Archibald

Shouldn't we we wait for the competition to officially start? Alternatively, with Rambo and Zappsweden's consent, we could start ahead of the others while the rest of the teams are being assembled. This would also minimise the time lag between TCP/IP and PBEM. Having said that, there were still TCP/IP matches not yet played after we finished our bout of last year. [ April 28, 2004, 09:14 PM: Message edited by: Archibald ]

Then I shall see you on the field of honour sir...

Jersey John If our respective team captains were amenable, I'd be happy to reverse our positions of last year. This would make me the jerries, with the UK and USSR starting with 175 and 1,400 respectively. I await your reply sir.

In the unlikely event there's places left, I'd be more than happy for a PBEM rematch against Jersey John. Last year's Ryder Cup game was one of the two most enjoyable SC games I've ever played. I promise a suitably florid and surreal AAR. I also promise not to surrender, and to become incresingly hysterical and accusatory as the fortunes of war turn against me before committing suicide in the ruins of (insert capital city here). FOR EUROPE! FOR CULTURE! FOR STATE FUNDED HEALTH CARE!

IN HOC SIGNO VINCES

Rambo, Sven Hassel's books were hugely popular in Europe in the 1970s. For some reason they still go down a storm in Finland. Perhaps they didn't have the same impact in the United States. And didn't you mean Seve Ballesteros? [ September 29, 2003, 11:17 AM: Message edited by: Archibald ]

Oops. Like Jersey John, I hadn't followed the links from the page I came across that accused Hassel's wife of impropriety. When I did I was shocked and stunned and not a little amazed... Sorry about any offence caused. I've not had a single e-mail asking for the link yet. It's hardly surprising, as the most cursory of searches on Google brings this one up. You'll find a slightly less obsessive and offensive assessment of Mr Hassel than Erik Haaest's here.

Make sure you say hello to his link removed by moderator. Email poster directly if you want it as well. [ September 28, 2003, 10:32 PM: Message edited by: Battlefront.com ]

Because my work involves getting called out at short notice at at any time, TCP/IP is difficult for me. I can however play any of you by PBEM. I usually turn moves around quickly and can get through half a dozen turns a day. [ September 19, 2003, 01:09 PM: Message edited by: Archibald ]

Speaking as a card carrying untermensch, thank goodness in this case it was. [ September 18, 2003, 01:05 PM: Message edited by: Archibald ]

I have to agree with Kurt88 that we just don't know what motivated Hitler's anti-semitism. For my tuppence worth I would add the virulent anti-semitism that infected Austria in general, and Vienna in particular, at the beginning of the last century. Despite being much smaller than Germany, and only being absorbed into the Reich in 1938, Austrians played a major role in the Final Solution. A quote from USAJewish.com: The Austrian “contribution” to the Holocaust was far greater than even these figures might suggest. Not only was indigenous Jew-hatred in pre-1939 Austria greater than in Germany, but Austrians were disproportionately involved in planning and implementing the “Final Solution.” Apart from Adolf Hitler himself, the Austrian-born architect of the Holocaust, there were Adolf Eichmann, who was in charge of Jewish deportations from the Reich and most of occupied Europe; Odilo Globocnik (formerly gauleiter of Vienna), who supervised all the death camps in Poland; Ernst Kaltenbrunner from Linz, who succeeded Heydrich as head of the Reich Head Security Office and effectively coordinated the bureaucracy of the Final Solution; and Arthur Seyss-Inquart, Reich commissioner of the Netherlands and responsible for the deportations of Dutch Jews. And this is not to mention the fact that 40 percent of the personnel and most of the commandants of the death camps at Belzec, Sobibor, and Treblinka were Austrians, or that 80 percent of Eichmann’s staff were recruited from his Austrian compatriots. I doubt there is any one cause for Hitler's malevolent hatred. The agonizing death of his mother under the care of a Jewish doctor, the anti-semitism endemic to pre-1914 Vienna, and the brutalizing effect of the Great War probably all contributed to Hitler's obsessive hatred. An excellent work which seeks to analyse Hitler's underlying motivations, and the motivations of those who study him, is Ron Rosenbaum's Explaining Hitler It gives a fascinating account of the death of Hitler's mother. [ September 18, 2003, 01:09 PM: Message edited by: Archibald ]

I definitely think you've got a plan there Terif. I just hope we don't end up tied 4-4!

11 Jul 43 In the Luftwaffe's first major defeat of the war, two luftflotten have been destroyed south of Madrid by combined attacks from the RAF and the USAAF. The remaining luftflotte in Spain has been heavily damaged. In Italy the American army in position to land south of Rome has instead landed near Bari and moved to isolate it from the rest of Italy. With the support of the RAF, USN and the Fleet Air Arm the army garrisoning Bari has been totally destroyed. The city, with little hope of relief, awaits it's liberators. In the Ukraine more fierce counter attacks have been launched against the bloody Fascist advance. Both the German XV Army and the Italian XII Corps have taken 80% losses. Similar attacks have been launched on the western approaches to Odessa. Comrade Stalin has now released the Soviet Union's Siberian reserves, which are now moving to engage the invaders as their invasion reaches it's high tide mark. [ September 17, 2003, 06:35 PM: Message edited by: Archibald ]

27 Jun 43 Despite experiencing the blackest days of the war to date, the Allies have struck back and inflicted telling blows on the Axis. In Italy, fierce RAF attacks destroy the remaining two Regia Aeronautica air fleets. Mussolini now has only his army left. An American army is in position to land south of Rome. In the Soviet Union the fall of the Hero City Kiev is met by fierce counter attacks against the Fascist spearheads. For the first time the Soviet Union's advanced T34-76s are unleashed in battle. The lead Italian corps and Panzergruppe Guderian take 80% and 90% casualties respectively. In another attack near Odessa the Rumanian 3rd Army takes 30% casualties. With the USSR fully committed to research, good news has arrived about industrial production. With recent advances in mass production taking it up to level five, the Soviet Union now has the most advanced industry in the world. [ September 17, 2003, 03:39 PM: Message edited by: Archibald ]

13 Jun 43 USS Massachusetts, despite substantial damage, crippled the Regia Marina's submarine force in the course of her fighting withdrawal from the Adriatic.. The coup de grace to the battered submarine fleet was given by Bristol Blenheims of the Free French Air Force. THE REGIA MARINA IS NO MORE!!! In southern Italy the RAF have continued their relentless attacks, destroying the elite Italian 1st Army. In the Ukraine the Fascists are now in the northern suburbs of Kiev. Fierce counter attacks are being launched against them, and for the first time the VVS is intercepting the Luftwaffe. [ September 16, 2003, 07:57 PM: Message edited by: Archibald ]

16 May 43 The damaged Andrea Doria proved no match for the modern guns of USS Massachusetts, and has joined the rest of the Italian surface fleet on the seabed. HMS Resolution has used the opportunity to withdraw from the Adriatic for repairs. Allied Expeditionary Force Spain has been withdrawn after heavy losses inflicted on the untried US Army. A British corps is now holding Gibraltar. Franco, to his chagrin, has had to evacuate Algeciras and has been transported, by submarine, to Spanish Morocco. The surprise defeat of the US Army in Calabria has been saved by the tireless efforts of RAF Meteors flying extensive ground attack missions and destroying the pursuing Italian army. In the Soviet Union, the battle for the approaches to Kiev contnues, with the Fascists making little progress. [ September 16, 2003, 07:41 PM: Message edited by: Archibald ]

18 Apr 43 In their first major encounter with the Wehrmacht the US Army have learned some very hard lessons. A new anti-armour doctrine devised by general Patton has been quickly adopted These new tactics made possible the destruction of a panzergruppe in the course of an orderly withdrawal towards Gibraltar. Allied air power in North Africa has been increased to counter the imminent threat from the north. In Italy, the RAF have pounded Balbo's HQ almost to destruction. HMS Resolution has taken the war to the Italians in the Adriatic and inflicted 40% damage on Andrea Doria. The last stand of the Regia Marina is imminent. The battle of attrition in the Ukraine continues. The Fascists are paying a heavy price for their slow adavance. Plentiful Soviet units are hurrying to the front to repel them. Stalin is leading us to victory! [ September 16, 2003, 05:53 PM: Message edited by: Archibald ]

21 Mar 43 After four months of stout resistance, the Spanish Army was unable to fight on any more, and have reluctantly surrendered to the Invaders. General Infates was true to his word; he died fighting to the last in the pocket north of Madrid. German reports that he was captured are nothing but a desperate lie! In southern Spain, the Americans launch a counter attack on Panzergruppe Schoerner, and all but destroy it. General Franco has moved the legitimate Spanish government to Algeciras. One of the Royal Navy's most advanced submarines is en route from Liverpool just in case... In Italy, Balbo is now an air marshal without an air force. In a gallant but unequal struggle north of Rome the Regia Aeronautica was totally destroyed by RAF Meteors. Near Bari, an Italian army is reduced to 40%. With the spring thaw in progress, the Fascists have made no headway at all with their latest offensive despite massive air support. Soviet losses were quickly made good. [ September 16, 2003, 05:50 PM: Message edited by: Archibald ]

7 Feb 43 The Free French in Madrid fought till they were overwhelmed by massive Italo-German forces. Their example has inspired the Spanish, who have continued fighting under Franco's impassioned leadership. Two Spanish corps are cut off north of Madrid, but are refusing to surrender to "The Betrayers". Meanwhile, a large Anglo-American relief force is landing from Gibraltar. In Calabria, the American army advances again and destroys an Italian corps south west of Bari. Three Italian armies have been identified in and around Rome and Bari as Mussolini's regime desperately tries to hold on without German support. The ordinary Italian soldier seems to have lost enthusiasm for the fight, and Italy's collapse cannot be far off. The RAF and USAAF have now reached technical parity with the Luftwaffe. Macchi MC202s trying to repel the American advance were easily repelled by the advanced Gloster Meteor; Britain's new wonder jet. The United States now have the similarly advanced Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star in service. Bad news for Goering's Messerchmitt boys! With Fascist attention elsewhere, the Soviet Union is quiet this winter. Local attacks have been made on Fascist advance units south of Smolensk, while in the north the line has advanced north of Vologda. Luftwaffe units have been moved close to the front line, so another large offensive may be in the offing. [ April 27, 2004, 11:10 PM: Message edited by: Archibald ]

13 Dec 42 The Axis have committed major resources to the attack on Spain. At least six Italian and German armoured formations, two German armies, and two luftflotten have been spotted. Allied reinforcements are hurrying to assist, with an American army having landed to defend beleagured Bilbao, where a desperate counter attack has destroyed a panzergruppe. In Italy the Americans have crossed the Straits of Messina and now have an army ashore in Calabria. They have yet to meet any resistance. The Soviet Union is in the grip of winter and the Fascist offensive has stalled yet again. The Soviet Army launches the usual spoiling attacks and uses the time to build up it's strength, [ September 15, 2003, 09:45 AM: Message edited by: Archibald ]

15 Nov 42 In a staggering volte face of foreign policy, the Axis powers have launched a surprise blitzkrieg on Spain with a powerful Italo-German armoured force. After the initial shock, Spain is beginning to resist fiercely. A defence line has been formed around Madrid, and a Free French corps has arrived from Gibraltar to assist. More help from the Allies is en route. Ironically a large contingent of reinforcements for the Blue Division in Russia were being cheered off from Madrid railway station as news of the first Axis attacks came through. General Estaban Infates, who was to travel to Russia to take over command of the division, made the following embittered statement: "We were to embark on a crusade to fight the godless. Now we find that our so-called brothers-in-arms are no less godless. This is the blackest day of betrayal in our proud history." Tearing off the Iron Cross personally awarded him by Hitler, he swore to stop the invaders or die trying. While Spain has been attacked, the Anglo-Americans launched Operation Husky, the invasion of Sicily. With the help of massive air support the Italian army and corps in Scily have been destroyed. An American army is ashore and General Bradley has set up his headquarters in Palermo. The hard pressed Soviet Union is still making the Fascists pay for every inch of ground. Although adjustments have had to be made, the line is still holding. With Soviet infantry now at L2, the Fascists will find it even harder to make progress.

18 Oct 42 In a gigantic aerial offensive, the RAF, USAAF, the Fleet Air Arm and the Free French Armee de l'air have destroyed the Italian army garrisoning Palermo and damaged the corps stationed immediately to the south east. An American Army is now off the southern coast of Sicily preparing to land. Time is running out for Mussolini. In the Soviet Union, the massive Fascist offensive is being bitterly contested. Their progress is slow, and requires massive aerial support to move forward at all. Their intention seems to be to drive south from Smolensk for the Crimea and cut off the Ukraine from the rest of the USSR. Plans are in hand to prevent this. FOR THE MOTHERLAND!!!

20 Sep 42 Smolensk has fallen after enduring the largest air-ground attack of the war. Nine luftflotten were identified at one point, which indicates that virtually the entire Luftwaffe is facing the Soviet Union. Fascist forward elements have penetrated 100 kilometres south east of Smolensk, where fierce counter attacks are in progress to stop them. Elsewhere, the Anglo-Americans are now ready for their next major operation. [ September 13, 2003, 08:26 AM: Message edited by: Archibald ]

30 Aug 42 Limited Fascist attacks make slight headway towards Smolensk and north of Vologda. Little ground is given but the line still holds. A counter attack is launched on the German corps which has penetrated to the north western suburbs of Smolensk, and it is knocked down to less than half strengh. in the Mediterranean, the Allies are preparing their next move... [ September 17, 2003, 06:55 PM: Message edited by: Archibald ]

16 Aug 42 Tripoli has fallen. Two Italian armies are now streaming into captivity. WE ARE MASTERS OF THE NORTH AFRICAN SHORE The recent lull is being used by the Soviet Union to accumulate massive reserves to counter the next Fascist attack. The British Government have released the first pictures of the Kriegsmarine's attempted counter to the highly advanced submarine designs in service with the Royal Navy. Submarine experts assess it to be a design of Dr Ferdinand Porsche. It is reckoned to be less advanced than current British submarines, as it only has one periscope where British submarines have loads and loads. For reasons known only to the Kriegsmarine, these craft are crewed exclusively by bourgeois-looking young men from Dusseldorf who sing interminable songs about the Fuhrer's autobahn system to a minimalist electronic backing. [ September 12, 2003, 06:21 PM: Message edited by: Archibald ]