White Star and Titanic, What Could have Been
- Thread starter SsgtC
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SsgtC
Banned
On February 5th, 1935 right-wing ultra nationalists stormed the Kremlin "in the name of the suffering people of Russia." Led by Alexander Kolchak, revolutionaries, backed by the Army, overthrew the Czar and dissolved the Duma. While initially most governments quietly supported the move, figuring that something had to be done, they soon became uneasy.
Beginning in October, 1935, President Kolchak began quietly forming alliances with pan-Slavic groups who's stated aim was to "remove the stain of German Oppression." Germany, understandably, felt threatened by this and began to rebuild the Heer, Luftwaffe and Kaiserliche Marine under Generalfeldmarschall Gerd von Rundstedt of the Heer, Generalfeldmarschall Robert Ritter von Greim of the Luftwaffe and Grand Admiral Erich Raeder. This provoked an immediate response by the Western Allies as, while Germany was allowed to have a military sufficient for self defense, they were now exceeding what had been previously agreed upon in the Treaty of Versailles.
Kaiser Wilhelm II, having grown a bit more diplomatic since the Great War, immediately offered to join an alliance with both France and Great Britain and offered to share the intelligence that had prompted this rearmament. While the offer of alliance was, politely, declined, the French and British, with the concurrence of the United States, did agree to relax the restrictions on Germany to meet the perceived threat. All three of the major powers also began to rearm, though at a slower pace than Germany. Unknowingly, this was exactly what Russia wanted.
While these international machinations were taking place, White Star continued with their own building program. The first of Cunard's new liners, the RMS Britannia was launched in March, 1936 and began fitting out, followed 6 months after by her sister, RMS Caronia. White Star's own new superliner, RMS Majestic slid down the ways in September, 1936. It was planned that she would enter service in June, 1937 replacing RMS Olympic on the Southampton to New York run. The last of the Oceanic-class ships, RMS Celtic, joined the fleet in 1935 entering service on the Southampton-Cherbourg-Belfast-Sydney Service.
Beginning in October, 1934 RMS Aquitania was pulled from service and given a refit, very similar in nature to that given the Olympic-class ships. Due to her worn condition, this took somewhat longer than was expected, giving Mauritania a brief reprieve from the breakers, as she continued in service until April, 1935 when Aquitania finally emerged from her lengthy refit. Mauritania's last crossing departed from New York on April, 20th, 1935. Upon her arrival back in Southampton, she was given a formal send off by both White Star and Cunard, thanking her for her 28 years of service before finally hauling down the house flag. Two weeks later, workers began to strip her fittings to be auctioned off. On June 10th, 1935, under her own power, she sailed for the breakers in Jarrow, England where her superstructure would be cut away, her boilers and engines removed before being towed to Scotland for final demolition. RMS Mauritania ceased to exist by the end of May, 1937.
On June 8th, 1937, RMS Majestic departed Southampton on her maiden voyage in New York. Her arrival was timed to coincide with Olympic's last departure from New York on June 12th. The grand old lady of White Star passing the torch to a new generation. RMS Olympic arrived in Southampton on June 17th. Her last passengers disembarked, her first Captain, Commodore Sir Edward J Smith, retired, now 87 years old, hauled down the White Star Burgee for the final time. Sadly, Captain Smith would pass away just one month latter. Two days after Captain Smith's passing, Olympic sailed for Belfast to be laid up in reserve in case of problems with Majestic.
Upon Majestic's launch in September, 1936, Harland and Wolff laid down her sister, RMS Laurentic. It was planned that Majestic would be in service before her launch, so if any changes were needed, they would be easily accommodated. Majestic, however proved to be an exceptional sea boat and exceedingly popular with passengers. Some of this popularity had to do with her charming and engaging Captain (and Commodore of White Star) Captain Harold Lowe. Captain Lowe had been appointed Commodore of White Star, and Captain of their flagship, RMS Britannic, the year prior. Replacing Captain Charles Lightoller who had retired. Unfortunately, this also caused a bit of grumbling within White Star's ranks, as the management seemed to have a preference for former officers of Titanic who had been there the night she was nearly lost for the most prestigious commands.
It was during this time of plenty for White Star that dark clouds began to form on the horizon. Following German rearmament, The Republic of Russia, led by President Alexander Kolchak began to more publicly build anti-German sentiment not only among his own country, but among the Slavic people of neighboring countries as well. Most of whom had joined an alliance with Russia to defend against German aggression. The fact that Germany hadn't had a military capable of aggression was conveniently overlooked early on, but the continued strengthening of German forces played into the narrative nicely.
Eastern Europe was fast becoming a powder keg. The only question left, was what would ignite the fuse. The answer was not long in coming.
Beginning in October, 1935, President Kolchak began quietly forming alliances with pan-Slavic groups who's stated aim was to "remove the stain of German Oppression." Germany, understandably, felt threatened by this and began to rebuild the Heer, Luftwaffe and Kaiserliche Marine under Generalfeldmarschall Gerd von Rundstedt of the Heer, Generalfeldmarschall Robert Ritter von Greim of the Luftwaffe and Grand Admiral Erich Raeder. This provoked an immediate response by the Western Allies as, while Germany was allowed to have a military sufficient for self defense, they were now exceeding what had been previously agreed upon in the Treaty of Versailles.
Kaiser Wilhelm II, having grown a bit more diplomatic since the Great War, immediately offered to join an alliance with both France and Great Britain and offered to share the intelligence that had prompted this rearmament. While the offer of alliance was, politely, declined, the French and British, with the concurrence of the United States, did agree to relax the restrictions on Germany to meet the perceived threat. All three of the major powers also began to rearm, though at a slower pace than Germany. Unknowingly, this was exactly what Russia wanted.
While these international machinations were taking place, White Star continued with their own building program. The first of Cunard's new liners, the RMS Britannia was launched in March, 1936 and began fitting out, followed 6 months after by her sister, RMS Caronia. White Star's own new superliner, RMS Majestic slid down the ways in September, 1936. It was planned that she would enter service in June, 1937 replacing RMS Olympic on the Southampton to New York run. The last of the Oceanic-class ships, RMS Celtic, joined the fleet in 1935 entering service on the Southampton-Cherbourg-Belfast-Sydney Service.
Beginning in October, 1934 RMS Aquitania was pulled from service and given a refit, very similar in nature to that given the Olympic-class ships. Due to her worn condition, this took somewhat longer than was expected, giving Mauritania a brief reprieve from the breakers, as she continued in service until April, 1935 when Aquitania finally emerged from her lengthy refit. Mauritania's last crossing departed from New York on April, 20th, 1935. Upon her arrival back in Southampton, she was given a formal send off by both White Star and Cunard, thanking her for her 28 years of service before finally hauling down the house flag. Two weeks later, workers began to strip her fittings to be auctioned off. On June 10th, 1935, under her own power, she sailed for the breakers in Jarrow, England where her superstructure would be cut away, her boilers and engines removed before being towed to Scotland for final demolition. RMS Mauritania ceased to exist by the end of May, 1937.
On June 8th, 1937, RMS Majestic departed Southampton on her maiden voyage in New York. Her arrival was timed to coincide with Olympic's last departure from New York on June 12th. The grand old lady of White Star passing the torch to a new generation. RMS Olympic arrived in Southampton on June 17th. Her last passengers disembarked, her first Captain, Commodore Sir Edward J Smith, retired, now 87 years old, hauled down the White Star Burgee for the final time. Sadly, Captain Smith would pass away just one month latter. Two days after Captain Smith's passing, Olympic sailed for Belfast to be laid up in reserve in case of problems with Majestic.
Upon Majestic's launch in September, 1936, Harland and Wolff laid down her sister, RMS Laurentic. It was planned that Majestic would be in service before her launch, so if any changes were needed, they would be easily accommodated. Majestic, however proved to be an exceptional sea boat and exceedingly popular with passengers. Some of this popularity had to do with her charming and engaging Captain (and Commodore of White Star) Captain Harold Lowe. Captain Lowe had been appointed Commodore of White Star, and Captain of their flagship, RMS Britannic, the year prior. Replacing Captain Charles Lightoller who had retired. Unfortunately, this also caused a bit of grumbling within White Star's ranks, as the management seemed to have a preference for former officers of Titanic who had been there the night she was nearly lost for the most prestigious commands.
It was during this time of plenty for White Star that dark clouds began to form on the horizon. Following German rearmament, The Republic of Russia, led by President Alexander Kolchak began to more publicly build anti-German sentiment not only among his own country, but among the Slavic people of neighboring countries as well. Most of whom had joined an alliance with Russia to defend against German aggression. The fact that Germany hadn't had a military capable of aggression was conveniently overlooked early on, but the continued strengthening of German forces played into the narrative nicely.
Eastern Europe was fast becoming a powder keg. The only question left, was what would ignite the fuse. The answer was not long in coming.
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SsgtC
Banned
Communism exists, but the Soviet Union does not. The Communists were pretty much discredited in Russia after the Czar came out on the winning side in WWI. They were seen as being defeatist and, as odd as this may sound, German collaborators (since they were trying to overthrow the state). They're still there, they just don't have much support. The government in Germany is actually more left leaning ITTL, though still not to the level of the USSR.
The "alliance" being created in the east is actually very similar to the USSR in both population and land area (a bit smaller since Germany largely kept her prewar borders except for a few areas). The primary differences are, Moscow is very right wing, ultra nationalist, and the "allies" are all actually independent. Though the smaller countries very much march to beat of Moscow's drum if they know what's good for them.
The "alliance" being created in the east is actually very similar to the USSR in both population and land area (a bit smaller since Germany largely kept her prewar borders except for a few areas). The primary differences are, Moscow is very right wing, ultra nationalist, and the "allies" are all actually independent. Though the smaller countries very much march to beat of Moscow's drum if they know what's good for them.
SsgtC
Banned
It may have been. I'm not real sure how long it takes to scrap a ship like that. I assumed it would be done faster than present day since there was less concern for environmental impact.
SsgtC
Banned
Thank you for that. So I may need to go back and adjust that. Like I said, I wasn't real sure about that aspect.
VI
SsgtC
Banned
On August 8th, 1938 the future RMS Laurentic slid down the ways and into Belfast Lough. The day after her launch, RMS Olympic, after languishing in Belfast for a year as a reserve in case of mechanical problems with either her sisters or Majestic, sailed for Jarrow, England to be broken up. However, fate had a different plan in store for her. Upon her arrival in Jarrow, the Royal Navy inspected her and determined that, for a 27 year old ship, she was actually in quite fine condition. So, on August 19th, 1938, the former White Star flagship was commissioned into the Royal Navy as HMS Olympic to serve as a training ship and troop transport in event of war.
Concurrent with the launch of Laurentic, Harland and Wolff laid down a new ship, their first ever liner built for Cunard. This new ship was to be 820' long with a beam of 105', have 11 decks and be 58,000 Gross Register Tons. In addition, she was to be powered by diesel engines instead of the traditional steam turbines. It was planned to equip her with quadruple screws giving her a top speed of 29 knots. She was to be christened RMS Mauritania in honor of Cunard's long serving flagship. It was planned that the new ship would be completed and in service by March or April, 1941 replacing the RMS Aquitania, finally granting Cunard's wish to replace their aging flagship.
By 1938, the western allies, the United Kingdom and France in particular, had grown increasingly wary of Russia's actions. Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Montenegro and Albania were now satellites of Moscow in all but name. Denmark, Norway and Sweden were also increasingly concerned as their two large neighbors, Imperial Germany and the Russian Republic, seemed increasingly likely to go to war, despite Germany's attempts to ease tensions diplomatically. France and the UK entered into treaties with the three countries agreeing to come to their aid if they were attacked. At the same time, they entered into secret negotiations with Germany. These negotiations resulted in the Pan European Defense Pact. Whereby all three nations, plus Italy and Austria, agreed to come to each others aid if they were attacked without provocation. Spain and Portugal, while not being signatories to the treaty, privately reassured Germany and Austria of their support as well. This treaty was kept quiet by all involved, as the political costs of the treaty in each of their home countries was deemed too high to publicly announce an alliance with their former enemy.
In May, 1939 RMS Laurentic was ready for her Maiden Voyage. In a display of showmanship, White Star carefully coordinated their schedules so that Britannic would depart New York to coincide with Majestic's arrival and arrive in Southampton as Laurentic was departing. An even more impressive display was arranged for Titanic. Upon Laurentic's arrival in New York, she was passed in the outbound channel by Titanic and her sister, Majestic. Titanic would make her final crossing in tandem with the larger ship. Majestic was escorting her home. The last of White Star's revolutionary Olympic-class liners was decommissioned on May 11th, 1939. She would join her younger sister in Belfast three days later in reserve until it was certain there would be no issues with the new Laurentic. When no issues developed, Titanic and Britannic were sent to Jarrow in April, 1940. Though their interior fittings were stripped and auctioned off quickly, it would be some time before the two liners would be scrapped as the ship breakers there were somewhat overwhelmed with turn of the century ships being broken up.
It was while Mauritania was fitting out in late 1940 that the fragile peace finally shattered. In the early morning of November 1st, 1940 explosions and gunfire erupted along the frontier between East Prussia and Russia as supposed German backed rebels attacked Russian troops and garrisons in the area. The stated aim was to restore the small slice of Prussia that Germany had lost to Russia in the Great War to German Control. It was only later that it was determined that these rebels were actually being supplied and instructed by Moscow, though the rank and file actually thought their supplies were coming from Berlin.
The initial German reaction was shock. While they privately did desire the return of their lost land, they were most certainly not prepared to go to war over it. Unfortunately, there seemed to be little choice.
By November 5th, the Russian Ambassador to Imperial Germany presented the Kaiser and his government with a list of demands that would have to be met in their entirety to maintain the peace. The irony of this was not lost on Germany, who encouraged Austria to issue just such a list in 1914. The demands were, to put it mildly, outrageous. Nearly all of Eastern Germany, including all of East Prussia and the port of Danzig was to be surrendered to Russia to serve as a border state between the two countries. All German residents of the area were to leave the area within 6 months. Germany was to immediately stand down its military and disband any forces above what the Treaty of Versailles allowed them to retain. Russian observers were to be permanently stationed with German Forces to ensure compliance with treaty commitments. Reparations were to be paid for the loss of life incurred during the "German supported" attack. Additionally, Germany was to cut off funding to all rebel groups in Russia and to furnish the Russian Government with the names of the leaders of all rebel groups. That this last requirement was impossible to meet was all the proof that Germany needed to confirm what they had suspected: the so called rebels were taking their orders from Moscow. A rejection of the demands was not long in coming. The Russian response followed shortly after. In the form of an artillery barrage.
In France, the UK, Italy and Austria the outbreak of war led to fierce internal debates as to whether the Russian attack on Germany was truly "unprovoked." Some argued strongly that the signing of the defense treaty with the Kaiser had just given him the excuse to launch a war of conquest while claiming to be the victim and to do so under the umbrella of the other Great Powers in Europe. Others argued just as strongly that the there was no way the Germans could be so stupid as to think that would work. While the debate in government raged, the military began preparing to deploy. In the case of the Royal Navy, it began looking for shipping suitable for use as troop transports. They already had HMS Olympic, but would need more. The first place they turned was to White Star.
White Star Line operated the largest fleet of liners in the world, with nearly 30 vessels between the White Star and Cunard fleets. Though White Star informed the admiralty that any of their ships could be converted, they were loathe to do so until it was certain they would be needed and would prefer if all other options were examined first. To that end, the Royal Navy made a very surprising discovery. The Titanic and Britannic had not yet been broken up. The breakers yard in Jarrow had been so overwhelmed with work that they had not gotten around to actually dismantling the ships. Upon inspection, it was found that, while overall the ships were sound, they would both require an extensive refit before they could be used, a result of their being laid up for just over a year. The Navy immediately agreed to purchase the two ships and had them towed to the Royal Dockyard, Plymouth to be refitted as troopships.
On November 20th, the Western Allies decided that yes, the attack on Germany had been unprovoked and agreed to honor their treaty commitments. Accordingly, The UK, France, Italy and Austria declared war on Russia. White Star was soon informed that, yes, their ships would be needed as troopships. Accordingly, White Star pulled the Majestic, Laurentic, Aquitania, Britannia, Caronia, and the first three Oceanic-class ships from service and sent them to Harland and Wolff to be converted and their fittings placed into storage. Additionally, White Star ordered work on Mauritania to be placed on hold pending future developments. All told, White Star, when including the three Olympic-class ships, provided the Royal Navy the ability to transport 80,000 men at a time. The British Empire would need every inch of that space.
Concurrent with the launch of Laurentic, Harland and Wolff laid down a new ship, their first ever liner built for Cunard. This new ship was to be 820' long with a beam of 105', have 11 decks and be 58,000 Gross Register Tons. In addition, she was to be powered by diesel engines instead of the traditional steam turbines. It was planned to equip her with quadruple screws giving her a top speed of 29 knots. She was to be christened RMS Mauritania in honor of Cunard's long serving flagship. It was planned that the new ship would be completed and in service by March or April, 1941 replacing the RMS Aquitania, finally granting Cunard's wish to replace their aging flagship.
By 1938, the western allies, the United Kingdom and France in particular, had grown increasingly wary of Russia's actions. Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Montenegro and Albania were now satellites of Moscow in all but name. Denmark, Norway and Sweden were also increasingly concerned as their two large neighbors, Imperial Germany and the Russian Republic, seemed increasingly likely to go to war, despite Germany's attempts to ease tensions diplomatically. France and the UK entered into treaties with the three countries agreeing to come to their aid if they were attacked. At the same time, they entered into secret negotiations with Germany. These negotiations resulted in the Pan European Defense Pact. Whereby all three nations, plus Italy and Austria, agreed to come to each others aid if they were attacked without provocation. Spain and Portugal, while not being signatories to the treaty, privately reassured Germany and Austria of their support as well. This treaty was kept quiet by all involved, as the political costs of the treaty in each of their home countries was deemed too high to publicly announce an alliance with their former enemy.
In May, 1939 RMS Laurentic was ready for her Maiden Voyage. In a display of showmanship, White Star carefully coordinated their schedules so that Britannic would depart New York to coincide with Majestic's arrival and arrive in Southampton as Laurentic was departing. An even more impressive display was arranged for Titanic. Upon Laurentic's arrival in New York, she was passed in the outbound channel by Titanic and her sister, Majestic. Titanic would make her final crossing in tandem with the larger ship. Majestic was escorting her home. The last of White Star's revolutionary Olympic-class liners was decommissioned on May 11th, 1939. She would join her younger sister in Belfast three days later in reserve until it was certain there would be no issues with the new Laurentic. When no issues developed, Titanic and Britannic were sent to Jarrow in April, 1940. Though their interior fittings were stripped and auctioned off quickly, it would be some time before the two liners would be scrapped as the ship breakers there were somewhat overwhelmed with turn of the century ships being broken up.
It was while Mauritania was fitting out in late 1940 that the fragile peace finally shattered. In the early morning of November 1st, 1940 explosions and gunfire erupted along the frontier between East Prussia and Russia as supposed German backed rebels attacked Russian troops and garrisons in the area. The stated aim was to restore the small slice of Prussia that Germany had lost to Russia in the Great War to German Control. It was only later that it was determined that these rebels were actually being supplied and instructed by Moscow, though the rank and file actually thought their supplies were coming from Berlin.
The initial German reaction was shock. While they privately did desire the return of their lost land, they were most certainly not prepared to go to war over it. Unfortunately, there seemed to be little choice.
By November 5th, the Russian Ambassador to Imperial Germany presented the Kaiser and his government with a list of demands that would have to be met in their entirety to maintain the peace. The irony of this was not lost on Germany, who encouraged Austria to issue just such a list in 1914. The demands were, to put it mildly, outrageous. Nearly all of Eastern Germany, including all of East Prussia and the port of Danzig was to be surrendered to Russia to serve as a border state between the two countries. All German residents of the area were to leave the area within 6 months. Germany was to immediately stand down its military and disband any forces above what the Treaty of Versailles allowed them to retain. Russian observers were to be permanently stationed with German Forces to ensure compliance with treaty commitments. Reparations were to be paid for the loss of life incurred during the "German supported" attack. Additionally, Germany was to cut off funding to all rebel groups in Russia and to furnish the Russian Government with the names of the leaders of all rebel groups. That this last requirement was impossible to meet was all the proof that Germany needed to confirm what they had suspected: the so called rebels were taking their orders from Moscow. A rejection of the demands was not long in coming. The Russian response followed shortly after. In the form of an artillery barrage.
In France, the UK, Italy and Austria the outbreak of war led to fierce internal debates as to whether the Russian attack on Germany was truly "unprovoked." Some argued strongly that the signing of the defense treaty with the Kaiser had just given him the excuse to launch a war of conquest while claiming to be the victim and to do so under the umbrella of the other Great Powers in Europe. Others argued just as strongly that the there was no way the Germans could be so stupid as to think that would work. While the debate in government raged, the military began preparing to deploy. In the case of the Royal Navy, it began looking for shipping suitable for use as troop transports. They already had HMS Olympic, but would need more. The first place they turned was to White Star.
White Star Line operated the largest fleet of liners in the world, with nearly 30 vessels between the White Star and Cunard fleets. Though White Star informed the admiralty that any of their ships could be converted, they were loathe to do so until it was certain they would be needed and would prefer if all other options were examined first. To that end, the Royal Navy made a very surprising discovery. The Titanic and Britannic had not yet been broken up. The breakers yard in Jarrow had been so overwhelmed with work that they had not gotten around to actually dismantling the ships. Upon inspection, it was found that, while overall the ships were sound, they would both require an extensive refit before they could be used, a result of their being laid up for just over a year. The Navy immediately agreed to purchase the two ships and had them towed to the Royal Dockyard, Plymouth to be refitted as troopships.
On November 20th, the Western Allies decided that yes, the attack on Germany had been unprovoked and agreed to honor their treaty commitments. Accordingly, The UK, France, Italy and Austria declared war on Russia. White Star was soon informed that, yes, their ships would be needed as troopships. Accordingly, White Star pulled the Majestic, Laurentic, Aquitania, Britannia, Caronia, and the first three Oceanic-class ships from service and sent them to Harland and Wolff to be converted and their fittings placed into storage. Additionally, White Star ordered work on Mauritania to be placed on hold pending future developments. All told, White Star, when including the three Olympic-class ships, provided the Royal Navy the ability to transport 80,000 men at a time. The British Empire would need every inch of that space.
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Just an obsevation - Harland and Wolff do not build ships for White Star competitors. Yes, I know Cunard is technically owned by White Star, but it is still an unwritten rule between Harland and Wolff and White Star.
Otherwise love the update and saving of the Sisters
SsgtC
Banned
Yes, I'm aware of that. But in this case, Cunard is really no longer a competitor. They've been relegated to a second class line and are wholly owned by White Star. Cunard actually wanted to build the ship at John Brown and Company, but White Star insisted that it be built at H&W to ensure it would meet their requirements
Just an obsevation - Harland and Wolff do not build ships for White Star competitors. Yes, I know Cunard is technically owned by White Star, but it is still an unwritten rule between Harland and Wolff and White Star.
Otherwise love the update and saving of the Sisters
VII
SsgtC
Banned
On November 8th, 1940 the Russian Army launched an attack through Prussia aimed at Berlin, hoping to win the war before Germany could respond. The Russian Army, led by Field Marshal Mikhail Tukhachevsky, rolled across the border early that morning. Meeting only light resistance, the Army penetrated over 40 kilometers into Germany. This is when Generaloberst Erich von Manstein sprung his first surprise on the invading Russians. They hit what appeared to be a solid wall of anti-tank traps, anti-tank guns, well dug in infantry and a large force of Panzerkampfwagen IIs in prepared positions. Marshal Tukhachevsky now visibly relaxed, finally meeting the resistance he was expecting. What he was not expecting were the two armored corps, each composed
of two Panzer Divisions and one Panzer-Grenadier division, led by General der Kavallerie Heinz Guderian and Generalleutnant Erwin Rommel smashing through his flanks and encircling his army, cutting him off from vital supplies, reinforcements and lines of retreat.
Never one to give up easily however, Marshal Tukhachevsky ordered General roda voysk Kliment Voroshilov, his most able commander to take half of their armored forces, 1/4 of their infantry and 1/4 of their artillery and crush the German Counterattack. This was easier said then done. Unlike the forces to their front which were mainly equipped with Panzer IIs and 7.5cm Leichtgeshutz 40s supporting the very well dug in infantry armed with MG34s and Karabiner 98ks, the two Panzer Korp were equipped with the brand new Panzerkampfwagen III and the still in development Panzerkampfwagen IV (a small batch having been rushed into production a few months previously, enough to equip one battalion in each Panzerdivision). Generals Guderian and Rommel used their armor to maximum effect, crushing the Russian forces arrayed before them. Shortly before noon, two days after the German Counterattack, the two Panzerkorps met and closed the pocket, trapping Marshal Tukhachevsky's forces within.
The Marshal, realizing his situation was hopeless, ordered his forces to break off their attack, reorient themselves to the East, and attempt to break out and return to friendly lines. That he was even partially successful in this is a testament to his skill as a combat commander. Out of the more than 350,000 men who had attacked into Germany, only 75,000 returned to Russian lines. The rest were either killed, wounded or captured. The most notable loss was General Voroshilov who was killed when his headquarters was overrun by one of Rommel's brigades. Generals von Manstein, Guderian and Rommel were all awarded the Grand Cross of the Iron Cross and advanced one rank for their spectacular performance in the battle. The war, however was far from over.
Starting on November 25th, allied forces began moving east from France via train. Among the troops and equipment loaded was the Char B1 bis, France's premier heavy tank. Italian and Austrian Forces also began moving east, with Austrian Army units reaching the German-Russian Frontier by December 5th. Across the channel on December 2nd, the Royal Navy left port to provide gunfire support for the German and Allied Forces in East Prussia and to attempt to interdict Russian Shipping. This resulted in a sight many thought they would never see. The Royal Navy was joined by the 4 battleships of the Helgoland-class. While the Helgolands were admittedly obsolete, they were what Germany had to hand. In a shore bombardment role, they were more than adequate. The 4 ships of the Bismarck-class were still fitting out and would not be ready for action for some months.
Sailing just after the Royal Navy battle fleet, a much different fleet departed. Made up of Olympic, Aquitania, Oceanic, Laurentic and a screen of destroyers, the ships of this fleet carried the first significant British forces to join the war. The two divisions the ships carried were to be landed at Danzig. White Star and the Royal Navy had strenuously objected to this plan (as had Admiral Karl Donitz and Generaloberst Herman Goring, the Naval and Luftwaffe commanders for the area) as being far too dangerous and close to the Russian Naval bases at St Petersburg and Helsinki and Air Bases in the area as well. However, Winston Churchill, recently elected Prime Minister, pushed for the troops to be landed there as they would provide an ability to strike south and envelop the Russian forces or go east and take St Petersburg. That it would take months to build up a force strong enough for either of those lofty goals was seemingly lost on Churchill.
In Belfast, the work on the other White Star Ships requisitioned for the war effort was proceeding as the ships arrived there. The Majestic completed her conversion on December 8th. Caronia was completed by December 12th, Britannia by the 19th, Pacific by the 23rd and Atlantic on the 24th. At Portsmouth, Titanic and Britannic were being refitted as well. Though due to needed repairs to their engineering plants, they would not be ready for service until early January. Majestic was used primarily to sail to Canada and embark Canadian troops. She would then sail for Hamburg, disembark troops, load wounded and sail for Southampton. The other White Star and Cunard liners were used at first to transport British soldiers to the continent and then to bring Commonwealth soldiers into the theater. More ships would soon be needed.
The mission to bring troops to Danzig had been a disaster. The Olympic had been hit with one 250 pound bomb on her forecastle, blowing the anchoring gear to pieces and causing nearly 500 causalities. The ship had also been strafed, resulting in damage to her bridge, funnels and boat deck while causing another 100 casualties. Oceanic was rocked by two near misses of what were believed to be 500 pound bombs, springing seams and causing the ship to take on water. She also had developed a 5 degree list to starboard. Fortunately, casualties among her men were relatively light, only 40 men killed and 200 wounded out of nearly 6,000 on board. Aquitania escaped the easiest. She had only been strafed, causing some 300 casualties due to having an unusually high number of men on deck. Laurentic, however did not get off so lightly. She was hit by two 250 pound semi-armor piercing bombs, one 500 pound bomb (type unknown) and was rocked by no less than 3 near misses by 500 pound bombs. Of the over 15,000 men onboard, over 1,500 are known to have been killed in the attack, with another 500 wounded. Laurentic was down 9' by the stern, had two shafts disabled and was only capable of making 12 knots after the attack. The attack is all the more remarkable since the Luftwaffe had assigned 3 squadrons of BF109s to provide air cover.
That the Russians were able to punch through such heavy fighter cover was astonishing. Of the nearly 150 planes the Russians launched that morning, less than 30 made it back to base. It would not be the last time the Russians would fight with such utter disregard for their own safety. It was, however, the last time anyone tried to send troops to Danzig by sea. After the disaster that was Danzig, the four damaged liners were sent back to Britain. Aquitania was repaired in just a few days. Olympic was patched up and her ground tackle repaired sufficiently to be used in less than 2 weeks. Oceanic was out of service for a month while damaged hull platting and equipment was replaced. Laurentic, however, was far more serious. Her builders estimated that it would take 6 months to a year to repair her damage. And they strongly cautioned that she would likely never be the same again. White Star was livid that their newest and largest ship had been so severely damaged by Churchill's Folly, as the debacle was quickly becoming known. Unfortunately for them, they were still the largest shipping company in the United Kingdom. Additional ships were soon requisitioned. The most prominent of these being the brand new Mauritania. She was requisitioned as a Hospital ship.
of two Panzer Divisions and one Panzer-Grenadier division, led by General der Kavallerie Heinz Guderian and Generalleutnant Erwin Rommel smashing through his flanks and encircling his army, cutting him off from vital supplies, reinforcements and lines of retreat.
Never one to give up easily however, Marshal Tukhachevsky ordered General roda voysk Kliment Voroshilov, his most able commander to take half of their armored forces, 1/4 of their infantry and 1/4 of their artillery and crush the German Counterattack. This was easier said then done. Unlike the forces to their front which were mainly equipped with Panzer IIs and 7.5cm Leichtgeshutz 40s supporting the very well dug in infantry armed with MG34s and Karabiner 98ks, the two Panzer Korp were equipped with the brand new Panzerkampfwagen III and the still in development Panzerkampfwagen IV (a small batch having been rushed into production a few months previously, enough to equip one battalion in each Panzerdivision). Generals Guderian and Rommel used their armor to maximum effect, crushing the Russian forces arrayed before them. Shortly before noon, two days after the German Counterattack, the two Panzerkorps met and closed the pocket, trapping Marshal Tukhachevsky's forces within.
The Marshal, realizing his situation was hopeless, ordered his forces to break off their attack, reorient themselves to the East, and attempt to break out and return to friendly lines. That he was even partially successful in this is a testament to his skill as a combat commander. Out of the more than 350,000 men who had attacked into Germany, only 75,000 returned to Russian lines. The rest were either killed, wounded or captured. The most notable loss was General Voroshilov who was killed when his headquarters was overrun by one of Rommel's brigades. Generals von Manstein, Guderian and Rommel were all awarded the Grand Cross of the Iron Cross and advanced one rank for their spectacular performance in the battle. The war, however was far from over.
Starting on November 25th, allied forces began moving east from France via train. Among the troops and equipment loaded was the Char B1 bis, France's premier heavy tank. Italian and Austrian Forces also began moving east, with Austrian Army units reaching the German-Russian Frontier by December 5th. Across the channel on December 2nd, the Royal Navy left port to provide gunfire support for the German and Allied Forces in East Prussia and to attempt to interdict Russian Shipping. This resulted in a sight many thought they would never see. The Royal Navy was joined by the 4 battleships of the Helgoland-class. While the Helgolands were admittedly obsolete, they were what Germany had to hand. In a shore bombardment role, they were more than adequate. The 4 ships of the Bismarck-class were still fitting out and would not be ready for action for some months.
Sailing just after the Royal Navy battle fleet, a much different fleet departed. Made up of Olympic, Aquitania, Oceanic, Laurentic and a screen of destroyers, the ships of this fleet carried the first significant British forces to join the war. The two divisions the ships carried were to be landed at Danzig. White Star and the Royal Navy had strenuously objected to this plan (as had Admiral Karl Donitz and Generaloberst Herman Goring, the Naval and Luftwaffe commanders for the area) as being far too dangerous and close to the Russian Naval bases at St Petersburg and Helsinki and Air Bases in the area as well. However, Winston Churchill, recently elected Prime Minister, pushed for the troops to be landed there as they would provide an ability to strike south and envelop the Russian forces or go east and take St Petersburg. That it would take months to build up a force strong enough for either of those lofty goals was seemingly lost on Churchill.
In Belfast, the work on the other White Star Ships requisitioned for the war effort was proceeding as the ships arrived there. The Majestic completed her conversion on December 8th. Caronia was completed by December 12th, Britannia by the 19th, Pacific by the 23rd and Atlantic on the 24th. At Portsmouth, Titanic and Britannic were being refitted as well. Though due to needed repairs to their engineering plants, they would not be ready for service until early January. Majestic was used primarily to sail to Canada and embark Canadian troops. She would then sail for Hamburg, disembark troops, load wounded and sail for Southampton. The other White Star and Cunard liners were used at first to transport British soldiers to the continent and then to bring Commonwealth soldiers into the theater. More ships would soon be needed.
The mission to bring troops to Danzig had been a disaster. The Olympic had been hit with one 250 pound bomb on her forecastle, blowing the anchoring gear to pieces and causing nearly 500 causalities. The ship had also been strafed, resulting in damage to her bridge, funnels and boat deck while causing another 100 casualties. Oceanic was rocked by two near misses of what were believed to be 500 pound bombs, springing seams and causing the ship to take on water. She also had developed a 5 degree list to starboard. Fortunately, casualties among her men were relatively light, only 40 men killed and 200 wounded out of nearly 6,000 on board. Aquitania escaped the easiest. She had only been strafed, causing some 300 casualties due to having an unusually high number of men on deck. Laurentic, however did not get off so lightly. She was hit by two 250 pound semi-armor piercing bombs, one 500 pound bomb (type unknown) and was rocked by no less than 3 near misses by 500 pound bombs. Of the over 15,000 men onboard, over 1,500 are known to have been killed in the attack, with another 500 wounded. Laurentic was down 9' by the stern, had two shafts disabled and was only capable of making 12 knots after the attack. The attack is all the more remarkable since the Luftwaffe had assigned 3 squadrons of BF109s to provide air cover.
That the Russians were able to punch through such heavy fighter cover was astonishing. Of the nearly 150 planes the Russians launched that morning, less than 30 made it back to base. It would not be the last time the Russians would fight with such utter disregard for their own safety. It was, however, the last time anyone tried to send troops to Danzig by sea. After the disaster that was Danzig, the four damaged liners were sent back to Britain. Aquitania was repaired in just a few days. Olympic was patched up and her ground tackle repaired sufficiently to be used in less than 2 weeks. Oceanic was out of service for a month while damaged hull platting and equipment was replaced. Laurentic, however, was far more serious. Her builders estimated that it would take 6 months to a year to repair her damage. And they strongly cautioned that she would likely never be the same again. White Star was livid that their newest and largest ship had been so severely damaged by Churchill's Folly, as the debacle was quickly becoming known. Unfortunately for them, they were still the largest shipping company in the United Kingdom. Additional ships were soon requisitioned. The most prominent of these being the brand new Mauritania. She was requisitioned as a Hospital ship.
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