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Dr. Brian

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Posts posted by Dr. Brian

    The Great Patriotic War

    in Combat Mission Archive #3 (2001)

    Posted

    Originally posted by Skipper:

    Arguably, the nation that suffered most in WWII was neither jews, nor poles. It was serbs.

    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. wink.gif

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    Doc

    God Bless Chesty Puller, Wherever He Is!

    0

    Flames in the Rain Bug

    in Combat Mission Archive #3 (2001)

    Posted

    Originally posted by Vanir Ausf B:

    I would guess they didn't think it was important enough to spend the time on it. I would tend to agree with them.

    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?

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    Doc

    God Bless Chesty Puller, Wherever He Is!

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    CM2 - Can I buy NKVD Batallions to shoot my own troops?

    in Combat Mission Archive #3 (2001)

    Posted

    Originally posted by Skipper:

    Btw, female tsar is tsaritsa, not tsarina.

    Hmm..... this whole language thing burns me up. There are people spelling oxygen with as "oxygene" in another thread. smile.gif

    Never gonna figure it out. If you use "czar" as I did, the female is "czarina."

    We're both correct.

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    Doc

    God Bless Chesty Puller, Wherever He Is!

    [This message has been edited by Dr. Brian (edited 03-27-2001).]

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    Flames in the Rain Bug

    in Combat Mission Archive #3 (2001)

    Posted

    Originally posted by Hurricane:

    I think we are missing one point here. We all agree that it is perfectly reasonable that anything could catch fire in CM. But would the road burn for 40 minutes? I don´t think so. If there were some large logs in the tile they would perhaps still be burning after 40 minutes in pouring rain, but that wouldn´t hinder access to the tile or create a large amount of smoke.

    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??????????

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    Doc

    God Bless Chesty Puller, Wherever He Is!

    0

    CM2 - Can I buy NKVD Batallions to shoot my own troops?

    in Combat Mission Archive #3 (2001)

    Posted

    Originally posted by Skipper:

    As for the "free" Poland, your picture is surprisingly rosy. Orthodox ukranians fought religious wars (sort of) against catholic poles. I guess, they had a reason.

    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. smile.gif 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.

    smile.gif

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    Doc

    God Bless Chesty Puller, Wherever He Is!

    [This message has been edited by Dr. Brian (edited 03-27-2001).]

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    CM2 - Can I buy NKVD Batallions to shoot my own troops?

    in Combat Mission Archive #3 (2001)

    Posted

    Originally posted by Padre:

    I see you skipped the mention of a Polish yoke of 1612. Or propping up a son of a Polish king onto a Russian throne and ransacking Moscow does not qualify as a foreign invasion?

    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. wink.gif

    Originally posted by Padre:

    It will be worth mentioning that when Poland had a chance to be a sovereign state just prior its division, it was actively pursuing the policy of forceful Polonization of their own ethnical minorities, namely Ukrainians. Indeed, all empires, big and small, are surprisingly alike wink.gif

    Now this is clearly inaccurate. smile.gif 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.

    Originally posted by Padre:

    From 1914 to 1918 under German control.

    From 1918 to 1939, the Free Republic Of Poland. (21 years of freedom)

    Forgetting some Polish "indiscretions" again? How about Poland trying to use a confusion of Russian Civil war for a land grab of their own?

    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.

    Originally posted by Padre:

    Some people like to mention brave Poles beating Russian hordes away from the outskirts of Warsaw in 1920. What those people usually forget is to mention that those Russian hordes got to Warsaw while beating Poles from the outskirts of Kiev and Minsk in a first place.

    As I mentioned, the last time Poland was free, those were Polish lands. So, the argument you present is flawed here.

    Originally posted by Padre:

    1944 - 1989 Under Soviet (i.e., Russian) control.

    Personally, I find it somewhat insulting that you would equate "Soviet" to "Russian".

    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.

    Originally posted by Padre:

    I will still contest your depiction of their mutual relations as a continuous struggle of good Poles against bad Russians.

    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! smile.gif

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    Doc

    God Bless Chesty Puller, Wherever He Is!

    [This message has been edited by Dr. Brian (edited 03-26-2001).]

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    Flames in the Rain Bug

    in Combat Mission Archive #3 (2001)

    Posted

    Originally posted by M Hofbauer:

    the answer is: it's all about abstraction. Memorize it. It will be our magic word for the duration of this post smile.gif

    You mean, if I *think* hard enough, I can make foxholes appear too, and my tanks come back to life. smile.gif

    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! frown.gif

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    Doc

    God Bless Chesty Puller, Wherever He Is!

    0

    Flames in the Rain Bug

    in Combat Mission Archive #3 (2001)

    Posted

    Originally posted by Mannheim Tanker:

    You should read BTS's policy on this forum: No flaming, please.

    Ba da ... bump. Okay.....

    smile.gif

    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.

    wink.gif

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    Doc

    God Bless Chesty Puller, Wherever He Is!

    0

    Flames in the Rain Bug

    in Combat Mission Archive #3 (2001)

    Posted

    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?

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    Doc

    God Bless Chesty Puller, Wherever He Is!

    0

    Barbarossa- The Russian- German conflict

    in Combat Mission Archive #3 (2001)

    Posted

    Originally posted by LongGrayLine:

    but if you want it from an individual soldier's perspective, I highly recommend "The Forgotten Soldier" by Guy Sajer.

    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."

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    Doc

    God Bless Chesty Puller, Wherever He Is!

    0

    CM2 - Can I buy NKVD Batallions to shoot my own troops?

    in Combat Mission Archive #3 (2001)

    Posted

    Originally posted by The Commissar:

    Dr Brian,

    Since you seem to know much of Polish history, would you care to tell me the number of years and periods that Poland was under Russia's yoke? That is, partial or full control, if that ever happened.

    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!

    smile.gif

    ------------------

    Doc

    God Bless Chesty Puller, Wherever He Is!

    [This message has been edited by Dr. Brian (edited 03-22-2001).]

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    CM2 - Can I buy NKVD Batallions to shoot my own troops?

    in Combat Mission Archive #3 (2001)

    Posted

    Originally posted by tss:

    While Polish cavalry didn't charge tanks in WWII, they still have conducted few cavalry charges throughout history that could be classified as dumb ideas.

    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.... smile.gif 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."

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    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).]

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    Is Reverse Slope Modeled wrt Artillery Fire?

    in Combat Mission Archive #3 (2001)

    Posted

    Originally posted by X-00:

    Fire Direction Centers can account for differences in Vertical Interval between target and shooter in seconds.

    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?

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    Doc

    God Bless Chesty Puller, Wherever He Is!

    [This message has been edited by Dr. Brian (edited 03-21-2001).]

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    CM2 - Can I buy NKVD Batallions to shoot my own troops?

    in Combat Mission Archive #3 (2001)

    Posted

    Originally posted by AcePylut:

    A common practice in the Red Army was to place NKVD batallions behind attacking Soviet troops with the express purpose of shooting any Soviet that fled from the battlefield.

    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.

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    Doc

    God Bless Chesty Puller, Wherever He Is!

    0

    Interview with a Russian tank commander

    in Combat Mission Archive #3 (2001)

    Posted

    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!)

    ;)

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    Doc

    God Bless Chesty Puller, Wherever He Is!

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