Dr. Brian

Okay skip… I'll bite on this blanket statement. How on earth did the Serbs suffer more than the Poles/Jews? What program of systematic elimination did the Germans implement to wipe out the Serbian people from the face of the earth? You just can't make that type of statement, and not back it up. ------------------ Doc God Bless Chesty Puller, Wherever He Is!

Then write it in cyrillic, not English!!!!! ------------------ Doc God Bless Chesty Puller, Wherever He Is!

That link didn't work. What's the web address? ------------------ Doc God Bless Chesty Puller, Wherever He Is!

I can't see why one would think this is unimportant? First, there is the obvious case, that battlefield smoke is a major player on any battlefield. If dry summer wheat fields can catch on fire, this is nothing but adding to the simulation. Second, BTS has coded flames during wet days, why not dry??????? The logic would dictate dry flames spreading first (since it is MORE likely to happen) than on wet roads. My logic is that it would be important in a battle of 30 minutes and higher, due to the importance of smoke. Any more thoughts? ------------------ Doc God Bless Chesty Puller, Wherever He Is!

What language you guys using? My American dictionary has czar and czarina. Must be british.... ;P ------------------ Doc God Bless Chesty Puller, Wherever He Is!

Hmm..... this whole language thing burns me up. There are people spelling oxygen with as "oxygene" in another thread. Never gonna figure it out. If you use "czar" as I did, the female is "czarina." We're both correct. ------------------ Doc God Bless Chesty Puller, Wherever He Is! [This message has been edited by Dr. Brian (edited 03-27-2001).]

Thanks Hank.... I now agree that it can burn.... but, it has been the same clump of brush, and the same "clump" of road that is burning. It has not spread, or gotten larger like the "real case" examples above, and, it has been burning for 40+ minutes. Wouldn't it spread? As it is now, it takes up a bunch of tiles, and burns. On another note. How come my burning wrecks in wheatfields, with dry weather, don't spread?????????? ------------------ Doc God Bless Chesty Puller, Wherever He Is!

To be honest, it may appear rosy. But, their were also pogroms against Jews as well. Over a long period of time, actions like these (or similar) do happen, including in the US like race riots in LA in 1992 or Newark, NJ in 1966. But, overall, it was always brought back into mainstream. Off with the Polish hat…. On with the Ukrainian. I'm gonna have to disagree. In no way did Ukraine "freely" join with Russia. First, we need to talk about time context. As you identified, Ukrainian national identity occurred in the east sooner than the Galciaian/Carpathian Ukrainians than those in the Don, who considered themselves "Ukrianian speaking Poles" (for the most part). A lot of that had to do with the Don Cossacks, which were fiercely independent. However, the Cossacks came under the employ of the Czars and Czarinas, and became an instrument of population control in Ukraine. Cossacks were … well mercenaries … hired guns … under no government, etc. The Royal House of Russia gained so much control over the Cossacks in time, that the frequent "revolts" with the Cossacks were squashed, either by Russia directly, or "competing" Cossacks. Almost similar to the Apartheid Regime of South Africa, where they would instigate the African Nations against each other. Where the Cossacks Ukrainian? Yes. Did they help Russia gain control of Ukraine? Yes. Does that mean Ukraine became a willing partner with Russia? Consider the times, and forms of government then, probably yes. But, you said it so well … enslavement or annihilation. Not much of a choice. Russian policy has, and will be, to establish economic and intelligence strongholds in those nations of central and Eastern Europe recently whenever freed from Moscow's domination. It has worked for them since 1300 onward, a period of over 700 years. It is part of their national conscience. ------------------ Doc God Bless Chesty Puller, Wherever He Is! [This message has been edited by Dr. Brian (edited 03-27-2001).]

gunner, Thanks for the links!!!! ------------------ Doc God Bless Chesty Puller, Wherever He Is!

Nope, I didn't forget to mention it. The question directed to me, was Poland under the Russian "yoke." That's why we started from the 1st Partition onward. But, ahhhhhh, those were the good ole days. Now this is clearly inaccurate. The Kingdom of Poland and Lithuania was a diverse and tolerant kingdom. In fact, it was the most "free" country in Europe, and a republic The Polish-Lithuanian kings did not "Polinize" the language, as the Carpathian Ukrainians learned under the Ukrainian language and schools. Religiously, all were free to worship, as they wanted. In fact, the Kingdom of Poland and Lithuania was much less "Catholic" than people believe. Unites and Jews found religious tolerance the government's policy, and this can be seen by the large numbers of Jews, Unite, and Muslims within the Kingdom. To be "Polish" at the time was not just for "Poles." It was to be one from Poland-Lithuania. It was not uncommon for a Ukrainian or German or Jew to say he or she was Polish, even though, they did not speak the Polish language. So, I can not find historically, or accept your statement about a policy of forceful polinization, which clearly did not exist. It was okay to be German, but call yourself Polish. That's what they did back in Poland-Lithuania. Recommended reading; "The History of Poland" volumes I and II. What land grab? You are looking at a map with the perspective of a modern day man. What you call "land grab" today is based on post WWII borders. What Pilsudski's government was fighting for, was the return of Poland's lands and peoples. Compare a map of Poland after the treaty of Brest with one of Poland of 1667 and even 1772, when Poland was not under Russian dominion. You will clearly see that Kiev and Minsk were part of the Kingdom of Poland and Lithuania, and, people in these areas, were "Polish" as defined by pre-partition definition. So, Poland was not making a "land grab" but still trying to fight for the freedom of it's former peoples, land, resources, etc. Today though, it would be a land grab, as these people have grown their own, non-"Polish" national identities. As I mentioned, the last time Poland was free, those were Polish lands. So, the argument you present is flawed here. And I'll be the first to agree with you. I'm not insulting you. Being Ukrainian myself, I find it hard to swallow how many in my family are "russian" and fought in the "russian army" of WWII. We both know that Ukrainians, Mongolians, Georgians, etc. made up the Red Army too. We also both know, that the Soviet Union was basically run by the Russians, which was why like they did to Poland, they tried to do to Ukraine with Russification in the schools, etc. I understand your contention. However, it is much easier when a people that were free, and then get wiped from the map of Europe, are considered "good" while the Russians are considered "bad." Especially when it is over 230+ years. Again, realize, that for for the past 228 years, Poland has been basically fighting for their identity under Russian efforts to "Russify" them. It's tough for many people, especially westerners, and Russians, to understand the concept of "bad" Russian (we'll use your term here for simplicity). People of eastern Europe and Asia, are constantly, for the past 500+ years, been subjected to a policy of Russification whenever Russia has been given the chance. It's sort of like the Balkans. Over 1000 years of fighting has lead to deep divisions that will never be solved. The same, sadly, is true about Russia and their efforts of Russification and the people they try to Russify. Ask any Ukrainian, Pole, Lithuanian, Estonian, Latvian, Uzbekian, Georgian, Mongolian, etc. In conclusion, thanks for the frank discussion. It's brought a couple points home for me, including your last about real history! ------------------ Doc God Bless Chesty Puller, Wherever He Is! [This message has been edited by Dr. Brian (edited 03-26-2001).]

I think it's pretty cool. Now, how do I get, or where do I find all these cool mods everyone keeps making??????????? ------------------ Doc God Bless Chesty Puller, Wherever He Is!

You mean, if I *think* hard enough, I can make foxholes appear too, and my tanks come back to life. Your response makes sense, as I tried abstraction originally, but, the scenario is in the rain, and already there are two flames burning. In mud and rain, this should be an even more unliklier occurance. That's what is tripping me up. It's just not adding up! ------------------ Doc God Bless Chesty Puller, Wherever He Is!

Ba da ... bump. Okay..... Anyway, the flamethrower that made a dirt road catch on fire, and this dirt road has been burning in the mud and rain for 40 minutes now, is silly... I'll send the e-mail when I get Matts address. Thanks again for makeing sure I'm sane here. ------------------ Doc God Bless Chesty Puller, Wherever He Is!

I'm playing All or Nothing (this is NOT a spolier) where the ground is mud, and it is raining in the scenario. Now, how on earth, in this condition, can a flamethrower make a dirt road catch on fire? This is clearly wrong! In addition, in rain and mud, how can some brush catch on fire from infantry and arty? When it's wet like this, about the only thing I can see catching on fire is buildings. But, to have a DIRT ROAD catch on fire in rain and mud conditions is just way out of whack. Thanks for anyone's input. How can I forward this to BTSs' attention? ------------------ Doc God Bless Chesty Puller, Wherever He Is!

Oh well. It's always good to have one of these "rare" books on one's shelf. Congrats! ------------------ Doc God Bless Chesty Puller, Wherever He Is!

A lot of this book is myth ... and their is a HUGE debate over it's validity, and has been classified as historical fiction. Some major web sites have developed around this topic, and we won't delve into the debate here. But, take it for what it is worth. I suggest "Red Army Tank Commanders." ------------------ Doc God Bless Chesty Puller, Wherever He Is!

Tommi, I heard about this book, but have never seen it. Is the English translation available? I'd like to read it, and add it to my library. Thanks in advance! ------------------ Doc God Bless Chesty Puller, Wherever He Is!

Tommi, Wonderful analysis of the battle. Hans Delbruck, if I recall correctly, put the Swedish numbers higher. Thing about this old history, the numbers are always debatable. Overall though, the "effect" and "aftershock" as you detailed, is what really matters most. ------------------ Doc God Bless Chesty Puller, Wherever He Is!

Pan Commissar, I did not include the years under Napolean's mandated Duchy of Warsaw which was from 1809 to 1814... so, 5 years under French dominion, but, during that time, they were allowed to be "Polish" and free again... which as a people, is all they want. ------------------ Doc God Bless Chesty Puller, Wherever He Is!

Pan Commissar, Under Russia's "yoke" from the 1st Partition in 1772... Under direct coquest and control from the 3rd and final Partition at the end of the 18th century in 1795. From 1795, Russification of all things Polish, i.e., Polish language, culture, schools, and identity, from 1795 to 1914 (173 years). From 1914 to 1918 under German control. From 1918 to 1939, the Free Republic Of Poland. (21 years of freedom) 1939 - 1944, the most horrible period in the history of the world, where over 33% of the Polish population was systematically butchered. 1944 - 1989 Under Soviet (i.e., Russian) control. Over the past 228 years, only 33 years have been outside the Russian "yoke." (German for 9 of them.) Current trends indicate Russian activities to destablize Poland (and Ukraine) continue. Ref: Jane's Intelligence Defense. And so, it continues.... Hope that helps! ------------------ Doc God Bless Chesty Puller, Wherever He Is! [This message has been edited by Dr. Brian (edited 03-22-2001).]

And, they are the only nation to have a dumb idea, like Dieppe? The Little Big Horn? The Mongolian invasion of Japan? Etc. There is an old Polish saying, "A Pole is born with a brick in one hand, and a sword in the other." It means that a Pole is always fighting his enemies (German, Russian, Turk, Hun, Mongolian), yet after war, rebuilds his land and home. Since a history lesson of Polish courage is clearly needed.... It should be remembered that one of the greatest generals in history, Gustav Adolf, developed his skills in almost continuous warfare with the Poles - and his success in the Thirty Years War were preceded my many years of effort against inferior numbers of Poles who had humiliated the Swedish army at Kircholm. "Polish Lithuanian forces under Krzysztof I Radziwill and Hetman Chodkiewicz crushed the Swedish armies at the battles of Kokenhauzen (10 March 1601), Bialy Kamien (25 Sept 1604) and Kircholm (27 Sept 1605). On each occasion the Poles were outnumbered, but by skilful tactics and the expert use of husars the Swedes were well beaten. However due to lack of funds, recapturing occupied towns was difficult and Protracted, especially since the Swedes began to avoid battle and remained in towns and castles. The war ended with the attention of both countries turned to Muscovy. And... Dalerac wrote - " Usars are the most beautiful cavalry in Europe, in terms of men, splendid horses, brilliance of dress and bravery of arms ... this cavalry sits on the best horses in the country ... The husars never retreat, releasing their horses into full gallop charges and carrying all before them." ------------------ Doc God Bless Chesty Puller, Wherever He Is! [This message has been edited by Dr. Brian (edited 03-22-2001).] [This message has been edited by Dr. Brian (edited 03-22-2001).]

Did your 15 your career span the years 1944-1945? Basically, the changes in Fire Control have drastically improved, to correct for fire. The mathematics and general equations have not changed, but, communication and control have, allowing for corrections in "seconds." What are your thoughts on this aspect? ------------------ Doc God Bless Chesty Puller, Wherever He Is! [This message has been edited by Dr. Brian (edited 03-21-2001).]

Myth ... sort of. It was "common" for whatever that means, to palce NKVD behind "prisoner" battalions and other "suspect" units. Over all, the common Red Army soldier had no problems fighting the Nazi invader that raped and pillaged, and waged a war of extermination against the slav, or what the Germans called "Untermenschen" (i.e., subhuman). So, yes, they did exist, but not in the context you, or Enemy at The Gates, portrayed. ------------------ Doc God Bless Chesty Puller, Wherever He Is!

Yes, I read this before. It really puts a new light onto all the "stuff" we've been reading before the Cold War. I must say, it is "refreshing" to hear the Soviet view instead of the German. Plus, it's more first person accounts when people start to debate how much better the Panther is to the IS-II and IS-III (like, give me a break, will ya!) ------------------ Doc God Bless Chesty Puller, Wherever He Is!

Hmm. You mean there is a bunch of scenrios available? How do I get there? Harv, good luck in your new endeavors. ------------------ Doc God Bless Chesty Puller, Wherever He Is!