WesWorld

Well, hopefully we still see the end of the Vaskes Siege!

its the end for Waclaw's part in the drama, perhaps, Kirk, although there is still a bit to go before Letowska brings down the final curtain, so wait and see yet. You might be surprised.

October 23rd, 1935:

Following the German-Bulgarian air raid, Wilno forces within the confines of Vaskes are left in a state bordering total disarray. The morale of the Wilno National Self-Defense troops has been nearly shattered, panic and shock is widespread, troops have in many places fled their positions and officers are only able to restore some state of military order and discipline through the execution of the harshest methods. Marshal Letowska, Major-General Konarski and Lt.Colonel Koberba hurriedly confer over what to do in light of present and painful circumstances. Until order and some measure of logistical certainty can be restored the possiblity of any large scale assault on the LoN enclaves are virtually nil. Major Josef Goclawski unexpectedly surprises them by requesting permission to resume his 6th NSD Wing's halted attack against the LoN positions around the Field Hospital. Konarski summons Lt.Colonel Pozarnsky and inquires if there is sufficient ammunition for the four guns supporting the 6th Wing. Pozarnsky responds that there is and that he has managed to copple together and equip another 3 field pieces to support, the planned attack. For Goclawski this is an unexpected bonus, and he presses, his superiors for permission, a victory of any sort is badly need at this time. Marshal Letowska agrees, Konarski and Koberba are more skeptical and would prefer to suspend any operations at all, but also agree that some action at this critical time is better then none, Goclawski and his men still have some fighting spirit, and both feel it would be unwise to restrain it, when things are looking so bleak. The order is given, the 6th NSD Wing, supported by elements of the 4th NSD Wing will commense operations effective, immediately.

Goclawski with Lt.Colonel Pozarnsky in attendence personally sees to the placement and defense of the supporting artillery pieces for the attack, it's fire will be of critical importance, and Pozarnsky intends that nothing will be left to chance. Ammo is carefully stockpiled, crews stand at the ready, as observers make ready their instruments, runners and field telephone operators wait for instructions. Infantry assault parties, ready their weapons, grenades and firebombs are handed out. Major Goclawski gives the order, whistles shrill, and Wilno Self-Defense men begin to move forward. Pozarnsky orders the seven guns to open fire, shells quickly begin to burst amoung the buildings of the Field Hospital. Civil Watchmen, Bulgarian, Dutch and Belgian troops dive for cover in turreted towers, rude trenches or take shelter behind sandbagged barricades. Colonel Todor Lazov Krstev, watches the bombardment for some minutes, he orders his troops to hold their fire, LoN mortars, infantry guns, and small-arms remain silent. LoN ammunition supplies are critcially low, Krstev has no intentions of wasting ammo to suit his enemy's designs.

Goclawski allows, the artillery to fire for some twenty minutes, then orders his assault platoons into the attack. They are initally surprised when the LoN troops make no attempt to contest their advance, through the streets surrounding the Field Hospital. They are unpleasently disabused of this notion, when sniper fire suddenly breaks out, men begin falling dead or wounded as the LoN sharpshooters go to work. Goclawski refuses to be baulked by this development and orders his men to push forward as swiftly as they can, platoons from the 4th NSD Wing, attached to the 6th NSD Wing are ordered to clear the buildings, a vicious and deadly game of cat and mouse begins between the LoN skirmishers and the Wilno Self-Defense men. Colonel Krstev gives the order to open fire, as the first Wilno assault units threaten to charge his first lines of barricades and ad hoc bunkers. Every gun that the LoN troops possesses opens up, the front ranks of the Wilno units are slaughtered, whole sections and squads are wiped out in a few seconds. Somehow, the battered Wilno troops press forward towards the barricades, grenades explode amidst the LoN troops, small groups of Wilnos fling themselves over the barricade guns firing, close quarters combat rages, as neither side gives ground. Goclawski directs more and more of his men into the assault, Porzarnsky orders his guns to keep firing into the Field Hospital in a bid to disorganize the defenders. Foot by foot, the men of the 6th Wing begin to drive the Bulgarian, Belgian and Dutch troops back. A furious counter-attack by the men of the Civil Watch Training Battalion, comes within an ace of throughing the Wilno troops back. Goclawski will have none of it, personally leading his reserves forward to blunt the LoN attack. Krstev, grimmly orders his men to abandon the first line of barricades, Captain Welker, distinguishes himself with great gallantry and good sense as he directs the LoN shattered defenders in a fighting withdrawal towards the Field Hospital walls.

Krstev's remaining skirmishers outside the Field Hospital begin retreating with manifest reluctance, they are low ammo, and have done what they reasonable can causing disruption and inflicting losses to the 6th Wing's advance. Unfortunately their withdrawal releases the elements of the 4th Wing to join up with the main attack. Major Goclawski reports to a surprised Lt.Colonel Koberba, that his men had penetrated the first defenses of the LoN Field Hospital, and that an attack to seize the field hospital proper was now under way. Colonel Krstev rallies his troops, and begins hitting back, savage fighting breaks out as the Wilno troops use explosives to blow down the gates of the Field Hospital or make holes in the old walls. Troops of the 4th Wing, manage to take several segements of the outer walls, and begin spilling into the inner courtyards and galleries of the Field Hospital. Goclawski finds his attack halted, the LoN troops are fighting fanatically to stop any further advance, improvising barricades at every point, demolishing ancient stonework archways and halls, even whole building with blasting charges, setting up boody traps, effecting ambushes whenever and whereever they can. The 6th Wing's attack is winding down, losing steam, the labyrinth structure of the Field Hospital is defeating them almost as much as the fierce LoN defense.

Major Goclawski, consults Lt.Colonel Koberba, for instructions. Koberba informs him, that no further troops are available for him, nor are any further guns. Goclawsky askes if he is to break off the attack. Koberba leaves that to Goclawski discretion. Goclawsky decides that given his heavy casualties, that consolidation of his position is more prudent, then recklessly pressing on. He orders his troops to dig in and hold where they stand. In some places he orders tactical retreats, to firm up his lines rather then risk positions and salients he can hold being pinced off and destroyed by the LoN defenders. Goclawski has achieved more then he or his superiors thought possible, his troops have actually taken the main gate and pushed deeply into the Field Hospital, and hold enough positions within it to seriously endanger, Colonel Krstev's ability to hold out in LoN enclave in Vaskes East.

Quoted

Originally posted by Agent148
its the end for Waclaw's part in the drama, perhaps, Kirk, although there is still a bit to go before Letowska brings down the final curtain, so wait and see yet. You might be surprised.

Oh goodie ! and I see thou hast wrought more !!!

October 23rd, 1935:

The bombs of the German-Bulgarian air raid had hardly stopped falling when, Generalmajor Erik Hansen arrived in General Orbay's Headquarters and requested permission to organize his troops for an offensive attack against Festung Kazim and with a view to recovering control of as much of the airfield as was possible. Orbay's staff was stunned by the bold request, although General Orbay asked that the idea be seriously explored. The Wilno attack on the Field Hospital forstalled any considerations of putting such an effort into effect, until the situation had clarified itself. With Colonel Krstev's assurances that his men would hold their positions, Hansen's request was hastily looked at again. Hansen had gathered selected volunteers to create special assault platoons to carry out the attack, from the I and III Battalions of the 8th Turkish 39th German Infantry Regiments, and the 18th Bulgarian Supply Battalion. The Dutch Air Support Company had also supplied a small number of volunteers to fill out Hansen's special assault platoons. These units had priority for supplies of available ammunition and grenades. Although LoN reserves of both were so slender after several days heavy fighting that each man in the assault platoons could only be issued with an additional reserve of sixty rounds and six grenades each in addition to whatever limited stockes of ammunition they may have possessed, while Leutenant Oehler's supporting artillery pieces were constrained by ammunition shortages to firing a mere five rounds in support of the attack, with a reserve of ten to fifteen rounds to deal with any Wilno counter-attacks. Infantry guns and mortars attached to the German and Bulgarian infantry battalions were under similiar constraints with regard to their ammunition supplies.

If Hansen's attack was authorized, it would use up the bulk of LoN reserve ammunition,and totally exhaust the logistics of the Vaskes West Pocket, no more would be left for any subsequent offensive operation, and only a bare minimum would be left for defensive tasks for any of the enclaves. Opinion within Orbay's staff was bitterly divided, many favouring the plan which offered a chance of possibility of further LoN logistical or tactical support being flown into Vaskes, and placing the LoN Garrison closer to the point of expected help. Others equally opposed it as reckless and likely to be without final positive result, and would undoubtablely endanger the ability of the garrison to hold out until expected help arrived.

After much fierce argument, Generalmajor Hansen and his supporters carried the decision to make the Festung Kazim attack. General Orbay, mindful that he was making a decision that would have major repercussions, noted firmly that the attack must be tried - the needs of LoN vs Wilno fighting morale and logistics made it imperative that some sort of attack be hazarded, now, as it might not be possible later.

Whoohoo! More Wilno Saga to read!

As always, I'm eagerly awaiting more!

October 23rd, 1935:

With premission finally give, Generalmajor Erik Hansen's carefully marshalled assault platoons form up inside the LoN's West Vaskes lines. Ammo, weapons, and grenades and improvised firebombs and explosives are readied. Troops move out of their jump off trenches, silently, no whistles are sounded, nor orders shouted. Only the scruff of boots, the clink of equipment and the harsh breathing of tired but determine men, sounds with in the LoN lines.

General Hansen, over the objections of his subordinates and staff, elects to lead the assault upon Festung Kazim - personally. A decorated Great War veteran, Erik Hansen is no stranger to combat, and given the absolute importance of the attack, and the necessity of its success, Hansen is not ready or willing to ask his men to suffer the consequences of his decision alone. The volunteer Turkish, German, Bulgarian and Dutch soldiers move swiftly across the shell pocked and bullet scored ground they have spent the last few days fighting for. They are surprised by a lack of immediate response from the Wilno lines, the volumous smoke and crackling flames the blanket the area from the shelling and bombing act very effectively as cover for the LoN advance.

The shaken Wilno troops in Festung Kazim, are thunderstruck when a barrage of shells, directed by Leutnant Oehler, from a forward position, via a field telephone to his guns, hammers into their positions. Oehler's bombardment is short, violent, and unnervingly accurate. Oehler and his gunners work furiously to make sure every round they fire counts. In places, Wilno Self-Defense men, break and run, some even through aside their weapons and gear to speed their flight. Suddenly, LoN troops on the heels of Oehler's falling shells, rifles and submachineguns leveled, they open fire, firing with slow, deliberate persision, picking their targets with care.

The Turkish assault platoons of the 8th Turkish Infantry Regiment, as a matter of honour, are the first into the wire surrounding Festung Kazim. The bomb their way through the advanced slit trenches and bunkers. Charging in hard on their flanks are the Bulgarian and the German assault platoons from the 18th Bulgarian Supply Battalion on their left, and the 39th German Infantry Regiment.

The Wilno NSD Wings, around Festung Kazim are astonished at this attack, morale already brittle from the past days events, cracks. Here and there, Wilno officers either by force of personality or threats try and put together a defense against the mounting LoN assault. In some places within Festung Kazim, the LoN troops met spirited resistance, in other spots, Wilno troops flee, while others throw down their weapons and try to surrender on the spot.

Hansen has no time or faculities to deal with prisoners, he orders his troops to simple disarm any Wilno National Self-Defensemen that surrender, and flatly orders them "to bugger off." By and large, these Wilno troops, who have given up on their comrades and their cause, need no great urging to do just that. The Wilno defense of Festung Kazim is rapidly crippled by these defections, particularly in critical sectors. Hansen's troops pour into the defensive area with considerable celebrity. Turkish troops quickly over run the Festung's command center, and raise a large Turkish battle flag over the crumpled ruins. General Hansen sees the scarlet flag with its distinctive white star and cresent device and knows the battle for Festung Kazim is turning in his favour.

The Germans and Bulgarians clear the flanks of Festung Kazim, working their way through the mangled defense lines and entrenchments, driving the dispirited and demoralized Wilno troops before them. Assault commanders are pressing as hard as they can, aware that any moment a counter-attack may gather in strength and drive them back, they know the most hit the Wilno as hard as they can to prevent this. Hansen orders several of his reserve platoons to swing to the right of Festung Kazim, and clear the airfield as far as Festung Kessel, or at least as far as they can before the meet significant resistance.

This the German and Dutch platoons do, however two Dutch platoons impetuously advance into the wire surrounding Festung Kessel, determined to try and take the place. While badly rattled by what is going on, the Wilno defenders of Festung Kessel, hold their ground and offer a fierce resistance. The two errant platoons are immediatedly subjected to a fercious cross-fire. The Dutch volunteers, writh and dive for cover, firing back at gun flames amidst the smoke. They are trapped, neither able to go forward, nor to retreat the way they came.

Leutnant Oehler, warned of what is occuring, quickly aligns his guns upon Festung Kessel, and orders his gunners to fire everything they have left. Shell after shell roars out from the LoN artillery positions, explosion after explosion flares amoungst the Wilno defenses. General Hansen, with equal rapidcy directs every infantry gun, every mortar and every riflemen he can find to assist, the trapped Dutchmen. Festung Kessel is soon a seething cauldron indeed, as LoN gun and artillery fire engulfs it. A half dozen units race to the rescue - four Bulgarian, two Turkish and one German Assault platoons came in at the run, Hansen at their head, they clamber through the wire, bombing Wilno held slit trenches and pile boxes as they advance. Two Wilno MG bunkers are destroyed in rapid succession, then a third, opening the way for the Dutch assault units to withdraw, although they must do so, under heavy fire the whole way. The Bulgarian, Turkish and German assault units provide a steady covering fire, as they too fall back.

Hansen greets the two frazzeled and battered but undaunted Dutch platoons as they emerge, he warmly commends them for their gallantry and determination, Hansen remarks to their commanders, that their effort while unsuccessful was entirely merited - the prize, Festung Kessel, was worth the candle. General Hansen, turns his eyes to Festung Kessel, and considers his options. Festung Kazim, is once again in his hands, his attack has put much of the WNSD Battalion's 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 5th Wings to flight, at least it seem and although in places - such as Festung Kessel, the Wilno Self-Defensemen are still grimly clinging to their positions with considerable valour, and success. The bulk of the Vaskes Airflield is once again in LoN control, making it possible for some supplies to be air lifted or at least air dropped into the Vaskes West Pocket. By any measure his men have preformed a mircle upon the battlefield today.

LoN ammunition is short, his men are exhausted, and he has to sort out his wounded and his dead. To make matters more difficult the weather is shifting, the clouds - dark and low - speak of rain, experience tells him, a down pour of some magnitude is in the offing, and their is an ominous scent of snow on the air, or at least a heavy frost. Hansen reluctantly calls off any further attacks, although his instincts and traing scream for him to continue to attack - caution is now the order of the day, he has risked much, but he doesn't view it as wise or reasonable to risk more at this moment - he orders his men to dig in, and dig in fast and deep before the Wilno troops get their act together.

General Orbay, alerts the Ladyga HQ by radio, that aircraft can use the run way, although its condition means a high rate of landing accidents is likely, the fact that Festung Kessel, can partially cover of the run way with machinegun and rifle fire, wont help matters. Orbay's staff suggests that supplies could be parachuted in, via a crates or containers, onto the LoN held sections of the air field, and the surrounding grassy fields. Whatever method used, it is imperitive that some supplies be gotten into Vaskes immediately, the LoN Garrison is almost out of ammunition, medical supplies are scarce to the point of being non-existant, food stuffs are almost exhausted, although water supplies are still adequate with strict rationing. General Orbay, expresses grave doubts on wheather his men can hold out more then another day or two, if pressed.

Major-General Konarski is horrified by what has happened, he makes every effort to launch a counter-attack to regain lost ground but quickly discovers that such an effort is impossible, his men simply won't obey the orders to stand and fight, much less attack. Konarski, redirects his attention and that of his officers to trying to stabilize the situation, to reform something like a practical battleline, he orders Festung Kessel to be secured with every man and gun that can be organized for it. He quickly consults with Majors Bazala, Bryzska, Szyborski, and Kosowski to get a feel for the material and morale situation of his Wings. Their report is not good, casaulties have been heavy both in dead, wounded and missing, desertions are epidemic, irreplaceable weapons and ammunition have been lost in considerable numbers in the panic stricken local retreats. Discpline is non-existant, fighting morale all but gone amougnst the Wilno Self-Defense men of Konarski's Grand Wing.

The Wing Commanders opt that a tactical withdrawl is the only option, their men won't stand, it is that simple. Marshal Letowska is incendecent with rage when Konarski reports this to him. Konarski, a loyal man, but angered beyond endurance snarls back at his commander-in-chief, he doesn't quietly accept Letowska's bitter and bitting remarks about his troops. Letowska responds to Konarski's pragmatic assessments, noting that the Wilno National Self-Defense Battalion has taken on a task to great for its strengths, and that Letowska has made as many mistakes in his leadership, as the Self-Defense men may or may not have made in the field.

Marshal Letowska white-faced with rage, promptly relieves Major-General Konarski of his post as Commander-in-Chief of the WNSD Battalion, while Letowska retains Lt.Colonel Koberba as his WNSD Chief-of-Staff, he takes direct control of the Battalion's Wings himself. Konarski, leaves Letowska's ruined headquarters without another word, Letowska's guards at the HQ door, note as Konarski leaves, he hefts a rifle and a satchel of rifle clips, carefully pocketing several stick grenades and starts down the steps and begins to walk quietly in the direction of Festung Kessel. One guardsmen asks, Konarski where he is going, Konarski remarks, "Where I can and may still do some good."

The sound of distant gunfire echoes from the west, filtering through the trees and buildings. All hands are suddenly still, all eyes in Vaskes turn, all ears strain to catch the sound of artillery fire, the unmistakable jarring rattle of machineguns, the whip crack of rifle shots, it has begun - the first stirrings of battle out beyond Vaskes. The LoN Mobile Brigade, has arrived.

*Pounds fist on the desk.* Go, my Bulgarian soldiers, forward! Show those Wilno rebels what to look forward to when the Fifth Infantry Division arrives! Charge, forward, Ure, Ure, Ure!

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[SIZE=1]Oh, ahem... "Ure" is the Bulgarian Army's battle-cry, much like the Japanese "Banzai" or the Rebel Yell. Just one of those little things I've found.[/SIZE]

Yay I finally got to read it.
Found I missed reading the 15th one as well.

Nice depiction of grinding fight for first the hospital, and then the Kazim bit. The after action depiction of the attempt on the next Festung is a good summary of why sometimes you just have to try, even when failure is the result.

Must be a Slav thing....

Ah, good, the radio got through.

Hmmmm, resupplying Vaskes by air…… sounds like a job for Iron Annie! :J I'd say gliders, but the Luftwaffe's request for glider proposals just went out on May 13th, so there's no way they're available in any quantity. Given that the enemy still holds Festung Kessel, the recommendation would be to send in the Stukas, armed with 500 kg bombs (SC500 general purpose bombs on the first flights, with FLAM 500 incendiaries on the last), on Festung Kessel to blast the defenders and the defences to flaming craters then have Ju-52s from East Prussia trundle overhead at 5000 feet or so dropping supplies via parachute directly afterwards. The smoke from assorted fires should give the Ju-52 crews a good idea of what way the wind is blowing so they can adjust their drop points. If Festung Kessel can be suppressed or destroyed, then we can look at bringing aircraft in on the runway.


The Bulgarians and the Hs-123s should operate in support of the Mobile Brigade, attacking any hostile troop concentrations and especially gun batteries. Bf-110s should operate more widely, strafing and bombing any advancing columns that threaten the Mobile Brigade and striking at any heavy AA that threatens the Ju-52s.

Luckily with mixed forces, non standard radio frequencies and protocols, close front lines and a civilian population there is no chance of false fire calls or any mishap

Quoted

Originally posted by AdmKuznetsov
Must be a Slav thing....

Yes. The Serbs and Bulgarians both have "Ura!" as a war-cry, but the Bulgarians pronounce it with the emphasis on the second syllable while the Serbs and Russians put the emphasis on the first syllable (at least that's what I understand.)

The Bulgarians also have the warcry "Na nozh!", meaning "By knife!" which is what the infantry screamed at Kirkkilisse and Slivnitsa.

Quoted

Originally posted by Kaiser Kirk
Luckily with mixed forces, non standard radio frequencies and protocols, close front lines and a civilian population there is no chance of false fire calls or any mishap

Heh, yes...

Quoted

Originally posted by AdmKuznetsov
Russian soldiers say "Urraaa!!!" Must be a Slav thing....

Which apparently is an adaptation of a Turkish word for kill, Hurrah! Quite a common war cry acctually with the American (Oo-rah, Hoo Yah!), Canadian (Hooah!), Greek (Aera!) and Argentinians (Ua Ua Ua!).

Quoted

Originally posted by thesmilingassassin

Quoted

Originally posted by AdmKuznetsov
Russian soldiers say "Urraaa!!!" Must be a Slav thing....

Which apparently is an adaptation of a Turkish word for kill, Hurrah! Quite a common war cry acctually with the American (Oo-rah, Hoo Yah!), Canadian (Hooah!), Greek (Aera!) and Argentinians (Ua Ua Ua!).

Actually, I think the Greeks use Alala! after the Greek female personification of war-cries.

...the Greeks had deities for EVERYTHING.

And didn't the Ottomans use "Allah! Allah!" ?

So, um how many different languages are in play on this campaign?

Lithuanian, Polish, Russian, Atlantean (?), Nordmark, German, Dutch, Belgian/Walloon, Bulgarian, ...did I miss any?

Austria-Hungary and Germany had extensive trade in eastern europe, contact with the Ottomans, links to Dutch and Norse.
German is probably the language of choice, at least for senior commanders, but still leaves the Slavic speakers out. I know the Dutch made an effort to round up Lithuanian translators, I don't know about the others. Then there are the Atlanteans

Most Nords speak Nordish, English and German.

Most of the Bulgarians would speak Bulgarian, and could probably make themselves understood to Russians; most of the Bulgarian senior commanders would probably be able to speak German, as a side-effect of Falkenhayn's command of Bulgarian armies in 1916. The original Bulgarian force included some translators, but the 5th Division which is arriving will not have many Bulgarian-to-Lithuanian translators. There will probably be some Lithuanian-to-Russian or German translators paired off with Bulgarian-to-Russian or German translators... which will truly make a hash of communications.

From what I understand French was the preferred foreign language in the Balkans although German and Hungarian was widely understood by the peoples of the former A-H.

In OTL Sweden of the time (pre-1945) German and French were the preferred or as an older gentlemen told me "Franska för diplomater, tyska för militärer or engelska för krämare" (French for diplomats, German for officers and English for hawkers)

Quoted

Originally posted by Brockpaine

Quoted

Originally posted by thesmilingassassin

Quoted

Originally posted by AdmKuznetsov
Russian soldiers say "Urraaa!!!" Must be a Slav thing....

Which apparently is an adaptation of a Turkish word for kill, Hurrah! Quite a common war cry acctually with the American (Oo-rah, Hoo Yah!), Canadian (Hooah!), Greek (Aera!) and Argentinians (Ua Ua Ua!).

Actually, I think the Greeks use Alala! after the Greek female personification of war-cries.

...the Greeks had deities for EVERYTHING.

And didn't the Ottomans use "Allah! Allah!" ?

If your talking pre 1914 yes you are correct with both Ottoman and Greek war cry's but from what I can tell Hurrah and its variants were also used.