'Operation Stier' at the gates!

Pablostuka · August 24, 2003, 17:33

Operation 'Stier':

This will be the new scenario of EmuGod and Pablostuka in a team work. It's an alternate history scenario, and we think it could be very interesting

. So we need some feedback, guys!

The idea was created in EmuGod's mind

, and I'll do the scenario design.

So now you'll know the TIMELINE:

And here's the map screenshot:

EmuGod · August 24, 2003, 17:35

SPANISH CIVIL WAR

July, 1936 - Spanish Generals organize a coup d'etat against the Republic.

August, 1936 - 2000 Spaniards murdered by Nationalists at Badajoz. 27 countries sign the Non-intervention policy, agreeing not to interfere in the Spanish Civil War.

October, 1936 - USSR sends its first shipment of weapons to Spanish Republicans. Hitler forms the Condor Legion to assist Nationalists.

January, 1937 - Nationalist forces give up their continuing direct assault on Madrid following a Republican victory.

February, 1937 - Republican forces at Málaga repel a large Nationalist assault on the city, inflicting massive casualties on the Nationalists and their Italian allies.

March, 1937 - The Republicans crush a large Italian force at Guadalajara causing a huge dent in Italian pride. Mussolini's aid for the Nationalist cause decreases due to riots back in Italy.

June, 1937 - Bilbao and the Basque Country fall to the Nationalists after fierce fighting, but Republican troops prepare to sour the Nationalist victory. Spearheaded by international brigades and Soviet tanks, Republican forces smash their way into Zaragoza in the east and into Granada in the south, forcing the Nationalists into retreat.

August, 1937 - The Republicans use a massive air raid on Nationalist forces near Pamplona to hamper Nationalist troop movements in the north. International brigades being the battle of Córdoba, causing large
casualties for both sides.

September, 1937 - Massive rioting against Nationalist troops in Palma de Mallorca turn into a rebellion. The citizens of the islands overwhelm the garrison with the aid of Republican air raids on military installations and
invite the Popular Army back to the islands.

October, 1937 - Republican ships destroy large quantities of Nationalist ships in the Straights of Gibraltar, destroying lots of Nationalist supplies.

November, 1937 - A Nationalist attack force heading to cut off Madrid is ambushed by Republican Communist forces near Guadalajara. The Republican ambush quickly turns into a counter-offensive against the Nationalists, who quiuckly retreat north to the Basque Country.

December, 1937 - Valladolid and Segovia fall to the Republican offensive, which presses north toward Bilbao. Republican and Nationalist aircraft right a major war in the area. Despite a victory for Nationalist aircraft, 67% of the Condor Legion is lost in the intense fighting, along with the town of Guernika. Republican tanks roll into Pamplona and besiege Bilbao, trapping hundreds of Nationalist troops.

January, 1938 - The American "Abraham Lincoln Brigade" and the Canadian "Mac-Paps" land in Spanish Morocco under the intense cover of Republican naval bombardment and with the elite Communist 5th Brigade.
A beachead is established and fighting begins on the Moroccan mainland, pinning down important Nationalist reinforcements.

February, 1938 - Bilbao and Santander fall to the Republicans through the use of guerilla tactics by Basque Gudaris. The Nationalists retreat west to Northwestern Spain were they entrench themselves. General Mola
is captured in the fighting, tired and executed for high treason.

April, 1938 - The battle of Córdoba ends in a stalemate with extremely high losses. The Nationalists lose 97% of their soldiers in defence of the remains of the city and the Republicans lose 94% of their forces. A Republican amphibious assault surprised the garrison at Cádiz, bringing the last Nationalist port in Southern Spain under Republican control.

May, 1938 - A Nationalist push toward the Portuguese border from Madrid brings Salamanca and Ciudad Rodrigo under Republican control. Oliveira Salazar grants Nationalist troops amnesty in Portugal, infuriating the Republic. Skirmishes near the Nationalist controlled town of Llanes begins as the tired Republicans begin to prepare a new attack, this time on the isolated Nationalist headquarters in Burgos.

June, 1938 - Ceuta falls to the Republican attack in Morocco, yet the fighitng for control of the colony is far from over. The Nationalists prepare their forces at Tetuán for the pivotal battle. The Nationalists at Alhuemas surrender to the Republic after intense Republican naval bombardment.

July, 1938 - Republican forces cross the Ebro River and begin their assault on Burgos, using their entire airforce and most of their artillery and tank forces. The remainder of Hitler and Mussolini's forces arrive to reinforce the city along with Catholic Irish troops from Ireland. Córdoba falls, finally ejecting the Nationalists from southern Spain.

August, 1938 - Rioting in Gijón leads to the slaughter of over 10,000 suspected Republican sympathizers in the Nationalist zone of Spain. Republican forces successfully force the Nationalists out of Gijón and Oviedo with the aid of the Asturian citizens. Tetuán surrenders, bringing Spanish Morocco under Republican control.

September, 1938 - The rapid advance of Republican forces north from southern Spain begins early this month, with the Republicans advancing into León in the north, trapping the remaining Nationalist forces in the northwest.

October, 1938 - Portuguese forces cross into the Nationalist zone and seize Vigo after a mutiny by Nationalist troops against their generals. Burgos falls on October 30 and Franco surrenders to the Republic. Franco orders an end to the hostilities but his last generals in the west refuse to accept defeat.

November, 1938 - Republican forces quickly crush all Nationalist opposition in the country, with the exception of the last fortifications at La Coruña. The soldiers there defect against the remaining Nationalist leaders and execute them for the Republic, saving them from military trial and ending the Spanish Civil War.

PRE-WORLD WAR TWO

January, 1939 - Peace returns to Spain but troubles in Europe cause division among Spaniards. The Spanish Republic decides that it will do all it can to stop Fascism. Republican troops enter Tangier in Spanish Morocco to protect it from possible invasion attempts.

April, 1939 - Czechoslovakia is invaded by Germany in direct violation of the Munich Pact. Spanish defence spending increases as a result and the Republic begins working on upgrading its T-26 tank force into a newer
Spanish tank, known as the "Carro-T".

May, 1939 - General Franco is imprisoned for leading Nationalist forces during the Spanish Civil War rather than executed due to evidence of his sabotaging Nationalist campaigns late in the war.

July, 1939 - Manuel Azaña resigns as President of the Second Republic and takes a position as governor of Tangier. Prime Minister Juan Negrín calls an election for October.

August, 1939 - The Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact is signed between the USSR and Germany. The shock of Russia's action dismays many Communists in Spain, causing the PCE's (Spanish Communist Party) membership to drop immensely and to become the third largest party in Spain. Negrín defects to the Socialist Party.

WORLD WAR TWO

September, 1939 - Germany invades Poland, causing Britain and France to declare war on Germany. Spanish forces are put on high alert.

October, 1939 - Negrín wins the elections for prime minister and forms a coalition with Manuel Azaña's party (Izquierda Republicana). Negrín declares that Spain will support Britain and France in their war against Germany.

January, 1940 - Spain sends 2 divisions of soldiers to aid Finland in its fight against the USSR in the Russo-Finnish Winter War despite Germany's threats of invasion. Germany and Italy declare war on Spain as a result.

February, 1940 - Spain buys a batallion of Somua S-35 middle tanks from France to reinforce its army.

May, 1940 - Germany launches an offensive against France through the Ardennes, successfully destroying the French army in six weeks and securing Paris. Petain establishes Vichy France and as a result, General Franco is removed from prison to lead the Republican Army. Germany and Italy prepare their forces for the next target - Spain.

June, 1940 - Portugal secretly joins the Axis against Spain to punish the Republic, activating former Nationalist troops.

August, 1940 - Hitler appoints Field Marshall Runstedt, promoted due to his excellent command of troops in the invasion of France, to command Operation 'Stier' (Bull), the German invasion of Spain and Gibraltar. Spanish troops occupy French Morocco and force the Vichy French into Algeria. Britain prepares to send troops to Spain to assist it. General Francisco Franco prepares Spain's defences. If Spain falls, Germany will control the entrance to the Mediterranean and all hope of victory could be lost for the Allies....

Spain must not fall!

Pablostuka · August 24, 2003, 17:41

And here's a first version of the units. I still need to make the Multi-units for the Assault Guard and the Civil Guard, recolour a lot of units and find the Portuguese units info

A lot of units are from Captain Nemo. Some of them are from Jim Panse, FiGu, Field Marshall Klesh, atlas, tanelorn and Scott F. Some are from myself. I hope I don't forget anyone

I'll do an unit list for every country:

Spain: (in order of appearance)

Strongpoint
Engineers
Legion
Infantry
Militia
Regulares
Civil Guard
Assault Guard
International Brigades
Somua S-35
Carro T
Mortar
155mm Cannon
Polikarpov RZ
Polikarpov I-15
Polikarpov I-16
Messerschmitt Bf-109B (captured in the SCW)
Tupolev SB-2 Katiuska
Fiat CR-32 (captured in the SCW)
Destroyer
Canarias Cruiser
Cervera Cruiser
C-Class Submarine
Armored Car
Breguet 19 bomber
Motorised Infantry

Germany:

Landser
Panzer II
Panzer III
Panzer IV
StuG III
Fallschirmjägers
Sdkfz 250
Wehrmacht
155mm Cannon
Flak 36 88mm
Heinkel He-111H-6
DKM Gneisenau
Junkers Ju-87B Stuka
Junkers Ju-88
Messerschmitt Bf-109E
U-Boot

Italy:

Truppe
Mortar
155mm Cannon
SM-79 Sparviero
Torricelli class submarine
Macchi C200
L60 Tank
MM Cavour Battleship

British Commonwealth:

Infantry
Elite Infantry
Matilda Tank
Mortar
155mm Cannon
Canadian Troops
Hawker Hurricane
British Destroyer
British Carrier
Bristol Blenheim
Supermarine Spitfire
Bren Carrier
Gloster Gladiator

Portugal:

Panzer I
Fuzileiros
Mortar
155mm Cannon

(Portuguese units without shield yet)

Vichy France

Infanterie
Mortar
155mm Cannon

Arthedain · August 24, 2003, 17:50

Hey Guys!
I really like you're timeline! Can't get enough of Alternative/"What if.."-World War II scenarios. This scenario is looking really good. It will be interesting to fight on all those fronts. Looking forward to it!

EmuGod · August 24, 2003, 17:50

For those of you who are interested in following along in the construction, further information will be posted at this address: http://www.cdgroup.org/forums/tbs/ci...opic.php?t=120

This is because Pablo prefers to update there, as he has his own forum for his SCW scenario. We'll do our best to update both threads, but dont forget to check out that one too.

Pablostuka · August 24, 2003, 17:50

Thanks, Arthedain!!

our_man · August 24, 2003, 19:43

Fantastic back story Pablostuka! You've obviously thought this one through.

However, one event baffles me.

July, 1938 - Republican forces cross the Ebro River and begin their assault on Burgos, using their entire airforce and most of their artillery and tank forces. The remainder of Hitler and Mussolini's forces arrive to reinforce the city along with Catholic Irish troops from Ireland. Córdoba falls, finally ejecting the Nationalists from southern Spain.

Catholic Irish! Eoin O' Duffy's scurvy crew of Blueshirts actually do some fighting in this alternate timeline!?

In real life, O' Duffy and his men spent most of their time sitting on the sidelines drinking. The worst injury they suffered was when one of the Blueshirts got completely hammered and broke his leg by accident!

Without a doubt one of the most useless bunch of soldiers in history.

The only Irishmen that did any real fighting in that war were the IRA Volunteers under Frank Ryan in the Fifth International Brigade on the Republican side; immortalized in the Christy Moore song 'Viva la Quinta Brigada'. Giving the Blueshirts an active role was a hidden joke for any Irish players of the scenario, right?

But I digress. After the excellent Spanish Civil War, I'm really looking forward to this.

Pablostuka · August 24, 2003, 19:58

Thanks for the compliments, but I have to say that EmuGod is the author of the history and the timeline

. He told me about that, and I could not refuse to make an scenario about this

. And since then, we are in team work for this creation

Oh, the O'Duffy's thing is to make more international the thing...I know they were a bunch of drunk brats (forgive me about these words

), but sounds quite interesting to include them in the timeline

Thanks again, our_man

EmuGod · August 24, 2003, 21:06

Pablo, we need to g ive Portugal some sort of aircraft, preferably a figher that it can use against Spain. Perhaps we can change one of the Spanish aircraft to a generic one and give it to every civ except Vichy France.

Pablostuka · August 24, 2003, 21:14

Okay...I'll get rid of the old Polikarpov's I-15 Chatos...I'll investigate about the Portuguese Air Force in 1940, but if I don't find anything, I'll do a generic biplane for them.

I don't think every civ needs another fighter except from Portugal...the Germans have the Bf-109E, the Italians the Macchi C200, the Brits the Gladiator, Hurricane and Spitfire, and the Repus the I-16, Bf-109B and the CR-32

EmuGod · August 24, 2003, 21:16

our_man, I'm glad you like the timeline I came up with.

Cal · August 25, 2003, 03:26

There is a problem with the timeline.

Field Marshal Erwin Rommel leads the attack. Field Marshal? He was a Major General at the battle of France, and was only promoted to Lieutenant General in January 1941, and sent to lead the Afrikakorps in February 1941. It wasn't until around May 1941 that he was promoted to Field Marshal. I'm not sure if it's likely he'd have control of the entire campaign with only the rank of Major General at the time.

You may wish to select a different representative General for the Germans.

curtsibling · August 25, 2003, 07:28

Looking good, Pablostuka!

If you need a title or any graphics done, I am happy to help!

Pablostuka · August 25, 2003, 16:28

Quote:

Originally posted by Cal
There is a problem with the timeline.

Field Marshal Erwin Rommel leads the attack. Field Marshal? He was a Major General at the battle of France, and was only promoted to Lieutenant General in January 1941, and sent to lead the Afrikakorps in February 1941. It wasn't until around May 1941 that he was promoted to Field Marshal. I'm not sure if it's likely he'd have control of the entire campaign with only the rank of Major General at the time.

You may wish to select a different representative General for the Germans.

Thanks for the info, Cal

...EmuGod? We need another German commander! What about Guderian?

@Curt: Thanks a lot, my friend

EmuGod · August 25, 2003, 17:02

I was thinking Manstein, Bock or Runstedt would work.

Pablostuka · August 25, 2003, 17:26

Okay...you decide

Remember that is a team work

Pablostuka · August 25, 2003, 17:32

EmuGod, I've been thinking about divide the scenario in 2 different phases and I need to knowwhat do you think before doing nothing:

1-BLITZKRIEG. Where the Spanish lose a lot of terrain. The AI MUST be very aggressive, and have a lots of units. I think I'll use the Red Front idea: If city taken then create unit, if unit killed then create unit. If reveived technology then create unit...etc etc etc. The capture of major cities will have their own technology like (Barcelona captured). Quickly, the Germans and Italians will be at the Outskirts of Madrid, meanwhile the Portuguese push North and East.

2-BRITISH ARRIVE: Where the BEF in Spain is heavily reinforced with a high number of troops, including Matilda tanks, Spitfire fighters, Blenheim bombers...and the arrive of a British Aircraft carrier at Spain, with Sea Hurricanes. Canadian troops and International Brigades (volunteers of all the world) will arrive too.

Of course, we'll need a batch file to afford the high number of Events space I'll need.

Another thing to make things more 'accurated': The Spanish won't be able to build all kind of units in its cities (Like happened in the SCW scenario...No build of tanks and airplanes)...Here, the airplanes only could be built in Sevilla (The only one Aircraft Factory in Spain), and the tanks in Toledo. I will use the RANDOM TURN then CREATE UNIT to simulate that

Ok, buddy, I need your opinion

Pablostuka · August 25, 2003, 17:51

These is the new set of units (PROVISIONAL)

And...can anyone find what was the main fighter plane in Portugal in 1940? I haven't found anything yet...perhaps anyone knows where I can find the info (the same goes to the portuguese main battle tank in 1940...I put a Panzer I provisionally)...Thanks in advance

I put for the Portuguese a Heinkel-51 unti I find the correct info...

jasev · August 25, 2003, 18:45

First of all, I'm not sure about Portugal joining the Axis...

Their historical friendship and alliance with the United Kingdom should be enough to stop Salazar's fascist tendencies...

About Portuguese Air Force: http://www.geocities.com/livremanobr...tagens/fap.htm

Foi em 1937, com a aproximação da Segunda Guerra Mundial, que aconteceu a maior reestruturação da aviação militar portuguesa. Isto também coincide com a recepção iminente de tipos diferentes de aeronaves compradas na Inglaterra, Itália e Alemanha para modernizar as unidades mais operacionais, equipadas com aeronaves completamente obsoletas.
(...)
Três bases aéreas foram estabelecidas: Sintra, Ota e Tancos e um Campo Base - Lisboa. (...)
Para equipar as novas unidades, vários modelos de aeronaves foram ordenados: Hawker Hind, Hawker Fury, DH-84 Dragon, JU-52, JU-86, Gloster Gladiator e Breda Ba-65. O Governo português também quis adquirir doze Supermarine Spitfire I, mas em seu lugar foi fornecido o Gloster Gladiator

Translated into jasevenglish:

It was 1937, whith the WW2 at gates, when the Portugese Air Force had the biggest reforms ever. At the same time, they received different types of aircrafts coming from England, Italy and Germany to modernize the most operational units, equipped with obsolete aircrafts.
(...)
Three airbases were stablished: Sintra, Ota and Tancos and a base camp- Lisboa. (...)
To equip the new units, different models were purchased: Hawker Hind, Hawker Fury, DH-84 Dragon, JU-52, JU-86, Gloster Gladiator and Breda Ba-65. Portuguese government tried to buy twelve Supermarine Spitfire I too, but in its place the british offered the Gloster Gladiator.

jasev · August 25, 2003, 18:53

Just a question... did really Pzkw I-B have two guns in the turred?

Pablostuka · August 25, 2003, 18:57

THANKS A LOT!!

Mmmm...but Salazar helped Franco during the SCW...why not do the same again against the Republic?

Oh...I have in the units the Gloster Gladiator...good. The Portuguese will have 2 different airplanes types. i have to think what will be the next...a bomber. Maybe the Ju-52

btw...can you please find info about the tanks of the Portuguese Army? I haven't found anything yet

Gracias, camarada

Pablostuka · August 25, 2003, 19:04

Quote:

Originally posted by jasev
Just a question... did really Pzkw I-B have two guns in the turred?

Yes, why?...2 7.92mm machine guns. It has tge same armament than its predecessor, the Panzer IA...only an aditional wheel, and an improved engine

Here is a pic of a Panzer IB in Sevilla

in 1939

Pablostuka · August 25, 2003, 19:10

Perhaps you are thinking about the Spanish-made Panzer I 'Breda'

.

It was a 'battlefield' modification made by the Nationalists, changing the turret, and adding a 20mm Breda italian cannon...but the firepower wasn't increased so much. Here's a pic:

EmuGod · August 25, 2003, 19:20

I changed the commander o the German army to Runstedt. I agree about the multiple events files but remember that we are using day turns so we may end up with one event file that lasts 8 or 9 turns and another that lasts 20.

Pablostuka · August 25, 2003, 19:22

Sounds very good, EmuGod. The first phase will last a few days, the second will be the big one

EmuGod · August 25, 2003, 23:20

Some more news: Pablo and I have decided to give the Portuguese a basic destroyer of their own and to increase the strength of the British destroyers to represent British naval superiority over the Axis.

jasev · August 26, 2003, 09:21

Quote:

Mmmm...but Salazar helped Franco during the SCW...why not do the same again against the Republic?

He only allowed the nationals to recruit volunteers in his country. Of course, he did as much as he could to help Franco, but never was at war with the republic.

In this hypothetical scenario, Salazar would be happy to join the Axis against the republic, but that would imply to be at war with the british too... and I sincerely doubt they'd take that step.

jasev · August 26, 2003, 09:23

Quote:

Perhaps you are thinking about the Spanish-made Panzer I 'Breda' .

That's it. Thank you

BTW, did you notice I uploaded your scenario to the SCS?

Valuk · August 26, 2003, 11:58

NO!!! Not another WW II alternative timeline scenario...so many...got...to...play...scenarios..in...interesti ng..and..(*gasp*)varied...(*kh*)...non-WW II---environments....
(drops dead due to boredom).

Pablostuka · August 26, 2003, 19:28

Quote:

Originally posted by jasev
BTW, did you notice I uploaded your scenario to the SCS?

No, I didn't. Thank you very much