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Post by pelwrath on Oct 29, 2022 9:37:22 GMT -6
My current WIP, my start point is 20k my goal is to reach 50k, so another 30k.
As a history major, I made a change in pre-WW2 Italian history and this led to an Italian victory at the Battle of Punto Stilo. And the decision to Invade Malta in September 1940.
I’ve three pages of names, changed and guidelines to keep me within the guardrails. Soliton earlier this year provided his thoughts on what I had ( circa 10k then). My intention is to make this a stand alone story.
On my personal side, I took my retirement earlier at the end of last year, wife and I are remodeling the house 1 room at a time. About two months ago I was diagnosed with stage 1 prostate cancer and am working with my doctor and healthcare over my treatment. It’s the easiest cancer to treat. FYI, I’m 41 with 22 years of experience.
I’ll post snippets and my thoughts on where it’s going. Do my best to NOT EDIT as I write, which is another thing I discovered I do.
CURRNT BOOK STATUS
The airborne landings have just happened in the northern part of Malta, near the town of Musta and Fort Musta and the western coast. The sea invasion is at Mellehelia Bay. Later I’ll post some of players in the story. I’m trying to stay close to history with equipment, people, and such. Any and all comments or suggestions on my post are welcome.
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Post by pelwrath on Oct 29, 2022 21:40:21 GMT -6
The MC's and more common support characters.
British characters
Lt. General William Dobbie- Governor and commander of Malta.
Admiral Andrew Cunningham- Commander of the British Mediterranean Fleet at Alexandria
Commandant Alfred Cazaud -13th Free French DBL.
Lt. Colonel Dimitri Amilakvari 2nd Hussars Regiment and the Royal Natal Carbineers battalion
General Wavell- Commander of all British forces in the Middle East.
Admiral Somerville- Commander of Force H.
Geoffrey Goddard- Reporter for the BBC.
Lieutenant Colonel-Surgeon- Maxwell Foss, in charge of the military hospitals on Malta.
Lieutenant Colonel Kathleen McCullen- Commander of the QARANC -Queen Alexandra’s Royal Nursing Corps, on Malta.
Major Rebecca Hathaway- Kathleen’s assistant.
Lt Col R Peyton-Reid-commander of the Kings Own Maltese Regiment.
Italian characters
Tenente Colonnello Baria Santori- Commander of the 185th Italian parachute Battalion-reformed as part of the Folgore Regiment,
Tenente Colonnello Goffredo Tonini. -Commander of the 1st Libyan parachute Battalion- reformed as part of the Folgore regiment.
Tenente Colonnello Thomaso Marzetti- Commander of the 2nd Libyan Parachute Battalion-reformed as part of the Folgore regiment.
Enrico Frattini-Newly Promoted to command the Folgore Parachute Regiment.
Vincente Marzio Luogotenente Generale, Commander of the 7th Motorized CCNN division. Nephew to Count Galeazzo Ciano.
Admiral Ignio Campioni -Suppermarina of the Italian Navy
Admiral Domenico Cavignari- Commander of 3rd Fleet.
Admiral Bergamini- Commander of 1st Fleet
Luigi Longanesi-Cattani. -Commander of the Brin class submarine Benedetto
Gianfranco Gazzana-Priaroggia, - Commander of the Marconi class submarine Leonardo Da Vinci.
Last section I wrote
Fort Musto
“Yes, General Dobbie.” Comandante Cazaud, got up from the radio bench. “Send word to the 3rd Maltese battalion, that they should send a patrol out looking for some Italian commandos who attacked the radar station at Dingli Cliffs. I’ve already sent my recon company out. They’ll report back to me if they spot anything.”
“Sir, what kind of enemy forces are in our rear?”
“Lieutenant-Colonel Reid, there might be a small force there, probably a company sized unit. My guess would be Alpini trained men for climbing those cliffs. They’d be trying to rejoin their friends on the other side of the VL. A surprise attack in our rear could cause panic.”
“Yes sir, I’ll let them know.”
“Good, if you would like to join the 3rd battalion on the western end of our line, that would be nice. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to look at our situation. Apparently, some German parachutists are with the Italians. I want to inspect our defenses and artillery.”
With the sun high in the sky, the Italian air force had returned. The fort was a target, and they were now doing lower-level bombing, risking the AA for better accuracy. At least no Stukas.
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Post by pelwrath on Oct 30, 2022 10:20:07 GMT -6
Things I’ve learned in researching. The Italians had a gruppo of Stukas (96th)trained and operational in August of 1940. Their pilots were considered very good by the German instructors who trained them.
The personal rivalry between officers on both sided was a problem that affects how some historical orders were carried out. Churchill was advised to vacate the Mediterranean Sea by several on his war council. He over road them and sent some of their best equipment to Egypt as that was where he was fighting the Axis. He considered an invasion of England a secondary concern. Malta being garrisoned was only done after Rommel arrived in Lybia.
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Post by pelwrath on Nov 1, 2022 10:09:17 GMT -6
Today's snippet of writing. Up since 8:30 DAY Total/Story Total: 3500/23500
Valetta
The casualties from the bombing of the forts had been brought to the hospital. Lieutenant Colonel-Surgeon Maxwell Foss was having a discussion with Geoffrey Goddard.
“Might I ask what the hell were you doing in my hospital, Mr. Goddard?”
“Helping sir. I do have nursing training and ambulance care.”
“Yes, so I’ve been told. I am having that verified. I do so hope I’m not disappointed. I will say that the nurses I talked to, who saw you in there did say you seemed to know what you were doing. That still doesn’t explain how you were in there.”
“During an air raid, I was in a bomb shelter with Major Hathaway. When we came out, I started helping with the injured. Major Hathaway drafted me due to my skills to continue helping at the hospital.”
“Whatever skill you have with ambulances and treating bad sunburns, isn’t going to be very helpful in my hospitals, though even my QARANC, says she was impressed. You sir are a civilian and I’m not sure you should be here. Convince me that a reporter for the BBC should be in such a place?”
“I couldn’t be in a better place. My stories will gain you, your doctors, and nurses’ exposure. The people back in London will get first hands reports from the injured and those caring for them, with permission of course. I’ll keep my reporting duties to after my shift or during off hours. Besides, can you imagine if my boss at the BBC knows you would let me serve my country.”
“You dare to threaten me? You sir are a cad.”
“I’m a reporter and looking for the truth, in picture and in words. Last I knew we don’t fear the truth, only Nazis and Fascists do.”
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Post by RAVENEYE on Nov 1, 2022 16:17:48 GMT -6
Interesting topic! A change for you, Pel. I associate you with vampires rather than WWII.  Despite being a History Minor, I know nothing about the Battle of Punto Stilo. When you say " I made a change in pre-WW2 Italian history and this led to an Italian victory at the Battle of Punto Stilo," does this mean that you're writing an alternate history? Meaning the Italians actually lost this battle? |
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Post by pelwrath on Nov 1, 2022 16:33:01 GMT -6
Interesting topic! A change for you, Pel. I associate you with vampires rather than WWII.  Despite being a History Minor, I know nothing about the Battle of Punto Stilo. When you say "I made a change in pre-WW2 Italian history and this led to an Italian victory at the Battle of Punto Stilo," does this mean that you're writing an alternate history? Meaning the Italians actually lost this battle? Yes, an alternate history. I was a social studies teacher out of college, never found a permanent position. The British called it the Battle of Calabria. The actual battle summary is here en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_CalabriaI ‘m trying to stay fairly close to historical stuff, no lasers on planes, dogs flying fighter dog houses, mecha walking the land. Maybe I’ll back post some of what’s been written. I almost wrote the British equivalent of the USO, but research learned me that there was no British equivalent not a USO until early 1941. I started with over 20k, my target being 50k+. |
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Post by pelwrath on Nov 1, 2022 19:38:28 GMT -6
This is a post about some of what was changed, here there's a new commander of the Regina Marina.The date for ths conversation is Nov. 1932.
“Please, with only the two of us, Benito will be okay. I hear enough Il Duce’s every day, it’s nice to not worry about it. Now, the reason for my calling you. I have an opening to fill, and you are one of the two finalists. Galeazzo was confirming a story about you and Edda.”
“What story would that be?” A sense of trepidation in his voice.
“The tour you gave them, after their wedding, most unusual it was.”
“It was nothing, I enjoyed doing it.”
“A tour of your ship the Trieste. Let me finish. Edda barely knows the bow from the stern, but she does know when a person is passionate about what they do and a clean ship with a clean crew. She told me several times about that tour. Galeazzo agrees with her. You have a good record, a Bronze Medal of Military Valor, the War Merit Cross. You’re well respected as an excellent officer. I read your article you wrote two months ago, short but well written. My navy needs leaders and commanders like you, I’ve decided that I need you to serve the Kingdom in a different and more important fashion. How, would you like to be my Naval Chief of Staff and help me figure out what to do with our navy?”
Il Duce walked over to a map of the Mediterranean Sea and its surrounding countries. He said, “Mare Nostrum,” as he surveyed the map.
“Benito, why me?”
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Post by pelwrath on Nov 1, 2022 20:25:27 GMT -6
Here is another change in history, that I mentioned in my response to Raveneye. This is the change that creates the opportunity to Invade Malta.
"Grande Ammiraglio! We just received this message.”
The captain was waving a telegram, his face beaming with pride. There were a lot of happy faces, and a celebratory mood was evident.
“Our navy has achieved a great victory over the British at Punto Stilo!"
Inigo smiled. “Read it.”
“Yes sir:”
To: Il Duce, His Royal Majesty Victor Emanuel II, the General Staff, and the People of Italy.
We have engaged the Royal Navy east of Punta Stilo and forced them to flee the engagement. I am having them shadowed. Here is what I know.
Bolzano and Pola have been sunk. The Gorizia was heavily damaged. The Fiume and Trento are damaged. The light cruisers Alberico da Barbiano, Alberto di Gisssano, Duca degli Abruzzi, and the Duca d’Aosta have been sunk. Three others are damaged. Five destroyers have been lost and eight damaged. Most importantly the battleship Cesare suffered heavy damage. The Cavour suffered moderate damage.
As for the British, their battleships Malaya and Warspite have been sunk. The Royal Sovereign was damaged but escaped. Based on survivors we rescued, the light cruisers, Orion, Neptune, and Gloucester were sunk. Two others were damaged. Four of their destroyers were sunk and six damaged. Recovery efforts are underway. I will send more information when I have it. I’m returning home with heads high, flags at half-mast and guns giving salute, for the dead and injured on both sides.
Your servant, Domenico Cavagnari
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Post by pelwrath on Nov 2, 2022 11:08:10 GMT -6
Day 2: Daily total/Story total: 645/24,230
Not as much written today,so far maybe tonight. Accidentally found a site about Malta in 1940, so soent time reading, it had some stuff I didn't knowand that's a good thing. If thereare any questons or if you'd like me to post more of the previously written part,let me know.
Daily snippet-239 words.
The disorganization of the second wave of landings was over and the beach was looking better. A platoon of Carabinieri had taken control of the area and was placing the final touches on their redecorating project. The 3rd wave would finish bringing the last parts to complete a regiment for the 4th Alpini and 7th CCNN divisions. After that, the instructions passed onto the invasion group was bring in a regiment from the 7th CCNN division with each wave. That would limit the 4th Alpini division to a battalion or so with each wave.
The air battle was still going on, but the numbers were in the Italians favor. German Messerschmitt’s were now with the Italians, their targets were the Hurricanes defending Malta. They’d started with twenty-five this morning and a similar number of American Buffalo fighters. The Ta Qali and Luqa airfields were the targets on this round. Two groups of Italian bombers with plenty of escorts, forcing them to split their defending fighters. When the second bombing run had finished, the fighters stayed around, to strafe moving troops and try and catch the British planes as they landed. Luqa’s repair teams were already working on their damage, minor in comparison to what had happened to Ta Qali. Two bombs had severely damaged the control tower and a repair hanger, in addition to the craters dotting the runways.
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Post by pelwrath on Nov 3, 2022 9:22:38 GMT -6
Day 3: Totals are 951/25,190
My daily snippet:
General Vincente Marzio had arrived with his 111th battalion and the 301st Mobile Artillery Group, at 19:15 hours.
What’s the situation, Santori,” General Marzio asked.
“My company and the commandos are about five kilometers behind their lines, defending from an old farm. Last I heard from them, a half-hour ago, they were being attacked by several armored cars and some infantry. There are heavy mine fields in front of us and well covered with machines guns and small mortars. I’ve made two attempts at getting through them, with partial success with thirty men dead or injured. Looks like two companies are holding this part of the line. They have several machine gun boxes and some 75mm artillery support.”
“It’ll be dark soon, so we’ll attack a little after. What mortars do you have?”
“Three 45mm and two 81mm, sir.”
“I want them to lay smoke at the very edge of the British line. I’ll send some as well. Then my guns will shift to here,” he pointed to a section a kilometer away from the smoke.
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Post by pelwrath on Nov 4, 2022 9:59:07 GMT -6
EOD 11/4/22 daily total/story total: 821/26,033
Today was a descent day. lost time to researching triage care and a militray question but still acceotable progress. My snippet for today.
Mtarfa General Hospital-Near Ta Qali airfield
Major Hathaway and Geoffrey Goddard had arrived several hours ago, and the conditions weren’t as bad as expected.
“Rebecca, why would Foss send me here? I get why he’d send you.”
“They need more nursing staff than the Naval hospital in Valetta. They were short staffed from the beginning.” She squeezed his hand, briefly. “You impressed several people with how you handled yourself in Valetta, thank you. Now it’s going to get much worse. Combat injuries will be coming in here. The fighting is much closer. You saw those craters outside that we drove by?”
“Yes, you mean the Italians were trying to bomb the hospital?”
“I doubt it, it’s clearly marked on the roof, but bombs don’t have eyes. Those were meant for other targets. Now be good and remember that you’re officially a volunteer in the Maltese Home Guard.” She squeezed his had harder this time.
The announcement of incoming wounded was made, and the place became active. Geoffrey was part of the triage reception team and was outside waiting for the ambulances. This was his first time seeing such carnage. He’d seen injured and dead before but that was the common type. This was unexpected. Bodies missing arms or legs were brought in and he was now partly responsible for their medical designation. Wendy Higgins, warrant officer class 2, oversaw triage operations. She was in her forties, a stern face with red hair and perhaps on the portly side. Her voice was loud, clear and she had a habit of giving slaps on the back of the head, when deserved.
“Geoffrey, why did you list him as yellow?”
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Post by Caulder Melhaire on Nov 5, 2022 10:00:17 GMT -6
I am definitely not a history buff, so this is all quite fascinating to me. Like, for real, I applaud you for having a strong enough grasp of these topics to not only write a story about them, but a plausible alternate history? Amazing! Sooo curious to see how this turns out. |
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Post by pelwrath on Nov 5, 2022 10:07:40 GMT -6
Caulder, thank you for such kind words. The problem with being a history major is that the more I think I know and remeber, the less I actually do. I'm trying to keep the details very close,like in historical fiction. One of my friends suggested I do something along the lines of H. Beam Piper and his alternate time lines. An excellent example of this is his short story, he Walked Around the Horses. That would make my story the hsitory of another earth, like in the MCU. Not sure if I want that right now. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/He_Walked_Around_the_HorsesIf I followed instruction correctly, that's a Picchiatello or Italian stuka. The painting shows the Grand Harbor of Valetta.  Today was a short day writing. Totals EoD 11/5/22: 355/26,395My daily snippet. General Marzio had stabilized his lines, The 185th para battalion was on his left, the 111th and 121st were next with the 301st. mobile artillery in the rear. The Regina Aeronautica had returned, the areas around Mdina, Rabat, and Dingli were being reinforced. He knew that he faced the 13th Free French DBL and the 3rd battalion of the Maltese regiment. He saw an Italian and a British plane go down trailing smoke. He was expecting the 129th battalion and the support elements so that he’d have a full regiment, the 215th CCNN Legion, before 12:00 hours. He’d had a mine field placed during the night, not many but the explosions would minimize any possible surprise and slow the enemy down. He heard that a full regiment of the 4th Alpini had reach the rest of the paratroopers. ** General Student and Colonel Commandante Frattini were working on flanking the V.L., northeast of Forth Musta, but a British battalion had taken up position to protect that flank. Those Picchiatello’s, Stukas in Italian service with their own pilots, were now pummeling the fort. “This is where the battle for Malta will be fought. My forces are getting stronger, I should have both divisions landed by night fall. Then we’ll need that airfield to bring in more, the navy will only be landing supplies for a day, before the last Alpini division is landed.” |
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Post by pelwrath on Nov 5, 2022 22:33:25 GMT -6
 Commander of the Italain 3rd Fleet Raveneye added the following code:  Commander of the Italian 3rd Fleet  Carlo Bergamini: Commander of the Italian 1st fleet |
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Post by pelwrath on Nov 6, 2022 9:45:59 GMT -6
EoD 11/6/22 Words daily/Total: 1,032/27,441
More accomplished today than expected. The story is progressing well, and I'm keeping my eye on makin this a complete story, as for the Invasion of Malta and it's aftermath.
My daily snippet, hope it's enjoyable.
This was a shockingly dangerous piece of news. A new type of fighter, both agile, and fast on an Italian carrier. How could they build a carrier, and we not know about it? After a few minutes of tapping a pencil, bent over the situation map, he stood and threw the pencil down.
“The Miraglia.”
“Sir,” Captain Brathe said.
“Their sea plane carrier, they converted her into a small carrier. A darn good idea. Yet, why no bombers? Because they don’t have one yet. So, I’ve had most of my planes destroyed by a carrier equipped only with a new fighter. They’ll rearm and refuel then return. Even strafing a ship can be a problem.”
“Does this change our objective?”
“Not at all. Radar, how far is the Italian fleet?”
“Sire, there are three groups being tracked, one on each flank and a third astern of us. They’re about thirty kilometers from us.”
“We’ll attack the port group, keep it at range, what do our scouts say about them?”
“It seems there are four large ships, in each, two of the Regina Maria class and two Abruzzi class ships, though one has ten guns, not eight, along with escorting destroyers. The rear has several Spica class torpedo boats, destroyers, two more Abruzzi’s, and two Trieste class.”
“No battleships or a carrier?”
“None reported, sir.”
“I’m sure that’s where they are, but if not seen, then that support is even farther behind. We might be able to smash both groups before their battleship come within range.”
**
“Admiral Cavignari, the British are turning toward our opposite group.”
“Follow and bring up the Alegre’s and her group. We’ll leave the Miraglia behind and join the fun, Full speed for chase task force. Have the other flanking force turn toward the British.”
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You add them to your profile as you do them around the forum.
