GD1938 v.3 BBLC

[cpdeyoung]

January 9th, 1939

Baldwin Hanson, Military analyst, New York Tribune

France no longer has any troops on the continent. The troops which remained near Marseille have surrendered or been destroyed.

The Japanese still have no joy. The cannot break the tough Chinese defense. This defense is aided by the Soviets and Americans.

On the East Front Germany slowly moves through the frozen swamp. It is not good campaigning weather.

[BvB]

started turn but can't finish till tonight with step daughter (33) wanting to visit and vent her life drama, lol
In breaking out my 4th Mtn I wiped out the German 67th and decimated those north of that... still, losses horrendous with each turn losing 4 or 5 plus more times the German. Many units are shells till replacements can come up. May have to up conscription for the first time... at least economic penalty finally gone... salute...

[cpdeyoung]

(Stepdaughter comes first.)

January 9th, 1939

Baldwin Hanson, Military analyst, New York Tribune

Reports out of Stavka tell of the breakout of the 4th Mountain division from encirclement near the Romanian border. Troops never fight harder than when brothers are trapped. The southern terrain is favorable for panzers and Germany must want to breakout there, but winter is still harsh upon the land.

The Soviets also mention reinforcements which must be rushing towards the front. Germany, torn between two fronts is also replacing troop casualties. Forces from the campaign in France are heading east also. Significant numbers have had to remain in the west to protect against amphibious assaults.

Military technology advances are coming on line, but require the finishing off from research to production. These costs compete with those of war fighting at the front. It is a balancing act for both sides.

[LarryBurstyn]

Walter Cronknut, Chief Reporter CBS Radio News on live broadcast.
Edited Transcript.

The French were forced to abandoned the French mainland. The newly reformed Free French SHQ is running the remnants of the French Army.

Churchill announced that the Allied Fleets caught up with German Surface and submarine forces interdicting allied convoys ESE of Coimbatore (spelling??) India and sank 1 pocket battleship and one light cruiser without losing any of it's own ships. This leaves the KNOWN German units in the Indian Ocean area at 1 pocket battleship, 4 light cruisers and 9 U-Boats. This is a good victory for the Allies as it reduces the German influence in the Indian Ocean. There are unsubstantiated reports that some of the German Fleet moved into the South China Sea--but the Australian and New Zealand naval units have reported no sightings or hints of their presence. Churchill also showed off the new Spitfire fighters and announced the formation of Spitfire Air Groups (about 60-75 planes each Fighter Air Group). He also announced a nighttime raid on German territory that did about 400 damage points to a German city and showed off the new Warwick Night Bomber Air Group (about 44-60 planes).

[cpdeyoung]

January 9th, 1939

Baldwin Hanson, Military analyst, New York Tribune

The Royal Navy is proving true to its heritage. The Germans have the choice to abandon raiding, or to continue to suffer losses such as these. The Indian Ocean is a huge expanse of waters and the success in finding the KM fleets is impressive.

In a very depressing development British terror bombing of civilian populations has begun. The wildly inaccurate night attacks show the depths the British will sink to. The American public is shocked, as are people around the world.

[cpdeyoung]

February 6th, 1939

Baldwin Hanson, Military analyst, New York Tribune

In the depths of the East Front winter the pattern of small German gains continues. They did capture Vilnius but the Red Army resisted stoutly, and fortified Minsk was not touched. In the South a major German drive failed to build a pocket near the Romanian border. However the Germans are close to expelling all Soviets from Poland.

Those who carefully note the uniforms of German soldiers will notice markings and badges of new armies from the west.

[cpdeyoung]

February 6th, 1939

Baldwin Hanson, Military analyst, New York Tribune

News from the Mediterranean as naval forces have clashed. Various accounts explain the Allied naval presence near Rome and Messina differently. The one that seems most likely to this observer is that Italy was drifting towards war in any case. The Allied naval leaders decided on a show of force which tipped the balance to conflict. There seems to be confusion over the cause of the heavy losses, but stories of aircraft attacking with torpedos seem reasonable.

There are Allied ships under pressure in the western basin and we hear up to four aircraft carrier task forces are hurrying to their rescue, and to avenge the lost Courageous. The Atlantic Fleet off Sicily is expected to head west and north to smash the surrounding Italian ships. This would be in the finest tradition of the Royal Navy, but there is worry there still might be Italian torpedo bombers active. We do not think the jubilation in Rome is appropriate as this looks to be a long campaign.

[cpdeyoung]

February 6th, 1939

Baldwin Hanson, Military analyst, New York Tribune

From the Far East are heard chants of "Banzai Banzai Banzai". Finally the city of Chengchow has fallen to Japanese troops. There are a great many Chinese troops but from now on there will be a little less. Japanese production will gain a little boost. Other Chinese cities are in various stages of danger. Japan has build a fleet of tanks, but research and productivity have had to take a backseat. Perhaps now Japan can address some projects deferred. However, China is playing a very careful defense and one swallow does not a Summer make.

[LarryBurstyn]

Walter Cronknut, Chief Reporter CBS Radio News live broadcast..
Edited Transcript

British officials announced heavy losses amongst it's Medit. Fleets. It says it's reaction to Italy's entry into the war was to invade Libya...Taking Benhazi in the first attack. No sign of Italian or local troops was seen as the advance proceeded. Meanwhile the German Fleet in the Indian Ocean stopped interdicting sealift efforts of the allies. Many divisions were sealifted from Indian to Africa or Egypt. The troopships (actually converted liners and cargo ships) were seen exiting from a port on the western side of India (port edited and delayed by government officials).
It was also revealed by government officials that the Italian colonies in Africa (except Libya) were turned over to Japan to administer, stalling and ending the planned attack on Ethiopia and other Italian colonies in Africa.

It was also revealed that a heavy sealift was underway sending something to Russia. We are not allowed to reveal what was sent or whether the effort is still underway. But the effort was massive with a RUMORED more than 50 cargo ships involved and a unknown number of escorts.

[cpdeyoung]

March 6th, 1939

Baldwin Hanson, Military analyst, New York Tribune

Battles up and down the East Front. Perhaps the most consequential is the taking of the two Minsk fortifications. These were defended well, but were captured. The Germans made sure to mention the role played by Italian engineers, who took heavy losses. Minsk itself was assaulted and will be on the front line next month. The Soviets and Germans both campaigned through the winter and need some refreshing. The Russian summer is still months away.

[cpdeyoung]

March 6th, 1939

Baldwin Hanson, Military analyst, New York Tribune

Reports of shipments to the Soviets from the British come with the caveat that the cargo not be disclosed. A German fighter sweep near London found only Hurricanes in combat. Speculation is that the shipment is the new Spitfire aircraft.

[cpdeyoung]

March 6th, 1939

Baldwin Hanson, Military analyst, New York Tribune

Our survey of the war fronts now turns to the Mediterranean where the Royal Navy sailed to the aid of the trapped French and RN ships off Roma. They attacked, but before they could gain victory another airstrike from German and Italian torpedo bombers arrived. The battles were fierce but the trapped fleets could not be extracted. It remains to be seen if the RN Atlantic Fleet will return to Gibraltar to replenish, or maintain a blockade off the Italian coast.

In China attacks continue along the front including a Japanese victory at Yenan.

[BvB]

Mother Russia thanks The British Commonwealth for the big shipment through Japanese waters. It will take a while to reach the front but hopefully will give the German invaders a bloody nose once there. Air battles on the front show losses of Italian fighters. Ground battles bloody but my speed bump troops are keeping the German advance to a crawl. I'm sure that will change once better weather arrives...

[LarryBurstyn]

Walter Cronknut, Chief Reporter CBS Radio News transcript
Transcipt edited.

Bombers continue to attack factories in Germany and Rome. These night bombers are not very accurate but dead workers can not produce anything so since they are producing war goods they are legitimate targets. At least that is the argument given by the British legal team of PM Churchill. Whatever the correct reading of the law is there is no one who can enforce it so it is effectively moot. The matter will be decided by whomever wins the war. The Germans bombed civilians in Spain and later in Europe in their various invasions. I would say that if Germany wins they will try the Allies Generals and government officials of war crimes and if the Allies win they will try the Axis.

British troops freed the city of Tripoli from Naziism this month and the welcoming people gave parties for the incoming British Army units. The Italians have abandoned their colonies to whatever fate awaits them.

[cpdeyoung]

April 3rd, 1939

Baldwin Hanson, Military analyst, New York Tribune

All across the East Front better weather has brought on fighting. In the north, Minsk, having lost her forts has fallen. To the South Romania has brought its armies on line, and its POL. As German panzers and aircraft are produced they will be watching fuel carefully.

[cpdeyoung]

April 3rd, 1939

Baldwin Hanson, Military analyst, New York Tribune

Turning to other theaters the RM and RN are battling off Malta. In China there are heavy battles everywhere, a very bloody month.

[Bombur]

I´m going to travel next Saturday, will be back on the following Sunday. I suggest the French/British could play USA/China until I´m back.

[LarryBurstyn]

Would be willing to play USA/China but don't know his password. And a little hint as to what Bombur might want me to do would help. (PM or email me the necessary stuff).

[cpdeyoung]

May 1st, 1939

Baldwin Hanson, Military analyst, New York Tribune

The East Front saw attacks from tip to toe. In individual battles the Soviets seem to be getting the worst of it, but they are not pushovers. Their experience levels are good, and they have enough units for a defense depth. The Germans have called on Romanian and Yugoslav allies to take their place in the line, and this shows their need for units as the front lengthens.

Fighters over southern England report the RAF is not rising in defense.

[cpdeyoung]

May 1st, 1939

Baldwin Hanson, Military analyst, New York Tribune

The Japanese censors did not provide us with a map this month, other than one showing the dire situation at Canton. This last Chinese port has been bombarded to ruins by powerful elements of the Imperial Japanese Navy for a long time. Now however Japanese tanks are on the doorstep. Southern China is good "tank country" and Japan has invested heavily in armor. The road and rail connections are severed and getting troops into the south may be difficult.