The Sun Rises Yet Again

[Lord_Vespasian]

The Sun Rises Yet Again
Chapter 1: A Fallen Star

November 11, 1924
The 6th Anniversary of the End of the Great War and 2 Years Since the Great Depression Began In America

"Fucking Jerries, Ruskies and Yanks. I can't believe it's been 6 years since we lost the damn war and yet it hurts like I just heard the announcement on the radio. 'We'll never let the old flag fall' my ass. And those goddamn Frogs didn't help either, losing Paris so quickly, and to think they thought that what they scrounged up at Marne was enough to stop the Jerries. Well look at them now, they surrendered thinking it would save their asses and now the commies rule France. Jerry's smiling right now but once the Commune and the Union team up for some good 'ol revenge from both sides they won't know what hit them.

Meanwhile across the Pond, the Yanks were happy to sell us, and the Hun once our blockade fell apart in '16, everything we needed to fight the war, making a pretty penny off our struggle. Well, serves them right their economy is in a free fall, just wish it didn't extend over here as hard as it did. The Russians were worthless, and they started the whole damn thing. If they just backed off on Serbia none of us would be in this mess. And when they finally surrendered in late '17, millions of Germans came from the East to the West and overran what we had in France and then got stalled at the Alps in Italy. With that problem unsolved, they sent the majority of them to Middle East to help the Turks kick us out of there and now Kaiser Bill owns the Suez.

Then when the peace was finally agreed on in 1918, Germany stripped us, the French and the Belgians of all of Central and Eastern Africa as well as parts of Southern Africa save for Rhodesia, South Africa, and Bechuanaland. In the East, they took Singapore and Malaya. The empire was gutted. Then in 1919, India, dissatisfied with our rule, decided to kick us out for good, the Irish, South Africans, Egyptians, Aussies, Kiwis, and Canadians soon followed suit, with Canada receiving American protection.

Now we are left with Guyana, Hong Kong, Ceylon, West Africa, and several other scattered colonies as well as the overseas French colonies, a shadow of our former selves. But I, as many of my fellow brothers in arms and the people of Britain, have hope and confidence that we will rise again to our former glory, get revenge on the Fritz and raise the Union Jack across the globe again. The Sun may have set, but the Sun rises yet again.

And with the general election coming up for this year, a new face will lead Britain into the future, one can only wonder who it will be."

 

[Lord_Vespasian]

The Sun Rises Yet Again
Chapter 2: This Was Their Darkest Hour

December 6, 1924
Election Day in Britain

"Today's the day. I went down to my station already and voted and pretty much everyone I know is going too; we might actually have the highest turnout ever today. Stanley thought he was safe once he bought his way into office. Little did he know Mosley and MacDonald were having none of that. They formed a joint Vicky-Labour coalition against him which barred him from getting anything done. In response he called a snap election to increase the Conservative's numbers to a point where he can push his ideas past Parliament. The election is today and my family, my friends and my neighborhood are all voting for Oswald Mosley and The Victorian Union as they are the only ones saying what needs to be said, promising to do what needs to be done and Sir Mosley is a military man himself. I have a feeling that he can pull off a victory as the VU has been rising ever since its formation in 1919 with the help of a few influential people such as Viscount Harold Harmsworth and Crown Prince David as well as the boom in membership since the Depression hit Britain. Now might be our chance to seize the day and make Britannia great again! All hail Victorianism and all hail victory!"

This is it, this is the day. In 12 hours we will know if all those papers written and radio talks broadcasted and all the hours spent cosying up to whatever influential politician, business or enlisted man who would give us the time of day actually paid off. My entourage and I are heading off to London to attempt to shatter that bastion of liberalism. I am quite gay that I was able to broadcast another speech with Crown Prince David, much to his father's disdain. I gladly await the day when men of such high intellect and character guide this great nation once more. I extinguish my fag and I enter the car and we are off to London. On the way I see crowds auspiciously cheering my name, "Mosley, Mosley! A vote for the VU is a vote for a better Britain!", I smile inwardly. I roll down the windows and yell to them, "Nay! A greater Britain!" They cheer at the sound of my voice and make a deafening sound which I could almost believe can be heard for miles.

I reach London soon enough, I visit the voting booths to raise morale and encourage higher turnout, I shake the hands of hard working and honest British men who will vote for VU, I kiss the hands of beautiful, bountiful and undoubtedly loyal women who will one day become the mothers who will no doubt birth the future generations full of youth and vibrance. These future generations will be the ones that will continue Britain's greatness into the future indefinitely. This well of youth, hope and optimism fills me with energy and I feel a feeling I have not truly experienced since I was upon the fields of France fighting the Fritz, a primal and boundless energy that cannot be traced or artificially produced or incited through one's own will or actions on purpose. It cannot be sought, only discovered fortuitously through living one's life as one wishes. I leave the booths and walk with my entourage to Number 10 to a rally we have staged there to gather support, I will give a speech there. I arrive there at noon. I head up onto the podium and begin to speak.

Oswald Mosley
"My fellow Britons, grant me silence so that I may explain the righteousness and justness of our cause. People who disagree with my ideas often ask me, 'Why do you support this crazy ideology? You are a cultist and a madman', the irony is that this cannot be farther than the truth. The reason why Victorianism has arisen and is spreading among the British people is rather simple. Victorianism is an explosion, a reaction, against intolerable conditions, against remediable wrongs which the old world fails to remedy. It is a movement to secure national renaissance by people who feel themselves threatened with decline into decadence and death but are determined to live, and live greatly. There are periods in history when change is necessary, and other periods when it is better to keep everything for the time as it is, we my friends are in the former. To deny the coming change is suicidal, neglectful, and selfish, for you hurt not only yourselves but also all of Britain and her people. I hope this inspires you to make the right choice today. God save the King. And one last thing to those who are still opposed to me, I have but 4 words for you...

The Future is Present

As Pictured Below, Members of the Victorian Union Hard at Work to Spread Their Beliefs

Oswald Mosley Giving His Famous "The Future is Present" Speech

 

[Lord_Vespasian]

The Sun Rises Yet Again
Chapter 3: The Dawn Is Coming

December 7, 1924

Today, all of Britain stood and waited with bated breath to see who would win the general election. In a stunning upset, Oswald Mosley and the Victorian Union, or Vickies as their opponents call them, have won overwhelmingly all over the country. Even though they did not win London they pulled in record numbers and chipped away the rock solid liberal base in the area. This, among various other events, has had many leftists in the country to increasingly fear the meteoric rise of this far-right party. Ramsay has come under significant criticism for the decision to work with Mosley and talks for his resignation have begun to spread throughout leftist circles. The Conservatives are using this short-sighted decision to bolster their numbers by cannibalising from the left. This is all part of a undeniable trend in Britain, radicalisation and a hard drift to the right. Anti-VU riots are being planned in the wake of the election and the political atmosphere is extremely charged.

Reports say that when the news first reached Mosley and his camp they cheered with a fervor rarely seen in history. E. D. Morel, who has been in poor health since a dangerous heart attack he suffered in November, was asked what he thought about the whole affair. He said, "So this is how it ends, this how democracy dies. By popular demand and thunderous applause", he was unable to say more before he fell into a critical stage and had to be left alone. Mosley is expected to give a victory speech at 10 Downing Street today. Rumours and gossip are abound on who Mosley will select for his cabinet and how radical his reforms will be considering that with the potential fracturing of leftists parties all across the island means that the Victorian's new majority may become be nigh uncontestable.

A crowd gathers outside of Downing, thousands of VU supporters from around the country have come to see their idol before he is sworn in. The streets are even more crowded than yesterday. When Mosley arrives, his fans cheer while the few opponents of him that managed to sneak in boo, he urges both sides to not start fighting and instead listen. There is some disobedience but for the most part the air grows quiet. He begins to speak.

Oswald Mosley
"Yesterday we pulled off an amazing victory. We have shown Britain that we are not some fringe party full of nobodies. We are a real force and we shall be respected! My party and I have been democratically elected to lead this nation into the future and by God that is what we intend to do. We will bring common sense back into the government. A government which for far too long has been guided by corrupt bureaucrats and out of touch old men who have not the faintest idea on the nation they lead. Together in Britain, we have a lit a flame that the ages shall not extinguish. Guard that sacred flame, my brothers. For that flame has finally illuminated Britain and may one day illuminate the whole world. I promise you that now we are in charge, Britain and her people will no longer be intertwined with conflicts that have no relevance to the British people and their well-being. No longer shall the interests of international bankers and their destructive influence guide the destiny of this great and noble nation. You may think I am talking about the Jews, and indeed I am, but to act as if only the Jews have harmed our society is to be foolish and blind. One needn't look far back, no farther than 1914, to see that there are many corrosive and subversive elements that are destroying our great society and I intend to purge each and every one. I thank you for listening to me speak and despite our differences i believe we can still say that we are united as Britons against the world. God save the King."

As the last reverberations of his voice, amplified by the microphone, die down, the audience begins to applaud. The soon to be Prime minister smiles and walks off the makeshift platform to meet with the King as he had been summoned around 20 minutes ago. Mosley reaches Buckingham Palace and is let in to see King George V; a sickly, old king, disillusioned with his decisions in life, none more than being involved in the Great War, as well as his eldest son's extremist and authoritarian views compared to his own rather, relatively, liberal history. He is guided towards the area of the palace the King and Baldwin are in as well as all the officials needed to swear in a Prime minister. As he approaches the Ballroom, he sees everyone standing. He spots Baldwin and can see the utter disdain on his face, the King is not much happier. Mosley cares little, he stands next to the King. In an agonisingly slow ceremony for all parties involved, as it is very clear that everyone would rather just quickly list off the oaths and have Mosley accept them and be done with it, they swear him in and then go their separate ways. Mosley heads home and prepares to meet with his new cabinet tomorrow. A new era for Britain is here

Map of the British Empire in 1886 During the Midst of the Victorian Era

 

[Lord_Vespasian]

The Sun Rises Yet Again
Chapter 4: The Flame Is Kindled

December 8, 1924

Today, all across Britain, many anti-VU rallies are being staged and future ones are in the works, the political tension remains. Mosley cares little however, he has an important meeting before he convenes with his cabinet in an unofficial meeting. He gets in his car with his chauffeur and drives to Camberley Staff College to meet with J. F. C. Fuller. Mosley had noted the rise of this man, he was a war hero, this combined with his revolutionary theories on warfare had been more than enough to captivate him, however he had naught an opportunity due to all the time taken by politicking and campaigning. Now he finally had time and he was going to have a talk with this promising candidate for the Chief of Imperial General Staff. He reaches the college and asks to speak with Fuller in private, soon he is face to face with him. They are guided to a room where they can talk in private, they enter, the door closes and they sit in chairs apart each other. Fuller speaks first, the eagerness apparent in his voice, like a fanatic meeting his idol.

J. F. C. Fuller
"Hello Your Excellency Oswald Mosley. I must tell you, I am an ardent supporter and am proud to call myself a Vickie. Now not to be rude, but why have you called me?"

Oswald Mosley
"Firstly, I thank you sincerely for your support and am glad to have someone such as you on my side. And now to your question, I have requested your audience today as I have wished to do so for months now but have been unable to, now that you're here I would like to propose an offer."

J. F. C. Fuller
"What is it?"

Oswald Mosley
"I would like for you to be my Chief of Imperial General Staff. I have read your history of combat in the Second Boer War and in the Great War as well as your book, "Tanks in the great war". I know that you've earned the nickname, "The English Hammer", for your victory against the Germans at Tours in 1914. I also know you've been championing for a new theory on how war is fought. I've read extensively on your Nineteen Principles, the Organisation of Force and the Unity of the Principles of War. I've thought and discussed your calls for mass mechanisation of the army and a shift away from static trench warfare to fluid and fast moving front lines. I'm impressed by it all. You are the perfect man for the job. If you accept, I shall back you on most anything and provide whatever assistance I may in helping you push these reforms and achieve this modern army you envision. So, what do you say Mr. Fuller?"

J. F. C. Fuller
"Why Your Excellency, I would be honored to accept such a position! When would I take command of the office?"

Oswald Mosley
"Immediately. There is much work to be done and not much time to do it in. We must waste nary a minute."

J. F. C. Fuller
"I see, I shall begin packing my belongings at my residence and pen my resignation to the headmaster. I suspect this shall take some time but I shall be in London before Christmas."

Oswald Mosley
"Be careful Fuller, the last time it was said that something would be done by Christmas, the Empire was undone."

J. F. C. Fuller
"Ha ha! It is good to know you have an equally black and cynical sense of humour. Life would be so much harder without it."

Oswald Mosley
"Good day Mr. Fuller, I am anticipating seeing you in London very soon"

Mosley leaves the college and heads back to London, he must meet with his cabinet in a meeting to discuss how they will move forward. He arrives at 10 Downing Street. Mosley reaches the meeting room and enters, everyone is waiting. He sits down and begins to speak

Oswald Mosley
"Hello gentlemen, welcome to the first meeting, official or unofficial, of our cabinet. I'm sorry I am late, but I had to make time for a visit to secure our future Chief of Imperial General Staff."

Arthur Kitson
"Who is it?"

Oswald Mosley
"None other than 'the English Charles Martel' himself."

William Joyce
"J. F. C. Fuller? Quite the catch, if I must say so myself."

Oswald Mosley
"Indeed, but enough of small talk, let us begin our discussion on what our course of action is. Who wishes to go first?"

Arthur Kitson
"I would like to. As we all know, we've been in a depression for some time now, if we can end it our popularity would skyrocket even further. It will also allow us to pursue our more ambitious goals. To do this we have to start by passing some tariffs, regulations and other protectionist measures. For far too long the economy has suffered underneath the laissez-faire measures the previous governments pursued. We also need a serious revamping on how the economy and the state function in tandem with another. Obviously, we need to take it slowly so we don't get overruled early on. I suggest we start by pushing through some tariffs to get things started. Maybe you can send Joyce to Canada to improve relations?"

William Joyce
"Why Canada? At the moment their economy is doing worse than ours."

Arthur Kitson
"It's a diplomatic move, not an economic one, at least in the most immediate sense. It's to show the Americans we won't be coming across the Pond to take anything else, show that apart from whatever we still hold in the Caribbean and Atlantic, the New World is their's. The last thing we want is hostile or even cold relations with the Americans."

Oswald Mosley
"Very well. Who is next"

Ronald Ross
"I would like to. Disease and hunger are massive problems, especially in the cities. Our farmers are struggling to even keep themselves afloat as prices have fallen through the roof. In response, they've started destroying their crops and tossing food away to artificially inflate the price. This is wasteful and I have an idea that could help their economic problems somewhat and combat the malnutrition and hunger plaguing the poor. We would ask farmers to give us whatever food they were going to toss and give it to the poorest members of society. This is a win-win as it increases demand for food as there is less supply and the people we are giving it to wouldn't have been able to buy it anyway. It would also help us gain some approval ratings across the board."

Oswald Mosley
"It sounds like a good idea, I shall have someone look over the logistics to see if this pans out the way you say it will. If so, it goes through. Anyone else?"

George Makgill
"I would like to bring up the matter of the more than two dozen anti-Victorian protests and rallies staged for the next few months. A few, even several of these are nothing to fret over, but almost two dozen and rising fast and now it becomes a major issue. I would like for MI5 to be given some extra-judicial powers when dealing with these matters as well as increased funding. Who knows how many madmen have put a target on your head."

Oswald Mosley
"Very well. Vincent, can you get this through the courts?"

Vincent Chambers
"It won't be easy, but I think I can do it. I will need a list of what powers Makgill wants granted to MI5."

George Makgill
"I'll draft a list and have it at your desk by tomorrow."

Oswald Mosley
"I feel we are reaching the end of this meeting. Does anyone else have anything they want to say?"

Anderson Barlow
"If I may, I would like to ask you to create a royal commission, chaired by me, into the urban concentration of people and industry. I feel that decentralisation of the populace and industry is something we all agree on however we don't know where to start. This commission could help us find out which areas are most affected and give us a skeletal framework around which to plan further development. It would take some time, most likely a year or two but it could drag on to three if things don't go right but I feel it is worth it to investigate this."

Ronald Ross
"I agree. The density of people in these cities means they are breeding grounds for diseases to spread like a wildfire. This could be a step to reducing it."

Oswald Mosley
"Very well, this commission will be created, but it shall take me some time as I am very busy"

Anderson Barlow
"I understand."

Oswald Mosley
"Good. And with that, I think we are done for today. Gentlemen, you are dismissed."

They quickly bid each other a farewell and leave. They are all swamped with work and have much more coming their way. Mosley heads to his office to begin to dismantle the mountain of work that stands before him. He is not bothered however, for the work is as hard as it is rewarding for he is progressing towards his goal with every paper written or read and every word said. He is content, for the flame of the future is kindled.

In Wales, Workers Striking in Protest of Low Wages, 1921

Unemployed Workers Looking For a Job After the Factory Called in Strikerbreakers, 1922

Rare Photograph From the Trenches During the Battle of Tours, 1914

British Troops Surrounding a Captured German Tank After the Battle of Lyon in 1917, Just 5 Months Later, All British Troops Withdrew Out of France

 

[Lord_Vespasian]

The Sun Rises Yet Again
Chapter 5: The Sacred Flame

December 9, 1924

Mosley continues getting settled into his new job. He assigns Anderson as chairmen of the commission he was calling for. He is also slowly drafting a list of what he wants to get passed in Parliament. A courier comes into his office and gives him a letter from Makgill. He thanks him and sends him off. He opens the letter and reads it.

"Oswald, I've been looking into this promising figure, I wonder if you have heard of him, his name is Thomas Edward Lawrence. He was assigned to the Middle East to assist the Arab revolt and was doing quite well until the German counter offensive began in 1918. He fought a fighting retreat before entering Egypt where he hid until the war was over. Despite his failure, he was and still is beloved by the Arab community, earning the name of "Lawrence of Arabia" and they even pooled their money to pay for his trip back home. He also did some work in military intelligence before he entered the war. I have heard he is a supporter of you and I believe he would serve as an excellent member of SIS. You should ask Mr. Sinclair to take a look at him, I think he would be a great addition and maybe a possible successor"

Mosley thought about it, he would like to have loyal agents capable of espionage and being capable of inciting insurrection in foreign countries and leading said insurrections to victory. He would ask Sinclair to take a look at this "Lawrence of Arabia" and see if he is really all Makgill says.

He decides to take a break, smoke a fag and look at the massive map he has in his office. It's out of date by over a decade, made in 1909. It was a gift from a friend who would die next to him at Marne just 5 years later. He stared at it, puffed the cigarette smoke into the air, and started to look at all the outdated features. The most glaring was Britain and her empire of better days. France and Russia were now communist, Portugal and Italy had reactionary movements rise to power and the Ottomans had reconquered Greece. Germany now owns Malta, Cyprus, French Indochina, Singapore, the Suez and a third of Africa. Belgium and Denmark, along with Eastern Europe, are German puppets. Spain is in a terrible civil war between Communists and Falangists and India is fighting a major Burmese rebellion. North Africa is split into several states, Egypt, Algeria, the Ottoman Protectorate of Libya, and the German protectorate of Morocco. To think the world changed so much in just 15 years.

Mosley decides now is a good time to get those tariffs that Kitson proposed passed. He calls for Kitson and soon he is sitting in his office. Mosley tells Kitson he wants a comprehensive list of what items he wants taxed and what percentage he wants them to be taxed at. Kitson complies and several hours later he has a full list of proposed tariffs as well as some extra measures to increase trade, especially with America, increase the value of the pound, and combat inflation. Mosley thanks him and he is off on his way. He summons Chambers to his office. Once he arrives, he asks him if Makgill has sent him the list of powers he wants granted to MI5. Vincent tells him he has and hands him the list. He tells him to prepare his defense of this move as it will surely come under fire, Chambers nods and they both go their separate ways.

George V opens a new session of Parliament. During the sitting hours Mosley proposes the economic plan Kitson drafted. Since the Victorians have a majority it goes through the first and second stage fairly quickly however there is stiff resistance from the remnants of the Liberal and Labour parties. It is set to pass within a 2 weeks. Mosley also proposes Makgill's list, it faces even stiffer resistance from Labour and the Liberal party as well as the Conservatives but even stauncher support from Victorian members. If Lord Chancellor Vincent Chambers can convince them to fast track it, it will pass in early January. Eventually, the sitting comes to a close and Mosley heads back to his office. The next few weeks will be rather hectic.

He orders for an extensive private telephone network to be wired throughout the building and to George Makgill's office. It will be expensive, but it will mean he can get in touch with them easier. He sends a letter to the Rudolph Lambart, the current Chief of Imperial General Staff, to begin packing his bags as he has been fired. Mosley never liked him, he thought he was a vacillating and foolish man, he had been one of the key figures in advocating a massive reduction in Britain's army and defense spending. He finishes his work and heads to his chambers to relax with Cynthia and their 3 children. Once Fuller is here, he must consult him on a risky idea of his.

An Arabian Cavalry Squad Prepares to Ambush an Ottoman Desert Patrol, 1917

T. E. Lawrence in Arabia, 1916

A German Tank in Syria, it Was a Part of the Massive German Counter Offensive After France Fell, 1918

British Commandos in Syria Surrounding an Ottoman Train They Sabotaged 1917

T. E. Lawrence With Friends in Egypt. Shortly After, the War Ended and He Returned to Britain, 1918

 

[Lord_Vespasian]

The Sun Rises Yet Again
Chapter 6: On the Horizon

December 23, 1924

Two weeks have passed since Mosley proposed the first bills of his government. Kitson's had passed with flying colors as no one was able to sufficiently rebuff it. Thus, the first brick of many has been laid down in the long process of rebuilding the British economy. Makgills list of extra-judicial powers to be granted to MI5 has been delayed however, as Chambers' is still drafting a comprehensive article on the legality of it.

In the meantime, Mosley has been either debating in favour of the bill or working to build connections across Britain to further entrench the Victorian Union. Fuller arrived yesterday, just in time for Christmas. He decided it was time to have a conversation with him. The telephone wiring was going well, but it wouldn't be finished for some time. Fuller arrives in his office and sits down.

J. F. C. Fuller
"Hello Your Excellency."

Oswald Mosley
'Please Fuller, call me Oswald or Mosley. We are going to be together for many weeks and I would like to not hear that so often. It will drive me mad."

J. F. C. Fuller
"Of course Mosley. So why have you called me here?

Oswald Mosley
"As you know Spain is in a civil war right now between Communists in the East, supported by France and the Soviet Union, and Falangists in the West, supported by Portugal and Italy.

J. F. C. Fuller
"Of course. It's been very brutal."

Oswald Mosley
"And you know that Gibaraltar is in Spanish hands."

J. F. C. Fuller
"Yes."

Oswald Mosley
"I believe I have a plan to bring it back into British hands."

J. F. C. Fuller
"How so?"

Oswald Mosley
"We will strike a deal with the Falangists to help them in the war and to join our alliance in exchange for immediate ownership of Gibaraltar. I wanted to ask you what assistance would be best to help them, as well as to send some officers close to you down there to instruct them if they accept."

J. F. C. Fuller
"I see. I quite like this plan. I would suggest that you prepare a message to the British loyalists in Gibaraltar to establish a plebiscite so that if the Spanish do not agree, we can send it and once they vote in our favour we could potentially take it by force with popular support. As for support for the Spanish, we can send some of our more green divisions down there to train them. I will make sure I will send down skilled officers who will train them as well as take notes so that we can study the aspects of modern warfare "

Oswald Mosley
"An excellent idea. You, Joyce, David, and I will go on a state visit to Portugal, to reaffirm our alliance with Manuel as well as to get in contact with Franco and his men to negotiate a deal. Once we are done with that we shall head to Italy to meet Mussolini and attempt to bring them into our alliance as well. These three nations, combined with ours, will be more than enough to crush France, that vile bastion of communism, when the time arrives."

J. F. C. Fuller
"I also wanted to talk to you about the matter of our military training and education. It is woefully out of date and needs to be updated immediately. The longer we delay the more men who will serve with an antiquated view of warfare. I will need your public support in pushing these reforms as you and I are extremely popular amongst the army and combined will convince most to trust my reforms. This will require us to revitalise our institutions through modernising our texts and our training and instruction regimen from field marshals to NCO's to the common infantry. I would also like for you to include in the next budget some funds to be allocated to a special section of RTD devoted specifically to the advancement of tanks and motorised trucks. The military may also need an increase in funds in order to begin mechanising parts of the army."

Oswald Mosley
"How big would this RTD department be?"

J. F. C. Fuller
"I've been talking to some people in SIS, probing for information on the Landschiff-Projekt. I found what I was looking for, numbers, locations, procedures, ideas and even some blueprints of their more modern tanks. Of course we have the tank we captured in perfect condition after the Battle of Lyon to base our earliest efforts around. We will be very conservative with our resources until we know what we're doing, we just need to get our foot in the door."

Oswald Mosley
"I can do everything you ask for except for the funds towards mechanisation. Until we can pull Britain out of this depression we're all gonna have to work on a shoestring budget, unfortunately.

J. F. C. Fuller
"I understand. Thank you. May I be excused? I have much work to do."

Oswald Mosley
"Of course. Prepare your items as we will leave after Christmas. Thank you for your time Fuller."

Fuller exits Mosley's office and returns to his own. Mosley sits, contemplating about his situation. He begins to pack his possessions for the trip. It is snowing, the sky is dark. It is past midnight, the Sun is gone. But on the horizon, he sees it rise again. He knows this is the destiny of Britain. To sink low, but to rise once more and shine across the world again.

Scientists of the Landschiff-Projekt Taking a Photograph in Commemoration of Their Success

The A7V, the Culmination of the Landschiff-Projekt

A Painting of Kaiser Wilhelm II Looking From the Place du Trocadéro Across the Jardins du Trocadéro and the Seine River to the Eiffel Tower, Painted by Waldemar Rösler in 1915

British Troops in Angoulême Heading Towards Bordeaux so as to Leave France, They Are Guarding the German Tank Captured at Lyon to Bring it Back to Britain. This Retreat Was Only Possible Due to the Legendary "Second Christmas Truce" of 1917 and the Heroic Resignation of the French Troops to Holding the Front Alone

 

[Lord_Vespasian]

The Sun Rises Yet Again
Chapter 7: From the Ashes

December 27, 1924

Mosley, Fuller, Joyce, and David relax on the ship headed for Portugal. It left earlier today from Plymouth and is expected to be in Lisbon by the next sunrise. As they cruise along the Bay of Biscay, Mosley works with Joyce and Fuller on how to best work with Franco to get what they want while David relaxes. Soon, they arrive at Lisbon and dock into the port and are greeted by Dom Manuel and his Prime Minister António de Oliveira Salazar. A 21-gun salute is fired in their honor and they head to see a military band play God Save the Queen and the Hino da Carta. As the instrumental fills the air, the Portuguese soldiers begin to sing the lyrics to God Save the King. Mosley remarks to Joyce how they could never compare with the men of Britain. When both songs finish, Mosley, Joyce, David, Manuel, and Salazar head to inspect some basic maneuvers performed by the Royal Municipal Guard. After several other formalities are concluded, Mosley, Joyce, Salazar as well as several Portuguese officials and generals head to a private area where they can discuss important matters while Fuller heads to his residence to prepare the plan to assist the Falangists if they accept Mosley's proposal. David and Manuel head off to his enjoy themselves away from all the diplomacy. Once they arrive, Mosley begins to speak.

Oswald Mosley
"Hello Prime Minister Salazar, I am here with Mr. Joyce to reaffirm the ancient Anglo-Portuguese alliance that fell into disarray following our defeat in the Great War. We are glad to see Portugal has chosen the right and honorable path of national strength and unity instead of the path of weakness and corruption that is inherent to communism.

António de Oliveira Salazar
"I am glad to see Enland has not forgotten about us. Can Britain promise potential expansion of Portuguese territory and influence?"

Oswald Mosley
"Certainly. Britain will treat her allies well. We are the only ones who can help you reach your potential, I hope you see that."

António de Oliveira Salazar
"I do. And we would be honored to bring this age-old alliance back to life."

Oswald Mosley
"Excellent, would you be willing to assist us in a war against France should it come to pass?"

António de Oliveira Salazar
"As long as you have a plan and not a suicide mission."

Oswald Mosley
"I am glad to hear that, Mr. Joyce and your secretary of state can iron out the details where the Devil is sure to be found, right Joyce?"

William Joyce
"Of course Your Excellency. We can start as soon as you are ready."

Oswald Mosley
"Together, we will right the wrongs done to us in the Great War. I want you to visit London in two months. We shall formalise a grand alliance spanning multiple nations."

They continue to talk for some time and they agree upon a final draft of the treaty. Mosley warns Salazar that Germany will not be pleased with this development and that he must stand against them as a strong leader. A few days later they announce the news in Lisbon to a great crowd and, with a bit of spin from the press, the masses rejoice, stating that today is the Day of Awakening or O Dia do Despertar. They stay in Portugal for a few more days to prepare to meet with Francisco Franco. Soon, Germany hears of the news of Britain and Portugal's new alliance and are furious, claiming how the British are threatening the fragile state Europe is in and immediately send an ultimatum to Britain and Portugal claiming that they are to renege on this agreement or face Germany's wrath. Neither do. Germany, however, is held back by their people who tire of war, saying they are already the undisputed masters of the world, why waste German lives for this? Thus, Germany can only embargo them and send angry telegrams. Mosley couldn't be happier, this successful display of defiance shows the whole world, especially the British people, that Germany is naught more than a paper tiger. With the alliance cemented they bid their farewells, David returns back to Britain while the rest head into Spain to meet Franco at Salamanca as it is close to the Portuguese border and firmly within the Falangists hands.

As they drive through the Spanish country side, they remark at how beautiful it all is. Upon entering the city they are herded by Spanish troops through several backstreets and alleyways that had been cleared for the arriving cars. After arriving at the destination, they enter a building full of Spanish soldiers. They enter a small room with no windows and only one door, Franco and several high-ranking officials as well as an interpreter sitting within it. Mosley, Fuller and Joyce sit down opposite to them. Franco is the first to speak, with the interpreter doing his job.

Francisco Franco
"Welcome gentlemen. I have the honor of being your host in our fine nation. Now, to our discussions."

Oswald Mosley
"We are here to assist you in this war. Mister Joyce and I are here to negotiate the diplomatic actions while Mr Fuller is here to handle the military matters which include providing tactical and strategic advice to your commanders and training to your troops. We wish to help Spain become whole once again underneath Falangism."

Francisco Franco
"And why is that? Not to look a gift horse in the mouth, but I am curious."

Oswald Mosley
"There a several reasons. One, we wish to ally with you to combat the Commune, we are also ideologically similar and wish to help our brothers, and finally we wish to gain back our rightful land in Gibraltar.

Francisco Franco
"Gibraltar?"

William Joyce
"I know it sounds extreme but we are willing to provide military and diplomatic support as well as financial compensation for the land."

Francisco Franco
"To give up that land is a major decision, one I do not take lightly."

Oswald Mosley
"Hold a plebiscite and you will see the people of Gibraltar wish to rejoin Britain. Besides, the help we can provide will be invaluable."

Francisco Franco
"Very well, I shall hold a plebiscite in Gibraltar, if it is in your favor you shall gain control of the Rock, but in exchange I demand that your assistance from Fuller come immediately."

Oswald Mosley
"Very well. I am glad to see you are reasonable. Fuller, when will you be able to prepare the assistance for the Spanish troops?"

J. F. C. Fuller
"It should take me approximately a month to get everything ready."

Oswald Mosley
"Excellent. Now let us depart to prepare our assistance."

The three depart to their vehicles and drive back to Portugal and board a ship to Rome. The Italians are informed of this and prepare for their arrival. Once they reach Rome they disembark and receive a similar greeting as in Portugal, albeit more extravagant. Italy was still a strong nation. With the help of the Alps, the Italians managed to stave off all invaders from entering the homeland and even managed to maintain control over the Austrian territories of Trentino, Trieste, Sudtirol and Istria as well as taking control over the French provinces of Corsica, Nice, and Savoie to protect them from German occupation. However, in order to achieve a peace with the Central Powers, Italy had renounce all their African territories. Their territories iIn Somaliland would be ceded to Germany while Libya would be released as an independent kingdom within Ottoman's sphere of influence. Italy also had to pay some reparations but due to the strength of the Alpine defenses and the exhaustion of Austrian and German forces, Italy was able to get away with very low reparations, relatively speaking.This enabled them to build up their economy. In 1921, after 4 years of a meteoric rise within Italian politics, Benito Mussolini marched on Rome. King Victor Emanuel III, wishing to avoid a civil war, acquiesced to the Italian reactionaries, or Fascists as they regard themselves, and thus another European nation had fallen to a radical ideology. Once all formalities have been seen to, the 3 met with Mussolini and his cabinet. Mussolini is the first to speak, with the interpreter ensuring sufficient communication.

Benito Mussolini
"Welcome my British friends. What brings you to Italy?"

Oswald Mosley
"We wish to revive the alliance we had during the Great War. We believe that together we can right the wrongs Germany have forced upon us. We can do it, but we need to work together. We need allies. We have already worked through negotiations with the Portuguese, as you know, and the Spanish Falangists. With Italy's assistance we can form a powerful alliance that, when the time comes, strike at France and cast off the shackles of Germany."

Benito Mussolini
"I see. It is good to know that the British are not a defeated and servile people. I think we can strike an agreement."

Italo Balbo
"Forgive me Il Duce, for I do not mean to question you, but what gain would there be for Italy?"

Oswald Mosley
"You will get preferential economic treatment with us, Portugal, and Spain when the civil war ends and any other nations that joins us. Italy will also be granted all the territory promised to it in the London Conference that have not been acquired yet as well as greater African colonial holdings."

Benito Mussolini
"And the acquisition of some territories in East Asia?"

Oswald Mosley
"Britain is happy to negotiate with all involved with us to ensure everyone is satisified."

Benito Mussolini
"Very well. Italy will sign an official treaty with Britain and Portugal."

Oswald Mosley
"Excellent. I want you to travel to London in two months. With Italy, Portugal, and Britain all allied together, we shall form a grand alliance that will attract more nations to our righteous cause. And you must understand this will anger the Germans, you must not be cowed by those weaklings. Their people will cry for peace, all you must do is stand stalwart."

With negotiations with all nations being a resounding success Mosley returned to Britain cheered by the people for his public defiance of Germany and his successful diplomacy with Portugal and Italy, greatly increasing confidence in the government. With this, the list that Makgil proposed was finally passed and support for the Victorian Union increased by a healthy 6 points. Fuller prepares to send liaisons, advisers, and officers to the Falangists in Spain once control of Gibraltar is handed over to Britain. Mosley awaits for when Mussolini and Salazar are in London, there he will enact the creation of a new grand alliance, one to surpass the Triple Entente that failed in the Great War. It would be a stronger alliance, there would be no room for weakness. Britain would rise her defeated state to become the world power once more. This he knew.

António de Oliveira Salazar, Prime Minister and Chief Financial Minister of Portugal, He Holds Nigh Unlimited Power, 1924

Republican Soldiers, Held Captive by Falangist Forces, Marching Towards Nationalist Territory, 1923

Falangist Soldiers Celebrating Their Victory Over Republican Troops at Seville, 1924

A Republican Soldier Carrying a Communist International Flag, Many of the Republican Factions are Communist or Have Communist Influences, 1922

An Italian Machine Gun Division Holds the Trenches in Istria. These Strong Defenses Are What Prevented Italy From Being Conquered by the German and Austrian Offensives, 1918

An Arditi, the Elite Special Forces Specialised in Assaulting Trenches, Poses For a Picture With the Signature Resòlza Knife. They Were Crucial to the Defense of Italy in the Latter Years of the War, 1917

Austrian Troops Lay Dead in Sudtirol, These Men Were Apart of the Failed Venetian Offensive Which Had Planned to Reach the Adriatic. With This Defeat, Austira-Hungary Could No Longer Fight Italy, 1918

Mussolini and His Supporters Begin the Famous "March On Rome". By It's Conclusion, Mussolini Would Gain Total Control Over Italy, 1921

 

[Lord_Vespasian]

The Sun Rises Yet Again
Chapter 8: The Crumbling Colossus

January 22, 1925

Some time has passed since Britain secured several allies in the Mediterranean to combat France and, when the time came, Germany. Germany once again demanded that Britain and Italy renounce this alliance as well as their one with Portugal or face their wrath and once again the people of Germany, tired of war, agitated against this. Protests against German action in Italy were especially high as memories of the short but bloody fighting that took place in the Alps were still fresh and the people had no desire to return to that state of affairs again. Thus, Germany was forced to not take any meaningful action as the people, although happy with their victory in the Great War, are still angry at the Kaiser and the military high-command for the food shortages that occurred in 1918 due to the British blockade as well as other things in recent years. His weekly audiences with the King are as miserable as ever.

Mosley has been taking it slow in the recent weeks, passing new legislation through Parliament and modernising the army and developing its tactics. The plebiscite in Gibraltar was held and the people voted in favor of British rule. Franco reluctantly handed control over to Britain and in return, British generals, officers, aircraft, volunteers, and resources, both military and civilian, began flooding into Spain. The aid Britain was supplying to Spain had been kept secret and Mosley had successfully convinced Italy and Portugal to send their own volunteers. After this Mussolini said, "There has never been a more doomed cause then the Republican's one." He had also successfully recruited Thomas Lawrence to SIS and Sinclair reported he was gifted when it came to being an insurgent. Fuller had also recently finished setting up his RTD division and had also reached out to several other experts on modern armored and manoeuvre warfare such as Basil Liddell Hart and George Lindsay as well as some more conventional theorists into a separate department designed to develop new military theories on tactical, strategic and operational levels for the entire army. He had also been in limited contact with several military personnel in Germany who felt frustrated at the complete abhorrence to change in the army. Of course, these contacts would not yield much in terms of usable data but some clues as to where to go next might be found.

His weekly audiences with the King are as miserable as ever however and this week's one is scheduled for today as yesterday was especially hectic. Mosley internally groans and heads to Buckingham Palace, stopping to examine the picture of Queen Victoria he keeps in his office, the namesake of his party and ideology. He feels a sense of somberness and looks down in respect and then leaves his office. He reaches Buckingham Palace and heads up to where they usually meet and waits until he is allowed in. Once he enters, he bows his head to the King and atches him sit down.

Oswald Mosley
"Hello Your Majesty."

King George V
"Hello Prime Minister."

Oswald Mosley
"I am glad to announce that Gibraltar is back under British governance."

King George V
"Truly? Well that is most pleasing news."

Oswald Mosley
"This of course came at a price, the General Staff have begun sending equipment and trainers to the Nationalist cause. I believe that this cost is negligible as it is in our interests to curry favour with the winner of this civil war, which I have full confidence they will, as it will give us an ally in Spain."

The King remains silent, staring past Mosley.

Oswald Mosley
"Your Majesty, are you alright?"

He doesn't respond, still staring past Mosley. Mosley looks at what the King is staring at, it is a picture of Queen Victoria, similar to the one Mosley has in his office.

King George V
"Today, 23 years ago, dear Grandmamma died. I wonder what she would have thought of a Victorian Government."

Mosley looks at him, genuinely surprised at his statement. Every part of him wants to tell him how she would be proud, but he knows he shouldn't. He remains quiet and the rest of the 20 minutes pass by in pained silence. Mosley bids his farewell to the King. Mosley ponders on this and finds his thoughts incoherent.

With most major matters at home secured, Mosley decides that it was time to go visit the New World. He packed up just like last time with, Kitson, Joyce, and David joining him. Once ready, they head west. The trip to Canada would take about 4 to 5 days. In the meantime, the three work together on a trade deal with Canadians and possibly a state visit to America.

America is in disarray, the current president, Calvin Coolidge, is trying to fix the situation America is in, to little effect. The fall of both Russia and France to communism had galvanised both pro and anti communist ideologies in America, with the pro-communists seeing this as a sign that they could overthrow the oppressive bourgeoisie while the anti-communists saw it as a threat to America and her way of life. Both sides had grown frustrated with the centrists and drifted to their opposite ends. Communist support had grown in the North Eastern Seaboard and the West Coast. Meanwhile the Great Plains and the Deep South grew to favor a strange mix of feudalism and constitutionalism, which advocated for decentralisation and for domestic power to be taken from Congress, the Supreme Court and the White House and to bring it down to local mayors, judges and governors, making each state act like an independent nation within a union, pooling their resources which would materialise in the form of the federal government which they believed was to only be used for national defense, international diplomacy, mediating between states and protecting Americans abroad. They also held other reactionary views such as reviving slavery and despised communists as well as modern liberals and conservatives and demanded the destruction of several federal bureaus and organisations such as the Federal Reserve and the Bureau of Investigation. They referr to themselves as Minimalists.

Several clashes have taken place in big cities around the country and although a slim majority of Americans still favored the status quo, the number who did not grew rapidly and soon the man in the White House would not have a D or R next to his name.

Eventually they reached Canada and were met by Mackenzie King and several other officials. The air is tense as media personnel stand waiting to see how they would first greet each other. To their surprise, Mosley extends his hand out to King and they shake in a most courteous manner. All fears of British aggression against Canada have been dispelled. They drive to Ottawa and begin their negotiations for a trade deal. The British negotiate fron a position of strength as their economy is better than the Canadian's. It isn't at pre-depression levels, but it is strong enough to get a favorable trade deal. In order to convince the Canadians, Britain promises to use the Royal Navy to defend the North Atlantic however they stipulated that if they traded with Germany or France, Britain will refuse to let those ships dock in their ports. Canada, desperate for any income, agrees as the deal will help both of their economies. With this done Mosley, decides a visit to America could yield good things for Britain and so sent a telegram to the White House, asking if they could visit. The White House responds with a yes.

With this, they enter their cars and head south, stopping in New York City to rest. While there, they see massive labor riots by communist partisans, with police beginning to violently crack down on them. The city seems to be teetering on the edge of a full blown rebellion. David also meets a woman named Wallis Spencer, an American socialite. David and her hit it off. David has had Freda Ward, a married woman, as his mistress since 1918. Although it wasn't official it is known to almost everyone with two eyes. However, it seems that David enjoys her company far more. It doesn't help that she is in the process of being divorced from her current husband, Earl Spencer Jr.

They rest for several days, leaving as soon as they are ready and arrive in D.C. within hours. In Washington, there are massive protests in the capital over the state of the Sacco and Vanzetti trial. Two Italian-born immigrants who held anarchist views. Anarchists and Minimalists are not the same however they worked together when it was convenient, therefore Minimalists across the country took to protest the sentencing of these 2 men to death, as did many communist groups as they also worked with anarchists and also see it as workers being oppressed by the capitalist government. It is one of the rare issues that they agree on, although this does not ease tensions. Their protests, riots and strikes are crippling an already battered America. They meet Coolidge in the White House and eat. Mosley and Joyce speak to Coolidge about American support, even if it was just selling weapon and resources, if another war were to take place in Europe. Coolidge, having been quiet and reserved the whole time, stands up and exclaims that America would not support any European nation at war. This startles all at the meeting and Mosley reassures him that Britain would go her own way, with or without American assistance. This did nothing to relax Coolidge and he asks Mosley and his men to leave immediately, stating that he is a fool to try and do what had ended so disastrously for Britain again. This angers Mosley to the nth degree and he leaves with a choleric temper. They board their ships, head back to Britain, and within 5 days they set foot on the isles once more.

Mosley returns to his quarters to dwell on his next move. The trip to America still angered him. Whatever may come, he believed America was on her way out. They call America "The New Colossus", he found it much more fitting to call her a crumbling one.

The Statue of Liberty, Also Known as the New Colossus, 1925

Nicola Sacco(right) and Bartolomeo Vanzetti at Their Trial

One of the Many Protests Against Ruling of the Sacco and Vanzetti Trial, 1923

An I.W.W Recruiting Poster in New York City, These Posters Are How the Communists Parties in America Gained Members, 1923

A Communist Labor Rally, These Strikes Crippled American Industry, 1923

A Trio of Minimalist recruits, These Heavily Armed and Well-Trained Militias Are Located Throughout the South and the Great Plains, 1924

Calvin Coolidge Meeting a Group of Minimalist Police Officers On Strike, Coolidge Advocated For A Policy of Compromise, 1924

Bessie Wallis Spencer, 1925

Crown Prince David of Windsor, 1925

 

[Lord_Vespasian]

The Sun Rises Yet Again
Chapter 9: Per Bellum, Victoria

February 13, 1925

Mosley has returned to the pace of December. Makgill has successfully cracked down on the anti-Victorian protests, casting the protesters as contesting the will of the people to justify it. Ross reports that he has made some progress into tackling the poverty and hunger in some cities while Barlow's commission has made good progress in the short time he has had. Kitson continuously does his best to bring Britain out of the Depression and there is no shortage of legislation being passed to Mosley for him to present to Parliament and, being as desperate as they were, the majority are expected to pass quickly. Fuller had requested Mosley to come to Isles of Scilly to see the most recent tank models, the Claudius I, perform exercises against entrenched infantry defenses.

Mosley packs his bag and brings his family with him for a holiday. They reach the city by nightfall and rest. Mosley awakes early and meets Fuller at the designated point.

J. F. C. Fuller
"Hello Your Excellency! Now that you are here we can begin the exercise."

Fuller pulls out a pistol and fires it to signal the beginning of the exercise. He proceeds to pull out two pairs of binoculars and hands one to Mosley. The tanks speed off on the roads at a surprising 21 kph.

Oswald Mosley
"Impressive Fuller, most impressive."

Fuller is visibly pleased at this performance. Soon, the tanks approach the cross-country section of the exercise. Fuller loses his smile and prepares himself for whatever comes next. The tanks, against all expectations, maintain a consistent 7 kph off the roads, one tank breaks down entirely however. Now the tanks, with their infantry support must complete a successful assault against an entrenched enemy position. As the infantry charge towards the position, the remaining tanks split up, 4 tanks will go around each side of the position while the remaining 3 will assist the infantry in the center. As the fighting ensues, Mosley and Fuller continue to watch. The tanks on the flanks move into position and begin their encirclement, with several infantrymen holding onto them, a tactic learned from the famed and feared German sturmtruppen. Meanwhile, the infantry move forward, using the tanks and natural barriers as cover. Soon, both sides have moved into engagement range and the center column is moving fast towards the trench. When the infantry are only a few dozen meters away from the trench, the tanks from behind begin assaulting it, they have completed their flanking manoeuvre. After suffering high losses due to the unpreparedness against such tactics, they surrender.

By it's end, 2 tanks had broken down, 1 from malfunction and the other from enemy fire while approaching the trench from the front. The attacking forces had lost 1/5 of their forces while the defending had lost 1/3. The exercise and it's results are clear, the Claudius I, despite all it's flaws, is far superior to the AV7 and Mark I and was capable of completing a successful encirclement. There were still many problems and unforeseen kinks that would need to fixed and prepared for, but the overall performance was promising, especially since this model isn't based on an existing one like the Mark I. No flaw bigger than the lack of firepower.

Oswald Mosley
"This is extremely impressive Fuller. So much so that I will allocate you more funds to continue development"

J. F. C. Fuller
"Thank you your Excellency. We already have plans to develop several categories of tanks."

Oswald Mosley
"And what would these be?"

J. F. C. Fuller
"The first one will be the light tanks. They will be lightly armored and armed and wont do well against other tanks but that is not their purpose. They will be used to carry out reconnaissance and engage small enemy positions. The next will be the cruiser tanks, they will be heavier and more armed than light tanks and will serve the role of cavalry in the modern age, pursuing enemy forces after defeat and completing encirclements. The third category will be infantry tanks, these will be heavier and even more armed than cruiser tanks but they will be far slower. Their job will be to assist the infantry columns in the main battle and thus are not required to move quickly. The final group are the universal tanks. They will, hopefully, have a perfect combination of armor, armament, and speed so as to be able to fill all the roles a tank needs to. Those are much further down the chain, decades later. Hart has also been working with Rolls-Royce to create better trucks and research into military-grade half-tracks so as to keep the infantry and artillery mobile enough to keep pace. I did not see the value at first but he has convinced me, the infantrymen and the artillery are still the core of any and every successful fighting force."

Oswald Mosley
"That is all very good. Your progress astonishes me, keep the pace and Britain will crush her foes underneath an unending tide of armor."

J. F. C. Fuller
"Thank you Your Excellency. I assure you, we will progress with great speed."

Mosley relaxes on the island and spectates several more exercises before heading back to London. He sends a message to the First Sea Lord, David Richard Beatty, that will inform him that he will get extra funds to build more ships and expand the naval aviation force, with emphasis on operations in the Atlantic and the North Sea rather than the Mediterranean, Italy would handle that. Mosley likes Beatty, he fought in the Mahdist War as well as the Boxer Rebellion, and was responsible for preventing the Battle of Jutland from becoming a defeat, saving precious British ships that would help transport troops out of France in 1918. Mosley was one of the 3 million men on one of those ships and held great gratitude towards him for that. Beatty had also defied expectations and swore he would continue to serve under a Victorian government. These factors mean that Mosley holds great trust and confidence in Beatty and wishes to delegate the authority to handle naval affairs to him.

Joyce is preparing Buckingham Palace and several other places for the arrival of the Italian and Portuguese. Makgill prepares local security and MI5 to prevent any plots from developing.

Britain's armed forces are on the rise, much to the dismay of Germany and France. Mosley knows that Britain's retribution and victory can only be achieved one way, through war.

Rare Photograph From the Battle of Jutland. This Picture Was Taken as a British Ship Opens Fire on a German Dreadnought Out of Frame, 1916

John Rushworth Jellicoe, Admiral of the Fleet, Commanded the Fleet During the Battle of Jutland. He Was Reported to Have Said on the Eve of the Battle, "There is something amiss today", Less than an Hour Later He Was Killed When His Ship Exploded Due to Malfunction, 1910

David Richard Beatty, First Sea Lord, Was Serving as a Vice Admiral During the Battle of Jutland and Took Command After His Commander, Admiral John Jellicoe, Was Killed by an Internal Malfunction and Prevented A British Defeat, 1915

British Troops Waiting Outside the City of Bordeaux as There Was Not Enough Room To House Them All, 1918

One of the Many Ships That Took Part in The Bordeaux Evacuation Heading Back to Britain. It Is Rumored That Mosley Can Be Seen in One of These Pictures, 1918

British Troops Arriving in Dover, the Overall Mood of the War Was Bleak but These Troops Were Greeted With Massive Cheering Crowds and Loved Ones Waiting to Be Reunited, 1918

The Claudius I, Britain's First Independently Designed and Manufactured Tank, 1925

 

[Lord_Vespasian]

The Sun Rises Yet Again
Chapter 10: Britons Never Will Be Slaves

February 28, 1925

The day has finally arrived. Today, Mussolini, Salazar, and their entourages would reach London by 11 AM. King George V, Crown Prince David, and Albert along with the women prepare their elaborate dresses and rehearse their respective ceremonial duties to their new visitors. Makgill has made certain that the police and MI5 are on high alert, ready to apprehend any would-be assassins, what happened in Sarajevo 11 years ago serving as an example to all involved to be at their best. Mosley waits with the royals for the ships to arrive and then the massive parades and ceremonies prepared for Mussolini and Salazar could begin. As Big Ben's hand strikes the eleventh hour, ships can be seen in the distance, approaching the harbor and the crowds begin cheering, happy to see that Britain is indeed still an influential nation. As the ships dock and the passengers debark onto the land, media outlets, reporters, radio broadcasters and even a few film crews are making sure all their listeners can experience the event vicariously and future generations can view this occasion. Greetings are exchanged and they enjoy the display of national pride to the international community.

After the ceremonies Mosley, Mussolini, Salazar, and their closest advisers head to 10 Downing Street were they can converse in private with only themselves and their interpreters. Once they relax themselves, Mosley begins to speak.

Oswald Mosley
"Welcome gentlemen. I hope you have enjoyed what Britain has to offer."

Benito Mussolini
"Indeed, although I must say it is quite cold."

António de Oliveira Salazar
"I agree, how do you British remain so comfortable with these temperatures?"

Oswald Mosley
"My friends, today is a rather nice day. But enough trivialities, the reason we have convened here is to solve a problem. We all have names to call ourselves, in Britain it is Victorianism, in Italy it is Fascism, in Portugal it is Integralism, in Spain it is Falangism, and although we have our differences, we all share similar ideals, values and goals. We need a common moniker for those in all of the world's nations to flock to and to help identify us with ease. I think I have found it, I believe we should call our movement Restitutionism. Rooted in Latin, it is a common link between all our countries and those who would join us in the future."

Benito Mussolini
"I like it! It describes what we desire, a restoration of our greatness that was stolen from us. A return to better days."

António de Oliveira Salazar
"I agree, it is most befitting. With such a name we will show our intentions to all the world proudly."

Oswald Mosley
"I am most pleased you are in agreement. We must also form a new grand alliance with a standard set of rules for diplomacy with other nations, conduct between ourselves, the rules of warfare, and many other minutia. As for the nature of this alliance, any alliance whose purpose is not to wage war is utterly senseless and useless."

Benito Mussolini
"I agree, war is to man what maternity is to a woman; from a philosophical and doctrinal viewpoint, I do not believe in perpetual peace. As for the rules, I believe that a nation should only be compelled to war if any member is attacked, if any one suffers foreign aggression all will rise to their defense. If a country wishes to aggress then they must first consult all the others in a meeting where those that wish to join the war can voice their support and those that wish to stay neutral can voice their will to remain so. And of course, we shall have a mandatory annual meeting which all members must attend, with meetings in-between being encouraged both between all or some members, to discuss our spheres of influence and who deserves what and what compensation is due to members who give up parts of their sphere to others."

António de Oliveira Salazar
"We must also have a tariff ceiling of 25% on goods from member nations in order to keep trade between us and prevent it going to outsiders, save for extraordinary occasions. We must also establish a common merchant marine to protect our trade ships from foreign plunderers."

Oswald Mosley
"Those are all excellent ideas, ones that shall be incorporated into this alliance that will unite us. I have settled on the name, 'The Righteous League. What do you think of it?"

António de Oliveira Salazar
"I believe it does a good service to our name. It will easily display to the world that we are on the right side."

Benito Mussolini
"And it will serve as source of fear for our foes. Their evil natures will surely recoil and cringe at anything that serves the cause of good and justice."

Oswald Mosley
"Then we are in agreement! Excellent! Then let us work on the official treaty that establishes this alliance."

Three hours pass and once the group have reached an agreed conclusion, they exit the building and head out back to crowds to do further celebrations. They let information leak to news outlets that a major announcement will occur tomorrow. Hype is abound, as all over the city and beyond, people are speculating what will be announced. The group continues to travel around London and the surrounding area. Mosley and Mussolini make impassioned speeches denouncing several of their enemies, with a major focus on the Commintern but they do not forget to condemn Germany. They also give speeches afterwards about the need to unify the people to make their countries great once more. J. F. C. Fuller, Giovanni Messe, and Ugo Cavallero give speeches about the need to combat the French Commune. As the day comes to a close, Crown Prince David moves up to the balcony to give a grand finale for all involved, much to his father's dismay. He is flanked on both sides by the other royals, Dom Manuel II of Portugal and Victor Emmanuel III of Italy. He begins to speak.

Crown Prince David
"Hello to all my fellow Britons! Know that I stand with you and with Prime Minister Mosley. If today I stand here as a revolutionary, it is as a revolutionary against the revolution! And what revolution do I stand against you may ask? It is not one revolution, but many! Many foul and misguided revolutions that, either through the support of evil men or the apathy of good ones, have been allowed to ferment in their toxicity and have thus eroded the very bedrock of our societies. The American and French revolutions are the greatest of these evils. Afterwards, the Germanic 'Huns' and the communists in France and Russia attempted to deal the final blow against all that is right in the world. But I am here today to tell you they have failed! Every single one of you is proof of that. The brutish and corrupt nature of their leaders have brainwashed the very citizens of these nations. Compelled them to hedonism and vice. It is not their fault, they are a good and honest people at their core, but they are bombarded by filth and lies every moment of their lives, even Christ our savior had been turned away from the light. While on the cross, after suffering great pain, he said 'My Lord, My Lord, why have you forsaken me?' They must be freed their oppressors and shown the path back to righteousness. Every citizen in this nation and in our allies shall take part in this great and glorious mission. I have the utmost faith in you all. Rule Britannia!"

As his voice travels across the crowds and then ceases, they erupt into a thunderous cheering. They begin to sing, in a voice that surely can be heard all the way in Moscow and Berlin, Rule Britannia.

"When Britain first, at Heaven's command
Arose from out the azure main;
This was the charter of the land,
And guardian angels sang this strain:
'Rule, Britannia! rule the waves:
'Britons never will be slaves.'
The nations, not so blest as thee,
Must, in their turns, to tyrants fall;
While thou shalt flourish great and free,
The dread and envy of them all.
'Rule, Britannia! rule the waves':
'Britons never will be slaves.'
Still more majestic shalt thou rise,
More dreadful, from each foreign stroke;
As the loud blast that tears the skies,
Serves but to root thy native oak.
'Rule, Britannia! rule the waves':
'Britons never will be slaves.'
Thee haughty tyrants ne'er shall tame:
All their attempts to bend thee down,
Will but arouse thy generous flame;
But work their woe, and thy renown.
'Rule, Britannia! rule the waves':
'Britons never will be slaves.'
To thee belongs the rural reign;
Thy cities shall with commerce shine:
All thine shall be the subject main,
And every shore it circles thine.
'Rule, Britannia! rule the waves':
'Britons never will be slaves.'
The Muses, still with freedom found,
Shall to thy happy coast repair;
Blest Isle! With matchless beauty crown'd,
And manly hearts to guard the fair.
'Rule, Britannia! rule the waves':
'Britons never will be slaves.'"

As they continue singing, the three royals leave the balcony to their accommodations to rest. Mosley is most pleased. With this demonstration of power and popularity, the remaining opposition to the Victorian Union will melt away. He goes to his home, his children are asleep, he wishes he had more time with them, especially Max, but he feels compelled to do what he does. He spends the night drinking wine with Cynthia and they fall asleep.

In the morning, all wake up and head to where they held the speeches and rallies yesterday. Somehow, there are even more people then there were yesterday. They are eagerly and anxiously awaiting the news. Mosley steps up to the balcony, flanked by Salazar and Mussolini, he begins to speak.

Oswald Mosley
"My fellow Britons, I am here today to inform you that this moment marks the beginning of a new era. An era of strength and power, of pride and prosperity, of prodigiousness and vision. Today is the creation of a new grand alliance that will bind our three glorious nations together and serve as an invitation to others. Today, the Righteous League is born! Rejoice, as we now discard the obsolete Triple Entente that failed us in the Great War!"

The crowd rejoices. This show of defiance to Germany and the Commune pleases the people who had felt defeated and gives vitality to them. They cheer on Mosley, Mussolini and Salazar. Still filled with fervor from last night, they begin to chant the phrase, "Britons never will be slaves!" The three rulers look onward most pleased. Mussolini turns to Mosley and speaks to him.

Benito Mussolini
"We have enshrined our rule through both strength of arms and the will of the people. Those two keys combined open many the doors to many possibilities, as we will all see soon."

Oswald Mosley
"Indeed my friend. This is just the beginning."

Mosley looks back down at the crowd and yells in a thunderous voice that can be heard even above their own chanting,

"Britons Never Will Be Slaves!"


A Painting of Giovanni Messe Giving His Speech Rallying People to Military Action Against the Commune of France, 1925

Mosley Giving A Speech To the Crowds About the Need to Unite Against the Evils of the World, 1925

Benito Mussolini Giving A Speech About Evil Deeds of the Comintern and Germany, 1925

Crown Prince David Giving His Legendary "Rule Britannia" Speech, 1925

Mosley and Mussolini Standing Together in Front of the Crowds After the Announcement of the Creation of the Righteous League, 1925

 

[Lord_Vespasian]

The Sun Rises Yet Again
Chapter 11: The Isles Stand Stalwart

April 18, 1925

Some time has passed since the infamous London Conference. The members of the Comintern immediately denounced it, saying it was a prime display of capitalist imperialism. Joseph Stalin, primary contestant to Trotsky's rise to leadership of the Soviet Union, stated how he felt to a crowd in Moscow.

Joseph Stalin
"My fellow countrymen, today I stand here to speak out against what has transpired in London 18 days ago. The corruption and greed shown by the Western leaders is microcosm of everything wrong with the old model of government. It is this arrogant and blindingly foolish ideology that will seal the fates of these kings and ministers. Know with certainty that when we overthrow and hang the capitalists, it will be with bullets we made and rope they sold us."

Stalin, being a man of few words, retreats back to his quarters shortly after. The speech helps appeal to some of his softer opponents and even convinces some to side with him. Germany also condemns the event but is unable to fully speak out against it out of fear of seeming in league with the Comintern.

Litvinov is dispatched to Paris to advise the French on what action to take for the foreseeable future, with Grigory Chicherin emphasising aggression towards the British and their newfound alliance instead of towards the Germans due to Molotov's suggestion. Chicherin sends Molotov to Berlin to work with Karl Radek, the Soviet Union's representative in Germany, with plans to ease the Germans to their presence. With this advice from the Soviets, the French stage a naval exercise in the Channel to show off their strength to the British. In response, Beatty sends a petition to Mosley asking permission to stage a naval exercise, much larger than the one the French did, less than 13 knots off the coast of Calais.

The letter also includes a request to have Mosley arrange a meeting between himself, Fuller, and Hugh Trenchard, Marshall of the Royal Air Force, in order to work on cementing cooperation of the Air Force with the Army and the introduction of an innovative theory on how naval warfare would be waged in the next Great War. Mosley signs off on the naval exercise but is sure to let Beatty know that he must avoid war as Britain is not ready for a full-scale one. He agrees to the meeting between the branches and decides it should include not just the respective heads of each branch but also of many of the general staff of them as well as himself.

Beatty, with Mosley's permission, begins to consolidate a fleet big enough to intimidate the French. Beatty would bring the battleships HMS Barham, HMS Hood and HMS Hannibal, the cruisers HMS Achilles, HMS Ambrose, HMS Aphis, HMS Birmingham, HMS Cairo, HMS Calcutta, HMS Calliope, HMS Calypso, HMS Cambrian, HMS Canterbury, HMS Capetown, HMS Caradoc, HMS Cardiff and HMS Carlisle, the destroyer HMS Blenheim, the monitor HMS Erebus and the seaplane carrier HMS Ark Royal as well as 2 dozen or so militarised civilian ships. HMS Hermes was not ready to leave her port as her construction had been delayed due to the Depression. As the fleet converges over the course of the next 2 weeks, Mosley does his best to keep most of the movement secret and the bits that slip through are branded as scheduled movements. These efforts pay off and on the 2nd of May, 3 days before the exercise would go through, the movements of the Royal Navy are mostly unscrutinised by the world. Information relating to the exercise is purposely leaked so as to get the story into international view by the 5th. On the 5th, Beatty's fleet, headed by HMS Hood, steams out towards the coast of Calais.

The French had received news of the exercise and are deliberating on how to respond. Litvinov has no idea how the Kremlin wants the French to react and word from Moscow itself will take too long. They have to make a decision on their own. Two major factions arise. On one side are the Internationalists, led by Boris Souvarine, a supporter of Trotsky, who want to fire on the fleet with everything they have available. The idea is that Britain's fleet has shrunken greatly since WWI, mostly due to the Battle of Jutland and a decent number of the remaining fleet being sold off, and that the fleet coming to the Calais coast contains a sizable chunk of the powerful ships in the Royal Navy and that by dealing a decisive blow, they can cripple Britain's ability to fight and that their prime alliegance is to the workers of the world, not just any one nation. On the other side are the Nationalists, led by Maurice Thorez, a supporter of Stalin, who want to leave the fleet be as they believed that Comintern cannot make any meaningful actions against Britain or her allies and that it will only anger people in an unstable society and that their ultimate allegiance is to France, not the world. In the end, both sides are deadlocked and Litvinov must choose a side to break the stalemate as the remaining undecided members would gravitate to him. He decides to side with the Thorez and let the fleet be. However, he urges Thorez to send a squadron of airplanes into the vicinity of the fleet so as to put up some resistance.

As the world watches, Beatty's fleet reaches the designated point and begins the exercise. Germany is on high alert as well as it did not want to be defenseless if Europe is to descend into war once again. Kaiser Wilhelm II is forced by the Reichstag and Reichskanzler Maximilian von Baden to support the British. Even though Germany is powerful, there are many factions and internal divisions weakening it.

During the war, unrest and protests were rising in Germany due to the British blockade which still continued even after Jutland, with less success. This combined with a potato crop failure because of poor Autumn weather and a lack of able-bodied men due to intensive drafting, with most heading to the Eastern Front due to the startling success of the Brusilov Offensive. Most of the remaining crop that had not failed, spoiled on the way to the cities. These events culminated into what is now known as the Turnip Winter. It was called this as turnips came to replace potatoes in the diets of most German civilians and soldiers, much to their disdain. Malnutrition rose, rations dropped both at home and at the front and even though the war in France was still in Germany's favor, the recent losses on the Eastern Front to General Aleksei Brusilov's daring offensive, the failure at Tours in 1914 as well as the 400,000 people dead due to starvation all made the people tired of war and demands that the Kaiser make a less substantial but immediate peace began to circulate. Rations for the navy dropped to such lows that a naval mutiny arose as sailors were angry that they were virtually starving while officers were wining and dining heartily.

In light of these events, Reichskanzler Bethmann Hollweg convinced Kaiser Wilhelm II to make a speech addressing the nation which was delivered to the Reichstag and then published on April 6, the same day as the USPD was established. The USPD was a social democratic party that was formed by alienated members of the SPD, an older socialist party that had drifted to the center and supported the war despite the Second International's objection. The message, being viewed by most of the population a day before Easter, would come to be known as the Easter Message. The message was written as follows.

Kaiser Wilhelm II
"Never before has the German people proved so unshakable as in this war. The realisation that the Fatherland faced a grave emergency exerted a wonderfully conciliatory force, and despite all the sacrifices of blood that we made on foreign fields, and despite all the difficult privations that we bore at home, the will has remained unshakable to risk the utmost for the last, victorious struggle. The national and social spirits were unified in mutual understanding and gave us lasting strength. Everyone felt: what had been built up during long years of peace, amid many internal difficulties, was worth defending.

The achievements of the whole nation in war and need shine before my soul. The experiences of this struggle for our national existence are inaugurating a new epoch in magnificent solemnity. As the responsible Chancellor of the German Reich and First Minister of my Prussian Government, you face the obligation to help fulfill the demands of this time with the proper means and at the proper time. On various occasions you have spoken of the spirit in which the forms of our state’s life are to be rebuilt in order to foster the free, enthusiastic cooperation of all members of our nation. The principles that you worked out on these occasions have, as you know, my approval. I am aware that in giving it, I am following the course of my grandfather, the founder of the Reich, who fulfilled his monarchical responsibilities in exemplary fashion, both when, as king of Prussia, he presided over the organisation of the military, and when, as German Kaiser, he oversaw social reform. In so doing, he created the foundations on which the German people will survive this bloody time in unanimous and wrathful perseverance.

To preserve the armed forces as a true army of the people, to promote the social improvement of all classes of the people, has been my aim from the beginning of my reign. Determined as I am to serve the commonwealth, in hard-tested unity between the people and the monarchy, I have decided to begin the reconstruction of our domestic political, economic, and social life to the extent that the conditions of war permit.

Millions of our fellow countrymen are still on the battlefield. Behind the front, the settlement of differences of opinion, which are unavoidable in connection with a far-reaching alteration of the Constitution, must be postponed in the highest patriotic interest, until our warriors have returned home and can themselves by word and deed aid in the progress of the new age. However, in order to allow the necessary and practical steps in this connection to take place immediately upon the successful end of the war, which I confidently hope is not far off, I wish that the preparations be concluded without delay.

I am especially anxious to see the reorganisation of the Prussian parliament and the liberation of all our domestic politics from this problem. On my orders, preparations for altering the suffrage for the Bundestag were made at the beginning of the war. I now charge you to submit to me concrete proposals from the State Ministry, so this work, which is basic to the structure of domestic politics in Prussia, will quickly be carried out by legislation, once our warriors have returned. Given the colossal achievements of the whole people in this terrible war, I am convinced that there is no room any longer for the three-class franchise system in Prussia. Furthermore, the proposed bill is to provide for the direct and secret election of deputies.

No King of Prussia will fail to appreciate the merits and enduring significance of the Bundesrat for the state. But the Bundesrat will better be able to meet the colossal demands of the coming age if, to a broader and more equitable extent than before, it unifies in its midst leading men from the diverse sectors and vocations of the people, men who are distinguished by the respect of their fellow citizens.

In renewing important dimensions of our firmly established and hard-tested state apparatus, I am acting in the traditions of my great forebears as I demonstrate my confidence in a loyal, brave, disciplined, and highly developed people."

The speech made vague promises of reform to the German government,with people speculating it was referencing the constitution, the Reichstag, or even the granting of women's suffrage. Of course, the speech was vague and no date of implementation or even a guarantee to follow through on this reform was given and with the war ending in a German victory, the Kaiser and his government had not begun any attempts of reform. Hollweg's failed attempts of compromise between the left and the right had alienated many on both sides from the current system, which did not help the situation. A precarious centrist government is maintained as neither side wants to give up ground to the other and both lack the power to swing the pendulum to their liking. This has led to serious grid-locking and extreme inefficiency within most, if not all, sectors of government and the people are unwilling to start another war. In general, a sense of contentedness, stagnation, and apathy has settled into the German society and it's people. Most German citizens are happy to listen to their favorite radio stars and indulge in the great German theatre culture while the communist and revanchists powers grow in might until the day they could strike Germany.

As Beatty exercise commences, a squadron of planes is spotted approaching the fleet. Beatty orders HMS Hannibal and HMS Barham to fire warning salvos while HMS Ark Royal deploys her own fighters to intimidate the French pilots. The sight of the salvos and the planes scare away the French and Beatty is pleased. The exercise continues uninterrupted and by its end, the whole world knows that the Royal Navy holds naval supremacy over the English Channel. The French have been cowed and the Soviets angered, with the German's having to reluctantly support this move. Beatty returns to port with great applause, as many feared that Britain would back down in the face of this provocation. Mosley congratulates Beatty publicly in a speech in London.

Oswald Mosley
"My fellow Britons, the Hero of Jutland has once again displayed Britain's naval might to all the world! The vile communists believed that they could prevent the destiny of these great Isles and their people by flaunting their false strength in our faces. They dare to send their symbols of slavery and godlessness into our beautiful Channel. They expected us to let such a transgression pass, to let such an insult to the British people be. They are wrong! We are a strong and proud race! Intelligent and diligent! Today, we have once again proven that Britannia rules the waves!"

The people continue applaud Beatty and Mosley. The two head to Mosley's office afterwards. Once they sit down Mosley begins to speak.

Oswald Mosley
"I sincerely thank you Beatty. You defended our naval dominance against the Comintern's actions. Your speedy response put an end to the plans of those filthy upstarts."

David Beatty
"It was my pleasure your Excellency. I'll take any chance I can to stand up to those revolting communists. I am glad we are now alone, I wanted to talk with you in private, before the military assembly with Fuller and Trenchard.

Oswald Mosley
"What about?"

David Beatty
"It relates to the new theory on naval warfare I have been crafting. It is radically different than the conventional primacy of the battleship. Although there are different strategies using this primacy, such as Fleet in Being, they all revolve around commanding powerful warships, where naval might is measured purely in tonnage displaced, number of guns operating and caliber length. This proves extremely costly, so much so that admirals feel that using these powerful ships could incur a cost so great that anything short of total victory would be pyrrhic in nature. This is a problem, one summarised so perfectly at Jutland. I seek to correct this, to implement a new doctrine."

Oswald Mosley
"And what would you propose?"

David Beatty
"I propose a doctrine centered around the seaplane carrier and the air support it can provide in battle. The introduction of airplanes will effect every aspect of war, on land and at sea. Seaplanes are much cheaper to build than dreadnoughts or cruisers and if the technology were to be improved, they could end up becoming an equal if not significantly more dangerous threat to ships. They can be fielded in larger numbers if enough carriers were present and are far more maneuverable than a colossal dreadnought or even a more sprightly cruiser. There is more to it than that, the reconnaissance benefits, power projection, land support, and many other components that have convinced me to follow through with this."

Oswald Mosley
"What exactly prompted you to seek this new way of naval warfare?"

David Beatty
"It was a variety of factors that impelled me to think on this. But the two most important events were Jutland and the Japanese use of sea-based planes at the siege of Tsingtao. Jutland motivated me to find a new way to fight smarter, not harder, and the Japanese tactics at Tsingtao opened the doors in my mind to those new possibilities. "

Oswald Mosley
"Do you have a name to call this new doctrine?"

David Beatty
"I do not have an official name, I intend to arrive at one by the date of the assembly. For now, I have referred to it simply as the "Pelican Strategy". Its name is self-explanatory."

Oswald Mosley
"I see. Still, it is a very promising doctrine, and if you believe that this is the route to restoring Britain's naval dominance over the world, then I entrust you with great confidence to take the necessary steps to fulfill this vision. With oversight and suggestions from the government and other branches of course. I will never forget how you saved my life and the lives of my brothers-in-arms."

David Beatty
"Thank you. I must be going now as I am very tired from the intensive work over the last 2 weeks."

Oswald Mosley
"Of course, good day to you mister Beatty."

David Beatty
"And good day to you your Excellency."

As Beatty departs, Mosley remains at his desk. He still has much work to do. Chambers and Makgill have recently finished a collaboration on a set of policies that were to be presented to Parliament. These laws would strengthen the powers of the Prime Minister and MI5. Kitson had also sent some more economic policy to present in Parliament. Mosley would have to push these policies through Parliament, he would use the popularity gained from his recent actions to achieve this. Mosley is proud that the British Isles stand stalwart against the world.

Joseph Stalin, Primary Contender to Leon Trotsky's Rise to Preeminence in the Soviet Union, 1925

Maurice Thorez, Head of the Nationalist Party in the French Commune and a Stalinist, 1925

Boris Souvarine, Head of the Internationalist Party in the French Commune and a Trotskyist, 1923

Maxim Litvinov, Soviet Ambassador to the French Commune, 1921

HMS Cairo, a C-Class Light Cruiser in the English Channel, 1925

HMS Aphis, an Insect-Class Gunboat in the English Channel, 1925

HMS Ark Royal, a Seaplane Carrier in the English Channel, 1925

HMS Hannibal, a Majestic-Class Pre-Dreadnought Battleship in the English Channel, 1925

HMS Barham, a Queen Elizabeth-Class Battleship in the English Channel, 1925

HMS Hood, an Admiral-Class Battlecruiser and the Pride of the Royal Navy, the Only of Her Kind, in the English Channel, 1925

 

[Lord_Vespasian]

The Sun Rises Yet Again
Chapter 12: The Art of War

May 17, 1925

All the general staff of the three major branches of the British military are gathered. J. F. C. Fuller leads the Army, David Beatty is head of the Royal Navy and Hugh Trenchard represents the Royal Air Force.
They all have their best men with them today, hoping to put their best foot forward.

Fuller brings Liddell Hart, Bernard Montgomery, Edmund "Tiny" Ironside, Alan "Shrapnel" Brooke, Archibald Wavell, John "Tiger Gort" Vereker, Claude "The Auk" Auchinleck and a plethora of officers from the Camberley Staff College.

Beatty brings Reginald Henderson, Russel Grenfell, Lumley Lyster, Charles Madden, Herbert Richmond, Andrew "ABC' Cunningham, Reginald Drax and numerous naval officers of the Greenwich Royal Navy College.

Trenchard brings Arthur Harris, Hugh Dowding and Charles Portal as well as several other theorists and pilots from the Cranwell Royal Air Force College.

All have rehearsed and prepared their speaking points and are ready to deliver them.

Mosley joins the men into the conference room. As the men sit down in their respective groups, Mosley is the first to speak, standing in an elevated position, equidistant to all the groups, signifying his superiority and respect to all branches.

Oswald Mosley
"Gentlemen, today we are here to discuss the strategies, tactics, operational procedures, technological and doctrinal innovations, potential synergy between the branches and, of course, the direction, focus, and goals of Britain in the coming decades. Let us discuss the issues with vigor and passion but also with the tact and courtesy necessary to keep a proper pace and to prevent senseless bickering. Now, the Army underneath J. F. C. Fuller may take the floor."

J. F. C. Fuller
"Thank you your Excellency. As we all know, the army needs a major overhaul. The outdated tactics of the early years of the war cost us dearly. It wasn't until late 1917 that commanders and generals finally understood some of the tactics needed to fight effectively in that truly modern war, but by that time it was too late. Even Field Marshall Haig, for all his efforts, could not turn the war in our favour, even the victory at Lyon was not enough. With this costly and terrible lesson, I believe the General Staff and I have reached several conclusions that will benefit the army. The first of these is to develop a large and powerful tank corps, emphasising speed, decisive breakthroughs and the encirclement of enemy forces. This will be crucial to our success in our continental endeavors as most of our foes will have numerically superior armies. We will have to take inspiration from Napoleon, especially his victories at Austerlitz, Helmuth von Moltke the Elder, Clausewitz and many other military geniuses. Defeat in Detail, mass mobility, armored breakthroughs, superior firepower and rapid encirclement will be essential to ensuring sustained success without incurring abhorrent butcher's bills like in the Great War or, as I prefer to call it, the Seminal Aberration. We must also expand the NCO corps so as to exercise effective control over the massive armies of the modern age. Individual initiative and deviation from certain aspects of the overall strategic plan to achieve meaningful tactical success must not only be allowed but encouraged. The radio and its coming advancements will help generals and field marshals maintain efficient and tight control and communication with the front-line and to react in real time, even faster than the telephone. However, even if this becomes so widespread as to allow obsessive direction of all forces, this should not be pursued or desired. Men at the front-line, officers and infantry, must be allowed to make their own decisions. We cannot account for everything and an insistence that we can or should will lead to unnecessary bloodshed. A doctrine of autonomy, if you will. We must also seek to improve our understanding of the three C's of warfare, Command, Control and Communication, or C3 for short as well as the 9 Principles of War: Direction, Concentration, Distribution, Determination, Surprise, Endurance, Mobility, Offensive Action and Security. These 9 Principles do not stand on their own but instead overlap, forming the Law of Economy of Force. Furthermore, the 9 Principles are joined into 3 groups with 3 principles each, the Principles of Control are 1, 4 and 7, the Principles of Pressure are 2, 5 and 8, and the Principles of Resistance are 3, 6 and 9. Improving our understanding of these concepts will allow us a better view of the battlefield in its entirety."

Fuller, Hart, and Montgomery are the primary advocates of these radical views and alterations to warfare, with Ironside being the first of the old guard to embrace it. With these 4 men combining their efforts, they manage to sway the majority of the room to their viewpoint, with the last few naysayers being suppressed when Mosley assures he intends to fully back these ideas. After this, the rest of the army staff go up and express the needs for proper recruitment tactics, improvement of mobilisation speed and efficiency as well as research and development of more advanced technologies to improve the amphibious capabilities of the army. With the army staff having finished with everything they desired to speak about, Mosley once again calls the attention of all involved.

Oswald Mosley
"Most impressive and convincing Mister Fuller. With that done, the Royal Air Force under Hugh Trenchard shall now take the floor."

Hugh Trenchard
"Thank you Sir Mosley. With the advent of the fighter plane came the introduction to entirely alien dimension of warfare, the skies. No longer is it sufficient to hold land and naval superiority; one must maintain control of the land, the seas and the skies if he is to ensure that his men can operate with impunity. At the moment, military aviation as whole is in its infancy, only just over a decade ago was it ushered into the world. Despite its complications and uncertainties, military aviation holds the potential to completely shift the way war is fought. With the introduction of stronger engines, we will soon see the debut of heavier-than-air aircraft into practical military use. With these larger and more powerful planes, we can begin to develop even heavier payloads for our bombers. This opens up gateways to a new way to weaken an enemies' war effort and morale of their citizenry without even moving our ground troops. It is something Arthur Harris, Charles Portal, the rest of my colleagues, and I have spent many hours if not days theorising about. We were having difficulties reaching a name until it dawned on me, the perfect moniker for this idea of aerial warfare, Strategic Bombing. Harris, however, felt it was far to modest and kind for our enemies and instead favoured Strategic Destruction and we as whole agree. This idea would mean the development of advanced bomber craft capable of carrying extremely heavy and frighteningly destructive payloads and travelling the long distances required to strike the industrial heartland of the enemy. It would also mean developing fighters capable of escorting the bombers to their target and back to base. With this, we will strike fear into the hearts of our enemies'. They will wonder will dreadful uncertainty whether or not the towns and cities of their people are safe from our righteous fury."

This proposal immediately resonates with most if not all in the room. Both on a practical and symbolic level, it is very appealing. Fuller eagerly stands up to speak.

J. F. C Fuller
"Trenchard, I believe I speak on behalf of all in this room that your proposal is a most sound one. The vile communists and dastardly Huns will be drowned in a sea of hellfire and brimstone delivered from the British Isles!"

The room erupts into cheering. Only Mosley's commanding presence and voice manages to calm them down, back to the stoic and professional composure that they began with. Fuller begins to speak again

J. F. C. Fuller
"But we must also not forget another role the air force must fulfill, that being the assistance of ground forces on a tactical level. These very same bombing capabilities can be scaled down from destroying cities to destroying fortifications, troops, bases and any other objects or persons that seek to oppose our forces."

Hugh Dowding stands up and begins to speak.

Hugh Dowding
"I concur. As much as I agree with the merits of strategic destruction, I also believe we must not forget the most crucially important role the air force played in the Great War, assistance of ground troops. From carrying out reconnaissance runs to detailing where the next artillery bombardment should be directed towards, to dropping bombs onto enemy troops, the airplane proved it is capable of working in synchronous harmony to achieve fantastically destructive results. Development of more agile planes with a shorter range and smaller payloads, designed not lay waste to an unsuspecting town but instead to a hapless enemy battalion, will help us achieve great success. This doctrine of air support in close proximity to ground forces is extremely important. I believe we can refer to it as Close Air Support?"

The room sounds in agreement.

Hugh Dowding
"The challenge is in balancing these two approaches to ensure neither is ignored. This should not prove to be too difficult as both rely on the use of bombing ground targets to achieve goals. One is strategic, the other is tactical."

Hugh Trenchard
"I agree wholeheartedly! We must also reinforce the idea that the RAF is an independent organisation, deserving as much respect and freedom as the Army and Navy. One of the first steps toward this end is to abolish the Royal Navy Air Service and transfer it's resources, personnel and duties to a new group, the Fleet Air Arm, which will be underneath the RAF's control instead of the Royal Navy."

This idea is well received. With Trenchard and the Air Force finished, Mosley uses the brief silence to keep the momentum going.

Oswald Mosley
"Such ideas are most exciting to hear Trenchard and I have the utmost confidence that the RAF will successfully develop and implement them into the next war. Now, David Beatty and the Royal Navy may speak."

David Beatty
"Thank you Prime Minister. It is with great shame I mention the defeat at Jutland. That singular event perfectly encapsulates everything wrong with our naval doctrine. We need a new naval doctrine, even if the one we used was the right choice during the war, we can no longer hope to compete with Germany in the field of battleships. Even if we were to begin a massive fleet construction program, Germany will still have a bigger populace and economy and a several years head start. This problem is the Gordian Knot of the British Navy in the modern world. And like said knot, it can not be solved by simply building more titanic ships or pulling the knot harder. It can only be solved by looking at the problem from a new position, finding a previously unthought of solution. For Alexander, it was cutting the knot in half with his sword, for Britain, it is forging a bold, new way to wage war on the high seas. I believe sir Lyster, sir Henderson, sir Grenfell and I have talked and laboured extensively on this. To understand the merits of this doctrine I am to expound requires the ability to set aside one's biases to see what is best. This new doctrine shifts the focus of our navy from the vaunted dreadnoughts and battleships, from the idea that naval power is exclusively determined in number of guns, caliber length and tonnage displaced, of constructing and maintaining the biggest and largest ships, towards a less ostentatious but certainly more efficient fleet composition. Britain's navy, if she wishes to be successful in the coming conflicts, must place ultimate primacy on her carriers rather than her dreadnoughts. Aviation will fundamentally change how war is fought on the seas, as it has and will on every other front. With aviation advancing faster and faster, we will be able to build planes able to take off and land on carrier decks without ever touching the sea. We can make these planes faster, stronger, more agile and we can arm them with stronger, faster and more accurate torpedoes. Soon, the greatest danger to the enemies ships will no longer be the tremendous thundering of a dreadnought's salvo but of the hum of an airplane propeller and it's torpedo crashing into the sea. The HMS Hermes, still under construction, will serve as the basis for all future carriers. In addition, we must also take into account the power of the submarine. The ability of submersible craft to wreak havoc on the shipping tonnage of a nation must not be underestimated. We are all extremely lucky that Germany feared the intervention of the U.S. into the war and were unable to fully carry out their plan to starve Britain as they could not sink American ships too close to the Home Isles. Submarines must be developed, this will be easier than thought as the submarine's prime weapon, the torpedo, will also be in use by the naval air force and thus advancements in one field can benefit the other. The submarine can also remain hidden from the enemy and can infiltrate deep into enemy seas if need be. Submarines can also, if a situation demanded it, deal heavy or fatal damage to a larger ship, even a dreadnought. This shows we must also be vigilant for any advances in submarine technology by our enemies, especially from the Germans. To do so, we must develop our existing depth charges to be even more effective and accurate, able to penetrate the watery depths that enemy submarines will lurk at. The dreadnoughts, battleships and other ships will fulfill a purpose, that of serving as escorts and screens for the carriers. This doctrine of cooperation between carriers for winning naval engagements, submarines to strangle commerce and imports to a nation and destroyers to counteract enemy submarines shall be referred to as the Floating Fortress Doctrine. Unlike the dreadnought, which the term is incorrectly applied to, this doctrine forms a true fortress, with every ship and plane serving a purpose in the fleet just as every soldier and building serves one in a fortress and it's accompanying areas."

Soon after, Henderson, Lyster and Grenfell elaborate more on the "Floating Fortress" doctrine. Explaining how battleships are expensive to construct and that Germany will not stand for it. How pursuing this naval arms race of battleships with Germany would bankrupt Britain and plunge them into another depression, one potentially worse then the one currently experienced. They also explain how battleships and large cruisers are obvious targets for the enemy, more so than a carrier due to their established mythos while the carrier has none. They expand on the reasons why naval aircraft would become more deadly than anything before it and the need to advance anti-air defenses for both land and naval forces. The old guard are less enthusiastic towards this line of thinking than the army was to Fuller's. However, Mosley's approval and commendation of Beatty and his colleagues sway them over and soon they come to understand the merits of what they are saying. Trenchard fully supports this strategy. In the previous years he has had to vehemently defend the air force from budget cuts and being absorbed into other branches, which would destroy its independence as well as having to work vigorously to establish and entrench an esprit de corps for the Air Force. He views increasing the importance of aviation of the Air Force in field of naval combat would further help the Air Force command the respect and attention the other branches maintained.

With everyone having said their piece, Mosley announces that conference is over and that all in the room could return to their work except for Fuller, Beatty and Trenchard.

Oswald Mosley
"Gentlemen, I commend you for the excellent job you did today. Due to your efforts, Britain is another step closer to regaining what is her's. I also wish to inform I have been in contact with several scientists. Men such as John Ambrose Fleming, Oliver Joseph Lodge, Lewis Fry Richardson, Albert Beaumont Wood, Robert Watson Watt, and Édouard Branly as well as the Royal Society. They have all been working om several different versions and pieces of technology, the use of radio waves to detect enemy planes as well as improve current radio transmitters to allow more efficient communication and the use of sonic vibrations to detect enemy submarines. I have asked if they could combine their efforts to develop advanced radio and sonic detection systems. They all agreed and I am setting up the buildings and gathering the resources they require as we speak. Soon, you will have advanced submarine detection capabilities and communication from the front to high command will become much faster and early plane detection systems will help us fend off any potential bombing campaigns. I believe the combination of all the ideas of war into a two phrases. Cyclonic Conflict for the strategy and Whirlwind Warfare for the tactics. You are now dismissed."

The men are pleased by this news and return to their jobs. About 2 or so hours have passed since they first met and Mosley has other things to do. He has been working continuously with Chambers and Kitson to improve the economic situation as well as to increase the power of the Prime Minister. With the economy recovering, his successful attempts at demonstrating the power Britain still possessed, and the world famous London Conference have all led to even faster rising level of nationalism and loyalty to the country and to Mosley himself. Many view Mosley as the bringer of a new Golden Age for Britain and its people. He is extremely popular with the military as he has always advocated against reducing the military and shrinking the Defense Budget. Within a year's time, Mosley could call a snap election to increase the Victorian Union's numbers in the House of Commons dramatically . Mosley is determined to shatter the democratic elements of British society. In time, the people would learn to view him and the King as the ultimate authority on all matters. As he enters his office, he notices something on his desk, something that had not been there before. He approaches it and realises it is a book with a message on top. Mosley reads it.

"My dear friend Mosley, I sincerely hope you enjoy this book. It is a most fascinating look at the destitute state of Paris and, by extension, the Commune as a whole. Hopefully, this book can serve as an apology for my neglect of your birthday. The book is written by an English man going by the name P.S Burton. However this seems to simply be a pseudonym and not his actual name as I could not find any P.S Burton. I will write to you if I discover this author. I hope all is well with Cynthia as well as Vivien and Nicholas.
Sincerely,
Henry"

He looks at the book. The title reads "Down and Out in Paris". It appears to be intriguing and so he begins to read it. As he flips through the pages, he engrosses himself in the personal accounts of P.S Burton within France. The high crime rate, widespread destitution, poverty and famine, the inept Communard police forces, and the general volatile state of the city. He lays the book down, knowing he cannot finish the approximately 130 pages in a single sitting, not with his job. He swears to finish it as quickly as he can and once done, to find out who this P.S Burton really is. Mosley could find use for a man of such talents.

Basil Henry Liddell Hart, One of the Premier Theorists Underneath Mosley, as Seen in the Great War, 1916

Bernard Law Montgomery, One of Britain's Most Skilled Commanders, 1925

William Edmund Ironside, One of Britain's Most Distinguished Commanders, Famous for His Service Underneath the British Expeditionary Force to the Russian Whites, 1921

Alan Francis Brooke, A Talented Artillery Commander, Renowned for Integrating the French Creeping Barrage System into the British Army at the Battle of Vierzon, 1910

Claude John Eyre Auchinleck, A Masterful British Commanding Officer Who Displayed His Talents in the Mesopotamian Campaign Against the Ottomans. Despite Limited Forces Due to Problems in France, He Achieved Routine Success Against Larger Ottoman Forces and Almost Seized Baghdad But Was Ultimately Defeated When the Massive German Counter Attack Began in 1918 After France Surrendered, 1923

Hugh Montague Trenchard, First Head of the Royal Air Force and Primary Advocate Against Its Opponents in the Years to Come Following Its Creation, 1919

Arthur Travers Harris, A High Ranking Staff Member in the Cranwell Royal Air Force College and Essential Co-Creator of Strategic Destruction, Gaining Inspiration From Herman Göring's Use Of Heavy Bombings to Suppress Native Revolts in Mittleafrika, Much to the Dismay of Statthalter Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck, 1915

Arthur Lumley St. George Lyster , Captain of the HMS Danae and a Member of the Greenwich Royal Naval College as Well as a Vocal Advocate For Carrier Primacy in the Royal Navy, 1921

Andrew Browne Cunningham, Commander of the British 1st Destroyer Flotilla and the Destroyer Base HMS Lochinvar, He Gained Respect For His Excellent Service in the Mediterranean, His Assistance During the Bordeaux Evacuations, and His Navigation of the Atlantic Coast and the Gulf of Guinea to Ward of German Attempts to Annex British and French Colonies in West Africa Such as Guinea, Ghana, Benin, Nigeria, and the Ivory Coast, 1925

Charles Edward Madden, British Admiral and a Skilled Commander. Leader of the 1st and 3rd Battle Squadrons, He Escaped Certain Death When an Illness Struck Him Just Over a Week Before the Battle of Jutland. If He Had Not Been Recovering From His Illness at Home He Would've Died Along With Jellicoe When His Ship Exploded ,1922

 

[Lord_Vespasian]

The Sun Rises Yet Again
Chapter 13: Clash of Wills

June 4, 1925

Mosley sits at his desk, going about his daily grind. Every day is filled with work and there is little free time. Mosley knew from the moment the Treaty of Paris had been signed that Britain would only have so many years to prepare itself to fight Germany once more. Every day passing by is another step closer to the storm brewing in Europe. Some may prefer to bury their heads in the sand, but Mosley is determined to face this storm with the strength of Odysseus.

The civil war in Spain progresses in the Nationalists favour. Fuller has convinced Montgomery, Brooke, and a young hopeful named Harold Alexander to take temporary residence in Iberia so as to remain close to the front. Brooke took the position as he trusted Fuller's judgement, Montgomery practically lunged at it, eager to improve his track record after an embarrassing defeat he suffered during the Irish Revolt. Alexander went as Fuller told him he would help him rise through the ranks if he displayed sufficient skill. Fuller was motivated to do so as Harold displayed significant heroism at the Battle of Le Mans, at the Battle of Orléans and the disastrous Battle of the Seine, the latter two being apart of the failed Centre Offensive which had planned to retake Paris in a massive counterattack. He was then promoted to second-in-command of 1st Battalion of the Irish Guard and would serve as acting major. He briefly took command after his commanding officer had died after being shot in the left eye. In 1917, he was promoted to CO of the battalion and became an acting Lt. Colonel. He would lead several small successful offensives at Nantes and along the surrounding Loire River. Eventually, he and all British troops in France were ordered to retreat,those in the Western half would leave by sea back to Britain while those in the Eastern half would retreat into Savoy and assist the Italians. Alexander and his forces were directed towards Saint-Nazaire to be evacuated. Harris and Dowding had requested to be allowed to also take temporary residence in Iberia.

Fuller, Hart and the recent additions, Sir Giffard Le Quesne Martel and Sir Philip Neame, have received news of the limited success of British forces against Republican troops. Britain's involvement is still a well-kept secret. It seems that not even the French know of British intervention. Italy and Portugal help in this, having already publicly announced their intervention into the war. Britain covertly sends the materials and men to Portugal and then they cross the border into Spain. Messe and Montgomery cooperate well together, further developing their tactics. Ugo Cavallero and Alexander also work in tandem against Republican forces, to great effect. Brooke along the with the Portuguese generals Tomás Rosado and José Norton de Matos lead the forces in the north, Alexander and Cavallero command the southern forces while Messe and Montgomery lead the charge through the center. All involved use the conflict to advance their understanding of modern warfare.

While the Civil War continues, Vereker has been sent to the Caribbean to train on the various islands to develop an able jungle corps for when invasions of Africa and East Asia necessitated it. Auchinleck has been deployed to train troops in Mozambique and Angola so as to prepare a capable mountain and highland divisions for operations in France, Germany and the Austrian Alps should the need arise. Trenchard, Lyster and Henderson have also been deployed to the Caribbean to work on inter-island flying operations and to train seaplane pilots. Naval exercises have also been scheduled in the North Sea by Iceland, with their consent, between Madden and Grenfell. All these developments have been designed to be as far away as possible from the prying eyes of the Comintern and Germany.

Mosley decides the reformation of an official propaganda ministry was necessary. He proposes the reformation of the Ministry of Information which had been closed after the war. it passes through on the idea that Britain was already in a state of war against the Comintern. With its rebirth, Mosley employs several propagandists such as Arnold Bennett. He hands oversight of the Ministry to Wilfred Risdon, a friend and head propagandist during the 1924 campaign, and tells them to begin preparing songs, posters and war films.

Mosley and Fuller view the developments in Spain with close attention. Unfortunately, British forces are unable to make any meaningful decisions against Republican forces as such actions would reveal to the world that British forces were in the peninsula. Mosley and Fuller decide that the need to remain secret on Britain's influence in the war had passed. They agree that Mosley must fully announce his intention to intervene now before the fact that British troops are already deployed was leaked. Otherwise, people will think he is attempting to deceive them. He informs the public that an important announcement will happen on the 28th. Mosley prepares his speech and the days pass. The day has come and the crowds are gathered, the Ministry has managed to complete 1 song and has a group of veterans implanted in the crowd to begin singing once the speech is over. Mosley stands before the crowd, wearing the same blackshirt he wore back in the campaigning days. The crowd cheers as they see him step into view. He approaches the microphone and begins to speak.

Oswald Mosley
"People of Britain! Today I have called you here to announce that the heads of the Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and I have decided that intervention into the Spanish Civil War is necessary. The Nationalists are our ideological kin, to abandon them in their time of need would be a grave crime. I have already authorised the movement of troops, materials, vehicles, and aircraft to Portugal in order to begin staging our intervention. Francisco Franco, the leader of the righteous Falangist resistance to the vile Spanish Communists, has finally accepted a deal that would return Gibraltar to British control. For this, we are thankful. I am certain that Parliament will see the merit behind this decision and will not stand in the way of it. We mustn't allow communism to gain another foothold on the continent. The countries of Europe are like a chain of dominoes, once one falls, all will fall. We must stop this chain if we wish to protect our way of life. Today, Britain awakes!"

The crowd celebrate this announcement. Many are hoping for an easy victory to improve the national spirit. As they cheer, the group of veterans begin to sing the song. " Comrades, the voices of the dead battalions, of those who fell in fields of France and sands of east to fight those mighty beasts! Join in our song, for they still march in spirit with us, and urge us on to gain the Victorian state! Join in our song, for they still march in spirit with us, and urge us on to gain the Victorian state! We're of their blood, and spirit of their spirit, sprung from that soil for whose dear sake they bled! Against vested powers, Red front, and massed ranks of resistance! We lead the fight for glory and for might! Against vested powers, Red front, and massed ranks of resistance! We lead the fight for glory and for might. The streets are still, the final struggle's ended; Flushed with the fight we proudly hail the dawn! See, over all the streets the Victorian banners waving, triumphant standards of our race reborn, all hail the Grandest Guiding Glory, for His name is Oswald Mosley! See, over all the streets the Victorian banners waving, triumphant standards of our race reborn, all hail the Grandest Guiding Glory, for His name is Oswald Mosley!"

With this declaration, Fuller sends orders to all in Spain to carry out their prepared battle plans that were unable to executed beforehand. The first of these plans is to eliminate Republican resistance in Ávila so that Montgomery could begin attacking the province of Segovia. It would also further separate the forces in the north from those in the center and south. In order to follow through with this plan, a joint offensive is organised and soon it is ready. Montgomery cooperates with Brooke in a two-pronged offensive, with Montgomery attacking from the front while Brooke, based in Valladolid, initiates an artillery barrage a mile or so behind enemy lines in order to destroy their headquarters and prevent an organised retreat. Montgomery's attack is merely a single, mobile component of the larger assault lead by Nationalist Lt. Colonel Juan Yagüe. Yagüe was known to be brutal, sparing no quarter for enemy troops unless something of value could be gained from it. As the assault progresses, Brooke's bombardment successfully crippled communications and logistics to the front-line. Harris also bombs the city of Villacastín as well as the roads leading to it from Ávila in order to further hamper the Republican retreat to Segovia. As Yagüe's assault continues, Montgomery makes a successful manoeuvre around the right flank of the enemy. Montgomery pins them down there and uses the stalemate to relay the troops current position to Brooke, who begins bombing the enemies' trenches. Soon after, Yagüe achieves a victory and begins pushing the mainline back. Yagüe requests that Brooke send a cavalry brigade down south to assist in the encirclement. Brooke does so and with this news Montgomery begins pushing as well, easily taking the bombarded trenches. The forces converge at Marugán and with that, 2 battalions have been surrounded in a pocket and are left to the mercy of Yagüe. He slaughters all the captives, even the wounded, earning the name of the "Butcher of Ávila".

With this loss, the Republic, fearing the capture of Madrid, move troops to the city and begin fortifying it against an assault. They request further aid from the Comintern and they oblige. The majority of the French divisions entrench themselves in the north while the Soviets strengthen the south. Cavallero initiates a daring offensive in the south, pushing forward and laying siege to city of Málaga. This assault was assisted by heavy bombardment and infantry offensives from General Gonzalo Queipo de Llano y Sierra, head of Nationalist forces in the south. De Llano was the man who captured Seville. Once de Llano held the city, he ordered his men to commit mass killings throughout the city. As the siege progressed, the Italian and Portuguese Navy provided assistance in blockading the city while HMS Barham and HMS Hood fired on the city from the port, using Gibraltar as their port. Alexander begins a separate assault to take Córdoba. The resistance around Palma del Río, Écija, and Puente Genil is lighter than normal however the defenses at Puente Genil are still too strong and so he requests de Llano and Cavallero to send a force up the road towards Montilla so as to help surround the forces in Puente Genil, they oblige. Alexander, basing out Carmona, successfully captures Lora del Río and uses the Guadalquivir River to move quickly to take Palma del Río and begins an assault on Écija. Cavallero successfully capture Lucena, Monturque, and Aguilar de la Frontera, forcing the Soviets to move troops from the defense of Écija, which weakened their front. Although they fought hard, renewed bombardment broke the enemy lines and allowed the Nationalists to begin sieging Córdoba. Harris continuously deploys bomber squadrons on bombing runs against Madrid, Toledo, Málaga, Granada, Córdoba and Bilbao, all which have held strong against any advances. Drax intercepts a small convoy of Republican troops attempting to retake Spanish Morocco.

Harris and Dowding both see that their fighters and bombers are not as effective as they could be and send word back to Mosley requesting that he get into contact with aviation manufacturers in Britain and to request any blueprints and working models from Italy or Portugal. They also enclose a list of all the problems with the current aircraft and the desired specifications for any new ones. Mosley heeds this advice and contacts a supporter of his named Thomas Sopwith, head of H.G. Hawker Engineering. The company's predecessor, the Sopwith Aviation Company, produced more than 18,000 planes for the Entente in the Great War but was bankrupted after the war due to the government's anti-profiteering laws. With this, he became disenfranchised. Although he found renewed success by establishing Hawker Aircraft, named after his chief engineer and test pilot Harry Hawker, he grew to dislike David Lloyd George and what he considered the old guard of politics and drifted to favour Mosley and the Victorian Union. Although Mosley had told Sopwith to prepare for minor war within about a decade and a major war within 20 years, he has yet to officially begin development of new planes. Mosley sends the details over to Sopwith and asks him if he can design planes like them within 3 years. Sopwith says he believes he can do it. Mosley is pleased and tells Sopwith he will get funding from the Chiefs of Staff Committee for RTD and manufacturing and also promises him if he gets these planes into action before 1930, he will help Sopwith merge with several other aviation companies. Mosley has made similar promises to Vickers, Rolls-Royce, J. Samuel White, Brunner Mond, Nobel Explosives, the United Alkali Company, and British Dyestuffs Corporation, and Unilever. This was all apart of Mosley's plan to centralise all British industries into several key companies that could be easily controlled, achieving what Kitson calls the "Inter-Command Economy". In this economy, the free market would remain in control until the government decides it is necessary to intervene. This way, productivity would remain but national needs could still be addressed in a timely matter. Kitson believes it would have the strengths of both and the weaknesses of neither.

Germany so far has remained silent on the Civil War. Germany was planning to intervene on the side of the Nationalists as they disliked the influence the Comintern would hold if the Republicans were to win. However, Italy and Portugal's reactionary movements made Germany reconsider this and with the rise of the Victorians in Britain, all hope for intervention on the side of Franco vanished. The last thing Germany wanted was another state in Europe that could help the British prosecute a war against the empire. However, with Italy, Portugal, and Britain's establishment of a new alliance and their common support of Franco, Germany could no longer remain silent. No longer could the Fatherland stand idly by and let the chips fall where they may, hoping it would favour them. He must take action. The OHL and the Kaiser convene on what to do and after much deliberation decide that assisting the Republicans fully would be the best choice. It would prevent another country allying with the Madman Mosley and the Republicans were less likely to get into another conflict than the Falangists were and it would help quell the Leftist movements in the country. It would also placate the Right as it would be a prime opportunity to display Germany's military might to the world and remind them once more that the German Empire was the victor of the Weltkrieg, not Britain. Kaiser Wilhelm addresses a crowd in Berlin.

Kaiser Wilhelm II
"My fellow Germans, today I am proud to announce that German Empire fully supports the Republican cause. Effective immediately, men and material will be transported to Spain to take part in that great conflict. I know there has been much strife within our great nation, but I resolve myself to find a solution that will see Germany enter the next era strong and resolute! Although this will take time, I have no qualms of whether or not our glorious race can overcome these challenges. Our entire history is filled with defiance of impossible odds. In 9 AD, in the Teutoburg Forest, our ancestors fought valiantly against the Romans and secured the independence of Germania. In 1759 AD, Fredrick the Great had lost the Battle of Kunersdorf to the Austrians and the Russians and Berlin was at their mercy. The end seemed inevitable but by the grace of God, neither of them marched on the city and retreated, this was the Miracle of the House of Brandenburg. In 1761 AD, 2 years later, the war had once against turned against Prussia, but in our darkest hour the fates smiled on us and Empress Elizabeth of Russia had died and her nephew Peter III came to power and he made peace with us. In 1871 AD, the vile Napoleon III and the French declared war on Prussia but thanks to the genius of Helmuth von Moltke the Elder, Paris was quickly surrounded and we would win, unifying Germany shortly after. Just 11 short years ago, the Weltkrieg began and Germany prevailed against the might of the Entente, smashing her enemies into submission. My dear subjects, I assure you the German Eagle is still soaring over Europa and all attempts to shoot her down will be met with furious retribution. God is with us!"

The crowd applauds the speech and begin cheering the Kaiser's name. The Kaiser is glad he hadn't been protested by his enemies during his speech, as had happen so many other times. Although the people were still against another major war, they could get behind a minor one. For too long, Germany has maintained a pseudo-isolationist attitude in the same vein as the U.S. Germany, however, has no Atlantic or Pacific to shield itself from foreign developments. With this announcement, the OHL begins organising a new German Expeditionary Force and its transportation to Spain. Erich Ludendorff and Paul von Hindenburg are assigned as head commanders for the GEF in Spain.

The two had gained fame after the war as they wrote about their achievements. Hindenburg is especially praised for his victory at the Battle of Tannenberg as well as his Defense-in-Depth strategies he employed against the Russians during the Brusilov Offensive which many claim saved Austria-Hungary from complete collapse, most notably with the famed "Hindeburg Line" which stretched from Zagreb to Košice. Ludendorff is most famous for his successful actions in France and quick defeat of the Belgians at Liège. After Helmuth von Moltke the Younger's disastrous blunder at Tours, he resigned himself to head of Der stellvertretende Generalstab, his position as Quarter-Master General was succeed by General Erich Georg Anton von Falkenhayn. Moltke's health continued to deteriorate and with the shocking success of the Brusilov Offensive sending him into an even steeper descent, he passed away on July 10, 1916. Von Falkenhayn was of the mindset that Germany, despite its startling capture of Paris, would not be able to force a decisive victory but would instead need to reach a compromise peace. This along with his infamous move to attack the French at Troyes lead to his sacking by the Kaiser in late 1915 where he was replaced by Ludendorff. Ludendorff continued the war in the West while Hindenburg moved in the East. In 1916, the situation was beginning to turn against Germany. The tenactiy of the British and French in the West and the bloody aggresiveness of the Russians in the East meant that for the first time in the war, Germany was losing. In order to nip the problem in the bud, Hindenburg and Ludendorff decided to install a military junta in Germany and, with help from allies in the OHL and the acquiescence of the Kaiser, they were successful. Hindenburg was given de jure control of all forces of the Central Powers but Hindenburg was the de facto head. Soon after, several unrelated military victories cemented the staying power of this duumvirate and would in the years following the war be known as the "Silent Dictatorship". After the war however, the Kaiser reasserted his authority and forced the two to back down. This assumption of power worried him and he began to gravitate towards alternative military men to break up the established order. One of these men is Gerd von Rundstedt. Rundstedt is a staunch monarchist and has no desire to return to the Silent Dictatorship.

Hindenburg is in charge of the front from Bilbao to Toledo while Ludendorff is in command of the front south of Toledo. The Kaiser pushes Hindenburg to accept Runstedt as head of the Madrid-Toledo front. With his new appointment, Rundstedt appoints Major Erwin Rommel to head the forces in Madrid. Rommel fought in the Great War, seeing his first action at Troyes. He was still a platoon commander at the time. He caught a French garrison in the area off their guard and he along with three men opened fire on them without ordering the rest of his platoon forward. They continued to skirmish throughout September and October as the mostly static trench warfare of the Western Front would not set in until after Tours in November. For his actions in those early months, he was awarded an Iron Cross, Second Class and then promoted to Oberleutnant and transferred to the Alpenkorps which was attempting to break through the French defenses in the Vosges Mountains. This and other battles by German armies in Elsaß-Lothringen would be later called the Battle of the Frontiers. In 1917, he fought several battles against the Romanians and Russians before being moved to the Isonzo Front and fought against the Italians. He saw heavy fighting and was received a dangerous piece of shrapnel in his right breast from a grenade from an Arditi during the Venetian Offensive, he would fight this very Arditi moments later in brutal hand-to-hand combat. This along with several other impressive victories against the Italians earned him a Pour le Mérite medal. After the Venetian Offensive, he was promoted to Hauptmann and spent the rest of the war in a hospital healing his wounds. Rommel, along with men like Heinz Guderian and his close colleagues, wants to modernise the German army and move it towards a more mobile and mechanised force, along the lines of what Fuller and his men are implementing.

As the battles progress, Rommel and Montgomery clash, being the top commanders on each side. They meet in several engagements in the neighboring areas around Madrid and Toledo. Montgomery comes to be known as the "British Lysander" and his men are known as the "Spartan Battalion" for their fierce fighting and Montgomery's aura due to his strict regimen and his inability to drink or smoke due to a lung injury sustained in the Great War, which many perceived as him being disciplined. Rommel, meanwhile, is known as the "Toledo Hound" for his quick and sporadic movements while his men are distinguished as the "Gespensterbataillon" for the fact that Hindenburg and sometimes even Rundstedt lost track of where he was. Despite Montgomery's best efforts, he had been outpaced by Rommel several times as Rommel was his equal but has the advantage of more modern German equipment, most noticeably is the difference in the tanks. The Claudius I, despite its improvement over the AV7 and Mark I, is far behind the German "Kaisertank", which is a heavy vehicle used as an infantry-tank in supporting endeavors. Montgomery, in response, begins to amass his tanks and covering them with camouflage in the form of tree branches, leaves and dirt. They would hide in waiting before attacking the Kaisertanks from the sides or rear as they are slow to turn and find it difficult to keep up with the more nimble Claudius. As the battles continue, the men grow to love Montgomery, calling him "Monty". They thank him for the fact that he viewed their lives with care and not reckless abandon as had been done a decade prior. Montgomery was quoted as saying, " The frightful casualties appalled me. The so-called 'good fighting generals' of the war appeared to me to be those who had a complete disregard for human life.", when asked what he thought about the commanders of the Great War. Although he was loved by his men, he was less amiable to his equals. He had great self-confidence and argued constantly with Brooke and Alexander as well as the Spanish and Portuguese generals. Still, he produced great results and kept the Republicans, Comintern, and the Germans on their feet. As the war continues, the death toll rises, most of all for the Spanish. With the German intervention, the front has mostly stagnated. Málaga had fallen to de Llano and Cavallero and purges of dissidents and subversive elements followed. With the fall of the city, more forces move to take part in the siege of Córdoba.

At home, Mosley continues to spread propaganda to keep support for the war high. He works with the industrialists to get the British war economy moving. He also increases recruitment efforts to bring the army back to pre-demobilisation numbers. With the intervention in Spain demanding more and more munitions, arms and vehicles for the army, the factories begin to churn out an increasing number of material. As demand expands, more of the unemployed are hired to fill the jobs. This, along with Kitson's previous statutes, have led to a rising British economy. Kitson and several other economic theorists project that Britain will return to pre-depression levels of economic prosperity around late 1926 to early 1927. Sopwith's development of new planes moves rapidly, coordinating with Italian and Portuguese companies to improve flight speed, aerodynamic design, armament, structural stability, operating range, fuel efficiency and other features of the planes. Vickers has also been commissioned to develop a new tank to succeed the Claudius I. Meanwhile, Harland and Wolff is commissioned to begin conversion of the HMS Glorious from a Courageous-class battlecruiser to an aircraft carrier, modeled after HMS Hermes where possible. Mosley also made several secretive requests to ICI to begin experimenting with the production of chlorine, phosgene and mustard gases. He also asked them to begin researching into engineering strains of deadly diseases for militarised use. He also makes public overtures to Unilever to encourage trade to the Netherlands so as to improve Anglo-Dutch relation as Britain had lost most if not all of its oil producing territories and needed large quantities of the substance to fuel the growing army, navy, and air force. It would also help them cut into a share of Berlin's investment, taking profit away from the stock exchange. He sends notice to all the Imperial loyalists that the first Imperial Conference since the fall of the Empire would be held next month. It was time for the roaming sons to return home. If Britain was to win the coming conflicts, she must not only posses a mighty military, but a powerful industrial base to fuel fires of war. This would be a clash of industries as much as one of wills.

Oswald Mosley Declaring Britain's Full Support for the Nationalist Cause, 1925

Lieutenant-General Sir Giffard Le Quesne Martel, Army Officer in the Great War and One of Fuller's Top Theorists, 1921

Lieutenant General Sir Philip Neame, Senior Army Officer, Victoria Cross Recipient, and Major Advocate for Manouvre Warfare in Britain, 1919

Paul von Hindenburg, Kaiser Wilhelm II, and Erich Ludendorff Planning the Final Offensives in the Middle East and the Alps, 1918

Oberst Gerd von Rundstedt, Ally to Kaiser Wilhelm II and Rising Figure in the Heer, 1925

Heinz Guderian, OHL Innovator and Major Advocate for Bewegungskrieg in the Heer, 1923

Haupt Erwin Rommel, Decorated Officer in the Heer and Proponent and Practitioner of Bewegungskrieg, 1917

Two Supermarine Southamptons Flying Towards the City of Málaga in Order to Bombard it, 1925

Falangist Propaganda of a Staged Killing of a Republican Soldier, 1923

 

[Lord_Vespasian]

The Sun Rises Yet Again
Chapter 14: Blood and Soil

September 22, 1925

Several months have passed since Germany declared its support for Republican Spain. As the war progresses, Germany, the Comintern, and the League all gain valuable experience and insight into how the next war will be fought. However, the joining of all the European powers, save Austria-Hungary and the Ottoman empire, into one region and one conflict is seen as worrying. Both of the powers not involved are dealing with massive instability, political movements who desires are diametrically opposed in every way, and rampant secessionists groups; therefore, it is reasoned, these powers really aren't important on an international scale and will most likely remain isolationist and focused on an inward strategy to prevent their collapse. There are sizable amounts of people who fear this regional conflict will escalate into a World War, just like the first one. The boiling point before all this tension bubbles over into a full-scale war is being approached rapidly. A stand-off occurs, Germany sends word to the Righteous League to pull their forces out of the conflict or face German retribution. The British, in response, send a message saying that they must pull out their forces or the Righteous League would declare war on Germany. This is a dangerous area to tread for Germany. The Righteous League by itself isn't strong enough to beat Germany, but if they declare war the Comintern might sense weakness and join in the war, and Germany might not be able to hold off the Comintern and the League simultaneously. Even if they could, it would bring them great destruction. As they deliberate, the Soviets send their own message, demanding Germany pull out of Spain. For Germany, this is tantamount to giving Spain over to either the Comintern or the League. Germany mulls over this dilemma. As the world awaits a response, the war continues.

A decisive engagement happens at Madrid. Montgomery manages to trick Rommel into moving forces to Toledo to defend against an attack that is actually just a faint. Harris bombards the roads leading back to Madrid as thoroughly as he can and de Llano pins the force down. With Rommel stuck in the south and Hindenburg concentrating on an offensive north at Aranda de Duero, as its loss would create a dangerous degree of separation between forces in Burgos with those in Madrid and Guadalajara, the GEF lacks reserve forces to defend Madrid. Republican forces are also spread thin due to the loss of Málaga and the siege of Córdoba. Meanwhile, Soviet forces are still reeling from the defeats near Córdoba and French troops are fighting tooth and nail just to hold back the forces in the north by Bilbao. Using this window of opportunity, Montgomery and Yagüe descend upon the city. The light, untrained, and insufficient garrison fight valiantly and cost Yagüe dearly, but without aid from additional troops and continuous bombardment from artillery and planes, they surrender to Nationalists forces after a week of fighting.

Rundstedt is appalled, his front is on the verge of collapsing and with the center forces, especially Rommel, in a precarious position, he sends word to Hindenburg that either he his given sufficient forces to maintain the front-line or he must be allowed to retreat and regroup at Cuenca while other forces could dig in at the city of Guadalajara. Hindenburg is unsure of this, although these positions are relatively defensible, Cuenca is over 100 km away and due to bombed out roads, heavy tanks, and other hindrances, he estimates it would take around 70 hours, or just under 3 days, for Rommel to be able to make the trip. Hindenburg is unsure if he can do so, despite Rundstedt saying there is no other option and Rommel's assurances he can make the trip in just over a day. With this deteriorating situation, Hindenburg relays the dangerous position the center forces of the GEF are in back to OHL and waits for a response. While he waits, he orders Generaloberst Felix Graf von Bothmer to move to and fortify Guadalajara against an enemy assault from Madrid and asks Rundstedt to head back to Germany to relay to him what OHL and the Kaiser want to do. In his absence, Hindenburg appoints Generalfeldmarschall Albrecht von Württemberg, who has been in retirement as the king of Württemberg but has been convinced by his cousin, the Kaiser, to come back to the military, to replace him. After consulting with his superiors, Rundstedt writes back to Hindenburg and informs him that they clearly do not approve of the abandonment of Toledo so easily and that they are ordering him to hold it; but they both know that Rommel is now too far from the city to do so.

With the clashing visions of the High Command and the Kaiser versus the forces on the ground, the German army is paralysed, and with increasing Communist and Restitutio pressure endangering the heartland, the Kaiser has to make a decision. Pull back the GEF and ensure the safety of Germany and her people at the cost of losing face and potentially ceding Spain to one of her enemies, or keep the forces in Spain in a dangerous gamble that could cost the empire much. The Kaiser and his closest advisers convene and deliberate on what to do. He manages to achieve a ceasefire in Spain, allowing both sides to entrench and to prepare for whatever comes next. The British and Soviets, tiring of German stalling, send a joint ultimatum on the 23rd of November, stating that they will both declare war unless Germany pulls all forces out of Spain within 48 hours. The Kaiser calls an emergency meeting comprised of the entirety of the OHL and several generals and officers not a part of it, Maximilian von Baden and his cabinet, and the Kaiser's son and heir, Wilhelm III. They argue about what to do, OHL wants to stay the course and risk a full out war while von Baden, his cabinet, and Wilhelm III all desperately want to avoid one. Although von Baden and his cabinet make good points, the Kaiser is still not entirely convinced that the Comintern and the League can defeat the entirety of Germany and her Eastern allies, however, August gives an impassioned speech pleading to his father to not engage in another avoidable war, to not repeat the mistakes of 1914. The Kaiser decides to pull out of Spain. Declaring this intention with only an hour left. Soon, the GEF returns back to the homeland. OHL and the military in general are angered by this, however most understand the rationale and do not want to put their homes and families in harms way. A small but powerful clique of generals, officers, and commanders do not however and view this as the last straw, they begin plotting against the monarchy. Although it would take years if not decades of preparation to even attempt this, the seeds of dissent are planted.

When he hears the news, Mosley is ecstatic. He wasn't entirely certain that Germany would back down, and knew that Britain wouldn't be even remotely ready to even begin fighting until the mid 30s. With this victory, Mosley and his government is hailed and he begins planning to call a snap election in the near future and so informs the Loyalist delegates that the Imperial Conference will be delayed until January next year. The Republicans feel abandoned by the Germans and thus the more moderate and representative elements fall out of favour while pro-communist factions used the fact the Comintern is staying Spain to expand their influence. With the Germans out of Spain, Mosley decides to break the ceasefire and restart the war before it becomes cold so they can fight at full strength as well as denying the enemy the chance to fortify their position.

All along the front, Falangist and Restitutio forces push into Republican territory slowly but surely. On the 22nd of December, the beginning of Winter, both sides slow down. Although Spain is still warm compared to most of the foreigners homes, it is still quite cold, around 5°C. The majority of the troops in the North stop fighting, the exception being the British and the Soviets, along with some French divisions, as they are used to much colder temperatures. With the fighting slowed, Mosley can now focus on inward development. Mosley calls the snap election and leaves with Joyce, Kitson, Ross, and Fuller to spread support in areas were they closely lost or just barely won in '25. They move immediately so they can use the hours wisely. David gives a public address via radio stating his support for Mosley is as strong as ever. Several pro-Victorian industrialists and retired military officers, Douglas Haig being the most notable, state their support for Mosley. Some mention how they were originally opposed to or unsure of him, but with recent events coming to pass they were swayed and now truly believe in him. He makes an emphasis on visiting Wales to reach out to the Irish and Welsh. The Irish were very supporting of Mosley in the last election due to his efforts to mend Anlgo-Irish relations and his policy of cooperation between Catholics and Protestants, though most of them were Protestants, and their vote helped Mosley immensely. The Welsh, however, were less devoted to him. They hold no significant grudge against him, apart from maybe the lack of anti-Irish rhetoric, but they believe Mosley has nothing special to offer them, especially since the recent recovery has not reached Wales, Scotland or even the majority of Northern England. Upon arriving, he talks to several prominent Irish politicians and social figures and promises them that in their lifetime, Britain will reclaim Éire and that they will return to their homes. This emphasis on saying Éire instead of Ireland particularly endeared him to them even more, as it seemed he truly cared about them and the loss of their homes. He also promises that efforts to revitalise Wales and Northern England will be undertaken. This helps move more Welsh to his side. As for the Scots, he also promises that the recovery experienced by the South would move up to the North as well, he just needed more time. He then returns back to the South and continues campaigning. At 10pm, the last stations close and the process of counting the votes begins. Mosley is certain that they have secured another smashing victory.

The next day, the results are in and once again the Victorian Union are the clear winners. Not only do they win, it is by a staggering amount. By its end, they hold 70% of the House of Commons and many in the House of Lords are already friendly or allied with the Victorians. With this absolutely astonishing majority, with most commentators recognising its uniqueness, Mosley and the Victorian Union stand virtually unopposed. Even if both the Torries and Labour along with every minor party in the country joined together in a coalition, the VU would still have enough votes to override them. Mosley is delighted. This will give him complete control over Parliament as most in the Victorian Union view Mosley with great admiration and some even devotion, so it would be unlikely for them to oppose anything he proposes. Kitson and Ross go wild, hurling a flurry of bills towards Mosley that, until now, they felt unsure of their survival in Parliament. Mosley also gets the news that wiring is essentially complete. Although they will have to continue checking on it for about a week or so to ensure everything stays working. Mosley thanks them and decides his first phone call ever will be to Makgill. He calls him and Makgill responds.

George Makgill
"Hello Your Excellency. What is it that you need?"

Oswald Mosley
"Hello Makgill. I need you to come to my office at the earliest possible convenience. I have an idea I want to discuss with you."

George Makgill
"I will be there in an hour."

Oswald Mosley
"Thank you. I await your arrival"

Makgill finishes up his most pressing work and departs towards 10 Downing. Once he arrives, he enters into Mosley's office and sits down.

George Makgill
"Hello Mosley. What is the purpose of my summoning?"

Oswald Mosley
"I have called you here as I believe a new organisation must be founded. I have already reestablished the Ministry of Information. Now, I believe I must establish a paramilitary group who's focus will be on the internal integrity of the British nation."

George Makgill
"Isn't that MI5's purpose?"

Oswald Mosley
"MI5 is designed to deal with internal military matters, not the stability of the nation. Your job is to identify and apprehend foreign agents, coups, terrorist attacks, and things of such nature. This organisation will be focused on dealing with dissidents, Marxist sympathisers, traitors to the nation, troublesome politicians and other civilian agitators as well as breaking up dangerous strikers. Even with your recently granted extra-judicial powers, which are temporary, MI5's internal structure is not suited for this matter. However, there are people in MI5 that would be especially suited towards this kind of work. I'm certain you can distinguish who belongs where. MI5 also has access to crucial domestic networks that would assist this endeavor so the sharing of the information between your group and this new one will be crucial to the success of both."

George Makgill
"I see. I can begin cataloging who belongs in this new organisation. I can also work to ready our intelligence networks for cooperative use."

Oswald Mosley
"Thank you."

George Makgill
"May I ask what you shall name this new agency?"

Oswald Mosley
"The Institute for Internal Integrity, or I3. Oh, and one more thing Makgill."

George Makgill
"Yes?"

Oswald Mosley
"I've been searching for a man, he goes by the name P.S Burton. That is just an alias however and his real identity eludes me. I have asked who I know but have come up with nothing. I would like for you to do what you can to find who this man is, I want him brought to me alive and unharmed. I like him very much. Can you do it?"

George Makgill
"I will do everything in my power to find and identify this P.S Burton, if that is what you desire."

Oswald Mosley
"Thank you George."

And with that, their meeting is concluded. Makgill returns to his office to begin carrying out the instructions given to him by Mosley. Mosley continues to work in private. He has received a response from ICI, they said that if Mosley provides adequate government funding, they can begin research into more advanced chemical weapons and begin developing the first truly modern biological weapons. They state how they have been in limited contact with IG Farben and have the possibility to purchase quantities of organophosphates from them, however, in order to keep it secret they would need to pay them a higher price. They hope Mosley will be willing to subsidise the extra costs. Organophosphates work by disrupting an insects nervous system, some of the scientists at ICI believe there is a possibility of certain compounds to be lethal to humans as well in a high enough dosage. Mosley writes back to them saying he will support them in their endeavors. Fuller has also moved the training grounds for Claudius I and all future armoured vehicles to Bovington, Dorset, as Scilly is becoming too small for future training operations. Development of the next experimental tank, the Claudius II, is already underway. Vickers is working hard and with this promising pace, Mosley has assigned Kitson to work on merging Vickers with Armstrong Whitworth. This model will be another early prototype as Vickers is still working on the design of both their infantry and cruiser tank prototypes. The cruiser has been named "Matilda" while the infantry has been named "Haig".

Sopwith submits the initial blueprints for the new planes. He has managed to achieve such a quick start by heavily cooperating with Avro and Blackburn Aircraft, two other aviation manufacturers, in their designs. The two suffered greatly after the war and did not find the renewed success that H.G. Hawker Engineering did. In order to help their struggling situation, they agreed to supply technical assistance and blueprints. In exchange, Hawker would provide industrial production lines and the labour force and they would split the profits three ways. Kitson uses this cooperation to spearhead efforts to encourage a merger between the three.

The first plane is named the Avro 566 Avenger. It is a single-seat, single engine biplane of wood and fabric construction. The head designer is Roy Chadwick, however, Harry Hawker and other test and war pilots give their valuable input to improve performance by correcting issues an armchair designer might not recognise before the first test flight. The plane will have a length of 7.77 meters, a wingspan of 9.75 m, a height of 3.12 m, a wing area of 22.7 m², an empty weight of 1,074 kilograms, a loaded weight of 1,460 kg and the engine is a Napier Lion VII. Although there has not been a test flight, estimates say that top speed will be around 290 kilometers per hour, cruise speed will be around 209 km/h, the service ceiling will be in the 6,700 m range with the armament being a single engine-mounted 7.77 millimeter Vickers machine gun. A more experimental version would include a rear-mounted 7.77 mm Lewis Gun for rear defense, however the former version is cheaper and easier to produce. Since the Republicans or the Soviets don't have much in the way of aircraft, the French would be the only substantial threat in the air, therefore, the RAF and the Army feel that it is unnecessary if it means getting the planes into action faster.

They also have blueprints of a biplane bomber, the Hawker Horsley. It is a single-engine, all-wooden, medium day bomber. It would hold a crew of 2, 1 pilot and 1 bombardier and rear-gunner. The pilot would have access to a single forward-firing 7.77 mm Vickers machine gun while the bombardier would wield a rear-mounted 7.77 m Lewis Gun and be capable of dropping either two 250 kg bombs or one 680 kg bomb. It would have a length of 11.83 m, a wingspan of 17.22 m, a height of 4.16 m, a wing area of 64.38 m², an empty weight of 2,164 kg, a loaded weight of 3,545 kg and would be powered by a single Rolls-Royce Condor III engine. With these components, estimated performance would point to a maximum speed of 201 km/h at an altitude of 1,829 m, standard bombing height, a service ceiling of 4,267 m, a rate of climb of 3.625 m/s, and could last in the field for a absolute maximum of 10 hours. The two final blueprints displayed are a naval aerial fighter and a naval bomber.

The naval torpedo bomber is named the Blackburn T.5 Ripon. It is a carrier-based torpedo bomber that could also serve as a reconnaissance plane. It holds a crew of two. Its specifications show that its length is 11.20 m, a wingspan of 13.67 m, a height of 3.91 m, a wing area of 63.45 m2, an empty weight of 1,878 kg, a loaded weight of 3,310 kg and his also powered by Napier Lion VII engine. As with the previous planes, test flights have yet to be conducted yet as they're still making sure the planes are safe to fly, but they estimate performance will equal a top speed of 179 km/h, a service ceiling of 3,050 km, and a rate of climb of 2.158 m/s. Its armament includes a single fixed, forward firing 7.77 m Vickers machine gun, another rear firing 7.77 m Lewis Gun, and either a 447 mm torpedo, three 240 kg bombs or six 104 kg bombs.

The final one, the naval aerial fighter, is the Avro Type 584 Avocet. It is single-engine naval fighter whose main role will be a fighter on the high seas. It was not carrier-based as they simply can not make it work with current technology unless cutbacks are made to other areas. It holds a single pilot. Its would have a length of 7.50 m, a wingspan of 9.93 m, a height of 3.05 m, a wing area of 31.59 m², an empty weight of 985 kg, a loaded weight 1,381 kg, and would be powered by a single Armstrong Siddeley Jaguar IV engine. Its top speed would be 233 km, and a service ceiling of 7,000 m, with an armament consisting of two 7.77 mm Madsen machine Guns.

Mosley decides now is the time to push his pro-natalist policies. Mosley and Kitson, along with others he knew, believed that in the future, the colonies, once reclaimed, must be majority White. South Africa, Rhodesia, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand all followed this. But not just any white majority, an English speaking majority with both racial and cultural ties back to the Home Isles, in order to create a tightly knit union of Anglo nations rather than disparate Dominions and colonies. Britain also needed to expand her core population and industrial base to these areas while simultaneously denying natives from accessing these resources and demanding independence. With pro-natalist polices, Britain's economy can recover even faster as the few jobs women take would now be open for male work, decreasing unemployment and also leading to a population surplus. This combined with economic incentives for married couples who have children would see the next generation coming faster than their parents could raise them. He could then implement incentives for immigration to Africa, India, the East Indies, and wherever the British Empire would claim as her own so as to begin another great wave of immigration to the colonies. With Whites being the majority in these areas, Mosley and the public would have no problems giving them equal rights as citizens of homeland while they would be proud to call themselves British. However this also meant the crushing of regional identities. No longer should one call themselves a Canadian, a South African, a Rhodesian, a Kenyan, an Australian, a Zealander, a Malayan, an Indian, or anything else. In Mosley's eyes, these should only be stated if one is asked where they hail from, not what or who they are. In Mosley's vision, it would be an empire of Britons only, "Blood and Soil" as he called it. In order to achieve this, Britain's population would have to be increased, the Imperial Loyalists must be employed to break regional national identities and to create and spread a new global British identity, and the foes who possess these lands must be overthrown so that their rightful owners can return. Britain's population is around 35,000,000 people, this is not enough. Germany's population is almost twice that. He had been inspired by the steps Mussolini and his Fascists had taken after their seizure of power. Once the session is opened by King George V, Mosley proposes the pro-natalist polices and they pass through easily due to the Victorian supermajority, set to be fully passed into law by January, along with the bills from Kitson and Ross. Women will be barred from all work save for nursing, civilian and military, and other jobs that are maternal in nature. Tax credits for married couples and child-bearing ones will be instituted and a tax on bachelor men will be carried out. Birth control and abortion are made illegal and any advertisement for it will be punishable by harsh fines and jail time. The Order of the White Feather would be reestablished. However, to avoid the scandalous and embarrassing events where they were presented to veterans and people engaged in the civilian war effort, those who were considered exempt from enlisting would be identified and added to a newly created database with photos, where available, to see where they should send members to avoid these problems. The Order would remain dormant for a minimum of 2 years in order to hire members and to let the populace recover from the Great War. Women's right vote would be untouched as Mosley was not particularly opposed to the idea and believed that the property restrictions that limited men's voting right was an abhorrent disgrace that he was glad the Fourth Reform Act ended it.

New Years Eve comes and goes, with people celebrating heartily all over the world. In London, people cheer that a new era for the nation has arrived. In Berlin, people celebrate continued peace and prosperity. In Paris, people are jovial that the age of oppression of the past is over and a new future for France dawns. In Moscow, people are less optimistic as Lenin's NEP has failed to revitalise the economy the way he promised, the losses from the Great War and Russian Civil Wars are still felt, and the clash between Leon Trotsky and Joseph Stalin continues to escalate. However, recent developments in the economy and Germany's backing down over Spain has led people to feeling that there might be hope for the future. In Tokyo, people celebrate their countries prosperity and rise of representative institutions. In Washington, however, are massive riots nearby the White House. President Coolidge has managed to ease the situation, carrying out his campaign of "Return to Normalcy", in which various laws to improve labour rights and limited roll backs on Federal power to appease the Minimalists and Communists have been instituted. Winston Churchill, an admiral in the Royal Navy, a war hawk, an early supporter of Oswald Mosley, and who the primary onus for the failure of Gallipoli is placed on, said, "Coolidge is an appeaser. An appeaser is one who feeds the crocodiles, hoping they will eat him last". However, the effect of this compromise is undeniable. America is still not rife with optimism and cynicism has begun to pervade the country.

As the January month begins, Mosley has plans with the Imperial Conference and the French Exiles.

HMS Hermes, the First Ship in the World to Designed as a Seaplane Carrier on the British Coast, 1925

French Communard Troops Advancing Upon Nationalist Positions in Osorno, 1923

Locals Dealing With the Problems of the Civil War, 1924

Republican Troops in Madrid. They Were Undersupplied and Undermanned to the Point of Having to Conscript Females and the Effects of the Siege Began to Drive Some of the Troops Mad, 1925

Locals Clearing Away Debris in Madrid After its Fall to the Nationalists. The Siege Brought Great Destruction to the City, 1925

Nationalist Troops in Laredo Marching Towards Bilbao to Engage French and Republican Troops, 1925

The Avro 566 Avenger Prototype, the Next Step in British Fighter Planes, 1925

The Avro Type 584 Avocet Prototype, the Evolution of Naval Air Warfare for Britain, 1925

The Blackburn T.5 Ripon Prototype, an Advanced Carrier-Based Torpedo Bomber and Reconnaissance Plane in Development, 1925

The Hawker Horsley Prototype, an Advanced Medium Day Bomber and Torpedo Bomber and the First Step in Realising "Strategic Destruction", 1925

 

[Lord_Vespasian]

The Sun Rises Yet Again
Chapter 15: The Lion Cannot Be Tamed

January 12, 1926

The streets of London are abound with traffic. The meeting of the Imperial Conference has become well publicised. It is an event of great discussion and importance. Ever since the fall of the Empire following the war, it was assumed the Imperial Conference would be disbanded in perpetuity, but the governments before Mosley's never issued an official statement on its status. Mosley, upon winning, sent messages to all his personal international contacts and known Loyalists to prepare themselves for another Imperial Conference. The meeting of another Conference shows the whole world that Britain's colonial ambitions have not been snuffed out. Such an action will surely draw the attention of many nations. The meeting is to take place inside the Colonial Office inside Whitehall as it always had been done, with King George V, Crown Prince David, and Prince Albert overseeing it. As they convene into the meeting room, food and beverages are served and everyone sits on down at the table.

Although there are delegates from most of the former dominions' and colonies' Loyalist movements, some countries have more esteemed and numerous members. The Conference is distinctly different than the previous ones. Previously, only Dominions were allowed into these meetings, but this one has delegations from not just former dominions, but colonies, protectorates, and various other possessions. This is intentional, Mosley not only wants to but needs to begin building a sense of unity now, so that when Britain gets her affairs in order, the work needed to achieve Mosley's vision will have already been set into motion and the seeds of a new Empire planted. The Conference also lacked a Lord President of the Council as the previous one, George Nathaniel Curzon, had resigned as he saw little prospect of future advancement under the position as the Empire was no more and no replacement had been assigned since. Mosley decided that he would assume the role, a stunning move as no one has ever held both positions simultaneously.

The Canadian delegation is headed by former Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, authour of the famous poem, "In France's Fields". McCrae is an Empire Loyalist to his core. Almost dying of pneumonia during the war, he is extremely bitter over how the war went. He was never in favour of Canada's secession from the Empire and greatly desires a return to the rule under the Home Isles.

The Indian delegation is headed by Rudyard Kipling, famous writer of many books, poems, and short stories; some including "The Jungle Book", "The Man Who Would Be King", "Mandalay", "The White Man's Burden", and "If—". He has been a staunch defender of British imperialism for much of his life, believing it was the "White Man's Burden" to civilise the savages of the world. The fall of the Empire and harsh treatment from the Indian government has led to Kipling developing a more hard-line and extreme view on imperialism. He has recently adopted the mindset of Mosley and his followers, the colonies must be White, for Whites. This means that the colonies must become majority White to serve the needs and wants of Whites. And if the natives want to resist this, then he believes they should be expelled.

The South African delegation is headed by former Field Marshal Jan Christiaan Smuts, head of the Union Party, and a close contender for Prime Minister in the recent elections two years ago. He is a war hero and he and his party favour and vigorously advocate rapprochement with Britain. His party has been growing ever since the middle of 1923, spurred to even faster growth in the last year by the successes of Mosley and his Victorian Union. The politics of this up-and-coming Mosley and his ideology of Victorianism have already begun to shape the Union Party, making it distinctly Victorian. However, South Africa is plagued with rising racial tensions, with the radical Progressive Party advocating for the end of segregation. South Africa also stands in the place of South Rhodesia, and Bechuanaland

The Australian delegation is headed by William Birdwood, another war hero who holds great respect among Australians for his service aside them in Gallipoli. He is a member of the Dominion Party of Australia, which desires to come under influence of the Empire again, and was recently selected as Governor-General of Australia. He has been working to accrue more power towards the role without angering Parliament and the Prime Minister, to little effect, with cries of "Never Again" still ringing throughout the streets, although they have begun to die down compared to the past years. His position in general is extremely precarious as the independence preservers argue that since Australia is now independent from Britain, is the King still the head of state? If not, then the General-Governor as a position isn't really necessary and therefore its powers should be absorbed by the Prime Minister. Birdwood has managed to stave these attempts off however.

The various African groups have split into two groups, those still apart of the Empire in West Africa, these nations are Nigeria, Ghana, Guinea, and Gambia, while those under German rule in East Africa, these nations are Kenya, Uganda Northern Rhodesia, and Nyasaland. These two groups have decided to each form a common delegation to address issues that effect all within the group than just one of the regions. These two groups remain separate from the South African delegation however. The East African colonies chafe underneath German colonial governance, with its heavy-handed nature apparent to all. And despite Vorbeck's best efforts, the specter of terror that is Hermann Göring still looms over all in Mittleafrika. They desire a return to British colonial governance and have begun to warm up towards this avant-garde Victorianism.

The East Asian delegation consists of the former colonies of Malaya and the Kingdom of Sarawak and the Crown Colonies of Ceylon and Hong Kong. Malaya and Sarawak, like the African groups, chafe under the rule of Deutsch Ost-Asien. They have also dislike the lack of investment from Germany and the constant threat of invasion by the Japanese as the Kriegsmarine is unable to properly project power to East Asia. Hong Kong also yearns for other nearby British colonies to provide a safety net should the Japanese attack them.

New Zealand has no delegation as there is no Loyalist movement of note. There is also no Egyptian-Sudanese delegation either as the king of Egypt, Ahmed Faud I, declared he would have the many clerics of the Islamic world declare a Fatawā of death against any British collaborators. Ireland also lacks one as the majority of Pro-British Irish who would be dedicated enough to attend the Conference are already in Britain. King George V speaks first.

King George V
"Hello to all! It brings great warmth to my heart to see you have all arrived today. Together, our great gathering shows the world the British spirit is unbreakable. The British Lion still roars! Now, let us commence with the Imperial Conference of 1926!"

The room erupts into a hearty hurrah. As they do, George V sits down and is beset by a severe cough. After he finally gets his cough under control, Mosley goes to the podium first, being the voice of Britain.

Oswald Mosley
My fellow friends, today we stand here united in one purpose, striving towards a singular goal, a return to our preeminence. We are joined here today to work in harmony towards this right and noble goal! We will endure tirelessly to this end. We must mobilise the spirit of our people to begin the fight that will shape our nation, our identity, and our people forever. Our fight is for the Empire, and in that battle we go forward together till victory be won. Our struggle is hard, because we are fighting for something great, and great things are not lightly or easily gained. We are fighting for nothing less than the reclamation of the spirit of our people across the globe and the empire they possessed. We must be worthy of our mission, for you Loyalists are those who are summoned to lead the people to a new and a higher civilisation, our civilisation!"

The room once again cheers in unity.

Oswald Mosley
"Now in order to achieve this vital goal, several objectives must be fulfilled. These will allow us to truly begin the process of returning to greatness. These being, the revitalisation of the Home Isles, which will require to not only recover the economy, but to strengthen and heighten it to previously unimaginable levels, to rebuild the Army and Navy, but not into the structures of old, but of a grand new order that can brave the horrors and challenges of the modern world, to construct a new and mighty air force that can impose our will across the globe in new ways, to increase the White population so as to further settlement of the unclaimed sections of the Empire, to defeat those most vile of forces, Communism and the Huns, the spreading of our righteous cause throughout the lands we inhabit so as to drum up support, and the final, but potentially most important of all steps, the shattering of the regional identities of old so as to pave the way clear for a new, global Imperial identity that will bring us closer than ever before, in ways not possible before. This is not to say that regions cannot have their uniqueness and differences, but if we are to achieve the future we desire, this is paramount. My friends, associates, and I have already begun working to achieve these goals. The rest will come with time, but we in the Home Isles need you to spread the cause to those that doubt the Empire can rule. This is our mission."

The room sounds in agreement. With Britain finished for the moment, John McCrae heads to the podium, his voice echoing the will of the Canadian Loyalists.

John McCrae
"My fellow Loyalists, I stand here today as one who has lost. I have lost many friends, I have lost my beloved Empire, I have lost my dignity, and I have lost my ability to even run for protracted periods of time without heaving my lungs out due to pneumonia. I have given much for the Empire, as have all of us, and to see that same Empire collapse, drives a stake deep into my soul. I have striven to restore what has been lost. I write ever more poems, stories, and pamphlets, drawing more and more people to our cause. And now, I bring to this Conference an innovative and intelligent young man, his name his John Cantius Garand. He is a firearm designer who is living in the United States and was working as an engineer in the Springfield Armory, but was laid off in 1922 after the Great Depression began. He has been struggling to get anyone to hire him to continue development on his new rifle. Although Canada has no funds to spare this man, I am certain Britain can."

Oswald Mosley
"This is a most a promising prospect. The army has been clamoring for a replacement for the rapidly aging Enfield, perhaps this could be it?"

John McCrae
"I assure you Your Excellency, this man will provide you what you need."

Oswald Mosley
"Then let us hear him."

John McCrae
"Of course. Mr. Garand, please come to the podium."

As Garand steps up to the podium, an air of tension falls on the room.

John Cantius Garand
"Before I say anything else, I must tell you that everything you advocate does not strike me the right way and I have some reservations. But, I have a woman I love very dearly. Her name is Nellie. She has two daughters and is recently widowed. America is extremely dangerous, especially where we live. She said she loves me and would marry me, but only if I had a stable income to support her children. I would do much to take her hand in marriage. If you can guarantee me a stable income and safety, I will design my rifle for you."

Oswald Mosley
"Mr. Garand, I believe we all can empathise with your situation. I can guarantee you that Britain will consistently employ you, you haven't the faintest idea how valuable your services would be to us. If this rifle of yours delivers what you say it will, you will be well rewarded. So, will you work for us?"

Johnn Cantius Garand
"I will."

Oswald Mosley
"Excellent! I look forward to your service at RSAF. Is there anything else you wish to say McCrae?"

John McCrae
"No Your Excellency."

Oswald Mosley
"Then let us continue. Mr. Kipling, may you take the podium?"

Joseph Rudyard Kipling
"Of course."

As Kipling mounts the podium, he prepares himself to speak.

Joseph Rudyard Kipling
"I am an aged man. I have seen many things. But in my 60 years of life, no two things have been as shocking and upsetting as the rise of Communism and the fall of the Empire. These two events have rocked my very core. It is no easy thing to change an old man's views, but changed my views have. It brings warmth to my heart to see the future generations are already mobilising themselves to fight against these existential threats and to rally the Empire back into being. First it was the Portuguese and the rise of Integralism by Salazar. Next, the Italians and their Il Duce, Benitio Mussolini. After that was the Spanish and their leader Francisco Franco. Now, glorious Britannia has had her own rise with Oswald Mosley as our leader! Me and my colleagues in India have fought against the foul independence movements that persist within the Indian National Congress. Already, the nation has proved itself incapable of self-rule, with the massive Burmese Revolt along with agitation by Moslems and even limited numbers of Sikhs, all crying for independent states that would be havens for their religions. A decade has yet to pass and already this ill-conceived nation is tearing itself apart. India must return to the Raj, it is the only way for it to survive. These natives have shown that they cannot handle things like freedom and power, the White man must take care of them, like one takes care of a pet. But we must not ignore our own needs, the natives have committed many an injustice against me and many other Whites in India. The White man's burden is just that, a burden. No longer can we afford to shelter burdens, we must free ourselves from self-imposed handicaps and soar to greatness as is our destiny. To do so, Britain must regain its strength while we Loyalists do all we can to encourage a return to British rule. If they should deny reason, which is likely, then we must begin preparations to aid the troops when they come back to enforce the divine right. I believe the best way to convince others in India to join our cause is to show the pathetic state the nation and compare it to how much better things were a few short yeas ago. We may also have to ferment this chaos. The Muslim Independence agitators are extremely aggressive and with sufficient coaxing, may erupt into open revolt. Hindu-Buddhist relations are also abysmally low, with the government having to cover up several events between the two which escalated into fatal encounters. Burmese nationalists have also been causing much trouble, as the previously mentioned rebellion shows, with this rebellion costing many lives. And while the majority of Sikhs, Jains, and Christians remain neutral, they also worry they might be the next persecuted group. We must seize on this, sowing the seeds of revolt will weaken the Indian government so much that when British troops set foot on India, there will be no resistance. In order to carry these actions out, we need funding and advisers to make this work. Can Britain help us do this?"

Oswald Mosley
"Mr. Kipling, Britain will do everything in her power to regain the Jewel of the Empire. Just give us names of people and groups that you are a part of or are allied with and we will take the necessary steps."

Joseph Rudyard Kipling
"Thank you Your Excellency. I promise you, we in India will not fail you or Britain!"

Oswald Mosley
"I am certain of it. Now with that finished, Mr. Smuts, will you speak?"

Jan Christiaan Smuts
"At once."

Smuts ascends to the podium and begins to speak.

Jan Christiaan Smuts
"Today, we are gathered here to fight against the tide of barbarism and Marxism. Like Mr. McCrae and Mosley, I too have fought for the Empire. I fought in Africa and later joined the Imperial War Cabinet. To see the defeated state we are in is infuriating, it makes my blood boil incessantly. And then, to see the wavering loyalty of my South Africa in the break away almost did me in. But I am here today, still fighting. I came close in the last election for Prime Minister, but I was beaten by the National Afrikaner Party. With just a bit more time, campaigning, and several more successes by Britain in Europe, I am confident I can win the position and bring South Africa along with Rhodesia back into Empire. South Africa must return to the fold quickly, otherwise any attempts to control the Eastern lands will be tenuous at best. Britain needs a stable and dependable supply chain to the East if she is to be great once more, and the Suez is no longer an option. It will also give us a direct front against Mittleafrika when the time comes to destroy that hideous monstrosity. All I ask of Britain is to continue showing the world Her might and I promise I can bring South Africa back into the fold. Once Britain triumphs, all the scattered sons will return, hearkening to reason and righteousness. If the Civil War in Spain were to end and another brave and daring military escapade carried out successfully, I can see to our goals by 1935 potentially."

Oswald Mosley
"Is there no way to do it by 1929 or '33?"

Jan Christiaan Smuts
"That is extremely optimistic and I cannot guarantee success in that."

Oswald Mosley
"How are relations between Whites and Africans in the South Africa?"

Jan Christiaan Smuts
"Not well, the damn brutes cannot the see the reason behind letting Whites run the nation. They're protesting and inciting violence against farmers. Some fear a race war will break out but I believe such a thing is preposterous. They don't the trained personnel and material to pull such a thing off but still, it is worrying. And the Afrikaners aren't much help either, constantly opposing us and unnecessarily antagonizing them."

Oswald Mosley
"I see. Very well. Do you have anything else to say Mr. Smuts?"

Jan Christiaan Smuts
"No Your Excellency."

Oswald Mosley
"Good. Now Mr. Birdwood will take the podium."

Birdwood approaches the podium and begins.

William Riddell Birdwood
"Thank you Your Excellency. I rejoice in the fact that we are united in one purpose and one love, the Empire. It reminds of Gallipoli, seeing British and Commonwealth troops, especially the ANZACS, fighting the damned Turks as brothers implanted into me a powerful yet dormant thought, like a poppy seed, it required the right circumstances to grow and blossom. That idea was of a truly unified Empire, not one of Australians and New Zealanders, of Indians and Malayans, of South Africans and Rhodesians, of Canadians and Kenyans, but of Britons. The conditions to fully understand what I was thinking did not arise until the collapse of the Empire and Mosley's meteoric rise in Britain. With them and blood of so many great men, I began to understand what my purpose is. it is the same as everyone else in this room today. Ever since, I have worked hard to make the Australian people see our way, but they are stubborn. Gallipoli and the other losses of the Great War still sting greatly within them and they fear that rejoining Britain will see their sons and brothers off to die in another war, without a care by their British oppressors. I must shatter this idea and to do so I need Britain's help. If you can show the Australian people that you care about them, it will go a long way to helping our cause. I am not certain how you would achieve this, but it is vital to my success. Another important issue is the debate over whether or not our great and glorious monarch, George V, is still the head of state. If you were to conduct a state visit with him, it would dispel all traitorous notions of this holding any merit. We also require reassurances against Japanese aggression. Maybe Britain could gift the RAN some ships? Even if they're outdated they would be an effective sign of goodwill and would endear our cause to the public. Our ideological allies can use that goodwill to champion our ideas even further, every little bit helps."

King George V
"That is a great idea. One that I am sure Prime Minister Mosley will agree with."

Oswald Mosley
"Of course your Highness. I also suggest we bring David with us, the people must become familiar with the next monarch of our great nation."

King George V
"Yes. My son must show the world what "proper" royalty looks like."

With that statement, tensions falls on the room, David retains a stoic face, despite the obvious anger within, while George gives a cold stare. Eventually, Mosley disrupts it by continuing the Conference. The African and East Asian groups go up and speak their ideas. The African Loyalists demonstrate the need for loyal partisans to carry out sabotage and harassment behind enemy lines as well as guide regular forces through the harsh African terrain. They say that they have already begun disseminating cells all over Mittleafrika and spreading pro-British propaganda. Some will even enlist in the Mittleafrikan army to carry out espionage, exploiting Vorbeck's openness to non-German soldiers against him. They show that they are continuing extensive guerrilla warfare and subsistence training as they may need to avoid centers of cities for months or even years. They also plan to organise African resistance groups against the Germans. The East Indies group also propose similar measures, but also the illegal exportation of oil and rubber from Malaya to Britain. This would be extremely risky and dangerous but it would provide Britain with vital resources needed to rearm and carry out military action. They estimate they can smuggle around 5 to 8% of the monthly rubber and oil product without raising suspicion, any higher and detection would be inevitable, and even 8% is pushing the limits of what they can get away with. It wouldn't be enough to supplement Britain's needs but would bring much needed relief to its imports. They also show them that plans to organise Indochinese rebels are already in motion. These rebels want full independence and would not accept colonial rule under any circumstances and would tie up crucial men and resources from Germany in putting it down. Mosley greatly approves of this idea, especially since Indochina was former French territory, not British, and he would not care if it became fully independent.

They continue to converse for some time. Eventually, everyone is finished. Mosley and the King close the Conference. They bid each other farewell and prepare to head back to their homes to continue the fight. As they exit the building, they face a crowd of reporters, radio broadcasters, and film crews asking many questions. Mosley answers them and tells them Britain is well on the path to greatness. Mosley, the King, the heir apparent, and his brother walk to their vehicles while the night air blows. As they do, Mosley notices an odd man in a brown suit but decides to continue walking, it was just nerves. As they reach him, he yells at the top of his lungs, "Death to the King!", pulls out a revolver from within the newspaper and aims it right at King George. Mosley moves immediately, grabbing the barrel of the gun and swinging it downward, the assassin fires the gun and it strikes Mosley's right shin, knocking him to the ground while he screams in pain. The assassin then moves with lightning speed and fires another round into the King's chest, knocking him back. Before he can fire again, Albert, David, and a bystander knock him to the ground while their mother, Mary, holds George, sobbing into his bleeding chest. Two guards then tell Albert, David, and the bystander to back off the assassin and begin to bludgeon him with their batons, finally picking him up after a few seconds. Three guards have already picked up George while one holds back Mary, who is hysterical, and ferry the two into a car and head to the nearest hospital. Mosley, with the help of Albert, manages to sit up. He is given some water to clean the wound and 2 bystanders help him walk to another car afterwards. The press swarm him, the royals, and the bystander. Mosley manages to only make a few strained statements hoping the King would make it through before leaving to the hospital as well. David and Albert are unable to say anything, Albert is stuttering like a broken engine until he snaps and tells them to leave them alone and then storms off to his car with David and they head to the hospital. The bystander is asked what her name is and she tells them it is Alice Lawrence. She leaves without answering any questions and before anyone can get a proper photograph of her face. The police carry the bleeding assassin to a police car and bring him to the station.

Mosley sits in the car, grimacing at his wound. He is grateful it did not hit his thigh or he'd most likely be a dead man. He sits silently, still in shock from the event. He wonders what will happen next. Regardless, he must continue his work, he must complete his life's mission, although the meeting with the French Exiles must be delayed for some time. The Lion cannot be tamed.

Former Lieutenant Colonel and MD John McCrae, Authour of Many Poems Including the Famous "In France's Fields" and leader of the Loyalist Canadian Delegation to the Imperial Conference, 1915

Joseph Rudyard Kipling, Famous Authour of Many Short Stories, Poems, and Books and Head of the Loyalist Indian Delegation to the Imperial Conference, 1924

]

Jan Christiaan Smuts, Former South African Lieutenant General, Head of the Union Party of South Africa and leader of the Loyalist South African Delegation to the Imperial Conference, 1917

William Riddell Birdwood, War Hero, Former British Field Marshall, Governor-General of Australia, a Leading Figure in the Dominion Party of Australia, and leader of the Loyalist Australian Delegation to the Imperial Conference, 1919

King George V, King of Great Britain and Former Emperor of India, 1926

Queen Consort Mary of Teck, Wife to King George V, 1926

Albert Arthur George, Duke of York, Second Son of King George V and Queen Mary of Teck, 1926

Jonh Cantius Garand, Canadian Born, American Weapons Designer, 1922

A Photo of the King, the Crown Prince, and Prince Albert as they Exit Whitehall

Rare Footage Taken During the Whitehall Shooting, 1926

 

[Lord_Vespasian]

The Sun Rises Yet Again
Chapter 16: Isle of Utopia

January 13, 1926

Mosley lays in the hospital bed, still in pain from yesterday. Soon, a nurse enters and begins fiddling with all the medical equipment, she is followed by a doctor. Mosley asks the doctor how his leg is doing and the doctor tells him there's good news and bad news. The good news is that they managed to mend the bone and within around 2 months Mosley can walk without any assistance, not even a cane. But the bad news is that irreparable damage has been done and he will have a limp for the rest of his life. Mosley is happy he would not be bound to a wheelchair indefinitely. He asks how the King is doing, he says the situation is bleak. External bleeding has been stopped but limited hemorrhaging is still occurring and he had only been fully stabilised a few short hours ago. He is only able to mutter barely coherent statements. The last one the doctor heard was "Damn David". His family is waiting in a separate room, Mary is still sobbing while Albert tries to console her, David is acting very distant. Mosley asks the doctor what the prognosis is, the doctor asks the nurse to go get a new set of bandages for the leg and she exits the room. He tells Mosley he would be amazed if he sees through the light of tomorrow. The nurse reenters and the two rebandage Mosley's leg.

Mosley asks if his family is here and the doctor tells him they are. They enter the room and the children hug their father and Cynthia does so after. They talk about the event and then Cynthia asks about the King, Mosley tells her he's not going to make it. They talk for some time but this eventually interrupted when Mosley gets another visitor, Risdon. Mosley says goodbye to his family and they leave to head home, his children looking displeased. Once they are gone, Mosley turns to Risdon.

Oswald Mosley
"What is it Risdon?"

Wilfred Risdon
"The press is having a field day. Especially Labour. There are already people saying that this is your fault"

Oswald Mosley
"Bastards! Not even waiting till the body is cold."

Wilfred Risdon
"He's dead?"

Oswald Mosley
"No, no. But he's knocking on Death's door. They might as well put a coin in his mouth. This is bad, but I can fix this. I want you to go get Makgill and bring him here, then I want you to go to the Ministry of Information and tell them to begin preparing newspapers and posters for when he croaks, and make sure to get some input from Makgill. I also want you to tell him to tell the cabinet not to make any statements on the shooting. If asked, they are all to say nothing other than wishes for the King and I to recover and that there is not enough information to make any judgement on the shooter's motives. Do you know the shooter's name?"

Wilfred Risdon
"George McMahon. He's an absolute loon. He's an Irishman but didn't support the Easter Rising. He also sent letters to the police saying how there was a communist conspiracy to kill the King, of which he was
not apart of. Truly ironic isn't it?"

Oswald Mosley
"Is he a communist? A German spy?"

Wilfred Risdon
"As far as I know, no. There's nothing linking him to any group, seems to just be some lone gunman."

Oswald Mosley
"I want to know what the hell Scotland Yard was doing! Twiddling their thumbs like a bunch of bloody spastics? Go Risdon, thank you for visiting me."

Wilfred Risdon
"Of course. Good day."

Mosley lays there. The nurse comes in brings him breakfast. Back bacon, scrambled eggs, grilled tomatoes, buttered toast, and some bangers alongside some Yorkshire tea, and a cup of black pudding. He hungrily scarfs it down, as he hadn't eaten anything since before the Conference. As he finishes his pudding, Makgill enters the room.

George Makgill
"Hello Mosley. You look like you're enjoying yourself."

Oswald Mosley
"Yes, yes. Now that you're here, there are some things we need to discuss."

George Makgill
"Of course."

Makgill sits down in a chair.

Oswald Mosley
"This whole spectacle is already causing waves. If we want to come out on the other side of this better than we started, we need to get in front of it. In order to do that, I need you do some things for me."

George Makgill
"And what would they be?"

Oswald Mosley
"I need you to go and find or fabricate evidence linking this man to Marxist groups. If we can successfully pin this on them, we'll have a free hand to suppress those bastards. If things go right, eventually I will be able to make it so that the whole nation would rather die than succumb to the Red Tide. We can also label anyone we don't like that's even somewhat left of center as a Marxist. Just another step to our end goals. I also want you to do everything in your power to keep the shooter quiet and isolated. I don't want the spastic rambling off contradictions to our narrative. Understand?"

George Makgill
"I understand Molsey. Rest assure, I will see to this. Oh, and one more thing; I managed to tighten the net on this 'P.S Burton' due to some info I managed to dig up."

Oswald Mosley
"Really? What did you find?"

George Makgill
"We managed to get a vague description of him, but it was good enough for us to find out he actually enlisted a couple months ago. Apparently he's somewhere in Spain right now."

Oswald Mosley
"He's in Spain? I want you to tell Fuller to get him back here and to me immediately, before some damn Spaniard shoots his head off."

George Makgill
"Understood. it will take some time though as we still don't even know his name. Just a general idea of what his face looks like and the fact he is around 6 feet."

Oswald Mosley
"Just get it done Makgill."

George Makgill
"I will do so."

Makgill stands up and leaves, leaving Mosley once again alone. He falls deep into thought and reflects on how much has happened in the last year or so. He has become head of the country, he has successfully outplayed the Commune and Germany. He has brought Britain back into the World stage and made her a relevant power. He has formed a new alliance with three nations and continues to establish even more alliances while Britain has passed the Depression. As he his thinking, he is interrupted by a man entering into his room. He begins to speak.

Dimitrios Kaklamanos
"Hello Your Excellency, my name is Dimitrios Kaklamanos. I am here as a representative of my Basileus, George II. As you know, the nation of Hellas and her beautiful people are underneath the boot of the filthy Islamic Ottoman oppressors. They deceive the honest folks with lies of "religious tolerance" and "healing divides". They even parade around the false Basileus Alexander, an insult! He is but a puppet to the Sultan in Constantinople. Our Basileus and I know, in reality, that these are obviously just tricks to get strong and trusting Greeks to lower their guard so they can further enslave them. We have seen the action of you and your allies in helping the Spanish achieve their goals of self-determination under a strong and decisive ruler, we desire the same thing. We believe, with the help of the Righteous League, we can achieve both our independence and the realisation of the Megali Idea. I understand that you have many issues to deal with, that wound on your leg being an obvious one, but we couldn't delay anymore. I also approached you as our Basileus is here visiting your's. He also said that he wishes you a speedy recovery."

Oswald Mosley
"Heh, two Georges in the same room. Tell him I am thankful. As for your request, I will consider it. But you must understand, our intervention in the Civil War will mean that we will be unable to begin the war for several years. Have you been in contact with any other groups prior to this conversation? I must also inquire what this, 'Megali Idea', is?"

Dimitrios Kaklamanos
"We have been in contact with Kurdistani and Armenian separatists as well as members of the Great Arab Revolt your "Lawrence of Arabia" led, quite daringly as well I must say. They say they will not risk making the first move, but if we can demonstrate an ability to defeat the Ottomans in the field, they might rise up with us. As for the Megali idea, it is the idea that the Greeks that live in Thrace, Constantinople, and the Ionian Coast must live within Hellas, and thus those lands also belong to Hellas by virtue of reunifying people."

Oswald Mosley
"I see, that is most admirable. As for your contacts, good, keep them limited and do not make any envoys to Germany or the Comintern. I will speak with my generals to work on the matter of supplying your men and preparing plans for both our forces for when the time comes. In the mean time, gather more support but you must do so with discretion. Make the Turks believe that any real problems will arise from somewhere else. If we are to succeed, they must never suspect we are preparing to strike."

Dimitrios Kaklamanos
"I understand. I will inform my Basileus of this and we will continue preparations. I will advise him and Autokratēs Metaxas to maintain a low profile in the coming years."

Oswald Mosley
"Metaxas? Who is that? And what is an 'Autokratēs'?"

Dimitrios Kaklamanos
"He is our equivalent of you or Mussolini. He was a soldier in the Great War and entered politics after it ended. He was originally against entering and even harbored somewhat favorable views to Germany. But ever since Germany approved the Ottoman 'integration' of Greece, he has vowed to never trust them again. As for what an Autokratēs is, it is the equivalent of Italy's Duce. A strong leader but not royalty. The English equivalent would be the word 'Autocrat' I believe. Aut means self while Kratēs means ruling, rule by oneself."

Oswald Mosley
"I see. Good day."

He exits the room and the nurse enters again to check some devices, replace some bags, and clean Mosley's table. He asks for some more tea and she brings it, leaving him alone once more. He ponders on the word Autocrat. It may be the perfect description for what he desires to be. He also thinks about how to approach a war against the Ottomans. He would need to convene the Army Council to determine what the best course of action was and what steps needed to be done beforehand to ensure the soldiers had everything they would need. The war would be a perfect opportunity to test out the new tanks, planes, ships, weapons, and tactics for the forces that would be developed and produced in the coming years. It would also be the perfect chance to avenge the disaster that was Gallipoli. It might even be the event that could help Birdwood curry favor with the Australians. He then remembered what Smuts said at the Conference. Mosley knows he must do something to spearhead South Africa's reentry into the Empire if his goals are to be achieved. He sees only one option, supply the native Africans with guns and trainers and fuel the fires of revolt. The South African Whites would cry for help and Britain would be standing by, ready to save the people of South Africa. They would clamor to return under British rule and the divorc between the British and Boers could begin to truly heal, and Smuts would have a free hand to expel those savages to begin the process of truly colonisation Africa. Similar moves must be made in India as well. Care must be taken in order to avoid being discovered.

He is worried about David and his future reign. Although he had grown a sense of dedication and devotion in the previous years, no longer content with being the Royal Playboy, he still had issues. The most dangerous of these was his rather newfound infatuation with an American, Wallis Spencer. The divorcee he met back in 1925 in New York. Once he comes into the spotlight following his father's death, an attempt to marry her will cause trouble.

His mind then drifted to the economy. Kitson told him the economy has fully recovered and would soon surpass the levels before the Great Depression. The Depression was already on the way out, it having lasted for 4 years already, but he would use the timing to claim his government alone was responsible for its end. He will use the bolstered economy to truly begin large-scale rearmament. He would authorise Fuller's plans to begin mechanising the Army. The army of the greatest nation in history shouldn't rely on horses for transport in the Age of the Machine. He would also allocate more funds into RTD across the board. Beforehand, everyone has been working on a tight budget, but now he can be more liberal with the treasury. He could subsidise factories to begin producing military equipment to begin supplying the Armed Forces with modern equipment as well as develop a surplus. He would also authorise Beatty to renew fleet construction. He believed in Beatty and his radical "Floating Fortress" idea, but even Beatty has admitted that the doctrine isn't fully applicable yet and that in the meantime we would have to rely on traditional methods. Britain could afford to build a few more battleships along with some light cruisers and destroyers. He would need an adequate fleet to take on the Ottomans when the time came, hopefully some of the ships could be completed by the time the war began. He would have to further accelerate the pace of aerial innovation in order to ensure that the paths Britain has chosen see success. He then thought about France and the inevitable invasion that would take place. He had yet to meet the French exiles, but once he did he would have his government to establish and his casus belli, he was ready to meet the "Lion of Troyes and Lyon". He would need to develop sufficient technology to properly and rapidly land troops in amphibious invasions, and the war with the Ottomans would provide opportunities to test out ideas and ships. Never again would men row in rickety wooden boats while guns larger than houses bombarded them and fire poured from a beachhead. Both Italy and Portugal are in tow, with South Africa, Spain and Greece soon to follow, Britain would have sufficient allies to take down France quickly. Once France is in line, Germany would be next. Britain would achieve the peace she had maintained before 1914, when she was the center of the world. Britain will become that once more, Britain will become an Isle of Utopia.


An Anti-Mosley Paper Quoting a Labour MP Statement Saying the Government's Recent Extremism is to Blame for the Assassination Attempt On the King

Alexander, King of the Ottoman Protectorate of Greece, 1916

George II, King of the Exiled Greek Nationalists and Enemy of the Ottoman Empire, Visiting London to Wish Good Health to His Cousin, George V, 1926

Ioannis Metaxas, Former Greek Military Officer and Autokratēs of the Exiled Greek Nationalists, 1926

A Map of Envisioning a Realised Megali Idea Before Greece's Entry Into the Great War

Mehmed VI, the Caliph of Islam, the Amir al-Mu'minin, the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, the Kayser-i Rûm, and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, 1917

 

[Lord_Vespasian]

The Sun Rises Yet Again
Chapter 17: The King Is Dead

January 14, 1926

It is 6 p.m. The King lies in his bed, his family surrounding him. His breathing is pained and labored. He motions weakly to Mary and Albert, he then motions them to kneel down. He struggles to breathe but the words manage to slip out.

King George V
"When I am dead, that boy and his master will ruin themselves, this family, and this nation in 12 months."

As the final word leaves his mouth, he lets out another breath and he lays still. Albert checks his pulse but there is none, for he is dead. Mary cries little, for her tears have already been exhausted. David moves closer and stares at his body, a mix of anger, sadness, regret, and fear cover his face. At once, several doctors rush in and hurry them out the room as they attempt to resuscitate him. Their efforts are for naught, however, and he never breathes again.

Mosley is sleeping in his room, until an aide enters in and wakes him up. He sits up and asks her what is going on. She tells him the King is dead. Mosley only responds with, "It's time then". He asks her to go bring a nurse with a wheelchair. He is glad he will no longer have to his weekly meeting with George anymore, they were extremely awkward and painful to get through. Soon a nurse enters but she has no chair. He asks where is the chair he requested and she tells him he cannot leave his bed at this time and he must stay. He fires back, telling her he fought in the Great War and he wouldn't be kept bedridden by a shin wound and that she better bring him a wheelchair this instant before he had her fired. She, visibly terrified of him, immediately complies and brings Mosley a wheelchair and a leg rest. He his helped into it and he wheels off to George's room. He enters in and sees his limp, lifeless body and now knows for certain it is true. He pulls David out of the room they proceed to speak quietly.

King David
"What is it Mosley?"

Oswald Mosley
"You know what this is about. I let you have your fun, but now your father's dead and you have to begin taking this business of yours seriously."

King David
"What are you talking about? I take my duties as serious as you do yours. I strive to be an enlightened monarch to lead our people into a new golden age."

Oswald Mosley
"Dammit David! You know what, or rather who, I am talking about. That, American, you met in New York a year ago. I know you've had several, 'extended trips', with her and I know exactly what you are doing. That woman, Spencer, is not suited to be the queen consort of Britain. She is a divorcee, a deviant, and worst of all, an American. The Church and, more importantly, the people will never accept her. There are many suitable wives you can have."

King David
"Mosley, I intend to marry. I truly love her."

Oswald Mosley
"Listen to me, you are to be King. You've come to a point where you must decide what is more important to you, your duty, your family name, your legacy, your people, and this nation or your own temporal happiness. I hate to tell you this but they are diametrically opposed."

King David
"How can you ask me to make that choice?!"

Oswald Mosley
"Because it is the choice every leader of any nation must make for better or for worse. And it is a choice I have made myself years ago. I met a woman I enjoyed the company of very much, enough to divorce Cynthia. But I realised that being divorced or even having an affair would drive some people away from my platform, and so I ended our relationship and have limited contact with her. If one wants to be a popular and effective public figure, you must discard with the notion you can have a truly private life. Every decision you make is tainted by the calculating mind of a ruler. In order to be able to achieve the power and influence needed to shape the world to what you desire, to influence millions or maybe even billions of people, you must give up part of your humanity, part of your freedom. Do you understand David?"

King David
"I do now Mosley. I will make this sacrifice for my future empire."

Oswald Mosley
"Good, prepare yourself for the press in the coming days."

Mosley sends orders throughout the whole hospital for the story to be contained until tomorrow morning. He then wheels away to his car and has his chauffeur drive him to Risdon's house to talk with him. Mosley is helped up the stairs by his assistants. He knocks on the door.

Wilfred Risdon
"Hello Your Excellency! Come in, come in! They can't keep you in a bed can they?"

Oswald Mosley
"No they cannot."

Ridson closes the door after Mosley wheels in and sits down next to him.

Wilfred Risdon
"Wait a minute, you're here this soon, has it happened?"

Oswald Mosley
"Indeed it has."

Wilfred Risdon
"What do we do now?"

Oswald Mosley
"You know exactly what we are going to do. Did you do as I instructed?"

Wilfred Risdon
"Yes I did. We have propaganda ready to launch and one of the lads at the Ministry even took his own time to figure it out who would be the best bride for David. He said King George II's sister, Princess Helen, would be perfect once the time comes."

Oswald Mosley
"Excellent. Prepare to begin slowly leaking propaganda 30 minutes after the news breaks tomorrow, we mustn't appear eager in our efforts. As for the matter of Helen, leave that to me. Is there anything else that needs my attention?"

Wilfred Risdon
"Yes there is. Fuller said he wanted to speak to you about some things."

Oswald Mosley
"Tell him to meet me at the hospital, I had to be very cautious coming here so as to avoid drawing attention. If people were to see me out of the hospital so soon rumours will spread that something is amiss, which is the truth. The best way to profit from bad news is to control the story, we have to control this. Understand?"

Wilfred Risdon
"Of course Your Excellency."

Oswald Mosley
"Is there anything else?"

Wilfred Risdon
"No Your Excellency."

Oswald Mosley
"Wonderful, good night to you Risdon."

Wilfred Risdon
"And a good night to you, Your Excellency."

Mosley returns to the hospital and rests his leg. Not long after, Fuller enters the room with a large army duffel bag and sits down.

Oswald Mosley
"Hello Fuller, Risdon told me there are some things you wanted to talk to me about?"

J. F. C. Fuller
"Yes there are some things Your Excellency."

Oswald Mosley
"Very well, I am listening."

J. F. C. Fuller
"Well the first thing is about the introduction of a new class of armament into the our armed forces. The weapon I am speaking would be a mix between a rifle and a light machine gun, the rapid fire of a machine gun with the compactness and portability of a rifle."

Oswald Mosley
"Where is this wonder-weapon that you speak of?"

Fuller reaches into his duffel bag for a few seconds and pulls out a weapon.

J. F. C. Fuller
"This is my 'wonder-weapon', or more accurately known as the Beretta Model 1918."

Oswald Mosley
"How in bloody hell did you sneak that into here?"

J. F. C. Fuller
"I am a war hero, head of the army, and a member of your inner circle. It was incredibly simple."

Oswald Mosley
"What was the name of that weapon again?"

J. F. C. Fuller
"The Beretta Model 1918."

Oswald Mosley
"Beretta? How did you acquire an Italian weapon?"

J. F. C. Fuller
"It was a gift from an Italian officer by the name of Enrico Caviglia. We were both liaisons between the British and Italian forces, he would relay info to and from Rudolph Lambart, who would then relay it to Pietro Badoglio, who would then relay it Armando Diaz, meanwhile I would relay info to and from Henry Rawlinson, who would then relay it to Sir Haig. The work we did was crucial to the Italian war effort, especially on the German front. As you can see it has an overhead inserted magazine, this and several other design choices allows the spent round to replaced quickly and efficiently using gravity rather than the slow, manual process of either inserting a round or pulling the bolt handle. And after the spent round is ejected, a fresh one can enter into the chamber ready to be fired again. It is also fully automatic and one could unleash the full magazine capacity in less than 2 seconds."

Oswald Mosley
"Fuller I see the tremendous potential this weapon possesses, but a weapon like this is expensive and hard to manufacture in large quantities. And Garand is already working on a new rifle for our army."

J. F. C. Fuller
"I know that. This machine carbine would be meant for elite troops and other specialized forces. Garand's rifle will still be the one for the main army."

Oswald Mosley
"Very well, form an RTD group to work on developing our own version of this weapon. Hand me your preliminary expense reports for the first year and I'll have Kitson or someone from his department look it over so as to allocate funding. What else do you want to talk about?"

J. F. C. Fuller
"Yes. Another thing I wanted to talk about was the formation of said specialized forces. The effectiveness of the German Sturmtruppen and the Italian Arditi during the Great War proved that special forces will be a necessary component of a modern army."

Oswald Mosley
"What are some special force groups that you are keen on forming?"

J. F. C. Fuller
"First we need our shock troops, specialized in breaking through enemy lines and applying pressure wherever needed. I also would begin creating an elite commando unit for less forward tactics, the skills of the spy and saboteur are more important than ever, a single bolt falls out of place in the massive war machine and thousands die, tons of food is lost, hundreds of tanks, planes, and guns never get made, enough parts break, and the entire machine crawls to a standstill and nation is left defenseless. The recruitment and training will take some time but that's why I'm eager to start soon. I also have a theory that if specialized troops were trained in the use of parachutes and quick deployment out of an airplane. they could be deployed en masse or in small groups. These 'aerotroopers' would allow the use of new strategies not possible before. Here are some papers some of my colleagues and I have written detailing how effective these special forces could be."

Mosley looks through several of the papers before setting them on his night table.

Oswald Mosley
"This is fantastic and I entirely concur. In fact, I agree so much that I'd strongly advise getting preparations started as early as this week."

J. F. C. Fuller
"So soon? Is there something I am not aware of Your Excellency?"

Oswald Mosley
"Yes there is. Yesterday, a man named Dimitrios Kaklamanos came to me, representing George II. We talked about Greece and its status as an integrated protectorate. And then he mentioned our current intervention in Spain at the moment and inquired if the same could not be done for Greece. We discussed it and as of now I plan that we will be headed to war with the Ottoman Empire within the next decade."

J. F. C. Fuller
"War with the Ottomans, what benefit would that bring us?"

Oswald Mosley
"Many. The first is gaining several important allies, the Greeks, the Arabs, the Kurds, and the Armenians. Secondly, ready access to the Persian oil fields which we desperately need. Third, we get to dismantle the Sick Man of Europe, a fitting revenge for the part they played in our defeat. And lastly, it will prove as a perfect chance to display to world our might with the weapons and tactics that will have been developed in the coming years."

J. F. C. Fuller
"A war like that is an enormous matter. Are you sure you're willing to start it?"

Oswald Mosley
"Yes. I want to gather all the people from all branches that you will need to plan for this war. I'll draft a summary of some background info Dimitrios informed me of as well as some constraints and have it forwarded to you. I want a full, in-depth strategy for the whole war, taking everything into account, including the Arabs, the Kurds, and the Armenians."

J. F. C. Fuller
"Very well. I will summon the branches and we will begin planning. I promise you we will have a comprehensive plan for dealing with Ottomans."

Oswald Mosley
"Thank you. Is there anything else you wanted to talk about with me?"

J. F. C. Fuller
"Yes, there is one last thing. I was thinking about ways to handle our manpower problems, now that we no longer have all the Dominions to call on. I was unable to think of anything practical until Ross came to me with the disease casualty figures from the war that I requested and the numbers truly shocked me. I have always known that disease is the largest killer in any war, never man, but I never confronted the numbers as directly as I did that day. I asked what him what steps could I implement to reduce disease and he did so."

Oswald Mosley
"What are these steps he proposed?"

J. F. C. Fuller
"The first is an extremely simple one, consistent hand washing. I know, something so simple that if followed to completion could save thousands, if not millions, of lives. Every man that doesn't get sick is one who can do his job. The second is to improve our disease prevention and quarantine measures so as to slow or halt the spread of disease. The third is to increase the number and quality of nurses. doctors, and surgeons. The fourth one is to do research into what is a balanced and nutritious diet, the human body, if well maintained, can be the greatest deterrent to disease. This new diet would increase some foods that are insufficient and reduce foods that are consumed in excess, giving the most nutrition for the least amount of food possible. Cutting on this waste will help prevent widespread malnutrition and ease the amount of rationing that will need to be done at home during war. The fifth and final major suggestion is to begin mass motorisation of our Field Ambulances. All the suggestions will not be able to be enacted immediately or for some time but the simpler ones can instituted quickly and cheaply and will save thousands of lives. Here are some of the analyses that Ross made for implementation of these measures, including expenses and a schedule as well as human lives conserved with such efforts."

Mosley quickly scans through the papers, already confident in Fuller and Ross' judgement.

Oswald Mosley
"I give you free reign to begin immediate implementation of all these measures save for the final one, the motorisation of the Field Ambulances must not take precedent over supplying the combat vehicles."

J. F. C. Fuller
"I understand. That is all I have to say Your Excellency."

Oswald Mosley
"I have a question, what name do you intend to give our shock trooper corps? Whatever your name is, it must be good, we must strike fear into the hearts of our enemies the way the Italians and Germans did."

J. F. C. Fuller
"I assure the name I have settled upon will be most satisfactory. But unfortunately I can not tell you, it is a surprise for you. Trust me, it is better this way."

Oswald Mosley
"Very well. There is one last thing I must discuss with you."

J. F. C Fuller
"What is it?"

Oswald Mosley
"What I am about to tell you must be handled with the utmost care and secrecy, this is not to be bandied about freely. You know Auchinleck is down in Angola and Mozambique?"

J. F. C. Fuller
"Yes. He's still training troops down there."

Oswald Mosley
"I want you to speak to him about getting into contact with native resistance movements in South Africa and I want you to begin the work of shipping material and instructors down to him discretely."

J. F. C. Fuller
"What? Why on Earth would we do that?"

Oswald Mosley
"We need South Africa to rejoin the Empire if we wish to advance our plans with great speed. The best way I can see that happening is to support anti-White African dissidents so as to encourage them revolt. With the help we will have secretly provided, they will hopefully overwhelm the nation and South Africa will require saving and Auchinleck will swiftly move in to crush the rebellion. The people of South Africa will see us as the savior of their nation and will clamor to return to Britain."

J. F. C. Fuller
"Mosley you are making many extreme decisions-"

Oswald Mosley
"Because I am willing to do anything for our vision, anything! Are you willing to do anything for our vision?"

Fuller pauses for a moment and falls into deep thought. After a few minutes he looks to Mosley and speaks.

J. F. C. Fuller
"I wasn't sure before, but you're conviction to your beliefs has led me to arrive at a conclusion. Yes, I am willing to do anything to achieve our vision."

Oswald Mosley
"That's not what I asked Fuller. I asked you if are willing to do anything for our vision."

J. F. C. Fuller
"Yes."

Oswald Mosley
"Good. You will make all preparations ready?"

J. F. C. Fuller
"I will, with all due haste."

Oswald Mosley
"Excellent. Good night to you Fuller."

J. F. C. Fuller
"Good night Your Excellency."

Fuller exits the room and Mosley is alone once again. Mosley tells an aide that he wishes to speak with David and soon after he arrives.

King David
"Hello Mosley, what is it you wished to speak to me about?"

Oswald Mosley
"I believe I found you a suitable bride."

King David
"Who?"

Oswald Mosley
"Princess Helen of Greece and Denmark. She is a perfect match for both public and political purposes. She is here as well. I'd suggest you begin to get accustomed to her in the days that she is her."

King David
"Very well, if you think she is a good bride I shall take her."

Oswald Mosley
"Good, she is a beautiful woman and will bear you many strong children."

A displeased look spreads across David's face.

Oswald Mosley
"Is something the matter David?"

King David
"Yes there is. When I was young, I suffered from a bout of mumps. I'm afraid to say it, but I am infertile. Trust me, I know."

Oswald Mosley
"What? Are you a 100% sure?"

King David
"I am certain. I plan to name Albert as my successor and if he passes, his first child, who has yet to have been born."

Oswald Mosley
"Have you told anyone this?"

King David
"Not that I know of, you are the first I've told."

Oswald Mosley
"Very well. This requires a shift in our plans. You must become close with that child and mold them into our image, they will be the true successor to your reign."

King David
"I do not need to be told that. That child represents the future, my future."

Oswald Mosley
"What will your regnal name?"

King Edward VIII
"I have decided upon the name Edward. Edward VIII."

Oswald Mosley
"God save King Edward."

King Edward VIII
"Good night Mosley."

Edward departs and Mosley lays alone, he calls a nurse to bring him food and she does so. Mosley sees everything coming together. With King George V dead, one of the biggest domestic obstacles, aside from the nations continued respect for financial democracy, has been swept aside and is due to be replaced with someone allied to him. Steps have been taken that will lead South Africa to strife and to prepare Britain for a great conflict between the Sick Man of Europe and the rising power that is Britain. The King is dead, but the nation rises.

The Beretta Model 1918 Machine Carbine Was the First Machine Carbine Gun to be Used as a General-Issue Combat Weapon and is Still Employed by the Regio Esercito

Enrico Caviglia, Distinguished Italian Officer in the Great War. He Overran the Austro-Hungarians on the Bainsizza Plateau, Widely Considered to be the most brilliant Italian advance in the Eleventh Battle of the Isonzo. He lead the Eighth Army skillfully during the Venetian Offensive, Effectively Ending All Hopes of Austro-Hungarian Offensive Action For the Rest of the War. He Has Risen to the Rank of Field Marshall, 1918

A Squad of German Stoßtruppen Advance Against Enemy Positions in France, 1917

Princess Helen of Denmark and Greece, Sister to Alexander and George II. She Sided With George When the Split in the House of Glücksburg Occurred Over Whether or Not to Accept Ottoman Rule Over Greece

 

[Lord_Vespasian]

The Sun Rises Yet Again
Chapter 18: Changing of the Guard

January 15, 1926

The news breaks in the morning edition of The Times. The nation begins the process of mourning. Although the news came as a shock to no one, it is tragic nonetheless. The people of Britain have suffered much loss in the last decade or so. Losing the war, losing a generation in the trenches, losing their empire, losing their position as the number one world power, losing their prosperity, and losing their pride, now they've lost their King. The people of Britain have regained a positive outlook on life, believing the time of death and loss beginning in 1914, the Lost Decade many call it, is finally over, but it seems that the world had one more thing to take from Britain. All across the nation, radio broadcasters and newspapers say their praises to him. Despite the disaster that was the Great War and the collapse of the Empire, many regard George V kindly, viewing him as the final lasting vestige of the ways of old. And like all the other ways, it had to come to an end. The public dons him as the tragic Servant King. Preparations for his lying in state, the funeral procession, and Edward's coronation in about year from now are all started. A German composer by the name of Paul Hindemith heard of the King's death and within six hours wrote a suite he called Trauermusik, German for Mourning Music, and performed that evening in a live broadcast from a BBC radio studio, with Adrian Boult conducting and the composer as soloist. Hindemith had traveled to London to play with Adrian Boult and the BBC Symphony Orchestra at the Imperial Conference. The song is extremely moving, a viola and string orchestra suite, and is well received by the public, the Church of England, Parliament, Mosley's government, and the Royal Family.

In the following days, several other ceremonies come to a close and George V is finally brought to Westminster Hall to carry out the tradition of lying in state, a tradition followed since William the Conqueror's death. As they carry him, a part of the Imperial State Crown falls from on top of the coffin as the cortège turned into New Palace Yard but is luckily caught by Edward. All in who see it look at him with an uncertain gaze, wondering if this is an omen of some kind. If so, is it good or bad? The procession continues and, once inside, the coffin is placed upon the catafalque. He lies there for 4 days and 4 nights, guarded around the clock constantly by several detachments, each containing four men from the following units; Her Majesty's Bodyguard of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen-at-Arms, The Queen's Bodyguard of the Yeomen of the Guard, The Royal Company of Archers, The Life Guards, The Blues and Royals, the Grenadier Guards, the Coldstream Guards, the Scots Guards, the Irish Guards, and the Welsh Guards. Each unit mans the guard for a total of six hours, with each detachment standing post for twenty minutes. The four men stand at each corner with heads bowed and weapons inverted; their backs are turned towards the coffin. People flood in and out of Westminster Hall all day to see the King's coffin and pay their respects. Soon, it is closed to the public for the day. The same happens for the next three days. It is nighttime on the fourth day and it precedes normally until something unprecedented happens, King Edward VIII, Prince Albert, Duke of York, Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester, and Prince George, Duke of Kent, all stand guard around their father's coffin. They stand throughout the night. This unique event is called the Vigil of the Princes.

The final funeral takes place in the morning. The King's body is carried out from Westminster Hall and his coffin is secured to the gun carriage that will carry him to Windsor Castle. Queen Mary of Teck, draped head to toe in black with a veil to cover her face, enters the Glass coach. Behind is King George's sister, Queen Maud of Norway, Princess Royal Mary, Countess of Harewood, and Elizabeth, Duchess of York, all dressed in similar attire. King Edward VIII takes his place behind the gun carriage, his three brothers trailing closely behind him. Also in the procession are the many kings of Europe. First and foremost is George's first cousin, Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany. Also in attendance is George II, claimant to the Greek throne, King Alexander of Greece, King-Emperor of the crumbling Austro-Hungarian Empire Karl von Habsburg, the exiled King Alfonso XIII of Spain, Dom Manuel II of Portugal, King Victor Emmanuel III of Italy, King Gustaf V of Sweden, and the Japanese diplomat to London standing in place of Emperor Taishō. Mosley, his wife, the government, a plethora of military personnel, the French Exiles, and diplomats from all the major nations of the world, Mussolini, Metaxas, and Franco included, all stand close by in a separate procession. The tension in the air is undeniable, the many states of Europe who fought or participated against each other in the Great War less than a decade ago all standing together, united by only one thing, respect for one of their own.

The procession begins the slow march to Windsor Castle. Thousands crowd the route, all waiting to get one final glimpse of the King's coffin. Photographers and cameramen also trail the procession, ensuring this tragic day is documented thoroughly. The crowd is immense but deafeningly silent. They eventually reach the station, where a train will carry the King to Windsor Castle. The train reaches its destination an hour late due to the massive crowds in London. The procession continues, smaller than the one in London but still magnificent. After many hours, the King's body is finally interred in St George's Chapel, near the West Door. And with that, the reign of King George V has come to its ultimate end.

For a few short hours, the rulers converse with one another in a way thought impossible by all just a few days ago. Mosley and King Edward manage to isolate Kaiser Wilhelm alone for several moments.

Kaiser Wilhelm II
"Gentlemen, it is a pleasure to see you today. Edward, my deepest sympathies to you and your family."

King Edward VIII
"Yes, thank you Uncle Wilhelm."

Kaiser Wilhelm II
"And as for you Mr. Mosley, I am deeply sorry for the grievous leg wound you suffered."

Oswald Mosley
"Thank you Your majesty, it is an honor to meet you."

Kaiser Wilhelm II
"Yes. Although your recent aggressive actions towards Germany have shocked me greatly."

Oswald Mosley
"I know our two nations have conflicted in the past few years, but I wish to redress that."

Kaiser Wilhelm II
"How so?"

Oswald Mosley
"I would like to invite you and several members of the German Imperial Admiralty Staff, as well as any other naval personnel you deem essential, to London so as to negotiate a naval treaty between Germany, Britain, America, Japan, Italy, and Portugal. A treaty that will hopefully prevent the naval arms race that occurred before the Great War and let me make it clear that Britain is completely willing to accept German naval primacy."

Kaiser Wilhelm II
"Really? Is Britain wiling to give up its chances at contesting German naval supremacy?"

King Edward VIII
"The British are a tenacious and quickly adapting people. We are quick to change when change is needed."

Kaiser Wilhelm II
"Very well, let me know when this Conference of yours will take place and I assure you Germany will be there. Good day to you both."

King Edward VIII
"Good day to you as well."

Wilhelm rejoins the crowd and continues to converse, his unmistakable English accent making it clear how he was related to the deceased. Edward looks to Mosley.

King Edward VIII
"Mosley why would you acquiesce to the Germans in a matter as essential as the navy?"

Oswald Mosley
"Trust me Your Majesty, I already have the whole Conference planned out in my mind to ensure we gain the most from it."

King Edward VIII
"Very well, I trust your judgement immensely."

Oswald Mosley
"You should. You and I, we are the new guard. We are the winds of change that will revolutionise society. We will be the Alexanders, the Caesars, the Napoleons, the Charlemagnes, the Elizabeths, and Victorias that will bring about a new age. Germany, America, they represent the old guard. They've been in control of the world for too long and haven't done well with it, it is time for a changing of the guard. You and I? We are just the first waves that warn of the monumental tsunami that will wash away every foul and outdated institution."

King Edward VIII
"And what about the Marxists? Do they not call themselves the avant-garde ?"

Oswald Mosley
"We are different. Their new ways will bring slavery, decay, and death. They will destroy our glorious nation and our race. They would wipe away godliness and replace it with societal atheism. We, on the other hand, are the heralds of strength, faith, glory, and national renaissance. They are the false shepherd, we are the righteous one."

King Edward VIII
"You are correct Mosley. I am just still extremely nervous."

Oswald Mosley
"Do not worry, you shall be a great king. The coming age will be a grandiose Edwardian Era."

Mosley and Edward talk with many other people and ensure that Italy, America, and Portugal will come to the Conference. Japan gives no firm answer but Mosley suspects they will arrive, to not do so would be admitting they aren't a great power. Edward manages to talk with Helen and they seem to be fancying each other. Mosley catches several glimpses of them and is pleased that Edward is taking a liking to her and vice versa. Mosley manages to wrangle Charles de Gaulle, François Darlan, Ferdinand Foch, and, most importantly, Philippe Pétain.

Philippe Pétain
"Hello Prime Minister. It is an honor."

Oswald Mosley
"The honor is all mine. I'm so glad to have finally been able to meet you. I have been so swamped and I had planned to meet with you the day after the Imperial Conference. But then that bloody assassin murdered our beloved King and shot me straight through the shin."

Mosley pulls his right pant leg up to show them the wound.

Charles de Gaulle
"He got you quite good."

Oswald Mosley
"Yes he did. But that's not what I wanted to talk about. I say we schedule a meeting at Downing Street so we can discuss several important matters. Most of all the liberation of France from the dreaded Communard."

Philippe Pétain
"Yes, we should. Would two months from today be acceptable? We need time to get our proposals in order so as to present an organised plan, shall we not Monsieur Foch?"

Ferdinand Foch
"Yes, I concur."

Oswald Mosley
"That is perfectly fine, I might be able to walk by then too."

They share a light laugh and then they scatter about. Mosley pulls Dom Manuel away in order to speak to him.

Dom Manuel II
"Hello Mosley. My deepest sympathies to you and for your King."

Oswald Mosley
"Thank you. I wish to discuss something very important with you."

Dom Manuel II
"What is it?"

Oswald Mosley
"I plan to incite revolution in South Africa in order to push them to join the Empire. I intend to use Angola and Mozambique as a staging ground for many of the activities involved in the process. I need to know if that is acceptable for you."

Dom Manuel II
"I see nothing wrong with it. Will we be given necessary compensation for our space and secrecy?"

Oswald Mosley
"I am certain that Kitson can work something out."

Dom Manuel II
"Have him talk with Salazar, he is also the chief financial minister. He is gifted when it comes to all matters of money."

Oswald Mosley
"I will do so."

Eventually, the crowd departs and everyone returns to their quarters for the night. Mosley calls Joyce, Beatty, Richmond, and Cunningham to a private meeting in the hospital in the dead of night. They are ordered to meet in an area Mosley has set aside for personal use. They filter into the room around 10 p.m.

Oswald Mosley
"Hello gentlemen, good to see you all."

David Beatty
"It is good to see you as well Your Excellency."

Herbert Richmond
"Why have you called us here Your Excellency?"

Oswald Mosley
"That is a very good question. The answer is that I spoke to the Kaiser and he agreed to meet in London in a few months to negotiate a naval treaty between us. Also in attendance will be America, Italy, Portugal, and possibly Japan."

The room murmurs in confusion.

William Joyce
"Why would you propose such a thing?"

Oswald Mosley
"Very simple. I plan to goad the Germans into a false sense of security. The Kaiser, obsessed with having the grandest navy the world has ever seen, will continue to blindly build dreadnoughts without further supplementation by other ships. We will act as if we intend to build a massive battleship fleet. We will then negotiate into giving up dreadnought parity in exchange for benefits of some kind, which we shall use to finance the research, development, and construction of our carriers and other ships. We will have a better navy than theirs and a bigger one then we could've hoped all while appearing to be the true peacekeepers of the Europe."

William Joyce
"Brilliant!"

David Beatty
"That's a hell of a gambit, are you certain you can pull it off?"

Oswald Mosley
"By myself? No. But all of us working in a combined effort, I am certain of."

The room cheers at the sound of this.

Andrew Cunningham
"But how exactly do you intend on getting them to accept these demands?"

Oswald Mosley
"Joyce and I will work on sizing the Kaiser up, seeing what his weaknesses are and how to best exploit them. The admiralty, on the other hand, will work on getting information to back my claims. That includes setting up diversions to ensure that they believe we are going to pursue a dreadnought heavy fleet as well as investigating the German navy's command structure."

David Beatty
"We understand Your Excellency. We will not fail you."

Oswald Mosley
"Good. You may all return to your homes. There is much work to be done in the coming months."

Mosley relaxes in hospital bed, exhausted from all the movement he shouldn't be doing. But he will not slow down, he cannot slow down, for the destiny of the nation depends on him, this he knows. He can't wait to meet with Fuller and the rest of the armed forces to see how much progress they've made into planning for the war against the Ottomans. He also must check with SIS to kick-start Britain's espionage and sabotage programs. He must check in with Garand to see the progress on his rifle. But, most importantly of all, he must prepare for the Naval Conference. If he handles it correctly, he could ensure British naval dominance in the future. If he mishandles it, he would hand continued naval dominance to Germany. Every decision is eminently important.

Wilhelm II, Emperor of Germany, Head of the Mitteleuropa Economic Block, Victor of the Weltkrieg, and First Cousin to King George V, 1926

Victor Emmanuel III, King of Italy. He Acquiesced to Mussolini During the March on Rome, Giving Him Complete Control Over Italy, 1924

Karl von Habsburg, Emperor of Austria, King of Hungary, Bohemia, Dalmatia, and Croatia. He Struggles to Keep His Crumbling Empire Together, 1919

Alfonso XIII, the Exiled King of Spain. Both the Nationalists and the Republicans Refuse His Claim to the Throne and Threaten to Arrest Him if He Sets Foot In Spain, 1911

Field Marshall Philippe Pétain, Head of the French Exiles, Hero of the Great War, the Lion of Troyes and Lyon, and Fierce Anti-Communard. He Seeks to Liberate France From Communism At Any Cost, 1918

Charles de Gaulle, a Lower Member of Phillipe Pétain's Inner Circle, Prisoner of War to Both Germany and the French Commune, Fierce Anti-Communard, and Proponent of a New Style of Warfare Similar to Fuller's, 1921

King Edward VIII, Followed by His Three Brothers, Trails Behind His Father's Coffin, 1926

King George V's Coffin and the Funeral Procession With It, 1926

Many Thousands Crowd the Route In Order to See the King's Coffin, 1926

 

[Lord_Vespasian]

The Sun Rises Yet Again
Chapter 19: An Old Order Made Anew

February 9, 1926

Mosley has been discharged from the hospital. Although it will still take some months for it to heal fully and weeks for him to be able to even walk, he can finally truly return to work. Makgill and Sinclair inform Mosley that P. S. Burton has finally been found as the lull during the winter months has allowed them to quicken the search for him. His real name is Eric Blair and his transfer order is already in place, with Fuller placing special priority on it. He should be in London in a week. Mosley congratulates Makgill and Sinclair on a job well done.

Mosley asks Beatty to begin working on a new class of battleship, one meant for actual service and to have two laid down by the early 1930s. Beatty assures him he will get it done. Sopwith tells Mosley that all the planes have gone through test flights and several improvements have already been made and that they can begin producing them in factories potentially before the end of the year. Mosley thanks him for his speed in this endeavor and sends notice to Kitson to begin working on merging H.G. Hawker Engineering, Avro, and Black Aircraft into a single massive aircraft manufacturer that would be given preferential treatment as an incentive. He also informs him of the South Africa Scheme and tells him to meet with Salazar to work out compensation for Portugal.

Mosley meets with Fuller in his office to check on how the planning against the Ottomans has progressed.

Oswald Mosley
"Hello Fuller. May I enter?"

J. F. C. Fuller
"Hello Your Excellency! Yes, please come in. I presume you are here to inquire on the state of planning I have carried out with my colleagues?"

Oswald Mosley
"How right you are! Please, tell me."

J. F. C. Fuller
"I assure you it is going well. Once I had announced the news to them they jubilated with a most gay attitude. We were so fervent in our planning that we quickly built a baseline for the entire war that night."

Oswald Mosley
"Surely you must be jesting?"

J. F. C. Fuller
"I am not. We are still working on a complete map and plan but we have our major operations outlined and have consolidated them all into a 'War Plan'."

Oswald Mosley
"A 'War Plan'?"

J. F. C. Fuller
"It is all the operations, strategies, and information prevalent to a nation in case of military action. I have here the War Plan for the Ottoman Empire, code-named War Plan Macedon. It's all right here."

Fuller hands Mosley a folder filled with over a hundred papers and documents.

J. F. C. Fuller
"We shall expand upon it, it should easily reach over a 1,000 pages by its completion, minimum."

Mosley looks at the many papers and glosses the operational procedures page.

Oswald Mosley
"Operation Olympus, Operation Themiscotles, Operation Agamemnon, Operation Steel, Operation Lawrence, Operation Trajan, Operation Plataea, Operation Trojan War, and Operation Theodosius."

J. F. C. Fuller
"All operations against the Ottoman Empire."

Mosley reads through the many operations and details within the page.

An asterisk is placed to show that all nations apart from Britain shall be referred to as the Allies unless a specific nation (or nations) is (are) to be involved separately.

Operation Olympus, key objectives; supply, train, and prepare Greek nationalists to rise up in arms against Ottoman forces in Attica and the Peloponnesus.

Operation Themistocles, key objectives; use British and Allied fleets to achieve naval supremacy in the Aegean and the greater Eastern Mediterranean sea and block all Ottoman naval actions, most importantly, the possibility of Ottoman reinforcements being delivered to Greece by sea.

Operation Agamemnon, key objectives; land Allied forces into Greece to drive back Ottoman and potential Greek loyalist forces.

Operation Steel, key objectives; execute a successful naval landing at Alexandretta and secure Syria under British occupation.

Operation Lawrence, key objectives; incite the Arabs, Kurds, and Armenians to revolt against Ottoman rule.

Operation Trajan, key objectives; a sizable army with a large armored component is to drive through Ottoman forces in Iraq and secure it under British occupation.

Operation Plataea, key objectives; Greek and Allied forces are to drive through Ottoman controlled Greece all the way to Istanbul's west side by land.

Operation Trojan War, key objectives; Land ground forces in the Dardanelles, as well as the Çanakkale province in general, by way of naval invasion. Push back Ottoman resistance and approach Istanbul's east side by land and open the strait of Mamara to allow British and Allied fleets access to Istanbul's south side by sea.

Operation Theodosius, key objectives; gain control of Istanbul and possibly the Ottoman government and military high command if possible. If the city refuses to surrender then continuous shelling and bombing by land, air, and sea forces until they do so. If the city still refuses to surrender, an assault on the city by land forces and marines shall be carried out.

Oswald Mosley
"This is most impressive Fuller. Do you have any other War Plans?"

J. F. C. Fuller
"Alas, I do not. We need more info and time to develop them. We are brainstorming on plans against France and Germany."

Oswald Mosley
"Very well. Have you gotten in contact with the African rebels?"

J. F. C. Fuller
"Yes, Auchinleck has notified me that he has opened communications with several groups, through loyal third parties of course, I doubt they would talk with us directly. They say they desire to kill all White South Africans, the Afrikaners especially, and would gladly accept any help that we can give them. They don't have the faintest idea that we are behind this."

Oswald Mosley
"Excellent. Begin shipping arms, munitions, supplies, and trainers. Ensure that all material is out of date by at least 10 years, I don't want these to have rebels modern equipment. And prioritise sending over foreign made equipment before ours if possible. All trainers should be African. We must ensure that no one ever finds out we are behind this."

J. F. C Fuller
"I will do so Your Excellency. I must also mention that the Claudius II will be ready for its first test run in 2 weeks. I thought you would want to be there."

Oswald Mosley
"I would, thank you Fuller."

J. F. C. Fuller
"It is nothing Your Excellency."

Oswald Mosley
"Prepare to meet in the cabinet room in half-an-hour."

J. F. C. Fuller
"Yes Your Excellency."

Mosley returns to his office and contacts Joyce, happy to hear that the propaganda prepared is performing quite well. Mosley's favorite is a rather simple one, an orange poster with the phrase "The King is dead, long live the King". Edward plans to announce his intent to propose to Helen a month from now. Mosley wheels over to Garand's office at the RSAF.

Oswald Mosley
"Mr. Garand, may I enter?"

John Cantius Garand
"Yes, of course Prime Minister. What brings you to my office today?"

Oswald Mosley
"I came to inspect on the progress you've made with your rifle."

John Cantius Garand
"It is coming along quite well. I suspect I may be finished by Spring, I have been working on this for almost 5 years now. The biggest difficulty is changing it work with your .303 British cartridge, I originally designed it with our .30-06 Springfield cartridge in mind."

Oswald Mosley
"Very good, very good. Would you happen to have a working prototype to show me?"

John Cantius Garand
"As a matter of fact I do. Come with me, I'll show you."

Garand and Mosley head outside to a shooting range. Garand aims the rifle and fires 8 rounds in quick succession, surprising Mosley greatly. He then reloads the clip quickly and fires again at a different target with similar speed. He reloads the clip once more and fires at the most distant target, about 450 meters away, and fires 8 shots once more. The two walk up to the targets to inspect them, all of the shots are hits, even the one at 400 plus meters.

Oswald Mosley
"Garand, I am extremely impressed. This rifle of yours is truly a sight to behold."

John Cantius Garand
"Thank you. I've also made it incredibly easy to field strip. A properly trained soldier can field strip it without tools within a minute, and with tools a novice can do so at similar speeds. It is relatively easy to clean and fix any problems with the rifle that may occur on the battlefield. It weighs just under 10 pounds."

Mosley compliments Garand on his work and he bids his goodbyes.

He heads to Kitson's office to discuss several matters.

Arthur Kitson
"Hello Your Excellency. What brings you here today?"

Oswald Mosley
"Many things Kitson. First, have you figured out a way to compensate Portugal for their cooperation?"

Arthur Kitson
"Well I haven't met Salazar yet, but I believe I have a solution that will prove negligible to us and satisfactory to them."

Oswald Mosley
"What is it?"

Arthur Kitson
"A cut of South Africa's diamond mines for several years. The diamond mines are rich and will not be exhausted anytime soon and it will not hamper our economy at all."

Oswald Mosley
"That sounds like a brilliant solution. You never cease to amaze me Kitson. I also wanted to discuss our tariffs with Portugal and Italy."

Arthur Kitson
"I thought you would. Do not worry, I have already talked with my friends in the Privy Council and the Board of Trade to lower the tariffs down to 30%."

Oswald Mosley
"You must go lower, 25% is the maximum."

Arthur Kitson
"Are you certain?"

Oswald Mosley
"Yes, this will help facilitate economic and diplomatic ties between our nations. These will reduce the strain on our economy in times of war."

Arthur Kitson
"I understand."

Oswald Mosley
"Have you made any progress in the beginning stages of our nationalisation of the economy?"

Arthur Kitson
"Yes I have. For our fighting forces, H.G Hawker Engineering, Avro, Blackburn Aircraft, Boulton & Paul Aircraft, Bristol Aeroplane Co., De Havilland Aircraft Co., Fairey Aviation Co., General Aircraft, Gloster Aircraft Co., Handley Page, Parnall Aircraft, Phillips and Powis, Saunders Roe, Short Brothers plc, Supermarine Aviation Works, Westland Aircraft, Vickers, Rolls-Royce, Armstrong-Whitworth, Coventry Ordnance Works, William Beardmore and Co., J. Samuel White, John Brown and Co., Cammell Laird Shipyard, Swan Hunter, various uniform manufacturers, and several other companies will provide us with aircraft, ammo, vehicles, small arms, artillery, uniforms, war ships and everything they require from guns to targeting systems. The Great Western Railway, the London, Midland and Scottish Railway, the London and North Eastern Railway, the Southern Railway, the Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway, and the Midland and Great Northern Joint Railway will be united into a singular railway company. I also have plans to standardise our railway gauge across the nation so as to facilitate easier transport of materials, goods, and people.The industrial manufacturing companies of David Colville & Sons, Consett Iron Co., Dorman Long & Co., The English Steel Corporation, GKN Steel Company, John Summers & Sons, Pearson & Knowles Coal & Iron Co, Partington Steel & Iron Co, Wigan Coal & Iron Company, The Park Gate Iron and Steel Co., Richard Thomas and Baldwins, Round Oak Steelworks, South Durham Steel & Iron Company, Stewarts & Lloyds, The United Steel Companies, British Aluminum, The British Petroleum Company, The Gas Light and Coke Company, and many others will provide us with the resources needed to fight our wars. Brunner Mond, Nobel Explosives, The United Alkali Company, and The British Dyestuffs Corporation will merged into the single company of Imperial Chemical Industries and they will provide us with chemicals for civilian and military uses. Unilever and others in its field are all very open to the idea of a merger, if we can convince them to do so we can maintain strong control over products coming in and out of of the country. The only issue to all of this of course will be the backlash as some will argue this monopolising of the majority of key industries is in violation of Common Law. Chambers and I have been working on several treatises to argue against this. Once we are done I will attempt to move forward, I will inform you when this time come.I also have been talking with some forward thinking industrialists and they informed of a extremely promising idea that could help reduce labour costs, increase efficiency, and save time. They propose that if we were to standardise the rail system, as I already intend to do, we can begin to introduce intermodal containers. These would facilitate faster movement of materials from ships to rails, would hinder the pilfering of cargo, and would pave the way for further mechanisation of the industry, potentially saving millions of pounds and freeing up thousands of workers for the military and other jobs. You would need to crack down on the dock worker unions, but I suspect you won't have any trouble with that. "

Oswald Mosley
"Wonderful, most wonderful. I see great things for our economy in the future. Continue along this route and I suspect it will bear great fruit. Head to the cabinet room, there will be a meeting in 5 minutes."

Kitson heads towards the cabinet room while Mosley heads to his office to phone everyone to come. Sometime later, everyone is gathered in the room around the table, ready to begin

Oswald Mosley
"Welcome Kitson, Ross, Makgill, Fuller, Joyce, Chambers, and Barlow. You will notice that we have several new members here today and I am certain you know them quite well, but I shall introduce them regardless. Mr. Sinclair, Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service. Mr. Beatty, First Sea Lord of the Royal Navy. Mr. Trenchard, Marshall of the Royal Air Force. Mr. Wilfred Risdon, head of the Ministry of Information And lastly, Mrs. Norah Dacre Fox, the future head of the soon to be created the National Union of Women's Mobilisation. This group will be an Non-Government Organisation, funded and supported by us nonetheless, that will work to mobilise the women of Britain and to use them further our political, social, economic, and military goals. Her New Feminism will motivate the women of our nation to do all they can to support us. Now let us take our seats and commence another cabinet meeting."

They sit down and prepare to say what they desire.

Oswald Mosley
"Who wishes to go first?"

Clement Anderson Barlow
"I would like to. My commission has made great strides in figuring out how bad overpopulation in the cities is and how to best alleviate it. My commission and I and have come up with a plan of action that would advance in two stages. The first would be the passing of a bill called the New Towns Act. It would be the development and subsidising of several new towns all strategically placed to be near to existing cities such as London, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow, Liverpool, Bristol, Leeds, Bradford, Newcastle, Newcastle, and several others so as to reduce population density and provide proper housing for many. The second stage, which isn't meant to be enacted until some years after the New Towns Act, would be the Expansion of the Metropole Act. It would be the construction of new massive cities that would be placed in undeveloped areas that have potential for growth so as to increase the population and reduce urban density even further. I am not ready to begin implementation of either of them and need more time to ensure my plan is ready to begin. We have also looked into prospects for mechanising the farming industry by encouraging the proliferation of tractor factories, which in times of war can be turned into tank factories if need be. It would cut down on labour in the agricultural industry which would free up more men for the military."

Oswald Mosley
"That sounds fantastic. Continue to investigate this problem and I will continue to contribute funding. Next?"

William Joyce
"I have received the list of people from the Imperial Indian Delegation on groups and individuals they wish for us to support. I would like to gather Fuller, Sinclair, Kitson, you, and I together so as to form a committee for the purpose of assisting the Loyalists abroad in fiscal, political, diplomatic, and military matters. I also would propose the formation of an international volunteer organisation for those who would wish to support us, something along the lines of the Czechoslovak Legion in the Great War. I think the name, the Imperial Legion, would do quite well."

J. F. C. Fuller
"Providing military support to them is important, especially the ones in the German colonies and in India as those will be the hardest to regain. As for this Imperial Legion, it could be an effective diplomatic tool with the associated countries and I support the formation of it."

Arthur Kitson
"Financial support will be extremely important, if push comes to shove, our Loyalists must have the funds, manpower, and arms necessary to fight a guerrilla war against our enemies until we can arrive."

Oswald Mosley
"Then we are in agreement on both of these proposals. Who will go next?"

George Makgill
"I have news for you Your Excellency."

Oswald Mosley
"Good or bad?"

George Makgill
"Good. I have found a man to head your proposed Institute for Internal Integrity. His name is Basil Thomson, he has worked as a police officer and is currently at MI5. I also have a list of others who would be transferred to I3 upon its creation."

Oswald Mosley
"That is most wonderful news Makgill. Do you have anything Fuller?"

J. F. C. Fuller
"Yes I do. As you have stated that Mrs. Fox will form the National Union of Women's Mobilisation, I believe that she can possibly include the use of women in military duties, such as anti-aircraft crews, radio operators, trained for defense in case of an invasion, as implausible as it may be, cooks, and many more jobs that if can help us to maximise our efficiency and free up manpower for our army."

Norah Dacre Fox
"That sounds like an excellent idea, I will see to it when the time comes."

Hugh Trenchard
"Your Excellency, I have must inform you I have made a great breakthrough that will benefit our aerial developments significantly."

Oswald Mosley
"What would these be?"

Hugh Trenchard
"I established serious relations with members of the Règia Aeronautica and the Força Aérea, with men such as Francesco Baracca, Ettore Muti, Pier Ruggero Piccio, Umberto Nobile, Vittorio Revetra, Gaetano Costa, Francisco Craveiro Lopes, and Humberto Delgado. We have reached upon a massive exchange of information and tactics between our air forces, the Italians especially possessed useful information. This will lead to increased cooperation between the three of us. Such cooperation will lead to greater efficiency and yields for the resources we will invest into our air forces. I have also tossed the idea of working in tandem to construct various airports in our countries to facilitate strategic and commercial travel between our nations, improving the airlines which will also allow for increased diplomatic options. Do I have your permission to do this?"

Oswald Mosley
"My complete support. This is most wonderful news Trenchard and I would strongly encourage you to pursue this path."

Hugh Trenchard
"I will do so."

Oswald Mosley
"Is there anything else?"

David Beatty
"I have begun the construction of the battleships and they should all be commissioned by 1932 the latest. As for the name of the class of the battleships, I have decided upon the name "King Edward VIII". As for names of the ships ,I have several in the works. The first shall be named after King Edward himself. The second shall be named after our late King, George V. The third will be named after Jellicoe, his memory being respected and used to spread fear into our enemies. The fourth one is still up for debate and hasn't been settled on. They will feature 16 inch guns, strong armor to protect the magazines from detonating, as well as alternate boiler and engine rooms which will prevent all power being lost by a single shot."

Oswald Mosley
"These ships will serve us greatly in the coming conflicts. And with that, I believe we are done, good day to all."

All say their farewells and exit their room. Makgill and Mosley head to Mosley's office to discuss one more matter.

Oswald Mosley
"What is it that you wanted to speak to me about Makgill."

George Makgill
When I said I had news, I had good news and bad news. Finding Basil Thomson to head I3 was the good news. The bad news is that I plan on resigning. My age has made me unable to continue in this office any longer. My resignation will be handed sometime in March. As for my replacement, I recommend Sir Vernon George Kell. He has been with the agency longer than I have and has done great work. I suggest striking his name from the reserve list so as to enlist his services fully."

Oswald Mosley
"I see. Although your resignation saddens me, I wish you the best in your future endeavors."

George Makgill
"Thank you my friend. I am honored to have served under you and to have helped in making Britannia great once more."

Makgill stands up and shakes Mosley's hand before exiting the room.

Mosley continues his work. He has been keeping a close eye on American politics. Coolidge, disheartened with his failure of a term, had announced he would not seek reelection and would not accept any nominations. This led to the question of who the Republican party would choose to head into the 1928 presidential elections. Although the primaries had not begun, it is believed by all that the party will choose none other than former Chief of Staff and four star General, John Joseph Pershing.

Pershing had begun to show his skill early in his career. He served in the 6th Cavalry and participated in several Indian campaigns and was cited for bravery for actions against the Apache. He once again showed his skill and bravery in the Spanish-American and Philippine-American Wars. His talent and potential was quickly recognised by President Roosevelt, who recommended his promotion to colonel, however the practice of favoring seniority over merit prevented this from happening. In 1904, he attended the Army War College, and then was ordered to Washington, D.C. for "general duties unassigned." Roosevelt, being unable to promote Pershing, petitioned the US Congress to authorise a diplomatic posting which they approved. Pershing was stationed as military attaché in Tokyo in 1905. He served as an observer in the Russo-Japanese War attached to General Kuroki Tamemoto in Manchuria from March to September, returning to the United States in the fall of 1905. Roosevelt employed his presidential prerogative and nominated Pershing as a brigadier general, a move which Congress also approved. In 1908, Pershing briefly served as a U.S. military observer in the Balkans, an assignment which was based in Paris. Upon returning to the United States at the end of 1909, Pershing was assigned once again to the Philippines, an assignment in which he served until 1913. In 1916, following the break down of relations between an unstable Mexico and the United States, Pershing was ordered by President Wilson to head into Mexico with a sizable expedition to seize an opportunity in which Pancho Villa and Emiliano Zapata were together near the border in order to to plan a joint offensive against Carranza as Villa had suffered a hard defeat, a meeting that was supposed to be secret but was revealed by Carranza's spies. Pershing moved in rapidly and surprised the rebels, quickly defeating their forces, capturing Villa, and wounding Zapata who escaped. Pershing's accomplishment of capturing the famed Pancho Villa further raised his popularity with the American people. In October 1919, after having been promoted to the rank of General, was sent to the Philippines by Wilson to put down another Philippine revolt, which he did successfully, remarking in June 1920, "By God boys, I think we might actually be home by Christmas!", which was said in mocking of the phrase "Over by Christmas" which was used by European nations during the first year of the Great War. He in fact did make it to the Continental US by December 3, 1920, proving his joking statement correct. He was promoted to Chief of Staff in 1921.

Pershing has stated that he has no intention of campaigning, however he said he would not decline to serve if he was called by his fellow Americans. With Coolidge not running, his open dislike of his Vice President, and his endorsement of Pershing, it seems as if the beloved Black Jack is a shoo-in to win the Republican nomination, but he must win the vote of the nation.

The South Africa Scheme progresses at a rapid pace, Britain's rearmament and renewed fleet construction programs show great promise, his control over the country grows stronger and stronger and soon it will be an iron grip. This grip will not be used to oppress his fellow Britons but instead to guide them to the greatness that is so within their grasp. He is extremely interested to see if Pershing could unify the nation and bring America out of her decline. Some within the Victorian Union call Mosley the British Augustus, a title he liked very much but couldn't acknowledge due to connotations that would drive some people away from him. Would Pershing be the hero America needs? Only time would tell. Mosley has more important matters however, no Lion is cowed by an Eagle, be it German, French or American. The Old Order would be reestablished with new life.

Garand and His Rifle, 1926

Wilfred Risdon, Army Medic, Member of the Victorian Union, Advocate for Miner's Rights, Political Organiser, and Head of the Ministry of Information, 1925

Norah Dacre Fox, Militant Suffragette, Feminist, Victorian, and Primary Face of Female Supporters of the Victorian Union, 1912

A Squad of Victorian Women Hailing Mosley, Who Is Off-Screen, in the Traditional Hailing of the Victorian Union, the Bellamy Salute, 1925

Basil Thomson, Former Member of Scotland Yard, MI5 Agent, and a Writer, 1925

John Joseph Pershing, 4 Star General and Chief of Staff of the United States Army, Famous for Impressively Capturing Pancho Villa and Putting Down A Revolt Which Could've Erupted Into the Second Philippine-American War. Although He Shows No Interest In Attaining Political Office, He Will Likely Be the Republican Candidate, 1923

George Michael Cohan, American Entertainer, Playwright, Composer, Lyricist, Actor, Singer, Dancer, and Producer, Writer Of the Popular Patriotic Song, Over There, Which He Wrote When Pershing Headed to the Philippines, 1908

 

[Lord_Vespasian]

The Sun Rises Yet Again
Chapter 20: Power Is Truth

February 15, 1926

Blair stands at his post watching over the trenches. He hates being here, these lines were built for Spaniards and his 6' stature meant he was very exposed compared to them, especially when walking. He had been shot at several times, but Lady Luck seemed to favor him. He makes several glances across the land between the trenches, staring at the Republican line, he wonders what they were thinking. He often found himself bored out of his right mind, something he certainly did not expect when he enlisted last year. Fighting had mostly halted over the Winter months and he enjoyed the peace, despite its drollness.

He couldn't wait to return home, to tell people the things he had seen and maybe write something about it. He had fought in the Battle of Madrid and saw the ruined city after the battle had ended months ago. He saw Yagüe and his men hurting and killing innocents and raping women. He had tried to stop them whenever he came across it but his commanding officer put a stop to that as Montgomery had said, "It is not the duty not of Britons to govern Spaniards". This deeply concerned him and made him feel uneasy about the state of the war.

He remembered how he first joined the party. In the early 20s', things were rough. He had no job as his idea of serving as a colonial police officer in Burma near Moulmein, where his grandmother lived, was dashed when India broke away from the Empire. He had been unable to find employment as the Great Depression rocked the British economy and he feared for his future and the future of Jacintha. He then received news his grandmother was killed by Indian soldiers in an act of revenge against Burmese partisans raiding their camp. He grew a deep-seated hatred for both Burmese and Indians as well as non-Whites as a whole. Then he took notice of the rising star in British politics, Oswald Mosley. He was greatly attracted to Mosley, his strong and authoritative ideas, his impassioned and hard-hitting speeches, and paternal aura all helped to bring comfort to Blair in these hard times. He had thought long and hard over how he felt about Mosley and what started as interest in just another politician grew into a downright infatuated devotion, respect, and fealty to Mosley on the level of a father-son relationship. As the economy rose following Mosley's victory in 1924, Blair managed to find work and keep him and his wife fed and housed, something he would thank Mosley for at dinner every night until Jacintha told him to stop as even as Vicky herself she found it annoying; Blair would continue to thank Mosley for his luck mentally. He would join the army sometime in mid 1925 in order to partake in the Spanish Civil War. Since then he has fought in his fair share of battles, killed his fair share of Germans and Communists and was hoping the Republicans would lose the will to fight soon, ensuring total victory and peace.

As he sits there, he feels a pain develop in his back, most likely from being hunched over all the time. He decides he should stand up and stretch out, if only for a little bit. As he does, a Spanish man, not a common sight in this section of the trench at this time of day, approaches him and asks him what he is doing and if he wants to get his head blown off. Blair reassures the man that he is fine and that he should calm down. The two talk about whatever comes to their mind while Blair stretches. He asks him why he was in the British section of the trench and he tells him there is no official rule saying that travel between the different sections was forbidden or even discouraged during relatively peaceful times like this. Both seem happy as this may be the first interesting conversation either has had for some time. Each one has an array of questions for the other, so close yet so distant in trenches, something that was not lost on either of them. As they continue talking Blair finally finishes and goes to stand against the trench parapet to see if anything is amiss. Just before he does an officer calls out his name several feet away. He answers immediately and runs to him.

British Officer
"Are you Eric Arthur Blair?"

Eric Blair
"Yes Sir."

British Officer
"Well I've good news for you Eric, seems like you're going home early."

Eric Blair
"Really? Why?"

British Officer
"Have you never heard of the phrase, 'Don't look a gift horse in the mouth'? Fine, I'll indulge you. Apparently, someone big back home wants to see you and they pulled out all the stops to get you back as quick a possible, even Marshall Fuller personally overseeing your return. I have no idea who in Britain who knows you and is important enough to get the personal attention of Fuller, but you'll find out soon enough."

Eric Blair
"When do I leave?"

British Officer
"Tomorrow morning. Get packing lad. God speed."

The officer walks away, attending his other duties. Blair is ecstatic and wonders who it could be that wants to meet him, puzzled by his lack of finding a logical answer. He returns to his post, with the man he was talking to a moment ago awaiting his return. He asked him what the officer had to say and Blair told him he was going to leave tomorrow and head back to Britain. The man laughed and remarked at his luck. Blair moves to collect his belongings so that he can leave in the morning. The man moves to stand against the parapet to look across the divide. That is when a bullet strikes him in the head, killing him instantly. Blair curses out loud in shock and sees the mans bloody face, his body still shaking with the final spasms that death allows before limpness overtakes it. He rushes to the man to try and save him but quickly realizes that he is shot in the head and that there is nothing he can do. This man, he had never even knew existed before this hour, and him vice versa, that he found some pleasure in talking to for those short moments, dead. He saved his life, he surely would've looked right there and would've been shot and killed. He never asked him for his name, and he didn't know Blair's. He quickly moved to check his body for anything that could tell him name, all the while snipers from both sides fired at each other. He finds a wallet and opens it and finds that the man's name is, or rather was, Gomez Vela. In the wallet were pictures of his wife and their daughter, he takes the picture out and looks on the back and finds the names Cecilia and Isabel, not sure which is the wive's and which is the daughter's, and a name of what must be where he lived, Bembibre. He closes the mans eyes and prays over his body. He then continues to look over his body, finding a pendant made out of gold with a picture of his daughter in it, no name unfortunately. He knows that if he leaves it with him, it will most likely never reach the family, lifted by someone to pawn for money. He swears to the man's bloody and lifeless face that he will return the pendant to his family. A soldier and a medic come to see the body and carry him away to where the dead lie.

He continues to pack his things and once done he returns to his post, careful not to let the fate of Gomez become his.

In the morning, he wakes up and waits until a messenger arrives and leads him to the car. He enters into it and the driver begins the journey to Porto. Blair sits in the car, still fixing over who called him back and why. Still no satisfactory answer was given. He did not talk to his driver, he was not in the mood. After 9 hours or so they reach the city and the driver leads him to the port and he boards the ship. As he heads to his quarters to rest as he is told that once they reach Plymouth they will fly to London and that once they're in the city the man who requested Blair's return wanted to speak to him immediately. Blair asked who was he but the men told him they were not informed, everything is on a need-to-know basis. Blair showers, changes clothing, and sleeps through the rest voyage. He is awakened just before they pull into port. He departs the ship and enters a new car and is driven to a nearby airfield where a two-seater plane and a pilot are waiting. He enters the back seat and the plane takes off. Blair has never been in a plane before and stared in awe as he grew further apart from the ground. he looks at the clouds and at the horizon. It was one of the most beautiful things he has ever seen. The journey ends sooner than Blair would like and he enters London by car less than an hour after boarding the plane. He is driven into the city while his possessions are handled and brought to his house. This is it. The anticipation was driving him mad. He speaks to the driver.

Eric Blair
"Sir, can you please tell me where we are heading?"

Driver
"They haven't told you yet? We're heading to Number 10."

Eric Blair
"Pardon?"

Driver
"You're going to speak with PM Mosley. They didn't tell you?"

Blair felt a rush of adrenaline surge through his body. His breathing quickened, his heart speeds up. The driver, visibly concerned at this sudden reaction asks him if he was all right. Blair responds.

Eric Blair
"Yes, yes I'm fine. Just a bit, surprised."

Driver
"I'd probably feel the same way in your shoes. Not everyday us regular people get to meet the PM face-to-face in private. I don't know what you did to get his attention, but he seemed eager to meet to you."

Soon they reach 10 Downing Street.

Driver
"Well that it is lad. He's in there. Best to not keep him waiting."

Eric Blair
"Yes, thank you."

Blair exits the car and walks to the door. He takes one last breath to calm himself and it works somewhat, and enters in, stiff upper lip and all. The servants inform him that he is in his office and that he is ready for him. He thanks them and walks there. He looks at the door, steels himself one last time and enters.

Oswald Mosley
"Hello Mr. Blair."

Eric Blair
"Hello Your Excellency. May I sit down?"

Oswald Mosley
"Of course, please."

Blair sits down opposite of Mosley.

Oswald Mosley
"Do you know why I've requested to see you?"

Eric Blair
"No Your Excellency."

Oswald Mosley
"I'm surprised you don't, Burton."

Eric Blair
"You read my book?"

Oswald Mosley
"Yes I have. A gift from a friend. I've read the whole thing, cover to cover. It is fascinating."

Eric Blair
"Thank you Your Excellenc-"

Oswald Mosley
"But you and I know, I did not bring you here to praise your literary skills. You are here because I believe that you have a purpose other than being a soldier, something far greater. And please Mr. Blair, simply call me Mosley."

Eric Blair
"Of course, Mosley. And what purpose is that?"

Oswald Mosley
"To spread the glorious ideology of Victorianism across the world, to our friends and foes and, most importantly, our people."

Eric Blair
"How could I do that?"

Oswald Mosley
"It's quite simple really, I want you to join my propagandists. You have an innate ability by to visualize events and ideas through words, I have a sense of these things. See, when people hear propaganda, they think lies, deception, falsehoods, and half-truths. This is generally true for other ideologies, but not for Victorianism. Victorianism is truth, it is justice, it is liberty, it is the truest vanquisher of the decadence of the Old World and the greatest vanguard against the evil of Marxism. What better person to spread an ideology of truth than one who illustrates the world as is? There is no greater power than truth."

Eric Blair
"Do you truly think I can help advance Victorianism in Britain and the world?"

Oswald Mosley
"Yes."

The simplicity of his answer fills Blair with confidence and reassurance."

Eric Blair
"I would be honored to serve a man as great you Your Excellency."

Mosley's face lights up with reserved joy.

Oswald Mosley
"Excellent, it is wondrous to hear you say such."

Eric Blair
"Where do I go? When should I start?"

Oswald Mosley
"Eager to begin as all young men are I see. Do not fret, I shall discuss with others where you can be of most use. For now, head home and relax. Are you married Mr. Blair?"

Eric Blair
"Yes Your Excellency, her name is Jacintha. We married very recently, 3 years ago."

Oswald Mosley
"That is great to hear. Go to her, she has probably been expecting you ever since your things were delivered earlier."

Eric Blair
"Of course, to be home again will be a welcome thing. Thank you Your Excellency."

Blair exits the office and Mosley continues his work, anticipating the results Blair will produce at the Ministry of Information. Another valuable asset has been secured, one steadfastly loyal to Mosley. Slowly but surely, he is working to erode financial democracy and international influence. He knows it is coming soon, he just needs a boost in popularity to ensure compliance with his plans to make Britain the greatest nation once more. He hopes the conclusion of the South Africa Scheme and a short, successful war against the Ottomans would achieve this. Once he is the Autocrat Britain needs and deserves he will be able to act with speed and decisiveness impossible for a pluto-democratic Parliament to have.

The meeting with the French Exiles will come soon and he must prepare for it. With the combined strength of France, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and Greece, Britain would be ready to strike Germany. Edward is preparing for his tour to Gibraltar, West and South Africa, Ceylon, Australia, and Hong Kong in order to reassert Britain's overseas position. It however must be postponed until the birth of Albert's first child who is due sometime in April.

Blair arrives at his home and enters his apartment to see Jacintha waiting for him. He goes to hug her after months of being apart and they spend the rest of the day in leisure, content with the path life is taking. Blair finds it hard to comprehend how perfectly everything has aligned in his favour. Although what transpired after the fall of Madrid and his promise to Gomez still weigh heavy on his mind, these burdens feel somewhat lighter. At least for now, it seems he has yet more blessings to count.

Eric Blair In Spain With Nationalist Troops, He Is the Tallest Figure In the Photo, 1925

British Troops Man A Machine Gun Position In Southern Spain, 1926

Nationalist and Italian Troops In the Trenches Outside of Jaén, Spanish and Italian Troops Were More Integrated Than They Were With the British, 1925