Balkan Conflict

[malika]

World War 1 started with the assassination of the Austrian/Hungarian Emperor by a Serbian student. After World War 1 the Serbs gained their independence in the form of Yugoslavia. In WW2 the Germans and Italians invade this area to conquer Greece. The Italians used Albania as a base to attack Greece from.

Now I imagine that the Serbs would be on their own here fighting against the Axis forces. The Albanians (also those in Kosovo) joined the Axis forces. What I dont know is what the reaction of the Croatians and the Bosnians was? Did they join the Axis forces, or did they fight alongside the Serbians? This could be a very interesting conflict, it could be WW2 but at the same time also the century old Balkan conflict which will be mixed into this.

[xeoran]

Ah...I do believe some of them fought with the Axis in Russia...but dont quote me!

[malika]

The Kosovarian Albanians were recruited into the SS, so I can see that fighting in other countries.

[xeoran]

Exactly...and in particular working fascist groups (like in Romania with the Iron Guard) would join up or take control.

[malika]

We could definately throw Bulgaria in the mix, they joined the Axis during WWII and would probably send troops to occupy the Yugoslavian Republic, attack Greece and be a potential waypoint from which more troops/tanks/etc could be sent to the Russian front.

However while Bulgaria was an ally of German their relationship was a difficult one since in real history they refused to hand in their Jewish population for extermination. Perhaps we could reflect this in the background. German troops stationed in Bulgaria would ridicule them as not worthy or whatever else.

[xeoran]

Very much so...particually considering the numbers of Muslims and Slavs in the Balkans..they would definately be allies of convenience. These areas might also harbour pro-Bulgaria (for an example) anti-German groups.

[malika]

Hmm perhaps some Croatian Axis forces would be cool too! Read this:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Usta%C5%A1e

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_legion

[grujav]

Croatians were also used in the 13th SS.

Many Bosnian Muslims helped the Croatians against the Serbs. In fact 20,000 of them were formed up for the SS in '43. Mostly policing actions in the Baltic area. They in fact wore fezs with skulls and crossbone symbol on them.

[xeoran]

Yup, theres a picture of one in a fez` in one of my photos. The Balkan Muslims were very supportive...of course we have to be careful not to make all Muslims the enemy though...

[skorzeny]

Aside from the tribal/rural Moslems in the Middle East and those who had the great pleasure of living under Italian rule in North Africa, most Moslems were Axis sympathizers, either through anti-Zionist sentiment, like the Grand Mufti, or anti-British sentiment like King Faroqu of Egypt (his palace was off limits to the British during the war and at least one German spy found safe refuge there). So while it might be the 'political' thing to do, historically, alot of Moslems would be solidly pro-Axis given sufficient support and organization. Recall the Iraq uprising and the German formation of the 'Araber Freikorps' with Syrians.

With that said, perhaps lucrative deals could be cut by the Allies to sway, say, Arabia to be solidly on their side. Plus, against all odds, alot of the Moselm inhabitants of French colonies did take up arms against the Axis. If we don't mind shaking up history a bit, the British could even depose King Faroq and install a more sympathetic regent in Egypt, rather like they did in Persia, thereby placing Egypt in the Allied camp as a pro-active rather than passive force.

[xeoran]

Actually Skorenzy, I'd go historical like you say but make something of Frances Moroccan/Algerian Muslim soldiers. I just want to avoid the old "Oh Americans bashing Muslims" line that sometimes turns up in wargaming (usually rightly so, its around 50/50, modern conflicts, hell any hostorical conflict being sensitive).

[malika]

I could see Muslims (what a big term to generalise in such a way) be on both sides, whoever profitted most from that side they join that one. For example Egyptian nationalists would probably receive Axis support while certain elite figures who would have prospered under British rule would support the Allies.

[xeoran]

Well the British certainly installed pro regimes but support varied mostly politically- for example British soldiers were warned against North African Arabs not as potential enemies but bevcause they used to steal Paras silk parachutes on landing to make into silk underwear! (200 pairs per parachute apparently!)