December 1939
Antwerp, December 4th-- The Brussels Daily
After a combined operation against the British Forces in Antwerp,the city proper was recaptured late yesterday evening. Elements of the “V” Vengeance Corps from the Belgian Army, along with German and Danish troops, liberated the city from British forces. In an amazing attack combining German Airborne troops from the 2nd FJ Regiment with ground troops in the area, the military was able to surround the British Corps holding Antwerp. The assault began with preliminary artillery barrages and was quickly followed by a savage attack bent on retaking the city. Leading the attack were the 1st Cavalry Div of the Belgian Army and the Guards Cavalry Div of the Danish Army. With sabers flashing, the Cavalry easily sliced through the British lines. The British Corps Commander ordered a surrender of all his troops shortly after the calvary penetrations proved too strong to seal off. In this one attack, 1 Corps HQ, 2 British Divisions, and 2 British Artillery Regiments were destroyed. The calvary units involved paid dearly, and most observers felt their attack succeeded only because of terrain that limited the defenders fields of fire, as well as simply overwhelming numbers. Further west, combined elements of the Belgian and German Army launched an attack against a British Armored Brigade. It is reported that at least two Battalions of this Brigade were destroyed after they were trapped on the sandy beaches. To the East, the long awaited counter attack into the Ruhr also began. Reports indicate that one Dutch Brigade was completely annihilated; there is even an additional report that another Division was pushed back in “disarray”.
Perhaps even more shocking than these assaults was the Airborne Assault in Amsterdam itself. This early morning assault quickly took the sprawling city and the surrounding regions. Commander of the Belgian “V” Corps, Lt. General James Long, had this to say: “This is just one example of the new type of warfare that has dawned. Our new form of warfare, what we the Belgians have dubbed ‘Shock and Awe’ will completely revolutionize the battlefield. This warfare combines all aspects of war into a solid fist. Now if you will excuse me, I have to catch a ride to Amsterdam.”
Madrid, December 10th -- AP Wire Press Release
A small state of panic here in the Spanish government has apparently been traced to ongoing fighting on Gibraltar. Rumor has it that an Italian assault force has attacked the British possession using covert transportation. Some Spanish officials are in a state of hysteria as they try to assure that not only are their own forces not involved, but also to make sure that the fighting doesn't spread into Spain itself.
London, December 10th
Britain declares war on Italy
The British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, after word of the surprise attack by Italy on British troops in Gibraltar this morning, had this statement. " This morning's dawn surprise attack on the British garrison on the Province of Gibraltar was both cowardly and in violation of the principles of war. The Italian government, and most definitely its cowardly dictator, Benito Mussolini, will be held accountable for these dastardly actions. Not only did they attack British forces without a declaration of war, but used the guise of being distressed British allies, and were disguised as either French or Spanish forces, arriving under those countries flags. This act brings disgrace upon Italy, its government and its people. British troops will take appropriate action to respond to this outrage.
The British Parliament, at my request, this morning passed a resolution hereby declaring a state of war now exits between Britain and Italy. Britain will not rest until the government that sponsored this vile act has been punished and removed from power, no matter how long that may take."
Amsterdam, December 10th
In what many pundits are now referring to simply as "The Collapse", the British army in Holland has turned into a fleeing mass of refugees with only one goal in mind: safety. This situation came about not by some tactical mistake or even really a brilliant stratagem, but by the refusal of a Belgian army hell-bent on revenge to be stopped. In a scene straight from the 19th century, Belgian calvary units led the initial attacks, and despite severe losses in men and horses, succeeded in penetrating the British defenses and causing mass havoc in the rear areas. The following infantry found the going hard, but won through with sheer fanaticism, often charging wildly at UK vehicles and entrenchments. German forces in the area lent more than just a hand, and in a PR coup even managed to temporarily take Amsterdam by parachute. This amazing situation ended with the paratroops reboarding their then-landed planes and returning to German territory, including the newly recaptured Ruhr. Now, with wild rumors of vengeful Belgians collecting scalps from POW's and stories of whole German divisions landing in the rear, most UK front-line units have simply melted away with fear. Some are heading towards the Channel and hoped-for rescue, while others are marched as captives through the remains of Brussels to be abused by the angry citizens of Belgium.
Rome, December 11th
Italy declares war on Britain
Count Ciano, Italy's minister of Foreign affairs yesterday expressed dismay and surprise at the actions of the so-called "Great" Britain. Count Ciano, after close talks with Il Duce, was quoted as saying, "The actions of the British have left us with no choice but to declare war in return. The piratical actions off the coast of Spain, namely the seizure of three ships containing military personnel en route to train in South America, is unacceptable. It was only the quick thinking of our troops that turned the tables on their would be British captors and has resulted in this sad turn of affairs. Italy not actively looking for war has for months now been spied upon and watched by British forces in the Mediterranean. Our troops going to Spain were obviously mistaken for re-inforcements travelling to East Africa not wanting to go through the British controlled Suez. Shortly after these unprovoked outrages, air units of the R.A.F. and colonial forces in British East Africa conducted raids on Italian Somaliand and Ethiopia. I am happy to inform you that our forces gave the raiders their just desserts. Once again it seems the British look to legitimize their criminal acts through lies and deception. It is amusing to see that the legacy of Sir Francis Drake is still alive and well."
Il Duce, Benito Mussolini, had just these words to say in a radio address yesterday evening, "The United Kingdom has for years been jealous of the culture and greatness of the Italian people. These pretenders have tried through subterfuge, deception and half truths to turn the peoples of the Mediterranean against Italy. Our civilisations, The Roman, the Greek, the Spanish are more advanced than yours, Mr. Churchill. Your policy of divide and conquer may work with the savages of your so-called empire but not with us!!! Your new aggression against us will not go unpunished! We did not want to but again we must teach a lesson to the chiefs of Brition, again must our legions be called up to chastise the decendants of Boadaceia!!! Let it be then. But know this. You have brought it on yourselves!!! Viva Italia!! Viva Italia!!! Viva Italia!!!
Italian troops have been placed on a state of alert all over the empire. New unconfirmed reports state that British forces have now been repulsed from Libya, having initially penetrated as far as Tobruk.
Madrid, December 12th
In response to Italian comments about "Roman, Spanish and Greek culture" the Spanish Caudillo was reported to have said: "Anyone studying the history of Roman 'culture' will recall the massacres she undertook in Spain in the Punic Wars, and the barbaric slaying of the Greek Archimedes in their seizure of Syracuse. Fortunately, thanks to the bravery of the British armed forces, there will be no Roman massacres in Spain for the foreseeable future. We can only do our best to guarantee the same for the Greek people, and all the other states which fear predation by a new Roman Empire."
The Italian counter-reply came swiftly:
"How disgusting it is to see one we have helped so much turn on us now that it seems more profitable to bite the hand that fed him. Be that as it may, Nationlist Spain owes Italy more than just a debt of gratitude. Thousands of brave Italian soldiers died fighting for the nationalist cause. We do hope the Spanish government chooses its words more carefully in future as once the dye is cast there can be no turning back." -Benito Mussolini
Madrid, December 13th
Caudillo issues a statement calling for peace: "It causes Spain great discomfort to see the nation which was once a shining beacon for peaceful negotiation and progress in European affairs resorting to suprise attacks and unwarranted aggression to achieve her ends. Spain has no desire to go to war with our fellow Fascists whilst the common enemy runs amok in Eastern Europe unchecked. The Caudillo calls on all the civilised peoples of Europe to bring a halt to their senseless wars so as to provide security against the growing Bolshevik threat. Our current actions are playing into the hands of Soviet Russia. If Italy, Germany, Britain and France will each consent to attend, the Kingdom of Spain will host a conference to try and resolve our disputes before it is too late." - El Caudillo
London, December 14th
The British Prime Minister offers to attend the Spanish Peace Conference, and suggests a continent-wide cease-fire, and the withdrawal of USSR troops from Polish territory. No other nations even bother to reply.
Egypt, December 20th
NW of the Quatarra Depression, North Africa British ground forces here are beating back waves of Italian troops that have been pouring over the Libyan border ever since their surprise attack against the British 13th Army Corp on December 10th.
The British 44th Northhamptonshire Infantry Division, dug in near Sidi Barrani, Egypt, surprised the Italian Northern Army just three days ago, when it, along with the several other British ground and air units, conducted an early morning counter attack upon the Italians five infantry divisions in that area. A major victory was reported by British command, as the Italians were still asleep and hung over from their late evening the night before. British military sources indicate that the Italians took over 50% losses in those five infantry divisions from that days fighting alone, and that Italian morale is now very low.
A major battle is also reported between the Italian Southern Army and elements of the British 13th Corp near Sofafi, Egypt. It is also rumored that some elements of the 13th Corp have managed to push into Libya near Sollum and Bardia, while others are advancing on Tobruk. It also appears from this reporter's vantagepoint, that the British have domination of the skies, for Italian air power has not been seen for days.
Azores, December 21st
Reports of sub attacks in the Atlantic are few and far between as weather plays a factor in diminished interception numbers.
Near Paris, December 25th
A temporary calm has settled over the front lines throughout Europe as both sides observe the birthday of Jesus. Some units are even exchanging small gifts with nearby enemy formations that they have been fighting almost non-stop for several weeks.
Amsterdam, December 26th -Wire Report
Allied forces are no longer in headlong retreat, having stabilized the front lines in Holland over the last 6 days. Major operations are underway in all of Holland's remaining harbors as equipment, personnel, and material goods are loaded aboard transports bound for England.
Amsterdam, December 31st --Wire Report
The city is now almost a ghost town, as the majority of government officials, engineers, and scientists have already departed Holland headed for England. Most of the military supplies not being used at the front are being packed and shipped out through the major ports, along with some major industrial machines and components, and most of the monetary reserves. Since the front has now apparently stabilized, the Allies are using a lull in the fighting to begin a rather orderly evacuation. Dutch soldiers are being given the choice of staying or leaving, and most units are making their decision as a whole. The majority of the regular army appears to be leaving with their British allies to continue the fight from abroad.