James Henry Thomas - War Leader

[Tomokatu]

James Henry Thomas - Biographical Notes
Railway Union organiser, Member of Parliament for Derby 1910, Secretary of State for the Colonies 1924 in Ramsay Macdonald's government. Lord Privy Seal with special responsibility for unemployment, Secretary of State for the Dominions 1930 in Ramsay Macdonald's National Government, Colonial Secretary during "bodyline" cricket controversy in Australia, which he later cited as the most delicate & demanding diplomatic task he ever was required to undertake.

Prime Minister 1935-1946 during World War II.

Point of Departure 1934 Declined invitation by stock market speculators to golfing match and there was no budget leak controversy.

In late 1934, Prime Minister Macdonald recognised his own failing health and arrranged an orderly transfer of the leadership to Thomas. Negotiations with ILP members brought a understanding and reconciliation of the two Labour Parties. With no political handicap of a budget leak scandal to hinder them, the ILP/NL coalition won a narrow majority in 1935 General Election. Prime Minister Thomas continued the practice of forming a National Government incorporating several Conservative Ministers.

However, this arrangement was severely damaged when the Conservative Foreign Secretary Sir Samuel Hoare (later Viscount Templewood) was revealed as co-author of the very unpopular Hoare-Laval Pact, ceding Abyssinia to Fascist Italy. Popular sentiment against this secret protocol was strong and further diminished the influence in Cabinet of the Conservative Members. Lord Templewood was involved in arranging the "Kindertranspot" evacuating Jewish children from Nazi Germany and later returned to government as Home Secretary and later Ambassador to Spain (1940-44) where he was successful in keeping Generalissimo Franco from formal alliance with the Axis.

Nonetheless, Prime Minister Thomas adopted many of the Liberal and Conservative policies, especially in the fields of foreign policy and defence, in the interests of national unity. On the diplomatic font however, relations with the USSR were cordial, if not friendly, in contrast to the antagonistic opposition advocated by hardline Conservative Cabinet members. Re-armament from 1935 onwards continued although it was unpopular with a large pacifist section of the British public. Much government effort was expended and eventually Britain became "air-minded", supporting the expansion and modernisation of the RAF. The Army and Navy did not benefit so much from this campaign.

British sentiment against the German re-militarisation of the Rhineland was strengthened by further examples of Nazi expansionism in the later 1930s. There was no Munich Conference with Hitler over the invasion of Czechoslovakia although Conservative and Liberal Cabinet members strongly advised appeasement.

When Hitler invaded Poland and the British/Fench/Polish alliance was activated, the sentiment of the nation was behind Prime Minister Thomas, when he made his famous wireless broadcast, saying of the Nazis, "This pack of rabid dogs must be put down once and for all!".

The forthright terms and strong working-class accent of the former Railway Union organiser struck a receptive chord in the majority of the populace and "Once and for all" became one of the catchcries of the decade. Pacifism vanished almost completely overnight and recruitment for the Armed services soared as the nation and the Empire prepared for war.


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Two of us are playing this PBEM using ToW V1.7+Hotfix, Swatter555's latest ModPack and the House Rules attached.
Player 1 is playing Great Britain, France Poland and Iraq (why Iraq? you may ask) and has economic control of the USA. Normal event and diplomacy rules cover the entry (or otherwise) of the USA to the Alliance.
Player 2 is playing Comintern
All AI-controlled nations are set to "Very Easy" which may lead to some interesting German developments

[Tomokatu]

Great Britain - Naval actions

[font="Times New Roman"]The Nazi commerce raiders Nurnburg Liepzig and Koln have been destroyed by combined operations of naval and land-based air.[/font]

France:
[font="Times New Roman"]An unopposed French aerial recce mission reveals masses of German troops in fortifications awaiting the signal to start their assault. The minor losses caused by German air attacks on Maginot Line garrisons and nearby infantry are easily replaced. Redeployment of French air assets from Africa to the metropolitan are completed. Upgrade and reinforcement must depend on PP support fom France's allies.[/font]

Poland
[font="Times New Roman"]Polish resistence is failing. Lodz and Krakow have fallen The investiture of the capital has started with the destruction of outlying units. The Danzig (Gdansk) garrison is depleted, but with access only to local supplies, cannot reinforce above 66% nominal strength. Masses of grey-clad troops lurk on the outskirts of the city.[/font]

Combined Intelligence
[font="Times New Roman"]Reliable Sources have strong indications that the Finnish government has issued an order for General Mobilisation - Soviet troops advancing should prepare to meet increasingly stiff opposition.[/font]

[Tomokatu]

[font="Times New Roman"]Confirmed reports have been received that Soviet forces have advanced into Finland[/font]

A Soviet military spokesman has indicated
[font="Times New Roman"]USSR - Naval actions
No naval losses . The Finnish navy continues to take a battering.

Three Fronts have now been opened

a-Finland: Vyborg is now surrounded and we wait its surrender.

b-Estonia: A pocket of two Estonian divisions has been created by our
skilled forces. Soviet armoured formations are advancing on Tallin the
Estonian capital.

c-Latvia: After careful deliberation we have decided its time to free the
oppressed comrades of Latvia from their evil masters. Large infantry forces
are crossing the borders and heading for Rezekne.[/font]

================

In other diplomatic news several countries have offered financial support to Finland.

[Tomokatu]

Two more German commerce raiding subs have been sunk as a result of combined Allied fleet actions.

From Poland:
Multiple air attacks against the determined defenders of the free port Danzig have cost the attacking air unit dearly. Nonetheless, severe casualties have been caused. A Polish armoured column advancing into apparently ungarrisoned territory with the intent of capturing Konigsberg has been ambushed. On the Western Front more defenders have fallen to German advances. A ring of Nazi units is tightening its approach around the capital. Our loyal Marshal Rydz-Smigly has escaped the destruction of the armoured corps and is hereby appointed commander of the defence of Warsaw. In an inspiring speech over the wireless he assured the central government "We shall fight to the last round of ammunition and then to the last cobblestone. Long live Free Poland!" No further communications have been received from the capital.

Combined Intel
Reliable sources indicate that certain nations have sent economic assistance to Finland to aid in its struggle against Communist aggression.
It can be confirmed that Diplomatic approaches have been made to both France and the USA for equivalent assistance to the Finns but that in support of socialist solidarity, such invitations have been declined

[Tomokatu]

21st October 1939
Great Britain - Naval
As a consequence of persistent German attacks on London supply convoys, all future supplies will be shipped from other ports.
Two more submarines, identified as U12 & U26, have been confirmed sunk.
A fleet encounter has trapped the Kriegsmarine Heavy Cruiser KMS Scharnhorst against the Dutch coast and pounded her to a steaming twisted wreck. This is a massive loss to German pride and economy. Her sister cruiser KMS Admiral Hipper was also engaged but has managed to limp into an evening mist and darkness. Naval and air searches for the wounded vessel continue.

Coastal Command aircraft attacked & damaged a German submarine, U9, in the North East Atlantic. One of our aircraft has not yet returned.

German naval losses are mounting and severe consequences to the extension of German military power must result.

French news sources report continuing Nazi air attacks upon units in and near the great Maginot Line defences. French casualties are minimal and several German aircraft have been shot down by local defences.

Poland
No news has been heard from Danzig. It is feared that the city has fallen to the invader.
Ground and air staff of the air defences have been redeployed as infantry to protect the remaining cities.
The city of Lublin is known to have been taken.

Unofficial reports from Warsaw advise that the citizenry has risen to the defence of the capital and are being called upon by the Marshal commander to build barricades and street defences for the gallant troops to hold. Morale is high. A spokesman for the city government has declared that the spirit of Polish freedom will never be crushed.

[Tomokatu]

1st November 1939
Great Britain - Naval

In naval encounters in the North East Atlantic German submarine U-20 & U-9 have been confirmed sunk
Poland.
Warsaw holds on but all connection from the capital to provincial cities has now been cut off and it is no longer possible to raise and deploy new units.

Combined Intel
Heroic actions by the individual captains of the Polish Navy have resulted in the formation of a Polish Naval squadron in exile. Although they are ships and personnel of an Allied Navy, the Commodore of the squadron has agreed to act in concert with and support of, Royal Navy fleet actions. The gallant Polish Naval Squadron will be supported from Royal Naval resources.

The Foreign Department of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics reports the incorporation of the former Russian province of Estonia into the brotherhood of Socialist States. The former rebellious government has been removed from authority.

11th November 1939
Great Britain - Naval
In the Atlantic, naval action has resulted in the sinking of another German submarine identified from wreckage as the U33.

From Poland
As Winter starts to enfold Europe in her icy grip, the gallant Defence of Warsaw continues.

A correspondent in the city reports:
[font="Times New Roman"]"Under the outstanding leadership of the Marshal, the Polish garrison holds at bay five times its own numbers of Nazi infantry.

Repeated Luftwaffe attacks upon the city and its inhabitants have resulted in serious losses to the German aircraft. Inspired by the bravery of the troops, ordinary citizens have opened secret "underground" transport resources to bring supplies of food and ammunition from outside.

Morale is soaring, despite the dangers and rationing of food.

Every time a Nazi plane is downed by the defenders, groups of citizens gather nearby on rooftops to sing defiantly patriotic songs. Armed companies of simple Polish housewives drag still-living aircrew out of the wreckage of their machines and escort them to captivity in the cellars of the city. Gangs of older children soon strip the broken planes of their weapons and ammunition which are distributed to the volunteer defence organisations which have sprung up.

There is no shortage of recruits to fill the ranks of the Army as necessary. Small home factories filled with local tailors and seamstresses can supply the uniforms they need and a training organisation has been established to integrate them into the ranks of the Warsaw Garrison.

This report will be smuggled out via the Underground Express and this correspondent will report again as circumstances permits. Poland will not fall as long as Warsaw holds. Warsaw will continue to hold if you in the Free World give your support."[/font]

[Magpius]

Interesting scenario here!
Once Germany is defeated, will the Allies be able to go after the USSR?
or will the game simply end?
(...and nice to see my unit mod up in lights! (it ain't swatter's))

[Tomokatu]

(...and nice to see my unit mod up in lights! (it ain't swatter's))

True, the counters are your design, for which I thank you, used with swatter's scenario.  I've not seen any others which meet my needs.
Because the choice of counter isn't mandated by the scenario and the players on opposite sides can use different sets, I didn't mention counter choice when drawing up the house rules.
 

Once Germany is defeated, will the Allies be able to go after the USSR?

Hmmm... At this stage, I have no idea. History unfolds as it will. Keep watching the skies!

[Tomokatu]

21st November 1939
Reports have reached this office that the campaign of the Soviet forces has reclaimed the cities of Rezeke in the province of Latvia and Petsamo in Finland. It is understood that the city of Helsinki has also fallen to advancing Soviet troops.

Great Britain - Naval
In the Atlantic, aircraft from one of our carriers have detected and successfully attacked KMS Konigsberg. Damage to the raider has been reported.

Poland
The garrison of Warsaw continues to hold the capital. Elsewhere in Poland, Nazi attacks have been made on the city of Brest-on-the-Bug. Minimal damage has been caused.

France:
German air attacks upon the Maginot line have resulted in minimal casualties and the loss of more German aircraft.

[Tomokatu]

1st December 1939

There have been no naval encounters. Convoys from America and Britain pass unmolested but carry little except the good will of their governments.

Correspondents in Europe report little activity on any front. Nazi air attacks on the French positions can only be called desultory and have had little to no effect.
The Polish capital continues to hold up under Nazi assault as does the garrison of Brest on the Bug.

The expression "the Phoney War" is often heard in the cafes and bistros of France.

End of communique

[Tomokatu]

1st December 1939

Elements of the British Royal Navy acting in concert with the French Marine have encountered the Nazi raiders KMS Konigsberg and Adm. Hipper in the Northern Atlantic - some damage has been caused but both enemy ships escaped in bad weather.
RAF Bomber Command struck at the industrial centre of Hamm. Extensive damage was inflicted. All our aircraft returned safely.

End of communique

[Tomokatu]

1st January 1940
There has been no naval activity. It appears that the Kriegsmarine does not wish to brave the harsh seas during winter.
This lull in activity has allowed the RAF to continue reinforcement and modernisation of its squadrons.
 
There is no news from the European front.
 
End of communique

[Tomokatu]

16th January 1940
The US Congress has authorised the increase in production of certain war materials and the modernisation of affected government factories.

Naval
A task force of the British Royal Navy encountered the two Nazi cruisers, KMS Adm Hipper and Konigsberg. In the subsequent battle, severe damage was inflicted upon the Konigsberg which was trailed through the night by one of our cruisers and engaged at long range without decisive success. Aircraft were sent out to the reported location to finish off the limping Nazi ship but no trace was found.

France
Along the Maginot line, Nazi air attacks continue to prove ineffective. A buildup of enemy troops behind their lines is observed and French resources are devoted to the improvement and reinforcement of amoured units in anticipation of a battle yet to come.

Poland
Smuggled reports indicate that the brave and skilled Polish garrisons of Warsaw and Brest-on-Bug are beating off all attacks that the Nazi air and ground forces can throw at them.

End of communique

[Tomokatu]

1st February 1940
Naval sources report an increase in Nazi raider activity. Contact has been made with several U-boots without any confirmed sinkings. The KMS Adm Hipper escaped froma Royal Navy squadron. Air resources have been deployed to search for and sink her.
 
Polish troops still hold the capital and the major city of Brest-on-Bug despite air and ground attacks. General Kutrzeba has taken independent command of the garrison on Brest-on-the-Bug with orders to hold the city against the Nazi invaders to the last. It appears that the bulk of Nazi armoured forces are involved in the attacks on this stronghold. General Kutrzeba is reported to have laughed and told our correspondent that it is very foolish to deploy armoured units against a determined defender in an urban environment. He continued, "This is a lesson we shall teach most willingly, yes?"
 
Massive air and ground assaults have been unleashed against French forces holding the fortresses of the Maginot Line. Casualties are light and many Luftwaffe aircraft have been shot down. Technical experts are examining the wrecks with a view to discovering any engineering practices which can be applied to Allied aircraft. The mutual co-operation between Freench and British technical services is outstanding.
 
16th February 1940
In a hard-fought naval encounter in the North East Atlantic, forces of the British Royal Navy cornered and sank the Nazi raider KMS Konigsberg. In other naval actions one U-boat has been sunk and another damaged. Convoy losses remain light.
Massive Nazi combined air and ground force attacks have taken place against the Polish capital Warsaw and locations along the the French Maginot Line of fortresses. It is estimated that a total of at least eight Luftwaffe gruppen were involved in each of these assaults. German air losses continue to mount. Allied losses are minimal.
 
 
1st March 1940
In the USA, a great increase in the resources being allocated to military research has meant a temporary drop in the support which can be sent to Britain and France.
Information has been received that the Government of Finland is to seek surrender terms from the Soviet Union.
 
11th March 1940
Aircraft operating from one of our bases in England have detected and attacked the Nazi heavy cruiser KMS Adm. Hipper. All our aircraft have returned safely.
Units of Bomber Command have successfully attacked industrial targets in Western Germany. Fires were observed.
 
Constant air and ground attacks on French units in the Maginot Line are draining the French economy seriously.
 
The gallant and determined Polish garrisons of Warsaw and Brest-on-the-Bug continue their heroic resistance against the might of Nazi aggression.
 
21st March 1940
Members of the Polish Government have escaped from the chaos of the surrounded capital. A Polish Government in Exile has been formed in order to continue the fight against the Nazi opressors by whatever means possible. A joyous welcome was extended by the crew of the Polish destroyer Wilk when the Polish Prime Minister pro tempore inspected the ship in port this week.
 
Communication with the Polish capital has ceased. The ring of Nazi might surrounding Warsaw has closed and is apparently tightening.
 
1st April 1940

Warsaw has fallen!
News just received is that German forces have broken through the defensive installations of the Polish capital and have crushed the valiant defenders. German miltary broadcasts are being made from the wireless station claiming the surrender of the garrison command.
Other Polish cities continue their defence but national morale must suffer from this greivous loss.
 
The Polish Government in Exile has released a communique urging the remaining Polish garrisons to continue their resistance as long as they can without incurring needless sacrifices.
 
[font="courier new"]"We are working with our Allies to try to get supplies and arms to you by all means. Go into the countryside and strike at the invader wherever you can. 
Every Pole must do his or her part in denying them free use of our country. [/font]
[font="courier new"]Poland yet Lives!"[/font]

[Tomokatu]

11th April 1940
The German Government has just announced the formal surrender of Poland to the Third Reich. A ststement from the Polish Government in Exile recognises the bitterness of ths event and assures the Polish people that, although their elected representatives in exile in Britain still remain free and are participating fully in the war effort, there is little they can do at the moment to return freedom to their homeland.

In a message to the captive people of Poland the Minister of War ordered;
[font="Courier New"]"Wait, bide your time, do what you can to impede the enemy and eventually we shall return with the arms of the free world at our backs to destroy these German invaders once and for all!" The assembled audience of Polish naval squadron sailors and workers from British factories roared enthusiastic approval of the defiant speech.[/font]

[Tomokatu]

11th April 1940

The British War Ministry has announced that yet another naval group has joined the active ranks of the Royal Navy to seek out and crush the sneaking black snakes of the German U-Boat Arm.

RAF bombers operating from bases in the South of England have attacked and damaged the Nazi heavy cruiser KMS Adm Hipper.

On the Western Front, French air reconnaisance has uncovered a heavy concentration of German armoured and infantry forces facing the defenders of the Maginot Line. Seven infantry corps and a fully-equipped Armoured corps have been located.

[Tomokatu]

This AAR is temporarily suspended while the game is held up with technical difficulties.
 
The war will be resumed as soon as convenient.
Thank you for your patience.

[Tomokatu]

Bump!
 
Bleck, is there any solution yet to the crashing problem I raised where the Italian AI tries to load infantry onto a U-boat?
I've edited the naval_units.csv AND the land unit file, too but the crash still happened. That was the point at which I asked for more help.
 
I notice in one of Bo's requests for support that his attachments may have been intercepted by the spam defenders.
 
Did you receive the zipped last game file I sent you?