luck to ya mate
and looking forward to more indeed
hey everyone.. this is my first story about a civ 3 game so wish me luck. im still playing this game even though this particular war has been over for about 100 years (game time, duh). well.. here we go....
The beginning (and some history)
Jacob Von Goethe stared out over Nuremberg Valley getting a bit of fresh air and taking in the breath taking view. He held that mornings copy of 'The Nuremberg Times' which bore a one word heading in red ink 'WAR'.
It was 1735 and Bismark had told the Dutch to remove their forces from the lands of Germany in compliance with the 1535 peace treaty between the two nations which had ended the most destructive war in the history of the continent. But the Dutch ambassador ended 200 years of peace, and the German guards ended his life.
The newspaper article repoted that immediatly upon the declaration of war both Spain ans Portugal allied with Germany against the Dutch. Jacob knew the would be of little help as the were to far away to make much of a differnce, especially at the begining of the war, the most crucial stage... The article also told of how Dutch troops were already pouring across the border with either Nuremberg or New Nuremberg, a Nuremberg suburb, as their target... Jacob's rifle squad was assigned to protect Nuremberg at all costs... if it fell, Berlin was only a weeks ride away, or about 2 days by train.
Jacob shuddered as he thought about the coming battles and wondered who would win this war.... The Dutch had always been the most powerful nation on the continent and usually had a lead in technology, but ever since the 200 Years War (which actually lasted for 225 years) Germany pulled ahead in technology, but were still only the 3rd most powerful nation. And the Dutch outnumbered German forces at least 5 to 1.
there is the beginning, not too long yet as im still getting stuff together. critisim, comments, suggestions all welcome...
luck to ya mate
and looking forward to more indeed
Kind of on the short side like you yourself noticed... But a good start nonetheless.
Welcome to the stories forum, and hope to see more from you real soon.
Thanx for the kind words, and not to worry guys i wrote up two chapters today during school.. mostly drivers edim gonna start typing them up and they'll be on here by the end of today sometime...
On to the fall of New Nuremberg..
Jacob was disturbed from his thoughts about the war, and about history, by a runner who seemingly appeared from nowhere.
''Sir! Sir!''
“What is it son? Have the Dutch already surrendered?” Jacob said smiling despite knowing full well this would be a long brutal war.
“Unfortunately no sir. Quite the opposite actually. New Nuremberg apparently fell to Dutch knights and musketmen just hours after the declaration of war!”
“WHAT!! How could those bastards ever break our lines!?! Let alone overrun a walled city defended by musketmen!?!”
“Sheer numbers sir... They threw at least 5,000 troops at the city. Which was only protected by about 500 men....” the runner let the reality of the situation sink in on his NCO.
Jacob, trembling from rage, asked, “How many of ‘em did they take out?”
“Reports indicate about 2,000 sir. Mostly knights because that is naturally what they tried to breech the walls with. They went down fighting sir...”
“Maybe it will show them that we will never surrender... not even if they burn Berlin to the ground...” Jacob went back to camp, and told his squad of the heroism of the defenders of New Nuremberg.
In Berlin, a similar conversation was taking place....
“HOW THE HELL COULD THEY CAPTURE NUREMBERG?!?!?” Bismark demanded in a fit of rage, which utterly horrified his advisors.
“Sir? I believe it was NEW Nuremberg that fell to the ...” The angry glare of the German Chancellor ended the aid’s sentence before he was finished.
“Well Hans (the military advisor), what do you think we should do?” Bismark asked, in a demanding tone.
“Well our first move is obviously to recapture New Nuremberg, and make sure the Dutch don’t capture Nuremberg as it is most likely their next target. I recommend establishing a forward base in front of Nuremberg consisting of at least one rifle division and a cannon battery.”
“Make it happen.” and the military advisors aid hurried from the room. Bismark turned to his foreign affairs minister, “Heisenberg, tell me, what is the world reaction to this unprovoked attack?”
The wiry minister stood, “Well Chancellor, as you know, both Spain and Portugal have allied with us against the Dutch hordes. The Celts have made no statement but we expect them to help us since they are allies with Spain. On the other continent, it seems the only nation who gives a rat’s ass about what happens over here is Egypt, they have condemned the attack but have made no moves beyond that.”
“Hmmm.... alright, that is all everyone, you may leave. Except you Hans.” Bismark said, finally dismissing the meeting.
“As you wish.”
Bismark waited until he and Hans were alone, and spread a map of southern Germany, including the conquered lands of England, and the Dutch Empire, on the table. “Hans... I want Amsterdam. I want that Sun Tzu’s war academy and that Leonardo fellow’s workshop. Can that be done?” Hans stared intently at the map before speaking, “No, sir, not with our current forces. I recommend you have the entire economy mobilize, and begin training more forces, mostly cavalry sir.” Hans waited to either hear or perhaps FEEL his Chancellor’s response. Bismark was known for clouting advisors who gave him ‘sub-standard’ advise.
After a pregnant silence filled the room, Hans grew more nervous with each second....
“Okay, done. In the meantime, liberate New Nuremberg and make sure no more invasion forces get through.”
“Yes sir! If it is your will, it shall be done!” Hans saluted and left the room.
Bismark turned to a window and gazed over his beautiful capital city. “ Okay William. You’ve made your move. Now it’s my turn.” A smile touched the lips of the German Chancellor.
there is chapter 2 guys.. ^ wadda ya think??
?
chapter 3 is in the works, it will be done shortly. its longer than these two put together, but its a nice long battle scene for those of you of the blood-lust persuasion
Last edited by rob006; March 14, 2005 at 17:50.
The Battle of Nuremberg
Jacob was asleep when the orders came to move out to the hills south of Nuremberg. Apparently an attempt to stop any attacks before they could reach Nuremberg. “Those bastard generals!! They wake us up before we even see daylight and expect us to fight at full strength?!”
“Well sir, that’s the way it goes sometimes I guess. Besides, we must get the jump on the Dutch,” said the corporal, obviously eager for battle. “Tell the division to be ready to move out at 0800 hours,” Jacob ordered. “Yes sir!” The corporal disappeared in the flaps of his commander’s tent.
At precisely 8 o’clock, Jacob’s division, totaling 1000 men, fell in line and began to march. They were accompanied by a battery of cannons, numbering 20 guns. The march took over an hour thanks to cannon wheels breaking on the road, which was in desperate need of repairs. When they finally got to the hills, Jacob came to the highest ridge and surveyed the valley below. At first he didn’t believe his eyes... it couldn’t be.. Not already... but it was... He whirled around and began to bark orders to his forces “Get those trenches dug up here!! Double time ladies!! The Dutch are already across the border and on the move!!” He turned back to the encroaching cloud of dust. “They are less than a days ride away,” he could just catch a hint of orange, the primary color of the Dutch uniform, “they are coming slowly, they don’t know we are here, we will have the element of surprise," and it will be a double blow to them as they think they will get the surprise, he muttered to himself, “If they came any slower the would have birds nesting in their hats. HA! Well, at least it gives us enough time to get some kind of trench system set up.”
The morning dawned bright and brutal, the days the Nuremberg valley, and desert farther south, were famous for. Jacob intently watched his foes prepare for their attack. During the night, a Dutch scout had spotted the German’s campfire and got back to their night camp before a bullet could stop him. So all surprise was lost. “Damned incompetent bast.... Holy ****!! The sun has got to be playing tricks on my eyes! I didn’t think there where nearly as many yesterday as today! Son of a *****, there must be nearly 10,000!!” With the realization of being outnumbered 10 to 1 Jacob ordered that some logs be stacked some 50 yards back as a secondary defense. Jacob again surveyed his enemy, and smiled realizing that they where all knights, and how useless knights were against trained riflemen. At noon a bugle could be heard from the valley below. Jacob gazed at the mass of humanity that began its move towards him and his men.
The Dutch knights were obviously in no hurry, at least they didn’t plan to be until within range of the German rifles. And they trotted towards the German defenders half way expecting an easy victory. But then the world around them exploded, sending man and horse alike flying. The cannons had found their mark. Once they realized what was happening they broke into a charge aimed at the center of the German line and the lead knights fell when the first volley of hot lead found their targets. Jacob took careful aim and his round slammed into the chest of the sergeant leading the charge. He quickly reloaded his rifle and spun around and found the artillery commander. “Get some cannons up here loaded with grapeshot!”
Within moments, Jacob was flanked by two cannons. “Aim them a little high so that they will fall into the middle of the charge, doing the most damage! Our rifles can take care of those up close!” The adjustments where made and the cannons belched fire and smoke at the enemy, not to mention thousands of tiny metal balls. Seconds later knights in the third through last rows of the charging knights fell as one as the grapeshot found its target. The lead knights broke into a frantic and erratic charge at the Germans who rained hell down onto them.
1000 knights and 200 feet...
700 knights and 150 feet....
400 knights and 100 feet...
They made it no farther, as a cannon had been set up on their right flank and with one discharge swatted them away with the help of the rifles.
The men cheered as one as they had annihilated the Dutch force without a single loss. But the cheering died down slowly as more and more realized the truth... That wasn’t even half of the knights!! Most remained at camp but had been hidden during the battle by their charging compatriots, smoke, and the blood-lust in the eyes of every German soldier. “SON OF A ... GAH!!!!” Jacob cursed at the Dutch for arrogantly thinking that Germany’s forces could so easily be crushed. He turned to his men “Get your weapons ready and loaded with ammo to spare! Move! Move! Move! The bastards won’t wait all day!” He turned again to the artillery commander, “Load your guns with explosive shells and level that encampment now!!”
Within 10 minutes the guns began to fire, and large orange balls of flame erupted in the Dutch camp, scorching tents and flesh alike. After the initial shock wore off the Dutch mounted their steeds and began a massive charge.
“Stop firing the cannons!! Fill them all with grapeshot and aim it so it will hit the middle of their ranks, just like last time!” As the artillery commander hurried to carry out his orders, Jacob watched the massive wall of metal, man and beast surging towards him. “Wait until they are well in range! I’ll give you the signal!” Jacob muttered a prayer, and hoped to God that he would live to see the next day. “STEADY!!”
“STEADY!!”
The knights continued their charge...
“STEADY!!”
The Dutch now had to pick their way through the littered remains of their dead comrades.
“FIRE!!”
The ridge lit up as 1000 men fired their rifles in unison along with 20 cannons at the angry horde. Row after row of Dutch knights fell and where trampled by their brothers-in-arms. The Germans could hear the whistle of the grapeshot and saw several rows of the Dutch get dismembered as the grapeshot found its mark, ignoring armor, flesh, bone, and organs alike, finally burying itself into the ground.
The enemy was now at the base of the hill. The command was given, “Fall back!!” and 1000 men moved as one to the log barricade and waited to again see their foe. They didn’t have to wait long, less than 30 seconds after the last German got behind the barricade, the first Dutch topped the hill. The rifles extended their lead greetings. As Jacob continued to kill man after man a runner came up to him, “Sir?”
“What is it boy?! It better be good, cause im already pissed off and have a loaded rifle!”
“Its terrific sir! We have liberated New Nuremberg!”
It took but a second for this to click in Jacob’s mind and he stood and yelled as if the war, not just this battle, had already been won! “We’ve liberated New Nuremberg!” The news spread quickly down the line even though the fighting still continued against the surge of knights. Many men started whooping and yelling, almost daring the knights to come closer, and they came.
“FOR THE FATHERLAND!!” Jacob shouted and he, along with his entire division stood and fired into the knights, who were but yards away... then feet... then...
The cannons stopped, knowing that now they would kill their own men, and the cannoneers grabbed their rifles and joined the fray.
The Dutch horses easily jumped the log barricade, many either trampling or slicing Germans in the process. But it was far too little, far too late.. There were less than 100 now and in 5 minutes there were none. The battle was Germany’s. 1000 German’s utterly destroyed 10,000 Dutch, losing only 34.
Jacob walked back to camp and his weary soldiers congratulated themselves and especially Jacob for a battle well won. “They ought to promote you sir!” he heard one say. “I know...” came Jacob’s tired reply. He wondered how many they would face tomorrow.
Last edited by rob006; March 11, 2005 at 18:51.
there is the big battle i know you have all been waiting for
That was quite a slaughter you imposed there rob. Good stuff. Are there more big fights coming?
Here is an interesting scenario to check out. The Vietnam war is cool.
unscratchedfoot, yeah that was one of the biggest battles so far in this game. it was like 10-12 dutch knights attacking 2 units of riflemen and a cannon. and to answer your question... you bet! this was a long war with alot of massive battles. i just finished chapter 4's rough draft and chapter 5 will be when i retaliated.
and thanx paddy. your guys words of encouragement are great.
coming today... chapter 4 'Promotions' and possibly chapter 5 'Germany strikes back'
Promotions...
About a month later, Jacob Von Goethe stood before his CO in Berlin. “Jacob. I have heard many good things about you. Especially your crushing defeat of those 10,000 knights at Nuremberg. Very nice. For all of your accomplishments, you are being promoted to lieutenant, and we are going to give you command of not just a division, but an expeditionary force of 3000 riflemen, 500 cavalry men, and 50 cannons.” The CO grinned as he waited to hear the response from the obviously dumbfounded ex-sergeant.
In fact, dumbfounded was quite an understatement. Jacob’s jaw literally dropped open at this incredible news. He was quite speechless, he knew he was a good commander, he had proven that at the Military Academy in Konigsberg. When he had graduated, he had been given command of a squad of 100 men and sent to garrison and control the newly ‘acquired’ English lands and stop small rebellions before they could pick up speed. He had a proven that even under fire he was a capable leader. He had only been given command of his division only a month before the war began.
“I - I don’t know what to say sir...” finally slipped from Jacob’s lips.
“How about, ‘Thank you sir, I’ll do my best.’ ”
“Okay.... Thank you sir, I’ll do my best.” Jacob said, grinning
“Good. Your orders are: Go to the armory, your men are waiting for you. You will all board the military purposes only train at the train station by 1500 hours and will be taken to Dordrecht. After one week of preparations, you will lead your men into Dutch territory, assault, and capture the border town of Lauwersoog.”
“Yes sir! It will be done for the glory of the Fatherland.” Jacob said, snapping to attention, saluting, and then leaving the room.
It took him about 15 minutes to find the armory, then another 10 to find the right courtyard his men were relaxing in. He opened the courtyard door, and there they were, over 3000 men, his to command. He strode purposefully towards the far end of the yard where a podium stood. One by one the men noticed him and saluted in the presence of the lieutenant. After a few moments of conversing with a few men who where in his former division, he took the podium.
“Men! Your attention please! My name is sergeant.... I mean, lieutenant Jacob Von Goethe, your CO. I will command you men until I die, or they find someone better,” he smirked as several men chuckled. “My first order is to appoint Master Sergeant Frederick Heinz as my XO. Our orders from the top are to get to Dordrecht, stay and prepare for one week, then assault and capture the city of Lauwersoog. Be at the train station at 1300 hours. We will board at 1400 hours, and leave at 1500 hours. That is all.” The men slowly began to filter from the courtyard to prepare their things and make any last minute arrangements. Jacob stepped off the podium feeling better than he ever had. And at 3 o’clock, a train left Berlin carrying over 3000 soldiers, and a very pleased, and anxious lieutenant.
Germany strikes back
The stay in Dordrecht had been very beneficial to all. To the soldiers, it got them prepared for combat. For Jacob, he got to know his new men and when and how he could count on each. For the local populace, they saw the will, determination, and the might that Germany still had. Early of on the seventh day they had spent there, they got their gear together and marched out of the city heading south-east towards Lauwersoog.
The city was several miles away but there were roads connecting the two nations that had yet to be destroyed. The force encountered virtually no resistance except the occasional border patrol, or a wild-eyed citizen who decided they would rather die then live under the ‘kraut’ flag. Jacob continually rode up and down the lines on his brand-new horse surveying his troops, and giving the needed words of encouragement. “By nightfall men! We will have the city surrounded by night fall!” His men gave a collective cheer, and they continued the march, they were still several hours from the city.
When they finally could see the glow of lights, which meant civilization, Jacob briefed his men. “All right, this city isn’t walled so all we will have to do is catch ‘em at the barracks and chase down any stragglers. We are gonna spread out surrounding half of the city. At daybreak we are going to open up with a volley of high explosives targeting the barracks. After every gun has fired 3 times, the cavalry will sweep through the city towards the barracks... followed closely by riflemen... however 200 of you will have to stay behind to protect the cannons. Squads 9 and 15 will do that. The guns will fire a fourth round as you other men move out.” He looked around at these young men, knowing that he would not see several of them ever again after tomorrow. “All right men, we are going to move up a little bit farther so that our cannons will already be in range in the morning.” When they got to within range of the city, everyone knew where they where going and what to do. Squads would spread out across the plains surrounding the town so that the only way to escape was to head north towards Germany. The men pitched pup tents, the horses where feed and muzzled so as not to make much noise in the night, and the men went to bed, awaiting the coming battle.
At about 20 minutes before dawn, Jacob rode the entire length of his force, rallying the men for combat. Finally he stopped where the cavalry where, “Good morning men. When you charge into the city, I want you to kill anyone who raises any type of weapon at you. But get to the barracks as quickly as possible.” Jacob watched the horizon where the sun would appear at any moment, already red was climbing into the sky. The second the sun was visible, only a sliver of golden yellow, the German cannons began to rudely wake the small town.
The first round left all the cannons, and seconds later the reports could be heard and seen inside the city, some however where slightly off course and slammed into walls of unsuspecting homes and buildings. “THAT’S ONE ROUND!!”
The second rounds found the city and the barracks could be seen bursting into flames and the earth tossing about, as all hell broke loose. “TWO SHOTS!!”
The third rounds rushed to meet the city, accidentally taking out several innocent buildings in the process. “CHARGE!!” The plains outside of Lauwersoog revealed the 3000 Germans converging on the sleepy town. The fourth cannon round could barely be heard over the war cries of the charging Germans. The cavalry galloped into the town firing into the air like they where crazy. The riflemen followed them and ran down into the streets. The cavalry quickly found the barracks and gunfire could be heard throughout the town. It seemed like only about 200 men where left alive at the barracks. The cavalry where quickly bearing down on them, firing as they charged. Dutch men were falling to the ground by the dozens, blood shooting from holes in their bodies, where lead pierced them and sent them to either eternal condemnation, or set them eternally free. The German cavalry where becoming confident, and that’s when most of their worlds ended. The Dutch had managed to hide a crate of gunpowder right in front of the front lines and led a small trail of gunpowder back to them. The cavalry men thought it was odd when one man took time to get down and strike a match, however they never had time to contemplate it as the lit gunpowder raced to its source detonating in less than a second after the trail was first lit.
Jacob looked to the north and saw a lone man galloping on a horse towards the battlefield. He met him halfway. “What news do you bring son?”
“Good sir. Early this morning our troops captured the Dutch city of Den Helder.”
“Excellent news! In fact I have more to add to that. Tell them that my expeditionary force has captured Lauwersoog with minor casualties, mostly cavalry. I request reinforcements of my force along with the men they want to garrison this town with.”
“Very well sir.” the runner saluted and galloped off.
By the time Jacob had gotten back to Lauwersoog, the 200 at the barracks had been defeated. But the Dutch aren’t anything if not tricky. At the second the last Dutch man fell, 500 more poured from them buildings surrounding the main battlefield. Men quickly went to hand-to-hand and blade-to-blade combat realizing that the battle would be so close-quarters. Jacob got into Main Street just as a bugle sounded and the Dutch again retreated inside of their buildings... though there were now less than half of their original number. He barked to his men, “Into the buildings! After them! Go! Go! Go!” the cavalrymen dismounted and joined the ranks of the riflemen spreading out, heading towards the nearest building, the Dutch had escaped into. Jacob decided he would joined the battle and ran into one of the buildings. The man in front of him dropped and the musket ball that killed him barely missed Jacob’s side, burying itself into the wall. In a split-second reaction, Jacob raised his rifle and fired into the man’s chest. He fell to the ground spinning, splashing his blood on the walls. “A grotesque way to paint a wall.” Jacob mused.
Climb stairs, fire, reload, fire, more stairs, fire.... the same motions became ingrained into everyone’s hands and feet, doing the acts almost without thinking. Finally he reached the roof of them building after what seemed an impossibly long room-to-room battle. The last bit of Dutch resistance was gathered on the far end of the building, exchanging fire with Germans already on the rooftops. They never even knew Jacob and his men where behind him, until the searing hot lead buried itself into their backs. After just a few minutes of picking of stragglers, or running them down on horseback, the city was secure. Lauwersoog had fallen.
Jacob walked through the streets littered with dead bodies, it was approaching nightfall. The same runner that had found him earlier that day again found him. “Another city fallen to our glorious armies?” Jacob said, smiling. The runner’s head hung low and he shook his head. “No sir. The Dutch liberated Dan Helder. Germany lost about 5000 men. The Dutch have apparently imported saltpeter, they have cavalrymen.”
Good stuff this.
thanks much vovan. ill have chapter 6 up either tonight or tomorrow. i just got to type it. sorry, no big battles in #6 but is an important set up for this stories sequal.. if i do one. thanx again
Nice battle. Looking forward to the next rumble.
Here is an interesting scenario to check out. The Vietnam war is cool.
Chapter 6
Bad news and worse news...
Over the next several months, Jacob and his force where ordered from one desolate area to another. As an expeditionary force, they were supposed to be on the front lines, but the Dutch army was virtually no more. It was now more of a matter of ‘what city do we capture today’? As far as the Allies, what the Berlin-Madrid-Lisbon alliance was called, knew all that was left of the Dutch forces where meager town garrisons of their Swiss pikemen, defending the remains of the Dutch empire. Less than a month after a surprising counter-attack liberated Dan Helder, it fell again, but this time to the Portuguese. Bismark was of course furious, but he regained his composure and began focusing on the ultimate goal, Amsterdam. Germany was still the main force leading the counter-invasion however the Portuguese and Spanish had large armies in the area. Shortly after Lauwersoog fell to Germany, Scandinavia joined the allies, however everyone knew they could never field an army. The Portuguese had captured and held Dan Helder. The Spanish hadn’t captured any cities, but were making raids against Dutch encampments and helped sped up the Allied advance with their conquistadors. The hilly terrain had slowed advances considerably, but the Dutch were crumbling, it was obvious to the whole world.
“Hot damn!” Jacob yelled one morning, moments after a messenger slipped into his tent. He came out of his tent to his men, who had already gathered thanks to his shout. “Men! It’s been quit awhile since we have seen any real action,” they all knew he meant Lauwersoog. “Well, we just got our new orders, and I quote ‘You will lead your men south, attack and capture the city of Haarlem. The city is a river-side city, important for trade. It is also a natural breeding ground for horses. Good luck. Fight for the Glory of the Fatherland!” Jacob could not contain his excitement and neither could his men. As one they let out an excited shout that surely carried all the way to Berlin. “Get a good nights rest men. We move south at 0700 hours tomorrow and get back in the war!” Almost immediately his men found their tents and folded themselves inside.
The troops woke up early and moved out at exactly 7 a.m., beginning the 3-day march to Haarlem. About noon of the first day of marching, a runner caught up with them, obviously almost riding his horse to death to get there. “Sir, I have some rather distressing news!”
“Well? Spill it!”
The messenger was obviously nervous about divulging his information, “Well sir, of course you remember Lauwersoog right? Well uhh, the city’s citizens led an organized rebellion and overpowered the garrison, executing the captured in the city square. They have pledged themselves again part of the Netherlands.” Anger quickly spread onto Jacob’s face. The city that he had attacked and purchased with the blood of many of his men, was overthrown by CITIZENS!? How could the generals have defended the city so poorly? “Thank you son, I assume we are ordered to turn around and retake the city. Correct?” “No sir, you are to continue your current mission.” Jacob nodded, and after a crisp salute, the messenger headed back north.
Needlessly to say, Jacob’s men were de-moralized by the news from Lauwersoog, yet everyone knew it was only a matter of time before it again succumbed to Germany. And by the time they got to the plains and hills that where north of Haarlem, they all were certain that the city was again German. But know their minds were on something else. Smoke. For the past several hours they had seen thick, black smoke rising from behind the hills. From where Haarlem should be.
The Germans topped the hills and looked directly into hell. The city was ablaze, and what areas weren’t on fire was rubble. Jacob and his men gazed into the inferno, collectively wondering “What the hell happened here?” A few popping sounds caught their attention and they could finally see who had caused this. Soldiers were lined up in a straight row in a field next to the city, not 20 feet away lay dozens of men, unarmed and dead. An execution. The men finally saw the bodies, thousands lay dead in the cities streets and hundreds of thousands lay in the surrounding fields. In the distance, a trail of people, mostly women, where chained and being led back north. The soldiers, the perpetrators of this heinous crime, where the forces of Portugal. Jacob found Frederick Heinz, his XO. “Frederick? How many people called this city home?” Heinz, obviously dazed, slowly turned his head to his commander, eyes glassy and a tear streaming down his cheek. “O... over eight... 800,000... sir.” War had reached a new low, war was fought against governments and the soldiers who volunteered to protect it, not innocent citizens. Jacob swore that one day, Portugal would pay. When news of this atrocity reached Berlin, Bismark swore the same thing.
AUTHORS NOTE: in case you couldn't quite follow what happened there at the end, Portugal had captured the city before i did and razed it, the city was a size 11. so yeah, it sucked.
no comments for 2 days?i thought i was doin good...
any feedback would be better than none...
Chapter 7
Death, destruction, and Allied advances...
A few weeks after the Massacre of Haarlem, as it came to be known, Portuguese cavalry overwhelmed the civilian defenders of Lauwersoog. And again the Portuguese committed the vilest crime in all war, mass murder. Over 300,000 innocents called Lauwersoog home. Word quickly spread throughout the known world that the Portuguese had killed over 1 million innocent civilians. When news of this second razing reached Chancellor Bismark, he had to be physically restrained to keep from telling his Generals to attack Portugal. Bismark was a hard man who would kill or destroy IF there was a due cause, not killing innocent people who happened to be born in the wrong country of a brutal war.
The Spanish where also making headway against the Dutch. In the south, at the Dutch-German border the city of Newcastle, which was annexed into the Netherlands from England, fell to Spanish cavalry. But reports of this battle were quite disturbing, the Dutch had used rifles, until know they only had muskets and pikes. The war would now be even more brutal.
“Sir?”
Jacob groggily woke in his tent to find his sergeants standing around and a messenger. “Huh?... What is it? What’s going on?”
“Orders sir.” The messenger told him. “Would you like me to read them?” Jacob waved his hand giving him permission. “Very well. Jacob Von Goethe, you will lead your expeditionary force west, through the hills and attack and capture Utrecht. We must capture this city as it will greatly slow down the enemy’s production as it is a great source of both iron and coal. Good luck. For the Fatherland.”
“Uh huh... is there a reason why the General doesn’t want us to capture Leiden? When it falls we will have a straight shot into Amsterdam!” Frederick Heinz demanded from the messenger.
“Well sirs, its true that Leiden is the gateway to Amsterdam, however Utrecht must fall first so that the enemy cannot circle around and cut our supply lines. Besides, the 3rd army is going to attack Leiden in 5 days.”
“Ok men. You heard the word. Relay the info to our men, we are moving out at 0700 hours! That’s 2 hours! Double time ladies!” Jacob barked to his men, and they rushed to carry out his orders.
Jacob laid back onto his makeshift bed, still able to smell the embers of Haarlem. “Utrecht... should be easy enough, last I read about the city said it was defended only by some Swiss mercenaries...”
The force moved out at promptly 7, heading west across the hills towards Utrecht. After 2 days of marching the men looked down on the city. “Humph... I figured such a productive city would be larger, and have at least a factory... they only have an alchemist’s camp... good Lord have mercy on them, FOR WE SHALL NOT!! CHARGE!!” Jacob pulled his sword from its scabbard and led the charge on horseback. During the two-day march they had worked out the plan of attack. The cavalry would charge, blitzing its way into the city, the riflemen would be close behind and provide cover for the cavalry, the cannons would not be used for bombardment but in close quarters against any enemies that entrenched themselves and couldn’t be routed.
Utrecht was a small town yet highly productive due to its immense coal and iron deposits it the surrounding hills. The city was a center of manufacturing for what remained of the Dutch empire. The citizens knew that the Allies where on their way, and Utrecht was a very nice prize to whoever captured it. Its citizens found out with a shout of charge that it would be the famous expeditionary force of Jacob Von Goethe.
The hills east of the city spewed over 3000 men bent on conquest towards the city. “Cavalry first! Rifles mixed with Cannons second!” Jacob shouted as a reminder to his troop as they charged the city. The city was so small that the men could see all the way to the barracks, and already the glint of Dutch steel could be seen. Pikes. The cavalry slipped into the city as it had no walls or towers. “They never expected us to reach this far.”Jacob thought to himself. When the cavalry was within 20 yards of the pikemen they opened fire. The sound of a few ricochets could be heard but mostly it was the sickening thud they had all become used to. The pikemen where under cover behind several crates at the barracks when the battle began. The cavalry where slowly reducing the crates to splinters. The riflemen and cannons arrived several minutes after the ‘battle’ began. A dozen cannons were wheeled into place in front of the cavalry and discharged obliterating the crates and sending men, mostly parts of men, flying. Then the arrows hit. Several men fell from their horses as the arrows easily penetrated the cloth uniforms. “The city hall you morons!!” Sure enough, a small squad of archers was on the roof of the city hall.
“Charge them! Break down the doors! Attack! Overwhelm the enemy!” Jacob commanded an within moments men where attempting to push the doors open. “It’s barricade sir!”
“Dammit to hell! Fine, get that cannon over here!” Jacob, took control of the nearest cannon as several of his men continued to fall from lucky arrows, most of which fell short. “Let’s see them stop this!” Jacob pulled the string and released hell onto his enemy. The side facing the Germans exploded instantly killing any defenders on that corner of the building. Seconds later that whole wing of the building caved in, killing any who where inside. On the farther end of the building, the side that was untouched from the battle, a single windows’ shutters flew open and a white flag was being waved. Utrecht had fallen. Jacob called his own runner to him, “Get to Dordrecht and tell the general that we have captured Utrecht. We request reinforcements, a town garrison and our next orders. Go! Now!” The runner quickly disappeared into the twilight of early evening.
The force remained in the city for several days before the runner returned. “Sir! I have brought with me reinforcements, our new orders and good news. We are to remain in this town until further notice, for now, we are the garrison. Germany has advanced faster than we have been able to train new soldiers. The good news is, sir, that Arnhem has fallen to a combined German-Spanish attack. The Spanish have given the city to us. But something distressing happened there sir, the Dutch forces again had rifles. Also, the 3rd army has begun its assault on Leiden.” The messenger said, obviously proud of Germany’s incredible advances, and strength. “Thank you son. That’s good to hear.”
You should declare war on Portugal too cause they sound a lot more evil than the Dutch. With all your power and military prowess, you can deliver a double beatdown.
Here is an interesting scenario to check out. The Vietnam war is cool.
i would but i actually have an alliance with them against the Dutch and im a democracy so yeah, that was out of the question. Plus they have a MUCH larger attacking force than i do.... most of my military is defence. this war against the Dutch lasted from 1735 to 1788 (ive made the turns into months/weeks for the sake of realism). but in 1824 i redeclare war on them simply to completly annex them. by then i have infantry and artillery and they fall in 2 turns. portugal shortly after becomes jealous and ATTACKS me (along with their ally, arabia, but they are on the other continent so we only have a few naval battles and 1 horribly failed landing on their part)! i make short work of the cities the have to my south (their homeland is to my north-east) and i capture a border city of theirs that has like 5 sources of dyes!! they surrender to me after that city falls.. giving me alot of cash and a city they took from me like 1000 years before! man.. artillery and infantry rocks when your enemy only has riflemeni may make a sequal to this story about the short war with portugal or maybe the annexing of the Dutch. i dunno.. so what does everyone think of this story so far?
Last edited by rob006; March 16, 2005 at 20:52.
Chapter 8 The fall of Leiden...
Jacob and his men stayed in Utrecht for 2 months. All the while getting messages of gallantry and bravery on the front lines on behalf of the German troops. Germany had captured Delft, and Spain had captured Eindhoven in the last month alone. It was clearer now than ever, the Netherlands was in full retreat, their last hope was to keep Amsterdam, and make the war too costly for the Allies. But Bismark had made up his mind, he wanted Amsterdam, he didn’t yet want to completely end Dutch civilization, but he wanted to make certain they could never reemerge as a world power.
“Don’t tell me they are gonna leave us in this city until the end of the war. I can’t just sit by like we did after Lauwersoog!” Was a common complaint from his men. “I know I know, we should get orders to move out soon.” Was Jacob’s common reply. His men had loved the idea of staying in a city at first, but now they had completely exhausted the supply of booze and women, so boredom quickly set in. He wanted to be on the front just as much as they did,
“Dammit, it isn’t fair, they know how good....” He was interrupted from his thoughts when he noticed a messenger enter the city from the north, with reinforcements. “Maybe now we can get back to the action!”
“What news do you bring boy?”
“Well sir, the Celts have declared war on through Dutch and are moving massive armies south, though Spain, and Portugal. And.. Uh.... the Portuguese have again committed mass murder.”
Jacob gritted his teeth and clenched his fists.. He hated Portugal now, he couldn’t wait fo Germany to set them straight. “Where and.... How many?”
“The citadel known as The Hague sir. Nearly 800,000 lived there sir. All that’s left is rubble.”
“We have to move even faster if we are to stop them from continuing this campaign of death! Damn it .... Well...Have we captured Leiden yet?” Jacob asked, still fuming from the news of The Hague.
“No sir, actually that is your new orders, you are to move south, join the 3rd army and press the attack at Leiden. The city must fall quickly as it is the gateway to Amsterdam. And sir, the Dutch have a large supply of rifles now, they have 4 divisions of riflemen in Leiden. That’s why it hasn’t fallen yet. They also lack cannons. Good luck sir.” The runner saluted and trotted out of the city.
Jacob called his men together to give them their orders, “Men, today we have received our new orders. We go south, to assist the 3rd army in the capture of Leiden. The Dutch are dug in very well and are supplied with rifles.” This news caused his men to whisper amongst themselves, “But that’s okay, we’ll out number them 10 to 1 once we get there. And we have cannons, so it won’t take too long. Get your **** together guys, we move out in 2 hours. We will be there in just a little over 1 hour as the railroad has been completed to the 3rd Army’s camp. The news courier brought with him a town garrison, so we will all be in this fight. So let’s move! 2 hours ladies! Hustle!”
By the time the men where within sight of the camp of the 3rd army, they where geared up for a good battle. But when they got there, most of the army was just sitting around with about 50 men firing into the city idly.
“What the hell is this?” Jacob rhetorically asked. He grabbed the nearest soldier from the 3rd. “Where is your CO? Take me to him. Now.” Jacob left his men at the outskirts of the camp as he followed the soldier to the general’s tent. “Sorry sir, you can’t go in right now, he’s in a conference.” Jacob sneered at the boy who couldn’t have been more than 17, “Like hell I can’t.” With that Jacob entered the tent.
The general looked up obviously surprised by the disruption, “I swear, friggen security isn’t worth a damn! Who the hell are you and what the hell do you want?” The General demanded of Jacob.
“Lieutenant Jacob Von Goethe sir. Here to assist you in your,..” Jacob paused, thinking of the poor excuse for an attack he had seen on the way in, “.. Assault on Leiden. I lead an expeditionary force of 3000 men, they are ready to charge sir.”
“Hrmph... so the politicians didn’t think I was doing a good job, eh? Screw em, you saw the ‘assault’ we have massed.”
“Assault? General, how many men have you lost in the 2 months that you have been supposedly attacking this city? And how many casualties have you inflicted?” Jacob said, his blood rising, his natural dislike for this man was already developing into a deep hate.
The General smirk quickly changed to a frown, knowing that Jacob would not be a push over. “We have lost about 50 men. The Dutch have lost at least 100.”
“That’s pathetic. You have had 2 months to captured Leiden and you haven’t even begun!” Jacob began to shout, his no longer able to contain his anger.
“You listen to me you little fu*k! I am the general here, you and your men will follow my orders and my army in the attack of the city.” The general quickly matching Jacob’s tone.
“Screw you and your army.” Jacob stormed from the room over to his force. “Men, the General is a pompous ass, so we shall lead our own charge into the city. Gear up and get ready to move out. It’s 1300 hours, we attack at 1400!” The men were unsure about this judgement, and Jacob’s ignoring orders, but followed his commands, and at 2 o’clock, they topped the hill towards Leiden.
“Okay. Our cannons will pour the hot stuff on them while we charge down the hill. Once we reach the city the riflemen will dig in and wait for the cannons to make it down the hill. During this time the cavalry will charge into the city taking on small bands of the enemy. If it gets too hot in there, leave. Once the cannons make it down, the riflemen will come-over-the-top and will advance at a slow pace while the cannons obliterate every building that houses enemies. Do you get me men?”
“Yes sir!” His men called back, obviously giving him their full support.
“Okay! Take positions!” His men moved to the edge of the hill. The third army was behind them, hearing every word, however they quickly found out that this attack was not to include them, they collectively wondered why.
Jacob surveyed his men. “CHARGE!” The cannons erupted, and the mobile forces moved out, down the hill. “LET’S TAKE THIS FIGHT TO THE BASTARDS!” His men cheered as they charged towards the city. Seconds later the world around many of Jacob’s men flew up in a thunderous greeting. “THEY HAVE CANNONS!! FASTER!!” The cavalry where already at the entrances of the city, hiding behind buildings while the German cannons continued their symphony. The riflemen, however, where still halfway up on the hill but continued to run towards the city, even as they died by the dozens.
Many men of the 3rd watched from the hill top in horror as fellow Germans where destroyed by Dutch cannons. “Dammit, I’ve had enough of this!” One shouted. “Im going down there! Who’s with me? Most of the entire 3rd stood up and cheered. The general came out of his tent and demanded where his men where going. “We aren’t going to sit idly by while our brothers get butchered!”
“I’ll have every last one of you court-marshaled!” The general screamed. “Fu*k you!” Came the reply.
The cannoneers where surprised to say the least when soldiers bearing the patch of the 3rd army slipped between them down the hill.
As the sea of German’s continued down the hill it was obvious that the Dutch guns could not stop the tide. But by the time the last German got to the bottom, the hill was littered with hundreds of bodies. “RIFLES! DIG IN! CAVALRY! MOVE OUT!” Jacob shouted, realizing too late though that his orders where already being carried out. The 3rd army had heard his entire speech. He looked back at the hill. The cannons where making slow progress and the nearby earth erupted around them, so far none had been destroyed. Moments after the cavalry entered the city, gunfire could be heard. A few cannon reports could also be heard coming from inside the city.
About 10 minutes after the riflemen had dug in the cannons reached the bottom of the hill, only one had been destroyed in the advance. “OKAY! RIFLES! OVER-THE-TOP! CANNONS! FOLLOW BEHIND!” With this, the trenches released over 8000 men who found the closest street and began a slow march. Cavalry could be seen occasionally charging from street to street, making hit and run attacks on the enemy. When the middle rifle column was only about 50 yards into the city, bullets hailed down from the 3rd story window of a brothel. Several dropped before anyone knew what was going on or where it was coming from. Finally they looked up and saw the intermittent puffs of smoke and opened fire. The side of the building cracked and chipped as nearly 500 men said hello to the enemy. Then the cannons greeted the building, sending debris through the air and ending the ambush.
After an hour that seemed to last eternity, the men had reached the middle of the city. The 20 columns of nearly 500 men each converged at the town square. The town hall could be seen across the street and Dutch riflemen where holed up in it. “All right guns! You know what to do!” The cannons all sent their high explosive shells into the building, collapsing it instantly. Far down the main street, a glint of metal caught a few soldiers’ eyes. But it was too late, the Dutch cannon fired and several Germans went flying. Beyond the Dutch cannon, riflemen could be seen, preparing for an infantry charge. “That appears to be almost all the troops they have left! They are done! Let’s get ‘em!” The 3rd army, under Jacob’s command, began a long march towards an angry enemy. German guns fired back causing several buildings around the Dutch to collapse.
Out of nowhere, German cavalry poured into the Dutch rear, sabers and rifle’s at the ready already drawing blood. “STOP FIRING!” Jacob yelled back to the cannoneers. More cavalry came from the Dutch right flank killing the cannon crews. Several men dismounted and turned the guns around, towards the remaining Dutch. Almost as if on cue the German cavalry who where involved in close combat retreated to the sides, hacking their way out. The Dutch realized the trap too late. As the last German cleared, and the first Dutch retreated, the captured guns fired point-blank range into the line. Within 5 minutes the mop up was over.
The cavalry officer came to and saluted Jacob, “Sir, all enemy resistance is eliminated. The city is ours.” Jacob smiled, not only because of another rousing success, but also wondering what the 3rd’s general was thinking. “Great to hear son. As you where.”
A week after the capture of Leiden, Chancellor Bismark himself visited the city. The soldiers who had instruments or who ‘borrowed’ them from the conquered populace, put on a show at the Chancellor’s arrival. “Where is the general of the 3rd Army?” Bismark asked his personal aide. “He should be at the barracks sir.” “Very well, take me to the barracks.”Upon Bismark’s entrance into the barracks, the entire army saluted, even those on stretchers honored their great leader. The general sat at the mahogany desk that had somehow escaped major damage from the collapse of the city’ town hall.Jacob stood behind him to the right. “Are you the general of this army?” Bismark asked. “Yes sir I am.” The general stood extending his hand to Bismark. “You ignorant bastard! You are a disgrace to Germany. You are immediately relieved of your command.” The general slumped in his seat obviously shocked by the news. Jacob could hardly contain his glee. Bismark nodded towards him, “Jacob Von Goethe? You are given command of the 3rd army. In 2 weeks you will lead the assault on Amsterdam.” Bismark turned and went back to his carriage, and quickly pulled away from the city. Jacob’s mouth hung open, he was almost as shocked as the general.
Nice fight. So a lot of Germans went down under fire as well right? When the Dutch are finished off, will there be a stronger opponent for you to fight?
Here is an interesting scenario to check out. The Vietnam war is cool.
yeah, my troops came under alot of fire in this battle. in the game there where like 4 or 5 riflemen units defending the place, as well as 2 cannons. this was the first time the Dutch had used cannons, so it really surprised me. and yeah when this war ends, ive still got strong opponents around me, especcially on the other continent. but im a Democracy, so im not picking any fight right now. i want to win this game by space race if possible, because my last game i won by domination. anyway, the continent that i am on is like a very misshapen O. im right below the large sea thats in the middle. (i also contorl the only 'canal' city that gives acess to both the sea and the oceans
Ch 9 in the works...
Last edited by rob006; March 20, 2005 at 19:14.
rob, where's the next update?
I think you should have a good punch-up with the celts and then the persians. What happens when you start a war while in democracy?
Here is an interesting scenario to check out. The Vietnam war is cool.
ive been having a case of writers block for the past few days... along with a few personal problems.. but everything is sorted out now. i should have ch 9 either today or tomorrow.
well, scracthed, you may get your wish on the one with the celts... im still playing this game and the year is 1862 and the Celts have attacked me. as for the persians... hmm.. maybe...
when i start a war when im a democracy, all my citizens complain about the war, and riot. i normally have alot of turns before they riot if im attacked. but if i attack someone, the war weariness sets in almost immediatly.
Aha! Okay, I remember that. I haven't played civ for a couple of years so I'm forgetting about it with newer, much cooler games on the grill. I do recall that I turned off war weariness in my games using the editor. A easy as pie fix is to flag all the basic buildings like temple, market, bank, aqueduct etc with 'reduces war weariness'. This will not get rid of it but will reduce it to an easily managed level so you can scrap whoever you want to. Also, using fascist government is best I think.
Looking forward to the next batch of goods. I'm not sure but I think this forum may be becoming a ghost town with the game so old and what not. I had hopes it would transform into a hobby writing site but it seems to be mostly collecting dust unfortunately. But keep the goods coming rob cause I'll be reading them.
Here is an interesting scenario to check out. The Vietnam war is cool.
And Scratchy surely won't be the only one.
hey... nice to see you back vovan... and thanks both of your for your comments... i present chapter 9! the final chapter.
Chapter 9
The war ends...
In the short time that Bismark allowed Jacob to prepare for the assault, Jacob had only gotten to know the NCOs of the 3rd and its better soldiers. Now the commander of the 3rd Army, Jacob’s task was nothing short of ending the war. From the hills outside of Leiden, the 3rd could see Amsterdam. Rumor had it that King William had fled days ago, establishing a government-in-exile at Holwerd. The war was still being fought on a massive front, on the coast, in the center of the Netherlands, and in the arctic south. The Dutch where in complete and full retreat.
The assault on Amsterdam was planned for that day, so Jacob turned to his men, 15,000 strong. “Attention men! We move out in 2 hours! Once we reach the outskirts of Amsterdam, we will assault the city with the help of 10 cavalry and 3 riflemen divisions coming from the north. We will hit the city with nearly 50,000 troops.” His men where obviously pleased. “The enemy has less that 8,000, all riflemen. They have no cavalry or cannon support. Our 200 cannons will pound the city center, where most of the enemy is, in a mortar style attack. The cavalry will open the charge closely followed by riflemen supported by the cannons. The other 10 cavalry will pour into the city from the north. We will attack the eastern area of the city. Good luck men! This could be the last battle of the war!” His men cheered and shouted as if the war had been won. In a way it had, the Dutch were obviously crippled beyond repair, but Bismark demanded that Amsterdam fall, and with the Dutch out numbered 5 to 1, it surely would.
At 10 am, two hours after Jacob’s speech, the 3rd Army began to move. The march would take only about an hour. Looking north, Jacob could just barely make out the faint rise of dust and the occasional glint of steel. He couldn’t actually see the cavalry, but he knew it was them.
By the time they reached the city, it was quite obvious that much of the civilian populace had fled. Several buildings at the cities edge hung white sheets, substituting for white flags of surrender. “Don’t be fooled, those were put up by the citizens, not soldiers. Their soldiers will fight to the last man.” Jacob surveyed the surroundings and turned to his cannoneers. “Move about 10 yards into the city so you can get some better range and accuracy, then begin punding them. Hopefully we will hit as few civilian structures as possible. And under NO circumstances are you to target the Palace!” The cannoneers nodded and moved closer. “Commence bombardment!” the relative calm of the day was shattered in an instant by the immense noise of 200 cannons. The battle had begun.
Half an hour, and 2000, shells later, the 3rd Army’s cavalry blitzed into the city. The 10 supporting cavalry divisions to the north did the same. “All right! Riflemen move out! Protect the cannons! Let’s move!” Within moments, 50,000 German soldiers, bent on conquest, were in the city. After Jacob’s detachment had gone about halfway down the street they were to occupy, they came to a large, log barricade, blocking the road. “Dammit! Ok, they are only delaying the inevitable. Fine. Get a cannon up here and blow the hell outta this thing!” It was done, and the barricade was reduced to splinters. As the dust and smoke cleared all hell broke loose. Lead zipped through the air, parting the smoke and finding their intended, flesh, targets. “Ambush! Take cover!” Jacob dived behind a log that had was still largely left intact and laid prone behind it. “Fire at will!” The surprised German force quickly regained their footing and opened up on the Dutch. Jacob took careful aim and nailed the Dutch sergeant just above the right eye, sending him flying in a shower of blood. Jacob reloaded his rifle and his new round slammed into the stomach of another soldier. Soon the zing of grapeshot could be heard, and Jacob realized that his men had taken the initiative and filled a few cannons with grapeshot to regain the advantage. The skirmish ended within 20 minutes of its start. The Germans had won, but at the cost of over half a squad. “Okay! Move out. Keep it moving.” Jacob ordered, getting his men back under control. Now that the firefight had ended, and the ringing in his ears had ceased, Jacob could hear the distinct sound of gunfire throughout the city. “They must have had several of those traps set up all over the city. Smart.. “ Jacob almost grinned at his enemy’s resourcefulness.
They marched for half an hour in relative calm, still hearing faint reports of gunfire coming from small battles inside the massive city. Finally they reached the section of the city the bombardment had targeted.. Bricks, mortar, and gravel lay everywhere, while gapping holes scarred many buildings. Several buildings had completely collapsed, creating an obstacle course of rubble. A few shots came from the roof of a four story building, dropping only one German before a cannon shell slammed into the side of the structure, sending it to the ground in a cascade of rock and dust. The barracks could be seen, ablaze and in ruins. Dead soldiers littered the ground, leaving a path that lead to the Dutch Palace. “Damn. I didn’t want the Palace to be harmed!” Well... load all but one cannon with grapeshot. Give the other gun a solid shell. When we get to within range of their rifles, unload on them with grapeshot and your rifles. The cannon with the solid shot will blow down the doors, so we can seize the Palace.” The men did as they were told, and Jacob led them to the building that ruled the once great Dutch Empire.
Within 10 yards of the Palace, the Dutch defenders opened fire from windows, the roof, and even the ornamental towers. Jacob gave the order, and the air was filled with the distinct zing of thousands of tiny lead balls. The Palace walls became speckled as many rounds chipped away at it. A dozen Germans fell before the cannon carrying the solid shot could be maneuvered into position. The gun fired and the doors swung into the building while the doors’ centers disintegrated. One of the doors even came loose on its wildly out of control back-swing, almost hitting a German, who luckely dodged the door in time. The German soldier laughed at his luck until a Dutch bullet tore away the back of his head. “Riflemen! ATTACK! Cannons move into the building for cover.
Germans poured into the Palace, getting cut down in a hail of lead almost as quickly as the set foot in the building. Jacob seen other detachments coming from the city’s alleys, making their way to assist in the assault on the Palace. The German troops continued to stream into the building finally gaining a foot hold underneath the spiral stair cases. German guns fired, Dutchmen died. Dutch guns fired, Germans died. “GO! PRESS THE ATTACK! WIN HERE AND WE WIN THE WAR! ATTACK! DESTROY THOSE WHO TRIED TO DESTROY US! DO THIS FOR THE FATHERLAND! YOU WILL ALL BE.... “ Jacob couldn’t continue his speech. Not because he was overcome with emotion, seeing his soldiers fight bravely, not because he knew he couldn’t be heard over the battle. But because a Dutch round had found his neck. Splashing his blood over several of his men, who at first thought he was simply another soldier dying for the Fatherland. However, they quickly realized it was indeed Jacob. Several soldiers rushed to Jacob as the rest forced the Dutch into the upper levels of the Palace. Jacob clutched his neck, trying to stop the torrent of blood. As the reverberations of gunfire continued to filter through the immense Palace, Jacob lay in a puddle of his own blood, surrounded by dozens of hoping and praying subordinates. Comrades. Friends.
Jacob could still hear his men kill and be killed, but the noise continued to grow more and more faint. The room grew darker and darker. He whispered to those gathered around him, “F... for the... Fatherla...” With no oxygen reaching his brain, with no blood coursing through his veins, Jacob Von Goethe, the man who had led Germany to victory over the initial invasion and the first to strike back, fell limp and died.
The battle for Amsterdam ended less than an hour after Jacob’s death and many of his men gathered around their dead commander. He was covered in a white sheet that was stolen from the chamber of King William, and carried bak to Leiden. The nearly 800 men who remained from his original division accompanied Jacob’s body to Berlin. Chancellor Bismark himself placed the nations highest honor on Jacob before the casket closed.
Two months after Amsterdam fell, Bismark met with William in the German Forbidden Palace in Munich, Germany. Bismark gave William the terms for surrender, and William agreed. The Dutch handed over their entire treasury, world maps, and agreed to never again cross the border into the German Empire. After years of intense, brutal conflict, the war was over. The Dutch where all but conquered, and Germany was the largest, and one of the most feared nations in the world.
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