It used to be that "propaganda wars" took place only after the conclusion of a "Big Game", as each of the VBCW factions rushed into print with tales of their "obvious tabletop successes". In a notable propaganda coup before the Spring Big Game 2024, however, Major - General Everard's PR Chief, Staff Commander A.D. Mann, has up-ended the usual timetable and, "in advance of the fixture", confidently announced a new "line-up" for His Majesty's Government:
"The European Tour recently undertaken by their Majesties
King Edward VIII and Queen Wallis appears to have borne fruit, as shown by troop arrivals at Southampton. The ‘Queen Wallis Charm Offensive’, as it was
dubbed in the press at the time, involved visits to various European royalty
and Heads of State. The meetings with El Caudillo, General Franco, in Madrid,
and Il Duce, Senor Mussolini, in Rome are reported to have been particularly
cordial, with both leaders promising more support for H.M. Government.
Here in Herefordshire the arrival of fresh troops has
enabled Major-General Everard to rest and reorganise his forces by creating a
new formation – The Europa Division. It has been formed around the
battle-hardened troops of the Spanish Blue Division, who have already fought with
distinction at several engagements (Operation Scylla, Leominster, Cadbury’s, et
al).
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| The Spanish Blue Division |
Joining their Spanish compatriots is a unit of Carlist
Requetes, led by Lieutenant Miguel Ortapraimor:
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| Carlist Requetes |
These tough militiamen from Navarre formed the backbone
of Nationalist forces in Northern Spain in the early stages of that war. They
are doughty fighters, in their distinctive red berets, and are renowned as
arch-conservatives, deeply religious, and fanatically anti-communist, and will
prove a valuable addition to Everard’s forces.
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El Jefe - in a national radio broadcast, the Caudillo explains
the "central importance" of Herefordshire to the very future of Europe,
and the despatch of Spanish reinforcements to Major-General Everard. |
ll Duce’s contribution to the war effort is the Corpo
Truppo Voluntaire. This seasoned unit arrives direct from Spain where they
experienced hard fighting during the Aragon offensive. They are led by Tenente
Guiseppe ‘Bombasto’ Eyasacrema, who relaxes from the rigours of campaigning by
serenading his men with operatic selections from Verdi, much to their (alleged)
delight (they apparently address him as ‘Tenor-ente’).
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| Corpo Truppo Voluntaire |
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Conquista Hereford ! Mussolini enjoys the adulation of the Roman crowds
after announcing the despatch of the CTV to England. |
The final new arrivals are from a much colder clime – the Legion of St.Nicholas. This so far unblooded unit was formed from exiled sailors of the Russian Imperial Navy, who have sworn to fight communism wherever it is found, in memory of their late beloved Czar, Nicholas II, cruelly murdered with his family by the Bolsheviks. Their commander, Captain Gregori Ivilkutisnutsov, stated ‘the only good Red is a dead Red’:
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| Legion of St. Nicholas |
With these eager volunteers at his disposal Major-General Everard has good reason for renewed confidence for the forthcoming offensive....."
Notes:
(1). with many thanks to Alan (aka Major-General Everard) for the Press Release and Photos. Quite what the Europa Division have planned by way of mortar/MMG, "Big Gun" or Tank, HQ Section, etc. to complete their Platoon line-up is now a matter of breathless speculation within the City and County Dining Rooms.....
