taking in the news, nodded slowly.
“I see.”
“Captain, it is a terrible thing, I know. However, our remaining nuclear weapons, and there are not many left, is out only defence.”
Captain Bailey closed his eyes and nodded in silence. “God help us all,” he thought to himself.
6 April 1984 - 12:10 pm
HMAS Sydney
Honolulu, Hawaii
Captain Martin Stanfield stood on the bridge of the Sydney, discussing with his officers the results of the reconnaissance mission over Pearl Harbour.
“So, there is nothing left?”
“No sir. The base is totally destroyed. The harbour is clogged with debris and sunken ships. We did not find any airfield that was salvageable. All of the Army barracks are gone. Honolulu itself is nothing but a massive debris field. There were no indications of survivors.”
Captain Stanfield thought of his American colleagues on the John Young, Callaghan, and Sacramento.
“Poor bastards.”
HMNB Portsmouth
Portsmouth, England
Sir John Fieldhouse, Admiral of the Fleet and First Sea Lord, was sitting behind his desk when Captain Ross Bailey entered the office and saluted.
“Thank you for coming in to see me, Captain Bailey. There is something I want to inform you about, so please have a seat.”
Captain Bailey took a seat with an obvious look of curiosity on his face.
“Early this morning, an auxiliary vessel of the Royal Navy arrived in Portsmouth. It was heavily damaged and there were casualties. They barely made it in.”
“The Russians?” inquired Captain Bailey.
“No, actually. It was the Argentine Navy. Our ship was assessing the situation in the Falkland Islands when she was attacked. She managed to shoot her way out of the mess and outrun them.”
Again, Captain Bailey posed a question.
“How do you plan to respond?”
“We already have, and the situation is resolved. I just wanted to let you know of what happened, considering you are our guest and a representative of the Australian government.”
Captain Bailey began to shift uncomfortably in his seat.
“It was resolved? How? I don’t understand.”
“Well Captain, after much debate between the King, the Prime Minister, and myself, it was decided that the HMS Renown would launch two of its Polaris missiles against Argentina. Buenos Aires and Tierra del Fuego were the targets. The missiles were launched one hour ago.”
All colour left Captain Bailey’s face.
“But…..why?”
“Captain, Britain may be down but we are not out. The world needs to know that if we are attacked, whether it be by the Soviet Union, Argentina, or Tuvalu, we will strike back and strike back hard.”
Captain Bailey, still taking in the news, nodded slowly.
“I see.”
“Captain, it is a terrible thing, I know. However, our remaining nuclear weapons, and there are not many left, is out only defence.”
Captain Bailey closed his eyes and nodded in silence. “God help us all,” he thought to himself.
=====
6 April 1984 - 12:10 pm
HMAS Sydney
Honolulu, Hawaii
Captain Martin Stanfield stood on the bridge of the Sydney, discussing with his officers the results of the reconnaissance mission over Pearl Harbour.
“So, there is nothing left?”
“No sir. The base is totally destroyed. The harbour is clogged with debris and sunken ships. We did not find any airfield that was salvageable. All of the Army barracks are gone. Honolulu itself is nothing but a massive debris field. There were no indications of survivors.”
Captain Stanfield thought of his American colleagues on the John Young, Callaghan, and Sacramento.
“Poor bastards.”
Riain
Banned
Hate to be such a pain in the arse, especially with a nice little twist with the Falklands, but the Polaris A3 missile has a range of 4600km so to hit Tierra Del Fuego the Renown would have to be well south of Ascension Island.
That said, I have no problem believing that in a world where nukes are being used like firecrackers that Britain would cripple Argentina for attacking it's ship near the Falklands. Britain might soon need the Falklands desperately.
That said, I have no problem believing that in a world where nukes are being used like firecrackers that Britain would cripple Argentina for attacking it's ship near the Falklands. Britain might soon need the Falklands desperately.
Das_Colonel
Banned
Pretty sure the strike on Argentina is canon. PL is right to reference it.
As with a lot of things McCragge never fact checked somethings in his original TL.
As with a lot of things McCragge never fact checked somethings in his original TL.
Good instalments. One niggle is that you regularly have large, enthusiastic crowds greeting Hawke et all. It just wouldn't happen. Ever.
PimpLenin
Banned
Fixed it. Thanks.
I've thought about this too, actually. I was taking into consideration that IOTL it was around this time that Hawke has his highest approval rating of his tenure as PM. That, combined with the fact that ITTL people don't have a helluva lot to cheer about, they will take what they can get. I guess I am being influenced by Louisiana politics as well, which is something we like to get wrapped up about. Back in the days before television and even radio, a politician coming through town was cause for a big town gathering.
There is an attack by Britain on Argentina re the Falklands? Wow.
Was there every any talk about this OTL? I imagine it would probably still be a secret though
Was there every any talk about this OTL? I imagine it would probably still be a secret though
If I remember correctly, it was a V bomber from Port Stanley....in the original P&S
Right, but was that based on known real life plans, or more because it was a neat twist?
To quote from the origional:
Jack never specified that the response was immediate and who knows where the surviving R boats (one was in refit and thus destroyed) went after they launched on the USSR.
It is never made explicitly clear whether the weapons are SLBMs, or free-fall bombs. However RAF Mount Pleasant did not officially open until 1985, and Stanley airport is tiny. I do think that MPA might have been capable of taking aircraft in 1984, but I don't see the RAF diverting any bombers.
Jack never specified that the response was immediate and who knows where the surviving R boats (one was in refit and thus destroyed) went after they launched on the USSR.