THE IMPERIAL TIMES 5th February 1907
At an emergency session of parliament this afternoon it was announced that a delegation from the government of the Ottoman Empire would be carrying out a full state visit to the island of Malta for a series of summit meetings and official entertainments aimed at reducing the levels of tension and promoting closer levels of understanding and cooperation between the two states. A spokesman for the council of the Knights of St John of Malta - His Eminence Brother John Betts - has welcomed this initiative as a way to foster stronger ties between the two nations. The Ottoman delegation - headed by Pasha Daud Kirouk, the minister for Scientific Development - has already announced that the Turkish party will travel using an Air Malta Transport and is confident that this meeting will do much to repair the distrust and antipathy resulting from the second siege of the island in 1904.This initiative has been applauded by the international community and is scheduled to take place in July of this year.As well as a formal tour of the island their will be a symbolic ceremony of mourning at the large military cemetery to commemorate the fallen of both sides in the recent conflict. It is understood that the Turkish party will also return some historical artifacts taken from the island in 1565 as a further gesture of goodwill.
This journal will report on the full itinerary as soon as it is made available.
Showing posts with label Arabian Campaign. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Arabian Campaign. Show all posts
Sunday, 4 February 2007
Monday, 19 June 2006
FIGHTING RETREAT FROM THE SUEZ CANAL
LAND IRONCLADS CRUSH ALL BEFORE THEM
RETREAT TO THE GATES OF CAIRO
Fragmentary reports have been arriving at our Khartoum office of the running battle being fought against the Turkish invaders across the Nile Delta and up to the very gates of Cairo. Many details have yet to emerge from this calamitous event and so this report will be a summary of the main points. At his stage, so confused is the situation we are not even sure which units are deployed where. Such is the intensity of the fighting that many units have been unable to contact their respective headquarters for orders and wholesale uncertainty is hampering all attempts at organising any meaningful counterattacks.
To attempt to give our readers an insight into the fraught situation currently engulfing the Nile Delta we have carefully selected two reports ‘hot from the fight’ so to speak, from which a picture may be constructed of the calamity facing our gallant servicemen. This action has been approved by the War Cabinet to whom this journal, and its readers, extend their most sincere and grateful appreciation.
A DASHING CAVALRY OFFICER
“My troop was engaged in a forward reconnaissance some distance from the canal. My command consisted of some eighty troopers and I was inordinately proud of their turnout and manly bearing. It was first light on the day in question and I was about to partake in my breakfast prior to resuming the patrol of the forward positions when an immense bombardment rained down from the East Bank. The shells screamed overhead; well to the rear of our position and I immediately gave the order to break camp and prepare to move out. Within a thrice the men were mounted and breakfast was but a distant memory. It was whilst the barrage was roaring overhead that I first saw the dreaded war machines of the enemy lumbering towards us. With great gouts of steam pouring from their funnels and making hellish clanking and squeaking noises; these iron giants lurched ever closer. Needless to say, the horses became skittish and the men were having difficulty in controlling them. I was debating the best way of flanking and taking one of these beasts when the wretched thing began firing at our proud and defiant troop. The men were magnificent; standing proudly as shot and shell and then maxim fire began to play upon that valiant band whilst I considered our options for the attack. The casualties began to mount and, having seen sufficient of the composition of the attacking force to be able to report to my HQ, I reluctantly gave the order to disengage as out attack would have little chance of success. We would have another chance to take one of these machines in due course I was sure of that; still it was a damned nuisance having to leave such unfinished business! Our journey back to HQ was a thrilling dash from cover to cover; hotly pursued by exploding shells and gunfire from giant airships flying so low that you almost touch them. We had lost no more men when at last we arrived at what had now become the rearguard. We were tired, angry and defiant and ready to take the worst that Mr.Turk could throw at us, given half a chance. Alas! We were to form part of the cavalry rearguard whilst the main body of the army fell back towards Cairo, so our opportunity for revenge for our gallant fallen would have to wait for some other time”.
What pluck! What courage! This unnamed officer has provided a shining example of all that is bold and resolute in the face of the enemy. Whilst shot and shell wreaked its bloody carnage all around him, he coolly considered the options for attack with no thought for his own safety. Such is the stuff of which empires are won!
Our second report comes from an altogether different source. From the other end of the social spectrum a simple cockney artilleryman, the backbone of Her Majesties Forces and the salt of the earth. From a modest and humble background, uneducated and of little or no pretensions to be other than that which fate has ordained; this artilleryman also has a tale to tell. It is a tale of simple heroism, of doing one’s duty in the face of the enemy and with no fuss or bother.
“Lawks, it was a rum do an’ no mistake. There we was, deployed in a forward position, stuck out in the middle o’ nowheres when the balloon wen’ up. Our six guns were set up just below the ridgeline wiv’ only the officers up front. It was ‘ot and we was gaspin’ for a brew. Then the ‘eavens opened. It rained shot an’ shell and me mate Nobby on number two reckoned he ‘ad’nt seen anythin’ like it since ninety eight. The shells were going over’ead an we was bein’ quiet like (still gaspin’ for a brew!), when the Captain galloped over the hill down to the battery. “Make ready with H.E., range one farsand yards,” he shouts. So we loaded double quick and got ready. Then we saw a first look at ‘em. Huge great fings they were, all steamin’ an clanking wiv flags flyin. I aint never seen anything like that before and it fair shook me rigid it did. Still, we kept at it and waited for the signal to fire. Then it ‘appened. A great airship swooped down out of the sky and started giving us some Maxim fire. Straight away men and ‘orses began to fall all about as the great steam machines ‘eaded straight up the slope towards us. Then it was madness as the machines opened up with guns and Maxims. Explosions, fires, screams and death there was as they lumbered up the hill. Nobby copped it early on – I told ‘im to be careful, the silly begger but ‘e ‘ad no chance against the machine. My gun got off around a dozen rounds before it jammed. By now they was on top of us, shooting left an’ right. Our Captain (a proper gent ‘e was) was standing, ‘is arm in a sling, firing off his revolver at the nearest of the brutes when we was overrun. He was a brave man alright, game to the last. There was nuthin’ I could do so I ‘id behind an upturned wagon and hoped they would pass by. I stayed put for ages, waiting until it was quiet. After the battle ‘ad moved away, I crept out to see if anyone was left alive. It was ‘orrible, all bits of broken guns an’ wagons and dead everywhere. I fink some of the crews was captured but I can’t be sure. The troop flag was still flyin’ so I took it down and stuck it in me pack – the Turks were not gettin’ their mitts on it, not if I ‘ad anythin’ to do wiv it! I ‘ad a quick butchers around and grabbed some gear – water and a rifle and made my way in the direction of the army. All I saw of our side was some cavalry, gallopin’ away from the machines, so I kept low and took it easy like. The journey back was a case of dodgin’ enemy patrols and lying low. Two days later I was picked up by a patrol and taken back to Cairo. I’ve still got the flag and when I get assigned to a new battery I’ll make sure they know how I got it an’ I’ll tell ‘em ‘ow we will get the scores even with Mr Turk. I owe me mates that.”
Both of these tales serve to show just how strong the mettle of our brave and plucky servicemen is; how, even in the midst of battle, unshakeable courage and resolve are the watchwords of Her Majesties Forces in the field.
However dark and troubled the path to victory is, whatever nefarious deeds and unspeakable beastliness our enemies may devise; there will always be the stalwarts of the Empire to shine the light of freedom in the heart of darkness.
GOD SAVE THE QUEEN AND HER HEROIC ARMED FORCES!
RETREAT TO THE GATES OF CAIRO
Fragmentary reports have been arriving at our Khartoum office of the running battle being fought against the Turkish invaders across the Nile Delta and up to the very gates of Cairo. Many details have yet to emerge from this calamitous event and so this report will be a summary of the main points. At his stage, so confused is the situation we are not even sure which units are deployed where. Such is the intensity of the fighting that many units have been unable to contact their respective headquarters for orders and wholesale uncertainty is hampering all attempts at organising any meaningful counterattacks.
To attempt to give our readers an insight into the fraught situation currently engulfing the Nile Delta we have carefully selected two reports ‘hot from the fight’ so to speak, from which a picture may be constructed of the calamity facing our gallant servicemen. This action has been approved by the War Cabinet to whom this journal, and its readers, extend their most sincere and grateful appreciation.
A DASHING CAVALRY OFFICER
“My troop was engaged in a forward reconnaissance some distance from the canal. My command consisted of some eighty troopers and I was inordinately proud of their turnout and manly bearing. It was first light on the day in question and I was about to partake in my breakfast prior to resuming the patrol of the forward positions when an immense bombardment rained down from the East Bank. The shells screamed overhead; well to the rear of our position and I immediately gave the order to break camp and prepare to move out. Within a thrice the men were mounted and breakfast was but a distant memory. It was whilst the barrage was roaring overhead that I first saw the dreaded war machines of the enemy lumbering towards us. With great gouts of steam pouring from their funnels and making hellish clanking and squeaking noises; these iron giants lurched ever closer. Needless to say, the horses became skittish and the men were having difficulty in controlling them. I was debating the best way of flanking and taking one of these beasts when the wretched thing began firing at our proud and defiant troop. The men were magnificent; standing proudly as shot and shell and then maxim fire began to play upon that valiant band whilst I considered our options for the attack. The casualties began to mount and, having seen sufficient of the composition of the attacking force to be able to report to my HQ, I reluctantly gave the order to disengage as out attack would have little chance of success. We would have another chance to take one of these machines in due course I was sure of that; still it was a damned nuisance having to leave such unfinished business! Our journey back to HQ was a thrilling dash from cover to cover; hotly pursued by exploding shells and gunfire from giant airships flying so low that you almost touch them. We had lost no more men when at last we arrived at what had now become the rearguard. We were tired, angry and defiant and ready to take the worst that Mr.Turk could throw at us, given half a chance. Alas! We were to form part of the cavalry rearguard whilst the main body of the army fell back towards Cairo, so our opportunity for revenge for our gallant fallen would have to wait for some other time”.
What pluck! What courage! This unnamed officer has provided a shining example of all that is bold and resolute in the face of the enemy. Whilst shot and shell wreaked its bloody carnage all around him, he coolly considered the options for attack with no thought for his own safety. Such is the stuff of which empires are won!
Our second report comes from an altogether different source. From the other end of the social spectrum a simple cockney artilleryman, the backbone of Her Majesties Forces and the salt of the earth. From a modest and humble background, uneducated and of little or no pretensions to be other than that which fate has ordained; this artilleryman also has a tale to tell. It is a tale of simple heroism, of doing one’s duty in the face of the enemy and with no fuss or bother.
“Lawks, it was a rum do an’ no mistake. There we was, deployed in a forward position, stuck out in the middle o’ nowheres when the balloon wen’ up. Our six guns were set up just below the ridgeline wiv’ only the officers up front. It was ‘ot and we was gaspin’ for a brew. Then the ‘eavens opened. It rained shot an’ shell and me mate Nobby on number two reckoned he ‘ad’nt seen anythin’ like it since ninety eight. The shells were going over’ead an we was bein’ quiet like (still gaspin’ for a brew!), when the Captain galloped over the hill down to the battery. “Make ready with H.E., range one farsand yards,” he shouts. So we loaded double quick and got ready. Then we saw a first look at ‘em. Huge great fings they were, all steamin’ an clanking wiv flags flyin. I aint never seen anything like that before and it fair shook me rigid it did. Still, we kept at it and waited for the signal to fire. Then it ‘appened. A great airship swooped down out of the sky and started giving us some Maxim fire. Straight away men and ‘orses began to fall all about as the great steam machines ‘eaded straight up the slope towards us. Then it was madness as the machines opened up with guns and Maxims. Explosions, fires, screams and death there was as they lumbered up the hill. Nobby copped it early on – I told ‘im to be careful, the silly begger but ‘e ‘ad no chance against the machine. My gun got off around a dozen rounds before it jammed. By now they was on top of us, shooting left an’ right. Our Captain (a proper gent ‘e was) was standing, ‘is arm in a sling, firing off his revolver at the nearest of the brutes when we was overrun. He was a brave man alright, game to the last. There was nuthin’ I could do so I ‘id behind an upturned wagon and hoped they would pass by. I stayed put for ages, waiting until it was quiet. After the battle ‘ad moved away, I crept out to see if anyone was left alive. It was ‘orrible, all bits of broken guns an’ wagons and dead everywhere. I fink some of the crews was captured but I can’t be sure. The troop flag was still flyin’ so I took it down and stuck it in me pack – the Turks were not gettin’ their mitts on it, not if I ‘ad anythin’ to do wiv it! I ‘ad a quick butchers around and grabbed some gear – water and a rifle and made my way in the direction of the army. All I saw of our side was some cavalry, gallopin’ away from the machines, so I kept low and took it easy like. The journey back was a case of dodgin’ enemy patrols and lying low. Two days later I was picked up by a patrol and taken back to Cairo. I’ve still got the flag and when I get assigned to a new battery I’ll make sure they know how I got it an’ I’ll tell ‘em ‘ow we will get the scores even with Mr Turk. I owe me mates that.”
Both of these tales serve to show just how strong the mettle of our brave and plucky servicemen is; how, even in the midst of battle, unshakeable courage and resolve are the watchwords of Her Majesties Forces in the field.
However dark and troubled the path to victory is, whatever nefarious deeds and unspeakable beastliness our enemies may devise; there will always be the stalwarts of the Empire to shine the light of freedom in the heart of darkness.
GOD SAVE THE QUEEN AND HER HEROIC ARMED FORCES!
A DAY OF INFAMY
TURKISH FORCES CROSS THE CANAL
HEAVY FIGHTING IN THE NILE DELTA
The War Cabinet has issued the following communique and we have been instructed to publish the contents contained therein in their entirety.
"At 3 O’clock this morning, GMT, the armed forces of the Ottoman Turkish Empire launched a massive and surprise attack against Imperial positions along the Nile Delta in Egypt. This coincided with large-scale assaults against positions along the Suez Canal, in conjunction with indiscriminate bombing raids directed at Port Sudan, Cairo, Port Said and Khartoum. Air attacks were also reported against naval installations as well as several military and civilian aerodromes. The attack on the Nile Delta was carried out by crack Jannisary formations and was supported by heavy Land Ironclad regiments and with close aerial support provided by the Ottoman Air Fleet. Fighting has been very heavy and in spite of operating under the dual handicaps of being both severely outnumbered and having been taken completely by surprise, Imperial forces have inflicted significant losses on the invading formations. For tactical reasons it has been deemed necessary for the Imperial forces currently in action to retire to alternate positions, thereby maintaining communications with the Sudan Field Force."
"Details of the various attacks are at the present time, unconfirmed, but it is almost certain that the Suez Canal has in fact, fallen. Imperial troops are understood to be falling back under extreme pressure along the entire length of this vital waterway; as a result of this units of the Red Sea Fleet have been placed on full alert. Similarly, both the Sudan and the Somaliland Field Forces have been mobilised with all leave being cancelled and the program of receptions planned to celebrate the arrival of the Australian Squadron has been, regrettably, postponed."
"Reinforcements are being despatched from all corners of the Empire to increase the size of both the Sudan and Somaliland Field Forces; prior to the commencement of operations against the Turkish aggressor. As a result of these attacks; Her Majesties Government has announced that unrestricted hostilities against the said Turkish aggressor are to commence forthwith."
"Further details will be made available at the appropriate time."
The editorial staff of this august journal would like to remind our readers that prior to this unprecedented development the forces of Her Britannic Majesty were operating at a much lower scale of operations. In fact, it would be fair to say the scale of military and naval activity was more within keeping with the role of an international policeman. It is true that a state of war existed between the Empire and that of the Turks but with certain, clearly defined conditions applied. The resultant agreement was unique in international diplomacy and was intended to serve as a model by which minor disagreements between nations could be resolved without the full horror of wholesale military action taking place. By mutual agreement, hostile activity was limited to the Red Sea area and both powers saw fit to ensure, by the most strenuous means possible, that the spectre of escalation was kept firmly in check. Indeed, both powers actively discouraged allies from taking common cause in this affair. Clearly the Government of the Sublime Porte saw fit to honour these obligations only for as long as was convenient whilst they were secretly making their nefarious plans.
By their damnable action; callously executed with scant regard for the protocol of international diplomacy and fairness, they have demonstrated to the whole world that they are incapable of observing the most basic principles of decency and honour associated with a civilised nation.
The editorial staff of this august journal staff have also made strenuous efforts to ensure that as many lines of communication from the theatre of war are kept open for as long as possible, in compliance with the request of the War Cabinet.
Further details will be published as soon as they are available.
GOD SAVE THE QUEEN!
HEAVY FIGHTING IN THE NILE DELTA
The War Cabinet has issued the following communique and we have been instructed to publish the contents contained therein in their entirety.
"At 3 O’clock this morning, GMT, the armed forces of the Ottoman Turkish Empire launched a massive and surprise attack against Imperial positions along the Nile Delta in Egypt. This coincided with large-scale assaults against positions along the Suez Canal, in conjunction with indiscriminate bombing raids directed at Port Sudan, Cairo, Port Said and Khartoum. Air attacks were also reported against naval installations as well as several military and civilian aerodromes. The attack on the Nile Delta was carried out by crack Jannisary formations and was supported by heavy Land Ironclad regiments and with close aerial support provided by the Ottoman Air Fleet. Fighting has been very heavy and in spite of operating under the dual handicaps of being both severely outnumbered and having been taken completely by surprise, Imperial forces have inflicted significant losses on the invading formations. For tactical reasons it has been deemed necessary for the Imperial forces currently in action to retire to alternate positions, thereby maintaining communications with the Sudan Field Force."
"Details of the various attacks are at the present time, unconfirmed, but it is almost certain that the Suez Canal has in fact, fallen. Imperial troops are understood to be falling back under extreme pressure along the entire length of this vital waterway; as a result of this units of the Red Sea Fleet have been placed on full alert. Similarly, both the Sudan and the Somaliland Field Forces have been mobilised with all leave being cancelled and the program of receptions planned to celebrate the arrival of the Australian Squadron has been, regrettably, postponed."
"Reinforcements are being despatched from all corners of the Empire to increase the size of both the Sudan and Somaliland Field Forces; prior to the commencement of operations against the Turkish aggressor. As a result of these attacks; Her Majesties Government has announced that unrestricted hostilities against the said Turkish aggressor are to commence forthwith."
"Further details will be made available at the appropriate time."
The editorial staff of this august journal would like to remind our readers that prior to this unprecedented development the forces of Her Britannic Majesty were operating at a much lower scale of operations. In fact, it would be fair to say the scale of military and naval activity was more within keeping with the role of an international policeman. It is true that a state of war existed between the Empire and that of the Turks but with certain, clearly defined conditions applied. The resultant agreement was unique in international diplomacy and was intended to serve as a model by which minor disagreements between nations could be resolved without the full horror of wholesale military action taking place. By mutual agreement, hostile activity was limited to the Red Sea area and both powers saw fit to ensure, by the most strenuous means possible, that the spectre of escalation was kept firmly in check. Indeed, both powers actively discouraged allies from taking common cause in this affair. Clearly the Government of the Sublime Porte saw fit to honour these obligations only for as long as was convenient whilst they were secretly making their nefarious plans.
By their damnable action; callously executed with scant regard for the protocol of international diplomacy and fairness, they have demonstrated to the whole world that they are incapable of observing the most basic principles of decency and honour associated with a civilised nation.
The editorial staff of this august journal staff have also made strenuous efforts to ensure that as many lines of communication from the theatre of war are kept open for as long as possible, in compliance with the request of the War Cabinet.
Further details will be published as soon as they are available.
GOD SAVE THE QUEEN!
Friday, 9 June 2006
A TALE OF THE ARABIAN KNIGHTS – A REPORT FROM THE ARABIAN PENINSULA
A NOTE FROM THE PROPRIETORS AND THE EDITOR.
The following report has been made available to this journal from the War Cabinet. We have been requested to observe their conditions in respect of publishing the same, on the grounds of avoiding compromising any operations that may be in progress or are being planned. Both the Proprietors and the Editor of this journal are more than happy to comply with this request; furthermore, they have arranged for any such communications to be reviewed by the War Cabinet prior to publication. The Freedom of speech, the right of every subject of her most Gracious Majesty, has been in no way undermined by the imposition of these conditions which have freely and readily been accepted by the aforementioned officers of this journal.
"A MEAN AND PETTY AFFAIR; UNWORTHY OF NOTICE OR RECOGNITION……"
"We travelled by night. The indifferent stars shone down on our progress with imperious contempt; as we laboured across limitless and unseen horizons to an uncertain goal. We travelled lightly, with no more than sacks of flour and dates and skins of water for sustenance – meagre victuals for our purposeful meandering. We carried only personal weapons – rifles, pistols and for those of a more noble temperament, swords. We had no artillery, no signals, no staff, no quartermaster, no pomp and no circumstance. Such things would have been worse than useless and we hurriedly abandoned such notions as rubbish and beneath our level of existence. We carried no flag and marched behind no band; such petty concerns were the instruments of an organised body and we had no such aspirations. Our loyalty was to each other; the fettering of honour that all men must submit to when faced with adversity. These moral shackles, given freely so that all of a single purpose could pursue a common cause without fear or doubt, became our creed. The social codes and etiquette; so dear and essential in my own time and place were an irrelevance; a sham which had no place under the deserts brazen sky. I had to discard them, and consign their conscious restraint to the recesses of my soul. Into this alien world, so different from my own, I was placed."
"Our mission was a familiar one; the execution an almost mechanical routine. We had an appointment with a railway line; no doubt marked on some officer’s map and with an inflated sense of value of that time and place. Twenty men of the Howeitat, Ali, Hamed and myself made our way by easy stages to the designated point. Several times we saw Turkish Airships, vast bloated things, the colour of dried camel dung and droning like a swarm of flies; the limp flag of the Ottomans always flying at their masts. In the azure blue sky they were easy for our party to see and they either failed to notice us or ignored us as an irrelevance. Patrols of troops caused us more concern but we were able to take advantage of places that no sane army would penetrate; the boulder - strewn slopes and twisting valleys that spelt death to the unwary or unprepared. The Turks assiduously avoided such places; much to our relief and benefit. The camels would protest vehemently and would need to dragged by their head stalls in order to comply with the wishes of their berating masters."
"Finally, after a journey lasting several uneventful and monotonous days, we arrived at our destination. Our arrival was at first light and we had determined to place the charges and be away from the inevitable enemy reaction during the following evening. This meant lying up for the day nearby, with the railway under observation. We would make no move until the day was well advanced and would retire from the scene during the hours of darkness to a safer observation point to witness the effects of our handiwork. This was our pattern and served as a regulation for our efforts. Practise and experience provided the instruction we needed and not that taken from works of theory. The charges were laid – a party of ten men and myself whilst the remainder covered us with the single Lewis gun and rifles, as well as guarding our life-giving camels. A pressure switch that incorporated a unique feature in that they were also steam sensitive operated our explosive devices. This meant that the old trick of placing a flat bed truck laden with slabs of rock would not serve to activate the explosive. Vented steam from an engine, together with the weight of the associated tender would however, do so. The steam switch could be used or ignored, at the discretion of the saboteur. We were after engines alone so had ours permanently engaged. The charges were laid and we were preparing our camp prior to departure when one of the lookouts announced that a Land Ironclad was heading along the line (the Turks had been using these monstrous vehicles for some time in this fashion) towards the point we had just mined. Despite their usually suicidal bravery in battle the men of the Howeitat were reluctant to face such a machine in battle. They considered such a device as an affront to man and went in mortal dread of them. We had no choice in the matter other than to stay as any attempt to escape from our refuge would be instantly seen and we had no illusions as to how long we could last under an assault from such a leviathan. We had to sit tight, to stay exactly where we were and hope that not only did they not see us but that also they had no accompanying infantry."
"Nervously we waited, the iced barb of fear in our stomachs and with throats parched with the desert sun and pure fear. The great machine, clanking noisily and belching great clouds of steam, trundled inexorably towards the spot we had mined. The ground beneath us shook and shuddered as the huge iron beast bore down on us. The strain was intense; the stomach – churning fear of sudden and violent death hovered over us like a waiting bird of prey. The slightest movement and we would be discovered. It then became too much to be borne by mere flesh and blood. One of the Howeitat; driven mad by the tortures of thirst and the prospect of impending death leapt to his feet, drew his scimitar and mauser pistol and with a screaming battle cry, ran down the scree – covered slope to attack the Turkish vehicle."
"He had not gone fifty yards when the great machine stopped and a machine gun hammered out its message of sudden death. His body tumbled to a halt at the foot of the scree, a lifeless jumble of cloth and torn flesh. Some shouted orders were heard coming from the conning tower of the vehicle and the great engine revved to a more urgent tone, belching and hissing with great gouts of steam as it swung about to face us in our woefully inadequate shelter. Before we had a chance to do anything by way of a reaction there was a mighty explosion. As the great machine had pivoted to face us it has obviously driven on to one or more of our mines. The act of revving the engine to give more power had caused steam to be vented straight under the machine, directly on the mines thereby emulating the action of a train. A huge cloud of smoke and showers of debris poured from the sky all around us. As the dust settled and the strident ringing in the ears subsided we were able to view the full extent of our damage. The Land Ironclad lay on its side diagonally across the railway, its destroyed innards belching thick black smoke into the clear desert sky. Small popping noises issued from within as the small arms ammunition caught fire. We stared, stunned by the enormity of our actions."
"Cautiously we approached the destroyed engine – from curiosity as much as anything when a small hatch clanged open. We stood, rooted to the spot as a Turkish officer, clearly dying, attempted to drag his shattered body from the wreckage. The spell broken by his movement, Ali shot him twice and he fell dead, slumped over the hatch. Smiling, Ali walked over to the dead Turkish officer and took his pistol from his hand and his fire scorched fez. Our own man was still alive but was clearly fading fast. His body was torn by the impact of many bullets and his skin was grazed and bleeding. We stood around him and, as if by our collective willpower we could save his life we helplessly watched him pass. Hamed broke the silence "It was his time, we will take his price." We gathered our belongings and after burying our recently departed brother made ready to depart."
"We were twenty three and now twenty two. Our number was reduced by the merest whole denomination. The reassuring creak of the camels saddles assuaged our anguish as we headed away. The pulse of life throbbed inexorably on and the indifferent heavens mocked our grief over such a mean and petty affair; unworthy of notice or recognition…..……."
Our readers must bear in mind that this report has been compiled in conjunction with the War Cabinet and the strictures observed therein. As part of this agreement we are unable to furnish the name of the officer in question although informed sources have hinted that a possible decoration may be awarded.
THIS IS BUT A SMALL PART OF THE TRAGEDY OCCURING DAILY WITHIN THE ARABIAN PENINSULA; A STORY OF THE FEW ATTEMPTING TO TACKLE THE MANY WITH THE AID OF OUR GALLANT OFFICERS.
TO OUR ARABIAN ALLIES – DO NOT DESPAIR, HER MAJESTIES FORCES ARE MAKING READY TO PROVIDE SUCCOUR AND COMFORT AND YOUR SUFFERING WILL BE SOON BE ALLEVIATED.
The following report has been made available to this journal from the War Cabinet. We have been requested to observe their conditions in respect of publishing the same, on the grounds of avoiding compromising any operations that may be in progress or are being planned. Both the Proprietors and the Editor of this journal are more than happy to comply with this request; furthermore, they have arranged for any such communications to be reviewed by the War Cabinet prior to publication. The Freedom of speech, the right of every subject of her most Gracious Majesty, has been in no way undermined by the imposition of these conditions which have freely and readily been accepted by the aforementioned officers of this journal.
"A MEAN AND PETTY AFFAIR; UNWORTHY OF NOTICE OR RECOGNITION……"
"We travelled by night. The indifferent stars shone down on our progress with imperious contempt; as we laboured across limitless and unseen horizons to an uncertain goal. We travelled lightly, with no more than sacks of flour and dates and skins of water for sustenance – meagre victuals for our purposeful meandering. We carried only personal weapons – rifles, pistols and for those of a more noble temperament, swords. We had no artillery, no signals, no staff, no quartermaster, no pomp and no circumstance. Such things would have been worse than useless and we hurriedly abandoned such notions as rubbish and beneath our level of existence. We carried no flag and marched behind no band; such petty concerns were the instruments of an organised body and we had no such aspirations. Our loyalty was to each other; the fettering of honour that all men must submit to when faced with adversity. These moral shackles, given freely so that all of a single purpose could pursue a common cause without fear or doubt, became our creed. The social codes and etiquette; so dear and essential in my own time and place were an irrelevance; a sham which had no place under the deserts brazen sky. I had to discard them, and consign their conscious restraint to the recesses of my soul. Into this alien world, so different from my own, I was placed."
"Our mission was a familiar one; the execution an almost mechanical routine. We had an appointment with a railway line; no doubt marked on some officer’s map and with an inflated sense of value of that time and place. Twenty men of the Howeitat, Ali, Hamed and myself made our way by easy stages to the designated point. Several times we saw Turkish Airships, vast bloated things, the colour of dried camel dung and droning like a swarm of flies; the limp flag of the Ottomans always flying at their masts. In the azure blue sky they were easy for our party to see and they either failed to notice us or ignored us as an irrelevance. Patrols of troops caused us more concern but we were able to take advantage of places that no sane army would penetrate; the boulder - strewn slopes and twisting valleys that spelt death to the unwary or unprepared. The Turks assiduously avoided such places; much to our relief and benefit. The camels would protest vehemently and would need to dragged by their head stalls in order to comply with the wishes of their berating masters."
"Finally, after a journey lasting several uneventful and monotonous days, we arrived at our destination. Our arrival was at first light and we had determined to place the charges and be away from the inevitable enemy reaction during the following evening. This meant lying up for the day nearby, with the railway under observation. We would make no move until the day was well advanced and would retire from the scene during the hours of darkness to a safer observation point to witness the effects of our handiwork. This was our pattern and served as a regulation for our efforts. Practise and experience provided the instruction we needed and not that taken from works of theory. The charges were laid – a party of ten men and myself whilst the remainder covered us with the single Lewis gun and rifles, as well as guarding our life-giving camels. A pressure switch that incorporated a unique feature in that they were also steam sensitive operated our explosive devices. This meant that the old trick of placing a flat bed truck laden with slabs of rock would not serve to activate the explosive. Vented steam from an engine, together with the weight of the associated tender would however, do so. The steam switch could be used or ignored, at the discretion of the saboteur. We were after engines alone so had ours permanently engaged. The charges were laid and we were preparing our camp prior to departure when one of the lookouts announced that a Land Ironclad was heading along the line (the Turks had been using these monstrous vehicles for some time in this fashion) towards the point we had just mined. Despite their usually suicidal bravery in battle the men of the Howeitat were reluctant to face such a machine in battle. They considered such a device as an affront to man and went in mortal dread of them. We had no choice in the matter other than to stay as any attempt to escape from our refuge would be instantly seen and we had no illusions as to how long we could last under an assault from such a leviathan. We had to sit tight, to stay exactly where we were and hope that not only did they not see us but that also they had no accompanying infantry."
"Nervously we waited, the iced barb of fear in our stomachs and with throats parched with the desert sun and pure fear. The great machine, clanking noisily and belching great clouds of steam, trundled inexorably towards the spot we had mined. The ground beneath us shook and shuddered as the huge iron beast bore down on us. The strain was intense; the stomach – churning fear of sudden and violent death hovered over us like a waiting bird of prey. The slightest movement and we would be discovered. It then became too much to be borne by mere flesh and blood. One of the Howeitat; driven mad by the tortures of thirst and the prospect of impending death leapt to his feet, drew his scimitar and mauser pistol and with a screaming battle cry, ran down the scree – covered slope to attack the Turkish vehicle."
"He had not gone fifty yards when the great machine stopped and a machine gun hammered out its message of sudden death. His body tumbled to a halt at the foot of the scree, a lifeless jumble of cloth and torn flesh. Some shouted orders were heard coming from the conning tower of the vehicle and the great engine revved to a more urgent tone, belching and hissing with great gouts of steam as it swung about to face us in our woefully inadequate shelter. Before we had a chance to do anything by way of a reaction there was a mighty explosion. As the great machine had pivoted to face us it has obviously driven on to one or more of our mines. The act of revving the engine to give more power had caused steam to be vented straight under the machine, directly on the mines thereby emulating the action of a train. A huge cloud of smoke and showers of debris poured from the sky all around us. As the dust settled and the strident ringing in the ears subsided we were able to view the full extent of our damage. The Land Ironclad lay on its side diagonally across the railway, its destroyed innards belching thick black smoke into the clear desert sky. Small popping noises issued from within as the small arms ammunition caught fire. We stared, stunned by the enormity of our actions."
"Cautiously we approached the destroyed engine – from curiosity as much as anything when a small hatch clanged open. We stood, rooted to the spot as a Turkish officer, clearly dying, attempted to drag his shattered body from the wreckage. The spell broken by his movement, Ali shot him twice and he fell dead, slumped over the hatch. Smiling, Ali walked over to the dead Turkish officer and took his pistol from his hand and his fire scorched fez. Our own man was still alive but was clearly fading fast. His body was torn by the impact of many bullets and his skin was grazed and bleeding. We stood around him and, as if by our collective willpower we could save his life we helplessly watched him pass. Hamed broke the silence "It was his time, we will take his price." We gathered our belongings and after burying our recently departed brother made ready to depart."
"We were twenty three and now twenty two. Our number was reduced by the merest whole denomination. The reassuring creak of the camels saddles assuaged our anguish as we headed away. The pulse of life throbbed inexorably on and the indifferent heavens mocked our grief over such a mean and petty affair; unworthy of notice or recognition…..……."
Our readers must bear in mind that this report has been compiled in conjunction with the War Cabinet and the strictures observed therein. As part of this agreement we are unable to furnish the name of the officer in question although informed sources have hinted that a possible decoration may be awarded.
THIS IS BUT A SMALL PART OF THE TRAGEDY OCCURING DAILY WITHIN THE ARABIAN PENINSULA; A STORY OF THE FEW ATTEMPTING TO TACKLE THE MANY WITH THE AID OF OUR GALLANT OFFICERS.
TO OUR ARABIAN ALLIES – DO NOT DESPAIR, HER MAJESTIES FORCES ARE MAKING READY TO PROVIDE SUCCOUR AND COMFORT AND YOUR SUFFERING WILL BE SOON BE ALLEVIATED.
Thursday, 8 June 2006
“WALTZ – IN” MATILDA, THE AUSSIES HAVE ARRIVED!!
MASSED CELEBRATIONS AS OUR FRIENDS FROM THE COLONIES SHOW THEIR METTLE!!
FIRST NEWS OF THE S.A.S.
Amidst scenes of great jubilation and tumultuous cheering, our gallant brothers in arms from fair Australia entered the naval dock at Port Sudan to commence immediate operations against the Turks. The squadron, flying the flag of Rear Admiral Ramsey, consists of the Heavy Monitor Cruiser H.M.A.S Castlemaine (squadron flagship) and her escorts the Light Monitors H.M.A.S. Hobart and Townsville. Also present are the Fixed Wing Tender H.M.A.S. Woomera and the light escorts: Platypus, Koala, Wallaby and Wombat. The three Aquanefs previously mentioned as forming part of the Australian contingent are thought to be on station but due to events off Yenbo reported earlier are believed to have been deployed immediately on operations. After a rousing arrival, including a stirring rendition of Waltzing Matilda delivered by the massed bands of the Royal Marines and the Port Sudan Garrison Artillery, followed by the official speech of welcome by the Governor, Sir Archibald Melrose, Rear Admiral Ramsey and his staff headed into a series of planning conferences with their Royal Naval opposite numbers that lasted deep into the night.
The importance of the Australian contribution to the Red Sea Fleet cannot be emphasised highly enough as they are the most modern of vessels. With the loss of the two cruisers - H.M.S. Exmouth and H.M.S. Sidmouth - reported earlier, the naval strength of the Empire in this region was perilously low when compared against the Turks. The balance has now been redressed somewhat and when further reinforcements are made available from the home fleet this will increase the Royal Navies operational capabilities immeasurably.
An additional concern, and a very real threat, is the continuing need to observe the two powerful German vessels currently attending the trade fair in Dar Es Salaam. Despite their protestations to the contrary, the obvious pro – Turkish leanings of the Germans makes the Ziethen and the Bayreuth powerful pieces in the diplomatic games being played out in the ministries of the world. These two vessels, easily the most modern and powerful currently in the Red Sea, would cause a major upset in the balance of naval power should they be made available to the Turks. As mentioned previously, the Germans have repeatedly denied in the strongest possible terms that their mission is anything but a peaceful one and contrary to popular opinion, their close association with the Turkish Government is purely from an advisory and commercial capacity. Nevertheless, it has been deemed prudent by their Lordships at the Admiralty to ensure that a squadron of Royal Naval vessels is on hand to act in a similar fashion and show the flag.
On the Arabian Peninsula itself, reports are filtering in of numerous acts of sabotage being carried out by our gallant Bedouin Allies. It is also rumoured that members of the newly formed Special Arabian Service (S.A.S.) have been involved in this activities. The occupying Turkish authorities are been gravely inconvenienced by these activities and are further rumoured to be redeploying additional forces to the Hedjaz to counter this threat. Due to the highly secret nature of these activities we are, of course, only able to furnish the briefest details in order not to compromise any operations currently underway.
Further details will be made available, subject to the above caveat, as soon as we are able.
THREE CHEERS FOR OUR GLORIOUS AUSTRALIAN BROTHERS IN ARMS – HUZZAH, HUZZAH, HUZZAH!!
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH THE GALLANT FREEDOM FIGHTERS OF THE BEDOUIN AND THEIR STALWART AND DARING AGENTS OF THE S.A.S.
FIRST NEWS OF THE S.A.S.
Amidst scenes of great jubilation and tumultuous cheering, our gallant brothers in arms from fair Australia entered the naval dock at Port Sudan to commence immediate operations against the Turks. The squadron, flying the flag of Rear Admiral Ramsey, consists of the Heavy Monitor Cruiser H.M.A.S Castlemaine (squadron flagship) and her escorts the Light Monitors H.M.A.S. Hobart and Townsville. Also present are the Fixed Wing Tender H.M.A.S. Woomera and the light escorts: Platypus, Koala, Wallaby and Wombat. The three Aquanefs previously mentioned as forming part of the Australian contingent are thought to be on station but due to events off Yenbo reported earlier are believed to have been deployed immediately on operations. After a rousing arrival, including a stirring rendition of Waltzing Matilda delivered by the massed bands of the Royal Marines and the Port Sudan Garrison Artillery, followed by the official speech of welcome by the Governor, Sir Archibald Melrose, Rear Admiral Ramsey and his staff headed into a series of planning conferences with their Royal Naval opposite numbers that lasted deep into the night.
The importance of the Australian contribution to the Red Sea Fleet cannot be emphasised highly enough as they are the most modern of vessels. With the loss of the two cruisers - H.M.S. Exmouth and H.M.S. Sidmouth - reported earlier, the naval strength of the Empire in this region was perilously low when compared against the Turks. The balance has now been redressed somewhat and when further reinforcements are made available from the home fleet this will increase the Royal Navies operational capabilities immeasurably.
An additional concern, and a very real threat, is the continuing need to observe the two powerful German vessels currently attending the trade fair in Dar Es Salaam. Despite their protestations to the contrary, the obvious pro – Turkish leanings of the Germans makes the Ziethen and the Bayreuth powerful pieces in the diplomatic games being played out in the ministries of the world. These two vessels, easily the most modern and powerful currently in the Red Sea, would cause a major upset in the balance of naval power should they be made available to the Turks. As mentioned previously, the Germans have repeatedly denied in the strongest possible terms that their mission is anything but a peaceful one and contrary to popular opinion, their close association with the Turkish Government is purely from an advisory and commercial capacity. Nevertheless, it has been deemed prudent by their Lordships at the Admiralty to ensure that a squadron of Royal Naval vessels is on hand to act in a similar fashion and show the flag.
On the Arabian Peninsula itself, reports are filtering in of numerous acts of sabotage being carried out by our gallant Bedouin Allies. It is also rumoured that members of the newly formed Special Arabian Service (S.A.S.) have been involved in this activities. The occupying Turkish authorities are been gravely inconvenienced by these activities and are further rumoured to be redeploying additional forces to the Hedjaz to counter this threat. Due to the highly secret nature of these activities we are, of course, only able to furnish the briefest details in order not to compromise any operations currently underway.
Further details will be made available, subject to the above caveat, as soon as we are able.
THREE CHEERS FOR OUR GLORIOUS AUSTRALIAN BROTHERS IN ARMS – HUZZAH, HUZZAH, HUZZAH!!
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH THE GALLANT FREEDOM FIGHTERS OF THE BEDOUIN AND THEIR STALWART AND DARING AGENTS OF THE S.A.S.
DISASTER OFF YENBO!
TWO CRUISERS SUNK!
"KARIF'S BEY " WREAKS DEADLY REVENGE FOR THE ASSAULT ON AQABA
It with deep regret that this journal has to report the loss of two of Her Majesties Armoured Cruisers off the coast of the Arabian Peninsula, some fifty miles west of the port of Yenbo. The two vessels; H.M.S. Exmouth and H.M.S. Sidmouth of the Devon class were carrying out a sweep along the coast; on the hunt for enemy inshore shipping, when they were engaged and sunk by the Turkish Aquanef: Karif's Bey.
The two Royal Naval vessels had apparently surprised the Turkish vessel on the surface and moved immediately into the attack. Both cruisers proceeded to open fire upon the Turkish vessel but failed to score any telling hits before it was able to evade their attentions by diving below the surface. There then followed a very tense hour or so as the two gallant cruisers attempted to engage the Turkish aquanef with depth bombs. Using the still to be perfected Undersea Position of Vessel Cartographogram apparatus (U.P.V.C as it is known in nautical circles) the two cruisers were able to plot the position of the enemy vessel but not with sufficient accuracy to inflict a telling blow. In the meantime, the enemy vessel, with obvious designs of its own, was able to manouver into a firing postion to unleash a salvo of deadly Electric Torpedoes (known as E.T.s in naval parlance) from what appeared to be point blank range.
Alas, the two Royal Naval cruisers, in an excess of brio in their attempts to force conclusions with the enemy vessel, had neglected to observe certain basic tactical principles when in such an action and, in operating in too close proximity to one another, duly presented the spread of Electric Torpedoes with not one, but two targets.
It was ascertained from survivors that the Sidmouth was hit twice and exploded in a spectacular display of pyrotechnics. This heroic vessel was still firing at the time of the explosion - her guns being used in a vain attempt to detonate the torpedoes before they reached their target. Of the crew of some six hundred brave officers and men unconfirmed reports indicate that only around forty souls survived, clinging to what little wreckage remained.
Within seconds the Exmouth was also hit by a single torpedo. This vessel however was vastly more fortunate than her ill-fated sister. She took around three hours to finally sink and so was able not only able to lower all her lifeboats but was also able to take onboard the shocked survivors of the Sidmouth as well.
At this point the Karif's Bey surfaced and immediately despatched a skiff to offer assistance to the shocked survivors. From their own supplies the Turkish sailors handed out hot mint tea, cigarettes, kebabs and Fezzes to the Royal Naval Officers and men. They also left quantities of medical supplies and took the more seriously wounded cases with them for medical treatment. The Turkish vessel stayed in the vicinity until some local patrol boats appeared on the scene to escort the lifeboats to Yenbo and to take charge of the prisoners. It must be pointed out that in respect and acknowlegement of their selfless and humane gesture, the Royal Naval prisoners stood to attention and gave their Turkish enemies three rousing cheers as the dreaded Man of War Karif's Bey slipped beneath the waves to continue her mission.
The Admiralty is compiling a full and detailed report on this disaster which will be discussed in full at the next emergency meeting of the War Cabinet.
THIS JOURNAL, AND ALL ITS READERS ACROSS THE LENGTH AND BREADTH OF OUR GLORIOUS QUEEN'S DOMAINS DULY OFFER A SALUTE TO YOU MR.TURK FOR OBSERVING SUCH HONOUR AND DECENCY ACROSS THE LINES OF WAR.
"KARIF'S BEY " WREAKS DEADLY REVENGE FOR THE ASSAULT ON AQABA
It with deep regret that this journal has to report the loss of two of Her Majesties Armoured Cruisers off the coast of the Arabian Peninsula, some fifty miles west of the port of Yenbo. The two vessels; H.M.S. Exmouth and H.M.S. Sidmouth of the Devon class were carrying out a sweep along the coast; on the hunt for enemy inshore shipping, when they were engaged and sunk by the Turkish Aquanef: Karif's Bey.
The two Royal Naval vessels had apparently surprised the Turkish vessel on the surface and moved immediately into the attack. Both cruisers proceeded to open fire upon the Turkish vessel but failed to score any telling hits before it was able to evade their attentions by diving below the surface. There then followed a very tense hour or so as the two gallant cruisers attempted to engage the Turkish aquanef with depth bombs. Using the still to be perfected Undersea Position of Vessel Cartographogram apparatus (U.P.V.C as it is known in nautical circles) the two cruisers were able to plot the position of the enemy vessel but not with sufficient accuracy to inflict a telling blow. In the meantime, the enemy vessel, with obvious designs of its own, was able to manouver into a firing postion to unleash a salvo of deadly Electric Torpedoes (known as E.T.s in naval parlance) from what appeared to be point blank range.
Alas, the two Royal Naval cruisers, in an excess of brio in their attempts to force conclusions with the enemy vessel, had neglected to observe certain basic tactical principles when in such an action and, in operating in too close proximity to one another, duly presented the spread of Electric Torpedoes with not one, but two targets.
It was ascertained from survivors that the Sidmouth was hit twice and exploded in a spectacular display of pyrotechnics. This heroic vessel was still firing at the time of the explosion - her guns being used in a vain attempt to detonate the torpedoes before they reached their target. Of the crew of some six hundred brave officers and men unconfirmed reports indicate that only around forty souls survived, clinging to what little wreckage remained.
Within seconds the Exmouth was also hit by a single torpedo. This vessel however was vastly more fortunate than her ill-fated sister. She took around three hours to finally sink and so was able not only able to lower all her lifeboats but was also able to take onboard the shocked survivors of the Sidmouth as well.
At this point the Karif's Bey surfaced and immediately despatched a skiff to offer assistance to the shocked survivors. From their own supplies the Turkish sailors handed out hot mint tea, cigarettes, kebabs and Fezzes to the Royal Naval Officers and men. They also left quantities of medical supplies and took the more seriously wounded cases with them for medical treatment. The Turkish vessel stayed in the vicinity until some local patrol boats appeared on the scene to escort the lifeboats to Yenbo and to take charge of the prisoners. It must be pointed out that in respect and acknowlegement of their selfless and humane gesture, the Royal Naval prisoners stood to attention and gave their Turkish enemies three rousing cheers as the dreaded Man of War Karif's Bey slipped beneath the waves to continue her mission.
The Admiralty is compiling a full and detailed report on this disaster which will be discussed in full at the next emergency meeting of the War Cabinet.
THIS JOURNAL, AND ALL ITS READERS ACROSS THE LENGTH AND BREADTH OF OUR GLORIOUS QUEEN'S DOMAINS DULY OFFER A SALUTE TO YOU MR.TURK FOR OBSERVING SUCH HONOUR AND DECENCY ACROSS THE LINES OF WAR.
DRAMATIC RESCUE OF AQABA HERO!
‘MEDIGS’ PROVE THEIR WORTH!
AIR ATTACKS INTENSIFY.
In a daring and dramatic rescue, the first time such a method has been employed in action, Lt. Herbert RN, Executive Officer the Royal Navy Monitor H.M.S. Chaos, was winched aboard the Medical Dirigible (‘MeDigs’ as they are known throughout the service) H.M.A.S. Pasteur for immediate treatment for wounds sustained in action against the Turks at the Aqaba Barrage. Our readers may recall that this gallant officer, completely oblivious of his own safety, rushed into the blazing conflagration of the wardroom in order to rescue many rare and valuable artefacts. This same officer, despite the intense heat and enemy shells whistling around his ears, proceeded to attempt, single-handedly, to drag the very valuable wardroom piano to a place of safety. Alas, he was stricken with a debilitating blow at the crucial moment as the gin decanter fell on his foot; rendering our hero helpless. The fire was extinguished a short while after and this gallant officer, ignoring manfully the obvious pain and discomfort of such a heinous injury, returned to his post on the bridge and only retired to the sick bay when ordered to do so by his Captain. The Lieutenant, who is believed to have broken the fifth metatarsal on his right foot, was diagnosed as requiring immediate surgical assistance that the vessels own facility could not provide. With this in mind the call went out to summon one of the newly formed Medical Dirigibles to airlift the heroic officer to safety. Within the hour the airship had arrived to take its precious cargo onboard to provide immediate succour and comfort.
With pride in their hearts and ramrod straight backs the crew of H.M.S. Chaos saluted their brave and resolute officer as he was winched into the air and back for a ‘Blighty’. In honour of this gallant officer’s bravery Captain Stewart ordered a double ration of ginger beer for his crew to be served with the evening meal of sardines on toast. The adulation in the faces of many a veteran jolly jack tar upon receipt of this humane and generous gesture was a sight to gladden the heart of all that stand true to the traditions of the senior service.
Such fortitude and sang froid is the very stuff of legend; these are the exploits upon which empires are won.
Much praise was also given to the crew of the Medical Dirigible H.M.A.S. Pasteur under the command of Captain Finlay. The skill and dexterity with which the giant airship was handled means that any of our servicemen who are unlucky enough to be injured in action will be able to take comfort that the MeDigs will soon be on hand to provide relief and succour during their hour of need. It is believed that several more of these vessels are being sent from England with all due despatch.
Finally, it appears that the scale of air attacks against our inshore shipping has increased dramatically with some fourteen separate raids recorded in the last week alone. These raids, never usually larger than three or four vessels are causing much consternation along the coast. Our own air assets are quite thinly stretched as a result of having to monitor enemy shipping and provide valuable intelligence for the fleet, and it is with steely resolve that the commander of our air forces is resisting all attempts to make any redeployment to the coastal region. This has caused a degree of unrest along the coast but we have been assured that moves are afoot to increase the anti-aeronef batteries and the early warning observation posts.
Of one thing though we can be certain. In whatever shape or form the Turkish foe decides to attack the territory or material of Her Majesties glorious domains he will be in for a pretty hot reception!
WHATEVER YOU CAN DISH OUT MR.TURK, WE CAN TAKE IT AND REVISIT IT TENFOLD!!
THE EMPIRE WILL NEVER WAVER IN ITS RESOLVE!!
AIR ATTACKS INTENSIFY.
In a daring and dramatic rescue, the first time such a method has been employed in action, Lt. Herbert RN, Executive Officer the Royal Navy Monitor H.M.S. Chaos, was winched aboard the Medical Dirigible (‘MeDigs’ as they are known throughout the service) H.M.A.S. Pasteur for immediate treatment for wounds sustained in action against the Turks at the Aqaba Barrage. Our readers may recall that this gallant officer, completely oblivious of his own safety, rushed into the blazing conflagration of the wardroom in order to rescue many rare and valuable artefacts. This same officer, despite the intense heat and enemy shells whistling around his ears, proceeded to attempt, single-handedly, to drag the very valuable wardroom piano to a place of safety. Alas, he was stricken with a debilitating blow at the crucial moment as the gin decanter fell on his foot; rendering our hero helpless. The fire was extinguished a short while after and this gallant officer, ignoring manfully the obvious pain and discomfort of such a heinous injury, returned to his post on the bridge and only retired to the sick bay when ordered to do so by his Captain. The Lieutenant, who is believed to have broken the fifth metatarsal on his right foot, was diagnosed as requiring immediate surgical assistance that the vessels own facility could not provide. With this in mind the call went out to summon one of the newly formed Medical Dirigibles to airlift the heroic officer to safety. Within the hour the airship had arrived to take its precious cargo onboard to provide immediate succour and comfort.
With pride in their hearts and ramrod straight backs the crew of H.M.S. Chaos saluted their brave and resolute officer as he was winched into the air and back for a ‘Blighty’. In honour of this gallant officer’s bravery Captain Stewart ordered a double ration of ginger beer for his crew to be served with the evening meal of sardines on toast. The adulation in the faces of many a veteran jolly jack tar upon receipt of this humane and generous gesture was a sight to gladden the heart of all that stand true to the traditions of the senior service.
Such fortitude and sang froid is the very stuff of legend; these are the exploits upon which empires are won.
Much praise was also given to the crew of the Medical Dirigible H.M.A.S. Pasteur under the command of Captain Finlay. The skill and dexterity with which the giant airship was handled means that any of our servicemen who are unlucky enough to be injured in action will be able to take comfort that the MeDigs will soon be on hand to provide relief and succour during their hour of need. It is believed that several more of these vessels are being sent from England with all due despatch.
Finally, it appears that the scale of air attacks against our inshore shipping has increased dramatically with some fourteen separate raids recorded in the last week alone. These raids, never usually larger than three or four vessels are causing much consternation along the coast. Our own air assets are quite thinly stretched as a result of having to monitor enemy shipping and provide valuable intelligence for the fleet, and it is with steely resolve that the commander of our air forces is resisting all attempts to make any redeployment to the coastal region. This has caused a degree of unrest along the coast but we have been assured that moves are afoot to increase the anti-aeronef batteries and the early warning observation posts.
Of one thing though we can be certain. In whatever shape or form the Turkish foe decides to attack the territory or material of Her Majesties glorious domains he will be in for a pretty hot reception!
WHATEVER YOU CAN DISH OUT MR.TURK, WE CAN TAKE IT AND REVISIT IT TENFOLD!!
THE EMPIRE WILL NEVER WAVER IN ITS RESOLVE!!
Wednesday, 7 June 2006
ACTION AT THE AQABA BARRAGE!
RN FORCES IN ACTION IN THE RED SEA! CHAOS AND MAYHEM ABOUND!
ENEMY VESSELS SUNK AND PRISONERS TAKEN!
OUR OWN LOSSES MINIMAL!
News has just reached our Khartoum office of a naval engagement two nights ago between elements of the Red Sea Fleet and the forces of Turkey at the entrance of the Gulf of Aqaba and within range of the vaunted ‘Guns of N’ah Faroun’. Despite the lack of an official communique being released by the Admiralty at the time of writing, our own sources have managed to obtain a summary of events which will, in the fullness of time, be fully supplemented by the official announcement.
It appears that a small squadron of gunboats; supported by the Monitors HMS Chaos and her sister ship HMS Mayhem carried out a moonlight sweep of the Aqaba barrage to engage and destroy the patrolling Turkish vessels tasked with the protection of this vital waterway. It further transpires that the two monitors were to provide heavy support for their smaller charges as well as ensuring that any larger Turkish vessels would be ‘kept honest’ by the weight of their combined broadside of four 9.2" Armstrong Breechloading Rifles. These would also, if the need arose, provide some measure of comfort against the unwanted attentions of the ‘Guns of N’Ah Faroun’. The voyage was made in easy stages and carried out by hugging the African coast and then cutting across the Red Sea in a high speed dash to time their arrival at the Aqaba barrage for the early hours of the morning. This was the trickiest part of the operation as it was deemed desirable to avoid the Turkish shore batteries including the aforementioned Guns of N’Ah Faroun. The journey was carried out by dint of some superb navigation on the part of the Squadron Commander and the arrival at the appointed place was made almost exactly at the time planned for the commencement of the operation. The arrival took the Turks completely by surprise and when the Royal Naval vessels opened fire on their hapless victims, it was some time before any effective resistance could be mounted. In the space of some fifteen minutes four Turkish patrol boats had been sunk and their vanquished crews seemed only too pleased to be hauled aboard the victorious Royal Naval vessels. During the course of this very brief and one-sided exchange some minor damage was sustained by HMS Chaos. Whether by chance or design the wardroom of this gallant vessel received numerous hits from small calibre weaponry and a minor conflagration broke out. This was rapidly extinguished but not before the drink cabinet was smashed beyond redemption and the contents, much to the obvious consternation of the ship’s officers, destroyed. Fortunately no casualties were sustained either in the brief enemy fusillade or the ensuing fire. Unconfirmed reports are being circulated that the Executive Officer broke his toe whilst attempting to single-handedly rescue the wardroom piano from the fire. For this gallant action, above and beyond that which is expected of one of Her Majesties Officers, the as yet unnamed hero has been subsequently recommended for a decoration. It is with some relief that we can also report that the portrait of the Queen was undamaged.
As a direct result of the ferocity of the Royal Naval attack, several enemy vessels were observed fleeing into the dark in some disarray and apparent confusion. Sometime later, a loud explosion was heard and it was assumed that the Turks had in fact, in their eagerness to avoid the vengeful guns of the Royal Navy, retreated into their own minefield!
However, whilst the assault had been executed in a highly successful fashion, the withdrawal would be a different matter entirely. It appears that Turkish surface forces attempted no pursuit of the gallant Royal Navy raiding force. At first light however, a patrolling Turkish Dirigible made contact and proceeded to shadow the plucky squadron. This halcyon state of affairs would not remain so for very long as a shortly after 9am local time, several elements of the Ottoman Air Fleet began a two hour intensive aerial assault. It was estimated that approximately twelve Dirigibles of varying sizes were used to bomb and strafe the hapless flotilla as it made its way to safety. Despite the ferocity and intensity of the Turkish attack the squadron emerged mercifully unscathed. Several near misses were recorded and some minor casualties sustained but no fatalities. Clearly the Turkish stomach for this fight was not as earnest as when engaging lightly armed Bedouin tribesmen! It was reported that some damage was inflicted on these aerial leviathans as one vessel was seen to withdraw from the action, trailing vast plumes of smoke.
Contact with the squadron ceased shortly after the aerial action concluded (we understand that this was planned and not the result of enemy action) as they are proceeding to an unknown destination for repairs. At the last time of reporting, the Turkish Air Fleet had departed – no doubt boasting of a great success to Istanbul – and no obvious attempt at following had been observed.
The readers of this august journal can rest assured that as soon as any official account of this action is available we will endeavour, with all due haste and alacrity, to publish the same as fully as we are able.
In the meantime however, the subjects of Her Majesties domains can take comfort from the fact that once again our gallant and courageous servicemen have acquitted themselves manfully in the teeth of the battle’s roar. For as long as our Navy and the men that serve in her continue to remain true to the heritage of centuries, Britannia will continue to rule the waves.
GOD BLESS HER MAJESTIES NAVY!!
HUZZAH TO CHAOS AND MAYHEM!!
ENEMY VESSELS SUNK AND PRISONERS TAKEN!
OUR OWN LOSSES MINIMAL!
News has just reached our Khartoum office of a naval engagement two nights ago between elements of the Red Sea Fleet and the forces of Turkey at the entrance of the Gulf of Aqaba and within range of the vaunted ‘Guns of N’ah Faroun’. Despite the lack of an official communique being released by the Admiralty at the time of writing, our own sources have managed to obtain a summary of events which will, in the fullness of time, be fully supplemented by the official announcement.
It appears that a small squadron of gunboats; supported by the Monitors HMS Chaos and her sister ship HMS Mayhem carried out a moonlight sweep of the Aqaba barrage to engage and destroy the patrolling Turkish vessels tasked with the protection of this vital waterway. It further transpires that the two monitors were to provide heavy support for their smaller charges as well as ensuring that any larger Turkish vessels would be ‘kept honest’ by the weight of their combined broadside of four 9.2" Armstrong Breechloading Rifles. These would also, if the need arose, provide some measure of comfort against the unwanted attentions of the ‘Guns of N’Ah Faroun’. The voyage was made in easy stages and carried out by hugging the African coast and then cutting across the Red Sea in a high speed dash to time their arrival at the Aqaba barrage for the early hours of the morning. This was the trickiest part of the operation as it was deemed desirable to avoid the Turkish shore batteries including the aforementioned Guns of N’Ah Faroun. The journey was carried out by dint of some superb navigation on the part of the Squadron Commander and the arrival at the appointed place was made almost exactly at the time planned for the commencement of the operation. The arrival took the Turks completely by surprise and when the Royal Naval vessels opened fire on their hapless victims, it was some time before any effective resistance could be mounted. In the space of some fifteen minutes four Turkish patrol boats had been sunk and their vanquished crews seemed only too pleased to be hauled aboard the victorious Royal Naval vessels. During the course of this very brief and one-sided exchange some minor damage was sustained by HMS Chaos. Whether by chance or design the wardroom of this gallant vessel received numerous hits from small calibre weaponry and a minor conflagration broke out. This was rapidly extinguished but not before the drink cabinet was smashed beyond redemption and the contents, much to the obvious consternation of the ship’s officers, destroyed. Fortunately no casualties were sustained either in the brief enemy fusillade or the ensuing fire. Unconfirmed reports are being circulated that the Executive Officer broke his toe whilst attempting to single-handedly rescue the wardroom piano from the fire. For this gallant action, above and beyond that which is expected of one of Her Majesties Officers, the as yet unnamed hero has been subsequently recommended for a decoration. It is with some relief that we can also report that the portrait of the Queen was undamaged.
As a direct result of the ferocity of the Royal Naval attack, several enemy vessels were observed fleeing into the dark in some disarray and apparent confusion. Sometime later, a loud explosion was heard and it was assumed that the Turks had in fact, in their eagerness to avoid the vengeful guns of the Royal Navy, retreated into their own minefield!
However, whilst the assault had been executed in a highly successful fashion, the withdrawal would be a different matter entirely. It appears that Turkish surface forces attempted no pursuit of the gallant Royal Navy raiding force. At first light however, a patrolling Turkish Dirigible made contact and proceeded to shadow the plucky squadron. This halcyon state of affairs would not remain so for very long as a shortly after 9am local time, several elements of the Ottoman Air Fleet began a two hour intensive aerial assault. It was estimated that approximately twelve Dirigibles of varying sizes were used to bomb and strafe the hapless flotilla as it made its way to safety. Despite the ferocity and intensity of the Turkish attack the squadron emerged mercifully unscathed. Several near misses were recorded and some minor casualties sustained but no fatalities. Clearly the Turkish stomach for this fight was not as earnest as when engaging lightly armed Bedouin tribesmen! It was reported that some damage was inflicted on these aerial leviathans as one vessel was seen to withdraw from the action, trailing vast plumes of smoke.
Contact with the squadron ceased shortly after the aerial action concluded (we understand that this was planned and not the result of enemy action) as they are proceeding to an unknown destination for repairs. At the last time of reporting, the Turkish Air Fleet had departed – no doubt boasting of a great success to Istanbul – and no obvious attempt at following had been observed.
The readers of this august journal can rest assured that as soon as any official account of this action is available we will endeavour, with all due haste and alacrity, to publish the same as fully as we are able.
In the meantime however, the subjects of Her Majesties domains can take comfort from the fact that once again our gallant and courageous servicemen have acquitted themselves manfully in the teeth of the battle’s roar. For as long as our Navy and the men that serve in her continue to remain true to the heritage of centuries, Britannia will continue to rule the waves.
GOD BLESS HER MAJESTIES NAVY!!
HUZZAH TO CHAOS AND MAYHEM!!
Tuesday, 6 June 2006
TURKISH DEPRADATIONS IN THE RED SEA!
MERCHANT MARINE IN UPROAR AS LOSSES MOUNT!
SALUTE TO A DARING AND PLUCKY FOE!
Since the outbreak of hostilities in the Middle East the merchant traffic of the Red Sea has been severely disrupted by the actions of the Turkish Aquanef Fleet operating from the port of Aqaba. At the time of writing some ten vessels have been captured and forced to sail to Turkish controlled ports. Aside from the loss of these valuable vessels there is also the question of the cargoes. Many vital raw materials have found their way into the Turkish war machine; to the obvious detriment of the Imperial war effort. Our sources have ascertained that the chief culprit in these abhorrent affairs is the Turkish Aquanef: Karifs Bey. This vessel, recently acquired from the Germans is described as being a purpose built commerce raiding submersible; designed with long range and heavy armament in mind. The design caused some controversy a number of years ago and was described at the time by many informed sources as "being neither fish nor fowl; the design can outshoot that which it cannot outrun and outrun that which cannot shoot at it". Our own Naval Designers were dismissive at the expenditure involved in such a design and limited use it would find in time of war. It appears in the light of recent experience that such a design is in fact a very specialised weapon and our own forces have no obvious answer to it. Our sources within the Naval Establishment have conceded that in this aspect of the war at sea the Turks have gained a temporary advantage over our own forces - no doubt prompted by the machinations of the Hun whose intentions towards this sensitive region are well known – and until such time as countermeasures have been developed this vessel will continue to give cause for concern.
In a restrained communique from the Admiralty it was announced that the Red Sea is now officially deemed a total exclusion zone. As a result of this announcement any shipping other than our own vessels operating within strictly controlled convoys (the sailing times of which will be duly reported in the Lloyds List for insurance purposes), will be deemed to be hostile and treated accordingly. This announcement received very mixed feelings from the shipping industry – the larger companies welcomed the introduction of a regularised convoy system whilst the smaller organisations were somewhat dismayed, mainly on economic grounds. In conjunction with this the Red Sea Fleet has also been tasked with the engagement and destruction of the Karifs Bey as a matter of priority.
To this end, a squadron of the Royal Australian Navy has been detached from the Far East Fleet to provide assistance in the hunt. The squadron, consisting of three Aquanefs and numerous surface vessels, including the Fixed Wing Tender HMAS Woomera is currently en route from Sydney and is expected within the week. These vessels will be placed under the command of Admiral Seymour Brookes, the commander of the Red Sea Fleet and will provide a valuable reinforcement in the area. The Admiralty further announced that aerial patrols would be increased over the coastal regions and full-scale surface sweeps would be increased to reduce the threat posed by the Turkish vessel.
It is to be noted that as far as we are able to ascertain the Turkish Commander has acted within the accepted laws of war and of the sea. At no time have any lives been endangered and he has strictly observed the correct and formal interpretation of all of its terms and conditions. Indeed, it would be foolhardy to underestimate the prowess and ability of this commander (the name of whom has been withheld for reasons of security) and it will require the utmost efforts on the part of our armed forces to prevail against this Turkish man of war. He has revived the traditions and fortitude of the corsairs of old; of Barbarossa and Dragut themselves. With his daring and chivalry he has carved a new chapter in the annals of naval history and for as long as men sail and fight either on or under the sea his exploits will be revered by both friend and foe. If it would not be deemed an affront to our gallant servicemen it is the humble opinion of this august journal that we are facing, even across the havoc of war, a bold and resolute commander.
GOD SPEED THE GALLANT SEAFARERS FROM AUSTRALIA AS THEY ANSWER THE CLARION CALL OF THE MOTHER COUNTRY!
HERES TO YOU JOHNNY TURK – MAY YOUR DEMISE BE AS SPECTACULAR AS YOUR (SHORT) CAREER, YOUR PLACE IN THE ANNALS OF NAVAL HISTORY IS ASSURED.
SALUTE TO A DARING AND PLUCKY FOE!
Since the outbreak of hostilities in the Middle East the merchant traffic of the Red Sea has been severely disrupted by the actions of the Turkish Aquanef Fleet operating from the port of Aqaba. At the time of writing some ten vessels have been captured and forced to sail to Turkish controlled ports. Aside from the loss of these valuable vessels there is also the question of the cargoes. Many vital raw materials have found their way into the Turkish war machine; to the obvious detriment of the Imperial war effort. Our sources have ascertained that the chief culprit in these abhorrent affairs is the Turkish Aquanef: Karifs Bey. This vessel, recently acquired from the Germans is described as being a purpose built commerce raiding submersible; designed with long range and heavy armament in mind. The design caused some controversy a number of years ago and was described at the time by many informed sources as "being neither fish nor fowl; the design can outshoot that which it cannot outrun and outrun that which cannot shoot at it". Our own Naval Designers were dismissive at the expenditure involved in such a design and limited use it would find in time of war. It appears in the light of recent experience that such a design is in fact a very specialised weapon and our own forces have no obvious answer to it. Our sources within the Naval Establishment have conceded that in this aspect of the war at sea the Turks have gained a temporary advantage over our own forces - no doubt prompted by the machinations of the Hun whose intentions towards this sensitive region are well known – and until such time as countermeasures have been developed this vessel will continue to give cause for concern.
In a restrained communique from the Admiralty it was announced that the Red Sea is now officially deemed a total exclusion zone. As a result of this announcement any shipping other than our own vessels operating within strictly controlled convoys (the sailing times of which will be duly reported in the Lloyds List for insurance purposes), will be deemed to be hostile and treated accordingly. This announcement received very mixed feelings from the shipping industry – the larger companies welcomed the introduction of a regularised convoy system whilst the smaller organisations were somewhat dismayed, mainly on economic grounds. In conjunction with this the Red Sea Fleet has also been tasked with the engagement and destruction of the Karifs Bey as a matter of priority.
To this end, a squadron of the Royal Australian Navy has been detached from the Far East Fleet to provide assistance in the hunt. The squadron, consisting of three Aquanefs and numerous surface vessels, including the Fixed Wing Tender HMAS Woomera is currently en route from Sydney and is expected within the week. These vessels will be placed under the command of Admiral Seymour Brookes, the commander of the Red Sea Fleet and will provide a valuable reinforcement in the area. The Admiralty further announced that aerial patrols would be increased over the coastal regions and full-scale surface sweeps would be increased to reduce the threat posed by the Turkish vessel.
It is to be noted that as far as we are able to ascertain the Turkish Commander has acted within the accepted laws of war and of the sea. At no time have any lives been endangered and he has strictly observed the correct and formal interpretation of all of its terms and conditions. Indeed, it would be foolhardy to underestimate the prowess and ability of this commander (the name of whom has been withheld for reasons of security) and it will require the utmost efforts on the part of our armed forces to prevail against this Turkish man of war. He has revived the traditions and fortitude of the corsairs of old; of Barbarossa and Dragut themselves. With his daring and chivalry he has carved a new chapter in the annals of naval history and for as long as men sail and fight either on or under the sea his exploits will be revered by both friend and foe. If it would not be deemed an affront to our gallant servicemen it is the humble opinion of this august journal that we are facing, even across the havoc of war, a bold and resolute commander.
GOD SPEED THE GALLANT SEAFARERS FROM AUSTRALIA AS THEY ANSWER THE CLARION CALL OF THE MOTHER COUNTRY!
HERES TO YOU JOHNNY TURK – MAY YOUR DEMISE BE AS SPECTACULAR AS YOUR (SHORT) CAREER, YOUR PLACE IN THE ANNALS OF NAVAL HISTORY IS ASSURED.
Monday, 22 May 2006
SECRET OPERATIONS IN THE ARABIAN PENINSULA!!
IMPERIAL AGENTS TO COORDINATE BEDOUIN EFFORTS ON HER MAJESTIES SECRET SERVICE!!
TURKISH ‘BLOCKADE’ BREACHED WITH IMPUNITY!!
In the weeks following the outbreak of hostilities between Her Majesties Government and Dominion Forces and those of the Ottoman Empire the Bedouin Arabs have suffered a seemingly never-ending series of reverses. Casualties have been heavy and the fragile unity of the tribes, striving to throw off the yoke of oppression, has been under immense pressure. Petty squabbling amongst the various tribal chieftains has aided the Turkish cause immeasurably. A divided Arabia is a far easier prospect to police than one united against a common enemy.
Whilst Her Majesties Forces continue to build up to fighting strength, both in the Red Sea and Egypt, the Government has rightly concluded that some form of supportive action is desperately needed; to ease the pressure on the beleaguered Bedouin tribesmen. Clearly, it would be foolhardy in the extreme to deploy men and material piecemeal; this would be inviting defeat in detail given the local Turkish superiority in most arms of service. With this in mind the joint Chiefs of Staff have issued the following communique:
“For the duration of hostilities in the Red Sea and Arabian Peninsula areas it has been decided to raise a small, highly trained formation of men, drawn from all arms of service and specialised in a great variety of military techniques. The purpose of this unit is to operate in conjunction with our Bedouin Allies in their struggle against the Turkish enemy. This unit will undergo the most strenuous training that can be provided; both physical and mental, and will have access to the finest equipment devised by the scientists of Her Majesties Empire. Training in many forms of combat and sabotage will provide a firm background of knowledge that will be required by the said operatives when operating behind enemy lines. Volunteers for this coveted unit will be very carefully selected and only serving members of the armed forces with exemplary records will be considered. Further details as to applications for this unit, as well as the terms and conditions applicable, will be made available in due course. This unit will be known as the Special Arabian Service or S.A.S for short.”
Through the efforts of our various sources we have managed to discover that in fact, despite the above official communication, serving officers of Her Majesties Armed Forces are all ready operating in such a capacity. These brave and plucky fellows, risking capture; torture and probably death on a daily basis have made their way by various means into the Arabian heartland, thereby bringing temporary succour to the Bedouin. By land, sea and air these stalwarts of the Empire have cocked a snook at the occupying forces and are, even now, plotting various acts of discomfiture in conjunction with our Bedouin Allies against the Turk and his German ally. By various means these gallant officers have made a mockery of the so-called blockade imposed by the Turkish authorities against any form of access to the Peninsula. Naturally we are unable to describe in any greater detail the operations currently being undertaken but as soon as further details become available we will ensure that these are faithfully reported.
REST ASSURED MR.TURK AND HERR HUN – RETRIBUTION FOR YOUR NEFARIOUS BEHAVIOUR WILL BE BOTH SWIFT AND SEVERE!!
TURKISH ‘BLOCKADE’ BREACHED WITH IMPUNITY!!
In the weeks following the outbreak of hostilities between Her Majesties Government and Dominion Forces and those of the Ottoman Empire the Bedouin Arabs have suffered a seemingly never-ending series of reverses. Casualties have been heavy and the fragile unity of the tribes, striving to throw off the yoke of oppression, has been under immense pressure. Petty squabbling amongst the various tribal chieftains has aided the Turkish cause immeasurably. A divided Arabia is a far easier prospect to police than one united against a common enemy.
Whilst Her Majesties Forces continue to build up to fighting strength, both in the Red Sea and Egypt, the Government has rightly concluded that some form of supportive action is desperately needed; to ease the pressure on the beleaguered Bedouin tribesmen. Clearly, it would be foolhardy in the extreme to deploy men and material piecemeal; this would be inviting defeat in detail given the local Turkish superiority in most arms of service. With this in mind the joint Chiefs of Staff have issued the following communique:
“For the duration of hostilities in the Red Sea and Arabian Peninsula areas it has been decided to raise a small, highly trained formation of men, drawn from all arms of service and specialised in a great variety of military techniques. The purpose of this unit is to operate in conjunction with our Bedouin Allies in their struggle against the Turkish enemy. This unit will undergo the most strenuous training that can be provided; both physical and mental, and will have access to the finest equipment devised by the scientists of Her Majesties Empire. Training in many forms of combat and sabotage will provide a firm background of knowledge that will be required by the said operatives when operating behind enemy lines. Volunteers for this coveted unit will be very carefully selected and only serving members of the armed forces with exemplary records will be considered. Further details as to applications for this unit, as well as the terms and conditions applicable, will be made available in due course. This unit will be known as the Special Arabian Service or S.A.S for short.”
Through the efforts of our various sources we have managed to discover that in fact, despite the above official communication, serving officers of Her Majesties Armed Forces are all ready operating in such a capacity. These brave and plucky fellows, risking capture; torture and probably death on a daily basis have made their way by various means into the Arabian heartland, thereby bringing temporary succour to the Bedouin. By land, sea and air these stalwarts of the Empire have cocked a snook at the occupying forces and are, even now, plotting various acts of discomfiture in conjunction with our Bedouin Allies against the Turk and his German ally. By various means these gallant officers have made a mockery of the so-called blockade imposed by the Turkish authorities against any form of access to the Peninsula. Naturally we are unable to describe in any greater detail the operations currently being undertaken but as soon as further details become available we will ensure that these are faithfully reported.
REST ASSURED MR.TURK AND HERR HUN – RETRIBUTION FOR YOUR NEFARIOUS BEHAVIOUR WILL BE BOTH SWIFT AND SEVERE!!
Thursday, 18 May 2006
TURKISH WAR MACHINES DRIVE ALL BEFORE THEM!!
ARAB FORCES ROUTED IN THE HEDJAZ
Word has just reached our offices in Khartoum of a crushing defeat inflicted on our gallant Bedouin allies somewhere in the Hedjaz, to the south of Shedia. Astute readers will doubtless recall a similar incident occurring during the earlier insurrection of 1911 when the Turkish Dirigible Maleesh was in action supporting Ottoman forces in this troubled region. This time however, the Ottoman force, rather than consisting of a small mobile column (in the fashion of our own Field Forces; latterly in use in both India and the Sudan) with limited aerial support; comprised the full paraphernalia of a modern and mechanised army. Great armoured vehicles, bristling with gun batteries and capable of levelling entire villages together with smaller, more agile versions used to seek out and find the enemy wherever he may take refuge, mean that no region can be deemed safe from their depredations. The Tribal Arabs, whilst being superb irregular warriors; both fearless and brave; have no answer to the might of these ponderous pachyderms. There are limits beyond which mere flesh is unable to prevail and in the diabolical devices of the Turkish Army the Bedouin have found theirs. A recent attempt by our gallant Bedouin Allies to cut the Medina railroad failed with heavy losses as the Turks deployed patrolling Land Ironclads and their various supporting Contraptions. The massed volleys of heavy artillery and machine gun fire from these mechanical monstrosities was awesome to behold and struck terror into the hearts of all that faced them. Cold steel and rifle fire are but puny irritations to these leviathans; one could as easily attempt to down a Rhinoceros with a peashooter as try conclusions with one of these armoured giants.
The force of some 1,500 Bedouin Tribesmen attempted to ambush the railway in order to prevent reinforcements being despatched to assist the beleaguered garrison in Medina. Unknown to the gallant Bedouin, the Turkish High Command (no doubt persuaded by their dastardly overlords from Berlin!) had also despatched this force of armoured vehicles to escort the troop train and to assist the garrison in its unsavoury oppression in the surrounding hinterland. The fight was brief and bloody as, despite repeated charges into the very teeth of the Turkish fire, the Bedouin were cut to pieces from all side. The bloodied but unbowed survivors; together with such wounded as were able to escape, dispersed into the surrounding wilderness. The Turkish convoy then proceeded on its way, impervious and unsullied.
It is the considered opinion of many on the Imperial Staff that the struggle of the Bedouin tribesman needs the support and succour of all reasonable and decent civilised nations and it is their earnest desire to fulfil this moral obligation as soon as is prudent to do so. In the meantime the struggle will go on and the hastily assembled forces of the Empire, still rallying around the clarion call of the mother country, will make all speed to provide such assistance as is necessary.
GOD SPEED TO OUR GALLANT FORCES ON LAND, SEA AND IN THE AIR!!
GOD BLESSES OUR GALLANT AND PLUCKY BEDOUIN FRIENDS IN THIS, THEIR DARKEST HOUR!!
THE THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS OF THE FREE NATIONS OF THE WORLD ARE WITH YOU!!
Word has just reached our offices in Khartoum of a crushing defeat inflicted on our gallant Bedouin allies somewhere in the Hedjaz, to the south of Shedia. Astute readers will doubtless recall a similar incident occurring during the earlier insurrection of 1911 when the Turkish Dirigible Maleesh was in action supporting Ottoman forces in this troubled region. This time however, the Ottoman force, rather than consisting of a small mobile column (in the fashion of our own Field Forces; latterly in use in both India and the Sudan) with limited aerial support; comprised the full paraphernalia of a modern and mechanised army. Great armoured vehicles, bristling with gun batteries and capable of levelling entire villages together with smaller, more agile versions used to seek out and find the enemy wherever he may take refuge, mean that no region can be deemed safe from their depredations. The Tribal Arabs, whilst being superb irregular warriors; both fearless and brave; have no answer to the might of these ponderous pachyderms. There are limits beyond which mere flesh is unable to prevail and in the diabolical devices of the Turkish Army the Bedouin have found theirs. A recent attempt by our gallant Bedouin Allies to cut the Medina railroad failed with heavy losses as the Turks deployed patrolling Land Ironclads and their various supporting Contraptions. The massed volleys of heavy artillery and machine gun fire from these mechanical monstrosities was awesome to behold and struck terror into the hearts of all that faced them. Cold steel and rifle fire are but puny irritations to these leviathans; one could as easily attempt to down a Rhinoceros with a peashooter as try conclusions with one of these armoured giants.
The force of some 1,500 Bedouin Tribesmen attempted to ambush the railway in order to prevent reinforcements being despatched to assist the beleaguered garrison in Medina. Unknown to the gallant Bedouin, the Turkish High Command (no doubt persuaded by their dastardly overlords from Berlin!) had also despatched this force of armoured vehicles to escort the troop train and to assist the garrison in its unsavoury oppression in the surrounding hinterland. The fight was brief and bloody as, despite repeated charges into the very teeth of the Turkish fire, the Bedouin were cut to pieces from all side. The bloodied but unbowed survivors; together with such wounded as were able to escape, dispersed into the surrounding wilderness. The Turkish convoy then proceeded on its way, impervious and unsullied.
It is the considered opinion of many on the Imperial Staff that the struggle of the Bedouin tribesman needs the support and succour of all reasonable and decent civilised nations and it is their earnest desire to fulfil this moral obligation as soon as is prudent to do so. In the meantime the struggle will go on and the hastily assembled forces of the Empire, still rallying around the clarion call of the mother country, will make all speed to provide such assistance as is necessary.
GOD SPEED TO OUR GALLANT FORCES ON LAND, SEA AND IN THE AIR!!
GOD BLESSES OUR GALLANT AND PLUCKY BEDOUIN FRIENDS IN THIS, THEIR DARKEST HOUR!!
THE THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS OF THE FREE NATIONS OF THE WORLD ARE WITH YOU!!
Saturday, 13 May 2006
WAR WITH TURKEY!
FAILURE OF DIPLOMACY AS DEADLINE EXPIRES!
"THE LIGHTS HAVE GONE OUT OVER THE MIDDLE EAST" SAYS FOREIGN SECRETARY SIR GORDON BENNET
HM FORCES ARE FULLY PREPARED FOR ACTION
DOMINION TROOPS FLOCK TO THE AID OF THE MOTHER COUNTRY
AN APOLOGY FROM THE EDITOR
In a day of far reaching consequence our correspondants have been hard pressed to assimilate and distribute the news concerning the Red Sea crisis. With the overwhelming amount of telegraphic communication being passed to the newsdesks of the world from a myriad of sources it has been a gargantuan task to present a fair, clear and not misleading overview of events. For this apparent lapse in our usually impeccable standard of reporting I can only offer our sincerest apologies and can say, without fear of contradiction, that we shall endeavour to resolve these technological issues to the upmost of our ability to ensure that the standard of communicaton from this journal will be of the highest order.
I am, respectfully, your obediant servant,
G. McArdle - Editor
From the Press Secretary of the Prime Ministers Office (Sir Giles Villiers - Roehampton, M.P. for Rye):
"Despite the very best and sincerest efforts on the part of Her Majesties Government to abate both the geographic areas of contention and the very obvious humanitarian issues in the Red Sea area it is with the greatest regret that the Government of Turkey has deemed it fit to ignore such proposals as would serve to alleviate the numerous tensions that exist at this time within this sensitive region. Despite many efforts on the part of this Government it is now obvious that no further dialogue will serve to dissuade the Turkish authorities from their desired course of action. These actions are to be viewed by this Government in the most detrimental of terms; so much so, that the only course of action that can be pursued is to reluctantly, and with the very greatest of regrets, deem a state of war to exist between the Her Britannic Majesties Dominions and those of the Imperial Ottoman Empire. With effect from midnight tonight, the 17th of May 1912, a state of war exists between those two aforementioned parties. A further announcement will be made in due course."
GOD SAVE THE QUEEN AND GODSPEED TO OUR GALLANT FORCES AND THEIR NOBLE ALLIES, THE BEDOUIN ARABS!
"THE LIGHTS HAVE GONE OUT OVER THE MIDDLE EAST" SAYS FOREIGN SECRETARY SIR GORDON BENNET
HM FORCES ARE FULLY PREPARED FOR ACTION
DOMINION TROOPS FLOCK TO THE AID OF THE MOTHER COUNTRY
AN APOLOGY FROM THE EDITOR
In a day of far reaching consequence our correspondants have been hard pressed to assimilate and distribute the news concerning the Red Sea crisis. With the overwhelming amount of telegraphic communication being passed to the newsdesks of the world from a myriad of sources it has been a gargantuan task to present a fair, clear and not misleading overview of events. For this apparent lapse in our usually impeccable standard of reporting I can only offer our sincerest apologies and can say, without fear of contradiction, that we shall endeavour to resolve these technological issues to the upmost of our ability to ensure that the standard of communicaton from this journal will be of the highest order.
I am, respectfully, your obediant servant,
G. McArdle - Editor
From the Press Secretary of the Prime Ministers Office (Sir Giles Villiers - Roehampton, M.P. for Rye):
"Despite the very best and sincerest efforts on the part of Her Majesties Government to abate both the geographic areas of contention and the very obvious humanitarian issues in the Red Sea area it is with the greatest regret that the Government of Turkey has deemed it fit to ignore such proposals as would serve to alleviate the numerous tensions that exist at this time within this sensitive region. Despite many efforts on the part of this Government it is now obvious that no further dialogue will serve to dissuade the Turkish authorities from their desired course of action. These actions are to be viewed by this Government in the most detrimental of terms; so much so, that the only course of action that can be pursued is to reluctantly, and with the very greatest of regrets, deem a state of war to exist between the Her Britannic Majesties Dominions and those of the Imperial Ottoman Empire. With effect from midnight tonight, the 17th of May 1912, a state of war exists between those two aforementioned parties. A further announcement will be made in due course."
GOD SAVE THE QUEEN AND GODSPEED TO OUR GALLANT FORCES AND THEIR NOBLE ALLIES, THE BEDOUIN ARABS!
Wednesday, 10 May 2006
TOWARDS THE PRECIPICE!
DISBELIEF AT TURKISH DEMANDS!
AMBASSODOR RECALLED!
Following on from our previous edition it is with extreme regret and heartfelt sorrow that it is our duty to report that the Turkish Government has failed to respond in a constructive fashion to our observations concerning the uncertain situation in the Red Sea. Despite numerous attempts to engage in a meaningful dialogue it is apparent that time for mere words has long passed and that action, however abhorrent it is deemed to be may now be the only course of action available in the resolution of the many issues outstanding in this region. It is obvious that the time for reasoning has passed and that the time for action is upon us. The expectation that Her Majesties forces will meekly retire to their bases and sit by idly whilst a rapacious predator makes light of all that is just and righteous is simply too outrageous to contemplate. The extraordinary demand that Imperial forces should withdraw to Egypt and the Mediterranean, thereby isolating our noble Arab Allies in their hour of greatest need and leaving them defenceless at the hands of their merciless oppressors is not an option that Her Majesties Government would consider. Similarly, the plight of the humble fishermen of the Gulf of Aqaba; risking life and limb daily, running the gauntlet of Turkish gunboats and minefields is a very unpalatable dish for Her Majesties Government to feast upon.
The Arabian Peninsula belongs to the Arabs who, although separated by tribal boundaries, are the legitimate ruling authorities and are recognised as such by Her Majesties Government. It is the avowed intention of the same Government to ensure that any such authorities are allowed free reign to administer their territories free from any would be oppressor.
The Turkish Government has maintained that the insurrection of the Bedouin tribes is not the struggle for independence as portrayed in the (British) press – rather it is rebellion against the lawful authority as decreed by right of conquest centuries ago. They further maintain that the mining of what are therefore, their own territorial waters, is a preventative measure to ensure that the various subversive elements (i.e. the revolting Bedouin Tribesmen) are unable to receive unwarranted foreign aid and is therefore not the business of any other sovereign power. They then go on to point out that the said minefields are within the 3-mile limit, which is internationally recognised. Her Majesties Government has information to the contrary in this case but has decided in any event to recall the ambassador from Damascus, Sir Reginald Arquette-Smythe.
A special edition of this journal will be published at midday tomorrow.
AMBASSODOR RECALLED!
Following on from our previous edition it is with extreme regret and heartfelt sorrow that it is our duty to report that the Turkish Government has failed to respond in a constructive fashion to our observations concerning the uncertain situation in the Red Sea. Despite numerous attempts to engage in a meaningful dialogue it is apparent that time for mere words has long passed and that action, however abhorrent it is deemed to be may now be the only course of action available in the resolution of the many issues outstanding in this region. It is obvious that the time for reasoning has passed and that the time for action is upon us. The expectation that Her Majesties forces will meekly retire to their bases and sit by idly whilst a rapacious predator makes light of all that is just and righteous is simply too outrageous to contemplate. The extraordinary demand that Imperial forces should withdraw to Egypt and the Mediterranean, thereby isolating our noble Arab Allies in their hour of greatest need and leaving them defenceless at the hands of their merciless oppressors is not an option that Her Majesties Government would consider. Similarly, the plight of the humble fishermen of the Gulf of Aqaba; risking life and limb daily, running the gauntlet of Turkish gunboats and minefields is a very unpalatable dish for Her Majesties Government to feast upon.
The Arabian Peninsula belongs to the Arabs who, although separated by tribal boundaries, are the legitimate ruling authorities and are recognised as such by Her Majesties Government. It is the avowed intention of the same Government to ensure that any such authorities are allowed free reign to administer their territories free from any would be oppressor.
The Turkish Government has maintained that the insurrection of the Bedouin tribes is not the struggle for independence as portrayed in the (British) press – rather it is rebellion against the lawful authority as decreed by right of conquest centuries ago. They further maintain that the mining of what are therefore, their own territorial waters, is a preventative measure to ensure that the various subversive elements (i.e. the revolting Bedouin Tribesmen) are unable to receive unwarranted foreign aid and is therefore not the business of any other sovereign power. They then go on to point out that the said minefields are within the 3-mile limit, which is internationally recognised. Her Majesties Government has information to the contrary in this case but has decided in any event to recall the ambassador from Damascus, Sir Reginald Arquette-Smythe.
A special edition of this journal will be published at midday tomorrow.
Tuesday, 9 May 2006
TURKISH COMMUNIQUE CAUSES UPROAR!
EMERGENCY MEETING OF THE CABINET HELD – PARLIAMENT RECALLED!
AIR AND NAVAL ASSETS TO BE DEPLOYED IN THE RED SEA
Following the receipt of an official Turkish Government communiqué yesterday evening, the cabinet has met in an emergency session to discuss the contents therein. A further development was the recall of parliament to debate the matter further. Clearly this is an ominous turn of events and the contents of the communiqué (as yet not released to the public) can be assumed to be provocative in the extreme. Whilst the contents are being debated upon, the Cabinet Press Secretary, The Right Honourable Sir Giles Villiers – Roehampton, MP for Rye, has issued this very brief statement:
"Her Majesties Government; upon receipt of an official communique from the Government of Turkey, is meeting to discuss and consider the contents therein. The gravity and seriousness of what has been communicated requires that we very carefully, and with all due diligence, consider the full implications of both the Turkish and our own responses. The protection of the sovereign territory of this empire and its friends and allies is a responsibility that this Government takes very seriously. With this in mind, although with very great reluctance and sadness, additional elements of Her Majesties Air and Naval Forces are to be despatched immediately to the Red Sea. This should not be construed as an act of aggression on the part of the British Empire – it is merely to safeguard our interests, and those of our friends and allies in the region during this time of uncertainty. An appropriate response will be sent to the Turkish Government in due course but as a preliminary measure Her Majesties Government has formally requested that any efforts towards mining the Gulf of Aqaba should cease forthwith, pending discussions to be held at the appropriate time and in the appropriate forum. That is the end of this statement – further details will be announced in due course."
Seldom has a Government statement been delivered in such a restrained fashion and it was apparent that Sir Giles was maintaining his composure with the greatest of difficulty in the face of such blatant provocation and disregard for the protocol of international diplomacy.
GOD SPEED TO OUR GALLANT FORCES EN ROUTE TO THE RED SEA!
AIR AND NAVAL ASSETS TO BE DEPLOYED IN THE RED SEA
Following the receipt of an official Turkish Government communiqué yesterday evening, the cabinet has met in an emergency session to discuss the contents therein. A further development was the recall of parliament to debate the matter further. Clearly this is an ominous turn of events and the contents of the communiqué (as yet not released to the public) can be assumed to be provocative in the extreme. Whilst the contents are being debated upon, the Cabinet Press Secretary, The Right Honourable Sir Giles Villiers – Roehampton, MP for Rye, has issued this very brief statement:
"Her Majesties Government; upon receipt of an official communique from the Government of Turkey, is meeting to discuss and consider the contents therein. The gravity and seriousness of what has been communicated requires that we very carefully, and with all due diligence, consider the full implications of both the Turkish and our own responses. The protection of the sovereign territory of this empire and its friends and allies is a responsibility that this Government takes very seriously. With this in mind, although with very great reluctance and sadness, additional elements of Her Majesties Air and Naval Forces are to be despatched immediately to the Red Sea. This should not be construed as an act of aggression on the part of the British Empire – it is merely to safeguard our interests, and those of our friends and allies in the region during this time of uncertainty. An appropriate response will be sent to the Turkish Government in due course but as a preliminary measure Her Majesties Government has formally requested that any efforts towards mining the Gulf of Aqaba should cease forthwith, pending discussions to be held at the appropriate time and in the appropriate forum. That is the end of this statement – further details will be announced in due course."
Seldom has a Government statement been delivered in such a restrained fashion and it was apparent that Sir Giles was maintaining his composure with the greatest of difficulty in the face of such blatant provocation and disregard for the protocol of international diplomacy.
GOD SPEED TO OUR GALLANT FORCES EN ROUTE TO THE RED SEA!
Monday, 8 May 2006
TURKISH PERFIDY EXPOSED!!
RUMOURS ABOUND OF THE LATEST TURKISH MACHINATIONS IN THE GULF REGION
Whilst the tension in the Gulf of Aqaba continues to rise rumours have reached our Khartoum office of the deployment of large numbers of Turkish Armoured Conveyances and Contraptions within this sensitive region. These vehicles (believed to be of German design and construction) are more powerful than any weapons our noble Bedouin Allies can field and if utilised will spell certain doom for those gallant freedom fighters. At the time of writing no images are available of these monstrous and diabolical constructions - however, our sources within the peninsula are endeavouring to obtain some thereby exposing to the world the vile machinations of the Turk and his devious ally, the dastardly Hun.
More to follow, as soon as it is available.
Whilst the tension in the Gulf of Aqaba continues to rise rumours have reached our Khartoum office of the deployment of large numbers of Turkish Armoured Conveyances and Contraptions within this sensitive region. These vehicles (believed to be of German design and construction) are more powerful than any weapons our noble Bedouin Allies can field and if utilised will spell certain doom for those gallant freedom fighters. At the time of writing no images are available of these monstrous and diabolical constructions - however, our sources within the peninsula are endeavouring to obtain some thereby exposing to the world the vile machinations of the Turk and his devious ally, the dastardly Hun.
More to follow, as soon as it is available.
Tuesday, 2 May 2006
THE GUNS OF N'AH FAROUN
THE GUNS OF N'AH FAROUN - TURKISH PERFIDY IN THE GULF OF AQABA!!
Reports are just coming in of the latest outrage committed by the Turks in collusion with their German allies. Vessels of the Turkish navy - no doubt under the supervision of the so called advisors from Berlin - have been extensively mining the entrance to the Gulf of Aqaba as well as increasing patrols by both sea and air over that sensitive region. It has also been reported that several large calibre gun batteries have been set up in the region of N'Ah Faroun to protect the aforementioned minefields. Further details will be made available as soon as we have them.
Our readers however, can rest assured that the gallant forces of Her Majesty will not remain idle in the face of this blatant provocation in fact, at this very moment, plans are being made at the very highest level to alleviate this situation and to provide succour to our noble Bedouin Allies.
Reports are just coming in of the latest outrage committed by the Turks in collusion with their German allies. Vessels of the Turkish navy - no doubt under the supervision of the so called advisors from Berlin - have been extensively mining the entrance to the Gulf of Aqaba as well as increasing patrols by both sea and air over that sensitive region. It has also been reported that several large calibre gun batteries have been set up in the region of N'Ah Faroun to protect the aforementioned minefields. Further details will be made available as soon as we have them.
Our readers however, can rest assured that the gallant forces of Her Majesty will not remain idle in the face of this blatant provocation in fact, at this very moment, plans are being made at the very highest level to alleviate this situation and to provide succour to our noble Bedouin Allies.
Thursday, 27 April 2006
THE TERROR UNDER AFRICA'S BLAZING SUN
Diplodicus Galumphant!!
HM Land Ironclads Stride Majestically Across Africa's Burning Sands!!
With purposeful strides and with armour that is all but impervious to enemy fire, the Land Ironclads of Her Majesty's newly formed armoured cavalry regiments show what they are made of. With guns blazing and flags streaming in the desert breeze, these metal machines of destruction strike terror in all whom oppose the subjects of the Empire. Travelling at speeds in excess of fifteen miles an hour these fearful weapons can strike hard and quickly; overwhelming the opposition with consumate ease. With four regiments of these leviathans deployed in the Sudan area any self styled 'Mullah' had best beware - the reach and power of Her Majesty's forces can now extend to even the most inaccessible and inhospitable areas with ease.
It is to be hoped that the forces of the Sublime Porte and their Hun advisors have taken note of these deployments and will therefore desist from their nefarious activities against our gallant allies - the Bedouin Tribes of Arabia.
HM Land Ironclads Stride Majestically Across Africa's Burning Sands!!
With purposeful strides and with armour that is all but impervious to enemy fire, the Land Ironclads of Her Majesty's newly formed armoured cavalry regiments show what they are made of. With guns blazing and flags streaming in the desert breeze, these metal machines of destruction strike terror in all whom oppose the subjects of the Empire. Travelling at speeds in excess of fifteen miles an hour these fearful weapons can strike hard and quickly; overwhelming the opposition with consumate ease. With four regiments of these leviathans deployed in the Sudan area any self styled 'Mullah' had best beware - the reach and power of Her Majesty's forces can now extend to even the most inaccessible and inhospitable areas with ease.
It is to be hoped that the forces of the Sublime Porte and their Hun advisors have taken note of these deployments and will therefore desist from their nefarious activities against our gallant allies - the Bedouin Tribes of Arabia.
British Walkers ready to deploy
Fresh from OGREFENCER's VSF Factorium, come the first of the British Walkers destined for future service in foreign lands in the suppression the recent Arab revolt (click for larger pics).These walking ironclads come in two variants - a light scout variant and a heavier and more well armoured version, with 2 and 4 legs respectively.
Modelling Notes: All the models began life as Irregular Miniatures 2mm Sci Fi walkers with extra VSF fittings in the shape of plastic funnels and military masts - plastic rod and Battlefleet Gothic spares respectively, and extra gun batteries and flags courtesy of Brigade models. The bases are from Essex Miniatures, coated with PVA and sand. All painted and assembled by Ogrefencer.
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