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Right, now that Marky Bunny and I have got this timeline more or less planned out I thought I'd start from the beginning. Apologies if this basic reposting isn't allowed.

PoD is the success of the Spring offensive of 1918 owing to better logistics, planning and perhaps simply luck.

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Selected excerpts from the Diaries of John Burrows, assistant to Andrew Bonar Law, Prime Minister April 13th to April 30th 1918

Mr Burrows moved to America in 1928 to avoid increasing sentiment against people associated with the previous government. He wrote and published his memoirs in the 1930s.


9th April 1918
On my way to Whitehall I saw that the newspapers were starting to report what we were already aware off. The Main part of our forces in northern france has been swept back into the English channel by the German advance. Our troops, simply finding no further land to flee too have surrendered or fled their cause. As I arrived into Whitehall this was added to as I heard of the German’s advance as they turned their attention to the French, Americans and others As their so called “Shock Troopers” driving daggers deep into our lines in meticulously laid out plans.
Part of me wonders if it is punishment for our pride. Some of my colleagues described, upon hearing of the German attacks, as the last angry swipes of some cornered animal, only to find the German beast leap at us, supported by new soldiers tempered by three years of fighting Russians and Romanians.

This isn’t productive. The War Cabinet was meeting today and shall be tomorrow. The Chancellor will need to be rested, as will my country.

12th April 1918

The prime minister spoke to parliament and then the nation today. With causalities mounting in Northern France it has been decided that we shall effectively sue for peace with the Central Powers. He has given his justifications for accepting defeat as the desire to bring as many of our troops home safely from a conflict he believes we cannot win without most likely years more conflict, if at all. At the end of the speech he gave his resignation announcing he would recommend the King appoint Mr Bonar Law, my superior and Chancellor of the Exchequer.

13th April 1918

I am now secretary and assistant to the Prime Minister although much of me wishes this change had come under better circumstances. We travelled to Buckingham palace, having to make our way through the gathered crowds. When I had been informed about them I expected republicans and anarchists but instead we saw bank clerks, ship builders, street sweepers and shop owners. A broad mix of angry and perhaps dissapointed Londoners.

The eyes of the empire are split between the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary, who is split between communicating with the prime ministers of the dominions as they arrange the withdrawal of their own troops and the unsurprisingly frustrated former allied powers. I suspect that they too will try and make peace with the Kaiser before too long.


14th April 1918
Already my journey to work has become more difficult, there are increasing numbers of frustrated workers, civil servants, academics and all others appearing at our gates in Whitehall and reportedly across the country. Some accuse the government of selling us out to the Central Powers and of giving up to easily. Some simply want our troops home safely. Others fear the Germans will not accept our surrender and we will see German Shock Troopers Marching up the beaches of Brighton and Dover by autumn.

Some correctly recognise me as a Civil Servant and ask me questions about the government’s plans for the continent. All I can do is merely reply truthfully that I do not know.

15th April 1918
This morning the Prime Minister has received word from Paris that France too is suing for peace along with what remains of the Belgian government, Italy and all other allied powers. By the Afternoon we’d received word that America had called truce with Germany. The war is for all intents and purposes over. I now await news of what more it will cost us.

Today I saw my first fatality, a man broke through police lines and headed towards the Prime Minister before policement caught him and beat him to the ground.

Even the police lines seem to be thinning.

20th April 1918
Through unknown methods and contacts the Times reports that representatives of the central powers are meeting in Vienna to discuss our fate. I fear for the Empire. Britain shall surely prevail but I don’t know if the Empire will prevail without us.

News is coming from around the world of uprisings. Nationalists in India attacking British army bases, renewed Irish republican violence and even protests in Canada, South Africa and Australia.

21st April 1918
I saw the first troops returning home today. Their mood seems peculiar yet understandable. It is a mix of anger and exhaustion. Their spirits have been broken but many of them don’t see the Germans as being the ones who broke them. Many of the troops travel straight from the arriving ships to the protests and crowds clashing with police. We are safe in whitehall but each day we hear news of riots and mobs forming in towns and cities.

26th April
For the first time I fear for my life. Sir Alfred Mond, commisioner of works was accosted whilst travelling out of London. His vehicle was stopped by a group of rioters (who some are saying were communist revolutionaries) and he was killed whilst trying to escape. I do not know if they are attacking members of the upper classes or government workers or simply those that look wealthy. I’m only a civil servant but even I am watching my back.

27th April
Changes are afoot in whitehall. Today the Prime Minister met with Mr J.R. Clynes, leader of the Labour party. I’m not privy to what was discussed but one can assume certain topics.

28th April
This Morning brings news of more murders, the more extreme groups of dissenters are targetting government officials and people assosiated with the crown and government.

The Prime Minister met with Mr Clynes again, this time joined by Mr Asquith, the Foreign Secretary and other members of the cabinet

29th April 1918
This morning the Prime Minister announced to his personal members of staff that, to prevent further bloodshed and disorder he will recommend to the king that he abdicate and Mr Clyne take his place as President of some republican Britain, promising new elections and reforms. Some of the crowd gathered protested at this but i stayed silent. I dislike this idea but i fear it is a choice between this and Bolshevism. Following this the Prime Minister departed, without my assistance, for the palace. I haven’t seen him since.

30th April 1918
This morning, Mr Clynes and the Prime Minister appeared before the gathered press to announce their plans to the world. His Majesty the King has agreed to abdicate. Mr Clynes will assume the office of President and Prime Minister until democratic elections for both the office of President and what he called “A British Senate” can be held. This would form the upper house of parliament, replacing the Lords.

Whilst watching them conduct this broadcast I kept reminding myself that it was a neccesity to bring peace back to Britain. I hope the people accept these changes.

1st May 1918
I awake this morning for my first day as a Citizen of the Republic of Great Britain and my last day as a civil servant. All aspects of government are being overhauled and reformed and although I could find employment in the new government both my personal duties to Mr Law and my assosiation to the previous government would perhaps represent a conflict of interests. Only god knows what the future holds and I hope that the dwindling crowds in the city streets are a sign that great things are afoot.

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Coming Next: The Treaty of Vienna
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