Re: Blood and Iron

For the German Reich, and the nations composed of its European allies the weeks and months that followed Erich’s death were one of largely logistical preparedness for the forthcoming theater of war. Millions of men and supplies were switched from Italy, the Caucasus and the Balkans towards the western front.

At the same time, Austro-Hungary and the Russian Empire did their best to produce as many tanks as they feasibly could for the upcoming push into France. Sure, France tried its best to do the same, but there were limits to what they could reasonably achieve without the support of Britain and its industry.

When compared to the industrial potential of its three adversaries, as Greece would be sitting out of this major battle and instead focus on consolidating their gains, France was at an overwhelming disadvantage.

Because of this, the atmosphere in Paris was glum, especially as militias composed primarily of children and the elderly marched through the streets with makeshift uniforms and rifles in their hands.

Some of the old veterans wore the same uniforms they had been deployed with in wars of the preceding century. Carrying the same weapons they used then, now in 1916. It was a truly depressing sight, as many of the Parisian locals were inclined towards fleeing the city, and perhaps the country altogether towards their colonial possessions that were for the time being more stable.

The idea of the German, Russian, and Austro-Hungarian Armies breaking through the lines of defense and marching into Paris was indeed a terrifying prospect for many, and because of this as the days passed the Capital of France became ever more grim and despaired.

Meanwhile, Germany was quite the opposite, having finally received a sizeable form of aid from its allies of all of which were mustering to the western front, those who had been holding the line for so long were immediately relieved of their positions, allowing newer and fresher men to man the posts until the offensive truly began.

Every second of every day, armored trains transporting the overwhelming number of men, guns, munitions, and armored vehicles from across the world into the western front continued on their journey without incident. Flowing perfectly like a perfectly well-oiled machine.

Soon the Autumn Offensive of 1916 would begin, and in doing so Bruno would bring the Great War to an end. Because of this, he was focused on these days making sure every piece of equipment could be accounted for.

Germany was producing tanks at a rate of 20-30 per day, while half tracks were at an even higher rate. Allowing for the creation of more than one combined arms army by the time the Autumn Offensive was to begin.

As for Austro-Hungary and Russia, they were at a much lower rate of output current, but, with the advancements Bruno had made into their empire’s prior to the outbreak of the war they were in a much better position than France was in.

Because of this, the transport of men and equipment to the western front was monumental in scale. Bruno was currently sitting within his household, at his dinner table with his entire family there, enjoying what they knew would be the last meal they would share together for a while.