The Glorious Sixth [Germano-Gallic Theatre]

[Montelimar]

7 September 2011

It was First and Second Armies that has the assignment to hold the borders of western Montelimar with the First Army in the west and Second Army in the north. The two armies know that, because of there was no mobilization were short their third corps made up of the reserve divisions, they means they may not be able to hold against what intel has indicated has massed across the border, but they have been ordered to use whatever means they can think of for making the Engellex pay for what territory they take and slow the advance, especially in the cities. Though most of their armor have been either destroyed or in some way incapacitated, they still have ATGMs, rocket grenade launchers and MANPADs along with heavy and light infantry weapons, mines, booby-traps and IEDs to make life as much a living hell on the Engellex as possible. Destroying everything in front of them, bridges, tunnels and booby-traping and mining as many lines of advance as possible, the soldiers of the army of Montelimar wait for the Engellex ground offensive.

First Army

First Army west of Dijon, both having been the primary targets of the enemy air assault, especially the regiments stationed along the border, doing their best to maintain that line though providing a target for the enemy to shoot at. In the west. The VII Corps on the left holds the line between Mormant and Nimes with the 1st Infantry Division, reinforced by the rimnants of the 3rd Marine regiment and anchored on Mormant with the 4th Inf at Nimes, with the 9th and 30th Infantries establishing a second line between Fecamp and Bordeaux and the 3rd Armour Div. in reserve, all at reduced numbers due to the Engellex air assault. The First Army's V Corps was assigned the line between Limoges and Dijon with the 28th Inf on the left and 29th Inf on the right with 2nd Inf and 3rd Armour in reserve. Though these divisions were not as beaten up as much as the VII Corps they still were not at full strength.

Second Army

While VI Corps is stationed between Dijon and rhe mountains, XIX Corps of the Second Army holds what is the Northern Region with the 44th Inf , 45th and 54th Infantry Divisions in a simi circle centered around Lille with the 9th Armour Division placed in reserve near the city. Like the First Army, the divisions of the Second Army have also been hammered, especially those regiments that were stationed along the border.

Skies Above Montelimar

AWACs have been doing double duty, both their own and also that the lost ground based radar. Protected by fighters and ECM aircraft it is these aircraft that on the twenty-ninth of August, detected the ten tomahawk missiles coming in low towards Valmy, though all ten were detected by AWACs, eight were shot down before reaching their targets. It was also these AWACs detect the incoming aircraft allowing intercepts, though the airforce has taken a pummeling, it still has fighters and pilots to fly them and it still mounting a defense and with the Engellex ground assault commencing those pilots to step up again to confront the enemy as escadrille after escadrille from the east engage the enemy over the west.

Though Montelimar has been fighting a defensive war, the first offensive action takes place this night. From the Fontaine-Harcourt international airport, which has been re-designated as a military base, ten

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bombers of the 1° Bombardment Groupe
liftoff, five turn on a course east-southeast flying low while the other five head north, both groups proceeding to a designated launch point. Slung under the wings and in internal bays, each carried 20

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, these missiles have been programed to follow a route that will fly them at treetop level across southern Montelimar, out to sea before changing course north for designated targets in Engellex, namely fuel and oil storage facilities and refineries while the northern group will launch their missiles behind the Bleuridge mountains and the missile will fly over northern Montelimar to hit similar targets in northern Engellex.

Long Sea

The Brissac Carrier Battle Group has finally been given the order to leave the Long Sea and to rendezvous with the EDF combined task force leaving Anglyn. The crews now know they will finally avenge their friends and family members that were victims of the attack on Fecamp.

 

[Großlausitz]

North of the Tip of Cambria

The taskforce Heiliger Zorn had come under heavy fire by both the Bantyrians and a detachment of the Engellexic air force. Of course the air defence and anti-submarine defence of the force weren’t perfect and the two partners in crime – from a Franconian point of view they were – had their share of hits on the taskforce, too.

While the Bantyrian fleet was huge relative to Heiliger Zorn, the difference in size gave the Franconians another edge beside their superior air defence: Mobility. Heiliger Zorn would keep the Bantyrians busy by cruising back and forth between the Cambrian Strait and the Bay of Würzburg, where the long-range bombers of the Royal Air Force and another taskforce lurked for prey. In the wake of Bantyr’s formal entry into the mess bombing squads would try to harass and bother naval convoys from Banty trying to supply Engellex, if they dared to sail too nearly.

There was another ‘predatory fish’ lurking in the deep waters in the far north east of the Cambrian Strait. It was the KMS Heinrich Dallas, a cousin to the HMAS Paladin and Paradise of the [wiki]Poseidon class[/wiki]. It had been added to the rear guard of Heiliger Zorn and was in charge of bothering the Bantyrian flagship with salvos of missiles. If necessary it would submerge to defend the taskforce more actively.
The EDF military command had opted for dealing with the Bantyrian fleet before approaching Engellex’ capital island with their joint fleet. The supplies from Franken would flow more freely without constant harassment by the preposterous Celts. Heiliger Zorn was to be the anvil, while the joint fleet on the way from Anglyn would serve as hammer to smash them. Once the Bantyrian fleet had been dealt with, KMS Heinrich Dallas would re-assigned to assault Bantyrian supply lines near Cambria.

A meeting of the Reichssicherheitsrat

The computer engineers and other nerds of electronic warfare division of the Landesnachrichtendienst had proudly shown the fruits of their most recent work to the members of the Reichssicherheitsrat, i.e. the chief ministers, the Prince Regent and the military top brass. It was a reaction to the recently spread rumours, or more precisely fairytales, that Franken was involved in the attack on Wiese’s capital.

Together with their Eiffelländer colleagues the LND spooks had managed to hack the websites of the major news providers in Engellex. They had replaced the Engellexic semi-propaganda with a juicy story about Queen Charlotte’s sexual exploits briefly after her ascension to the throne of Greater Engellex. The hacked homepage of an Engellexic tabloid featured the exclusive interview with two allegedly abused young page boys from her household, who had been brought from far Cantigny to serve her queen. As an additional gift the agents left a couple of computer viruses hid in the images adorning the many articles. According to the chief of the LND electronic warfare division Engellex’ counterespionage department would be able to clean sweep the web within the next 24 hours, but the viruses would keep them busy for a little longer.

Naturally LND and Eiffelland’s Staatssicherheitsdienst had given an advance warning to Franconian and Eiffellander news agencies to keep their IT security tight.
This report was followed by a status update of the LND head for Gallia, who informed the Reichssicherheitsrat about the intelligence agency’s effort to cause unrest in the rural border regions of Engellex. Divided into several small highly mobile teams about 40 LND operatives had been deployed in the areas immediately bordering Montelimar.

 

[Lorraine]

Northern Lorraine

The High Command in Metz had received the report that the Engellex ground offensive had begun and the Montelimarians airforce, which has been mangled, had been ordered to again engage the enemy in the air and now on the ground, but this time they were to have help, six squadron of the 3rd Air Wing, Norther Air Command, were given the order to directly aid in the defence of Montelimar as Mirages, Rafales and Euorfighters of the 3rd and 6th Combat Air Groups, seventy-two aircraft, were placed under the command of the Montelimarian combat air command to be directed to where they were needed and sent in to do battle for the first time against the Engellex airforces.

 

[Großlausitz]

It was both a disaster and a triumph – in other words, you could call the current situation a Phyrric victory. On the one hand Franken had lost almost all ships of the taskforce Heiliger Zorn except for the four submarines including the invaluable asset that was the KMS Heinrich Dallas. The aircraft carrier, the frigates, the destroyers, except for two anti-air frigates they had been reduced to rubble and/or sunk. It was especially embarrassing, as the carrier was the first one of its class Franken lost in battle. “At least our post-war economy will profit from the Royal Navy ordering substitutes,” Prinzregent Jakob had resorted to very black humor instead of having a hissy fit over the loss of men and material when he and the members of the Reichssicherheitsrat had been briefed. Franken’s Royal Navy’s doctrine was so much focused on power projection that its strategic leadership had painfully neglected to consider the possibility of a fully-blown war and the need for moving around huge fleets like Bantyr did.

On the bright side, the Bantyric and Engellexical forces had been successfully lured in the proximity of Franken, where wave after wave of Franconian Royal Air Force multi-role bombers greeted them and took bloody revenge for the death of their naval comrades. It was self-evident the original strategy did not take into account that the Grim Reaper would have such a large harvest, but Franken’s pilots tried to make the best of it by taking down as many enemy planes and sinking as many enemy ships as possible.

Of course there were inquisitive and curious minds wondering why on earth the Royal Navy would commit such curious mistakes – the current commander-in-chief would be sent into a blissful retirement, the defence minister had promised the media. However, His Majesty’s Government, i.e. its spindoctors and spooks, were busy trying to lay the blame for the taskforce’s obliteration at doorstep of Bantyr – “an upstart regime that tries to expand its influence at the expense of stability and prosperity and has no regards for the principles of international law. – and naturally Queen Charlotte – “[…] whose odious and corrupt camarilla dreams of reverting Germania and Gallia back to the 18th century, cancelling the achievements of popular participation in policymaking […]”

 

[Great Engellex]

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The Middlesex' (Duke & Duchess of Middlesex)

CIRCUMSTANCE OF IMPERIAL WAR
OPERATION RÖSSELSPRUNG & WESTERN MARCHES

Battent Palace, Dulwich, Empire of Great Engellex

The Middlesex’ had been consistently antagonistic to Soren, and Charlotte had turned against them for this reason. Relations could be so tiresome. There was the Duke of Middlesex who could not be content to be the Duke of Middlesex and was always making some degree of private criticism of the Queen-Empress, simply because he thought the Crown of Great Engellex should be his, which was nonsense. Great Engellex had evolved beyond backward notions of hereditary sovereigns, and more so abandoned the ideas of male-only succession, which many in Dulwich believe to be a source of diplomatic contention between the Anglo-Saxon realm and those of the Borussians (Germans). The Queen-Empress was foremost a politician who had secured the Crown through political wit and national dedication. Besides, the King of Walssex-Battent often reminded the Duke of Middlesex that men will be more ready to fight for a bonny lass. But the Duke of Middlesex thought differently; there existed genuine suspicion of plotting. It was not that Charlotte expected the Middlesex’ to plot against her or the Crown. They would dare not do that. But they had wanted her to marry the Duke of Roxburghe and they had thought they had a good chance of bringing this about because during her early reign as Queen of Engellex, Charlotte was quite captivated and enchanted by his charm. His charm, of course, was legendary at Court and it was for that reason they wanted the innocent Charlotte to become entangled in such a marriage.

They were most provoking, these Middlesex’, always doing something to irritate her, mostly slighting Charlotte’s campaign for Women’s Suffrage, and now Soren, so when gossiped reached the Queen-Empress of a scandal about their eldest son, Alfred the Marquess of Zetland, she could not help feeling a little pleased, even though it also included the Countess of Rothe, which was very wrong of her. It was rumoured that the Countess of Rothes, the Queen-Empress’ sister and Ward of the Queen, was with child and that recently she had been very friendly with Alfred Middlesex. As the Countess of Rothes was one of the Middlesex’ circle of friends Alfred would have seen a great deal of her, and it was very likely that he was the father. Charlotte, disclosing to the Dowager Duchess, her mother, that she deplored any form of impurity, was horrified that it should exist within her immediate family circle. My Court, I fear it, has been rather too lax, she said, I think that is something I shall be obliged to alter. The Dowager Duchess nodded in agreement, finally ceding to Charlotte’s consistent argument that her younger sister was a hazard to the family. I will invite the Duke and Duchess and express definite instructions that Alfred will be subjected to a Lord’s Court, for the seduction of a Ward of the Queen, Charlotte informed her mother. And what of your sister? The Dowager Duchess asked. Charlotte considered that it was difficult to exclude her sister but in the circumstances of the nation’s war, it was necessary.
The Middlesex’ were furious. The Duchess demanded of the Queen-Empress why her son and the Countess of Rothes should be treated this way. It is always those most concerned who are the last to be informed to what disgraces are taking place around them, Charlotte told the ignorant Duchess. I am completely ignorant of what your Majesty suggests..
Then I should ask the Marquess of Zetland and the Countess of Rothes. I will not tolerate immorality within my Court. There has been too much of it in the past, and the degradation of morals to Europeanization throughout the world is troubling. I have decided to take strong measures against it and these will be used even against members of my own family, if necessary, Charlotte informed. The Duchess of Middlesex was certainly blinded, this is a cruel mistake, she said, but the Queen-Empress lifted her shoulders and fluttered her fan.

The Duke and Duchess of Middlesex were not going to allow the matter to pass, particularly when their son assured them both that the accusation was false. The Queen-Empress shall be forced to reflect on her behaviour, said the Duchess privately. When the honour of people has to be vindicated this sort of thing must be fought like-for-like. Intelligence agencies from Franken and Eiffelland had infiltrated the websites of Great Engellex’ major newspapers, in an attempting to destabilize the propaganda machine of the nation with false and highly offensive sexual materials. Fortunately, internet access is particularly limited due to laws on restriction to only landed gentry and peers, along with other things such as automobiles and electronics. The Bletchley Intelligence Bureau were swiftly alerted and closed down the press agency sites within two hours, though initially to be temporary, it was decided by the Lords Commission of Public Press that for the duration of the war no public or private broadcasting websites would be permitted to remain accessible, and were consequently shut down. This would have little consequence on the reach of news, as developments of the war were heavily censored and relayed largely, by far, from newspapers rather than sites. The Middlesex’, however, were part of a minority to have internet access. The details of the Frankish mischief were partially leaked out through amateur press. The Duchess of Middlesex saw to that. The Queen-Empress was so pure, one article read, that she insisted all men exposed their intentions in her Majesty's presence.

Charlotte’s ministers were disturbed. Being inveterate gossipers themselves, as almost everyone in Dulwich was, they could see the implications of this affair better than the Middlesex’ intended. The Queen-Empress could not afford a scandal and the best thing that could happen would be that the Duchess of Middlesex, who was rapidly accused of being the instigator of this unholy gossip, should without delay apologise and submit herself to the mercy of the Queen-Empress. Charlotte made it especially difficult and degrading, and as it became clear that such offensive rumour was without foundation the Middlesex’ realised their submission to Charlotte must be done. The Engelleux of Arms implored the Queen-Empress demand a trial of treason, only when it became clear from BIB that the Federation was connected to infiltration, but Charlotte allowed the matter to settle quietly, though the Middlesex’ were permanently barred from political office while she reign – and, especially significant and controversial, excluded from Court.

Meanwhile in Zadar-Istria the Lord Byron, Lord Commissioner of Zadar-Istria has continued to demonstrate his desire to be autocrat over the islands, exercising his power from the Commissioner’s Residence within central Zadarska. Through his ministers of the Ministry Interior, suppression is organised with and without subtlety, both within Zadarska and outside the islands, in Dulwich, there is no question on whether there are revolutionary elements but when will they attempt their revolution. My Lord, the Provincial Assembly has no business endorsing workers wishing to the establishing of unions. The duty of the assembly is to contain these desires, through legislation – imprisonment of Jews, Muslims, Revolutionaries. Six hundred and seventy nine dissenters killed and nearly three hundred imprisoned, and one hundred awaiting trial – it's all there, the Minister of Interior handed the Lord Commissioner a large file describing the details of the fire that tore through the poverty stricken districts of Zadarska. We can achieve the needed victory if we have the will, my Lord. We must have them understand that we are serious, and if we are serious we must be coherent, we must be ruthless and above all intelligent. Lord Byron sighed before pacing to the opposite end of the hall. The minister continued, I have requested an additional regiment from Istria, to burn a few houses.. restore order. Lord Byron was naïve, what do they hope to gain from such plotting? Strikes on the Zadarska streets, even in hospitals, and rioting in Istria. Makes me sick to look out these windows. The minister smiled to reassure the reflecting Lord, every country has its situations. Admittedly, Zadar-Istria has a dark one, but we will come through it. That file is our investigation of dissention. Lord Byron gave a guilty eye to the large file sitting on the desk, do I have to read it?
No, no there is nothing in it you do not already know, the minister replied.

Charlotte, that evening, was being informed of the triumph over the Frankish Navy during Operation Rösselsprung, What? All of it? The War Secretary nodded. The whole task force? Charlotte continued. Indeed, m’am. The whole task force. The Queen-Empress found it an unbelievable fact to digest, even the carrier? The War Secretary nodded again, including the carrier, m’am. There was nothing left of the Frankish surface ships. All at the bottom of the sea. Virtually the whole task force sank. One carrier; eight destroyers; ten frigates; taking three months to prepare for engagement the Frankish Naval Task Force ends in the bottom of the sea within several hours of entering the Strait of Cambria. Their war should be over. Charlotte stood up and moved to her writing desk, the Frankish will move to reinforce their naval position. Moving what remains of their navy into the waters north of the Cambrian strait. You will understand, your Grace, that our sympathies must be with the Frankish, as well as our own. It was a great loss of life. No sovereign should have to face such tragedy, such a defeat. I shall write to the King of Franken, to express this. The War Secretary approached the Queen-Empress, your Majesty, what if we push for the Frankish to sign a treaty with us? Charlotte looked up in thought, the Anglysh would surely raise objection with the Franks? He nodded at her response, but if we got the Frankish to sign first, wouldn’t the Anglysh have to fall in to line, thus ending these hostilities?
Indeed, I can see your line of thought. I will communicate with the King of Franken immediately on our wishes, Charlotte informed the War Secretary. The War Secretary, who was also the Engelleux of Arms, bowed gracefully and left her presence allowing Charlotte to make her communication :-

*My Dearest Alfred, the outbreak of hostilities between us has had a sad consequence upon our two realms, especially your navy, which has deeply moved me. How could it be otherwise seeing as I am too faced with the loss of seamen within service to my Crown, I can well imagine how sore your heart must feel, as I feel it too.
But all of your efforts to secure stability, with sacrifice of our national friendship, has been to no avail. I have entertained an interesting conversation about the war with the ambassador of Wendmark , I told him I found it astounding that your government did not find reason to deploy the Frankish fleets down to Solaris waters, but have found plenty of reason to send them to our waters.
I have instructed the Royal Engellexic Navy to locate and rescue survivors, and have prayed to the deity to shield and protect those that struggle for life in the waters of the Cambrian Strait. It would be a remarkable achievement for Europe that any and all survivors could be returned home, to Franken, upon the cessation of hostilities between us through a treaty that would restore peace between Great Engellex and Franken.

Your devoted friend and cousin (or is it niece?), Charlotte.
​

Charlotte put down her pen, and sitting back she noticed a communique that had still to be responded to. It was a private statement from the government in Sørlandeten, administrative error the Queen-Empress thought to herself dismissively. Charlotte rang a small bell that was on her desk and a footman arrived to attend to her, please send in my secretary – with writing materials, thank you. She stood up and walked to one of the windows that overlooked the palace gardens, waiting for the secretary to walk in. She looked back at him, send a communication to the government of Sørlandeten, the Grand Councillor, the secretary nodded.

*I have no words to describe my indignation at the Federation’s conduct. The only way, as we in Dulwich believe and say, is if Great Engellex, Sørlandeten, Bantyr and Cantigny unite at once to make arrangements to abolish the arrogance of the European Defence Federation.
Would you like to lay down the lines for negotiations of such a treaty? As soon as it is accepted by Great Engellex and Sørlandeten, bound to join us Cantigny and Bantyr are likely. ​

The Western Marches, that is Operation Crown Imperial, had gone exceptionally well for Second and Third Great Engellexic Armies. The resistance encountered during the initial breach was sporadic, occasionally heavy, and yet not as stiff as originally expected. That was argued to be due to the successive raids of the Royal Engellexic Air Force. The VIII Corps suffered the largest equipment losses. Fifteen Chieftain MBTs, three IFVs, and twenty two Land Rover Wolfs had fallen prey to the Montelimarian defence in and around Mormant. Forty seven soldiers had been killed and sixty one wounded. The casualties and loss for the penetration and taking of Nimes was slightly improved, the city was in a state of chaos, far more so than Mormant. Nine Chieftain MBTs, and five Land Rover Wolfs had been lost, with twenty four killed and thirty five wounded. By the days end of August 8, the Second and Third Armies had penetrated the western reaches of Montelimar and had captured the cities of Mormant and Nimes. Many Montelimarian soldiers and military equipment had also been captured. The Second Air Wing flew seven hundred and fifty four sorties in support of the Second and Third Armies on the ground, destroying many tanks, APCs and other vehicles attempting to reinforce Montelimarian defence lines. As the opening day had closed, the Imperial General Staff observed intelligence of Montelimarians trying to marshal their remaining resources. Frontline units that had retreated or fled the Second and Third onslaught were understood to be gathering behind a second defensive line between Fecamp and Bordeaux, joined by reinforcements. At least that is what intelligence indicated.

The War Secretary, and Field Marshal, the Duke of Rothermere’s plan appeared to be working perfectly. The enemy lines had been breached in many locations, with surprisingly few casualties, few in the Engellexic sense. The Montelimarian divisions would be stunned by the fury of the western assault and not given the opportunity to counterattack. The Montelimarian divisions would be stunned by the fury of the western assault and not given the opportunity to counterattack. In the first twenty-four hours of the ground campaign the vaunted Federation’s military in Montelimar was crumbling fast before the Engellexic onslaught. The VIII Corps delivered a punch deep into central Mormant, that was swiftly reinforced by an advancing Second Army. The XIII Corps was rolling unimpeded, almost, through the urban landscape of chaotic Nimes, immediately supported by the V Corps and later the Third Army. The V Corps had broken through the initial line of defence in the west, between Mormant and Nimes, forcing the overwhelmed enemy to retreat.

The XIII Corps raced south through the night of September 17, in the midst of a thundering storm. The XIII reached the south west of Bordeaux by 01:23. The V Corps was just west, advancing on the second defensive line east of Avalon. At 01:34 General Sir Oliver William Hargreaves Leese, 3rd Baronet direct the XIII’s attack on its first objective. Objective Penetration was the far eastern end of the second Montelimarian defensive line, south west of Bordeaux. Aided by the Royal Engellexic Air Force close air support from the Second Air Wing, the XIII Corps rolled through enemy lines and made a sweep to advance north westerly against the rear of the enemy. By 02:13 Objective Penetration was secured and the XIII Corps had rendezvoused with the V Corps, guaranteeing the success of the V’s push through the central enemy line between Avalon and Bordeaux. The 5th Armoured Division, supported by the 9th Royal Artillery Regiment and infantry regiments from the 41st (Middlesex) Division, both belonging to the X Corps, advanced against the line between the two cities to force the Montelimarian defence, with V and XIII at their rear, into disarray. The Engellexic position was loosely held westerly, allowing enemy retreat to Fecamp and Caen. The V Corps continued southward, holding a position west and south-west of the city of Galets (sp?). The REAF flew over three thousand sorties on the 17. More than half were in support of the ground offensive in western Montelimar. Two hundred and eighty strikes were against the second enemy lines between Avalon and Bordeaux. Three hundred and twenty eight were flown in support of the VIII’s pushed southward in approach of Fecamp. The First Air Wing continued its campaign over the skies of southern Montelimar, enforcing further a zone of supremacy.

At 02:35, the Second Army’s 12th Armoured Division started passing its seven thousand plus vehicles through the secured lanes of Mormant. Their immediate objective was to destroy the Montelimarian position southwest of Mormant. Three hundred forty Chieftain tanks of the 12th Armour led the Engellexic advance through southern Mormant and to the approach of Fecamp. The 12th Armoured Division advanced south then west, toward the secondary enemy line and defensive fortifications guarding the northern approaches to Fecamp. Once past the 7th Armoured Division’s southern position in Mormant, the 12th fanned out. They pressed forward for Objective Dover, being Fecamp itself. In the first hour of the operation the 12th Armoured Division had plunged the Engellexic advance into the heart of western Montelimar. By 03:32 the 12th Armour were engaging a breach into the defensive lines northeast of Fecamp’s boundaries. The XIII Corps had been instructed to immediately resume advances north to catch up and rendezvous with the 12th Armoured Division in Fecamp.

[[* 1st - A message communicated to the King of Franken by Charlotte. 2nd - The Engellexic response to Sørlandeten's message in my news thread.]]

 

[Remuria]

Considerations of a potentially aggressive manner

The evolution of the situation on the ground in Montelimar was followed closely in neighbouring Wendmark. So far, the preparedness moves enacted at the start of the war were deemed sufficient given the disposition of forces of neighbouring countries. The Engellexic forces have not yet crossed the imaginary line drawn through Montelimar by the Wendmarker strategic planners. Indeed, once this imaginary line crossed, the Wendmarker Armee would step up its readiness in dramatic proportions.

This was all agreed a long time ago and approved by all the necessary executive and military levels. What was not agreed, however, was what to do exactly with the formidable force that the Army was once all Auszug battalions and brigades were activated to active duty. Wendmark's highest military establishment was split between two camps, like Hawks and not-so-Hawks. The not-so-Hawks proposed to simply sit the war out. A rather simple position.

The Hawks, however, wanted to go further. According to them, it was by far better to wage a defensive war on foreign soil rather than to wait until the enemy assaulted the Fatherland. Plans were elaborated for a pre-emptive rout of Engellexic armies should such point the tips of their cannons within Wendmark's reach.

Indeed, according to the Hawks, there were absolutely no guarantees that Engellex would respect Wendmarker neutrality, for it did not respect its own neutrality by carrying out the aggression against Montelimar. To corroborate this hypothesis, the Hawks advanced the fact that so far there has been absolutely no political or diplomatic movement on the part of Dulwich to guarantee a continued state of peace between Wendmark and Engellex. Much to the contrary, the statements from Dulwich equating Wendmark to “not even a State” and a “vassal to Nurnberg” seemed to indicate a healthy dose of aggressive feeling towards the Free State. There was just one conclusion: if Engellexic troops crossed the red line in Montelimar, Wendmark would have to face war, whether the Free State wanted this or not. In such circumstances it was strategically saner to choose the exact moment of war rather than wait. In the end, the argument of the Hawks was that in a context when war was unavoidable, it was a win-win situation to wage the war against Engellex on Montelimarian soil.

There were some political matters pertaining to the plans of a pre-emptive rout of the Engellexic armies. Namely that the Staatstag would most certainly not be happy with such a flagrant violation of the country's neutrality by its political and military leadership. Of course, a successful and rapid operation would most certainly nullify the parliament's opposition through the means of massive popular support and upsurge in patriotic feeling.

So far, however, the imaginary line was not crossed. There was time to debate still.

 

[Aquitania]

Battle Group Épée Sainte

Épée Sainte and her battle group has joined the EDF naval task force. Vice Admiral Fortescue has altered course and speed of his own battle group so as to rendezvous with the EDF naval forces coming out of Portchester and now adds his firepower to that of Anglyn and Franken as the "Grand Fleet" continues on its course. The news of the naval battle in the Cambrian Straits has caused mixed emotions amoung the crews of the Aquitanian fleet as the knowledge that Bantyr has officially entered the war, and much like that nation's allies, attacked while flying the flag of neutrality, and like the missile strike by an unknown foe against Wiese, is just the latest example of how honor has disappeared from the battlefield replaced by acts that civilized society frowns upon. For attacking while after and even while declaring neutrality, is in the eyes of the Templars, the same as attacking one's foe while under a flag of truce, an act of cowardness more suitable to rogues and pirates than to a nation that claims to be civilalized.

Home Front

With the Bantyr proving that they as as has always been suspected, to be no more civilized than their animal skin-clad ancestors, the Grand Duke knows that if Aquitania is attacked, it will be as likely as not be a nation that proclaims neutrality, and the louder that proclaimation is shouted, the more probable it is a prelude to an attack on someone, this is why anti-air and ASW operations are being stepped up as more and more SAM batteries and radars are put on alert, with AWACs in the air and sonar bouys are placed in the Green Sea and the Implarian and more ASW ships on patrol. Though the main fleet is on its way to take the war to the enemy, at home they prepare to meet any enemy that dares to bring the war to Aquitania's shores.

 

[Rheinbund]

Eiffelland

The air force attacks on Solaren had been reduced, because almost every possible target there had been bombed. That meant some rest for the air force. But not completely. The skies above Eiffelland were still intensively patrolled, both by AWACS planes and by fighters. SAM batteries were put on high alert throughout the country. The Navy still had orders to patrol the waters around Eiffelland, also the seas northeast of Danzig. Currently Winnemark was quiet, but you could never know from there, either. An attack from that country was seriously taken into account. Eiffelland would not strike first against Winnemark, but it was prepared for the case that the Winnemarkers would decide to cross the border.

All in all, also the Eiffellandian armed forces anticipated on a sudden attack out of the blue.

 

[Großlausitz]

A meeting of the Reichssicherheitsrat

“My dearest Alfred…” Prinzregent Jakob had taken it upon himself to read out the letter to Franken’s national security council. The Prince Regent was pretty sure Charlotte was aware that her private letter wouldn’t be treated that privately. He vividly recalled the burst of sarcastic laughter it had incurred on his father as he had finished reading the letter. “Oh Jakob, I’m so very glad that this silly woman hasn’t considered marrying your oldest, Sebastian. She must cause her poor husband many a headache. What the heck was she thinking? As you run the daily business of the Crown, Jakob, it will be up to you to consult with the Ministerpresident and the national security council whether a reply to her impertinent proposal is necessary. This letter reeks of crocodile’s tears. I’d advise against signing any treaty with Charlotte’s camarilla. They have neither a sense of honour nor can they be trusted anymore.”

Following a brief consultation it had been agreed to send a very brief reply to Charlotte.

Madam, your concern for our realm’s welfare humbles us. If only we had learned about it earlier. Sincerely, Jakob Dux, Prince Regent of Franken

“The more, the merrier, isn’t it?”, Kommodore Erika Dreyer murmured when she and her taskforce, the taskforce Beowulf had finally rendezvoused with the Aquitianians to form a great fleet that wouldn’t see the fate of the hapless taksforce Heiliger Zorn. While they were re-shuffling their order of battle to guarantee effective battle performance, the commanding officers of three parts formally agreed on a senior commanding officer according to EDF rules of procedure. Relative to her two colleagues Dreyer had the most junior rank.

 

[Great Engellex]

CIRCUMSTANCE OF IMPERIAL WAR II
C-DAY & PARLIAMENTARY BUSINESS

Battent Palace, Dulwich, Empire of Great Engellex

The Duke of Rothermere (Engelleux of Arms and War Secretary) came marching swiftly through Battent Palace. Reaching the Hountton-Wolssex State Room the Duke awaited for the footmen to open the door, being seemingly disobedient, the Duke proceeded to demand the door open. Her Imperial and Royal Majesty is within Court Session, your Grace, attended to be the Ladies of the Court, the senior footman informed him. Elevating his posture the Duke intimidated that his need to reach the Queen-Empress was due to a serious matter of state security, you will kindly open the door. Obeying his command the quiet gossip of the grand white room temporarily came to a silence as the Duke’s presence was acknowledged by the many Ladies and the Queen-Empress. It was somewhat considered quite rude to interrupt the Queen-Empress’ Court Sessions with her Ladies. The new Duchess of Roxburghe approached the seemingly insufferable duke, your Grace – what the heavens are you doing here? She asked in a whisper. Her Majesty needs to suspend this session immediately and attend matters of state, he responded. No, that is quite impossible. You do not simply waltz into her Majesty’s Court, your Grace, nobody – not even you, she informed him bluntly. Losing patience he, considerably more quietly, made known to her that the Queen-Empress needed to attend to urgent matters of state security below the palace, immediately. Silence was briefly brought about in the state room once more as the Duchess of Roxburghe quickly crossed the marble floors to relay the urgency to Charlotte, your Majesty, his Grace has informed me that you must attend matters of state security immediately below the palace. It is with the greatest urgency. Charlotte smiled at her and then looked at the Duke of Rothermere, very well. Inform the Ladies. Before the Queen-Empress rose to her feet the sirens echoed across the imperial metropolis alerting all to the danger the Duke tried to convey. Suddenly, almost immediately following, several Griffon missiles descended upon the city itself. One hit the front court of the palace, the strength of the missile shattered the windows of the front facade, and the impact threw the cruel debris into the interior and onto the stunned members of Court, including the Queen-Empress herself.

The AAA was enormous and the sky above Dulwich was filled with surface-to-air missiles as four stationed platoons, two equipped with four ZSU-23-4 SPAAGs, one with four 9K31 Strela-1s fired and the last with two S-300PMU-1s, with varied effect to bring down the Federation’s missile attack. This was repeated in southern and western Engellex as the nation’s defences engaged with their first attack on home soil. For the first time the Chief of the Imperial General Staff and the Chief of the Air Staff had the opportunity of analysing the air defence ability of Great Engellex with the present anti-air formations and equipment. It became quite clear that despite numbers and trained ranges the ZSU-23-4 and 9K31 Strela-1 would prove substantially less effective compared to the limited use of the S-300PMU-1s in use. This issue would be put before parliament quickly with the effort of increasing numbers and deployment of the latter, especially against the former. Anglyn’s cruise missile strike had varied success, but would be regarded as the first successful cruise missile strike against the nation in Engellexic history. One coal power station was permanently and significantly damaged in northern Hessex; two more were temporarily taken offline in Engellex and western Walssex-Battent. Hammersmith endured light damage to naval facilities, due to the significant presence of air defence, though Peterloo was less fortunate, suffering extensive damage to the recently commissioned dockland facilities. The attack also gave the Empire her first civilian casualties, almost reaching a thousand as civil infrastructure was targeted. A consolidation of air defence over Hammersmith and Weymouth was subsequently put together for the preservation of existing naval facilities. The Board of Air Staff also seized the opportunity of refining strategy for the protection of national airspace.

Never let it be said that the Lords of the Empire did pass a bill such as this, declared Lord Sandwich a peer of the Whig Party as he waved sheets of paper from the front bench, an invitation to a century of war! We must reject further taxation for armaments, and utterly reject this gigantic engine of war! Cynically conceived for the purpose of imperial glory, we must negotiate peace and not further war! His statement of opposition brought a mixed response from his party benches, and a thunderous chorus of treason! Resign! The liberal peer sat down to give way to the War Secretary, and Engelleux of Arms, the Duke of Rothermere. He thanked the speaker for giving him way, the noble Lord has spoken with much eloquence, much passion, and with much defeat. The Lords on the government side, the Pitts, were united in head shaking and general mocking of the Whigs. The Duke waited for absolute silence, and then proceeded, the Queen-Empress has been attacked. Immediately some members on both sides rose to their feet in shock, they were silent and deeply offended to learn of this. The attack, as you know, repelled. The Queen-Empress unharmed. And you, my Lord, talk of breaking our sabres at the hilt to negotiate a peace?! The Lord Sandwich sunk further into the red leather bench as he was faced with this dire news, quite clear to him that members on his side have abandoned the party position in favour of the Pitts. The Duke of Rothermere dealt a mighty blow to the objection of mass armament expansion, and would deal an even greater blow to those desirous of negotiating peace. Her Imperial and Royal Majesty has been kind to allow her ministers to make known, to this noble House, what the Queen-Empress indeed tried to do; negotiate peace. There was suddenly a lot of shuffling amongst the benches, with the Whig front bench making a lot of quite whisper between themselves in disbelief at the Duke’s statement.

My Dearest Alfred, the outbreak of hostilities between us has had a sad consequence upon our two realms, especially your navy, which has deeply moved me. How could it be otherwise seeing as I am too faced with the loss of seamen within service to my Crown, I can well imagine how sore your heart must feel, as I feel it too.
But all of your efforts to secure stability, with sacrifice of our national friendship, has been to no avail. I have entertained an interesting conversation about the war with the ambassador of Wendmark , I told him I found it astounding that your government did not find reason to deploy the Frankish fleets down to Solaris waters, but have found plenty of reason to send them to our waters.
I have instructed the Royal Engellexic Navy to locate and rescue survivors, and have prayed to the deity to shield and protect those that struggle for life in the waters of the Cambrian Strait. It would be a remarkable achievement for Europe that any and all survivors could be returned home, to Franken, upon the cessation of hostilities between us through a treaty that would restore peace between Great Engellex and Franken.​

Your devoted friend and cousin (or is it niece?), Charlotte.
The Duke read aloud to an astonished House of Lords. My noble Lords, shall I make known the response the Queen-Empress received? The Duke observed a majority of nodding heads, and pulled out the Frankish response :-

Madam, your concern for our realm’s welfare humbles us. If only we had learned about it earlier. Sincerely, Jakob Dux, Prince Regent of Franken​

Horrible scenes of violence have occurred in our nation, and against our beloved Queen-Empress. And still the Liberal (Whig) front benches oppose a National Defence. It will not be long or difficult for the public to see that that party (Whigs) is desirous of substituting victory for defeat. If this House should choose to oppose the one hundred twenty billion pound stimulus for our armaments, specifically artillery and aircraft, I shall instead attend her Majesty for the formation of an article instrumenting the defeat of this Empire. The Presiding Officer at once called for a Division (vote).

At 02:11, an infantry platoon of the 41st (Middlesex) Division, in south-eastern Nimes was ordered to withdraw, following an intense pocket of resistance, and awaiting reinforcement from an armoured contingent of the 5th Armoured Division. The order came too late, delivering the greatest loss since entering Nimes bringing casualties from Nimes to sixty-one. The 24th Armoured Division (XIII Corps) had already penetrated the secondary line of defence, followed by the27th Armoured Division (V Corps). The 24th and 12th Armoured Divisions were moving to Fecamp, the 24th to pinch off the roads out of Fecamp and Caen, and the 12th to assault the enemy presence. The Montelimarians in Fecamp could sense that the Engellexic Army was bearing down on them rapidly. Engellexic artillery barrages lit the night sky. At 02:39 an E-3 Sentry aircraft detected the changing positions of the battered Montelimarian second line of defence. The Command received the sentry update. The Montelimarian second line looked like squealing worm, trying to advance on the 5th Armoured Division of the X Corps in the north while retreating from the 24th in the south. Within minutes, REAF attack aircraft swarmed toward the Second Line. The first wave destroyed the lead vehicles and infantry positions causing the enemy advance on the 5th to grind to a halt. The enemy retreat from the south to the north would be unable to pass through the snarled wreckage of the decapitated north, forcing them into the advance of the 5th. The defeated Montelimarians scattered from the Second Line. Wave after wave of F-16s from the Second Air Wing dove in on the chaotic retreat and methodically destroyed enemy armour and artillery that remained. To the south more retreating Montelimarians ran into the positions of the 27th Armoured Division of the V Corps, at 03:57. They tried to fight their way through an intersection west of Galets. The fleeing enemy was ripped apart by cannon and machine gun fire, which the armour held the rear against Galets, in a battle that raged throughout the early morning. By sunrise the Battle for the West was almost over, and the 12th was on the move advancing against Fecamp. By now the Montelimarian resistance west of Galets had been almost broken. The encounters will be focused on Fecamp and Caen.

The 16th RAR from the XIV Corps and the 18th RAR from the XIX Corps had been conducting MLRS raids all night in eastern and central Montelimar from the borders to keep pressure on the enemy. At 04:35 the 29th Armoured Division (XX Corps) and the Horse Grenadier Guards (XIX Corps) were moving through overcast toward Objective Rothermere, the city of Lille. The 29th moved from eastern Grafton to the south-east to sweep Lille’s defences from the rear, while the Horse Grenadier Guards came from southern Westmooreland and directly into the city from the north. It was expected, that due to the enemy position, that commanders could expect to lose twenty per cent of the Lille advance. The Horse Grenadier Guards was rolling swiftly toward the city in a diamond formed advance with three armour companies taking the lead on the left, right, and front. Moving within the protection of the diamond was an artillery company from the 18th RAR. A regiment from the 32nd (Rothermere) Division completed the diamond formation at the rear. At 05:21 the attached artillery company of the northern advance was in position and firing on enemy positions in Lille.

At 05:13 the 29th Armoured Division attacked the rear of the enemy position in a spearhead assault. The XIV Corps did not sit idle for long after the divisions of the Seventh Army had passed through the lines into the east. The 28th Armoured Division charged south at 05:25 on an advance against Dijon. The 16th (Wantage) Division followed the advance in column formation; they both moved south through a wide corridor with the armour spearheading on the left, right and front. The 15th and 14th (Wantage) Divisions had been ordered to move to establish reserve positions for the 28th and the 12th Armoured Divisions, south of Wantage to the east of Limoges (15th) and south-west of Chambery (14th). In the early morning hours, helicopters conducted a demonstration toward Chambly in support of the 12th AD’s sharp sweep north-easterly toward Clarmont and Chambly. The Army’s helicopters headed Limoges then veered south for Chambly. The airborne infantry advance was actually brought in to coincide and assist with the 12th’s movement through Galets. The 40th (Middlesex) Division moved into Bordeaux to finish pushing the enemy out of the city into and into the 12th AD. At 06:21 the 28th Armoured Division opened the assault on Dijon. C-Day (Charlotte’s Day) had begun; the Lords passed the bill for greater armaments.

The Montelimarian Response

Only two days after the Anglysh audacity – the Great Audacious Attack, the Montelimarians were doing like their Masters across the Great Sea. Phantom IIs, belonging to No. 213 Squadron of the First Air Wing that were manning Combat Air Patrols over southern Montelimar were the first to report the enemy bombers ascending into the enemy airspace that was under Engellexic control. Five were engaged north-west of Fontaine-Harcourt. Three attack aircraft chased the five advancing bombers on a northern course, illuminating the target enemy with their radars allowed the pilots to ripple launch four AIM-7 Sparrows each. Deluged by near misses, two bombers were struck causing them to explode over the skies south of Nancy. Unsatisfied with the lack of outright victory, the pilots pursued the three remaining bombers and raked their flight path with intense cannon fire. Forty AGM-86 ALCMs were launched from the enemy’s northern launch before the last of the bombers fragmented in a blazing collision with Engellexic fire. In Westmooreland the Royal Artillery Regiments were to be the second line of defence against the enemy missile penetration against Northern Engellexic targets. Montelimar’s missile strike could not have come at a more opportune moment, for the artillery regiments already held and advanced a heavy a presence on the Westmooreland border with Montelimar, and the Anglysh attack two days before had put all military systems on heightened alert for what was fear could be a co-ordinated counter strike. The Army’s S-300PMU-1 units launched a total of forty 9M96E1 and 9M96E2 missiles into the enemy’s affront. This act of defence was succeeded by a final act of the Empire’s thundering anti-air artillery as hundreds of systems (S-300PMU-1 , ZSU-23-4 and 9K31 Strela-1) in urban provinces responded to what remained of Montelimar’s dying courage.

The other half of the bomber assault followed a different course. The bombers found a point for launch outside of the Montelimarian airspace, where their missiles – one hundred in total, were released to continue a path that would allow them to pass defences that were used against the northern. While the five bombers would find their mission of returning back in one piece a great difficulty, for Engellex the difficulty will be putting down the missile threat. Sidestepping the Great Engellexic Army’s artillery and counter systems, the cruise missile strike crossed into the Navy’s domain. With a strong Surface Fleet presence in the waters immediately shared by both Montelimar and Great Engellex, the fierce AA fire from the Royal Engellexic Navy made the missile strike difficult in its effort to penetrate a nation’s tight and prepared defences. Hundreds of SAMs and cannon fire punctured the steel blue sky with the purpose of colliding with the AGM-86 ALCMs. The efforts commanded the full attention of the 1st and 3rd Destroyer Flotillas, and the 2nd and 3rd Frigate Flotillas – a total of nine surface vessels engaged. Though blanketed with hits and near-misses a strong number continued in the face of opposing shore defences. Following circumstances that were the same with the northern attack in Engellex, it could be said that the southern attack proved more successful. Thirty-seven civilians were killed, with two fuel storage facilities devastated and one refinery receiving heavy but repairable damage. The loss of fuel was substantial, however, compelling the Imperial General Staff to take additional provisions in ground strategy for the preservation and immediate transfer of enemy oil resources and facilities to the Engellexic war effort, when possible.

 

[Montelimar]

Mormant

Mormant is situated at the mouth of the River Marne as where it empties into the Bay of Gerrard. The city, which prior to the war had a population of over 8 million, now is more of a ghost town with only soldiers of the King left to defend it. It fell to the 16th Infantry Regiment and the 3rd Marine to slow the enemy in the streets of the northern part of the city as there is a fighting withdrawl to the southern part. Engineers of the 1st Engineer Battalion have already destoyed the Lower Marne River bridges outside the city, all the way to Lac du Chevril, those that weren't already destroyed by the Engellex airforce, and now have set explosive charges on the remaining crossings inside Mormant. The Lower Marne River is the mile wide western end of the water highway into the heart of Montelimar, the river, which allows seaborne traffic to travel to the Great Lakes and beyond will now acts as a natural defensive barrier as any and all conveyance across either demolished or ready to be so.

The 16th & 3rd Marine, conducting a delaying action in northern industrial areas, fight as they falling back to the next obsticle placed in front of the advancing enemy, a fighting withdrawl until they reach the river, then scurry across bridges just before the engineers destroy them. Though most that survive the withdrawl escape across the river before the order is given, some are not so lucky, as a small group, with the enemy on their heels, are caught on one bridge when the charges were detonated, within sight of safety. What are left either are taken prisoner, or find other ways across.

Now behind the Marne, a new defensive line has been created, one in which the river was in front instead of behind, as the 16th and 3rd Marine, reinforced by the 39th Infantry Rgt from the 9th Div. dig in behind the Marne and in the southern sector of Mormant to prevent the Engellex from crossing the Marne, or at least making expensive to do so, only to fall back to the Fecamp line if the river defence fail.

Nimes Line

The problem with the Mormant/Nimes Line as it was designed, two regiments of the 1st ID were forced east of Lac du Chevril during the Engellex advance. The 18th and the remainder of the 26th regiments became temporarily attached to the 4th ID. As the 22nd Rgt held Nimes. As the 22nd fought to hold Nimes, sheer numbers forced the 4th ID and the two regiments of the 1st back forcing a fighting withdrawl back to the Bordeaux Line leaving the 22nd trapped in Nimes. Though the plan was to fall back to the Bordeaux Line made by the 30th ID, the 22nd, having been trapped in Nimes was ordered to hold as long as possible. This they were going to do, and though suurounded, the men of the 22nd were determined not to go quietly, as they were going to force the Engellex to fight for every street and building until they had nothing left fight with except for their fist and rifle butts.

Bordeaux Line

The orders that was given was to abandon Bordeaux as the 1st/4th ID and the 30th ID fell back over the bridges of the Upper Marne, blowing them at the last possible minute to allow as many friendly to cross. Unlike the Lower Marne there were many more bridges here, but the Engellex had helped out some in this as they had destroyed several during their air campaign. Now with the bulk of the VII Corps south of the Marne, not a single bridge was left standing between Mormant and the Great Lakes.

 

[Serenierre]

Embassy of the Kingdom of Sørlandeten
Dulwich, Great Engellex

Ambassador Klaus Ingmarsen sealed the envelope for his absentee ballot for the upcoming elections and handed it to his secretary. Another aide handed him the message from Østfjord responding to dispatch issued by the Engellex government. He glanced through it and stamped the embassy's seal and approved it to be sent to the Engellex government.

CLASSIFIED TOP SECRET

The Kingdom of Sorlandeten is not averse to a serious alliance of mutual interests to be struck with the Kingdom of Great Engellex. However we express our desire for a series of meetings to be held between proposed partners to evaluate the feasibility of the endeavour. Until then, we look forward to continued success against the hordes of the Frankish Empire.
​

 

[Great Engellex]

CIRCUMSTANCE OF IMPERIAL WAR III
C-DAY & DIPLOMATIC BUSINESS

Battent Palace, Dulwich, Empire of Great Engellex

Politics swept Charlotte from the melancholy of the Great Continental War. For the first time and perhaps not the last, the Queen-Empress was forced to take a pragmatic rather than a principled stand on a particular political issue. Charlotte lost her temper and lost her original case, and came to believe that it marked a turning point in her approach to the progress of women’s rights in the Empire. The proposal that caused such anguish did not seem to many to be worth the time and passion that Charlotte lavished upon it; it was a Bill to regulate further and tighten the women’s employment laws, introduced and sponsored by Lord Bulwer, of the Pitt Party. Lord Bulwer’s initiative was purely practical, designed to ensure that servicemen returning from the war upon its conclusion will be able to find opportunities of civilian employment should they choose. But the Queen-Empress took it as a personal attack upon her efforts to advance the acceptability of women in all quarters of life in the Empire. Charlotte styled herself as a Progressive Conservative, especially in social matters, but others would classify her as a Classical Liberalist, believing in the primacy of economic freedom and the advancement of individual rights in the Empire. The Queen-Empress fought vehemently against the Bill from Battent Palace. She shouted and gesticulated toward St. James Hall (where Lords were convened at the palace if the Queen-Empress requires them), and astonished her ministers by her anger and imprudence. The vote, when it came on Friday morning, was resoundingly in favour of the Bill. When Charlotte had calmed down, she was horrified to realise that she put the cause of women’s right in disrepute, as though she favoured their cause above that of the working class man fighting in a war for Crown and Empire. That disastrous foray into the politics of belief left Charlotte a bit shaken. Abstract, as they were in the Empire, notions like liberty and conscience, which she had used in the debates with her ministers, have not been conspicuous elements in the political creed of Parliament as a whole. Stepping on to the safe ground of pragmatism Charlotte had somewhat cast herself in to a sea of self-doubt. While she continued to assert her strength her confidence in her own political will was damaged, as if, having once conceded to practicality over principle, she might find herself doing it again and again.

In Europe the merry-go-round of alliances was being seen to pick up a pace and whirl faster and faster. The powers, regional and European, were making fervid preparations for expansion of the warring fronts to a degree not experienced since the Great War. This September the Bantyric and Warreic had assembled expeditionary forces to strike positions against the Suionian Empire, all at the mainland in Saamiskavia. Like the Montelimarian reaction to the Engllexic invasion, the Suionians established preparations and deployed reinforcements vastly too late. The reverberations should Suionia fall, like Montelimar, will permanently undermine the status quo even usher in a New European Order. The dislocation of the people increases daily, the Engelleux of Arms commented to the Queen-Empress, in referring to vast numbers of refugees in Montelimar, certain that as the Secretary of War and Leader of the Cabinet and Imperial General Staff he would be somewhat blamed. Of course he shouldn’t be, whatever someone should believe of the war it was squarely in due to the weak and ineffectual Montelimarian government retreating from the areas affected by the war, evidence enough that the Empire was emerging victorious. The Queen-Empress was anxious and dithering on Montelimar. It was as though she was losing stomach for the war; the matter of course was that her mind was occupied on averting a humanitarian crisis in Montelimar and forming sound policy to instrument an Engellexic post-war Montelimar. Facts, figures and political affairs were Charlotte’s strong points, and taking on the burden of military leadership with only lukewarm experience was an error from which she could find no way out. She knew that this Great Continental War was drawing to a major European crisis of Great War proportions, if it wasn’t already, and that the goal of defeating the Federation’s continental dominance and suing for peace before Christmas had, likely, slipped from her grasp. Rather than draw up instruments to orchestrate peace where it would be found suitable, the Queen-Empress would allow herself to be absorbed into a war of supremacy.

The Queen-Empress’ abhorrence to that particular piece of legislation and the conduct in which it took place was exemplified no better than at a ball hosted by the Home Secretary, which Charlotte was invited to. So, her Majesty has not taken up the invitation after all, remarked Lady Onslow the wife of Charles Foster, Earl of Onslow the Home Secretary. But why? Questioned a confused young aristocrat, a member of the Onslow Circle. Why? No other reason than because the Queen-Empress was forced to concede to support that Bill, it was practical, and she didn’t foresee herself giving way over principle against her efforts for women’s rights, responded Charles Foster. So Charlotte has lost her chance for women’s rights? Queried the young aristocrat further. Oh, no – I don’t think so. It rather depends on the political landscape after the war, if we are to be victorious over the Federation the Queen-Empress will insist that the country move forward and be considered a serious political influence in Europe. I must confess, I cannot see otherwise. Reform and the franchise is something that we will have to concede after the war, no question about it really, Charles Foster answered.

On the opposite end at the far side of the ballroom, and concealed from observation by the defiance of the Engellexic waltz that refuses to acknowledge the 21st century, stood assembled a collection of senior ministers and civil servants in discussion. Warre has officially joined Bantyr in the war against Suionia? Asked Lord Bulwer, Under-Secretary of War. It appears the Warreic Establishment seek territorial gains against the Suionians on the back of the Bantyric invasion, the Duke of Bute confirmed. The Northern Secretary, Anthony Pelham-Holles, humoured that the Duke of Bute’s foreign intelligence was far more successful that government dispatches. That Kingdom was the last I expected to dissert principled policy in favour for swift and easy gains, sarcastically added the Engelleux of Arms, the Duke of Rothermere. Having made visual note of ambassadors dancing nearby, the Secretary of the Treasury, Thomas Grey, Earl Grey, interrupted them, I am sorry gentlemen but I do not believe we should continue this conversation here. Lord Bulwer nodded, if you will excuse me I must greet the hostess. Similarly the others also declared the need to meet and greet, leaving the Engelleux of Arms with the Treasury Secretary. That will surely make things difficult for you, smiled Earl Grey. The Earl was referring to the fact that the Engelleux of Arms was also the War Secretary and Chief of the Imperial General Staff. You haven’t met that gentleman? Earl Grey asked, gesturing to the Breotish Ambassador, as they both began to walk. The Breoton? Answered the Duke of Rothermere. Word is that he will become a chief ambassador here in Dulwich, grinned Earl Grey. More of Bute’s intelligence? Joked the Duke of Rothermere. The Earl smiled, I find him quite charming. That particular moment of dancing had finished allowing the Earl to navigate himself through the pairs to collection the Breotish ambassador, for the Engelleux of Arms. His Grace, the Duke of Rothermere, I introduce Lord Watton, the Duke and the ambassador curtsied to another before the Earl bowed and left them both to talk. I have heard a great deal about you, your Grace. Your name is not quite yet spoken in Europe with the same greatness of respect as it is here, however, Lord Watton began. The Duke smiled, we find it difficult to talk to your Breotish foreign office. They seem to have no real interest in making contact and exchanging views. Lord Watton nodded and added with a degree of humour that they don’t always have any, referring generally to Breotish neutrality. Yes, it does make things difficult but it has its advantages. When I have resolved the centralisation of cabinet affairs, I shall personally oversee the replenishment of the military without parliamentary interference. As soon as we have achieved successive targets of re-armament, where there has been sustained losses, the Federation will have been subdued through Montelimar and the unity of the Empire reinforced. Of course to do that I at first must seize the earliest opportunity to discuss naval contracts with the Breotish Government, to show the Federation that they cannot intimidate so freely with their navies. That is what I hope to tell your King’s government. The ambassador nodded, I should like to see to that personally. Now you will have to excuse me your Grace, I have enjoyed our talk, but I have promised a dance with the Lady Shelbourne.

Late in the evening of C-Day the final series of sorties of that day had been flown. The last missions had brought the total of destroyed enemy tanks into the many tens of tens, with their destruction at the hands of the hundreds of Maverick missiles that had been fired, with many more enemy tanks and armoured vehicles left burning from being hit with 30-mm cannon fire. The Montelimarians lack of operation experience and preparations was more than evident by the end of C-Day, even in spite of the fact that the ground offensive did not coincide with the opening assault. The ground forces advancing from the west to the south, and even through the north, began to be bogged down into massive traffic jams. Along the western motorways, the ground forces were impeded by hundreds of thousands of refugees fleeing in many directions, throughout the region, causing several road blockages. The advance against Fecamp enveloped whatever remained of the enemy in the north-west. The Imperial General Staff were pleased by the developments and succession of events on C-Day; they were elated by the end of the fourth day ( ? forgot what day it was). The Engellexic Army had collected hundreds, perhaps thousands of Montelimarian prisoners of war, and hundreds of tanks destroyed, with the destruction of enemy armoured vehicles perhaps in the thousands. Montelimar’s defence was haemorrhaging across the country. The government of Valmy’s control was being quickly lost in many areas, with civil control and obedience weakly maintained by the Engellexic military presence.

Three hours after the outbreak of the Battle of the Strait, submarines Challenger “S26" and Centurion "S25”, proceeded unaccompanied to carry out a reconnaissance off Bimbeck. These two vessels returned with useful information concerning enemy naval movements in the north and central Great Sea. During the Battle of the Strait itself, it became a necessary strategy realised by the Admiralty that a consolidation of the Silent Service for the immediate defence of sovereign waters. All the submarines of the Third Submarine Squadron occupied positions in the Great Sea from which they could intercept and assault any forward advance from the Federation’s fleets, should they emerge to dispute the free passage of the Engellexic merchant fleet, or more so national waters . This patrol will be maintained day and night without relief. These submarines have since been incessantly employed in the Great Sea and elsewhere, and have obtained much valuable information regarding the composition and movement of Anglysh submarine movements. They have occupied the Anglysh shadows and reconnoitred the surface vessel directions of the Navy of Anglyn, and, while so engaged, have subjected the enemy to skilful and well executed anti-submarine tactics. At midnight, submarines Black Bull "S08" and Brilliant "S09" from Zadar-Istria, and submarines Adelaide "S20" and Aggressor "S22" from Wightland, proceeded to take part in the operations in the Great Sea arranged for the beginning of September. The submarines of the First Submarine Squadron patrolled for enemy advancement in home waters, when they proceeded to take up various positions from which they could cooperate with the Surface Flotillas in Home waters with the submarines of the Sixth Submarine Squadron.

 

[Großlausitz]

A meeting of the Reichssicherheitsrat

Something didn’t feel quite right these days. It was as if there was higher entity at work preventing the assembled generals, politicians and other leaders of Franken from unfolding their true potential. For some mysterious reason they had been slacking off, which was maybe even too kind an expression. A brooding Ministerpresident Graf Solms was contemplating whether to sacrifice Franconian democracy or whether to preside over the first conservative government toppled in ages. Seasoned pundits of Franconian history and politics knew the blunt truth anyway – Franken had always been an aristocracy with the king at its helm as quasi primus inter pares. The Kingdom’s senior most social class had always been very good at adapting to change. The Knýtlings were the best at that discipline – at their discretion noble families had risen and fallen, if they refused to play by the new rules. The political parties were just accessory parts, weren’t they?

What to do in the face of massive losses, what to do in the case of Montelimar? Franken’s 21st century idea and strategy of small and agile units to quickly project power had been crushed by the vintage yet nevertheless quite successful strategy of tank and bomber rush employed by Engellex.

 

[Great Engellex]

CIRCUMSTANCE OF IMPERIAL WAR IV
COURT & DIPLOMATIC BUSINESS

Warwick Castle, Warwick, Empire of Great Engellex

Between nine and eleven o’clock on the morning of 9 October, large crowds gathered outside Battent Palace in Dulwich and Warwick Castle in Warwick; Warwick being a small town about thirty miles outside of Dulwich. There, heralds appeared, and announced the relocation of the Queen-Empress’ Court to Warwick Castle, though Battent Palace will remain for ministerial and command use. Even as the heralds spoke, the Lord Steward of the Household, that is 3rd Earl Russel the Justice Secretary, was announcing the Queen-Empress at the new Court of Warwick to the House of Lords. The people of Dulwich were just beginning their celebration over the Frankish defeat at that time too, though not as full as pomp as the subjects of the imperial metropolis had come to expect, all the while the Lords of the Council of State were sitting at Warwick Castle not that far from Dulwich, where the Queen-Empress had been remaining since the audacious attack on her person by the Federation. As noon approached, the Queen-Empress, unheeding of the bitter cold that was felt in the vast halls of Warwick, seated before her Lords in a chamber designated for the Council of State. The Lords of the Council bowed before Charlotte and declared their loyalty to their sovereign. Charlotte, who had been struggling with the realisation of evading death through deliberate intention, pronounced in Aren, this is the will of the Lord, it shall be marvellous in our eyes. Then she rose and, having recovered a regal composure, led the way for business of rule to resume in Warwick. There is no money, the Treasury Secretary interjected to the First Lord of the Admiralty’s argument concerning an offer made by Cambria to the tune of £300 million, I am not prepared to ask the banks to issue loans when we just raised taxation, he continued. This is for the Empire’s immediate security, exclaimed the First Lord of the Admiralty, we cannot oppose the Federation’s Navy! The Queen-Empress raised her hand to silence the ministers, otherwise the escalating argument would see no end. It seems to me that the First Lord has maintained a strong position, she said looking at the Treasury Secretary. I am quite convinced your Majesty that it is but a bogus exercise of the Cambrians to make capital of the Empire’s struggle, he insisted. And I am quite convinced it isn’t. We have nobody else to trust, the Breotish do not consider us a Power worthy, the First Lord said shifting a dismissive pair of eyes to Charlotte. Why haven’t you suggested attaching the Treasury Minister to the (War) Ministry’s Commission to Cambria? The Queen-Empress queried the Treasury Secretary, have the details verified and be done with this business.

Now, for the other matter, Mr. Peel, said Charlotte nominating the Southern Secretary to the Great Task of handling secret diplomatic proceedings with the Carentanians that concerned the Great Continental War. He looked taken and shocked, as though he were being punished, because he and all knew that should the proceedings conclude to anything other than being in the Empire’s interest, he would be considered seditious and arrested. Carentania was a communist monstrosity, afterall. Who else can I trust with such a task that shalt not betray me? She asked him. I am a Catholic and a commoner, I shalt not be considered worthy, M’am, the Southern Secretary objected. The Southern Department is charged with Himyari Affairs is it not? There surely must be worst duties than to serve your Queen-Empress, she said somewhat threatening to take the ministerial portfolio from him. Is this an act of desperation or the will of my principled sovereign, M’am? His response, being highly offensive, triggered a silent fury that he knew his relationship with the Queen-Empress would not recover from. The quiet glares from his colleagues confirmed his great disobedience, pressuring him to concede, For Queen-Empress and Empire, M’am. Several minutes of uncomfortable silence and shuffling through dispatch boxes, an intended distraction from the awkwardness, ensued before the Duke of Rothermere, in his capacity as Secretary of War, indulged in intelligence findings before the Council of State. The Chancellor of Cantigny has defied the Empire, your Majesty. Felix Ilchester has instructed for great mobilizations in pursuit of his Oceanic Peace. A threat of total war in maintenance of peace; in all intents and purposes a challenge. It is not just aimed at the Federation, Warre, Suionia, but also the Empire, M’am. A composed plot to seize influence, perhaps violently, from us. The development of nuclear armaments is also most suggestive and highly worrisome. Unable to abandon her confidence in Alice, Charlotte was forced to object, in her correspondence to me she (Alice) has suggested no intention of holding conspiracy for want to oppose me. The Duke continued to insist on the BIB’s findings, the assurances of Cantigny are as threadbare as her honour, M’am. The Queen-Empress slammed her palm against the table at the impertinence of the Duke, reckless Cantigny may be, but it is still our ally – one of very few. The agents are either lax in their efficiency or in their loyalties your Grace. Refusing to raise his voice to meet her temperament he finished the argument with a some sombering truths, in the absence of a functioning alliance (Pasilia Accord), they are our best judgement as far as the south is concerned.

Dealing with Carentania would provide its difficulties, even with the Queen-Empress’ insistence of forming a classified Commission of Carentania to support the Southern Secretary’s efforts. That evening the Carentanian diplomat was invited to and escorted through the Southern Department in Dulwich for a private meeting with the Southern Secretary, Mr. Edward Peel. Charlotte had on several occasions, and was certainly not alone in using such a description in Dulwich, referred to Carentania as a monstrosity. Now in a surprising twist within the Engellexic diplomatic history, business was to be done with this monstrosity. Waiting to meet the Carentanian diplomat was, as well as Mr. E. Peel, a permanent secretary to the War Ministry and a minister from the Northern Department. The three hoped they were about to discuss matters that would have an affect on the lives of millions throughout Preuti-Borussia and redefine the boundaries of the same continent. In true Engellexic fashion, or arrogance, an interpreter was advised and seen to for the Carentanian, as business will be conducted in the Court language of Aren from the Engellexic side of things. A true demonstration of the Empire’s perceived superiority. Her Majesty has been inclined to believe that establishing a personal Air Wing – an Air Guard, if you will, for Dulwich will ensure no more attempts will be made on her person by the Federation, Mr. Peel began with what he regarded as diplomatic small talk, he of course revealed nothing significant. Dedicating an air contingent to the capital is nothing new or exciting, but he hoped to convey the frustration held for the Federation – which it was hoped they also felt. The Federation persists in its endeavour to undermine the Empire and seize the Crown. Even so much as to attack imperial property, something which we have resisted to inflict upon them. But dislocating the Crown requires more than force. Our sovereign is elected with a mandate to govern by the people’s representatives in Parliament, the small introduction was rather a reminder to disarm any argument that might be tempted from the Carentanian about democratic principles. The Consul simply smiled. In theory Engellex had a far more progressive constitutional monarchy than any member state of the Federation, though European popular media would have you believe otherwise. Now, Mr. E. Peel continued in the face of the quiet foreigner. Who better to enlist for.. co-operation, than a nation whose ambition for advancement in the region has been thwarted by the Federation? I can only assume that is a mutual consideration, he finished. In the course of my deliberations here, I believe a full understanding can be reached between us with regard to the urgent matter before both our countries, the Carentanian Consul began. I state before you, Mr. Peel, that an intelligence agreement can be made concerning the Federation’s naval movements in the Long Sea and especially the Great Sea, it will surely prove highly beneficial to your efforts. I have a list of notable political prisoners, such a term to describe a certain group of people that occupied prison space was quite uncomfortable for the three as it was a notion with strong objection in Dulwich; nobody was imprisoned for their beliefs, only their deeds in the Empire. Peel didn't feel the need to inspect the list as it is highly probable they are connected to revolutionary politics. He continued, that are still imprisoned in Great Engellex. They will need to be freed.

It will be difficult. My difficulty will be that I cannot sign a document concerning prisoners without consulting my colleagues in the Cabinet. Prisoners cannot simply be released, they would have been found guilty of a crime by the independence of a judiciary, the Southern Secretary objected. Not even to the transfer of these prisoners to Carentania upon being released? The Consul pursued further. Only plausible with guarantees that reflect the sentencing reached, the minister to the Northern Department interjected. Peel nodded for the minister to continue, after all, the Northern Department was superior to the Southern. Should they be transferred to Carentania, they must remain within your borders until their sentencing has been completed – though with the freedom to act as they or you choose. That is the only condition we can see such an agreement be found. Mr. Peel reminded the Consul that this would be a secret protocol. And a non-aggression pact, for a duration of.. 15 years? The Consul added. That is agreeable, Peel responded. Peel, like the Consul, was capable of putting ideological differences aside for what they intended to discuss : spheres of influence. As they discussed the spherical division of Preuti-Borussia, it soon became clear they would find an important point of difference. I must insist that the entire Lorrainese state be included within the Empire’s sphere of influence, Peel insisted. I will certainly not have the authority to sign such a protocol Mr. Peel if you insist on it, Rijeka will of course find issue with Lorraine. I will have to consult with them. Through the clankering of whiskey glasses, the gentlemen reflected quietly on what seemed to be a point of significant obstruction to these efforts. The Northern Minister, looking at a map of the region on the table, leaned forward and drew a line through the centre of Lorraine. He added a circle around Metz, too. The Consul looked at Peel and conceded with a nod, a compromise, he said smiling. This shall surely be greatly advantageous in our two nations co-operating, the Consul continued. Peel smiled, allow me to put a question you, Consul. How sure are you that Rijeka will not oppose this degree of understanding? He replied shortly, fairly sure. They will be getting something for their money. Peel took out a cigar box and offered around the table, of course. It is also important to us that the freedom of shipping lanes is maintained undisturbed in the Long Sea to imperial shipping. Economic prosperity is not something that should be denied, not even to adversaries. What view would they take to that addition? The Consul had accepted a cigar, if engineered right, where it can be seen that equal good can flow for Carentania. Peel looked puzzled, you mean a similar commitment from our end concerning Carentanian shipping in the Great Sea? There is no doubt on that. The Empire is not prepared to do otherwise. What will you tell your people of this? The Consul smiled, leave that to me. Now I must go and relay this, I can find my own way out, he said referring to the escort on the way to the meeting. Goodbye Mr. Peel.

At 16:30 the 28th Armoured Division lurched forward in a three-pronged attack against the city of Dion. The 7th Armoured Brigade led the main attack as they charged into the northern city districts following a specially composed strategy to take advantage of wide avenues and motorways that would allow them to deliver the assault swiftly to the heart of Dion. The 310th Armoured Brigade attacked the southeast to sever important motorways and guard the 7th AB’s left flank. The 311th Armoured Brigade followed a similar strategy but to the southwest. The 28th Armoured Division preceded its attack with ten Royal Engellexic Air Force close-air-support sorties against Montelimarian mechanized battalions and artillery located in the city against their advance. The division clawed its way through some of the most tense and difficult urban warfare so far experienced by the Great Engellexic Army. Strong enemy infantry numbers and endless streams of evacuating civilians stood between the soldiers and their objectives. Civilian and enemy military vehicles overturned and smouldering within the city’s streets. Armoured groups were bogged down by guerrilla attacks in the streets, though the wise choice of streets allowed for decent manoeuvres to be made against these attacks. To make matters worse, a violent thunder storm raged all afternoon, limiting visibility within the streets. Despite the urban conditions and the weather, the 28th Armoured Division ground toward central Dion. Leading 7th Armoured Brigade advanced in a wedge formation. The orders were to not stop, to plough through the area, to defeat the enemy or at the very least force them to withdraw south to Valmy, and allow for a follow-on advance of an Infantry Division into the city to mop up and establish central control. The Horse Grenadier Guards raced south across northern Montelimar. As they closed on the motor-arteries of Lille the thundering storms subsided and the skies began to clear. At mere kilometres into the city’s suburbs the Guards encountered the enemy. Infantry dug-in positions lay between the Guards advance and central Lille. The 290th Armoured Brigade of the 29th Armoured Division arched quickly into Montelimarian positions south of Lille, taking the enemy rear completely by surprise. They never suspected that Engellex would launch such a heavy attack from two angles, but the truth is that the enemy’s focus on strengthening Lille had not gone unseen. As the 290th AB advanced, the 123rd, 89th and 92nd ABs followed the attack, covering and advancing the 290th’s flanks. By the time the enemy realized they under attack, the tanks of the 29th Armoured Division were bearing down on them. Heavy machine and artillery fire was being received. The armour responded with main-gun fire directed at forward positions. As tanks opened fire, the enemy started a tactical retreat into southern Lille, unaware of the Guards advance north of them. Other Montelimarians continued to hold their position.

As the tanks entered the fortified area just south of Lille, there was a state of mass confusion among the enemy. The battlefield was scattered with dispersed infantry units. Many were attempting to resist the onslaught. Some of them would let the tanks continue forward so they could fire at their rear. But the sheer number of tanks ploughed through the melee. The division’s command stuck to their orders and ground forward to obliterate the enemy position south of Lille. The tank crews were hanging out of their turrets firing on enemy soldiers with SA80s. By the late evening the enemy’s position had been smashed, though with considerable cost to the 29th AD. Seventeen tanks, eighty-two servicemen lost, and one F-16 as part of the fourteen close-air-support sorties that took place over Lille. Just after 17:00, the 14th Armoured Brigade of the 24th Armoured Division was on line about twelve kilometres south of Fecamp. The last objective of the day, Fecamp Naval Base, lay just south of the 12th Armoured Division. At 17:23 the Armoured Brigades advanced toward Fecamp. What they found was an unbelievable scene of destruction in Fecamp. Air Force and Navy aircraft had been pounding the naval base since the start of the war. Pilots would return , land and load whatever ordnance was available.

 

[Republic of the Malheur]

Marcus Kelly sat at the head of a table lined on either side by the senior Cambrian officers. The petty inter-service bickering encouraged by the previous administration was rearing its ugly little head again. He was having a hard time keeping focused on the latest round of bitching. It was something about Army wanting a cut of the cash from the potential sale of mothballed Port Sovereign destroyers to Engellix. Greedy bastards, the Lord Protector thought. He decided he had heard enough.

"Gentlemen, it has been made abundantly clear to me that we cannot move forward until all of these issues are resolved." Better than half of the officers nodded their agreement.

"It has also been made clear to me that the only resolution is to accept your resignations." He stood and gathered the various file folders that were laid before him to a cacophony of gasps and dropping jaws. "I expect hem on my desk no later than 2100 tonight. Good evening, Gentlemen." The silence in the room didn't break until he exited. Kelly allowed a smirk to spread across his mouth as he walked the long hallway to his office. Serves them right, he thought. Maybe now we can get something done.

"Margaret!" Kelly bellowed for his secretary the moment he entered the office. The lanky red-head was already in the office with the latest briefings from the continent. "Get a message to COMNAVSUB. It's time for us to get involved."

 

[Socialist Commonwealth]

Rijeka, Carentania

"Yes, good. Thank you, Mikhail. And good night."

As he hung up the phone, the Carentanian Commissar for Foreign Affairs let out a long drawn out exhale of relief. Sinking back into his chair, he thought about what he had just done and what impact his decisions could have on the fate of all of Europe. And he thought about himself and his career as Carentanias head of diplomacy. Secret negotiations, agreements behind closed doors - those things were not merely considered suspect in the Workers' Republic, they were technically illegal. His imperative mandate demanded that any decision made by Commissar Mejic needed to be presented to the public, so that the All-Workers Congress could approve of it. Or not, if it felt like it. The secret treaty he had asked the Carentanian ambassador to Engellex to sign would've cost him his position even if it had been with a socialist country. And this was a particularily reactionary country, Carentania was dealing with.

Hopefully, however, it would stay within the shadows of history, never to be mentioned as long as Mejic was alive. Except for him, only two other people knew of the deal: the Commissar for Defence and the Carentanian ambassador to Engellex. Three people was a size where conspiracy was still manageable, especially if it were people which Dusan Mejic trusted completely. To the public it would be revealed that there had been a meeting, but the Carentanian ambassador would insist it was outside of his line of duty and a private negotiation - which led to the release of several political prisoners into refugee in the Workers' Republic. Treating the whole affair as a private matter only concerning the release of prisoners in Engellex was a way to bypass the political structures of the Carentanian state, and the release of the Engellexic communists would be so well received by the Carentanian public that it was unlikely to inquire further.

The Commissar poured himself a drink. Whiskey. He wasn't very fond of alcohol, usually, but on this special occasion, he just needed to calm his nerves. Sinking into his mind was the realization that he had signed a pact with the devil itself. Engellex would dominate central Europe once this war was over and Carentania would help it replace the EDF in that position. It wasn't a perfect solution to the political challenges he faced, but he recalled the reasons he took this step, recalled how the EDF moved quite obviously to contain Carentania in the Long Sea, how it blatantly disregarded any diplomatic overtoures and instead positioned itself for confrontation. Eiffelland in southern Solaren, Lorraine on Iscla - soon the EDF would increase its presence on Nicosia as well, the Commissar was sure. Only the success of Engellex against Montelimar was preventing the EDF from further pursuing its policies towards Carentania, diverting ressources from the geopolitical scheme of Europes biggest alliance, yes, even threatening its mere existence.

Soon, nine destroyers in groups of three would leave for the Great Sea. Though seeming like the proverbial needle in the haystack, they would scout the Great Sea for ships of the EDF, utilizing the full power of their modern radar systems for this task. Despite its obviously confrontational strategy towards the communists, Carentania was still at peace with the EDF and there would be little the EDF could do to prevent such detection if they did not want to start a war, save hope that they'd be overlooked in the vast size of the Great Sea. A slim chance, considering the range of the active radar of a Carentanian destroyer. Carentanias Revolutionary Navy itself had little to fear, so far away from their only enemy in war, Solaren, whose Navy was hiding from the superiority of the coalition forces. Without danger, Carentanian ships could utilize the full capabilities of their reconaissance equipment.

The data would be transmitted to the highest echelongs of the Commissariate for Defence and it would be the Commissar himself who would transmit the data to Engellex. Hopefully, Carentanian ships would locate the big fleet the EDF was assembling, its main strike force, and help Engellex dispose of it. No matter the imperialist nature of Engellex war, Carentania could take advantage of the whole situation and it was going to do exactly that.

 

[Serenierre]

Kanslarens Hus
Østfjord.

16 October 2011​

Barely two weeks into his term of office, the realities and burdens of the office had descended upon Lars Edmundsen. Sitting in his private study, he was receiving the latest information on all covert activities of his government in the Great War raging across the world. The fast advancing war machine of Engellex was overpowering the Montelimarian forces and the EDF stood silent and unmoving.

A gentle nod in his direction told the Minister of Intelligence to begin, "Sir, as per His Majesty's agreements with his counterpart in Dulwich, oil shipments are proceeding smoothly and little, if any, interference is occurring in our supplies routes. The Royal State Oil Council has managed to pull the right strings with all the companies and all seven producers are firmly in tow with government policy."

The Chancellor heard him quietly, nodding, urging him to continue.

"As of this week, an estimated 890 million krone worth of oil has been shipped to various Engellex ports from late-September. Additionally, the Finance Ministry has expanded its efforts to purchase Engellex bonds, utilizing a string of KSEB contacts and intermediaries, which have been expanded by over a billion Krone in the period mentioned in the report."

"Minister Peterssen," Edmundsen said to the man, "I would like to know what has been done with the double agent arrested earlier this week. Has she talked?"

"Well, considering the woman was caught red-handed dropping off sensitive information in regards to our covert activities in various theaters of the current conflict, there isn't much to confess... however she is in solitary confinement and advanced interrogation techniques are being utilized to deliver a concrete answer who she was working for. It's only a matter of time till she breaks..." he paused looking at one of his papers, "Besides, if she doesn't, His Majesty has authorized her execution."

"OK." He remained silent for a moment, thinking about the woman who had betrayed her country. "But Minister Peterssen, before you dispatch the execution decree, do consult with me."

"Yes, Mr. Chancellor"

"Minister Hellesen," he looked at the Minister of Defence. She opened her file and listened to man's query. "What is the status of our deliveries to the High Kingdom?"

"Considering the nature of the deliveries and the hurriedness in operations, the supply chain is sluggish at the moment. But the MoD's connections within the arms sector assure us that the delays are only expected to last for a few weeks before they settle into a set pattern."

"Have the Engellex contacted us over arms shipments?"

"No, they haven't as yet. Though they might after they exhaust their supplies."

"Right." Looking over to the Foreign Minister, he began, "And on your front?"

"The Cantigny Foreign Office is being contacted over their policy in regards to the Northern Great Sea. Our official stance will be to persuade Vesper to cease its meddling in affairs within our sphere of influence. I shall personally speak with Mr. Stokes and tell him that our newly cemented alliance stands a firm chance of weakening."

"Handle it with care,"

"As always," the Foreign Minister replied with a smile.

Clearing his throat, Edmundsen began, "Alright, over this week, the MoD is tasked with mobilizing the Kongelige Spesialkommando (KSK) to be prepared to deploy with allied forces and conduct covert operations behind enemy lines – a status that shall only be downgraded by me or His Majesty," he said, with firmness that surprised him.

"On the foreign front, as we just said, get the Cantigny government to back off a bit... they can flex their muscles publicly... in the press but we cannot allow them to turn this regional thing into an even bigger mess. Secondly, we're assisting Dulwich in a big way and they know it... try to get some meeting set up with them... we can't just go on supporting people who haven't talked face to face with us over the current matters."

Lastly he looked at the Minister for Intelligence, "The KSEB is to upgrade its counter-espionage operations... after last week's incident... we really dodged a bullet there. Let's not let it happen again," he said icily.

Edmundsen stood up and walked out of the conference room, if he timed it right, he thought to himself, he could sneak a five minute lunch break before he began the next meeting with the provincial delegation from Våletsenstad.

 

[Great Engellex]

CIRCUMSTANCE OF IMPERIAL WAR V
THE QUEEN-EMPRESS & THE DUKE OF ROTHERMERE

Warwick Castle, Warwick, Empire of Great Engellex

From a window of Warwick Castle the Queen-Empress looked down on the scene in the Lancaster rose garden. It was one that she found somewhat enchanting, even so with the recent past disagreements between her and him. Crown Prince Soren, charming and surpassed in beauty was surrounded by members of Charlotte’s Court, men and women, decorative and elegant, being audience to a short performance of one of Shakespear’s plays by the Royal Theatre Company. The Queen-Empress’ eyes rest on Soren, for he was at the centre of this audience. His quality, Aren quality, set him apart from the other young beauties around him. He was after all the Crown Prince to the Kingdom of Arendaal and the future King of Great Engellex. She sighed, thinking of her father whose life had been dominated by his devotion to politics and being King of Engellex. Charlotte inherited her father’s devotion and that was her dilemma. Should she proceed with marriage and provide children for her husband, the hazard in which would surely see her authority weakened – no more I and instead the We. Or should she remain unmarried and virginal, both which mean she would have no master. But neither of those paths could be decided upon without a great deal of thought and this certainly was not the time for personal trifles, the country was at war! So she was torn by doubts and want of escape from the throne as she looked down on the scene, in the garden. Charlotte, after a moment, compelled herself to withdraw from the window, and the thoughts of marriage. She turned to her desk and cast those tired eyes on important state papers : A Strategy for Refugees; Taxation; Trade Agreements; Intelligence Co-operation; Political Reform, though the latter could be placed to the bottom of the list, for the reformists and suffragettes agreed to suspend their campaigns until the war had ended. The Northern Secretary continued to plead with the Queen-Empress that the friendly sentiments expressed officially by the Empire of Wiese should be made the basis for a determined attempt at a general understanding. Leading Conservative publications such as the Dulwich Evening Dispatch which ran a campaign of sympathy for the City of Emperors was now fanatically supporting Anthony Pelham-Holles. The Justice Secretary, 3rd Earl Russel, had told Parliament that it would be dangerous for Great Engellex to not be suspect of Suionia. Although every known fact, diplomatic rumours, and official statements confirmed Suionia’s anticipation for war with Great Engellex, the longing to believe that war could be avoided was strong that Charlotte ordered every straw to be snatched at. And now unchartered territory was being explored with agreements and understanding being established with the communist power - Carentania.

In the Cabinet Office, in central Dulwich, the Duke of Rothermere was trying to concentrate on his immense work load. The Duke after all did hold many portfolios with several of them being of great importance right this moment. The Duke found most matters relating to his position as Engelleux of Arms on the topic of foreign affairs rather difficult to adjust to – rather because he found European diplomacy to be but a swirl of political intrigue – but there was one matter which, or nation, which he found much to recommend of. The western nation, Sørlandeten, was proving to be clever, rich and reliable. Narrowly evangelical in religion, reactionary in domestic politics and eastern-orientated in foreign affairs – at least because he still assumed the historic powers of Europe still had a degree of power, the Duke of Rothermere represented the cultural and political antipode of the Queen-Empress. Charlotte was theologically liberal, politically progressive and her views were young nation-oriented. Despite the friction that developed on foreign affairs, and their mutual sense of superiority to those around them, the Duke now believed he could finally form common ground between himself and Charlotte, on the developments with Sørlandeten. In true Engellexic-bureaucratic fashion the Northern Secretary suggested in a cabinet meeting to form a Lords Committee on Sørlandeten, to explore and develop avenues of interest with this potential close ally. The Duke of Rothermere snubbed the initiative and advised the Queen-Empress to formulate a policy from the top. Charlotte agreed, finding Pelham-Holles’ proposal simply unnecessary. This was unlike the secret Lords Committee on Carentania which had been established for the purpose of handling affairs with the communist state – the ministers and Secretaries of State for the Northern and Southern Departments felt assured that the business was being monitored by the House of Lords. It wasn’t because they distrusted their own capabilities but simply wanted the reassurance that they wouldn’t be found guilty of acting improper. Co-ordinating a policy toward Carentania was something the Duke of Rothermere and the Queen-Empress had in common, neither of them wanted to touch it. For the Duke dynastic ties, trade agreements, military matters and the casual correspondence were what he found respectable enough to involve himself with. Far more important for the Duke was his role as the Secretary of War and Chief of the Imperial General Staff. Stimulating armament manufacturing, and of course the Naval Program, were highly important and top of his list, though he did care some for the decline in Engel-Suionian relations which he argued was being grossly overstressed by some.

At that particular moment his Grace was absorbed with the Refugee Crisis. Charlotte had formed a Joint Parliamentary Committee for the refugee situation, and rightly so, for it certainly was to be a national issue of importance. The Engellexic Red Cross had advised to the joint committee to dedicate troops, in humanitarian livery, to marshalling the refugees and displaced persons who were estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands, all over Montelimar. The Duke was devising a strategy that involved transforming the 11th Infantry Division from Walssex-Battent into a special medical service based on the King William’s Imperial Military Medical Service, naturally the Queen-Empress will lend her name to this. It would be a colossal feat of the Army and would require a considerable amount of financing, but if only to avert a serious humanitarian crisis that would engulf Great Engellex it was certainly necessary.

The city of Lille was a critical north-eastern Montelimarian city and a stronghold of the Montelimarian Army. A reinforced enemy position to the city’s south was established prior to the Engellexic ground offensive to defend the city. Central Lille was heavily fortified with sandbagged rooftop machine gun nests and fighting positions. Many enemy tanks and armoured vehicles were dug in deeply at strategic positions in around the city centre. The enemy was heavily out numbered and didn’t possess the advantage of air support, in fact the opposite. The Horse Grenadier Guards had lead the offensive into the city. The lead tanks of the guards rolled forward as the enemy defences grew closer. Each gunner carefully selected and locked on to his target. The Queen-Empress’ Guards were going into battle. Each man nervously awaited the first blow. The Montelimarians opened fire on the advancing tanks and armoured vehicles with heavy machine guns. Sparks flew as the rounds bounced harmlessly off the main battle tanks, though less protected and antiquated vehicles suffered heavily. Mortar teams were ordered to cover the battlefield with smoke, the execution was succeeded by an order for return fire. The mortars responded immediately and dumped smoke rounds right on top of the forward enemy positions. All advancing vehicles opened fire with their full force. MBTs pounded the enemy dug ins with their main guns and the gunners raked the enemy lines with machine gun fire. The Montelimarians continued to fight. The enemy tanks fired on the advancing juggernaught that had them pinned down on the rear by the 29th Armoured Division and the front by the Guards. The armoured battalions of the 29th AD continued to advance through the rear of the enemy positions just south of Lille, destroying everything in their path. Alongside enemy tanks, and machine gun nests were the threats of RPG teams. Gunners would scan the battlefield, and as soon as an RPG team would pop up, they would be mowed down by machine gun fire. From thousands of feet in the skies above Lille F-16s closed in on the city’s central buildings that had been overcome by the presence of enemy positions at the heart of Lille. Despite the complete chaos of urban war brought to this eastern city, the urban landscape still had a resemblance of civility with undisturbed power and continued public transport systems, though the main arteries in and out of the city maintained a scene of total war. Using infrared sensors to register heat signatures, enemy machine gun and RPG fire coming from rooftops and the windows of central Lille were picked up. Carrying AGM-65 Maverick missiles the ten attack aircraft readied for a co-ordinated support attack with five Apache helicopters. Equipped with AGM-114 Hellfire missiles the aircraft and helicopters descended upon central Lille and opened fire the sound of skies ripping apart. The close air support burned its ordnance so fiercely that it produced a spectacular display above the urban battle.

Around three kilometres from Fecamp, the 12th Armoured Division turned to skirt the town and naval base on the left, while the 14th Armoured Brigade continued on its course to enter the settlement. Both launched heavy offenses against building, firing main and machine guns at anything and everything in the Montelimarian position. Once past the town, the 12th AD continued north for the city of Caen. The 14th AB stopped inside Fecamp and regrouped for an assault to completely destroy the enemy presence and assert full control over the strategic naval base. The tanks of the 311th Armoured Brigade blocked an enemy retreat west of Dion, the brigade was strung out along the west side of the city. The engineers of the 7th Armoured Brigade led the final assault into the heart and south of Dion. MBTs from the 310th Armoured Brigade attacked Dion from the east. The 7th AB and the 310th AB rolled into the city, with the former hitting the central main streets by the evening. The MBTs of the 7th AB demolished buildings and destroyed enemy vehicles and tanks with their main guns. The tanks rolled over and crushed everything in their path and the armoured vehicles shot at anything that moved. The 7th AB continued to establish control over central Dion. The 310th AB rolled west into the east side of Dion then turned and headed south, continuing the destruction and confrontation of the enemy out of the south of Dion. While offensives were intensifying in Dion, the 27th Armoured Division had attacked the remnants of the Montelimarian Infantry Divisions that had retreated from the west into Galets. Further to the east of Galets, the airborne infantry brigades attacked deep into Chambly. By noon the 5th Armoured Division had decimated what was left of the enemy infantry in the west. There was little time to reflect on any victory. The engaged brigades of the 5th AD refuelled and rearmed, turned and were re-engaged with reinforcing control in Bordeaux, Nimes and Mormant.

Despite how early it was in the invasion of Montelimar the Imperial General Staff were being forced my ministers and Parliament to assume control in western and north cities as a priority. General Sir Thomas Delores, 2nd Baron Delores of the Second Great Engellexic Army was charged with overseeing the establishment of security in western Montelimar. The War Secretary, that is, Field Marshal Arthur Batten-Lyon 12th Duke of Rothermere was under pressure from the Queen-Empress and Parliament to re-establish civil authority to work alongside the military from the city of Mormant in the hope of stemming the refugee crisis. The Home Secretary, Earl Grey, had announced to Parliament the week before that he was setting up a commission from the Home Office to support the drive for civil authority. Civil servants from the Home Office will be commissioned to facilitate co-operation between the elected officials of Mormant, and the other cities, and the military command assumed since the collapse of Montelimarian control in the west.

 

[Great Engellex]

CIRCUMSTANCE OF IMPERIAL WAR VI
OPERATION BREAKING DAWN

Valmy, Montelimar

The three battle fronts had broken the back of the Montelimarian defence, but the focus of the enemy’s defence still remained ahead waiting for the Engellexic armoured movements, in Valmy.

Early on the morning of 27 October, the Engellexic assault on Valmy kicked off with an air campaign which could be regarded as the most tense to ever be experienced by the Montelimarian city in its entire history. Capitalizing on months of unprecedented Engellexic military success and intense advancement, the execution of such a powerful surgical campaign signalled the resolve of Great Engellex to accomplish what it set out to achieve. Unlike the comparatively rude carpet-bmombing campaigns of the Federation in Solaren, this operation was designed to systematically obliterate the military and leadership structure without levelling Valmy in the process. This campaign will see the firepower of the Royal Engellexic Air Force zero in on the Montelimarian central nervous system; the electrical grid that provides for the city, the telecommunication networks, the remains of the radar installations, leaving the enemy’s armoured and infantry divisions to die on the vine. The audacious plans that formed the overall air campaign strategy were much a demonstration to prove the supremacy of Great Engellex to challenge the Pax Franconia.

05:50 signified the readiness for the campaign with the rotary blades of the twenty-ship squadron of Apache helicopters beginning their motion, picking up speed, ready to support the ground offensive that would commence immediately after the air strike. At 06:00 wave upon wave of the First Air Wing soon thundered over Northern Montelimar, eager to unleash a deadly storm of precision missiles. The ordeal will be endured by the enemy for four hours as over one hundred aircraft from the No. 213, 214, 23 and 27 Squadrons pierced the remaining resilience of Valmy with destructive results, after of which the city will be almost blind, deaf and dumb. The Imperial General Staff were particularly concerned with the reinforced presence of the Montelimarian armoured divisions, it was anticipated to be the most hard fought offensive – more so than Lille, which continues to be sought.

For the first time since Operation Great-Sixth, the Royal Engellexic Air Force was in anticipation for another serious air strike package that would extend and contain air supremacy up to the northern border of Lorraine. As with the Great-Sixth operation, the backbone of the strike package will be the F-16s and Phantom IIs. The latter of which were to ensure that there is no unwanted intrusion by Montelimar's southern neighbour. The implementation of the new Operation Breaking Dawn will see the launching of a four hour aerial offensive aimed at the obliteration of Montelimar’s ability to field a valued defence against the ground offensive that will be assumed upon the air strike’s conclusion. The operation, ultimately, will be a decapitation of the leadership of Montelimar through a succession of decapitation strikes; to that achievement, all buildings supporting the broadcasting of national media were hit, the government ministry buildings were hit, and the building housing the nation’s parliament was also targeted. The First Air Wing played the most important role with flying of more than seven hundred sorties in excess of forty strikes launched from bases in Great Engellex. The F-16s of No. 23 Squadron were once again tasked to fly air defence suppression, the twenty-four attack aircraft carried between them forty-eight CBU-97s and fort-eight AGM-88s. Arriving at 06:35, No. 23 Squadron was the first to be welcomed by Valmy, the pilots received immediate tasking to drop their CBU-97s over SAM sites in and around Valmy. Alongside the drop of CBU-97s, AGM-88s were fired at the sites to dissuade them from coming online, leaving SAMs to penetrate the battle skies above unguided and useless. The No. 23 Squadron was the first to return for tanker refuelling above northern Montelimar, the tankers protected and supported by the Second Air Wing that maintained an undisturbed presence across west-north-eastern Montelimar. The F-16s, upon being refuelled, were tasked with supporting a flight of Vulcan bombers striking targets in central Valmy. In this engagement, those that dropped their CBU-97s would now fire both of their HARMs at known SAM sites in central and southern Valmy. The Avro Vulcans introduced unguided ordnance runs over government and military districts in central Valmy, something which had been previously opposed until now, the Queen-Empress through the Chief of the Imperial General Staff wanted to restrict the possibilities of civilian casualties at all costs. Charlotte had been persuaded to approve by the need to bring a resounding defeat to what remained of Montelimar. The level of conflict in the southern skies, and especially over Valmy, would remain high into the next day, from the initial air strike to close-air support runs.

At 10:00 twenty Apache helicopters took off from south Wantage to play a key role in the opening scene of the Valmy ground offensive. Their arrival in Valmy corresponded with the last strike of the First Air Wing, allowing them to utilize the cover of the last of the F-16s in Operation Breaking Down, and set to work using their Hellfire missiles, rockets and 30mm cannon to eliminate the enemy’s armoured units in a preliminary sting attack. Searching miles ahead using his Target Acquisition/Designation System, the Apache Co-Pilot sought a suitable armoured target and locked on. Having launched a Hellfire missile, the Co-Pilot targets the armoured unit with his laser-designator; the missile flew down range, arcs high into the sky and then dives almost straight down on the designated target. Locking on to the reflected laser beam the missile flies downward to impact the target, the enemy tank stood little chance. Immediately following this single strike, Hellfire missiles began to rain down out of the sky upon the city’s armoured presence. The helicopters were able to destroy a number of the Montelimarian main battle tanks, and especially machine-gun nests, before the ground offensive began. The sorties flown were performed in teams of two formations so as to allow greater flexibility in the urban environment. Hundreds of rockets and thousands of cannon shells were expended in anticipation of the next offensive. The 28th Armoured Division command staff had spent weeks planning assault on Valmy. Now, not a week after the stunning capitulation of Dion, they were about to engaged the capital city in a morning battle they had planned while rolling through the urban districts of Dion. As they approached north Valmy, the 14th Infantry Division was to pass south of Chambery and hold the eastern line west of Bacle-Duc, the 15th Infantry Division would position themselves north-east of Charleville where they will rendezvous with the 27th Armoured Division from the west to form the western line against Valmy and the south. This ground offensive would culminate as the largest land battle in modern Engellexic history. Through southern Wantage the 16th Infantry Division was reinforcing Dion, and in the east the 44th Infantry Division and the 17th Royal Artillery Regiment were advancing to hold the front east of Chambery.

At 11:35 the Chieftains of the 7th Armoured Brigade raced forward and slammed into the enemy positions along the main artery through the northern suburbs of Valmy. They were immediately engaged with artillery and enemy armour. Within moments of the engagement beginning an enemy round penetrated through one of the fighting vehicles, it immediately exploded into flames. All of the crewmembers scrambled out the demolished vehicle and dove into a trench. As the tanks raced forward, another exploded by an enemy round. All crew were killed. The 310th Armoured Brigade rumbled past the 7th AB straight into enemy infantry positions north-east of central Valmy. The 311th Armoured Brigade was grinding steadily forward in to a less heavily defended sector in the west. The 14th Infantry Division bounded forward, and within an hour they had already broken through the enemy’s defensive line east of Valmy, bringing the eastern front up to Bacle-Duc. By 13:45 the 31-th AB had ploughed through the enemy infantry positions and were defending positions along the eastside of Valmy. Once through the quieter suburbs in the west, the 311 AB moved head on into the western flank of the enemy armour engaging the 7th AB. The Montelimarian tanks frantically fired into the Engellexic advance, doing everything necessary to repel the intrusion, all the while close-air support methodically picked armour targets to be destroyed. By the early evening the 16th Infantry Division had reached Dion. As the main composition of the XIV Corps was defeating the enemy hold over northern Valmy, infantry platoons of the 16th ID were working through the streets of Dion and countering the minor but persistent resistance that remained. At 22:00, the airborne infantry brigades advanced on Chambly again. The soldiers started receiving heavy fire three miles from the town’s central boroughs. The IFVs pressed on and drove right through the centre of the enemy’s position. The Montelimarian troops finally surrendered in Chambly, but not before they came to realise that south of the town was the 27th Armoured Division advancing onto the western front since early afternoon. A logistics point had been established in Chambly with the Airborne Infantry Brigade forwarding to the surrounding districts of the town to secure and protect the supply area. Chambly was needed to ensure that the western front could keep up the momentum of the attack on Valmy and the south.

Late in that evening, the 12th Armoured Division had encountered light to moderate resistance from a nearly defeated opponent. By 02:10 of the 28 October the 12the AD, with the help of Close-Air Support from the Second Air Wing, had achieved their intended objectives for the ground campaign in the west. They had defeated the Montelimarians in the west, that centred on Fecamp and Mormant and reached Galets, they had blocked the ability of the European Defence Federation from supplying and reinforcing their imperial ambitions directly from the west.