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Soviet reactions to current situation in Europe

# People's Commissariat of Defense

## After Action Report – September 1939

The international situation has entered a decisive new phase. Germany has launched its campaign against Poland, and Europe has once again been plunged into war. The collapse of the old diplomatic order has created both danger and opportunity for the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.

Following extensive negotiations, the **Soviet-German Alliance** has been formally established. While ideological differences remain, both governments recognize the practical necessity of cooperation during this period of instability. The agreement provides the Soviet Union with valuable time to continue strengthening the Red Army while avoiding premature conflict with the German Reich.

Throughout the Soviet Union, military preparations continue at an accelerated pace. New formations are completing training, armored and mechanized units are receiving upgraded equipment, and industrial production remains focused on expanding the nation's capacity for prolonged war. The General Staff reports steady improvements in combat readiness, though significant work remains before the Red Army reaches its full potential.

Soviet diplomacy has shifted its attention toward the strategic importance of the Black Sea and the eastern Mediterranean. Our diplomats are working tirelessly to bring **Turkey** into the Soviet-led alliance. Securing Turkish cooperation would greatly strengthen our southern defenses, deny hostile powers access to vital waterways, and create a powerful deterrent against any aggression directed toward the Caucasus.

Developments in the Middle East have caused increasing concern within the Kremlin. **Britain has established control over Persia**, placing British influence directly along the Soviet Union's vulnerable southern frontier. This expansion represents a significant strategic threat, potentially allowing hostile forces to threaten the Caucasus oil fields and interfere with Soviet operations throughout Central Asia. The Stavka has ordered contingency planning for this new geopolitical reality, and additional intelligence assets have been directed toward monitoring British military activity in the region.

For now, the Soviet Union remains at peace, but the calm is deceptive. Across Europe, armies march, alliances shift, and the balance of power continues to change. The Motherland must use every remaining month wisely. When the inevitable test comes, the Red Army must be fully prepared to defend socialism and secure the future of the Soviet people.

**Long live the Soviet Union.**
**Long live the Red Army.**

AAR: Autumn 1939 - The Halted Advance

---

Location: Northern Outskirts of Wuhan, Hubei Province
Date: October 25, 1939

Dearest Mother,

The dust has finally settled enough for me to write, though it still coats my throat and eyes. We have done it! The great offensive to secure Wuhan has achieved what many thought impossible.

We spent weeks grinding through mud and sporadic resistance, but three days ago, our 2nd Armoured Brigade finally found the weak point in the Chinese lines north of the city. The order came down from 7th Army HQ to punch through, and we did so with a roar. My little Type 95 Ha-Go, which I’ve named 'Akira' after my brother, performed beautifully. We clanked through their trenches as their defenders scattered, completely overwhelmed by the speed of our advance.

As we secured the far side of the shattered defensive belt, the real magic happened. A scout patrol radioed back that they’d made contact with forces sweeping up from the south. We advanced to the rendezvous point, and there they were—the nimble Osaka armoured cars of the southern contingent. We popped our hatches, waving our caps and shouting ourselves hoarse. We had successfully closed the northern pincer. For a brief, glorious hour, we felt like the masters of all China.

Great wuhan pocket by David Bowman, on Flickr

But now, frustration has replaced that elation. Just as we were preparing to push directly into the city center, new orders arrived from HQ. We were not to take Wuhan today. Instead, we were immediately instructed to pull back to consolidate our gains and establish a heavily defended, static line in the territory we just captured.

It makes no tactical sense to my weary eyes. The enemy is reeling, and the prize is right there. The generals must have their reasons—perhaps they fear overextending the main supply line, or perhaps they are prioritizing the economic reorganization of the conquered sectors over immediate territorial gains. I trust them, of course, but it is bitterly disappointing to be so close to the objective and be ordered to watch and wait.

We are digging in now, creating fortified positions that the Chinese will surely challenge tomorrow. I am safe and well-fed, relatively speaking. Pray for a swift end to this so I may return to our peaceful life in Kyoto.

With love,

Hiroshi

---

Unrealistic, but strategically sound
Britain has refused to fight the Battle of the Atlantic but removing the need to do so, building a supply centre in Wales. While this was never an option in historical World War II, it means that Britain can function independently of the other Empire fronts of Africa, Middle East and Asia.

Interesting British Strategy by David Bowman, on Flickr

It annoys me a bit in that my brief submarine superiority is having no impact, and probably means there will be no BEF, as I would be interdicting its supply by now. I probably won't bother maintaining a submarine fleet in this case. Perhaps I'll look at Heavy Bombers to challenge the output of the supply centre.

I forgot to ask the AI to do it in BBcode, will next time.

# AFTER ACTION REPORT

## STAVKA — SOVIET HIGH COMMAND

### December 1939

**Classification: TOP SECRET**
**From:** Stavka, Supreme High Command of the Red Army
**To:** Council of People’s Commissars and Comrade Stalin

### I. DIPLOMATIC DEVELOPMENTS

After months of intensive negotiations, the Soviet Union and the Republic of Turkey have successfully concluded a **Friendship Agreement**.

This agreement represents a significant diplomatic success for Moscow. Turkey has demonstrated that it is willing to maintain friendly relations with the Soviet Union rather than become an instrument of hostile foreign powers.

Stavka considers the agreement an important development in securing the southern approaches to the Motherland.

### II. THE BRITISH THREAT

Stavka has become increasingly concerned by the growing influence of **Great Britain** and its expanding network of alliances.

The British alliance system now presents a direct strategic concern to Soviet security. British influence around the Mediterranean, the Near East, and the approaches to the Black Sea cannot be ignored.

The High Command therefore assesses the British government as a potential long-term adversary of the Soviet Union.

The Motherland must remain prepared.

### III. MILITARY PREPARATIONS

The Red Army will continue its program of modernization and training.

Commanders have been instructed to:

* Maintain heightened vigilance along vulnerable frontiers.
* Continue modernization of armored and artillery formations.
* Expand training and readiness of infantry formations.
* Strengthen defensive positions in strategically important regions.
* Closely monitor British diplomatic and military activity.
* Coordinate with Soviet diplomatic representatives to prevent further encirclement of the USSR.

No unnecessary confrontation is desired. However, the Soviet Union will not permit hostile powers to dictate the security of our borders.

### IV. STAVKA ASSESSMENT

The friendship agreement with Turkey has strengthened the Soviet diplomatic position. Nevertheless, British influence continues to expand, and Moscow must assume that London will attempt to counter Soviet diplomatic successes.

Stavka therefore recommends continued diplomatic pressure, military preparation, and careful observation of British movements.

The Soviet Union seeks peace—but peace backed by strength.

Should Britain choose confrontation, **the consequences will fall upon the British Empire itself.**

The Red Army stands ready.

**For the Motherland.
For the Soviet Union.**

**— STAVKA
Supreme High Command of the Red Army
1939**

# **STAVKA AFTER-ACTION REPORT**

### **29 May 1939 — The European Crisis Deepens**

**To: The Soviet High Command and Politburo**
**From: Stavka, Supreme Command of the Red Army**
**Date: 29 May 1939**

---

## **I. The Situation in Europe**

The situation in Europe is deteriorating at an alarming pace.

Belgium and the Netherlands have now formally joined the **British alliance**, bringing the Low Countries firmly into the British strategic sphere. What was once a collection of regional disputes is rapidly developing into a broader confrontation between the major European powers.

Stavka views these developments with the utmost concern.

The expansion of the British alliance toward the Soviet Union's western approaches cannot be regarded as an accident. Britain appears determined to surround potential enemies with a network of allied states while steadily increasing pressure upon Moscow.

## **II. British Intentions**

There is growing concern within Stavka that **Britain is attempting to force the Soviet Union's hand**.

By expanding its alliance system and positioning friendly governments across Western Europe, London may be attempting to create circumstances in which Moscow is left with no choice but to enter the European war.

The Soviet Union will not be intimidated.

We have no desire to sacrifice Soviet blood and resources in a conflict dictated by British interests. The Red Army will fight when and where necessary—but **the Kremlin will determine the circumstances, not London**.

## **III. Stavka's Warning**

Stavka therefore issues a clear warning to the British government:

**Pull back from the brink of disaster before it is too late.**

The continued expansion of the British alliance risks transforming the European crisis into a general war. Should Britain continue to threaten Soviet security through its diplomatic and military arrangements, the consequences may extend far beyond anything London currently anticipates.

The Soviet Union seeks security and peace—but peace cannot be maintained through encirclement and intimidation.

## **IV. Red Army Readiness**

Across the Motherland, Soviet forces continue their preparations.

Training and modernization proceed. Commanders are instructed to remain vigilant, while military planners closely monitor developments along the European frontier.

The Red Army will not provoke war.

**But neither will it retreat from its duty to defend the Soviet Motherland.**

---

### **Stavka Assessment**

**European Tension:** CRITICAL
**British Intentions:** Increasingly Hostile
**Western Alliance Expansion:** Major Concern
**Red Army Readiness:** Continuing Preparations
**Immediate Soviet Policy:** **Avoid war—but prepare for it**

> **“The Soviet Union did not choose this confrontation. But if war is brought to our doorstep, the Motherland will answer.”**

**— Stavka, 29 May 1939**

AAR: June 1939 - The Crucible of the Low Countries

---

Location: Eastern Suburbs of Brussels, Belgium
Date: June 28, 1939

The strategic map of Europe had been violently redrawn overnight. What began as a localized policing operation in Poland had exploded into a general continental war following the brazen Anglo-French coup in Brussels and The Hague. The OKW’s worst nightmare—a premature war on two fronts—was reality.

benelux falls by David Bowman, on Flickr

The Wehrmacht’s rapid pivot west was a logistical marvel, but the initial contact was catastrophic. German armored spearheads, consisting primarily of light PzKpfw IIs armed only with 20mm autocannons, collided with the terrifying reality of British Expeditionary Force doctrine: the Matilda II. These British infantry tanks were impervious to German tank guns, their thick armor shaming the Panzers. Panic rippled through the command structure as the PzIIs were mauled, seemingly powerless against the advancing steel beasts.

British heavy armour by David Bowman, on Flickr

It was Heinz Guderian who grasped the tactical necessity before the front collapsed. Frantically bypassing conventional doctrine, he ordered the mass withdrawal of the vital 3.7 cm Pak 36 anti-tank guns from defensive lines. In a radical and dangerous innovation, he redeployed them not as reactive defensive screens, but as aggressive, forward-mounted assault elements, pushed to the very edge of the infantry advance.

Killing heavy tanks by David Bowman, on Flickr

The resulting clash outside Brussels on June 27th was apocalyptic. As the Matilda IIs lumbered forward, expecting an easy breakthrough, they were met with a sudden, devastating, point-blank fusillade from the concealed German AT screens. The 3.7 cm guns, firing high-velocity tungsten rounds at zero range, punched through the Matilda’s thinner side and turret armor.

Paying in light tanks by David Bowman, on Flickr

By nightfall, the battlefield was a smoldering graveyard of British heavy armor. Dozens of Matilda IIs lay crippled or burned out, their crews captured or killed. Guderian’s gamble had paid off, turning the tide of the entire western campaign in a single afternoon. The myth of British invincibility was shattered in the smoke of Brussels, and the road to France now lay wide open for the Panzers.

---

# AFTER ACTION REPORT — JUNE 1939

### Soviet High Command — Stavka

**Operation Order 58: The Middle Eastern Offensive**

After weeks of increasingly heated debate within the Kremlin and Stavka, **Comrade Stalin has authorized Order 58**. The Soviet Union can no longer tolerate what Moscow considers the continued British encirclement and provocation of the Motherland.

At dawn, Soviet forces crossed into **Iraq, Syria, and Persia**, beginning a massive offensive against British positions throughout the Middle East.

Five Soviet Armies have been committed to the operation, with a **sixth Army held in reserve** and prepared to reinforce whichever sector requires additional strength. Soviet formations have advanced rapidly along several axes, seeking to destroy British positions before London can organize a coordinated response.

Stavka has declared that the campaign is not one of conquest for its own sake, but a necessary measure to remove a growing strategic threat on the southern approaches to the Soviet Union.

### The British Threat

For months, British expansion and military positioning in the Middle East have been viewed in Moscow with increasing alarm. The occupation and control of strategic territory in the region has placed British forces dangerously close to Soviet borders and vital southern communications.

Stavka now believes that **waiting any longer would place the Motherland at unacceptable risk**.

The Soviet High Command has therefore ordered the Red Army to seize the initiative.

### The Opening Offensive

Soviet troops have entered **Persia, Iraq, and Syria**, encountering varying degrees of resistance. Armored formations and motorized units are being pushed forward to seize key roads, railways, and strategic centers.

The reserve army remains poised behind the advancing formations.

Should British resistance stiffen, Stavka intends to commit the reserve immediately and maintain continuous pressure across the entire front.

### Stalin's Decision

The decision has not been without controversy.

Several members of the Soviet leadership warned that opening another major theater could overstretch the Red Army at a dangerous moment in European affairs. Others argued that allowing Britain to continue consolidating the Middle East represented an even greater danger.

Stalin has settled the argument.

**Order 58 is now in effect.**

The Red Army has been given its orders.

### Stavka Assessment

The coming weeks will determine whether Britain can withstand the Soviet offensive.

If the British armies collapse in the Middle East, the strategic consequences could be enormous. Soviet forces would gain control of vital approaches to the south while simultaneously denying Britain a major base of operations against the Motherland.

For now, Stavka remains confident.

**The British have pushed too far.**

**The Red Army has answered.**

**The Motherland will not be surrounded.**

Perhaps a word from the victim would be appropriate.

No matter the outcome of the Soviet operation the chances of Allied help if German ever makes war on the USSR are now non-existent.

Probably the Germans are not interested in land to the east. Mein Kampf was probably just an exaggeration. We will find out I am sure.

AAR: August 1939 - The Northern Pivot

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Location: German-Danish Border Crossing, Flensburg Sector
Date: August 25, 1939

My Dearest Elsa,

The brief summer calm we enjoyed after the rapid redeployment from the Belgian frontier has shattered. I write this letter from a forward command post, the smell of diesel and exhaust thick in the humid morning air. We have received the mobilization order, and in one hour, my Panzer Grenadier company will cross the border into Denmark.

It feels surreal. These past few weeks, we watched the strategic map with dread as the British and French orchestrated those shocking coups in Brussels and The Hague, turning our defensive posture into a full-blown continental war. Now, the OKW believes the same fate awaits Copenhagen. My Divisional General, a stern but rattled man, briefed us personally at midnight. Intelligence—or paranoia, it’s hard to tell the difference these days—insists that British agents are fomenting a revolution and that we must secure the peninsula before those terrifying British Matilda II tanks begin rolling off Danish docks.

Our light PzKpfw IIIs feel inadequate against the ghosts of those heavy monsters we faced outside Brussels. But my boys are ready, determined not to let the western debacle repeat itself.

My heart is a lead weight, however, when I think of your family in Copenhagen. Knowing your parents are near the city center, right in the path of what the staff officers call "vital strategic objectives," makes my blood run cold. I pray to God that the intelligence is wrong, that the Danes resist the British provocateurs peacefully, and that we arrive merely as a stabilizing force, not as conquerors of your homeland.

The world has gone mad, Elsa. I pray this madness ends swiftly and I can return to you, and that we can visit your parents in peace. Until then, I must do my duty.

All my love,

Dieter

---

Training
Experience makes a big difference in ATG. New units have experience of 5, and you really do not want them in battle until they are at least 20. In Japan, this is simple as a unit recruited in Osaka takes three - four turns to reach the front via ship , train and cargo truck. For Germany, it requires a plan. It did not matter for the Polish campaign where the opposing forces were clearly inferior, but against the British, it is a must.

stage 1 training by David Bowman, on Flickr

I have three HQs. The first one gets all the new recruits. Each turn I move the recruits to the second HQ (see their experience 5 above). Those that where in the second move to the third (see their experience is now 10).

Stage 2 training by David Bowman, on Flickr

Those that were in the third HQ move to the OKW HQ at the end of the turn to ensure they do not get deployed until the next turn. The trainees also provide an emergency reserve, in the event that Chuck blows a hole in my line. (That will happen; I do not know where, and I do not know when, but it will happen!)

# Soviet High Command AAR — July 24, 1939

The Soviet offensive into Iraq and Iran continues to achieve spectacular results, as Red Army forces drive deep into British-controlled territory with little organized resistance.

The **16th Army has captured Baghdad**, securing the Iraqi capital after encountering only token opposition. Stavka considers the rapid fall of Baghdad a major strategic victory and evidence that the enemy's defensive preparations in Iraq have largely collapsed.

On the Persian front, Soviet eastern forces have **captured Tehran**, striking another devastating blow against the opposing forces. Meanwhile, the **19th and 20th Armies have advanced out of Turkestan and entered Persia**, expanding the Soviet offensive from the north and threatening to cut off enemy forces operating farther south.

Stavka has now ordered the **13th Army transferred to the Iraqi front**. With its arrival, Soviet forces operating in Iraq will consist of the **16th Army, 10th Army, Turkish 1st Army, and the newly committed 13th Army**. This concentration of forces should allow the Red Army to consolidate its gains around Baghdad and prepare for further advances toward the remaining enemy positions.

On the Tehran front, the **17th and 18th Armies continue their advance**, pressing deeper into Persia and supporting the operations of the 19th and 20th Armies. Soviet commanders believe the enemy is rapidly losing the ability to organize a coherent defense.

An unexpected development occurred during a reconnaissance patrol in the west. The **Turkish 2nd Army's 5th Cavalry Division**, operating ahead of the main forces, encountered **capitalist forces in Damascus**. The discovery has confirmed the presence of enemy troops farther west than previously anticipated. Stavka has ordered the area monitored closely while Soviet and Turkish commanders assess the strength and intentions of these forces.

**Stavka Assessment:** The Iraqi and Persian campaigns are proceeding decisively in favor of the Soviet-Turkish alliance. Baghdad and Tehran are both in our hands, Soviet armies are pouring into Persia from Turkestan, and additional forces are being committed to the Iraqi front. The discovery of capitalist forces at Damascus is concerning, but for now the initiative remains firmly with our armies.

**The Motherland advances. The enemy retreats.**

War in Europe

As we anticipated Axis expansionism is rampant. We want to discuss British rearmament to date.

We decided early on to vastly expand our factory system. We did this with a continuing construction of Industrial Complexes, and a new Shipyard. We chose to produce heavy tanks rather than cruisers. Aircraft were also a priority with Hurricanes being built till Spitfires were available. Our troops were to be equipped with heavier machine guns and infantry guns. We wanted to be an elite, professional fighting force.

At sea we formed hunter killer groups of destroyers for ASW. We are preparing the Royal Navy for global warfare.

The French and American share our concern with the Axis plans, and are also preparing. America is still in isolationism but working to gain the flexibility to intervene.

We are now at war, testing the choices we made. The Germans and Soviets have both declared war on the Allies. So far our decisions are holding up satisfactorily but it is a real challenge. The threats to France, the Middle East, and, only now to Denmark and Norway are real.