France Fights On (English Translation) - Thread II - To the continent!
- Thread starter Wings
- Start date
May I ask If Warsaw and Phelps death were appreciated ? VBZ quote is OTL BTW.
Last edited:
Does the female pilots of the French AF form their own squadron, or they supplement the already made squadrons?
01/04/44 - Northern Europe
April 1st, 1944
King's Eggs
Gifts for Herr Oberst Priller
Lesquin (Nord) - When he opens his eyelids in the early morning, awakened by his prescription, "Pips" Priller can't help but grumble. He is tired, like his pilots, but with the undeniable plus due to his rank. Administrative hassles, scolding from the hierarchy who do not know how he could not stand up to the thousands of allied planes with a single Gruppe dispersed over the whole of the northern part of France, half of whose planes were in a sad state, with few and tired experienced pilots, and others who were not very efficient because they were too young and inexperienced.
A glance at the window brings a smile that could surprise the uninformed observer: it's raining! And it's pouring. A continuous, heavy rain, stinging the windows. One can hardly distinguish the buildings two hundred meters away. This means that there will be no flights today, a welcome interlude in the exhausting whirlwind of one mission after another.
No need to hurry, the Oberst takes the opportunity to do a more complete wash than usual, taking time to shave properly, a luxury these days. Then he goes quietly down to the dining room of the chalet he occupies at 6, rue Sadi Carnot in Lesquin. This term of chalet is rather improper, because it designates large red brick buildings, built in the 1920s by Thomson to house its engineers. Priller's is the smallest, but he is the only one to occupy it, unlike the other four, common to the other pilots. A sixth, larger one, named "Château Michel", is used as administrative headquarters for JG 26 Schlageter.
The officer has lunch, then takes his cap and an umbrella to walk to the "Château". His convertible BMW 327 burgundy is likely to remain with the garage today, unless he takes advantage of the calm to go to the city? Lille has some very nice restaurants that he didn't have the opportunity to visit lately...
Few people at the CP: those who are not on duty take advantage of it to sleep, which we can't blame them for, as the nights are too often interspersed with air alerts, often false, but irritating for the worn-out organisms. Priller's first move is to call the field (Lille-Vendeville Flugplatz) to tell the alert pilots, strapped in their cockpits despite the rain, to leave the planes: there will obviously be no alert today.
The second gesture is to retrieve a message handed to him by a non-commissioned officer in the signals department.
A wide smile lights up his face, followed by a doubtful pout: could the command be playing a joke on this April 1st? He grabs a telephone handset and asks the operator to put him through to General Galland, Inspector General of the Fighters. The two men know each other well, as Priller had been Galland's direct subordinate for a long time, when Galland was only a squadron leader, so the discussion was courteous and friendly. When he hangs up, the Oberst's face is radiant this time. He whistles his way back to his quarters after having summoned all the pilots to the airfield mess at eleven o'clock sharp.
At the appointed hour, everyone is there, more or less smiling. Priller quickly climbs on a chair and faces his men. He stares at them for a moment: apart from the young recruits freshly arrived, he knows them all, calling them by their first name or nickname. Their faces are all frowned, worried, asleep or, at best, indifferent. Fatigue is evident on these faces, and Priller knows that he himself is not much better, even if his smile is unusual.
- Meine Herren, on this rainy day when you could have slept all you wanted, I didn't get you out of bed for a propaganda speech, a decoration announcement or bad news, that could have waited. No. At one point I thought it was one of those jokes that the French know how to make on April 1st, but General Galland confirmed to me the accuracy of the news.
[Winks of interest in the room].
- In a few days, we will receive the new Focke-Wulf Dora!
Priller cannot continue, all the pilots have stood up and are shouting with joy! He calms his men with a broad gesture, and continues: "The I/JG 26 will be the second Luftwaffe Gruppe to receive these aircraft after Weis' III/JG 54. Galland told me that we should take advantage of the bad weather to pick up our aircraft in Marienburg by train, in groups of ten. So I drew up a list of nine pilots in addition to myself, a list that is at this moment on the operations board. We leave this afternoon at 17:00. That's it."
The hubbub of the men getting up to see the board, shouts of joy and frowns - to calm everyone down, Priller announces that the following ones will leave as soon as the first ones arrive here.
King's Eggs
Gifts for Herr Oberst Priller
Lesquin (Nord) - When he opens his eyelids in the early morning, awakened by his prescription, "Pips" Priller can't help but grumble. He is tired, like his pilots, but with the undeniable plus due to his rank. Administrative hassles, scolding from the hierarchy who do not know how he could not stand up to the thousands of allied planes with a single Gruppe dispersed over the whole of the northern part of France, half of whose planes were in a sad state, with few and tired experienced pilots, and others who were not very efficient because they were too young and inexperienced.
A glance at the window brings a smile that could surprise the uninformed observer: it's raining! And it's pouring. A continuous, heavy rain, stinging the windows. One can hardly distinguish the buildings two hundred meters away. This means that there will be no flights today, a welcome interlude in the exhausting whirlwind of one mission after another.
No need to hurry, the Oberst takes the opportunity to do a more complete wash than usual, taking time to shave properly, a luxury these days. Then he goes quietly down to the dining room of the chalet he occupies at 6, rue Sadi Carnot in Lesquin. This term of chalet is rather improper, because it designates large red brick buildings, built in the 1920s by Thomson to house its engineers. Priller's is the smallest, but he is the only one to occupy it, unlike the other four, common to the other pilots. A sixth, larger one, named "Château Michel", is used as administrative headquarters for JG 26 Schlageter.
The officer has lunch, then takes his cap and an umbrella to walk to the "Château". His convertible BMW 327 burgundy is likely to remain with the garage today, unless he takes advantage of the calm to go to the city? Lille has some very nice restaurants that he didn't have the opportunity to visit lately...
Few people at the CP: those who are not on duty take advantage of it to sleep, which we can't blame them for, as the nights are too often interspersed with air alerts, often false, but irritating for the worn-out organisms. Priller's first move is to call the field (Lille-Vendeville Flugplatz) to tell the alert pilots, strapped in their cockpits despite the rain, to leave the planes: there will obviously be no alert today.
The second gesture is to retrieve a message handed to him by a non-commissioned officer in the signals department.
A wide smile lights up his face, followed by a doubtful pout: could the command be playing a joke on this April 1st? He grabs a telephone handset and asks the operator to put him through to General Galland, Inspector General of the Fighters. The two men know each other well, as Priller had been Galland's direct subordinate for a long time, when Galland was only a squadron leader, so the discussion was courteous and friendly. When he hangs up, the Oberst's face is radiant this time. He whistles his way back to his quarters after having summoned all the pilots to the airfield mess at eleven o'clock sharp.
At the appointed hour, everyone is there, more or less smiling. Priller quickly climbs on a chair and faces his men. He stares at them for a moment: apart from the young recruits freshly arrived, he knows them all, calling them by their first name or nickname. Their faces are all frowned, worried, asleep or, at best, indifferent. Fatigue is evident on these faces, and Priller knows that he himself is not much better, even if his smile is unusual.
- Meine Herren, on this rainy day when you could have slept all you wanted, I didn't get you out of bed for a propaganda speech, a decoration announcement or bad news, that could have waited. No. At one point I thought it was one of those jokes that the French know how to make on April 1st, but General Galland confirmed to me the accuracy of the news.
[Winks of interest in the room].
- In a few days, we will receive the new Focke-Wulf Dora!
Priller cannot continue, all the pilots have stood up and are shouting with joy! He calms his men with a broad gesture, and continues: "The I/JG 26 will be the second Luftwaffe Gruppe to receive these aircraft after Weis' III/JG 54. Galland told me that we should take advantage of the bad weather to pick up our aircraft in Marienburg by train, in groups of ten. So I drew up a list of nine pilots in addition to myself, a list that is at this moment on the operations board. We leave this afternoon at 17:00. That's it."
The hubbub of the men getting up to see the board, shouts of joy and frowns - to calm everyone down, Priller announces that the following ones will leave as soon as the first ones arrive here.
01/04/44 - Diplomacy & Economy
April 1st, 1944
Poland
You don't choose your family... and sometimes your friends either
Royal Castle of Lublin - In the old walls of the 14th century fortress of sinister memory - its walls muffled the sound of many executions during the Nazi occupation...and, before that, under the Tsars (but everyone pretends to have forgotten) - the Polish government in exile and the so-called Lublin Committee finally begin to negotiate in order to form a new government of national unity, under the obviously impartial arbitration of general Nikolai Bulganin.
It is only the second time that the two entities meet - the previous one had been in Athens in November 1943, during the Second Athens conference. At that time, Stanisław Mikołajczyk had already had to promise his counterpart (or supposed counterpart) Bolesław Bierut, of the Polish National Liberation Committee, that he was committed to "a pragmatic approach" when the question of a united government would arise. Immediately afterwards, Molotov swept aside this important concession by demanding a majority for the Lublin Committee, and for it alone...
Of course, a lot of water has flowed under the bridge since then. The Soviet bear is smiling, putting on a good face. And as Bulganin docently says in his long opening preamble: "The purpose of this historic and necessary meeting is not to commit the future forever. Even less to make the account of the misunderstandings, misunderstandings and various reproaches that it would be useless to throw at us. The time of the judgment of the People will come, and still after that of History. Both will decide - but for us, the objective is and must remain the rapid conclusion of an agreement allowing the union of all in order to defeat the Nazi hydra... "
That's right - it is useless to talk about (for example) the attitude of the Soviet forces towards the AK during Storm, or the thinly veiled threats of Minister Molotov, who suggested last November that the Western Allies should force the Poles in London to meet with those in Lublin! Certainly, the legal government is not in a position of strength, and it knows it. We are no longer in 1942; the West can hardly threaten the Russians to interrupt their deliveries of materials that they do not necessarily immediate need - not to mention the consequences of such a move for the Western armies. Nevertheless, Jan Kwapiński and Władysław Banaczyk want to believe that their conciliatory attitude should eventually pay off - because it did, to say the least, especially when compared to the past positions of Kukiel et al! Even if, at this time, they feel quite alone around the table...
They are introduced to the new leader of the 1st Polish Army: General Stanislav Gilyarovich Poplavsky, an "ethnic" Pole through his father Hilary, and a Pole at heart since his youth (or so he claims*!). He is charged to reconstitute an army wasted under Berling and now placed in reserve of the 2nd Belorussian Front.
After Bulganin, Bolesław Bierut immediately takes over, under the watchful eyes of his partners. Edward Bolesław Osóbka-Morawski represents the PPS, Polska Partia Socjalistyczna. Andrzej Witos is the SL, Stronnictwo Ludowe "Wola Ludu" - the People's Will" - the People's Party, which grew out of the former Polish Workers' Party (it has nothing to do with the historical SL**). Stefan Jędrychowski is the delegate of the Polish Workers' Party (PPR, Polska Partia Robotnicza) although he was sentenced to death in February 1942 for collaboration with the USSR... In fact, Bierut seems to have already succeeded in uniting around him those who could not go into exile and the national "progressive" parties, all of which were embryonic that, for the moment, insignificant. He can therefore claim to represent a trend in Polish society. He has even managed to bring the Democratic Party (SD, Stronnictwo Demokratyczne) and Wincenty Rzymowski, a famous journalist-writer, once accused of plagiarism and taken refuge during the invasion in Kremenets, from where he later decided to collaborate with the Soviet Union.
There is no doubt that these gentlemen (or comrades...) intend to occupy the place which, according to them, is their rightful place. And even if all do not have necessarily an overflowing sympathy for the USSR, none of them is a real ally of the government in exile, reputed to be reactionary, even "formerly fascist". But they will discuss all this. The doors of the meeting room close...
Relative Hungarian confidence
Sándo Palace (Budapest) - Defense Minister Vilmos Nagy de Nagybaczon receives with satisfaction the commander-in-chief of the Magyar Királyi Honvéd Légierő, Vitez István Bánfalvy, to discuss the recent aerial episodes over the capital. The latter came with Colonel Heppes Aladár, of the 101st National Defense Group, who will be able to describe in detail the feats of the Red Pumas - to the Regent himself, if the latter so desires.
In fact, this is surely what the two airmen want - they could get their message to the highest possible level of government. For Bánfalvy and Aladár did not come to the palace only for the sake of bragging. If the Red Pumas have gotten undeniable successes for the moment, they could not be sufficient for the task. The allied aviation, which does not tolerate any opposition over France, Italy or even Yugoslavia, will soon put to good use its overwhelming material superiority to smother the valiant Magyar defenders, who will be soon split between the protection of the capital and the cover of the troops defending Vojvodina against the Serbs and the English.
Unless... Unless the 101st National Defense Group is reinforced by the repatriation of the four squadrons of the 1st, 2nd, 4th and 5th fighter groups still deployed on the Russian Front and by the creation of a 102nd National Defense Group, then if possible a 103rd ground support group. These groups will welcome new pilots in a spirit of cohesion and emulation - the only hope to avoid the massacre of new recruits currently inflicted on the Luftwaffe.
Obviously, this choice is political: it amounts to leaving the air defense of the Carpathians and the escort of the bombers deployed on the Russian Front to the goodwill of the Germans, thus to irritate them even more than they already were. However, necessity is the law - especially since the Hungarian government has other very good reasons to want to gather as many airmen as possible near its capital and to limit the interaction between the Luftwaffe and its own air force. Nagy de Nagybaczon therefore gives his agreement and authorizes the formation of a 102nd national defense group, drawing from the most affected squadrons, the 2/1 and 5/3, which will be dissolved and whose pilots will supervise the novices.
As for the rapid formation of a ground support group, on the other hand, it is obvious that the production of Me 210-Ca will not be enough... With a nerve that commands respect, the minister decides to ask Berlin for the allocation of Fw 190 F-8s, which could do the job.
China-USSR
Two flip-flops equal one full turn
Dihua (Xinjiang) - Nothing. No response. The situation has not changed for nineteen days.
The Fourth Sheng Purge, perhaps the most effective and discreet of all, has gone well, but the situation remains precarious as long as the governor has no answer from the Kremlin... The means of communication continue to be tightly controlled in order to limit the exchanges between Xinjiang and Chongqing, but as the days went by, some professors, students and second-tier nationalist officials had to be released, after "checks to ensure that they are not guilty of espionage or intelligence with the enemy" (without specifying which enemy it was). And the governor's paranoia is constantly feeding his anxiety. Strange, that big smile always worn by General Zhu and the way he looks at him from underneath, as if he knew... And this new Soviet consul, this Evseev of misfortune, always charming but always evasive, who claims to have evacuated Chen Tanqiu to Alma-Ata and transmitted his message to Moscow - but can we trust him?
The governor does not eat much anymore, for fear of being poisoned, he does not leave his palace, for fear of being attacked, he just waits, waiting for the answer that will set him free. But here is that his secretary knocks with respect at the door of his office! It is a telegram: inevitably the answer from Stalin! In an instant, Sheng composes himself into a dignified attitude, turns to the window and, again confident, asks the secretary to read the message to him.
"From Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, President of the Republic, to the Governor of Xinjiang, Sheng Shicai
My dear friend
As you know, the military situation is not as good as we could hope for. The final victory against the Japanese Empire is not in doubt, but the enemy persists in launching ferocious attacks which cannot give him any hope of ultimate victory, but increase the destruction inflicted on our poor country. Under these conditions, it is difficult to explain to our allies the absolute necessity of eliminating our deadly CCP enemies.
Therefore, in order to conduct the affairs of our republic in the most effective way, I need to gather closely around me the most capable political figures. And who would be more qualified than you, dear friend? Your advice was already valuable during the Northern Expedition, it will be even more relevant thanks to the great experience of power that you have acquired for more than ten years now.
I have recently learned through the back door that a new plot attempt has once again brilliantly foiled by you. Certainly, if Xinjiang is firmly attached to the Republic of China, in spite of the hypocritical actions of our powerful neighbors, it is thanks to you! That is why my request may seem quite selfish. But it is also motivated by a real concern for your safety - who knows what dangers may threaten you in this border province, which is subject to plots and even to more or less disguised military aggressions?
This is why, in order to prove to you that, since our reconciliation two years ago, my feelings towards you could not be more friendly, in order to ensure your safety and in order to use your great skills with dignity, I propose to you to participate in the destiny of our glorious Republic by joining my government as Minister of Agriculture and Forestry. I therefore ask you to put your current affairs in order and join me in Chongqing, I expect you by the end of the month.
With all my esteem and friendship,
Chiang Kai-shek"
Shang, who feared for a moment to be discovered, can breathe! His position in Dihua is precarious: he could fear that by remaining governor of his province and loyal to the Kuo-Min-Tang, he would fall victim to Soviet power when, as seemed inevitable, it would turn to Xinjiang after finishing with the Fascists. On the other hand, becoming minister of Chiang will definitely protect him. Minister of the victorious government of the Japanese and the Chinese Communists, that is a good situation, whatever the fate of Xinjiang! Finally, the message that was to free him from his paranoia had arrived. It had just come from Chongqing, not from Moscow. Radiant, he offers his face to the heat of the midday sun, barely listening to his secretary, who confounds himself with obsequious congratulations.
A glance at the calendar would not change his mind. Indeed, the Honorable Sheng Shicai, governor in office and prospective minister, is unaware of the significance of the day's date in the West...
* Born in Podola, during the Tsarist regime, Poplavsky only ever served in the CP and the Red Army - until recently he was chief of the 45th Rifle Corps in the 5th Army. He is therefore probably closer to a Carpathian or Ukrainian than a Pole.
** Witos is nevertheless known for having been deported from 1939 to 1942.
Poland
You don't choose your family... and sometimes your friends either
Royal Castle of Lublin - In the old walls of the 14th century fortress of sinister memory - its walls muffled the sound of many executions during the Nazi occupation...and, before that, under the Tsars (but everyone pretends to have forgotten) - the Polish government in exile and the so-called Lublin Committee finally begin to negotiate in order to form a new government of national unity, under the obviously impartial arbitration of general Nikolai Bulganin.
It is only the second time that the two entities meet - the previous one had been in Athens in November 1943, during the Second Athens conference. At that time, Stanisław Mikołajczyk had already had to promise his counterpart (or supposed counterpart) Bolesław Bierut, of the Polish National Liberation Committee, that he was committed to "a pragmatic approach" when the question of a united government would arise. Immediately afterwards, Molotov swept aside this important concession by demanding a majority for the Lublin Committee, and for it alone...
Of course, a lot of water has flowed under the bridge since then. The Soviet bear is smiling, putting on a good face. And as Bulganin docently says in his long opening preamble: "The purpose of this historic and necessary meeting is not to commit the future forever. Even less to make the account of the misunderstandings, misunderstandings and various reproaches that it would be useless to throw at us. The time of the judgment of the People will come, and still after that of History. Both will decide - but for us, the objective is and must remain the rapid conclusion of an agreement allowing the union of all in order to defeat the Nazi hydra... "
That's right - it is useless to talk about (for example) the attitude of the Soviet forces towards the AK during Storm, or the thinly veiled threats of Minister Molotov, who suggested last November that the Western Allies should force the Poles in London to meet with those in Lublin! Certainly, the legal government is not in a position of strength, and it knows it. We are no longer in 1942; the West can hardly threaten the Russians to interrupt their deliveries of materials that they do not necessarily immediate need - not to mention the consequences of such a move for the Western armies. Nevertheless, Jan Kwapiński and Władysław Banaczyk want to believe that their conciliatory attitude should eventually pay off - because it did, to say the least, especially when compared to the past positions of Kukiel et al! Even if, at this time, they feel quite alone around the table...
They are introduced to the new leader of the 1st Polish Army: General Stanislav Gilyarovich Poplavsky, an "ethnic" Pole through his father Hilary, and a Pole at heart since his youth (or so he claims*!). He is charged to reconstitute an army wasted under Berling and now placed in reserve of the 2nd Belorussian Front.
After Bulganin, Bolesław Bierut immediately takes over, under the watchful eyes of his partners. Edward Bolesław Osóbka-Morawski represents the PPS, Polska Partia Socjalistyczna. Andrzej Witos is the SL, Stronnictwo Ludowe "Wola Ludu" - the People's Will" - the People's Party, which grew out of the former Polish Workers' Party (it has nothing to do with the historical SL**). Stefan Jędrychowski is the delegate of the Polish Workers' Party (PPR, Polska Partia Robotnicza) although he was sentenced to death in February 1942 for collaboration with the USSR... In fact, Bierut seems to have already succeeded in uniting around him those who could not go into exile and the national "progressive" parties, all of which were embryonic that, for the moment, insignificant. He can therefore claim to represent a trend in Polish society. He has even managed to bring the Democratic Party (SD, Stronnictwo Demokratyczne) and Wincenty Rzymowski, a famous journalist-writer, once accused of plagiarism and taken refuge during the invasion in Kremenets, from where he later decided to collaborate with the Soviet Union.
There is no doubt that these gentlemen (or comrades...) intend to occupy the place which, according to them, is their rightful place. And even if all do not have necessarily an overflowing sympathy for the USSR, none of them is a real ally of the government in exile, reputed to be reactionary, even "formerly fascist". But they will discuss all this. The doors of the meeting room close...
Relative Hungarian confidence
Sándo Palace (Budapest) - Defense Minister Vilmos Nagy de Nagybaczon receives with satisfaction the commander-in-chief of the Magyar Királyi Honvéd Légierő, Vitez István Bánfalvy, to discuss the recent aerial episodes over the capital. The latter came with Colonel Heppes Aladár, of the 101st National Defense Group, who will be able to describe in detail the feats of the Red Pumas - to the Regent himself, if the latter so desires.
In fact, this is surely what the two airmen want - they could get their message to the highest possible level of government. For Bánfalvy and Aladár did not come to the palace only for the sake of bragging. If the Red Pumas have gotten undeniable successes for the moment, they could not be sufficient for the task. The allied aviation, which does not tolerate any opposition over France, Italy or even Yugoslavia, will soon put to good use its overwhelming material superiority to smother the valiant Magyar defenders, who will be soon split between the protection of the capital and the cover of the troops defending Vojvodina against the Serbs and the English.
Unless... Unless the 101st National Defense Group is reinforced by the repatriation of the four squadrons of the 1st, 2nd, 4th and 5th fighter groups still deployed on the Russian Front and by the creation of a 102nd National Defense Group, then if possible a 103rd ground support group. These groups will welcome new pilots in a spirit of cohesion and emulation - the only hope to avoid the massacre of new recruits currently inflicted on the Luftwaffe.
Obviously, this choice is political: it amounts to leaving the air defense of the Carpathians and the escort of the bombers deployed on the Russian Front to the goodwill of the Germans, thus to irritate them even more than they already were. However, necessity is the law - especially since the Hungarian government has other very good reasons to want to gather as many airmen as possible near its capital and to limit the interaction between the Luftwaffe and its own air force. Nagy de Nagybaczon therefore gives his agreement and authorizes the formation of a 102nd national defense group, drawing from the most affected squadrons, the 2/1 and 5/3, which will be dissolved and whose pilots will supervise the novices.
As for the rapid formation of a ground support group, on the other hand, it is obvious that the production of Me 210-Ca will not be enough... With a nerve that commands respect, the minister decides to ask Berlin for the allocation of Fw 190 F-8s, which could do the job.
China-USSR
Two flip-flops equal one full turn
Dihua (Xinjiang) - Nothing. No response. The situation has not changed for nineteen days.
The Fourth Sheng Purge, perhaps the most effective and discreet of all, has gone well, but the situation remains precarious as long as the governor has no answer from the Kremlin... The means of communication continue to be tightly controlled in order to limit the exchanges between Xinjiang and Chongqing, but as the days went by, some professors, students and second-tier nationalist officials had to be released, after "checks to ensure that they are not guilty of espionage or intelligence with the enemy" (without specifying which enemy it was). And the governor's paranoia is constantly feeding his anxiety. Strange, that big smile always worn by General Zhu and the way he looks at him from underneath, as if he knew... And this new Soviet consul, this Evseev of misfortune, always charming but always evasive, who claims to have evacuated Chen Tanqiu to Alma-Ata and transmitted his message to Moscow - but can we trust him?
The governor does not eat much anymore, for fear of being poisoned, he does not leave his palace, for fear of being attacked, he just waits, waiting for the answer that will set him free. But here is that his secretary knocks with respect at the door of his office! It is a telegram: inevitably the answer from Stalin! In an instant, Sheng composes himself into a dignified attitude, turns to the window and, again confident, asks the secretary to read the message to him.
"From Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, President of the Republic, to the Governor of Xinjiang, Sheng Shicai
My dear friend
As you know, the military situation is not as good as we could hope for. The final victory against the Japanese Empire is not in doubt, but the enemy persists in launching ferocious attacks which cannot give him any hope of ultimate victory, but increase the destruction inflicted on our poor country. Under these conditions, it is difficult to explain to our allies the absolute necessity of eliminating our deadly CCP enemies.
Therefore, in order to conduct the affairs of our republic in the most effective way, I need to gather closely around me the most capable political figures. And who would be more qualified than you, dear friend? Your advice was already valuable during the Northern Expedition, it will be even more relevant thanks to the great experience of power that you have acquired for more than ten years now.
I have recently learned through the back door that a new plot attempt has once again brilliantly foiled by you. Certainly, if Xinjiang is firmly attached to the Republic of China, in spite of the hypocritical actions of our powerful neighbors, it is thanks to you! That is why my request may seem quite selfish. But it is also motivated by a real concern for your safety - who knows what dangers may threaten you in this border province, which is subject to plots and even to more or less disguised military aggressions?
This is why, in order to prove to you that, since our reconciliation two years ago, my feelings towards you could not be more friendly, in order to ensure your safety and in order to use your great skills with dignity, I propose to you to participate in the destiny of our glorious Republic by joining my government as Minister of Agriculture and Forestry. I therefore ask you to put your current affairs in order and join me in Chongqing, I expect you by the end of the month.
With all my esteem and friendship,
Chiang Kai-shek"
Shang, who feared for a moment to be discovered, can breathe! His position in Dihua is precarious: he could fear that by remaining governor of his province and loyal to the Kuo-Min-Tang, he would fall victim to Soviet power when, as seemed inevitable, it would turn to Xinjiang after finishing with the Fascists. On the other hand, becoming minister of Chiang will definitely protect him. Minister of the victorious government of the Japanese and the Chinese Communists, that is a good situation, whatever the fate of Xinjiang! Finally, the message that was to free him from his paranoia had arrived. It had just come from Chongqing, not from Moscow. Radiant, he offers his face to the heat of the midday sun, barely listening to his secretary, who confounds himself with obsequious congratulations.
A glance at the calendar would not change his mind. Indeed, the Honorable Sheng Shicai, governor in office and prospective minister, is unaware of the significance of the day's date in the West...
* Born in Podola, during the Tsarist regime, Poplavsky only ever served in the CP and the Red Army - until recently he was chief of the 45th Rifle Corps in the 5th Army. He is therefore probably closer to a Carpathian or Ukrainian than a Pole.
** Witos is nevertheless known for having been deported from 1939 to 1942.
01/04/44 - Occupied Countries
April 1st, 1944
Such a beautiful plan
On the back of the 2nd Ukrainian Front - New Slovak envoys join the previous ones: chemical engineer Jan Korecký and lieutenant Š. Hanus, who came to help Karol Šmidke's group in their ongoing discussions with the Soviets. In fact, the two men come with alarming news: German maneuvers are being prepared in their region. Something is going on, something big. But for lack of a secure link with Ján Golian's staff in Bratislava, it is difficult to know more...
On the other side, the Soviets show a polite interest in this information - but not more. They had the initiative, both against the Germans and the Slovaks. So they have all the time in the world.
Such a beautiful plan
On the back of the 2nd Ukrainian Front - New Slovak envoys join the previous ones: chemical engineer Jan Korecký and lieutenant Š. Hanus, who came to help Karol Šmidke's group in their ongoing discussions with the Soviets. In fact, the two men come with alarming news: German maneuvers are being prepared in their region. Something is going on, something big. But for lack of a secure link with Ján Golian's staff in Bratislava, it is difficult to know more...
On the other side, the Soviets show a polite interest in this information - but not more. They had the initiative, both against the Germans and the Slovaks. So they have all the time in the world.
01/04/44 - Asia & Pacific
April 1st, 1944
Burma and Malaya Campaign
Operation Black Prince
Southeast Province of Burma - The engineers of the 19th Indian Division reinforce the bridge between Tamok and Lutlut and then set to work at Kyaukpa, where contact is finally made with the Chindits from Wingate. In the meantime, the ten LCT who participated in Horseman and who ensured the logistic chain on the Tavoy will allow the crossing at this level. The rest of the division goes around the spit of land and reaches Kywegu in the evening.
Burma and Malaya Campaign
Operation Black Prince
Southeast Province of Burma - The engineers of the 19th Indian Division reinforce the bridge between Tamok and Lutlut and then set to work at Kyaukpa, where contact is finally made with the Chindits from Wingate. In the meantime, the ten LCT who participated in Horseman and who ensured the logistic chain on the Tavoy will allow the crossing at this level. The rest of the division goes around the spit of land and reaches Kywegu in the evening.
01/04/44 - Eastern Front
April 1st, 1944
Puzzle
OKH, bunker Maybach I (20 km south of Berlin) - The last FührerBefehl about Festung Memel has reached its recipients - who are now wondering what to do with it! HG Nord was never really a priority for material and personnel (and even less so this year...): it has nothing available, not to mention how this hypothetical reinforcement could reach the port located at the mouth of the Niemen. Sea transport is as rare as it is dangerous - it is not as if the troops could make the journey on foot, on the thin strip of land that goes from the bay to Königsberg!
So the problem seems insoluble... In truth, the only unit that Georg von Küchler could (perhaps) separate from is the 237. VolksGrenadierDivision of Gerhard Wilck, just formed, placed in reserve and which might have to abandon its Hetzers to travel. The staff of Georg Ritter von Hengl will study all this and discuss it with the Kriegsmarine. His proposal will be transmitted to the Führer via Guderian - for whom this matter is anything but urgent...
Puzzle
OKH, bunker Maybach I (20 km south of Berlin) - The last FührerBefehl about Festung Memel has reached its recipients - who are now wondering what to do with it! HG Nord was never really a priority for material and personnel (and even less so this year...): it has nothing available, not to mention how this hypothetical reinforcement could reach the port located at the mouth of the Niemen. Sea transport is as rare as it is dangerous - it is not as if the troops could make the journey on foot, on the thin strip of land that goes from the bay to Königsberg!
So the problem seems insoluble... In truth, the only unit that Georg von Küchler could (perhaps) separate from is the 237. VolksGrenadierDivision of Gerhard Wilck, just formed, placed in reserve and which might have to abandon its Hetzers to travel. The staff of Georg Ritter von Hengl will study all this and discuss it with the Kriegsmarine. His proposal will be transmitted to the Führer via Guderian - for whom this matter is anything but urgent...
01/04/44 - Balkans
April 1st, 1944
Monty on tour
At the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, west of Belgrade - After Brian Horrocks' XIIIth Corps, it is the turn of General John D. Lavarack's ANZAC to benefit from the attention of the Chief, under the resigned eye of the 8th Army's Commander in Chief, Richard O'Connor.
Australians had mixed feelings about the coming campaign. Lavarack was clearly frustrated by the lack of action since December, which he saw as both as a career stalemate and a sign of contempt for the soldiers of the Dominions. Pissed off at this thankless assignment, he can't think of anything worse... except perhaps a garrison post in Queensland, really. It is therefore necessary to get out of this quagmire as soon as possible, and from the top. For the troops, it is the opposite: although still motivated and ready to fight, the Aussies and Kiwis do not forget the deaths in Greece nor the interminable siege of Salonika. Certainly, everyone will do his duty, and even more. But the echoes of the mutiny of Sindos, the swamps of Voivodina and especially the general Yugoslav atmosphere transformed the triumphal and liberating march into a retreat in mud and blood.
Montgomery is undoubtedly aware of this state of mind, but he pretends not to know it. For him, melancholy is soluble in work and action. In distractions also... Who remembers that he was one of the first British officers to set up, between the two wars, a specific brothel for his battalion, regularly inspected by a doctor - all in a laudable concern for hygiene and health?
For the time being, Monty continues his inspection, under a tenacious rain worthy of the Somme... Tomorrow, it will be the turn of the Yugoslavs from Brasic - with a little luck, it won't be too long. The Briton considers himself more useful at his HQ than listening to the recriminations of an undisciplined Serb. Besides, his B-17 will be waiting for him the same day on the military airfield of Belgrade. Efficiency and disregard of conventions!
Lightning storms thwarted
Balkans - The weather lull did not last long! A new disturbance hits Yugoslavia and the Alps, leaving only the north of Hungary for the allied planes to express their know-how.
The 19th EB Gascogne and its Reapers are in Gubacs, in the southern suburbs of Budapest, to strike the Kis-Dunahid truss bridge as well as the neighbouring structures built by the Hungarian engineers. All of them serve Csepel Island and are therefore of critical importance for the Magyar industrial effort. To facilitate the escort and to saturate the defenses, the bombardment is coordinated with a new sweep of the Beaufighters of Sqn 39 along the beautiful blue Danube.
Nevertheless, in spite of the protection of the 9th EC Bohemia-Moravia, the bombers run up against the Red Pumas, which ensure a vigilant guard around Budapest. Aggravating circumstance: the Hungarians benefit from a very biting light flak supported by some elements of German Flak and which discouraged any low level.
The twin-engines are thus constrained to remain at medium altitude to drop their loads - it is necessarily less precise than the heroic ride of March 10th... The banks and the waves receive a large part of the projectiles, as well as the rare buildings around... This area has never been built, the factories are located to the west (where the river is wider). A bridge of boats sinks under a direct impact, but the Kis-Dunahid bridge remains proudly standing, although shaken by several near-misses.
Further up, the Czech airmen have a rough discussion with the guards of Budapest. There they leave two NA-89s, plus one abandoned in flight on the way back, whose pilot will be recovered by the Partisans. An A-20 is also shot down, all against only two Bf 109s. The Pumas are definitely formidable adversaries - among them, Lieutenant Laszlo Molnar is now at 20 victims.
The Czechs go home licking their wounds, swearing to take their revenge - which will be soon! To their great joy, indeed, they see while landing four brand new aircrafts which have just arrived, as scouts for those which will follow in the next days: NA-102. With this, the Pumas could roar less loudly...
.........
The other raids on the region, scheduled during the day or at night, are cancelled by Air Marshal Tedder: the weather is definitely too unstable to risk airmen in vain.
Runes versus pentagram
Sarajevo - Now well settled in his Bosnian lair, Obergruppenführer Friedrich-Wilhelm Krüger is actively preparing the SS counter-offensive against the communist vermin.
His plan is now clear: leaving Mostar to the Cavalry Brigade of the Handschar and Sarajevo to the good care of the 4. SS-Polizei PzrGr - which will largely suffice for the task - the bulk of the III. SS-GAK will soon lead a powerful pincer attack with on one side the Prinz-Eugen, which will descend towards Foča and Goražde, and on the other side the 27. Waffen-Gebirgsjäger Rgt der SS of the Handschar, which will move up towards the Goražde area. Its counterpart, the 28. Waffen-GJ Rgt of the SS, will remain in reserve on the Mostar-Sarajevo road, to hold this vital axis of communication that saw the end of Artur Phleps.
The goal is to crush the Titist forces in the south of Bosnia and to surround the Partisans present north of Mostar. Once this was done, in a second phase, the SS would take charge of cleaning up the north of Montenegro and the east of Bosnia until they came back in contact with the Allies and (incidentally) until the link with the right wing of the Ustasha was re-established. The latter will have to contribute to the common task within their limited means, by a diversionary action in the direction of Priboj.
It will take some more time to prepare such a maneuver, it is obvious. But the sooner the better, even if it means rushing the troops a bit to maneuver under the clouds - the more time passes, the more vermin take root! "We're going to smash the heads of these peasants," Krüger cheerfully concludes, who has just found the name of his operation: it would be Morgenstern.
.........
Višegrad (Serbia) - On the other side of the front (as far as this notion has any meaning iin Yugoslavia), the AVNOJ is perfectly informed by its network of observers of the arrival of the SS and the takeover of the Croatian army. It is completely conscious of the ordeal that is about to take place. But Tito is not particularly worried: to support his forces, he has 80 kilometers of wooded mountains in which we can retreat on foot and on foot and bleed the men in black. And above all, the lack of enemy reserves does not escape him! Banja Luka has been in his hands for five days now, in the north of Bosnia, on Pavelic's threshold... and we are still waiting for a counter-attack!
As soon as the Germans are engaged, it should be possible to activate other corps to make a diversion and scatter the enemy. As planned! But for the forces of the new Yugoslavia to triumph, they will nevertheless have to sustain the frontal shock. The 1st Corps and the 3rd "Bosnian" Corps thus leave their positions near Prijepolje, relieved in emergency by the 12th "Vojvodina" Corps and the 37th "Sandjak" Division. Opposite, in any case, there are only Croats, and the Greeks cover the rear.
Limits reached
Government House, Zagreb - As soon as they return from their constructive meeting with Herr Krüger, the Ustasha leaders Begić and Štancer discuss the future of the NDH army with their Poglavnik.
It is very clear to Pavelic that the Reich will now only respond to his demands with laughs and that the Croatian army could no longer expect any serious German support.
All that remains is for him to integrate himself as best he can into German projects, hoping that the wind will one day blow again in a favorable direction...
General Vladimir Kren came by earlier to present his report on the state of his Zrakoplovstvo Nezavisne Države Hrvatske - it too is catastrophic.
From the plethora of troops he had at the beginning of the month, the general can now only count on 11 fighters and 32 bombers that are more or less modern - the rest is just good for hunting the Partisan or perhaps to finish off damaged aircraft. 28% loss in three weeks... The ZNDH caught the eye of the enemy - and it could not sustain its gaze.
Unable to do more than hide and wait for the opportunity to die defending the sacred land of Croatia, the Ustasha airmen could not possibly support the next offensive announced by the SS.
Besides, what would this offensive bring to the NDH? This question has not been openly asked, of course, but it emerges from every word of the Croat. Only Pavelic has asked Kren to regroup the flak into two autonomous regions (1st: Zagreb and 2nd: Sarajevo), to better centralize the upcoming effort. He also promised to request air reinforcements from Berlin, without really believing it.
However, beyond the specific case of the ZNDH, everyone agrees that the Croatian Army cannot provide more effort on the front, except to dangerously empty Croatia in general and Zagreb in particular - and Pavelic does not want this at any price! Only, at most, the Black Legion of Boban is authorized to go down from Gradiška to support the recapture of Banja Luka, alongside the cavalry brigade of Colonel Aurel Schlacher.
For the rest, the Poglavnik decided to wait until the situation became clearer - or perhaps until the SS to express its demands. But at the same time, he ordered to concentrate in Zagreb the best elements of what remains of the regular forces in Zagreb, to form a "1st Assault Division" equipped with the best equipment available. It is impossible to know why, but the leader commands...
Shame on you
Podgorica - The remnants of the SS-Polizei Rgt Sandjak, led by Standartenführer Karl von Krempler, finally reach the Montenegrin capital on the run, seeking the protection provided by the Kroatian Legion Armee Korps in general and the 373. ID in particular.
It is an understatement to say that the SS were greeted with caution by the Croats and their "advisor" Johann Mickl. At a time when the ReichsFührer-SS praises the bravery and superiority of the Schutzstaffel, "the only politically secure formation, whose fanaticism and professionalism will enable it to take Yugoslavia in hand" (Himmler dixit), the unexpected arrival of this defeated troop of colorful truckers, whose ranks had been eaten away by desertions at least as much as by the fights, has something grimly comical about it...
Obviously, no one will risk the slightest remark - smiles aside, the legionnaires will simply direct their guests towards the north, where the Handschar is.
Those who did not get "lost" along the way or volunteer to assist Vjekoslav Luburić in his interrogations in Sarajevo were transferred to this formation, just like von Krempler and his embryonic staff.
At the last minute
Farkaždin (Vojvodina) - The XXI. GAK is now comfortably installed on its positions behind the Tamiš, next to the Hungarian 7th Corps. Among the units of this formation is the 297. ID, which has seen very little action since last year. It is one of the last fresh divisions of Heeresgruppe E - so it is logical that we count on it for the coming events.
And to make sure that this unit remains reliable and fresh, the OKW decides to recall its leader, General Moritz von Drebber, to the Heimat. Officially, this was not a sanction - in reality, he was reproached for a series of discreet, but nonetheless real, criticisms, that winter about the strategic situation of the Axis in the Balkans. In the stifling atmosphere that reigns within the post-"Valkyrie" Reich, such remarks are quickly accused of defeatism! Von Drebber was therefore sent back to the FührerReserve, before being subjected to several interrogations by the RSHA - which came to nothing, as the fact that his wife, Isle, was born a Göring, may have had something to do with it. The 297. ID is Generalleutnant Otto Gullmann, a former Munich police and Gestapo officer, with well-known methods...
.........
"Moritz von Drebber, 1892-1968, German general. Born in Oldenburg (Lower Saxony), von Drebber entered the army at the age of 19, on March 14th, 1911, as a midshipman in the 91st RI. He then transferred to the 79th Infantry Regiment at the beginning of the war, during which he led a machine gun section. In spite of a wound on September 30th, 1914, he served bravely during the whole conflict and left the army on March 27th, 1920 to join the German police.
Remobilized as a company commander in the Reichswehr on October 1st, 1934 (Osnabrück regiment), he rose in rank and became chief of the 327th Infantry Regiment (239. ID).
In 1939, he participated, with professionalism but without particular brilliance, in the Poland campaign before taking on security tasks on the Hungarian border, then in annexed Alsace. He was deployed on the Russian front within Army Group South during Barbarossa, Drebber was wounded on August 2nd, 1942. He was then awarded the Knight's Cross before going on to take command of units supposedly less exposed, such as the 523rd RI of the 297. ID - a division of which he became commander in the summer of 1943, replacing Max Pfeffer.
This unit, assigned to Yugoslavia, took part in numerous repression operations against the Partisans and covered the retreat from Serbia at the end of Operation Garden in December 1943. His division was now deployed in Vojvodina, alongside the Hungarian armies, and von Drebber was disembarked on April 1st, 1944 for "tendentious remarks" and transferred to the rear. After being briefly ostracized, he was assigned to an obscure garrison post in Silesia and surrendered without having returned to the front.
He was sent back to West Germany in 1948 (apparently as a result of satisfactory collaboration with the Soviet authorities), he died at his home in Oldenburg on May 30th, 1968.
(Robert Stan Pratsky - Dictionary of the Second World War in the Mediterranean, Flammarion, 2008)
Monty on tour
At the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, west of Belgrade - After Brian Horrocks' XIIIth Corps, it is the turn of General John D. Lavarack's ANZAC to benefit from the attention of the Chief, under the resigned eye of the 8th Army's Commander in Chief, Richard O'Connor.
Australians had mixed feelings about the coming campaign. Lavarack was clearly frustrated by the lack of action since December, which he saw as both as a career stalemate and a sign of contempt for the soldiers of the Dominions. Pissed off at this thankless assignment, he can't think of anything worse... except perhaps a garrison post in Queensland, really. It is therefore necessary to get out of this quagmire as soon as possible, and from the top. For the troops, it is the opposite: although still motivated and ready to fight, the Aussies and Kiwis do not forget the deaths in Greece nor the interminable siege of Salonika. Certainly, everyone will do his duty, and even more. But the echoes of the mutiny of Sindos, the swamps of Voivodina and especially the general Yugoslav atmosphere transformed the triumphal and liberating march into a retreat in mud and blood.
Montgomery is undoubtedly aware of this state of mind, but he pretends not to know it. For him, melancholy is soluble in work and action. In distractions also... Who remembers that he was one of the first British officers to set up, between the two wars, a specific brothel for his battalion, regularly inspected by a doctor - all in a laudable concern for hygiene and health?
For the time being, Monty continues his inspection, under a tenacious rain worthy of the Somme... Tomorrow, it will be the turn of the Yugoslavs from Brasic - with a little luck, it won't be too long. The Briton considers himself more useful at his HQ than listening to the recriminations of an undisciplined Serb. Besides, his B-17 will be waiting for him the same day on the military airfield of Belgrade. Efficiency and disregard of conventions!
Lightning storms thwarted
Balkans - The weather lull did not last long! A new disturbance hits Yugoslavia and the Alps, leaving only the north of Hungary for the allied planes to express their know-how.
The 19th EB Gascogne and its Reapers are in Gubacs, in the southern suburbs of Budapest, to strike the Kis-Dunahid truss bridge as well as the neighbouring structures built by the Hungarian engineers. All of them serve Csepel Island and are therefore of critical importance for the Magyar industrial effort. To facilitate the escort and to saturate the defenses, the bombardment is coordinated with a new sweep of the Beaufighters of Sqn 39 along the beautiful blue Danube.
Nevertheless, in spite of the protection of the 9th EC Bohemia-Moravia, the bombers run up against the Red Pumas, which ensure a vigilant guard around Budapest. Aggravating circumstance: the Hungarians benefit from a very biting light flak supported by some elements of German Flak and which discouraged any low level.
The twin-engines are thus constrained to remain at medium altitude to drop their loads - it is necessarily less precise than the heroic ride of March 10th... The banks and the waves receive a large part of the projectiles, as well as the rare buildings around... This area has never been built, the factories are located to the west (where the river is wider). A bridge of boats sinks under a direct impact, but the Kis-Dunahid bridge remains proudly standing, although shaken by several near-misses.
Further up, the Czech airmen have a rough discussion with the guards of Budapest. There they leave two NA-89s, plus one abandoned in flight on the way back, whose pilot will be recovered by the Partisans. An A-20 is also shot down, all against only two Bf 109s. The Pumas are definitely formidable adversaries - among them, Lieutenant Laszlo Molnar is now at 20 victims.
The Czechs go home licking their wounds, swearing to take their revenge - which will be soon! To their great joy, indeed, they see while landing four brand new aircrafts which have just arrived, as scouts for those which will follow in the next days: NA-102. With this, the Pumas could roar less loudly...
.........
The other raids on the region, scheduled during the day or at night, are cancelled by Air Marshal Tedder: the weather is definitely too unstable to risk airmen in vain.
Runes versus pentagram
Sarajevo - Now well settled in his Bosnian lair, Obergruppenführer Friedrich-Wilhelm Krüger is actively preparing the SS counter-offensive against the communist vermin.
His plan is now clear: leaving Mostar to the Cavalry Brigade of the Handschar and Sarajevo to the good care of the 4. SS-Polizei PzrGr - which will largely suffice for the task - the bulk of the III. SS-GAK will soon lead a powerful pincer attack with on one side the Prinz-Eugen, which will descend towards Foča and Goražde, and on the other side the 27. Waffen-Gebirgsjäger Rgt der SS of the Handschar, which will move up towards the Goražde area. Its counterpart, the 28. Waffen-GJ Rgt of the SS, will remain in reserve on the Mostar-Sarajevo road, to hold this vital axis of communication that saw the end of Artur Phleps.
The goal is to crush the Titist forces in the south of Bosnia and to surround the Partisans present north of Mostar. Once this was done, in a second phase, the SS would take charge of cleaning up the north of Montenegro and the east of Bosnia until they came back in contact with the Allies and (incidentally) until the link with the right wing of the Ustasha was re-established. The latter will have to contribute to the common task within their limited means, by a diversionary action in the direction of Priboj.
It will take some more time to prepare such a maneuver, it is obvious. But the sooner the better, even if it means rushing the troops a bit to maneuver under the clouds - the more time passes, the more vermin take root! "We're going to smash the heads of these peasants," Krüger cheerfully concludes, who has just found the name of his operation: it would be Morgenstern.
.........
Višegrad (Serbia) - On the other side of the front (as far as this notion has any meaning iin Yugoslavia), the AVNOJ is perfectly informed by its network of observers of the arrival of the SS and the takeover of the Croatian army. It is completely conscious of the ordeal that is about to take place. But Tito is not particularly worried: to support his forces, he has 80 kilometers of wooded mountains in which we can retreat on foot and on foot and bleed the men in black. And above all, the lack of enemy reserves does not escape him! Banja Luka has been in his hands for five days now, in the north of Bosnia, on Pavelic's threshold... and we are still waiting for a counter-attack!
As soon as the Germans are engaged, it should be possible to activate other corps to make a diversion and scatter the enemy. As planned! But for the forces of the new Yugoslavia to triumph, they will nevertheless have to sustain the frontal shock. The 1st Corps and the 3rd "Bosnian" Corps thus leave their positions near Prijepolje, relieved in emergency by the 12th "Vojvodina" Corps and the 37th "Sandjak" Division. Opposite, in any case, there are only Croats, and the Greeks cover the rear.
Limits reached
Government House, Zagreb - As soon as they return from their constructive meeting with Herr Krüger, the Ustasha leaders Begić and Štancer discuss the future of the NDH army with their Poglavnik.
It is very clear to Pavelic that the Reich will now only respond to his demands with laughs and that the Croatian army could no longer expect any serious German support.
All that remains is for him to integrate himself as best he can into German projects, hoping that the wind will one day blow again in a favorable direction...
General Vladimir Kren came by earlier to present his report on the state of his Zrakoplovstvo Nezavisne Države Hrvatske - it too is catastrophic.
From the plethora of troops he had at the beginning of the month, the general can now only count on 11 fighters and 32 bombers that are more or less modern - the rest is just good for hunting the Partisan or perhaps to finish off damaged aircraft. 28% loss in three weeks... The ZNDH caught the eye of the enemy - and it could not sustain its gaze.
Unable to do more than hide and wait for the opportunity to die defending the sacred land of Croatia, the Ustasha airmen could not possibly support the next offensive announced by the SS.
Besides, what would this offensive bring to the NDH? This question has not been openly asked, of course, but it emerges from every word of the Croat. Only Pavelic has asked Kren to regroup the flak into two autonomous regions (1st: Zagreb and 2nd: Sarajevo), to better centralize the upcoming effort. He also promised to request air reinforcements from Berlin, without really believing it.
However, beyond the specific case of the ZNDH, everyone agrees that the Croatian Army cannot provide more effort on the front, except to dangerously empty Croatia in general and Zagreb in particular - and Pavelic does not want this at any price! Only, at most, the Black Legion of Boban is authorized to go down from Gradiška to support the recapture of Banja Luka, alongside the cavalry brigade of Colonel Aurel Schlacher.
For the rest, the Poglavnik decided to wait until the situation became clearer - or perhaps until the SS to express its demands. But at the same time, he ordered to concentrate in Zagreb the best elements of what remains of the regular forces in Zagreb, to form a "1st Assault Division" equipped with the best equipment available. It is impossible to know why, but the leader commands...
Shame on you
Podgorica - The remnants of the SS-Polizei Rgt Sandjak, led by Standartenführer Karl von Krempler, finally reach the Montenegrin capital on the run, seeking the protection provided by the Kroatian Legion Armee Korps in general and the 373. ID in particular.
It is an understatement to say that the SS were greeted with caution by the Croats and their "advisor" Johann Mickl. At a time when the ReichsFührer-SS praises the bravery and superiority of the Schutzstaffel, "the only politically secure formation, whose fanaticism and professionalism will enable it to take Yugoslavia in hand" (Himmler dixit), the unexpected arrival of this defeated troop of colorful truckers, whose ranks had been eaten away by desertions at least as much as by the fights, has something grimly comical about it...
Obviously, no one will risk the slightest remark - smiles aside, the legionnaires will simply direct their guests towards the north, where the Handschar is.
Those who did not get "lost" along the way or volunteer to assist Vjekoslav Luburić in his interrogations in Sarajevo were transferred to this formation, just like von Krempler and his embryonic staff.
At the last minute
Farkaždin (Vojvodina) - The XXI. GAK is now comfortably installed on its positions behind the Tamiš, next to the Hungarian 7th Corps. Among the units of this formation is the 297. ID, which has seen very little action since last year. It is one of the last fresh divisions of Heeresgruppe E - so it is logical that we count on it for the coming events.
And to make sure that this unit remains reliable and fresh, the OKW decides to recall its leader, General Moritz von Drebber, to the Heimat. Officially, this was not a sanction - in reality, he was reproached for a series of discreet, but nonetheless real, criticisms, that winter about the strategic situation of the Axis in the Balkans. In the stifling atmosphere that reigns within the post-"Valkyrie" Reich, such remarks are quickly accused of defeatism! Von Drebber was therefore sent back to the FührerReserve, before being subjected to several interrogations by the RSHA - which came to nothing, as the fact that his wife, Isle, was born a Göring, may have had something to do with it. The 297. ID is Generalleutnant Otto Gullmann, a former Munich police and Gestapo officer, with well-known methods...
.........
"Moritz von Drebber, 1892-1968, German general. Born in Oldenburg (Lower Saxony), von Drebber entered the army at the age of 19, on March 14th, 1911, as a midshipman in the 91st RI. He then transferred to the 79th Infantry Regiment at the beginning of the war, during which he led a machine gun section. In spite of a wound on September 30th, 1914, he served bravely during the whole conflict and left the army on March 27th, 1920 to join the German police.
Remobilized as a company commander in the Reichswehr on October 1st, 1934 (Osnabrück regiment), he rose in rank and became chief of the 327th Infantry Regiment (239. ID).
In 1939, he participated, with professionalism but without particular brilliance, in the Poland campaign before taking on security tasks on the Hungarian border, then in annexed Alsace. He was deployed on the Russian front within Army Group South during Barbarossa, Drebber was wounded on August 2nd, 1942. He was then awarded the Knight's Cross before going on to take command of units supposedly less exposed, such as the 523rd RI of the 297. ID - a division of which he became commander in the summer of 1943, replacing Max Pfeffer.
This unit, assigned to Yugoslavia, took part in numerous repression operations against the Partisans and covered the retreat from Serbia at the end of Operation Garden in December 1943. His division was now deployed in Vojvodina, alongside the Hungarian armies, and von Drebber was disembarked on April 1st, 1944 for "tendentious remarks" and transferred to the rear. After being briefly ostracized, he was assigned to an obscure garrison post in Silesia and surrendered without having returned to the front.
He was sent back to West Germany in 1948 (apparently as a result of satisfactory collaboration with the Soviet authorities), he died at his home in Oldenburg on May 30th, 1968.
(Robert Stan Pratsky - Dictionary of the Second World War in the Mediterranean, Flammarion, 2008)
01/04/44 - Italy
April 1st, 1944
Buffalo soldiers
Naples - The first elements of a new unit are disembarking from what is now commonly referred to as a Liberty Ship. Once again, they are blacks, "Buffalo Soldiers". They belong to the 370th RCT. This Combat Team is composed of the 370th Infantry Regiment and the 317th Engineer Btn and 598th Field Artillery Btn.
It will take its place in the next few days alongside the 442nd RCT, east of Florence.
To create this regiment, it was necessary to find a whole colored staff, for which the best black high schools were literally plundered. On the other hand, the unit is considered to be one of the lowest IQ units in the US Army, with many men in its ranks who could barely read.
Buffalo soldiers
Naples - The first elements of a new unit are disembarking from what is now commonly referred to as a Liberty Ship. Once again, they are blacks, "Buffalo Soldiers". They belong to the 370th RCT. This Combat Team is composed of the 370th Infantry Regiment and the 317th Engineer Btn and 598th Field Artillery Btn.
It will take its place in the next few days alongside the 442nd RCT, east of Florence.
To create this regiment, it was necessary to find a whole colored staff, for which the best black high schools were literally plundered. On the other hand, the unit is considered to be one of the lowest IQ units in the US Army, with many men in its ranks who could barely read.
01/04/44 - France
April 1st, 1944
Kriegsspiele
Paris - A meeting is held with von Rundstedt and the various leaders of the Wehrmacht in France up to corps level, together with their deputies. Are discussed the latest developments on the southern front (a term that German propaganda prefers to that of the French front), but also of the perspectives in relation to the local situation of the corps and the latest information on the enemy.
Everyone agrees that the nibbling of the terrain carried out during the winter by the Franco-Americans could not last and that the great armoured offensives in the plain would come with the return of the summer. But if these small winter actions stretched the front, they also placed a certain number of enemy units in a favorable position for a flanking maneuver on the plain.
Many officials also agreed that the French, who held the eastern part of the front, remained their most dangerous adversaries. Indeed, according to conclusions drawn from the few successful aerial reconnaissances over England and from reports from intelligence officers*, large forces were amassed in the south of the country and especially southeast of London, with at least four armies and several airborne divisions, which would be at the forefront of the coming invasion. However, the last Kriegsspiele played by the general staff show that a breakthrough in the Rhone valley, associated with a landing in the Pas-de-Calais, would lead to the encirclement of the majority of the troops stationed in France.
For once, the OKW validated these analyses and the Führer himself promised to maintain the equivalent of a Panzerkorps in the west of Germany, ready to cross the border at the slightest inclination of the French and their auxiliaries. To oppose the possible landing on the Channel coast, the 26. Panzer and the 36th Panzergrenadier were maintained in the Pas-de-Calais and in Belgium, with this exclusive mission (the 1. Panzer had been withdrawn a month earlier from the region to be sent - a little late - to oppose Bagration).
Some extreme results of the simulations of the "Rhône-Calais hypothesis" are such that they make us neglect all other scenarios, such as an American offensive towards Toulouse, which would undoubtedly be intended to attract German forces in this sector, or a landing in another sector, such as Brittany or Normandy, which would not lead to the extreme encirclement situations that were feared. In short, it would probably only be a question of diversions but, in order to prepare for the unexpected, it was decided not to disarm the 1. Armee of only one of its units.
* The Germans were unaware that these agents had mostly been turned over by British counter-intelligence.
Kriegsspiele
Paris - A meeting is held with von Rundstedt and the various leaders of the Wehrmacht in France up to corps level, together with their deputies. Are discussed the latest developments on the southern front (a term that German propaganda prefers to that of the French front), but also of the perspectives in relation to the local situation of the corps and the latest information on the enemy.
Everyone agrees that the nibbling of the terrain carried out during the winter by the Franco-Americans could not last and that the great armoured offensives in the plain would come with the return of the summer. But if these small winter actions stretched the front, they also placed a certain number of enemy units in a favorable position for a flanking maneuver on the plain.
Many officials also agreed that the French, who held the eastern part of the front, remained their most dangerous adversaries. Indeed, according to conclusions drawn from the few successful aerial reconnaissances over England and from reports from intelligence officers*, large forces were amassed in the south of the country and especially southeast of London, with at least four armies and several airborne divisions, which would be at the forefront of the coming invasion. However, the last Kriegsspiele played by the general staff show that a breakthrough in the Rhone valley, associated with a landing in the Pas-de-Calais, would lead to the encirclement of the majority of the troops stationed in France.
For once, the OKW validated these analyses and the Führer himself promised to maintain the equivalent of a Panzerkorps in the west of Germany, ready to cross the border at the slightest inclination of the French and their auxiliaries. To oppose the possible landing on the Channel coast, the 26. Panzer and the 36th Panzergrenadier were maintained in the Pas-de-Calais and in Belgium, with this exclusive mission (the 1. Panzer had been withdrawn a month earlier from the region to be sent - a little late - to oppose Bagration).
Some extreme results of the simulations of the "Rhône-Calais hypothesis" are such that they make us neglect all other scenarios, such as an American offensive towards Toulouse, which would undoubtedly be intended to attract German forces in this sector, or a landing in another sector, such as Brittany or Normandy, which would not lead to the extreme encirclement situations that were feared. In short, it would probably only be a question of diversions but, in order to prepare for the unexpected, it was decided not to disarm the 1. Armee of only one of its units.
* The Germans were unaware that these agents had mostly been turned over by British counter-intelligence.
02/04/44 - Diplomacy & Economy
April 2nd, 1944
Slow start
Tirana - Ivan Šubašić manages to bring in his first two colts, Kosanović and Cuckov. The former head of the Croatian Banovina still has a long arm... He managed to convince both of them to join his blue-white-red plume!
The first one will take care, under his authority, of trying to put order in the territories controlled by the French 2nd Army - in agreement with the AVNOJ, it is true, but Sava Kosanović was a fierce opponent of the pre-war corruption in the police force, an exiled opponent of King Alexander... and he is still a declared enemy of fascism*. In short, he will be respected, even if his means as shadow minister of the interior are still to be defined. It was up to him to create a sort of arrangement, alongside the allied military police, between the notoriously insufficient number of Titist security troops and the royal gendarmes still alive and not too compromised... FFor this heavy task, it is planned that the man will leave shortly for Užice - the famous Titist stronghold, a symbol.
For Emanuel Cuckov, it is a little more complicated: certainly, the man is of good enough will, but his past in the Secret Revolutionary Organization of Macedonian Youth (sic) makes him too much of a left-wing character for all the Yugoslav officials to obey him without flinching. Bad move - at least to enter the government. For the time being, he leaves for Skopje, to take care of raising funds in this poor province and (above all) to try to keep it quiet. Moreover, Cuckov has very good contacts with the Bulgarian CP and... there are no Macedonians on the NKOJ committee. And if Macedonia was one of the keys to the Titist "understanding"?
Anyway, for Šubašić, this is only a beginning - it must be only a beginning!
Next guests: Isidor Cankar and former general Borisav Ristic. The Croat would also like to discuss with the last leader of the Slovenian ban, Drago Marušič, who is currently under the protection of the SOE, somewhere on the Adriatic coast.
China-USSR
Save me from my friends...
Dzungaria (northwestern part of Xinjiang) - Border incidents between Xinjiang and Mongolia seem to be getting worse, and the Ulaanbaatar branch of the Tass agency is adding fuel to the fire: "Chinese troops have crossed the Mongolian border, it announced in the morning. They were pushed back energetically by the armed forces of the People's Republic of Mongolia".
In fact, the 105th Cavalry Division, with its armor, routed units of the Second Army that were chasing Osman Batur's men.
To make matters worse, the Tass agency, this time from Moscow, issues a threatening statement at the end of the day: "The movements of Chinese troops along the border of Outer Mongolia are an unacceptable attempt at intimidation. The Soviet Union, on the basis of its mutual assistance treaty with the Mongolian People's Republic, will be obliged to give assistance to the Mongolian People's Republic in the event of any attempt to jeopardize its security".
Sphere of Co-Prosperity
Very accommodating Thais
Between Singapore and Bangkok, at night - The air travels of Subhas Chandra Bose and his delegation are filled with disturbing news. A few weeks ago, just before going to Burma to inspect the 1st Division of the Indian National Army, he had learned that all of Indochina had risen up and that Saigon had been liberated. When he arrived on Burmese soil, he was only able to stay for a few days before being caught up in the onslaught of the British offensive. It is by a miracle that he managed to escape from Mergui on board a transport plane.
This time, his trip was in response to a message from the Thai authorities received a few days ago. They would like to "discuss with him the fate of the hundreds of ANI soldiers [including many female soldiers!] who have taken refuge in Thailand following the recent fighting in Burma". There is even talk of a figure of up to a thousand! The Japanese authorities could not refuse to go to Bangkok to negotiate the passage of a thousand Indian soldiers from Thailand to Malaysia! And of course, to make sure that their Japanese comrades who would have suffered a similar fate could accompany them...
Obviously, Bose realized that Thailand, for months, was moving away from the Empire of the Rising Sun. It is even said that it negotiated with the Westerners in order not to lose face in Indochina! But for the Indian, this is of little importance. He is going to meet the Thai authorities and see what he can do to help these thousand comrades who followed him in his struggle against the British oppressor. Of course, he will be flanked as always by Major Takahashi, who will try hard to make sure that everything he does is favorable to Japan.
But this journey, like the previous one, takes place against a background of increasing gloom for Japan and its allies. For in the meantime, the Chinese are on the verge of liberating Canton, the whole of Burma will soon be lost to the Japanese, Thailand is trying to buy a virginal neutrality... Worse (for Bose), several cases of mutiny are reported in the 2nd Division (in formation!) and in the INA training camp in Kuala Lumpur.
Too bad! Subhas Chandra Bose, in the name of his Provisional Government of Free India, is steering his boat as best he can, with his eye on the horizon of Indian independence.
* When Yugoslavia signed the Tripartite Pact in April 1941, he and his friends from the Democratic Peasant Coalition signed a petition calling for a "decisive struggle against fascism".
Slow start
Tirana - Ivan Šubašić manages to bring in his first two colts, Kosanović and Cuckov. The former head of the Croatian Banovina still has a long arm... He managed to convince both of them to join his blue-white-red plume!
The first one will take care, under his authority, of trying to put order in the territories controlled by the French 2nd Army - in agreement with the AVNOJ, it is true, but Sava Kosanović was a fierce opponent of the pre-war corruption in the police force, an exiled opponent of King Alexander... and he is still a declared enemy of fascism*. In short, he will be respected, even if his means as shadow minister of the interior are still to be defined. It was up to him to create a sort of arrangement, alongside the allied military police, between the notoriously insufficient number of Titist security troops and the royal gendarmes still alive and not too compromised... FFor this heavy task, it is planned that the man will leave shortly for Užice - the famous Titist stronghold, a symbol.
For Emanuel Cuckov, it is a little more complicated: certainly, the man is of good enough will, but his past in the Secret Revolutionary Organization of Macedonian Youth (sic) makes him too much of a left-wing character for all the Yugoslav officials to obey him without flinching. Bad move - at least to enter the government. For the time being, he leaves for Skopje, to take care of raising funds in this poor province and (above all) to try to keep it quiet. Moreover, Cuckov has very good contacts with the Bulgarian CP and... there are no Macedonians on the NKOJ committee. And if Macedonia was one of the keys to the Titist "understanding"?
Anyway, for Šubašić, this is only a beginning - it must be only a beginning!
Next guests: Isidor Cankar and former general Borisav Ristic. The Croat would also like to discuss with the last leader of the Slovenian ban, Drago Marušič, who is currently under the protection of the SOE, somewhere on the Adriatic coast.
China-USSR
Save me from my friends...
Dzungaria (northwestern part of Xinjiang) - Border incidents between Xinjiang and Mongolia seem to be getting worse, and the Ulaanbaatar branch of the Tass agency is adding fuel to the fire: "Chinese troops have crossed the Mongolian border, it announced in the morning. They were pushed back energetically by the armed forces of the People's Republic of Mongolia".
In fact, the 105th Cavalry Division, with its armor, routed units of the Second Army that were chasing Osman Batur's men.
To make matters worse, the Tass agency, this time from Moscow, issues a threatening statement at the end of the day: "The movements of Chinese troops along the border of Outer Mongolia are an unacceptable attempt at intimidation. The Soviet Union, on the basis of its mutual assistance treaty with the Mongolian People's Republic, will be obliged to give assistance to the Mongolian People's Republic in the event of any attempt to jeopardize its security".
Sphere of Co-Prosperity
Very accommodating Thais
Between Singapore and Bangkok, at night - The air travels of Subhas Chandra Bose and his delegation are filled with disturbing news. A few weeks ago, just before going to Burma to inspect the 1st Division of the Indian National Army, he had learned that all of Indochina had risen up and that Saigon had been liberated. When he arrived on Burmese soil, he was only able to stay for a few days before being caught up in the onslaught of the British offensive. It is by a miracle that he managed to escape from Mergui on board a transport plane.
This time, his trip was in response to a message from the Thai authorities received a few days ago. They would like to "discuss with him the fate of the hundreds of ANI soldiers [including many female soldiers!] who have taken refuge in Thailand following the recent fighting in Burma". There is even talk of a figure of up to a thousand! The Japanese authorities could not refuse to go to Bangkok to negotiate the passage of a thousand Indian soldiers from Thailand to Malaysia! And of course, to make sure that their Japanese comrades who would have suffered a similar fate could accompany them...
Obviously, Bose realized that Thailand, for months, was moving away from the Empire of the Rising Sun. It is even said that it negotiated with the Westerners in order not to lose face in Indochina! But for the Indian, this is of little importance. He is going to meet the Thai authorities and see what he can do to help these thousand comrades who followed him in his struggle against the British oppressor. Of course, he will be flanked as always by Major Takahashi, who will try hard to make sure that everything he does is favorable to Japan.
But this journey, like the previous one, takes place against a background of increasing gloom for Japan and its allies. For in the meantime, the Chinese are on the verge of liberating Canton, the whole of Burma will soon be lost to the Japanese, Thailand is trying to buy a virginal neutrality... Worse (for Bose), several cases of mutiny are reported in the 2nd Division (in formation!) and in the INA training camp in Kuala Lumpur.
Too bad! Subhas Chandra Bose, in the name of his Provisional Government of Free India, is steering his boat as best he can, with his eye on the horizon of Indian independence.
* When Yugoslavia signed the Tripartite Pact in April 1941, he and his friends from the Democratic Peasant Coalition signed a petition calling for a "decisive struggle against fascism".
02/04/44 - Occupied Countries
April 2nd, 1944
Unrest
Slovakia - In the center of the state under the Reich, there is a growing wave of unrest due to the supporters of the Komunistická strana Slovenska (KSS) - who subjected the German forces in transit to a succession of ambushes, not necessarily well organized but always unpleasant. Obviously, this annoyed Berlin a little: Slovakia had the reputation of being a calm region, it should not change. In fact, if the Red Army is only moderately interested in what the local Fascists have to offer, the NKVD, on the other hand, has dispatched to this country with its rugged terrain a large number of experts in "small wars", Ukrainians or Byelorussians, that the Heer retreat made available...at their head, we find in particular lieutenant Piotr Alexeyevich Veličko - a parachutist who previously fought in the forests of the Baltics. He parachuted in last month with a group of eleven soldiers, he naturally contacted the communists of Viliam Žingor. His arrival unleashed their enthusiasm, attracted people... and boiled the pot, too. He nevertheless remains a military man. So we can expect to talk with him. So, while Veličko is very busy (his troops have just broken camp towards the rear of the 1st Hungarian Army), lieutenant colonel Ján Golian discreetly sends a second delegation to the Kantorská valley, to meet the man from Moscow. This delegation is composed of Major J. Mark, Lt. Colonel B. Manica and... Ján Golian himself - he will make a detour on an inspection tour! Thus, the head of Bishop Tiso's army discusses in private with a "communist terrorist" - but the Slovaks are not so close to that anymore...
Unrest
Slovakia - In the center of the state under the Reich, there is a growing wave of unrest due to the supporters of the Komunistická strana Slovenska (KSS) - who subjected the German forces in transit to a succession of ambushes, not necessarily well organized but always unpleasant. Obviously, this annoyed Berlin a little: Slovakia had the reputation of being a calm region, it should not change. In fact, if the Red Army is only moderately interested in what the local Fascists have to offer, the NKVD, on the other hand, has dispatched to this country with its rugged terrain a large number of experts in "small wars", Ukrainians or Byelorussians, that the Heer retreat made available...at their head, we find in particular lieutenant Piotr Alexeyevich Veličko - a parachutist who previously fought in the forests of the Baltics. He parachuted in last month with a group of eleven soldiers, he naturally contacted the communists of Viliam Žingor. His arrival unleashed their enthusiasm, attracted people... and boiled the pot, too. He nevertheless remains a military man. So we can expect to talk with him. So, while Veličko is very busy (his troops have just broken camp towards the rear of the 1st Hungarian Army), lieutenant colonel Ján Golian discreetly sends a second delegation to the Kantorská valley, to meet the man from Moscow. This delegation is composed of Major J. Mark, Lt. Colonel B. Manica and... Ján Golian himself - he will make a detour on an inspection tour! Thus, the head of Bishop Tiso's army discusses in private with a "communist terrorist" - but the Slovaks are not so close to that anymore...
02/04/44 - Asia & Pacific
April 2nd, 1944
Burma and Malaya Campaign
Operation Black Prince
Southeastern Province of Burma - The first elements of the 8th Indian Division cross the boat bridge set up at Kyaukpa to officially reach Mergui and relieve the Chindits of the 77th and 111th Brigades. The 19th Indian Division continues to move forward; by the end of the day, it passes Sindin.
Operation Fauconneau / Falconet
Rangoon - Extract from Colonel d'Astier de la Vigerie's final report
"In eighteen months, the Fauconneau/Falconet mission has achieved many successes, even if, as we shall see, the concept can be improved.
1 - Intelligence: obtaining useful information was the primary reason for the mission and its success exceeded the objectives set. Not only were the teams able to obtain regular updates on the enemy's order of battle and information on its defensive works but the information on the morale of the population and its relationship with the occupant was of great interest. The idea of using locals with family ties in the area as cover proved to be very relevant.
2 - Contact with resistance movements: this was another good idea, insofar as the social soil responded favorably. However, by compartmentalizing too much so as not to compromise our presence, some patriots, not being seriously supervised, found themselves in a "wild" position.
This proved to be counterproductive. For example, the first attacks on guard posts in the north, about eight months ago, could have backfired had the Japanese conducted a serious and methodical investigation, adding up the evidence as to the source of the weapons used. And the Kye revolt, led too soon by elements impatient to fight (or exasperated) led to a massacre of innocent people. It is therefore necessary to know how to manage movements and it is at this level that the partitioning of movementsmust be made.
3 - Preparation of operation Hatchet and stewardship: the caches and clandestine depots intended to support the progression of a column were of little use. It must be said that the basic concept, in two years, had largely evolved: at the beginning, it was a question of assisting a column in deep penetration without supplies, and finally an air-supplied rear base was set up. Here again, the idea of using natives with cover was excellent since in one year, the men of the Burmese engineer section who joined us and settled on the spot as peasants cleared (by hand) and created a real airfield which allowed the operations of the 3rd Indian Division.
It is fortunate that the basic ideas have evolved, as our squirrel strategy was a too strong or not strong enough preparation. Too much because the quantity of weapons, ammunition and materials would have made it possible to support the Resistance movements before the offensive; I would not be surprised if caches of material were still to be found in several years. Not enough since it would not have been enough to maintain a force likely to intervene on the Japanese rear. It was necessary for the concept to evolve into a real fortified rear base.
.........
Diary of Jean-Marie de Beaucorps
"Today we made the junction with the allied troops coming from the north. In a few days I will sleep in a real bed, with real sheets, for the first time in almost two years. I don't know yet what I will do next. Will I ask to go back to France? But by the time I get there, the war might be over! Will I ask to go to Indochina? It's a big deal over there and it would be an opportunity to use my knowledge of the jungle in a French context. Unless I extend the adventure in Malaysia with the Fauconneaux (I prefer this name to "2nd Shock Group") ? The English will make a place for us!
The colonel probably has the answer - in the meantime, he promised us an anthology feast in the best restaurant in Rangoon. I think there will be a moment of silence during the aperitif to think about all that my Fauconneaux brothers and I have experienced in the last two years."
Sino-Japanese War
Birth of the XXth Air Force
Washington - The XXth Air Force is officially created on the initiative of General Arnold. Arnold personally assumes command at the level of Joint Chief of Staff, and General Kenneth Wolfe assumes operational command. This unusual organization chart has two reasons. The first is that the XXth AF had an exclusively strategic vocation: to strike Japan itself, leaving tactical operations in the Asian theatre to other units: Arnold therefore wants to avoid Wedemeyer or Chennault (and even more so Chang!) having any authority over this new unit. The second is that it will be equipped with a brand new heavy bomber, of revolutionary design, the Boeing B-29 Superfortress! This aircraft is capable of carrying a bomb load greater than any other existing aircraft, at an altitude and speed that make it almost immune to any risk of interception. Its development was however particularly long and laborious, so much so that it was decided not to plan its deployment in Europe, where victory is expected in the coming months. It is only against Japan that it will be used, within the framework of a program of strategic bombardment to excess which one hopes will bring the Empire of the Rising Sun to its knees.
Some of the most senior American generals know that the B-29 is also capable of delivering a "special" bomb being also capable of serving as a delivery vehicle for a "special" bomb being developed at a top-secret site in the depths of New Mexico, a bomb that will relegate to the rank of firecracker the most powerful explosives known... And even if this future weapon does not yet exist, the Superfortress can already carry up to nine tons of payload in its cargo hold, enough to rain iron and fire on the proud cities of Japan. Arnold calls this program "Operation Matterhorn". He entrusts its implementation to the 58th Bombardment Wing (Very Heavy) of the XXth Air Force.
Burma and Malaya Campaign
Operation Black Prince
Southeastern Province of Burma - The first elements of the 8th Indian Division cross the boat bridge set up at Kyaukpa to officially reach Mergui and relieve the Chindits of the 77th and 111th Brigades. The 19th Indian Division continues to move forward; by the end of the day, it passes Sindin.
Operation Fauconneau / Falconet
Rangoon - Extract from Colonel d'Astier de la Vigerie's final report
"In eighteen months, the Fauconneau/Falconet mission has achieved many successes, even if, as we shall see, the concept can be improved.
1 - Intelligence: obtaining useful information was the primary reason for the mission and its success exceeded the objectives set. Not only were the teams able to obtain regular updates on the enemy's order of battle and information on its defensive works but the information on the morale of the population and its relationship with the occupant was of great interest. The idea of using locals with family ties in the area as cover proved to be very relevant.
2 - Contact with resistance movements: this was another good idea, insofar as the social soil responded favorably. However, by compartmentalizing too much so as not to compromise our presence, some patriots, not being seriously supervised, found themselves in a "wild" position.
This proved to be counterproductive. For example, the first attacks on guard posts in the north, about eight months ago, could have backfired had the Japanese conducted a serious and methodical investigation, adding up the evidence as to the source of the weapons used. And the Kye revolt, led too soon by elements impatient to fight (or exasperated) led to a massacre of innocent people. It is therefore necessary to know how to manage movements and it is at this level that the partitioning of movementsmust be made.
3 - Preparation of operation Hatchet and stewardship: the caches and clandestine depots intended to support the progression of a column were of little use. It must be said that the basic concept, in two years, had largely evolved: at the beginning, it was a question of assisting a column in deep penetration without supplies, and finally an air-supplied rear base was set up. Here again, the idea of using natives with cover was excellent since in one year, the men of the Burmese engineer section who joined us and settled on the spot as peasants cleared (by hand) and created a real airfield which allowed the operations of the 3rd Indian Division.
It is fortunate that the basic ideas have evolved, as our squirrel strategy was a too strong or not strong enough preparation. Too much because the quantity of weapons, ammunition and materials would have made it possible to support the Resistance movements before the offensive; I would not be surprised if caches of material were still to be found in several years. Not enough since it would not have been enough to maintain a force likely to intervene on the Japanese rear. It was necessary for the concept to evolve into a real fortified rear base.
.........
Diary of Jean-Marie de Beaucorps
"Today we made the junction with the allied troops coming from the north. In a few days I will sleep in a real bed, with real sheets, for the first time in almost two years. I don't know yet what I will do next. Will I ask to go back to France? But by the time I get there, the war might be over! Will I ask to go to Indochina? It's a big deal over there and it would be an opportunity to use my knowledge of the jungle in a French context. Unless I extend the adventure in Malaysia with the Fauconneaux (I prefer this name to "2nd Shock Group") ? The English will make a place for us!
The colonel probably has the answer - in the meantime, he promised us an anthology feast in the best restaurant in Rangoon. I think there will be a moment of silence during the aperitif to think about all that my Fauconneaux brothers and I have experienced in the last two years."
Sino-Japanese War
Birth of the XXth Air Force
Washington - The XXth Air Force is officially created on the initiative of General Arnold. Arnold personally assumes command at the level of Joint Chief of Staff, and General Kenneth Wolfe assumes operational command. This unusual organization chart has two reasons. The first is that the XXth AF had an exclusively strategic vocation: to strike Japan itself, leaving tactical operations in the Asian theatre to other units: Arnold therefore wants to avoid Wedemeyer or Chennault (and even more so Chang!) having any authority over this new unit. The second is that it will be equipped with a brand new heavy bomber, of revolutionary design, the Boeing B-29 Superfortress! This aircraft is capable of carrying a bomb load greater than any other existing aircraft, at an altitude and speed that make it almost immune to any risk of interception. Its development was however particularly long and laborious, so much so that it was decided not to plan its deployment in Europe, where victory is expected in the coming months. It is only against Japan that it will be used, within the framework of a program of strategic bombardment to excess which one hopes will bring the Empire of the Rising Sun to its knees.
Some of the most senior American generals know that the B-29 is also capable of delivering a "special" bomb being also capable of serving as a delivery vehicle for a "special" bomb being developed at a top-secret site in the depths of New Mexico, a bomb that will relegate to the rank of firecracker the most powerful explosives known... And even if this future weapon does not yet exist, the Superfortress can already carry up to nine tons of payload in its cargo hold, enough to rain iron and fire on the proud cities of Japan. Arnold calls this program "Operation Matterhorn". He entrusts its implementation to the 58th Bombardment Wing (Very Heavy) of the XXth Air Force.
02/04/44 - Balkans, Start of Operation Morgenstern
April 2nd, 1944
Monty on tour
Pančevo (Vojvodina) - Montgomery saved the most unpleasant part for last. The inspection of the 1st Yugoslavian AC, notorious for its impetuous indiscipline, takes place in a constructive but tense atmosphere, despite the hierarchical respect of de rigueur. Montgomeryis fully aware of this. He does nothing to smooth things over, still vexed at having had his hand forced during "Garden", and feeling moreover supported by London - at present on the verge of a break with Belgrade.
Going through the Serbian positions with spirit and arrogance, the stick on his back, the British does not hesitate to shoot many arrows of which he has the secret - especially since the 1st AC (Y) is equipped with French equipment, which is the subject of some ironic comments from the British. It was not only the equipment, however - Brasic's corps had lost some of its regiments have not yet recovered from the bloodletting of Leskovac, and among the veterans, one can easily distinguish many conscripts who are not very comfortable in uniform as well as in exercise - some of them seem to be barely out of their teens. On the other hand, it is better to overlook the presence of militiamen and other "rallies", certainly more seasoned, but whose experience is of very obscure origin...
In short, it doesn't smell good at all. Especially since "Grenade" looks complex, with these Hungarians now reinforced by the Reich, positioned behind a river and in the middle of a swamp. The operation is a diversion... it should not be too obvious, nor should the Yugoslavs be sent to the slaughterhouse! Brasic, always at loggerheads with his chief, risks the certainty that he is right: "We will never reach our objectives without additional support. But the heavy French artillery that had been promised to us is now passing under our eyes, towards the Australians..."
- My Dear Ilija*, you know as well as I do that, for the moment, the Huns are tens of miles away! From here, they are out of range of the heavy artillery. As for getting closer to them to put all our gear in the middle of the reeds... No, no, no. That would be silly!
- With all due respect, attacking without support a wet cut like the Tamiš is also stupid.
- I agree with you, that's why we will adapt "Grenade" to take into account this reality.
The rain begins to fall, weighing its drops carefully. Montgomery turns around, stick under his arm, the beret screwed on his head under the rain that starts to fall.
- Your forces will not cross the Tamiš under fire - nor any other river defended by Teutons or Magyars. As you advance to the shore, the 2nd New Zealand will go up along the Danube from... Well, Novi... Banovci right? So, it will go up along the river and seize Novi Sad, threatening to turn the enemy's position - in front of this flanking on their left, the Huns will be obliged to move back the right flank of their device, which will allow you to cross without being under fire.You can then continue towards Zrenjanin and the border on our side.
- So "Grenade" is a diversionary operation?
Montgomery has a cruel smile that lights up his face as he sees all the pieces of the puzzle come together in front of him without him even having to force them.
- Sort of - you'll stare down the enemy while you wait for our support. I'm sorry, but you don't have a choice, do you ?
The reality of the military thing has once again - and it won't be the last - collided head-on with the political ambitions of some in Belgrade. "Let's go on, shall we? My plane is waiting for me!"
At these words, de Guincamp approaches, looking contrite: "Ahem, general - about the plane... I have Captain Evans on the phone, he would like to speak to you..."
.........
"I would like to thank your newspaper for honouring the story of my father and his crew. I would like, if you allow me, to enrich your story with a modest anecdote, which my father confided to me. Montgomery, "unbeatable and unbearable" had a hidden human side. Captain Evans had once said of him that he was a man who never allowed himself to smile, but who cared about his men.
So, in early April 1944 - some time before the "little problem" we know about - Theresa Leta had gone up to Belgrade to bring Monty home at the end of a major pre-offensive inspection tour.
Knowing well what the relations with the Yugoslavs were, the general had specified to his pilot to inform him at the slightest problem... Evans and his men had decided to spend the night in an establishment in the center of the capital, one of the few that had not been ravaged - it was largely commandeered by Yugoslav forces. I think it is now called the Moscow Hotel, or something like that... Anyway, when we arrived, the crew had the surprise to be rebuked by a rather patient receptionist, reinforced by one or two Yugoslavian soldiers as bellboys: "No room, no room!" Evans didn't back down - he picked up the phone, got Montgomery, and then, once the call was put through, he handed it to the receptionist and told him that there was someone on the other end of the line who wanted to talk to him... The man rolled his eyes - not for long.
"Yes Sir, yes Sir, certainly Sir, at once Sir, thank you Sir!" And miraculously, my father and his comrades were able to get some sleep without any difficulty.
(Mail from Mr. Lee Beringsmith, son of 2nd Lieutenant Albert L. Beringsmith, bombardier on the Theresa Leta, after an article published in the Guardian on March 24th, 1996 for the twentieth anniversary of the death of Field Marshal Montgomery)
Towards new horizons
Dobanovci, Serbia - After a long journey from the borders of Kosovo to the banks of the Danube, the 107th RALCA finally settled behind the ANZAC lines, ready to support the forthcoming offensive. The German lines are nowhere near - but the planned advance should correct this small detail very quickly...
Replacement and reinforcement
Barajevo (Serbia) - After a long period of interim leadership by Divisional Gunner Harry Dimoline, the 4th Indian Division is officially entrusted to the care of Major General Arthur Holworthy. This veteran of operation Manna in Attica had just spent eight months in undeserved penance in the Greek islands (yes, there are worse places for that).
Since August 1943, the 6th Indian Division has been garrisoned at various points in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Near East to allow the Greeks to bring back to the mainland some of units dispersed in the Ionian Islands and to the British to recover various elements that remained in Crete, Egypt and even Persia!
It is only fair that Holworthy takes the place of poor Tuker, in a form of a Nepalese continuity very imperial. It's up to him to show that the 4th Indian is still "Worthy" of its reputation. As for the 6th Indian, freed from its garrison duties by the strategic evolution, it will be transferred to Salonika, where it will serve as an army reserve for the 8th Army. Its new commander has yet to be appointed.
A burst of lightning
Balkans - In the morning, everyone noticed that the disturbance had shifted to the north and east, leaving once again - and at last - the field open to the god of Lightning. Tedder takes advantage of this to launch again his lines on the whole Sava valley, before the F-5As of the GR II/33 (always accompanied by the two Spitfire PR VIII in test) pass to note the results.
It is the turn of the 31st EB Sobiewski to assist the Titists today - mainly by bombing troop concentrations in Mostar, Sarajevo and a bit in Berane. The Ustasha are not really the priority of the AVNOJ, but the forces of the 18th AAG are keen to soften a little the Croatian defenses in anticipation of "Veritable". The whole under the protection of the 82nd EC Mišar, which is bored while patrolling in a deserted sky. A B-25 is shot down by flak in Sarajevo, another damaged over Mostar - the crew managed to drag their plane over Partisan-held territory before jumping.
Further north, in eastern Croatia, the A-30s of the 81st EB Kosovo make a quick jump to Vinkovci, to destroy the railway station and the adjacent road junction. Mission accomplished, despite a moderate flak, while the 39th EC Bourgogne and Le Gloan yawn between the clouds.
In the night, the Wellingtons of Sqn 104, 202 and 205 come back to Novi Sad in order to try once again to demolish this cursed bridge over the Danube. In spite of the flak which shot down another and damaged another one, this time was the right one - or almost. The deck is badly hit. It can be repaired enough in a few days for pedestrians to use it, but it will be a long time before we see a vehicle crossing.
Runes versus Pentagram - Operation Morning Star
Central Bosnia - SS Obergruppenführer Friedrich-Wilhelm Krüger lets his men off the hook! He officially launches Operation Morgenstern (Morning Star), which is to avenge the death of Phleps by unleashing the fury of the Reich on eastern Bosnia. Thus leave from Sarajevo, the SS regiments of the Prinz-Eugen, both reinforced with armor, which are to march eastward and put the country to fire and blood until the allied lines.
The 13th. SS-Freiwilligen Gebirgsjäger Rgt Artur-Phleps (ex-Tomašević) leaves the capital from the north and takes the Pale Valley in the direction of Goražde, neglecting the Sokolac plateau, which is presumably poorly defended - even with their divisional Panzerkompanie, the SS do not have enough manpower to clear the area. It does not matter - once in Goražde, it would be easy to turn towards Višegrad.
On the right, the 14. SS-Freiwilligen Gebirgsjäger Rgt Reinhard-Heydrich (ex-Skandenberg) leaves towards the south and Foča with the 105. SS-StuG Abteilung. They take a path that was once used by their colleagues and pass through a conscientiously ravaged area.
For the time being, the columns of the Prinz-Eugen advance cautiously, but without opposition - the AVNOJ has wisely chosen to give them room to move.
............
Sarajevo - The Bosnian capital is left to the good care of Friedrich-Wilhelm Bock and his men - reinforced by a few sympathetic Ustashi of good will, eager to learn from the masters in "maintenance of order" (black). These Ustashi are under the orders of Vjekoslav Luburić, whose "houses of terror" deserve each day a little more their reputation.
However, in between assassinations, Luburić takes it upon himself to contact Zagreb and Brigadier General Kvintiljan Tartalja. He wants to discuss with him information that the SS had kindly given him. They have learned of a plot to overthrow Pavelic...
............
Southern Bosnia - The 11. SS-Gebirgs-Division Handschar also participates in "Morgenstern" with its available means. The 27. Waffen-Gebirgsjäger Rgt der SS continues its advance towards Trebinje, where it should arrive tomorrow. From there, it will have to move northward and reach Avtovac, while the SS cavalry brigade, still garrisoned in Mostar will itself push to his left from the plateau, to drive the Partisans back towards him. The mobilization of the 28. Waffen-Gebirgsjäger Rgt der SS is not planned, at least for the moment - it must remain in Konjic, to hold the Mostar-Sarajevo road.
The Handschar will thus leave with delay on the Prinz-Eugen. This is a detail: Krüger does not want to give the Partisans time to set up roots and prepare their defense. And then, as everyone knows, Montenegro is less well defended by the Communists - haven't they just suffered another defeat in Nikšić?
............
Banja Luka (western Bosnia) - From Prijeda, in the west, the Croatian cavalry brigade of Colonel Aurel Schlacher finally reaches the city held by the 5th "Bosnian" Corps of Slavko Rodić. The latter had ample time to entrench his men, prepare the ground and to arm all the inhabitants who wished to defend the Revolution, or simply their lives.
The Ustashi, who were used to small-scale warfare but not used to a warm welcome, are surprised by the violence of the reception offered to them by Josip Majar Sos' 11th Division, and this, from the vicinity of Verići. The Partisans bleed the enemy, evade the enemy and lead him further away - informed, as a supreme insult, by an irritating red star biplane which makes its engine heard above the valleys, without forgetting to dive from time to time towards the isolated groups to release one or two bursts.
The Croatian soldiers advance all the same - there are hardly more than 2,000 "regulars" in front of them - but at an extremely high price. Finally, Schlacher decides to take a break around Potkozarje and to wait for the arrival of the Black Legion, which is to arrive from the north, before resuming his effort.
On the other side, informed of Croatian movements, Slavko Rodić accepts the risk of being flanked by a force from the south and brings Milorad Mijatovic's 10th Division up to Šargovac, to serve as a reserve for either of his defenses. There are only a few elements on the road to Jajce - but fortunately no enemy is using it at the moment.
Black soldiers, black projects
Radovljica (Slovenia) - SS-Standartenführer Hans Brandt is not about to break out the champagne but the spirit is there: the SS-Freiwilligen Gebirgs-Brigade Karstjäger is finally operational, after a very hard training period in the mountains near Tyrol.
The formation is certainly still a bit green - it also lacks a bit of cohesion, between authentic Slovenian fascists, poor guys lost in a history that is beyond them, various adventurers attracted by the prestige of the uniform and the power that comes with it or even simple opportunists in search of a better pot. Finally... Officially, the unit is ready.
In Berlin, one can think that it will be enough to disperse bands of indoctrinated peasants led to the slaughter by Stalinist fanatics. But the Slovenes are a very special people - even the Serbs must agree. Particularly nationalistic and even chauvinists, the most western of the South Slavs do not like to be deployed away from their homes, even for the cause of Greater Europe. Sending them to Bosnia to face the AVNOJ and Croats would constitute for them a form of incitement to desertion that it is better to avoid.
Brandt, who was aware of this character trait, therefore tried to soften the fate of his men a little - in his own interest! The Karstjäger will take the road from Trieste to Ljubljana. In the first place, one remains in Slovenia, but one is not far from Croatia if necessary...
.........
Nagykanizsa (Hungary) - The Kama Brigade continues its training under the command of SS-Standartenführer Helmuth Raithel - who is tearing his hair out trying to complete his program for April 22nd. He has a hard time complying with the Reichsführer's orders!
Independent State of Croatia
Ustasha reorganization
Gradiška (annexed Bosnia) - Tied up by its Poglavnik, the Black Legion moves south, where it must help the cavalry to crush the 5th "Bosnian" Corps - an easy mission for once, at least at first sight. Rafael Boban's unit still hasn't really recovered from its failure in Belgrade, but it is eager to show its true value. For this, we can trust the zeal and the vigorous methods of his men.
.........
Government Palace, Zagreb - General Slavko Štancer receives his instructions from his minister - that is, from Berlin, or at least from Sarajevo. There is no question of the Croatian army evacuating the large salient that its troops now form in eastern Montenegro. The Schutzstaffel plans to crush the collectivist vermin soon - they are the ones who are backing down, certainly not the Axis.
The Ustasha divisions must therefore remain in place and defend their positions to the best of their (weak) possibilities, by launching from time to time a point towards the north to maintain pressure on their opponents. A waiting strategy thus, intended to fix the Titists - it doesn't really require much effort. But this does not prevent Štancer from planning a reshuffle of his forces, whose order of battle has changed somewhat in recent times.
The 4th Corps, whose title no longer covers much, is officially disbanded. Its leader, General Mihajlo Lukić, is sent back to liaison duties with local militias - Montenegrin and (perhaps) others. No doubt he will be more useful in this task, given his record, even if he is not strictly responsible for all the failures of his units.
The 1st Corps remained under the command of Ivan Brozovic, but it is merged with the 2nd Corps of Franjo Pacak, who has only the 2nd ID Vrbaska under his command. Pacak has to return to take charge of the 2nd Military District of Varaždin. A mission little exposed - at least for the time being.
Third rate navy
Rijeka (NDH) - The Croatian fleet continues to be plagued by inactivity, but it has been ordered to set sail at the first clouds in an attempt to once again tangle with the AVNOJ boats and show the red and white checkered banner. In the meantime, the sailors remain idle, as usual, under the blasé eye of their leader Andro Vrkljan.
Stubborn nationalist
Kolašin (Montenegro) - Beaten by the SS Polizei-Selbstschutz Rgt Sandjak, Krsto Popović and his Montenegrin Greens are now in a situation as paradoxical as uncomfortable: estranged from their German protectors and enemies of the Croats infesting the area, they are stuck on the borders of Montenegro, without the support of the Partisans and dozens of kilometers from the Allied forces that could provide them with an improbable help!
The insignificance of this region could well be the best protection for Montenegrins - that and of course the lack of Axis manpower. Popović knows this. So he decides to retreat to the woods and wait. He thus puts himself, without realizing it, at odds with some of his own men... and on the margins of history.
* Montgomery took pleasure in feigning camaraderie with his subordinate - no one could blame him for treating the Serb differently from Lavarack or Horrocks!
Monty on tour
Pančevo (Vojvodina) - Montgomery saved the most unpleasant part for last. The inspection of the 1st Yugoslavian AC, notorious for its impetuous indiscipline, takes place in a constructive but tense atmosphere, despite the hierarchical respect of de rigueur. Montgomeryis fully aware of this. He does nothing to smooth things over, still vexed at having had his hand forced during "Garden", and feeling moreover supported by London - at present on the verge of a break with Belgrade.
Going through the Serbian positions with spirit and arrogance, the stick on his back, the British does not hesitate to shoot many arrows of which he has the secret - especially since the 1st AC (Y) is equipped with French equipment, which is the subject of some ironic comments from the British. It was not only the equipment, however - Brasic's corps had lost some of its regiments have not yet recovered from the bloodletting of Leskovac, and among the veterans, one can easily distinguish many conscripts who are not very comfortable in uniform as well as in exercise - some of them seem to be barely out of their teens. On the other hand, it is better to overlook the presence of militiamen and other "rallies", certainly more seasoned, but whose experience is of very obscure origin...
In short, it doesn't smell good at all. Especially since "Grenade" looks complex, with these Hungarians now reinforced by the Reich, positioned behind a river and in the middle of a swamp. The operation is a diversion... it should not be too obvious, nor should the Yugoslavs be sent to the slaughterhouse! Brasic, always at loggerheads with his chief, risks the certainty that he is right: "We will never reach our objectives without additional support. But the heavy French artillery that had been promised to us is now passing under our eyes, towards the Australians..."
- My Dear Ilija*, you know as well as I do that, for the moment, the Huns are tens of miles away! From here, they are out of range of the heavy artillery. As for getting closer to them to put all our gear in the middle of the reeds... No, no, no. That would be silly!
- With all due respect, attacking without support a wet cut like the Tamiš is also stupid.
- I agree with you, that's why we will adapt "Grenade" to take into account this reality.
The rain begins to fall, weighing its drops carefully. Montgomery turns around, stick under his arm, the beret screwed on his head under the rain that starts to fall.
- Your forces will not cross the Tamiš under fire - nor any other river defended by Teutons or Magyars. As you advance to the shore, the 2nd New Zealand will go up along the Danube from... Well, Novi... Banovci right? So, it will go up along the river and seize Novi Sad, threatening to turn the enemy's position - in front of this flanking on their left, the Huns will be obliged to move back the right flank of their device, which will allow you to cross without being under fire.You can then continue towards Zrenjanin and the border on our side.
- So "Grenade" is a diversionary operation?
Montgomery has a cruel smile that lights up his face as he sees all the pieces of the puzzle come together in front of him without him even having to force them.
- Sort of - you'll stare down the enemy while you wait for our support. I'm sorry, but you don't have a choice, do you ?
The reality of the military thing has once again - and it won't be the last - collided head-on with the political ambitions of some in Belgrade. "Let's go on, shall we? My plane is waiting for me!"
At these words, de Guincamp approaches, looking contrite: "Ahem, general - about the plane... I have Captain Evans on the phone, he would like to speak to you..."
.........
"I would like to thank your newspaper for honouring the story of my father and his crew. I would like, if you allow me, to enrich your story with a modest anecdote, which my father confided to me. Montgomery, "unbeatable and unbearable" had a hidden human side. Captain Evans had once said of him that he was a man who never allowed himself to smile, but who cared about his men.
So, in early April 1944 - some time before the "little problem" we know about - Theresa Leta had gone up to Belgrade to bring Monty home at the end of a major pre-offensive inspection tour.
Knowing well what the relations with the Yugoslavs were, the general had specified to his pilot to inform him at the slightest problem... Evans and his men had decided to spend the night in an establishment in the center of the capital, one of the few that had not been ravaged - it was largely commandeered by Yugoslav forces. I think it is now called the Moscow Hotel, or something like that... Anyway, when we arrived, the crew had the surprise to be rebuked by a rather patient receptionist, reinforced by one or two Yugoslavian soldiers as bellboys: "No room, no room!" Evans didn't back down - he picked up the phone, got Montgomery, and then, once the call was put through, he handed it to the receptionist and told him that there was someone on the other end of the line who wanted to talk to him... The man rolled his eyes - not for long.
"Yes Sir, yes Sir, certainly Sir, at once Sir, thank you Sir!" And miraculously, my father and his comrades were able to get some sleep without any difficulty.
(Mail from Mr. Lee Beringsmith, son of 2nd Lieutenant Albert L. Beringsmith, bombardier on the Theresa Leta, after an article published in the Guardian on March 24th, 1996 for the twentieth anniversary of the death of Field Marshal Montgomery)
Towards new horizons
Dobanovci, Serbia - After a long journey from the borders of Kosovo to the banks of the Danube, the 107th RALCA finally settled behind the ANZAC lines, ready to support the forthcoming offensive. The German lines are nowhere near - but the planned advance should correct this small detail very quickly...
Replacement and reinforcement
Barajevo (Serbia) - After a long period of interim leadership by Divisional Gunner Harry Dimoline, the 4th Indian Division is officially entrusted to the care of Major General Arthur Holworthy. This veteran of operation Manna in Attica had just spent eight months in undeserved penance in the Greek islands (yes, there are worse places for that).
Since August 1943, the 6th Indian Division has been garrisoned at various points in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Near East to allow the Greeks to bring back to the mainland some of units dispersed in the Ionian Islands and to the British to recover various elements that remained in Crete, Egypt and even Persia!
It is only fair that Holworthy takes the place of poor Tuker, in a form of a Nepalese continuity very imperial. It's up to him to show that the 4th Indian is still "Worthy" of its reputation. As for the 6th Indian, freed from its garrison duties by the strategic evolution, it will be transferred to Salonika, where it will serve as an army reserve for the 8th Army. Its new commander has yet to be appointed.
A burst of lightning
Balkans - In the morning, everyone noticed that the disturbance had shifted to the north and east, leaving once again - and at last - the field open to the god of Lightning. Tedder takes advantage of this to launch again his lines on the whole Sava valley, before the F-5As of the GR II/33 (always accompanied by the two Spitfire PR VIII in test) pass to note the results.
It is the turn of the 31st EB Sobiewski to assist the Titists today - mainly by bombing troop concentrations in Mostar, Sarajevo and a bit in Berane. The Ustasha are not really the priority of the AVNOJ, but the forces of the 18th AAG are keen to soften a little the Croatian defenses in anticipation of "Veritable". The whole under the protection of the 82nd EC Mišar, which is bored while patrolling in a deserted sky. A B-25 is shot down by flak in Sarajevo, another damaged over Mostar - the crew managed to drag their plane over Partisan-held territory before jumping.
Further north, in eastern Croatia, the A-30s of the 81st EB Kosovo make a quick jump to Vinkovci, to destroy the railway station and the adjacent road junction. Mission accomplished, despite a moderate flak, while the 39th EC Bourgogne and Le Gloan yawn between the clouds.
In the night, the Wellingtons of Sqn 104, 202 and 205 come back to Novi Sad in order to try once again to demolish this cursed bridge over the Danube. In spite of the flak which shot down another and damaged another one, this time was the right one - or almost. The deck is badly hit. It can be repaired enough in a few days for pedestrians to use it, but it will be a long time before we see a vehicle crossing.
Runes versus Pentagram - Operation Morning Star
Central Bosnia - SS Obergruppenführer Friedrich-Wilhelm Krüger lets his men off the hook! He officially launches Operation Morgenstern (Morning Star), which is to avenge the death of Phleps by unleashing the fury of the Reich on eastern Bosnia. Thus leave from Sarajevo, the SS regiments of the Prinz-Eugen, both reinforced with armor, which are to march eastward and put the country to fire and blood until the allied lines.
The 13th. SS-Freiwilligen Gebirgsjäger Rgt Artur-Phleps (ex-Tomašević) leaves the capital from the north and takes the Pale Valley in the direction of Goražde, neglecting the Sokolac plateau, which is presumably poorly defended - even with their divisional Panzerkompanie, the SS do not have enough manpower to clear the area. It does not matter - once in Goražde, it would be easy to turn towards Višegrad.
On the right, the 14. SS-Freiwilligen Gebirgsjäger Rgt Reinhard-Heydrich (ex-Skandenberg) leaves towards the south and Foča with the 105. SS-StuG Abteilung. They take a path that was once used by their colleagues and pass through a conscientiously ravaged area.
For the time being, the columns of the Prinz-Eugen advance cautiously, but without opposition - the AVNOJ has wisely chosen to give them room to move.
............
Sarajevo - The Bosnian capital is left to the good care of Friedrich-Wilhelm Bock and his men - reinforced by a few sympathetic Ustashi of good will, eager to learn from the masters in "maintenance of order" (black). These Ustashi are under the orders of Vjekoslav Luburić, whose "houses of terror" deserve each day a little more their reputation.
However, in between assassinations, Luburić takes it upon himself to contact Zagreb and Brigadier General Kvintiljan Tartalja. He wants to discuss with him information that the SS had kindly given him. They have learned of a plot to overthrow Pavelic...
............
Southern Bosnia - The 11. SS-Gebirgs-Division Handschar also participates in "Morgenstern" with its available means. The 27. Waffen-Gebirgsjäger Rgt der SS continues its advance towards Trebinje, where it should arrive tomorrow. From there, it will have to move northward and reach Avtovac, while the SS cavalry brigade, still garrisoned in Mostar will itself push to his left from the plateau, to drive the Partisans back towards him. The mobilization of the 28. Waffen-Gebirgsjäger Rgt der SS is not planned, at least for the moment - it must remain in Konjic, to hold the Mostar-Sarajevo road.
The Handschar will thus leave with delay on the Prinz-Eugen. This is a detail: Krüger does not want to give the Partisans time to set up roots and prepare their defense. And then, as everyone knows, Montenegro is less well defended by the Communists - haven't they just suffered another defeat in Nikšić?
............
Banja Luka (western Bosnia) - From Prijeda, in the west, the Croatian cavalry brigade of Colonel Aurel Schlacher finally reaches the city held by the 5th "Bosnian" Corps of Slavko Rodić. The latter had ample time to entrench his men, prepare the ground and to arm all the inhabitants who wished to defend the Revolution, or simply their lives.
The Ustashi, who were used to small-scale warfare but not used to a warm welcome, are surprised by the violence of the reception offered to them by Josip Majar Sos' 11th Division, and this, from the vicinity of Verići. The Partisans bleed the enemy, evade the enemy and lead him further away - informed, as a supreme insult, by an irritating red star biplane which makes its engine heard above the valleys, without forgetting to dive from time to time towards the isolated groups to release one or two bursts.
The Croatian soldiers advance all the same - there are hardly more than 2,000 "regulars" in front of them - but at an extremely high price. Finally, Schlacher decides to take a break around Potkozarje and to wait for the arrival of the Black Legion, which is to arrive from the north, before resuming his effort.
On the other side, informed of Croatian movements, Slavko Rodić accepts the risk of being flanked by a force from the south and brings Milorad Mijatovic's 10th Division up to Šargovac, to serve as a reserve for either of his defenses. There are only a few elements on the road to Jajce - but fortunately no enemy is using it at the moment.
Black soldiers, black projects
Radovljica (Slovenia) - SS-Standartenführer Hans Brandt is not about to break out the champagne but the spirit is there: the SS-Freiwilligen Gebirgs-Brigade Karstjäger is finally operational, after a very hard training period in the mountains near Tyrol.
The formation is certainly still a bit green - it also lacks a bit of cohesion, between authentic Slovenian fascists, poor guys lost in a history that is beyond them, various adventurers attracted by the prestige of the uniform and the power that comes with it or even simple opportunists in search of a better pot. Finally... Officially, the unit is ready.
In Berlin, one can think that it will be enough to disperse bands of indoctrinated peasants led to the slaughter by Stalinist fanatics. But the Slovenes are a very special people - even the Serbs must agree. Particularly nationalistic and even chauvinists, the most western of the South Slavs do not like to be deployed away from their homes, even for the cause of Greater Europe. Sending them to Bosnia to face the AVNOJ and Croats would constitute for them a form of incitement to desertion that it is better to avoid.
Brandt, who was aware of this character trait, therefore tried to soften the fate of his men a little - in his own interest! The Karstjäger will take the road from Trieste to Ljubljana. In the first place, one remains in Slovenia, but one is not far from Croatia if necessary...
.........
Nagykanizsa (Hungary) - The Kama Brigade continues its training under the command of SS-Standartenführer Helmuth Raithel - who is tearing his hair out trying to complete his program for April 22nd. He has a hard time complying with the Reichsführer's orders!
Independent State of Croatia
Ustasha reorganization
Gradiška (annexed Bosnia) - Tied up by its Poglavnik, the Black Legion moves south, where it must help the cavalry to crush the 5th "Bosnian" Corps - an easy mission for once, at least at first sight. Rafael Boban's unit still hasn't really recovered from its failure in Belgrade, but it is eager to show its true value. For this, we can trust the zeal and the vigorous methods of his men.
.........
Government Palace, Zagreb - General Slavko Štancer receives his instructions from his minister - that is, from Berlin, or at least from Sarajevo. There is no question of the Croatian army evacuating the large salient that its troops now form in eastern Montenegro. The Schutzstaffel plans to crush the collectivist vermin soon - they are the ones who are backing down, certainly not the Axis.
The Ustasha divisions must therefore remain in place and defend their positions to the best of their (weak) possibilities, by launching from time to time a point towards the north to maintain pressure on their opponents. A waiting strategy thus, intended to fix the Titists - it doesn't really require much effort. But this does not prevent Štancer from planning a reshuffle of his forces, whose order of battle has changed somewhat in recent times.
The 4th Corps, whose title no longer covers much, is officially disbanded. Its leader, General Mihajlo Lukić, is sent back to liaison duties with local militias - Montenegrin and (perhaps) others. No doubt he will be more useful in this task, given his record, even if he is not strictly responsible for all the failures of his units.
The 1st Corps remained under the command of Ivan Brozovic, but it is merged with the 2nd Corps of Franjo Pacak, who has only the 2nd ID Vrbaska under his command. Pacak has to return to take charge of the 2nd Military District of Varaždin. A mission little exposed - at least for the time being.
Third rate navy
Rijeka (NDH) - The Croatian fleet continues to be plagued by inactivity, but it has been ordered to set sail at the first clouds in an attempt to once again tangle with the AVNOJ boats and show the red and white checkered banner. In the meantime, the sailors remain idle, as usual, under the blasé eye of their leader Andro Vrkljan.
Stubborn nationalist
Kolašin (Montenegro) - Beaten by the SS Polizei-Selbstschutz Rgt Sandjak, Krsto Popović and his Montenegrin Greens are now in a situation as paradoxical as uncomfortable: estranged from their German protectors and enemies of the Croats infesting the area, they are stuck on the borders of Montenegro, without the support of the Partisans and dozens of kilometers from the Allied forces that could provide them with an improbable help!
The insignificance of this region could well be the best protection for Montenegrins - that and of course the lack of Axis manpower. Popović knows this. So he decides to retreat to the woods and wait. He thus puts himself, without realizing it, at odds with some of his own men... and on the margins of history.
* Montgomery took pleasure in feigning camaraderie with his subordinate - no one could blame him for treating the Serb differently from Lavarack or Horrocks!
02/04/44 - Eastern Front
April 2nd, 1944
Back in the shadows
HQ of the 3rd Ukrainian Front, Rzeszów - General Vasily Sokolovsky arrives at the town hall for a first meeting - followed immediately by a working meeting - with his new superior, Marshal Ivan Konev. Sokolovski knows the man, by reputation as by his former chief, Zhukov. He is said to be demanding, harsh, ruthless and even downright savage with those who do not meet his expectations. But he is also said to be talented, diligent and of a certain strategic intelligence. In the end, this should not change him too much from Georgi Konstantinovich, to whom he has a real personal esteem, and who, in return, has often shown his personal appreciation for him. Well, when Zhukov is satisfied, it is not impossible to serve well under Konev. If we were with the Capitalists, it would just be a change of boss. On the other hand, there remains the humiliation of being curtly sent back to the card table after a command at the front.
But the general does not complain. He knows that a report from the Stavka - perhaps teleguided... - on his performance at Bagration is sleeping in the Kremlin drawers. General Antonov, obviously dispatched by Stalin, would have noted "inadmissible errors" against him.
Sokolovsky was heard last month by an investigative commission chaired by Georgy Malenkov (of the Political Bureau) and Alexander Shcherbakov, the head of the army's political administration. In truth, no one is fooled - if Zhukov had pretended to protest against this transfer, it is for "incompetence" that Vasily Sokolovsky would have been relieved of his command. Or even worse... So let's raise our hearts and serve the Soviet Union under the one we will try to make our new protector!
At the same time, in Kaunas and Lvov, Generals Markian Popov and Ivan Petrov are also occupying their new assignment as chief of staff, one to the Baltic Front, the other to the 1st Ukrainian Front - which does not change them much from their previous positions.
..........
"The contribution of General Sokolovski in the second part of the Polish campaign of the Red Army had to remain in the shadow, history retaining rather the role of Konev. On the other hand, the Stavka was to recognize his value by awarding him the Order of Kutusov for his capture of Silesia. Before that, he would have contributed a lot to the success of his new leader in Slovakia and Hungary, without being personally highlighted, stuck in the shadow of the marshal.
Besides, this may have suited Sokolovski. After the war, he was appointed head of the occupation troops in East Germany, he was to show little taste for public affairs, but lead a lavish lifestyle - the NKVD spoke of entire convoys being sent to his dacha, with cars, building materials, expensive furniture and even... specialized prisoners (such as the architect Klaus Braun, who was asked to direct the enlargement of property*!)
A very cerebral tea drinker, calm, cold and discreet, stingy with words and smiles but always gentle, general Vassili Sokolovski was finally made marshal late in life, on June 3rd, 1947, on Stalin's personal order and while Georgi Zhukov was in disgrace, in order to raise his status with the Westerners.
Forming a couple of the most solid (rare fact under the Soviet colors and at that time) with his wife Anna Bajenova - which undoubtedly ensured him a relative tranquillity on the personal front - Sokolovski, once appointed marshal, managed to get through the succession of purges and convulsions that hit the Soviet high command and ended up as head of the Stavka - even if it means to lend himself to sordid maneuvers towards Chtchemenko under the amused eye of Stalin. It is true that the man had always known how to navigate from one sponsor to another: already in 1939, Marshal Budyenny protected him with an ambiguous satisfaction**. He lasted eight full years at the top of the Red Army - a record, obtained at the cost of many compromises, including a lynching of Zhukov at the plenum in October 1957. He was also to go down in history as the father (unwillingly!) of the Soviet strategic nuclear doctrine, written according to the instructions of Nikita Khrushchev so that "the others in the West will shit themselves!"***.
Retired in 1960 to the Paradise Group (the generous sinecure of the old glories of the Red Army), Sokolovsky visited Georgi Zhukov in April 1968, who was bedridden after a stroke and who was said to be dying. Galina Zhukov pointed him out to her husband: "Look how well Vasily Danilovich looks! You'll get better and you'll look the same!" A few days later, Marshal Vasily Sokolovsky was admitted to the same hospital for a thrombophlebitis - prelude to a pulmonary embolism which took his life at the age of 71, several years before his former friend."
(Robert Stan Pratsky, Bitter Liberation: the Second Polish Campaign - Granit, 2008).
* Some will note that the Sokolovskis seemed to enjoy the company of the Germans more than that of the Russians. Abakumov will note with contempt that the former received gifts (for example, an accordion), while the latter were only entitled to insults. This difference is perhaps linked to the role of many of the Soviets in question as informers for the NKVD!
** "He knows all the workings of the Moscow military district. However, despite the great experience and the knowledge of Comrade Sokolovsky, the staff lacks flexibility and accuracy in its work. (...) He does not know his subordinates well enough, he estimates them only by their professionalism."
*** It was under his pen that a preventive and massive nuclear strike was presented as the main form of Soviet strategic action, in order to preserve the Soviet bloc from any action, even limited, by NATO.
Back in the shadows
HQ of the 3rd Ukrainian Front, Rzeszów - General Vasily Sokolovsky arrives at the town hall for a first meeting - followed immediately by a working meeting - with his new superior, Marshal Ivan Konev. Sokolovski knows the man, by reputation as by his former chief, Zhukov. He is said to be demanding, harsh, ruthless and even downright savage with those who do not meet his expectations. But he is also said to be talented, diligent and of a certain strategic intelligence. In the end, this should not change him too much from Georgi Konstantinovich, to whom he has a real personal esteem, and who, in return, has often shown his personal appreciation for him. Well, when Zhukov is satisfied, it is not impossible to serve well under Konev. If we were with the Capitalists, it would just be a change of boss. On the other hand, there remains the humiliation of being curtly sent back to the card table after a command at the front.
But the general does not complain. He knows that a report from the Stavka - perhaps teleguided... - on his performance at Bagration is sleeping in the Kremlin drawers. General Antonov, obviously dispatched by Stalin, would have noted "inadmissible errors" against him.
Sokolovsky was heard last month by an investigative commission chaired by Georgy Malenkov (of the Political Bureau) and Alexander Shcherbakov, the head of the army's political administration. In truth, no one is fooled - if Zhukov had pretended to protest against this transfer, it is for "incompetence" that Vasily Sokolovsky would have been relieved of his command. Or even worse... So let's raise our hearts and serve the Soviet Union under the one we will try to make our new protector!
At the same time, in Kaunas and Lvov, Generals Markian Popov and Ivan Petrov are also occupying their new assignment as chief of staff, one to the Baltic Front, the other to the 1st Ukrainian Front - which does not change them much from their previous positions.
..........
"The contribution of General Sokolovski in the second part of the Polish campaign of the Red Army had to remain in the shadow, history retaining rather the role of Konev. On the other hand, the Stavka was to recognize his value by awarding him the Order of Kutusov for his capture of Silesia. Before that, he would have contributed a lot to the success of his new leader in Slovakia and Hungary, without being personally highlighted, stuck in the shadow of the marshal.
Besides, this may have suited Sokolovski. After the war, he was appointed head of the occupation troops in East Germany, he was to show little taste for public affairs, but lead a lavish lifestyle - the NKVD spoke of entire convoys being sent to his dacha, with cars, building materials, expensive furniture and even... specialized prisoners (such as the architect Klaus Braun, who was asked to direct the enlargement of property*!)
A very cerebral tea drinker, calm, cold and discreet, stingy with words and smiles but always gentle, general Vassili Sokolovski was finally made marshal late in life, on June 3rd, 1947, on Stalin's personal order and while Georgi Zhukov was in disgrace, in order to raise his status with the Westerners.
Forming a couple of the most solid (rare fact under the Soviet colors and at that time) with his wife Anna Bajenova - which undoubtedly ensured him a relative tranquillity on the personal front - Sokolovski, once appointed marshal, managed to get through the succession of purges and convulsions that hit the Soviet high command and ended up as head of the Stavka - even if it means to lend himself to sordid maneuvers towards Chtchemenko under the amused eye of Stalin. It is true that the man had always known how to navigate from one sponsor to another: already in 1939, Marshal Budyenny protected him with an ambiguous satisfaction**. He lasted eight full years at the top of the Red Army - a record, obtained at the cost of many compromises, including a lynching of Zhukov at the plenum in October 1957. He was also to go down in history as the father (unwillingly!) of the Soviet strategic nuclear doctrine, written according to the instructions of Nikita Khrushchev so that "the others in the West will shit themselves!"***.
Retired in 1960 to the Paradise Group (the generous sinecure of the old glories of the Red Army), Sokolovsky visited Georgi Zhukov in April 1968, who was bedridden after a stroke and who was said to be dying. Galina Zhukov pointed him out to her husband: "Look how well Vasily Danilovich looks! You'll get better and you'll look the same!" A few days later, Marshal Vasily Sokolovsky was admitted to the same hospital for a thrombophlebitis - prelude to a pulmonary embolism which took his life at the age of 71, several years before his former friend."
(Robert Stan Pratsky, Bitter Liberation: the Second Polish Campaign - Granit, 2008).
* Some will note that the Sokolovskis seemed to enjoy the company of the Germans more than that of the Russians. Abakumov will note with contempt that the former received gifts (for example, an accordion), while the latter were only entitled to insults. This difference is perhaps linked to the role of many of the Soviets in question as informers for the NKVD!
** "He knows all the workings of the Moscow military district. However, despite the great experience and the knowledge of Comrade Sokolovsky, the staff lacks flexibility and accuracy in its work. (...) He does not know his subordinates well enough, he estimates them only by their professionalism."
*** It was under his pen that a preventive and massive nuclear strike was presented as the main form of Soviet strategic action, in order to preserve the Soviet bloc from any action, even limited, by NATO.
02/04/44 - Italy
April 2nd, 1944
Reorganization
Rome - Following the landing, the day before, of the 370th RCT, the arrival, the month before, of the Brazilian division, and the French disengagement (the French Army left only one mountain division, the 86th DIA, and the 2nd GTM), the US Vth Army is reorganized into two corps.
The IInd Corps, already present, is still operating along the coast; it now includes the 34th and 91st US-ID, reinforced by five armoured battalions. In addition, it is the umbrella of the four infantry divisions of the cobelligerent Italian Army.
The newly created XVth Corps is commanded by General Haislip. It brings together the French units and the Brazilian division as well as the new 92nd DI-US (colored), still incomplete (its last RCT, the 371st, had not arrived), while waiting for other US units. Moreover, it is the head of the three "Mountain" divisions and the "Alpine" division of the Italian army.
Reorganization
Rome - Following the landing, the day before, of the 370th RCT, the arrival, the month before, of the Brazilian division, and the French disengagement (the French Army left only one mountain division, the 86th DIA, and the 2nd GTM), the US Vth Army is reorganized into two corps.
The IInd Corps, already present, is still operating along the coast; it now includes the 34th and 91st US-ID, reinforced by five armoured battalions. In addition, it is the umbrella of the four infantry divisions of the cobelligerent Italian Army.
The newly created XVth Corps is commanded by General Haislip. It brings together the French units and the Brazilian division as well as the new 92nd DI-US (colored), still incomplete (its last RCT, the 371st, had not arrived), while waiting for other US units. Moreover, it is the head of the three "Mountain" divisions and the "Alpine" division of the Italian army.
02/04/44 - France
April 2nd, 1944
Air warfare
Marseille - In an attempt to keep some initiative and hinder Allied logistics, a night raid by He 177s of the KG 100 attacks the port of the city of Marseille. The damage inflicted is moderate, but one of the Greifs did not return to its base. It was shot down by a Beaufighter of the GC II/8 and crashed in the hills of Arbois - its restored carcass can still be admired at the Aviation Museum in Marignane.
Repatriation
Marseille - A moving ceremony, because it is finally held on the soil of the Metropolis, marks the official deployment of the IVth AC in France. Still commanded by General Kœltz, this corps is to include the 10th DI, the 36th DI, the 83rd DIA and a reserve made up of the 3rd BMLE, the 13th DBLE, the 2nd RSA and the 108th RALCA.
Armee de l'Air Northrop P-61, French theatre, April 1944
Air warfare
Marseille - In an attempt to keep some initiative and hinder Allied logistics, a night raid by He 177s of the KG 100 attacks the port of the city of Marseille. The damage inflicted is moderate, but one of the Greifs did not return to its base. It was shot down by a Beaufighter of the GC II/8 and crashed in the hills of Arbois - its restored carcass can still be admired at the Aviation Museum in Marignane.
Repatriation
Marseille - A moving ceremony, because it is finally held on the soil of the Metropolis, marks the official deployment of the IVth AC in France. Still commanded by General Kœltz, this corps is to include the 10th DI, the 36th DI, the 83rd DIA and a reserve made up of the 3rd BMLE, the 13th DBLE, the 2nd RSA and the 108th RALCA.
Armee de l'Air Northrop P-61, French theatre, April 1944