“It is very queer that the unhappiness of the world is so often brought on by small men…”

It is all quiet on the western front, as a beleaguered French Republic continues to quell internal dissent at the expense of outward conquest. Following extensive losses this nation must now face the prospect of total defeat, as its home provinces are slowly subsumed into the German Volk. All is not lost for France however, as the presence of an unconquered Portugal is within reach, potentially saving the Republic for total annihilation.

France’s conqueror, Germany, has continued its march westward and occupied the French port of Brest. With its resurgent empire now spanning from Kiel to the Atlantic, the Kaiser must be feeling more at ease after a precarious few years of war and loss. There was a concerted attempt to retake Munich, but this was repulsed an entrenched and well supported Austrian force. Further north, the Kiel dockyards held firm against yet another Russian attack, but the German navy’s attempt to force a way into the Baltic was also unsuccessful. Despite these frustrations, Germany continues to prove itself a formidable and redoubtable opponent.

Following its successful defence of Munich, Austria has continued a season of successful military operations. Several divisions have continued to move eastward into Russian heartlands, occupying Galicia and the Ukraine while reinforcing its position in Rumania. The only frustration seems to have occurred in control of Venice – while Austria remains in control it has been forced to repulse an attempt by Ottoman forces to take the city, leaving it unoccupied for the time being.

After startling losses last year, Russia has made valiant efforts to secure new supplies for its forces still in the field. An attempted push to retake Kiel was rebuffed by German forces, and there was insufficient strength to dislodge the Austrians from Warsaw. Attempting to hold on to the centres that remain, the army stationed in St Petersburg has seemingly retreated south to Moscow, hoping to stem any further losses to Austria and its allies.

Russia’s loss was England’s gain this season however, as the British force that successfully held Sweden for so long has now marched victoriously through Finland and occupied the Russian capital. With this long-awaited mission accomplished, Naval Command has begun to withdraw its forces back to England, presumably to find new hunting grounds to the south. Another tangle with Russia’s Baltic fleet is the only other noteworthy skirmish to occur this early in the year, and the result was inconclusive.

Not content to rest on their laurels, the Ottoman Empire has continued its expansion through the Mediterranean. The combined army and navy that extinguished Italy only months ago continues to move north in an attempt to eject Austria from the region as well. A cautious advance into Ottoman controlled Bulgaria suggests the Sultan also suspects further Austrian aggression in the Balkan states as well – these two powers seem keenly aware of their dominant position and are looking to gain the advantage.