Second Battle of Agbetten; Monarchist Counter Attack

With UWP leader Oskarr Phlattz barely cold in the ground, and Unkerlant Workers Party forces still reeling from their oil reserves being destroyed, Ludwigian forces took the opportunity to counter attack and try to retake Agbetten.
The city was still burning in places from the last battle, when Monarchist shells started falling. The barrage lasted almost 3 hours before the steady rumbling of tanks was heard. The outer defenses quickly fell, trenches being manned mostly by hastily rounded up conscripts. The airfields too, were attacked with planes still on the ground, so Ludwigians controlled the skies.
It was over for the UWP quickly. Remnants of the army that had captured Agbetten a week before, now fell back to Wuppental in defeat.

A captured UWP tank, soon to be pressed into Monarchist service.

Identifying the forces presently engaged at war

As part of our coverage of the current internal conflict in Unkerlant, we will presenting a series of studies on the vast array of uniforms of the forces involved, to better help our readers determine who is marching down their street.
Presented here is the uniform of a cadet soldier from the Unkerlant Academy for Martial Prowess and Study. This smartly dressed lad has the traditional colors of Styrland troops, white, yellow and black.

The red tabs on his collar mark him as an Officer of the Cadets. The rigors of battle may force these young men to adopt more drab uniforms, but for now they march smartly into the fray.

 source: Dur Unkerlant Reichsarmee undt Provenzal Staattruppen 1920-1930 by Arneld Von Zupp

The Return of the King

Today Monarchist forces captured the capital. It was only a matter of time, as most of the capital police and the Koenigstadt Civic Militia were already fighting alongside Ludwigian forces.
King Ludwig himself addressed a huge crowd in the Koenigplatz, flanked by his new advisor, General Rolf Von Stern, Commandant of the Civic Militia. Ludwig appeared in all his royal regalia, looking every inch the monarch. But, as he spoke, one could hear the age and recent stresses in his voice.
"Unkerlant, our home, is and has always been, an independent nation. We don't need outside ideas or more importantly, outside armies on our beloved soil! These experiment swith democracy, socialism, and most all fascism, have lead us to this sorry state of affairs. So, my children, I ask you. Will you help me cast out these invaders and restore Unkerlant to its former glory?"
The crowd exploded into cheers and celebratory gunfire.

King Ludwig I

Dirty Deeds!

Assassination, always a staple of Unkerlant politics, struck the very heart of the Unkerlant Workers Party this day. Oskarr Phlattz, heart and soul of the UWP movement was found dead in his simple shack outside Grenzstadt. His throat had been cut. Many have pointed fingers at a now missing mistress, and now supposed agent of the Ludwigian Restorationists. Indeed, Monarchists have taken claim to an explosion at the oil refinery in Agbetten. The loss of both a leader and much needed fuel in the same day has paralyzed the UWP, and poised the Monarchists for a counter attack.
Phlattz's brother and right hand man to the movement, Hermann, seems the obvious replacement as leader. He addressed a large crowd this afternoon outside the Hotel Agbetten. "Children of the Revolution. Do not be disheartened by the loss of our father. We must carry on the torch of freedom to brothers and sisters across our shared Homeland. Let its light both blind our enemies, and light our way to victory!"

Styrland to join the PFU

While the battle for Agbetten raged in the south, the People for a Free Unkerlant quietly seized control of Styrland, and most importantly, the Electorate of Asstryria. With the capture of Asstyria comes the Unkerlant Military Academy for Martial Prowess and Study, and with it, most of the young officer corps. With these brave young lads leading the PFU cause, nothing should stand in their way of the conquering the north.

Battle for Agbetten, Averland

Ludwigian forces in the recently captured city of Agbetten, were surprised this morning by artillery fire from UWP forces. It seems the sleeping Red giant has awakened! The bombardment was followed by strafing from the tiny Unkerlant Workers Party air force, mostly converted crop dusters and civilian aircraft.
Monarchists tanks rolled out south to root out the UWP gun emplacements and were met by UWP tanks. These were real tanks, not just modified, armored trucks. It seems an outside force is funneling in arms and equipment to the UWP, possibly through Transbalkania.

Monarchist Tanks race south to engage the UWP

A large infantry battle erupted around the ironworks in the southern part of town. Once the the Monarchists tanks were destroyed, UWP armor was able to support their forces around the ironworks. Monarchists forces were forced to pull back to the northern sector, and seek refuge in St. Lothar's Cathedral.
The UWP peasant workers were reluctant to assault such a religious symbol, but the arrival of the UWP sector Commisars, and few "examples" later, and the cathedral was reduced to rubble. The battle for Agbetten was over.
A short speech was read from Oskar Phlattz, spokesman and head of the UWP, who was not there for the battle. Then, surviving members of the local nobility were paraded out and summarily executed.

UWP soldiers form up in Agbetten's town square.

Monarchist claim part of the Drakwald

Ludwigians gained another city today, this time Averswald in the Drakwald. The sleepy lumber town was unprepared for sight of Monarchist planes in the air above their community. A delegation representing King Ludwig soon followed, and the town was theirs.

Monarchist planes approaching Averswald. Pictured are a FL12 Kutlass and an F611 Brigand.

UU gains in Salacia

The Salacia province has always been one of Unkelrant's poorer states. Deemed nothing more than a den of thieves by outsiders, Salacia has had to make do over the centuries, sometimes "borrowing" things that don't belong to them. But recently, maybe due to the crushing poverty, Communist ideas have made inroads into Salacian society. The Socialist Brotherhood of Salt Miners has been very active and influential in Salzenmund particularly.
It was into this Red den that Unkerlant United forces invaded this afternoon. UU forces quickly overwhelmed the unprepared Salzenmund militia, and UU tanks smashed through the Salt Miner's hastily armored tractors and armored trucks. As fierce as the battle was, there was little bloodshed.
Unkerlant United placed a garrison and few "advisors" to the mayor in place, then hastily made a public statement. Arch Duke Viktor Von Volborg had this to say:
"We, free people of Unkerlant, have come to the aid of Salacia, in order to protect them from what we see as the true threat to freedom in our fair country, the Iron Legion. Salzenmund was the obvious choice in their ruthless expansionism."

UU troops inspect a captured armored truck

UNF Blitz

This morning, in an all out lightning attack, the Unkerlant Nationalist Front struck several cities in the southwest. Zepplintruppen launched from their base in Carroburg dropped into and captured strategic locations in the town of Schoppendorf in Overholt at dawn. The gates of the city were opened in time for the arrival of UNF tanks following close behind. There was little resistance.

UNF tank parked outside Schoppendorf's gates.

At the same time, attacks were launched into the Thurnin cities of Spetz and and Bergsburg. As most Unkerlanters know, Thurnin is a quiet place full of quiet people, who don't like to be disturbed. As Unkerlant ravaged itself over the ages, Thurnin managed to escape most of the devastation by remaining exceptionally neutral. This attitude further cemented their belief that's it's best to stay out of the way and mind your own business. But, Thurniners should not be considered passive in any way. They can be very forceful when it comes to enforcing this peace and quiet. "Never wake a napping Thurniner" goes the saying. Well, now the UNF have awakened the Thurniners. The sleepy town of Bergsburg was attacked first. They were awakened by bombs from UNF fighters at 4 am, soon followed by tanks and infantry. The local Civil Air Militia rose up to fight and a swirling dogfight ensued. UNF troops were greeted by the Bergburg Royal Cheesemongers lobbing hunks of the almost chemical grade stinky Spetznecheese. Unprepared, Iron Legion troops fell back against the onslaught, but quickly regrouped and counter attacked. Despite a heroic effort, Bergurg fell by noon. The northern town of Spetz would fall soon after under combined air assault and undermined from within by Iron Legion supporters within the police and local government.

The air battle over Bergsburg. This rare photo was taken by a passing airship.

Steissen in the Sumpftlund would be the next to feel the Iron Legion jackboot. UNF troops were somehow able to navigate the swampy Sumpftlund and attack the until now, impenetrable fortress of Castle Streissen. Count Hans-Ludwig Sumpftlunden commanded the last defense of castle, until modern artillery finally destroyed the outer walls and UNF troops stormed in. The bloodied Count was able to escape, and is said to be organizing a guerilla force in the marshes and bogs around Wissenburg.

The troops

This trooper is a perfect example of forces embroiled in the current conflict. He wears a uniform and gear very similar to those worn in the Great War. Only the color sets him apart. Many provincial militias use surplus material, or use them as a basis for their own distinctive uniforms. This fellow is from the Volborg Freistaat Provincial Militia. His uniform is a mustardy green with yellow piping. His arm patch and shoulder straps bear the Duchy's colors.
As arms and equipment flow in from all over the world, the factions involved will take on an even more differing assortment of dress and weapons.

A Red Southeast

While other factions across Unkerlant expand their influence, the Unkerlant Workers Party has remained disturbingly quiet. Sources inside Wurten and Bergstaat, their main base of operations, have reported the factories running day and night. The iron and steel works are turning out the raw material for armored vehicles, while farmers and fisherman receive military training from foreign "advisors".
Business and large land owners have been rounded up, and those that don't take to re-education have simply disappeared.
The UWP now control a large portion of Unkerlant's grain belt as well as its factories. It won't be long before another faction tries to take it away from them. When asked for comment, Oskar Phlattz, nominal leader of  the UWP, had this to say:
"We, the Unkerlant Workers Party, are striving for a new future. A future free of the shackles of class and corporate greed. The workers of our homeland will flock to the UWP banners, and together we will rest control of Unkerlant from the nobility, the clergy, and capitalist dogs who seek to keep their boots on our necks!"

PFU gains in Zlobenia

The People for a Free Unkerlant, or PFU have launched a veritable "political blitzkrieg" on their neighbors in Zlobenia, from their base in Nordvald.  As most Unkerlantans know, Zlobenia has always been the most "European" of the Unkerlantan states, even allowing in foreigners as businessmen and advisors. We, at the Unkerlant Chronicle, have condemned such practices, and find it in no way surprising when outside ideas sway our northern brethren.
Lothar Luttelbuch and his PFU insiders were able to infiltrate the ranks of the Ducal Horse Grenadiers. The Horse Grenadiers, probably one of the most feared military units in the country, have long dominated Zlonbenian politics. Although the Horse Grenadiers are now mostly mechanized, they still keep their old name. Their capture of the Royal Stables in Hurn (the city, not the principality in the south), all but insured the city's allegiance to the PFU. Colonel Blutz, commander of the Horse Grenadiers, formally raised the new PFU flag above the city hall.
Meanwhile, Duke Sigmisund gave Luttelbuch a state dinner at the ducal palace in Zlobenburg, late last night. The duke, without the backing of his provincial militias, must have seen the writing on the wall.
This leaves only Altenbruk up for grabs, before Zlobenia is fully within PFU hands.

Flag of the new Ducal Horse Grenadiers

Ludwigian Gains

Monarchists have managed to win over three major cities in southern and central Unkerlant. Averland, always a staunch supporter of King Ludwig, already had one city, Hochleben, under Ludwigian control. Now, by appealing to southern patriotism and fear of Communist infiltration, Agbetten has joined the Monarchist cause. Adding Averland to the fold gives the Ludwigians a strong cavalry wing. Averlanders in general, and Agbettians in particular are excellent horsemen, though no one's sure how they will fair in this new age of warfare.

Marburg, in the Baronies, also has strong Monarchist leanings, so it was no surprise when the town fathers claimed official allegiance to the Ludwigians. Wurtbad was little tougher to win over. UNF forces controlled most of the town council and high positions in local provincial militia. It was only when the local Kanonball team, the Wurtbad Wyverns, roused the populace in favor of the Ludwigians, that the fascists were forced from power.

"Mad" Max Mueller, captain of the Wyverns, before the 1930 Kanonball Natonals

The Power of Propaganda

Arch Duke Viktor of Volborg began a series of radio addresses last week directed at neighboring towns to the south of UU held territory, specifically Vollenbeck and Herzig. Vollenbeck, always in competition with its UU sister city to the north, Sturmbeck, proved an easy nut to crack. Though the city council was controlled by Monarchist supporters, a groundswell of support from the middle and upper classes, as well as the bayonets of the Volborg Freistaat Provincial Militia, forced the council to switch allegiance to Unkerlant United. Quickly, a small UU garrison appeared, and soon an artillery park was formed on the mayor's lawn.
Herzig has always been the most pious town of a fanatically religious region. Despite this, or maybe because of this, anti-church Red forces rose to control the city. A group calling themselves the People's Militia set up barricades and held most of the city hostage.
But, it seems, the one thing the People's Militia can't block is the UU transmissions. Sisters from the Our Lady of Perpetual Martyrdom convent and the women of the Lady's Temperance League have taken to the streets. Unwilling to fire on unarmed civilians, the Militia were forced from the barricades as other Herzigers joined the march.
Within hours, a UU unit from Volgen moved in and arrested the People's Militia leaders.
Both towns are now firmly part of the Unkerlant United front.

Iron Legion Strikes

Dateline: Principality of Hurn
Hurn, long an ally of Borogravia, has recently been a hotbed of Fascist activity. Now, the Iron Legion has combined with local militias and defense forces to attack from the capital of the principality, Alsdorf, into Carroburg.
Carroburg, as most of our readers know, has been a staunch supporter of King Ludwig. It's also home to the Carroburg Zeppelin Works and the gateway to Salacia to the north.
At dawn, fascist forces hammered the city with artillery, and began strafing from the air. Soon after tanks began to roll in. The monarchist forces, without air support or armor, held out as long as they could, before finally surrendering the city around noon.
Surviving leaders of the city defense forces were rounded up shipped via railcar south to Borogravia.

Brave Carroburg City Militia set up a machine gun, and await Iron League forces.

the Political Situation

WAR! People of Unkerlant, once more our beloved country finds itself embroiled in another conflict scant decades after the Great War. Once again, brother fights brother, and we here at the Unkerlant Chronicle will endevour to report the facts as the battle unfolds.
No less than five political factions have risen to prominence. These factions are no doubt the outgrowth of long simmering regional and class grudges.
In our capital of Koenigstadt, King Ludwig was taken under protective custody by order of Prime Minister Blatzenberg. The Prime Minister, always a weak man, was surely pressured into this poor decision by the ambitious Minister for War and Foreign Affairs, Oktavian Finkel. Finkel has had long standing ties with the Iron Legion, a burgeoning fascist movement in the south started by the now disgraced Borogravian branch of the Royal Family.
The King, however did not stay in captivity long! Loyal members of the Koenigstadt Civil Militia, long a political force themselves, have rescued the King and spirited him a away to an undisclosed location somewhere in the Reichwald region. There, an army calling themselves Ludwigians, have risen to protect the King, and place him back on the throne, making Unkerlant once again a monarchy. They are led by the charismatic General Rolf Von Stern, Commadant of the Civic Militia.
Seeing a chance to replace what they see as a corrupt government, two separate democratic factions have risen in the north. People for a Free Unkerlant, or PFU, led by academic Lothar Luttelbuch, want not only to rid the government of the nobility that traditionally run it, but also open Unkerlant to the wider world with trade and communication. Unkerlant United, on the other hand, believe in a more isolationist approach, keeping with old traditions. Arch Duke Viktor Von Volborg, nominal leader of the UU, would like to see a restoration of the Old Constitution and its grander rights of the nobility.
Meanwhile, the rural south has bred a more different attitude. Maybe because of its long dealings with Transbalkania, the people there have formed farming collectives and trade unions, calling themselves the Unkerlant Workers Party. Their enigmatic leader, Oskar Phlattz, makes sure supplies are flooding in from both Transbalkania and as far as Russia.
These five factions are by no means the only forces operating in our fair homeland. The factions themselves are made up of smaller militias, groups, and parties. And, throughout the countryside, more communities are arming and preparing for action.

Monarchist (Ludwigian) air power

A Monarchist Sturmfalkon fighter/bomber takes to the skies for a bombing run in the early days of the war.

Unkerlant: A Modern Perspective

Unkerlant has always been a secluded place, protected on all sides by either swift rivers or steep mountains. Indeed, until the publication in 1883 of "The Hidden Kingdom, a Definitive History of Unkerlant", by noted historian Sir Archibald Standpipe, Unkerlant was unknown to most of the world. Most European countries have had some dealings with this angry little kingdom over the centuries, but not on equal terms.

Unkerlant is missing from almost all Napoleonic era maps, and though a small contingent of dragoons served along side German troops during the Franco-Prussian War, Bismarck refused to include Unkerlant in his plans for a greater Germany. Although Unkerlant and Germany share some cultural and language similarities, Unkerlant has always been treated as a poor relation. The uneven 1902 Treaty of Koenigstadt, left Unkerlant tied to Germany's fate in the upcoming Great War.

Many Unkerlantan soldiers fought and died in the bloody fields of Flanders. Even more would die on their own home soil fighting their ancestral enemies Transbalkania, when that country invaded in 1915.

Ultimately, Unkerlant would sign a separate and early peace in 1918. The resulting treaty proved disastrous for Unkerlant. They lost all of the territory gained in the 1835 Transbalkan-Unkerlant War.

The 1920s found Unkerlant destitute. A generation of young men were gone, and an already poor nation was somehow even poorer. Empty bellies soon fueled unrest. Regional differences turned into open hostility. In 1931, The Prime Minister placed King Ludwig in protective custody, and dissolved the States Assembly under pressure from the Minister of War and Foreign Affairs. Unkerlant was on the brink of war. Again.