The Bulgarian Gambit

Gemellus

Different Allies

February 10, 1943 – Tokyo, Imperial War Cabinet Meeting

In a loud tone Foreign minister Togo stated “I am not satisfied with the Prime Ministers explanation! The loss of Formosa is a serious blow to the Empire. The Americans have established their B-17s on the Island and now our holdings in the whole of Southern China are imperiled.” The Prime Minister regarded Togo with distain, he ached to remove him, but the moderates were in ascendance and the Prime Minister lacked the internal power to deal with him. “The foreign minister’s satisfaction is, of course, of great interest to me. However the fact remains gentlemen that the failure of the Navy to intercept the American fleet doomed our troops even before the battle began.” Here Tojo cast and eye down to Admiral Kondo.
“As I explained to the cabinet and the prime minister” answered the admiral “The Americans had a minimum of 6 carriers to support their landings. More critically they also had long range aircraft from their new bases on Luzon. If you wish me to sail the fleet to its destruction however, I assure you they will soon present us with the option. With the fall of the island the whole of our position in Southern China is untenable. The garrisons can not be supplied except by sea and the Westerners make that impossible. I would advise the cabinet to expect a major landing in China before the spring. For that Field Marshal Hata will be better able to advise the cabinet.”
Hata tugged on his immaculate uniform. His voice was calm. “As you all are aware the recent campaigns in China (1) demonstrated our ability to advance at will into the Chinese countryside. But when the Americans deploy their army this will change. Our garrisons in the South at Hong Kong and in the Fujian province are vulnerable. We hold only the coastal ports and some of the surrounding countryside. When the occupation of Formosa is complete those positions will become untenable. I intend to draw our troops back to our central railheads, where they can be supplied. Also this will place them under cover of our air force. Unfortunately this will allow the Americans to land on the mainland, but they will find little more than ashes and graves.”
“Will the English return?” asked Togo. Admiral Kondo answered “Yes, we can expect them to re-occupy Hong Kong. Either the Americans or the English are going to take over Indochina. The fleet can deal with any direct American Advance into the Yellow Sea or the Home Islands, assuming we have land based support and the Americans do not. If they adopt a cautious policy of advance under the cover of their new air bases, we shall have some difficulty.”
“But you can make they wade through a river of blood. There is a peace party in the West. They lack the bushido spirit of our race. If we can make the cost of their advance high enough, they will seek terms.” Offered the Justice Minister. Tojo looked at him with some alarm. The he looked over at Kiichiro, the old man was had been brought back in to stiffen the cabinet, now he wondered if he made a mistake. “Terms?” asked the Home Minister. Tojo was stunned, Kiichiro was a key ally again the moderates. Togo jumped in immediately. “The Home Minister brings up a critical point. Whatever terms we can get now are no doubt better than what we shall get later. I think it is proper now to begin a discussion of under what conditions we can end this war.”
There it was out in the open at last, thought Kondo. He looked around the cabinet. All eyes focused on the Home Minister. Hiranuma Kiichiro was the key here. He had created the secret police and sanctified the war in China. If he would defect, then Tojo was isolated and his government must fall. Finally Kiichiro broke the silence. “Yes a discussion of terms now is appropriate. The longer we delay opening negotiations the worse things will become. With all due deference to the Justice Minister, it will be far more costly in our blood than theirs.” Now all eyes turned to Tojo.

February 18, 1943 – Raleigh Times

(API) Tokyo, Japan – Neutral sources have confirmed that Prime Minister Tojo has resigned from office. The new Prime Minister is Hiranuma Kiichiro. Kiichiro was Prime Minister of Japan in 1939. He had resigned his office after the defeat of the Japanese in Mongolia by the Soviets. His elevation is considered a positive development in the war. Secretary of State Hull sounded a cautious note of optimism over the fall of Tojo, “The removal of a criminal such as Tojo is positive, no matter who takes his place. Prime Minister Kiichiro has an opportunity now to right some of the grievous wrongs committed by the Japanese Empire. But Japanese should be aware that a simple change of Ministers is insufficient to effect change. “

February 18, 1943 - Changchun, China - Imperial Palace

The Emperor walked slowly in the small garden attached to the Palace. Beside him the Russian ambassador kept pace. The evening dinner had ended two hours ago and the summons to meet with the Emperor in private meant his evening was just beginning. “I am told by my ambassador in Tokyo that the new Government will be seeking terms from the allies.” The ambassador nodded. “Of course the removal of our dear friends the Japanese would be most unfortunate. Their settlers and industry are most vital to the continued prosperity of the realm. It would mean that the bandit Nationalist would no doubt seek to extend their control.” “Yes, that would be possible.” Offered the ambassador, already guessing where this was leading. “Given the close ties between our two governments such a development would be looked at with some disfavor by Chairman Stalin no doubt?” asked the Emperor “Possibly” said the Ambassador “The people of the Soviet Union have a deep affection for your country and yourself.” This meant exactly nothing, mused the ambassador in silence.
The Emperor stopped and motioned for the Russian to sit. “If we could formalize our relationship, in a way similar to your relationship with Mongolia.” Began the Emperor. “Than in the unfortunate case that the Japanese were forced to end direct support of my realm our own mutual interests would be protected.” The ambassador thought furiously. If Manchukuo became a client state of the USSR it would keep the Nationalist out. Of course the Communist in China might want something. Maybe they could be integrated into the new relationship. The Japanese might even accept the political loss if they could keep some of the economic gains (2). “Of course it would also prevent the Germans from operating freely within our borders. They have a formal alliance now with the Nationalist bandits I believe.” Ah, thought the ambassador a good point. The Union could ill afford any serious war on the frontier. If the guarantee scared off the Nationalist and kept the Germans out it might be worth it. Of course if the Nationalist invaded, Molotov could decide then if he wanted to honor the guarantee. He looked at the young Emperor, it appeared that Puyi had more than half a brain. “I will forward your interest to the Foreign Minister, your majesty. Who know what may come of this?”


(1) Zhejian-Jiangxi in our TL, launched to avenge and deal with the Doolittle raid, here conducted as a punitive expedition to expand Japanese control\
(2) Japan had 200,000 settlers and massive investment in Manchuria
 

Gemellus

March 1, 1943 – Warsaw, Foreign Ministry

The German ambassador stood behind Von Papen outside the Foreign Minister’s office. That the ‘grand old man’ had come to Warsaw must mean something critical was up, but the ambassador had received no hint of what was to come. He only was told to get an appointment with the Polish Foreign Minister for the first of March and to expect Von Papen. The ambassador shook his head. Von Papen seemed like a cat, blessed with more lives than mere mortal men. He had been chancellor in the 30s, served under Hitler and now the Monarchy. If word coming from Berlin was to believed there was another shake up coming, no doubt the old man would survive whatever change came along.
“The Foreign Minister will see you now Gentlemen” said the Polish secretary at the door. He opened the two large wooden doors and ushered the Germans in. Samuel Zygilbolm (1) rose from the desk to shake Von Papen’s hand and that of the ambassador. “It is a great pleasure to meet you Herr Von Papen, and to see you again ambassador. Won’t you both please take a seat?” The two Germans sat opposite the Pole in a couple of stuffed chairs. The Polish foreign minister offered them a smoke, each politely refused. After a moment Von Papen spoke. “I am here Minister to give you Germany’s final position on the frontier issue and to receive assurances that the interruption in supplies for our Eastern Armies will not occur again.” Samuel smiled and waited. “Germany is prepared to assist the Polish Republic in re-establishing its frontiers in the East along its pre-1939 border. Further it is prepared to assist Poland in removing the Ukrainian majority population from the lands West of the Bug River. Germany will re-establish its pre-1914 border border, plus some significant annexations that the Reich will insist upon.”
“I hardly think that the Polish Government nor its Western Allies will tolerate any return to the pre-1914 border, much less any annexations. I know that the Sejm (2) would never…” Von Papen held up his hand and stared at Zyglebojm hard. “I think Foreign Minister you misunderstand the nature of this meeting. Germany is not going to negotiate. We had attempted that in good faith and nearly lost our Eastern Armies. These conditions are non-negotiable. We already occupy the territory we speak of, plus more. If the Polish government refuses we will simply seal the borders. We will seal all of the borders. Poland will be completely isolated and surrounded. I would not count on our American or English allies coming to your aid either. Your recent behavior in support of the Russians and our own in support of the Western Allies in the Pacific renders intervention by them most unlikely. In any event should you refuse we will seal the borders to all trade and begin expelling all Polish citizens from any area under the control of the Reich. That will include the Western territories we hold as well. I have a detailed map and a final treaty for you here.” Von Papen held out a thick binder of paper. “I am instructed to await your decision here for no more than one week. At the end of that time I am to withdraw along with the ambassador and assume you have rejected our terms.” Von Papen stood. “I will take my leave of you now. Good day.” The Germans left the room.

March 2, 1943 – Warsaw, Office of the President

President Sikorski looked glumly at the map in front of him. It was bad, very bad. The Germans were demanding their pound of flesh and Poland had few options. He looked at Anders. “Well I suppose we had best discuss this. That ass Von Papen is leaving in less than a week. Do we take this or do we fight?” Anders had a sour look on his face. “If only the Russians had done better.” “But they failed didn’t they?” replied the President. Now the Germans have built lines into the Baltic and Romania. They can supply their armies without us. Worse if they cut us off we will starve. The Agricultural minister tells me that without American grain our bellies will be touching our backbones before the fall. So, I ask again do we fight?” “We would lose.” Said Zyglebojm “Were Poles” replied Sikoski “we have a record of losing the valiant fight. Poland would rise again.” Anders shook his head. “The people are tired. The invasion and occupation has torn a hole in their hearts. Another war, another invasions? I don’t know. Perhaps half a loaf is better than none. I spoke to some of the Generals today. I was surprised at how many didn’t want to fight.” Sikorski nodded, he had done his own talking today. “The West has nothing but sympathy for Germany now. Those Japanese assholes went and killed the Empress and the West bleeds for her.” He paused and looked at the rest of the cabinet. “We will take the deal. But, I want another mission to Moscow. Anders I want you to contact that shit Berling (3), give him what support we can. Zyglebojm I want assurances from the West on these borders and trade thru Danzig. Also work with the Rumanians. Those new rail lines run both ways. See about a trade deal to open up traffic into the Black Sea.” The cabinet was silent. “Cheer up Gentlemen, Poland will rise again!”


March 7, 1943 - Baltic Front HQ, Riga

General Von Kuchler cleared his throat. The assembled officers fell silent. “I have the distinct honor to announce that a formal treaty of peace has been signed today between the German Reich and the Polish Republic. Effective immediately we can expect complete cooperation from the Poles in the transit of supplies and troops thru their country. As you all know the recent efforts by the engineers have extended our rail lines from Prussia to St. Petersburg, but the settlement of the Polish issue give us additional supply channels.” Many of assembled officers began to murmur. Kuchler held up his hand and they fell silent. “This does mean that Army Group South and Army Group Center in particular will have fewer supply problems. In particular your old commander General Von Leeb should have a much easier time. But enough of politics let us turn to more immediate tactical concerns. General Rommel may we have your report on replacement armor?”
Rommel stood and began to speak without notes or pause. “Currently we have completed the re-equipping of XLI and LVI Corps with the new vehicles. The Americans have been particularly generous in selling us trucks. Four of our infantry divisions can now be classified as mechanized. Additionally we have activated two new Panzer divisions to reinforce my own command. Formations are now equipped with the new Panthers. (4) Some of the new heavy ‘Tiger’ tanks have also begun to arrive. The deployment is still very limited however. Older models are being transferred to our allies, the ROA and we can expect them to field approximately 400 to 600 tanks in the upcoming offensive. We also have received very significant reinforcements in artillery. I plan on attaching the equivalent of an extra battery to every division.(5) By spring I expect all armored formations in the North to be at full strength and prepared for the offensive. I have more details for you if you would like?”
Kuchler nodded no. “I think we can save the details. Albert can you give us an estimate of the Luftwaffe?” Kesselring stood up. “I have had engineers working on expanding airfields and support systems all winter. Additionally we have been phasing in our newer F and G model 109s. Additionally your forces will also be seeing some of our new 190s for ground support, but the Stuka’s will continue to be the workhorse. I can promise you that come May we will have control of the skies. We have already begun to hit the Russian airfields and conduct fighter sweeps. The Reds are better than they were, but not as good as us. The Luftwaffe will be ready to support you. Come May they will reap the whirlwind.”


(1) Szmul Zyglebojm was Jewish/Polish minister in our TL in the government in exile
(2) Sejm was the polish legislature
(3) Zygmut Berling a Polish General who in our TL cooperated with the USSR and formed a Polish Corps to fight the Germans in 42
(4) Panther deployment in this TL was accelerated because of the availability of more machine tools and steel
(5) Another benefit of the ending of the Allied air campaign was in the diversion of AA guns. In our TL somewhere between one half and two thirds of all German artillery tubes were uses as AA guns in Germany or France.
 
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stevep

Gemellus

Ouch! The rather rash gamble by the Polish government has really back-fired on them. Suspect they could have got a lot more generous terms if they hadn't done that. Also, even given the official stance of the new government in Berlin I wouldn't feel very secure if I was in the Polish majority in the lands the Germans are gaining.

Also suspect under the circumstances the Americans won't object too much if at all. Britain will have a lot of concerns but we're seeing a US-German axis building up here. Could be interesting the Ukrainian reaction once they hear the Germans are selling out their eastern territories but then their not in much of a position to object.

Steve
 

Eurofed

Banned
Gemellus said:
“Germany is prepared to assist the Polish Republic in re-establishing its frontiers in the West along its pre-1939 border. Further it is prepared to assist Poland in removing the Ukrainian majority population form the lands West of the Bug River. The Eastern Border will be set at the pre-1914 boundaries, plus some significant annexations that the Reich will insist upon.”
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While this has been a quite fine TL so far, I think a blatant mistake has crept here. While the whole writeup suggests that the German-Polish border is being set at the 1914 line (plus some extra undescribed stuff), and the Polish-Bielorussian/Ukrainian border is being set at the 1939 line, which makes a lot of sense, the quoted piece reads like it was the opposite, which makes no sense. Maybe the wording could be edited to clarify the point.

stevep said:
Gemellus

Ouch! The rather rash gamble by the Polish government has really back-fired on them. Suspect they could have got a lot more generous terms if they hadn't done that.
Click to expand...

Indeed they could have kept Posen and the extra undescribed stuff without too much difficulty if they had cooperated in good faith, even if no German government was ever to settle for anything less than the 1807 border, unless they had guns to their head. They made a foolish gamble, and paid for it.

Actually, I'm also a bit amazed at the generous peace the Czech got, in comparison to the Poles. While the re-establishement of Czech self-rule makes a lot of sense, and the West would hardly settle for less, I had expected that Germany would insist on a confederal relationship, or at the very least a friendly government in Prague. That they allowed an awowed Germanophobe and Sovietophile like Benes to climb back into power with the war in the East still raging is stunning. He was not even the legal Czech President after 1938.

Also, even given the official stance of the new government in Berlin I wouldn't feel very secure if I was in the Polish majority in the lands the Germans are gaining.
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Learning German as second language doesn't harm anyone.
 
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Gemellus

Eurofed said:
While this has been a quite fine TL so far, I think a blatant mistake has crept here. While the whole writeup suggests that the German-Polish border is being set at the 1914 line (plus some extra undescribed stuff), and the Polish-Bielorussian/Ukrainian border is being set at the 1939 line, which makes a lot of sense, the quoted piece reads like it was the opposite, which makes no sense. Maybe the wording could be edited to clarify the point.



Indeed they could have kept Posen and the extra undescribed stuff without too much difficulty if they had cooperated in good faith, even if no German government was ever to settle for anything less than the 1807 border, unless they had guns to their head. They made a foolish gamble, and paid for it.

Actually, I'm also a bit amazed at the generous peace the Czech got, in comparison to the Poles. While the re-establishement of Czech self-rule makes a lot of sense, and the West would hardly settle for less, I had expected that Germany would insist on a confederal relationship, or at the very least a friendly government in Prague. That they allowed an awowed Germanophobe and Sovietophile like Benes to climb back into power with the war in the East still raging is stunning. He was not even the legal Czech President after 1938.



Learning German as second language doesn't harm anyone.
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my error I will correct it. Thanks for catching it.

Jay
 

Gemellus

A Strip of Cloth

From “Air Power in World War II” by Albert Taylor, 1st Book Press, New York 1960

Contrary to Popular wisdom the Great Eastern Offensive did not begin on May 15, 1943. In fact the Germans began their attacks a full month before the state date for Operation Frederick. Throughout the fall and winter of 1942 and into the early spring of 1943 Germany was compelled to remain on the defensive. While it extended its rail lines and built up its harbor facilities, the Todt (1) devoted a significant percentage of its efforts to the construction of modern airfields in the East. Carefully graded concrete fields took the place of grass and gravel strips. By the Spring of 1943 the German Air Force had a significant advantage in the availability of air fields. While many Soviet fields were only marginally operational due to rain and mud, the Germans had a significant percentage of their Air Force ready.
For the Luftwaffe Operation Gotha began with massive fighter sweeps over the Soviet Air Bases. Whenever the Red Air Force rose to meet the Luftwaffe they soon found they were badly outnumbered. It took the Luftwaffe only two weeks to effectively win control over the bases and to limit Soviet operations to night and harassment raids. With command of the air firmly established the Germans now brought in their older Stuka dive bombers. Heavily escorted by fighters the dive bombers spent two weeks pounding the Soviet command and control centers along with air fields and rail lines. The regular bombings were directed against Soviet fuel storage and transport facilities. Front line targets were conspicuously ignored. By the end of the first month of attacks the Soviet Red Air Force had been crippled and even before the start of the ground attacks the Red Army often found critical shortages of fuel for its tanks.
When the German Army launched Operation Frederick the Luftwaffe had effectively eliminated its opposition. Now, unconcerned about Soviet Fighters the slow cumbersome JU 87s became deadly tank killers. Whenever the Soviet’s tried to mass armor for local counterattacks they were sure to draw the Luftwaffe. When the newer HS-129s (2) proved to be disappointing they were shifted to direct ground support. German infantry and armor could call for immediate support from the Luftwaffe and frequently did.

May 10, 1943 – Baltic Front, Panzer Army North, 1st Imperial Guards Division

General Rommel looked on as the Kaiser walked stiffly along the front ranks of the assembled men. He could see that the Emperor still had a slight limp. Reports from the explosion had stated that Louis had only been slightly wounded; apparently the reports had been modified for the public. As the Emperor passed out of the front line and made his way to the podium Rommel wondered what kind of speech he would hear.

“I stand here today with the first division of the Imperial Guards. Many of you have worn different uniforms. Some of those were the same black I chose for you today. That is not to remind you of your past, but to remind me of what we have lost. War is cruelty; it can not be described as anything else. But it is also a test. What we obtain without sacrifice we do not hold dear. It is only loss that gives meaning to life. We have all lost in this war. Some have lost fathers, some brothers, some wives, but all of us have lost comrades. We see the empty places at the mess; we see the holes in our lines and feel them in our hearts.
You know me as a man of peace. But neither you, nor the enemy should confuse peace with weakness. Inside of me, and inside of you beats a German soul. It is the soul that can produce music like Beethoven’s or writing like Goethe, but it is also a soul of steel. For the German soul can call forth vengeance and power. It can produce an Arminius or a Frederick. We have offered the enemy peace, they have spurned it. We will show them the folly of their acts! Now we will show them German steel, now we will show them the warrior soul of Germany.
Soon you will go forth to battle. A battle that I pray is the end to this cruel war. Germany has given you its finest tools. This is the year we will end this war. This is the battle that will end the beast that threatens not only Germany but Europe. This is the fight that will show the world the true nature of Germany! I give to you now one more gift. I hold here in my hand a patch of cloth. It is from my wife’s dress, the one she wore when she was so cruelly slain. I give it to you. The blood upon it is dear to me, but not so dear as I hold yours. You are my people and I am your King. I would sooner see my dear wife’s blood here than know that your own families were in danger. So take this symbol of my love for you, of my hope in you and my honor for you. Avenger my love and guard the gates of your own hearths. Bring us Victory!

May 13, 1943 – Reichstag, Berlin

Chancellor Goerdeler sat slumped in his chair. He held his head and wondered what he could do now. Just then his secretary announced the President. “Herr Chancellor, President Beck is here.” “Send him in Otto and see that we are not disturbed.” Beck strode into the office and looked at Goerdeler. The Chancellor looked 10 years older than he had a year ago. The strain was telling. “Carl” began Beck “I heard that we lost the vote in the Reichstag.” Goerdeler said nothing he stared at the President. “I could rule by decree. The new constitution gives us some options.” Goerdeler shook his head. “I won’t remain as chancellor if you attempt it. I will resign outright. We can not be a nation of laws and act like our foes.”
Beck now sat down in a chair opposite the Chancellor. “Have you called on the Kaiser?” Goerdeler nodded yes. “I saw him this afternoon. He was just back from the East. I think he wanted me to go on, but he wouldn’t order me too.” Goerdeler lapsed into silence. “The parties will break up. Too many factions too many old wounds for them to stay together.” “You may be giving the keys of this office to the Nazis” offered Beck. Goerdeler shook his head now. “No not now. They can’t replace Hitler, or Goebbels. Darre is emerging as their leader.(3) He will split the vote there. Good luck to whoever gets this seat after me.”
Beck stood up. “The offensive will go forward.” “I know” replied Goerdeler. “The Government may fall, but the State remains. Thank God for the Kaiser. The people will rally behind him. If he calls for peaceful elections, they will be peaceful. Any fool who acts up will be slaughtered at the ballot box.” “So who emerges? Who takes this chair?” Goerdeler stared at Beck for a moment. “Perhaps Von Schulenberg if its is a compromise. But I would watch Adenauer, he seems clever.”



(1) Organization Todt in our TL was a quais-military construction group. They employed lots of POW labor and had upwards of 1.5 million workers in the 1943 period. They were most famous in the West for the work on fortifying the beaches at Normandy
(2) The Henschel HS – 129 was a twin engine ground attack plane, but it had teething problems and a weak gun system. Even in this TL with a more professional Luftwaffe nothing could save it.
(3) Richard Darre – a Nazi but more an extreme rightist than a sociopath. Anti-Semite and a nasty peace of work, but a more moderate face for the party in this TL
 

Gemellus

Nur Todgeweihten taugi mein Anblick (1)

May 24, 1943 – Village of Konminsk, Belorussia

Yuri had been a good student at school. He had joined the youth league and was a candidate for party membership. He had read Marx and accepted that Religion was the opium of the masses and mere superstition. Concepts like heaven and God were just abstract ideas, tools of the capitalists and their lackeys. But after a week in this cauldron he was beginning to believe in hell. Every hour of the day the skies were filled with German planes. At night when they tried to move or attack the Germans fired countless artillery rounds. His company was one of the lucky ones, because it was back at the village in reserve it had suffered only a dozen killed or wounded. When Shensky came up he said that more than half the division had been destroyed and that most companies were at one third strength now.
Yuri could see the sun coming up and wondered if the planes would return. He looked at his sergeant who was further down the trench. Moloenkov was a peasant, but a good man. He believed in the revolution, but wasn’t as…sophisticated in his beliefs. Yesterday he had told Yuri that he was fighting for the Party, but also for his land. He hoped that after the war Chairman Stalin might reward some of the soldiers with land, or at least let them have some private plots. It was almost deviation from the Party line, but the sergeant was so sincere that Yuri decided not to report him. Looking at the sergeant now he was thankful, Mol was a good man in a fight.
Suddenly he heard a new sound. It was the racing of engines. TANK! He looked at the forward positions where the anti-tank guns were. He could just make out one of the crews loading a round into the gun. They must have heard the noise too. Then from the far edge of the woods a great gray metal beast emerged. Yuri had seen tanks before, he thought the new T-34s were huge, but this thing dwarfed it. It was squat on the top with chains along the sides and a long sharp barrel. “Tiger” someone yelled. Yuri felt his bowels turn to ice. This was the Tiger? He had heard some stories about the new tank, bad stories.
Soon three more Tigers cleared the woods and Yuri could see German infantry looping alongside the monsters. The Soviet guns began to shoot. Several times the shells struck home against the German tanks, but they seemed to take no notice. Instead they methodically turned their own guns against the Soviet gunners and methodically shot them all. Soviet machine gunners were also firing. He could hear some of the rounds striking the tanks. One of the Tigers turned sideways, stuck in some ditch or avoiding some traps. Two of the three remaining Soviet guns immediately shot, hoping the side armor was weak (2). Two clear hits simply bounced off the tank. Then its sisters started firing their machine guns.
It was obvious to Yuri that they couldn’t stop the tanks. But the commissar was shouting there was no retreat. Yuri scanned each side and could see his comrades with fear in their eye. He felt calm. He would show them what a Soviet man would do. He began to shoot at the approaching infantry. The range was great, but several went down, probably for cover. Soon the whole Russian line was firing. The Germans replied in kind. After a few minutes the fire from the Russian side started to slack. Yuri looked around, wondering why. He saw that huge gaping holes had been blasted in the trench line. Only a few Russians still were on their feet. But they fought, until the last.

May 29, 1943 – Saint Petersburg Front. Panzer Army Russ, HQ

Rommel wondered, not for the first time, what he had done to deserve this command. The ROA (3) were the bulk of his troops and Berlin expected them to behave like Germans. They were brave, and individually he found he could like the Russians. But, as a group they drove him insane. They were sloppy and casual with their arms. They were shockingly unhygienic. Worst of all they were incredibly inept at tactics. He had been forced to scatter a number of his own men into command and control positions to bring some semblance of order. Now he wondered if they would fight.
“Herr General” said an aid. “The reports from the 21st Panzer (4) reports the Soviets are massing to defend Vologda. The Luftwaffe says that the Red Air Force is out in force.” Rommel nodded. It made good sense. The main ROA base was at Cherepotvita. Any good Soviet general had to see that the axis of attack west would be aimed at Vologda. If the Germans could take it the whole Northern Finnish front would whither and die. Rommel however had no intention of feeding his men, even his Russians, into a city fight. “Have the 21st bypass the city. The Russians can come up and contain it. I want to keep this fluid. Talk to supply had have them use the engineers and Russian pioneer troops to upgrade any local roads we take to the South. Lets make Ivan come to us eh?”

June 7, 1943 – STAKVA, Moscow

The news from the front was bad. When Zhukov returned he was surprised to see how bad the morale was. Of course the nightmare of the trip North had given him some hint. His train had been attacked three times by the Luftwaffe. Now tugged his uniform down and walked into the conference room. Several officers snapped to attention. “Welcome back Comrade General. We were all pleased to hear of your appointment.” Zhukov nodded, ‘little toads’ he thought. Tell me the worst of it major. I just now left the Chairman and must return tonight to brief him.”
The major was a native of Moscow and spoke in the city’s clear sophisticated accent. “The enemy has launched two major and two minor attacks against us. In the North the traitors and General Rommel have driven due West and have achieved a great deal of success. We think that the attack was supposed to merely draw our attention, but Rommel has cut off the Northern Front and is threatening Ivanovo, to the North West of Moscow. Local commanders assure us they can contain him. Local militia and reserve armies have been mobilize and for the moment the front appears to be stable.
“In the Center the Germans have committed much of their armor in an attack towards Smolensk. We inflicted serious casualties but it appears now that the city will fall. Command expects the Germans will regroup and resume their attacks after perhaps a week. The Southern Attack in the Ukraine was by far the largest. Von Rundstedt had perhaps two thirds of the German armor. Kiev fell last week to the Northern Wing of the advance and the Southern Wing has cut off the Crimea. It is unclear if Dnepropetrovsk can be held.”
“Finally the Germans badly surprised us with naval landings at Sukhum. The Navy was ineffectual at stopping the German. Apparently they had procured a number of transport ships and converted several to warships. The Germans are advancing into Georgia as we speak. We are concentrating out troops at Tiflis and believe the Germans will lack the logistical support to mount a full campaign. The major problem here is that several ethnic troops seem to lack sufficient revolutionarily spirit.” “Defections?” asked the General. “Yes, sir.” Replied the Major. “We estimate perhaps 1/3 of the local troops have defected to the Germans and another 1/3 have simply gone home.”
Zhukov nodded. It was as bad as he had feared. Worse in some ways. The Northern attack was a surprise, the terrain was awful and the ROA was reputed to be in bad shape. Worse the desertions in the Caucasus meant that more than a few thought the war was lost. He wondered if they were right. It would be a bad meeting with the boss.

(1) Only the doomed see me – From Richard Wagner’s Valkyrie Brunnhilde announcing herself when she came to take the slane.
(2) The Tiger almost unique in 43 had very dense side armor. It made them tough to knock out at any angle – but they trades speed and reliability for the mass
(3) ROA – Russian Army of Liberation, in our TL and here
(4) One of Rommel’s Panzer divisions from our TL’s Africa Corp
 
Sigma7

Sigma7

Excellent work, as always, Gemellus.

Any chance we'll be seeing more "Shadow War" (secret services, special forces, etc...) operations in the near future?

Keep up the good work.:cool:
 

Gemellus

June 10, 1943 – Office of the Secretary of State, Washington DC

The Soviet delegation sat across from the Germans in stony silence. Ambassador Litvinov hadn’t moved so much as an inch since sitting down. Opposite them the German delegation was more animated. They had brought in a series of maps which outlined the German advances. General Von Manteuffel spoke in slow measured tones. “A quick summary then is in order. As you can see by the map German forces are completing their liberation of the Ukraine and the Belarus. Additional General Rommel and Vlasov campaign here in Northern Russia has been quite successful in establishing the authority of the new Russian government.”
This was too much for Litvinov. “The is no new Russian Government. There is only a pact of liars and traitors propped up by their German masters.” He turned to Secretary of State Hull. “May I ask why we are being compelled to submit to a lecture by these criminals on how they are raping our country?” Hull replied in a civil tone “The recent discussion have been so confused as to the actual situation in the USSR that I thought it would be helpful for each side to lay out their military position. I thought that General Nikiski’s presentation yesterday and General Manteuffel’s today were each necessary.” Litvinov said nothing he merely resumed his silence and stared at the Germans. Manteuffel continued “The German efforts to liberate the Caucasus also has obtained significant support from the local population. We expect the fall of Tbilisi within the fortnight.” Litvinov calmly lit a cigarette and looked at the German with an expression close to that of a man finding a cockroach on his plate.
“Thank you, General Manteuffel.” Offered Hull “I think that gives us all a good appreciation of the realities of the battlefield.” He hesitated for a moment. “Gentlemen the government of the United States is not prepared to continue these discussions if the parties are not serious about reaching an accommodation.” Litvinov’s eyes narrowed. “The American government believes that a ceasefire is appropriate at this time. We feel that if each party will agree to a hold their forces in place it would be a firm step on the road to peace.” Ambassador Thomsen (1) tried to look shocked. He had already talked with Donovan (2) and had expected the offer. The Kaiser’s trip had tipped the balance in favor of Germany, plus there were plenty of those on the right that suspected the Russians were behind the assassination of Empress.
Litvinov spoke. “Upon what conditions?” Hull did not hesitate. “In the event that one side was unwilling to accept the ceasefire the United States would have no choice but to suspend relations with the offending party.” “Meaning we would lose all trade, thru Persia and Vladivostok. (3)” “And if the German’s refused they would lose all oil and steel shipments currently crossing the Atlantic.” Interjected Hull. “I hope that both Governments will see reason here. The ceasefire would only recognize the actual conditions on the ground.”
The German ambassador replied “I will of course have to consult with my Government. However, it is the sincere wish of Germany to arrive an a fair and equitable peace. I think that the American proposal will meet with approval from Berlin.” All eyes turned to Litvinov. The Russian’s mind raced. The loss of American trucks, radios and aviation fuel would be critical. The war could go on, but victory might become impossible. “I will consult with my government. I can hope to have a reply soon, until then I bid you all good day.” Litvinov, followed by the rest of his staff rose and filed out of the room.

From the diary of Captain Josef Hammerham, aid-de-camp to Ludwig I

June 22, 1943

Ludwig was not wild about making peace with the Russians. He was convinced that the Russians had at least worked with the Japanese in the assassination. Most of us agreed with him, but we were all tired of the war. The victories of 43 were a welcome tonic to the winter, but many wondered how long the war would go on.
The meeting with Beck yesterday was stormy. Ludwig remarked afterward that the General is out of his depth. He thinks the new constitution working its way through the Reichstag will be better. He also thinks that Adenauer is going to win the power struggle. The coup government is doomed.
He met with some of the Family today, not a few of which were secretly pimping for one of their own to take the Empress’s place. Ludwig saw through it all, but he played the lonely widower and kept them all happy. Afterward we talked and he told me that if he remarried it wouldn’t be to some damn Rhineland aristocrat. He even hinted that it would be a commoner. Maybe it is the time he spent in America before the war, but he seems more comfortable with them.

June 25, 1943 – Kremlin, Moscow

“You have been back almost three weeks and still our armies flee in panic!” accused Beria. Zhukov looked at the little man. He wondered what it was that caused some short men to be so vile. He didn’t reply to the secret policeman, instead he spoke directly to the Chairman. “I have funneled in what reserves I can to stabilize the front. But there is not denying that we have lost the Ukraine and Belorussia. However, my real concern is the ROA and Rommel. The Northern Offensive has us completely flat footed. As they cut the lines North From Moscow they open up a longer front for us to defend against. If they try a determined assault on the capital I can only stop them if I hold back the last reserves from Smolensk.” Stalin puffed on his pipe, then tapped it out against a small glass ashtray. “What about Georgia?”
Zhukov slumped. “Lost. We have open revolt down there. The last of the garrison troops in Tbilisi surrendered, with the capital cleared and the Moslem’s rising we could lose the whole front. I could send the Ukrainian reserved down, but the Germans already have Kiev again, that would mean Kharkov and maybe Rostov too. The critical point is we can’t move troops fast as long as the Luftwaffe has superiority. We have to pull them hundreds of miles back from the front and use multiple lines. It is a logistical mess.”
“How much more will we lose before the rains?” asked Stalin. Zhukov walked over to the map pinned on the wall. He gestured to Moscow. “They will be at the gates before the rains, but they have their own logistical problems, so we can hold the city. Next he gestured down to Rostov and Kharkov. “We will lose one or the other, both if I put the reserves in the Caucasus.” Finally he put his hand on Georgia. “This will spread. We will lose Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia, without the reinforcements. With them, we can hold them in Georgia, but it will be tough.” “If we lose the fuel, guns and trucks the Americans are selling us?” Zhukov hesitated. “Then we will be on the defensive in 44, by 45 the Ural factories and new wells will be running.”
Stalin was silent for a long time. Only occasionally would smoke rise from his pipe. Finally he looked at Khrushchev. “We will have to stay active in the Ukraine, even if we sign the damn ceasefire. I want to keep Kharkov and Smolensk. Nikita, I want you to coordinate shipments of arms and supplies to partisans in the Ukraine and Belorussia.” Then Stalin turned to Beria. “Lavrently, I want all available NKVD units on trains heading into the Caucasus as soon as we sign the ceasefire. I want every lamppost full and don’t spare the noodles.(4) General” he turned to Zhukov. “we start to rebuild now. I want stockpiles for a multi-year war. I want partisans active in all zones. We will sign the ceasefire, but we give them no peace.” Go, but Molotov and Beria stay for a moment.”
After the others had filed out Stalin look at Molotov. “I want you to go to Manchuria. I want you to prepare our little prince for the peace. I want you to get him to accept a new order in the East. If he wants his throne, he will chose us over the Japanese.” Molotov nodded, Stalin turned to Beria “Lavrently, I we are going to move a lot of traitors and class enemies east. I want you to go with Molotov. Select some good ground for them. There are going to be lots of camps, and colonies. We will turn Manchuria and the East to our advantage.”




(1) A very curious figure in our TL and here. The last German ambassador in our TL, he seemed to cooperate with William Donovan and passed some valuable information to the US prior to Pearl Harbor.
(2) William Donovan head of the OSS (a predecessor of the CIA)
(3) In out TL and here the American’s used Russian flagged ships to move war goods to the USSR via Vladivostok and there was a tremendous amount of rail and truck traffic up from Persia (less in this TL because)
(4) Noodle was a WWII term for a bullet in the back of the head, usually given to Prisoners.
 
Sigma7

Sigma7

Come back, Gemellus!

I'm going through withdrawal! I need another fix of "Bulgarian Gambit" oh, I need it bad, man!

I haven't been this bad since I kicked Dr. Pepper!:eek:
 

Gemellus

July 1, 1943 – Tokyo, Meeting of Imperial War Cabinet, PM Residence

“The Terms are unacceptable!” shouted the Prime Minister. “The loss of our overseas possessions…”
Admiral Kondo interrupted him. “…is essentially already an established fact. The American armor is cutting the army to pieces in China and the American fleet can move at will. The only possession we retain are Manchukuo and Korea. The Russians have sent another 50,000 advisors into Manchukuo, so that is also lost to us. Would you sacrifice the home islands for Korea?”
Tojo looked at the admiral bitterly. “The Russian armistice with the Germans has allowed some realignment of forces to the East, but it is not yet critical.” The Home Minister openly laughed and then answered. “Manchukuo is still partially ours, even with the Russians. We have significant numbers of troops and settlers. If we are compelled to evacuate the army we may be able to arrange with the Russians to keep some influence, at least the colonist could stay (1). That could give us influence there in the future. But to lose Korea?”
“If we do not move swiftly to accept the allied proposals the attitude in the West will harden.” Offered Marshal Hata. “Already the Army is being forced to steadily withdraw. Soon we will lose Peking, after that it will only be a matter of time until the Americans and British reach the Yalu. We have strong lines there, but unless we can win air superiority and stop amphibious landings we will lose. Of course the situation gets much worse if the Russians actively enter the war. Then we would have to defend not only Korea but also Sakhalin (2). The Russians would want that back.”
“The terms would prevent an occupation of the home islands. We could preserve the navy and army.” Interjected Kondo
“But they would be limited.” Objected Tojo. “Only for 10 years.” countered Kondo “It would take us more than 10 years to rebuild the fleet anyway. Under the terms we could scrap older units and modernized the fleet. In a decade we could have the foundation of a modern armada.” He turned to Hata “The army must rebuild too.” Hata nodded “It is obvious we chose the wrong path. The future is in armor and planes. We could use the decade to rebuild and understand the new tactics.”
All eyes turned to the Prime Minister. Tojo carefully removed the small pair of glasses from his nose. He closed his eyes and breathed deeply. In silence the room waited. The Prime Minister was weighing his options. The Kempeitai (3) was divided, he couldn’t count on most of the Shoshos (4) to support him. The Navy and Army both had enough troops on the home island now to stop any open move. He sighed. It was finished. He turned to the Foreign Minister. “Minister Togo, I think it is best if the cabinet and Emperor agree that we contact the Americans and British. Inform them we are interested in pursuing a negotiated peace along the conditions set forth in the Goa memo. The Portuguese are acceptable as mediators.” It was done.

July 3. 1943 - Changchun, China - Imperial Palace

Molotov took the offered glass gracefully. He nodded to the Emperor and offered a toast, “To the continued friendship of the Imperial Government and the Peoples of the Soviet Union.” The assembled Russians and Chinese nodded and all raised their own glasses. Molotov sipped the liquor, it was good Scotch, a pleasant change from the bosses passion for sweet wines and vodka. The Emperor’s Prime Minister came up to the Russia. “It is good to meet with you Minister Molotov.” Molotov smiled and regarded the small man. Zhang Jinghui was a Japanese puppet, but it was too soon to alienate him. “It is my honor to meet with you.” Zhang bowed and swept his hand to the left. “His majesty is most interest to speak with you regarding your last communication. In fact he is waiting with his staff.” Molotov looked up and could see now that the Emperor had left the room. He motioned for Zhang to proceed him.
After a short walk away from the ballroom Molotov was lead into a small richly paneled room. At a large table sat the Emperor and three Chinese, one of whom was in a military uniform. Molotov bowed to the Emperor. “Your majesty.” Puyi nodded and offered a seat to the Russia.
“I have spoken with my advisors in the Privy Council and with Prime Minister Jinghui. We are prepared to accept the terms of Treaty of Friendship. Our Japanese friends have also agreed to accept the new role for the Soviet Union in our kingdom.” Molotov grinned broadly. “That is excellent news your majesty. I will have the treaty formally announce tomorrow. This will usher in a new age of peace for your people.” The Emperor nodded “That assumes of course that the Americans and British will not cross our borders after we begin to expel the Japanese military.” Molotov waived his hand dismissively “The Westerners have never declared war upon you, with the Japanese gone they have no cause to invade.”
General Zheng spoke “They may well resent the continued presence of the Japanese settlers in the Kingdom. The Nationalist also claim this land. Your advisors are welcome, but can they stand against an invasion from the South?” “There will be no invasion.” Replied Molotov “The West is only too happy to occupy Korea and liberate China, they have no stomach for a war with us. Even the Germans will not risk the armistice in Europe over your Kingdom. They will stop.” Zheng displayed no emotion on his face. “Tomorrow we are allies.” Concluded Molotov.

July 10, 1943 – Batavia, German East Indies

Heydrich listened to the noisily celebration in the streets below. He was glad to be in the Capital. Now the work of creating a true Aryan state could begin. That fool Adenauer might be in charge at home, but here the old ways would continue. The Nazi’s may be in the minority, but the concessions from the settlement in 43 gave them near autonomy here. Already he had heard that hundreds of the faithful would be leaving Germany for Indonesia or the other colonies. Darre may remain the face of the party at home but he would be the real fist in the glove.
He stood up and looked out into the darkening night. Eichman was in Madagascar by now. The man was invaluable, so few could still be trusted. They would have to move quickly. If the weaklings at home started to stick their noses in what he was doing out here there might be trouble. He would have to hurry.





(1) At least 500,000 Japanese colonist were in Manchuria
(2) Island North of Japan, seized in the Russo-Japanese War of the early 1900s, about 450,000 Japanese settlers where on the Southern half of the island until 1945 in our TL
(3) The Japanese military and special police. Not quite on par with the Gestapo, but often brutal
(4) Local commanders, often retired or active military, nominally ranked as Generals
 
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