The Fezian Crisis: Secret Redian Intelligence Report
For some time Redia has remained aloof from conflicts involving Fezia, Crussia, Hermany and Blusia. Relations with Hermany, however, despite attempts to ensure harmony, have been steadily deteriorating just as diplomatic relations with a traditional rival, Crussia have been improving.
We have long been suspicious of Crussian intentions in the Near East, Middle East and Central Asia. In fact older Redians recall the war that was fought with Crussia to prevent its domination of those regions. Things are now different. The Herman diplomatic mission to Fezia has been very busy. Redia has been a traditional arms supplier to Fezia, rivaled by Hermany but the Hermans have persuaded the Fezians to accept them as their sole supplier. Indeed Herman military advisers are also, in increasing numbers, entrenched in the Fezian military.
The recent humiliation of Fezia over the Crussian actions in Mogostan have strengthened Fezian resolve to step up its military build up. The Hermans have even promised military intervention in the event of another foreign threat. If we allow the Hermans to become entrenched it will not be long before they have naval bases in Fezia and our trade and navy will be in danger. Only stern demands followed, if necessary, by military action can protect the empire. An invasion of Fezia is advised in the event that it does not expel the Hermans. We may even have to consider working with the Crussians if they insist on a piece of the action.
Your obedient servant,
Major Dennis Higglebottom (Head of intelligence operations in Fezia).
THE REDIAN TIMES
TROOPS DEPART REDIA FOR THE DARK CONTINENT
Large troop numbers were boarding ships today. The Government has refused to be candid but has said that preparation for preventing a rekindling of the East African Meow Meow rebellion is on the cards. There is also anticipation of fresh trouble in Soodoo as a religious zealot called Ossama Bindeh stirs up trouble. Many of the troops were already wearing tropical kit and equipped with anti malaria medicine and mosquito nets.
REDIAN AMBASSADOR DELIVERS A MESSAGE TO FEZIA
The ambassador has just met with Redian government representatives. He stressed the long friendship between our two countries even though there were some differences. Rumours of massacres of Balkan minorities have been denied by Fezia and denounced as Crussian rumour making but our ambassador has reiterated the priority of protecting minorities in Fezia. He also expressed dismay as to the replacement of Redian advisers with Herman ones.
'Redia will always insist on the sovereignty of Fezia and values our friendship with your country. We wish to extend our friendship with increased trade and visits from our warships so we can perform joint exercises. We fear that the presence of Herman military advisers may be a threat to Fezian independence and hope that this trend can be reversed,' said ambassador Oswald Sandwich on meeting the new sultan of Fezia.
TOP SECRET: GOVERNMENT CODED INSTRUCTIONS TO MAJOR HIGGLEBOTTOM.
Lions riding fish invading the moon eat unleavened bread with sauerkraut in January. Lions do not always detest bears although they say otherwise. Ignore pussy cats.
FEZIAN INTELLEGENCE REPORT
Large Crussian troop movements in Occupied Mogostan. Advise Fezzian forces be diverted from southern Fezia to prepare for Crussian aggression.
Although the Redian government appears angered by our preferential treatment of the Hermans they are too fearful of Crussian domination of the region to offer the Crussians an alliance. In any case the Redians are sending troops to their African colonies, via the Julian Canal, to deal with potential fresh rebellions by the Meow Meow and the Soodoo tribesmen.
May the prophet be praised, Mustasheo Hussein.
REDIAN GOVERNMENT SEALED ORDERS TO ADMIRAL NOLSEN
You are to change you route from the Julian Canal to proceed to the Fezian Salada peninsula where General Mathews will disembark the army. You are to provide support from your guns but intelligence reports suggest an uncontested landing is on the cards. You will remain to engage any hostile naval force. Hostile will be defined as Fezian. Any other naval forces, with the exception of the Crussians, will also be defined as hostile if they enter the zone of engagement. In particular Herman, Bordurian or Ruritanian land or naval forces will be likely enemies. The numbers of these forces already present in the country are unknown but are already substantial. Kaiser Conrad is intent on changing the balance of pwoer in the region and to Redia's disadvantage.
Lord Gallstone PM
HERMAN GOVERNMENT INSTRUCTIONS TO GENERAL VON PALMER
Expect hostilities in Fezia to commence with Crussia within three months. There is also a chance of Redian involvement. The Fezians seem to be satisfied with Redian assurances that they are concerned only with their own imperial revolts but our intelligence reports are mixed on this matter. We will be sending additional troops via the Sulphurous Peninsular and with the permission of Borduria, which has also partially facilitated preparations for the rail and naval part of the journey.
Kaiser Conrad
ADMIRAL NOLSON PREPARATIONS FOR NIGHT LANDING IN FEZIA (LOG BOOK)
Preparations are made to launch the observation balloon from HMS Merman. Flares are not to be used, observations to be confined to daylight. We are also anticipating reports from our spies.
We seem to have avoided contact with the Fezian navy and there are no signs of discovery from the land. We do not know the strength of the Fezian positions but so far we have sighted no opposition.
Landing forces of our infantry are being sent by cover of dark with follow up forces at dawn. Our cavalry will follow to press into the interior once any entrenchments are overcome. Our naval guns will begin with a bombardment prior to the advance. Heavy fog is assisting our stealth but is also making it difficult to determine the lay of the land.
Fezian gunners with Big Bertha on the Salada Mosque.
Redian balloon. As it happened virtually all Fezian units were in view to the Redian troops, rendering the balloon redundant.
Redian highlanders and naval landing party on Blue Island.
Redian Guards are presented with a formidable sight - Fezians behind a continuous line of entrenchments.
Redian cavalry lend their support to the Guards.
The Fezians have also occupied a ruin.
Line infantry add their support.
View from the landing boat.
REDIAN EXPEDITION TO FEZ - THE TRUTH -REDIAN TIMES
The true nature of the Redian military expedition have been revealed. The Redian government has kept this secret to ensure success in the expedition to Fez. Concern about Herman domination of Fez and the threat to shipping lanes have necessitated the actions. A very large force was sent there and landings have occurred, under cover of darkness on the Salada Peninsular, The Bay of Cows and Blue Island under cover of night. General Matterson has reported slow but steady progress into the interior following the rapid dissipation of the fog. He has reported stiff opposition but that losses have been within acceptable limits and that the troops have behaved commendably. Admiral Nolson's naval force has provided covering fire.
The Guards, a naval units, cavalry and line infantry have taken part. The Royal Redian Balloon Corps has also played its part in scouting the Fezian positions.
FIA (FEZIAN INTELLIGENCE REPORT)
The Redians had indeed deceived us as their forces have landed, in superior numbers, at three Fezian beaches. Thank the prophet that two days ago our spy in Redia gained access to the Redian Admiralty files. 'Sultoona', our very talented female agent, so ingratiated herself with a high Redian official as to discover the files for the exact landing places. God will forgive her immodesty as she has saved our country from the infidels. We received the telegram too late to greatly bolster our forces but in time to build entrenchments in the best locations and to move some of our troop locations.
Mustasheo Hussein
PRIVATE JASON CONROY, LATE OF THE GUARDS, DIARY EXTRACT 10/3/1909
We finally found out that our destination was not the tropics but Fezia. Frankly, I wasn't buying Africa anyway. I mean, why the Winter gear? What a load of old cobblers! Although, funny enough, some of them other units were in tropical gear. Lucky for them the Fezian Winter is mild and lucky for us Guards it aint stinkin' 'ot. But it woz a cold old night waitin' to land and getting in them boats in the foggy night.
At dawn the fog cleared real quick. The bleedin' Fezians are waitin' for us with entrenchments an' all.They are strangely quiet - must be waitin' for us to get closer. Our colonel is about to come so I gots to go but the word is the enemy is a bunch of ragtag militia so we should be okay.
Redian gun boat, Merman.
Redian forces at landing place on the Salada Peninsular.
Fezians dug in on the Salada Peninsular. A tidal inlet separates them from the Redian forces previously shown.
Redian cavalry on the Salada Peninsula.
View from the air.
Fezian pioneers begin building more trenches in expectation of being surrounded by Redian forces.
The Guards drive off the Fezian militia from their trenches and the line infantry drive a Fezian company out of the ruin.
FEZIAN BATTLE REPORT FROM MAJOR JAFFAR
The Redian plan would have succeeded but for our late intelligence information. The famous Redian bearskin hat guards had to advance against our trenches. Our troops acquitted themselves well against such elite troops but the Redian guards were victims of their own confidence. One Fezian unit did retreat from the trenches but rallied to face the invaders. Another militia regiment actually left the relative safety of their trenches to circle and attack the foreign guards. The enemy guard routed. A second guard unit was virtually destroyed.
Redians have made some advance, but with casualties exceeding ours by three to one. The Redians have landed in front of our fortifications and have consequently been subject to our artillery and machine gun in the towers, as well as the shooting from our men in the trenches. Their strategy seems flawed by an attempt to spread their forces through as many sites as possible, where they are being picked off piecemeal.
The imminent arrival of our Herman friends will also be a welcome addition to our forces.
Above: Redian artillery
Redian gunboat, The Merman, manufactured by Bolton Industries, a well known Redian arms manufacturer.
Fezian and Redian line and highlanders face off across an inlet on the Salada peninsular.
Redian lancers advance towards the Fezian rear lines only to encounter fresh Fezian troops. They were defeated in melee by Fezian lancers and the survivors were taken into captivity.
Fezian entrenched centre on the Salada Peninsular.
Big Bertha mounted on the Salada Mosque
Fezian militia attacked by the 11th Hussars outside the Fezian capital. The militia fought off the attack.
Irregular Fezian cavalry on Blue Island charge Redians highlanders in the flank but are driven back.
A lone Redian hussar retreats after his unit is destroyed in the attack on the Fezian Salada trenches.
Fezian regular cavalry counter charge Redian dragoons and defeat them.
Fezian militia attack the Redian Gards in the rear. (The guard possess a Fezian flag previously captured in a successful fight against another militias unit. The flag was liberated and returned to its owners).
Elite Fezian heavy cavalry defeat Redian lancers.
Redian lancers defeated by Fezian lancers
A large Fezian/Mogostani militia regiment await the Redians on Blue Island.
Redian highlanders
In the foreground an eagle swoops on a fox. In the background can be seen the Redian advance.
Herman allies join elite Fezian infantry on the Salada Peninsular.
Fezian engineers build trenches that were never needed ad the Redians did not manage to surround the Fezians.
View from the Salada trenches
Above: Fezian/Mogostani camel troops
Fezian engineers dig further trenches.
Elite Fezian and Herman reserves arrive on the Salada Peninsula
Redian horse artillery take up positions and begin to cause casualties in the Fezian trenches.
Redian landing craft on the Salada Peninsula
General Matters and his bodyguard arrive.
Redian troops cautiously advance.
Above Fezian elites and Herman cavalry advance to support the Fezians in the Salada trenches.
The Redian gunboat, Muzmack arrives to challenge the Merman.
Fezian cavalry dismount to take aim at Redian artillery.
Herman infantry advance.
Redian infantry advance on the Fezian trenches.
Redian lancer prisoners are led to the rear.
The Fezian sub commander arrives with his tribal bodyguard.
13th Hussars, second battalion
Views from the Fezian capital.
The sultan, who looks amazingly like his recently deceased father, prepares to enter the capital's citadel. He has mounted bodyguards following.
Above: Fezian camel troops dismount to take firing positions.
Major Collier and his staff are in danger from a Fezian mounted archer.
Fezian irregular cavalry catch a Redian spy on Blue Island before he can destroy a bridge. His fate is not promising!
Above: Redian forces continue to advance on the enemy militia and machine gun. The highlander regiment is in tatters. Below: a Redian sniper looks for targets.
Below: Fezian cavalry dismount to shoot across the inlet at the Redian artillerymen.
Below: Herman reinforcements.
Below: Fezians continue to resist around the trenches.
Below: Dismounted camel irregulars shoot at the Redians near the capital.
Fezian defences at the capital.
Below: After the Fezian archer shot Major Collier his next in command charged and killed the blighter.
Below: Paddywack infantry (including a few lost highlanders) charge the camel troopers.
Below: Redian rifles shoot across the inlet at the bashi bazuks.
Below: Redian artillery fire at the Fezian capital. The crews do not last long.
Redian heavy cavalry disembark on the Salada Peninsula and then charge, dismounted, the dismounted Fezian cavalry!
Below: Redian troops charge on Blue Island.
Below: Although reduced by a limber explosion caused by a Redian shell, the combined Fezian and Herman forces close in on the Crussians.
Below: The human cost is high as Redian casualties are taken back to the boats.
Below: A determined assault on the Fezian trenches.
Below: Redian and Paddywack cavalry have mounted up and charge the Herman lancers and grenadiers.
Below: General Matters and his escort.
Below: Assault on the Salada trenches.
Below: The Spy, Major Higglebottom, is rescued from the Fezians! "I say chaps, jolly good show!"
Below: Assault on the Salada trenches.
Below: Redian heavy cavalry and Paddywack cavalry surge forward.
Below: Fezian elite troops retake the trenches from the Redians.
Below: Fezian heavy cavalry have cleared the field around their capital.
Below: Redians sailors escort the spy as he places petards under the bridge from Blue Island to the mainland.
Below: The furthest advance of the Redians on the Salada Peninsula after capturing the Gatling gun.
We have long been suspicious of Crussian intentions in the Near East, Middle East and Central Asia. In fact older Redians recall the war that was fought with Crussia to prevent its domination of those regions. Things are now different. The Herman diplomatic mission to Fezia has been very busy. Redia has been a traditional arms supplier to Fezia, rivaled by Hermany but the Hermans have persuaded the Fezians to accept them as their sole supplier. Indeed Herman military advisers are also, in increasing numbers, entrenched in the Fezian military.
The recent humiliation of Fezia over the Crussian actions in Mogostan have strengthened Fezian resolve to step up its military build up. The Hermans have even promised military intervention in the event of another foreign threat. If we allow the Hermans to become entrenched it will not be long before they have naval bases in Fezia and our trade and navy will be in danger. Only stern demands followed, if necessary, by military action can protect the empire. An invasion of Fezia is advised in the event that it does not expel the Hermans. We may even have to consider working with the Crussians if they insist on a piece of the action.
Your obedient servant,
Major Dennis Higglebottom (Head of intelligence operations in Fezia).
THE REDIAN TIMES
TROOPS DEPART REDIA FOR THE DARK CONTINENT
Large troop numbers were boarding ships today. The Government has refused to be candid but has said that preparation for preventing a rekindling of the East African Meow Meow rebellion is on the cards. There is also anticipation of fresh trouble in Soodoo as a religious zealot called Ossama Bindeh stirs up trouble. Many of the troops were already wearing tropical kit and equipped with anti malaria medicine and mosquito nets.
REDIAN AMBASSADOR DELIVERS A MESSAGE TO FEZIA
The ambassador has just met with Redian government representatives. He stressed the long friendship between our two countries even though there were some differences. Rumours of massacres of Balkan minorities have been denied by Fezia and denounced as Crussian rumour making but our ambassador has reiterated the priority of protecting minorities in Fezia. He also expressed dismay as to the replacement of Redian advisers with Herman ones.
'Redia will always insist on the sovereignty of Fezia and values our friendship with your country. We wish to extend our friendship with increased trade and visits from our warships so we can perform joint exercises. We fear that the presence of Herman military advisers may be a threat to Fezian independence and hope that this trend can be reversed,' said ambassador Oswald Sandwich on meeting the new sultan of Fezia.
TOP SECRET: GOVERNMENT CODED INSTRUCTIONS TO MAJOR HIGGLEBOTTOM.
Lions riding fish invading the moon eat unleavened bread with sauerkraut in January. Lions do not always detest bears although they say otherwise. Ignore pussy cats.
FEZIAN INTELLEGENCE REPORT
Large Crussian troop movements in Occupied Mogostan. Advise Fezzian forces be diverted from southern Fezia to prepare for Crussian aggression.
Although the Redian government appears angered by our preferential treatment of the Hermans they are too fearful of Crussian domination of the region to offer the Crussians an alliance. In any case the Redians are sending troops to their African colonies, via the Julian Canal, to deal with potential fresh rebellions by the Meow Meow and the Soodoo tribesmen.
May the prophet be praised, Mustasheo Hussein.
REDIAN GOVERNMENT SEALED ORDERS TO ADMIRAL NOLSEN
You are to change you route from the Julian Canal to proceed to the Fezian Salada peninsula where General Mathews will disembark the army. You are to provide support from your guns but intelligence reports suggest an uncontested landing is on the cards. You will remain to engage any hostile naval force. Hostile will be defined as Fezian. Any other naval forces, with the exception of the Crussians, will also be defined as hostile if they enter the zone of engagement. In particular Herman, Bordurian or Ruritanian land or naval forces will be likely enemies. The numbers of these forces already present in the country are unknown but are already substantial. Kaiser Conrad is intent on changing the balance of pwoer in the region and to Redia's disadvantage.
Lord Gallstone PM
HERMAN GOVERNMENT INSTRUCTIONS TO GENERAL VON PALMER
Expect hostilities in Fezia to commence with Crussia within three months. There is also a chance of Redian involvement. The Fezians seem to be satisfied with Redian assurances that they are concerned only with their own imperial revolts but our intelligence reports are mixed on this matter. We will be sending additional troops via the Sulphurous Peninsular and with the permission of Borduria, which has also partially facilitated preparations for the rail and naval part of the journey.
Kaiser Conrad
ADMIRAL NOLSON PREPARATIONS FOR NIGHT LANDING IN FEZIA (LOG BOOK)
Preparations are made to launch the observation balloon from HMS Merman. Flares are not to be used, observations to be confined to daylight. We are also anticipating reports from our spies.
We seem to have avoided contact with the Fezian navy and there are no signs of discovery from the land. We do not know the strength of the Fezian positions but so far we have sighted no opposition.
Landing forces of our infantry are being sent by cover of dark with follow up forces at dawn. Our cavalry will follow to press into the interior once any entrenchments are overcome. Our naval guns will begin with a bombardment prior to the advance. Heavy fog is assisting our stealth but is also making it difficult to determine the lay of the land.
In the distance Mogostani irregulars with Fezian machine gun await the highlanders and naval party on Blue Island.
REDIAN EXPEDITION TO FEZ - THE TRUTH -REDIAN TIMES
The true nature of the Redian military expedition have been revealed. The Redian government has kept this secret to ensure success in the expedition to Fez. Concern about Herman domination of Fez and the threat to shipping lanes have necessitated the actions. A very large force was sent there and landings have occurred, under cover of darkness on the Salada Peninsular, The Bay of Cows and Blue Island under cover of night. General Matterson has reported slow but steady progress into the interior following the rapid dissipation of the fog. He has reported stiff opposition but that losses have been within acceptable limits and that the troops have behaved commendably. Admiral Nolson's naval force has provided covering fire.
The Guards, a naval units, cavalry and line infantry have taken part. The Royal Redian Balloon Corps has also played its part in scouting the Fezian positions.
FIA (FEZIAN INTELLIGENCE REPORT)
The Redians had indeed deceived us as their forces have landed, in superior numbers, at three Fezian beaches. Thank the prophet that two days ago our spy in Redia gained access to the Redian Admiralty files. 'Sultoona', our very talented female agent, so ingratiated herself with a high Redian official as to discover the files for the exact landing places. God will forgive her immodesty as she has saved our country from the infidels. We received the telegram too late to greatly bolster our forces but in time to build entrenchments in the best locations and to move some of our troop locations.
Mustasheo Hussein
PRIVATE JASON CONROY, LATE OF THE GUARDS, DIARY EXTRACT 10/3/1909
We finally found out that our destination was not the tropics but Fezia. Frankly, I wasn't buying Africa anyway. I mean, why the Winter gear? What a load of old cobblers! Although, funny enough, some of them other units were in tropical gear. Lucky for them the Fezian Winter is mild and lucky for us Guards it aint stinkin' 'ot. But it woz a cold old night waitin' to land and getting in them boats in the foggy night.
At dawn the fog cleared real quick. The bleedin' Fezians are waitin' for us with entrenchments an' all.They are strangely quiet - must be waitin' for us to get closer. Our colonel is about to come so I gots to go but the word is the enemy is a bunch of ragtag militia so we should be okay.
FEZIAN BATTLE REPORT FROM MAJOR JAFFAR
The Redian plan would have succeeded but for our late intelligence information. The famous Redian bearskin hat guards had to advance against our trenches. Our troops acquitted themselves well against such elite troops but the Redian guards were victims of their own confidence. One Fezian unit did retreat from the trenches but rallied to face the invaders. Another militia regiment actually left the relative safety of their trenches to circle and attack the foreign guards. The enemy guard routed. A second guard unit was virtually destroyed.
Redians have made some advance, but with casualties exceeding ours by three to one. The Redians have landed in front of our fortifications and have consequently been subject to our artillery and machine gun in the towers, as well as the shooting from our men in the trenches. Their strategy seems flawed by an attempt to spread their forces through as many sites as possible, where they are being picked off piecemeal.
The imminent arrival of our Herman friends will also be a welcome addition to our forces.
Above: Redian light horse artillery
Redian line continue to hold the ruins.
Fezian bashi bazuks over run the Redian artillery.
The Redian heavy brigade and the Paddywack light cavalry arrive on the Salada Peninsula. Seen in the foreground is Colonel Hilco's regiment.
DIARY ENTRY: COLONEL JAMES HEATHERTON, 13th Hussars
17/11/1909
The expected naval bombardment never came. Consequently the Fezian Salada positions were largely intact. The Royal horse artillery managed to do some damage but it was left for the cavalry and infantry to charge the trenches. Our forces were sent in piecemeal to their destruction. My regiment is shattered, along with two infantry regiments, and I am in a field hospital awaiting treatment of my left arm which sustained a bullet wound. I was one of the lucky ones. Let us pray that the Heavy Brigade do better on the right flank. I expect some serious questions will be asked of certain people in high positions.
DESPATCH: COLONEL JEREMY HILCO, THE GREYS, 17/11/1909
The Heavy Brigade has landed on Harem Beach where we immediately fell into close combat with Fezian cavalry who were dismounted and firing across the inlet at the Royal Horse Artillery. It was quite a sight to see the Heavies, dismounted, in breast plates, swinging their swords at the astonished Fezians. We have captured their position, mounted up and are preparing to charge the Herman infantry and lancers.
REPORT: MAJOR LEEROY WAHINGTON, FEZIAN ARMY COMMANDER SALADA PENINSULA. PREVIOUSLY OF THE ARMY OF CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERIGO
The Redian forces have suffered enormous casualties at the hands of our forces but a portion of their heavy cavalry has made a breakthrough on our left, driving off our cavalry and Herman lancers and capturing our machine gunners. The Redians may be able to consolidate their gains under cover of approaching darkness. We have, however, retaken the trenches after the Redians finally broke through. Big Bertha has also killed their commander, General Matters as he was in his automobile and escorted by his hussars.
REPORT: COLONEL MOOJA HIZAM: The capital is safe as all Redian forces in the area are dead, captured or have fled. They have, however destroyed the bridge connecting to Blue Island; this was apparently done by a Redian spy who was freed by their naval battalion. Unfortunately, despite a valiant defence by our militia, Blue Island is now in the hands of the enemy.
Below: Assault on the Salada trenches.
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