Indivisible and Inseparable - Austro-Hungarian AAR

[Wildkins]

Greetings everyone! This is my first AAR for the game, after reading a few others and also playing a bit.
While I've managed to get through most of a USA and UK game, I'm quite honestly much more of a fan of the underdog.
With that being said, I don't think this'll get very far without me falling on my face, but hopefully we can have some fun along the way. Without further ado...



Indivisible and Inseparable
1900-19XX Austro-Hungarian AAR
(Settings: Admiral Mode, Historical Resources, 70% RR, Varied Tech)


1900

The year is 1900. Emperor-King Franz Joseph, not content with the rising tensions of the world at the turn of the century, commissions a relative unknown to the position of Vizeadmiral - a one Johann Weber. His task is simple and yet daunting: convert the aging and outmoded Austrian fleet into the left arm of the Österreich, and secure colonial holdings in the Mediterranean and beyond to ensure the future of the Kriegsmarine.

Daunting, primarily, because of the limited offering available to the newly minted Vizeadmiral:




The Austro-Hungarian Navy at 1900 is unfortunately the smallest of the regional great powers. Nine capital ships (five battleships and four armored cruisers) and thirteen torpedo boats.



A fifth armored cruiser and the first Austro-Hungarian protected cruiser are the only two ships in production at the local Austrian yards. 



The five Austrian battleships are all of the Monarch class, a certainly unique design. 19 knots places the vessel at a slightly above-average battle line speed, but the vessel is lackluster in almost every other respect - 9,000 t is barely suitable for an uparmored cruiser, a three-gun broadside of 9" guns is frankly pitiful, and the armor will likely quickly become outmoded.




Four of the Kaiserin und Konigin Maria Theresia armoured cruisers (alongside the fifth, Kaiser Karl VI, currently in construction) are the core of light capital ships in the Austro-Hungarian Kriegsmarine. As with the Monarch-class, there is an interesting obsession with 9" guns - and the overall armament of the cruiser is unfortunately rather poor.



The Zenta is the first of its class, currently in construction at Austrian yards and expected to be completed within the year. It is certainly capable, and well armed for its size and speed (perhaps over-armored, but that will be dealt with in due time).




The Panther-class makes up the totality of Austria-Hungary's 13 torpedo boats. There is little to say about the class, other than the rather poor speed compared to its contemporaries. However, given the more pressing issues of overall tonnage and effective capital ship designs, it is unlikely the Panther will see replacement for some time.




The first order of business was the replacement of the Monarch-class. Germany is the only nation that responded favorably to a bid for battleship construction, and offered the 13,800t Mecklenburg, which we renamed the Zrinyi. The Zrinyi offers a 9" belt to the 7" belt of the Monarch, a four-gun 10" broadside rather than a three-gun 9", a massive extension to turret and conning-tower reinforcement, additional torpedo tubes, and a large increase to the secondary armament. The tonnage also allows for domestic construction once a small amount of re-tooling is completed.




While the German shipyards prepare the order of a single Zrinyi prototype, the order is also given to commission a light flotilla of minelayers - the Arciduca class - to be commissioned as coastal patrol craft to be pressed into service in times of war.

In early May, Vizeadmiral Weber receives a message from the German shipyards:



While the budget was already stretched thin, the Vizeadmiral nevertheless accepts the order tentatively, offering a down payment and ordering them to hold the order until funds are cleared from the completion of the Kaiser Karl VI and Zenta.




In the same month, German "peacekeepers" are spotted in Albania, ostensibly there for "security purposes". While the government would prefer to take a harder stance on the issue, our German brethren are our lifeline to capable capital vessels, and thus we instead allow the operation to continue. As a gracious aside, the Austrian government frees up some funds for our naval effort regardless of our stance.






June of 1900 sees the commissioning of the first four Arciduca-class minelayers - young naval cadets are placed on the ships while they finish working up for training purposes.




In early October, a Russian dignitary traveling through Austria-Hungary has an attempt made on his life. While the Austrian government quickly apologizes and puts the blame squarely on Balkan nationals, the Russians instead blame it on a botched plot by the Austrians, and tensions begin to rise.



The Zenta is commissioned in November 1900, placed in the second cruiser squadron alongside the Minerva and the Schwarzenberg. With funds freed, the second Zrinyi-class Battleship, the Arpad, is finally ordered to continue construction in the German dockyards. Both ships are estimated to be completed in 1903.



The year finishes quietly with the commissioning of the fifth armored cruiser, Kaiser Karl VI. In the wake of the vessel's commissioning, however, Vizeadmiral Weber places an order for a new armored cruiser design, one with a more traditional armament. Multiple proposals are sent in from local dockyards, as well as one from Germany and France. 



In the end, a local design named the Adria won out, and it was placed on tentative production in a local shipyard. The large increase in primary and secondary battery firepower, as well as some minor improvements to crew space, range, and armor, make the vessel a superior choice for the budget.

The fleet is still miles behind those of France, Russia, and especially Britain - but gains are being made.

1901

1901 brings new representatives to Austrian councils, who desire defensive rearmament and a general improvement to naval power. While Vizeadmiral Weber greatly desires a much more powerful navy, he instead offers a tempered approach to the Navy secretary: increase naval expenditure, but also ensure our diplomatic ties with Germany and the other great powers remain firm, lest we raise tensions uncontrollably. In the end, only a few French newspapers report on the increase in expenditure, with the other nations simply ignoring or otherwise dismissing the change.



In early February, the light cruiser Zenta finishes preparations and joins the 2nd Sqn. proper, and just in time. The African state Mozambique falls to rebellion and revolt, and there is a possibility that Austro-Hungarian soldiers could use the excuse of a peacekeeping expeditionary force to take over the colony. Vizeadmiral Weber's primary goal has been that of colonial expansion, and the worry that another country might sweep up the nation and take it for themselves is worrying. However, the cost of such an action might bring us to war with a neighboring power - something that Weber absolutely cannot allow, especially with the weakness of the Austro-Hungarian Kriegsmarine.

Thus, with some careful thought, he makes the fateful decision.





In the end, Weber's indecision may have saved him and his navy. The British were somewhat angered by the arrival of the Austro-Hungarian troops aboard the Zenta, but considerably less so than if those troops had made it to land before them.



SMS Kaiser Karl VI joins the navy proper after performing training drills and fine-tuning. And, it seems, it did so in good time, once again. Word makes it to the Vizeadmiral that the Russian government, perhaps spurred on by the Austrian move to pursue additional armament, is considering a naval rearmament program of its own. The Secretary of the Navy, on behest of the government, asks for Weber's opinion on the matter. Seemingly given a sign by his earlier action, he opts for a measured approach - simply discredit the Russian Navy and leave it at that. Words won't start wars, after all.



Not long after, a small windfall graces the Kriegsmarine, the order is placed for an additional four Arciduca-class minelayers, to serve as fleet auxiliaries. Just as the order is placed, however, word comes in from the naval office - the former Navy Secretary died in a freak accident, and has been replaced by a hawkish fellow, one who praises the idea of light craft and torpedo warfare. He requests, nay, demands that all available resources be put to the commissioning of twelve Panther-class destroyers.



In the end, Weber manages to negotiate an order at half that amount, and scraps the Arciduca hulls before they're even properly laid down. He also orders the Adria prototype to be placed on hold, in order to free up funds for torpedo boat construction.



News then reaches the naval office in May that the US is sending an expeditionary force to the Virgin Islands. When informed of this, Vizeadmiral Weber reportedly told the cadet in question to "leave before he was placed on minelayer duty for the rest of his career", stating that the matter was completely outside the concerns of Austria-Hungary.





The year continues. June and July are strangely quiet, and August brings only opportunity - a group of unions representing steel mills in northern Austria met with Vizeadmiral Weber, requesting that Weber use his position to convince the Kaiser to increase naval expenditure. While another increase so soon may upset the global powers, Weber was nonetheless desperate for funds, especially with the demands of the new Naval Secretary tying up his cruiser construction.



Thus, he reluctantly agreed, and met with the Kaiser shortly thereafter to discuss an increased naval budget. In the end, he was barely able to scrape together the money to re-commission four minelayers - not quite the Adria money he was hoping for, but it was something.



The Naval League, spurred on by the Naval Secretary no doubt, put out a statement in October praising Weber's efforts to increase torpedo boat production. This move partially helped to salve the wound that was the failed takeover of Mozambique, although world tensions unfortunately remain high, with England and Russia remaining the biggest threats.



November brings news, most importantly that civil construction firms have completed a private expansion of the primary Austrian dockyards; the Zrinyi-class is now capable of being built domestically, although it's unlikely that any future ships of the type will be built.



German scientists also approach the Austrian government with an offer of hydraulic recoil-dampening technology, although the price is much too high for the Navy to consider. Thus, the government politely refuses.



December passes without incident, and two days before the new year, the first of six Panther-class torpedo boats is put into service.



Tensions slowly calm throughout the world, although Weber remains vigilant. Striking a balance between diplomacy and rearmament is tricky business, and it will only last so long.

1902

1902 begins with the commissioning of four of the five remaining Panther torpedo boats, as well as a nearly averted diplomatic incident. Vizeadmiral Weber, hosting several important dignitaries from Great Britain, decided to take them on a tour of the newly-constructed Zenta light cruiser. The British dignitaries were suitably unimpressed, but were nonetheless polite. However, at a party held on the boat later that night, one of the dignitaries - in fact, a naval officer who had been at the Mozambique landing, and, who was now incredibly drunk - took a swing at the Vizeadmiral. Weber, rather than pressing any charges or using it as a sparking point, instead quietly forgave the delegation and sent them on their way the next morning without incident.

January of 1902 also saw the block on funding for the Adria finally lifted, as the Vizeadmiral gave the order for surplus funds to be redirected to the vessel's construction. 







The final torpedo boat of the original Naval Secretary's order is commissioned in early February, alongside the four auxiliaries ordered with the extra money lobbied from the steel mills. While commissioning the Uskoke, the Naval Secretary pulls Vizeadmiral Weber aside, asking for his opinion on the current state of the world, and the Kriegsmarine's place in it.



Tensions are high, and Weber - looking for the middle ground - requests that the Secretary send a delegation to Germany to negotiate a security agreement, or perhaps even an alliance. The delegation returns within the month - with good news.



With a security agreement negotiated with Germany, world tension seems to lower to a simmer, although the Russians and British are still argumentative. The agreement results in a cut to military spending, but there is still ample funding to continue construction of the Zrinyi, the Arpad, and the Adria. Mission accomplished, in Weber's eyes.




The treaty with Germany immediately pays off - the following month sees the Austrian naval research bureau, with help from their German allies, invent a hydraulic recoil system for naval guns, as well as a special alloy of steel and, among other things, chromium, which functioned as a more weight-efficient armor solution.

July offers the first bad news in months - Russian forces are mobilizing through Romania, once again on "peacekeeping" duty. The ever-cautious Weber strikes another middle-ground, negotiating for an increased budget while keeping the rhetoric off the topic of war. 



German cooperation also brings new advancements in rangefinder and fire control technology.



October of 1902 brings the news that Weber has been waiting just under two years for:








The completion of the Zrinyi does much to ease the worries of Weber's staff. No longer will the defense of Austria be left to the hands of aging 19th century designs - a true battleship was here. Not perfect by any means, but certainly a workhorse for the future. With funds freed, Weber shifts effort temporarily down the line of capital ships - should Austria come to war with any of the other great powers, a significant cruiser fleet will be needed. And while the stock of armored cruisers is relatively secure, only one light cruiser - the Zenta - is operational. Thus, Weber places a request for proposals for light cruisers, capable of moderate-range anti-raider duty, with a secondary emphasis on fleet scout duty.

Bids from Germany and Italy are received, as well as the local dockyards. The German design is...unique, but a top speed of 21 kt and a heavy displacement places it out of the question. And Weber, curious to see Italian shipmaking capability, goes for the Italian-made Marsala-class over the Austrian bid. 



Renamed the Aspern-class, the order is given for two to enter production in Italian dockyards, the Aspern and the Novara. 

Two weeks later, in early October, a spy is discovered at the Arpad dockyard. He is quickly discovered and captured, and his allegiance quickly revealed - Russian. Weber until this point has avoided open conflict, but his temper gets the better of him. Russian encroachment on Austrian affairs has gone too far, and the Zrinyi-class cannot be interfered with. He blows the story wide open, denouncing Russia publicly in a speech to the Austrian Naval War College.



The Austrian government offers the Navy a small budget increase for security purposes, although Weber quickly funnels the money toward the completion of the Arpad, lest more Russian spies sabotage the design. 

Just under a month later, an international sail competition is held in Russia, and Weber's handpicked team secures top prize, to the anger of the Russian national team. Tensions begin to flare.





The Zrinyi finishes working up in December, and the development of 600t torpedo boats is theorized by the Naval War College. Weber holds off on ordering a prototype, unwilling to divert funds from the Arpad. And thus, another year ends, with Austria-Hungary narrowly avoiding war for a second year in a row.

1903

Early February sees a French offer for the sale of double-bottom hull technology to the Austrian Navy. After some fiddling with the budget, Weber reluctantly accepts, hoping to retrofit future Zrinyi derivatives with the hull design.





The Arpad finally enters service alongside its sister ship, and in the mix of returning funds toward the general Naval treasury, some are siphoned off for the Secretary's pet projects. The Vizeadmiral grits his teeth, and instead uses the funds to order a third Aspern-class, the Admiral Spaun, and a single 600t torpedo boat prototype, named the Ulan.



Only a minor improvement over its Panther counterpart, one knot can nonetheless make the difference between a successful torpedo run and a failed strike. Still, Weber hesitates on committing to additional destroyers, given the marginal improvement to cost ratio.



Development of heavy casemates and secondary mountings for large-caliber guns has finally paid off in an Austrian-German research venture. An interesting development, but one that will be of little use for some time.

In May, the Kaiser meets with Weber, asking about the current fleet situation. Eventually, the topic slides toward Russian aggression, and the Kaiser asks flat out - can the Austrian Navy beat the Russian Navy, should it come to that?



Despite Weber's reservations, he has no desire to get on the wrong side of the Kaiser, and states that the Austrian Kriegsmarine would easily best the Russians in a stand-off engagement. Tensions continue to rise.






The Adria is finally completed after months of delays, and joins the fleet proper as the sixth armored cruiser. Weber delays on ordering a second example, instead moving to order a fourth Aspern-class from Italy, named the Helgoland.

The rest of the year seems to pass without incident. As December looms through the halls of the Admiral's Office, it seems likely that Weber can avoid war for as long as possible, with his careful political maneuvering. Everything is going as planned.

A panicked cadet rushes into his office, quickly apologizing before breaking out into nervous rambling. Weber tries to calm him down, and, after some effort, gets him to tell him what's happened.

The cadet quietly explains that there's been a terrible accident. A Russian dignitary, visiting Austria-Hungary, had gone hunting with the governor of Bosnia in rural Bosnia. According to the dignitary, the governor was accidentally shot while hunting down prey in the dark forest. A tragic, but unimportant accident, had that governor of Bosnia not been Weber's brother.

Weber's calm temperament melted in a flash. All the calm, measured responses to Russian aggression and subterfuge were thrown away. The Russians would be brought to justice, through the hammer of law or through fire and sword.





Russia immediately denies any involvement, and pulls their dignitary out of the country before any legal action can be taken. England and France argue for the Russian case, while Italy and Germany side with the Austrian case. The walls begin to break down.

1904

With the possibility of war on the horizon, another order is given for an Aspern-class, the Aurora. 

March 1904 brings a new side to war - submarines, raiders under the depths. Weber awaits the construction of the first two Aspern classes before committing to any order.



French 'peacekeeping' boats are spotted off the coast of Albania in June. Were they Russian boats, it's quite likely they would be at the bottom of the harbor, what for Weber's temper. However, Austria's war is not with France, and thus a much more measured approach is taken.






The Aspern and the Novara finally arrived from Italy. The Novara had some custom "improvements" to the armor that ended up being simply dead weight, but both ships arrived alongside a decently expensive blueprint for an Italian-designed boiler safety valve.



Using the lessons learned from the locally-built Adria, Vizeadmiral Weber orders an example of the prototype Frundsberg-class.



In addition, the Vizeadmiral orders the SMS U 1 - U 4, early prototype coastal submarines. Privately, he comments that they'll likely end up being tourist attractions and nothing more.



The third Aspern-class, the Admiral Spaun, joins the Navy from Italy in December. Near the end of the year, the Kaiser approaches Vizeadmiral Weber with budget concerns for the future. Weber reiterates his plan to get revenge from Russia, one way or the other - and asks for additional funding. The Kaiser reluctantly agrees.

1905

At the beginning of the year, a private shipyard firm approaches the government with an expansion contract, and the government agrees wholeheartedly. The dockyards at Austria-Hungary are now capable of producing 15,000t vessels.



With the commissioning of the Helgoland, funds open up for additional fleet development - and Weber, looking to prepare for a single, decisive fleet action, pushes for a proposal from all interested nations for a new battleship design.

Responses are gathered from Italy, Germany, and - a first - the US. Weber looks over the US design, as is instantly in love, ordering the Rhode Island class as the Habsburg-class. 



A well armored and extremely well armed battleship, maintaining the standardized 19 kt line-of-battle speed. The Habsburg will take a gargantuan 29 months to complete, but it is the final piece in the puzzle for Weber's dominance plan.



The German research agreement continues to produce wonderful work, resulting in an improved 6" naval gun design.






The first four coastal submarines are produced, and an arms agreement is struck with the Empire of Brazil. 



Tensions with England rise as additional vessels are laid down, and the secretary of the Navy suggests sending a diplomatic envoy to Great Britain. Weber reluctantly agrees.



Just before the start of the new year, the Aurora is commissioned into active service.



1905 passes without incident, but the border with Russia grows ever colder. War seems inevitable - close and distant simultaneously.

[Wildkins]

Ah, jeez. It looks a lot longer when you put it out there!

I was hoping for a war with Russia there, but this seems to be the one time where they evaded it out of sheer force of will. Oh well.

Let me know what you guys think!

[vensalir]

This was a thoroughly enjoyable reading ; very well made and organized. Plus, there's repeated mentions of my town, so you get bonus points for that

[director]

I agree - nicely organized. And very wise of you to avoid challenging Great Britain just now.

Russia can be baited into war sooner or later, unless a crisis with someone else pops up.

[bcoopactual]

Nicely done. I'm looking forward to reading more.

[garrisonchisholm]

Great presentation, great detail, great immersion- exactly what I love. Looking forward to all the rest !!

[sillygoy]

This is very nicely written. I am particularly interested in the fact that you chose a very weak nation to play as. I could never stomach that. Usually I play as Germany, Japan or the USA. Looking forward for more!

[Wildkins]

Thanks for the reply everyone! Glad to see that you're enjoying it - I know I'm having a blast. I'm frankly surprised that I'm managing to seemingly keep up with the other minor nations in tonnage and tech since I usually flounder in that aspect. Anyway, on with the show.

1906
Austria-Hungary quietly slips into 1906. The completion of the Aurora leaves another hole in the budget, one that is quickly filled by the Donau, a second example of the Frundsberg-class.



The end of January sees an "independent naval researcher" approach Weber with an offer for improved armor-piercing shells. While his aides suggest dismissing the fellow, Weber agrees to a limited purchase of the new shells, arguing that the low cost is worth the risk.




May 1906 pays off well for Weber - the gamble he took on that projectile research turned out to be legitimate, and some of the findings are used to complete a more accurate and stable version of the 10" naval gun. Unfortunately, no local designs use the 10" naval gun (both armored cruiser designs use the 9"), but it will be of considerable interest for developments in the near future.

May also brings about the ordering of two additional destroyers of the Ulan-class, the Velebit and the Warasdiner, if only to get rid of naval budget surplus.



Contractors continue to expand the dockyards in Dalmatia, allowing 16,000t vessels to be constructed. Still far behind the grand dockyards of Britain or even Germany, but certainly still competitive.



Improvement also shows in the steel industry, whose expansion as a result of Weber's lobbying several years prior has finally been felt in the naval industry.



The Frundsberg joins the navy in August 1906, pushing the secondary line from 20 to 21 kt, and ushering in a "new age" of cruiser warfare - or at the very least, a marginally more effective vessel. In lieu of another Frundsberg-class, Weber orders two examples of the Jupiter-class, an upgraded, domestic version of the Aspern-class.



The Jupiter and the Szigetvar are estimated to be completed in early 1908. Not soon enough, however, as the order is placed just before Weber is informed of the continuous demon - another Russian spy is caught at the battleship dockyards, currently empty after the Arpad was dispatched for training exercises. Weber's response is easy enough to guess.



Austrian newspapers print a fiery expose about the Russian actions in the Dalmatian shipyards, calling for legal action against their aggressive action. 





The German-Austrian naval research bureau continues to produce little miracles for the Kriegsmarine, including a finalized, formal report on the armor piercing shells sold to Austria earlier this year.




The end of 1906 brings additional naval gun improvements, as well as another expansion to the Dalmatian shipyards.

1907



1907 begins with a minor collision between the touring Zrinyi and an Italian vessel. Weber blames the issue on his own failures, despite clear evidence showing several drunk Italian officers committing a navigation error. 



Weber also moves to extend the German-Austrian security agreement, ensuring the continued exchange of technology and protection against foreign threats.



While announcing the security extension, Vizeadmiral Weber also takes a stand against fighting in Serbia, railing against French and Russian peacekeepers causing tensions to rise in the area.






The two Ulan-class torpedo boats join the navy, and the German-Austrian research bureau releases a missive suggesting designs for vessels with three centerline turrets. 



April of 1907 brings a new Naval Secretary, one who favors traditional cruiser warfare over the light tactics of the previous gentleman. Weber wholeheartedly agrees with the sentiment, although he quickly runs into concerns about budgeting an additional eight cruisers. A slight increase in budget is afforded to the Kriegsmarine, but it is obvious that eight orders of Jupiter or Frundsberg cruisers is out of the question. Thus, Weber quickly orders up a frugal alternative:



The Achilles-class is a much lighter alternative to the fleet-capable Jupiter, but will help to fill out the roster and complete the order in earnest. Eleven of the Achilles are placed on order, while the Habsburg, the Donau, and the Jupiter and Szigetvar are placed on hold to free up funds. Regardless, the large order is quickly burning a hole in the Austrian budget.



Franz Joseph approaches Weber in early May, the former attempting to cool the latter's temper over the Russian spy incidents. Weber retorts calmly but forcefully, stating that there can be no compromise against the Russian menace.


In other news, Austrian 9" guns are finally brought in line with their 10" counterparts, and refits are scheduled across the line for the older fleet vessels.



Austrian counter-intelligence agents meet with Vizeadmiral Weber in June, discussing the stolen schematics of a Russian design - they call it the Poltava, a "battlecruiser".



The design, frankly, terrifies Weber. Up until this point Austria's intel on the Russian designs were fairly limited, and propaganda had seeped through all levels of the admiralty - Russian designs were old, ineffective, and slow. This was none of these things. The speed of a torpedo boat, the main armament of the Habsburg, and armor as thick as a battleship. The cruiser order tied up all of the navy's resources - they needed more Habsburg-class ships, and they needed new ships. The Achilles may have been more than aptly named.



Franz Joseph then approaches the Vizeadmiral, asking for funds for a new regal palace extension and the commissioning of a new yacht. Weber vehemently disagrees, given the current financial situation.





The naval ministry sends a letter to Weber, informing him that the debts of the Navy need to be dealt with quickly, lest Weber's position fall in jeopardy. Fed up, Weber indefinitely halts the construction of the ships Bravo, Fido, and Achilles (which had already been stalled due to labor strikes in Dalmatia), as well as the Arthemisia. 



The Secretary of the Navy then sends a missive to Weber, informing him that he is very displeased at the construction efforts, and that his reputation will suffer as a result. Weber grumbles and pushes the notice aside, handing out the cancellation order for the ships Bravo, Fido, Achilles, Arthemisia, Camaeleon, and Diana. The freed money is then redirected back to the construction of the Habsburg. 



In an attempt to keep the budget issue out of the press for long, Weber institutes a shooting competition for the major fleet ships in the Navy (at the behest of the Kaiser).

 

In the end, the underdog SMS Minerva, an aging protected cruiser, wins the competition marginally over the crew of the Zrinyi. The budget falls slightly due to the sheer expenditure of ammunition, but it quickly recovers.

December 1907. It is always this final month, as the year gives its dying breath, that brings the chilling news.



Those accursed Balkan states rear their ugly head once again. Russian agents are implicated in the death of a top Austro-Hungarian official in the Balkans; England and Italy comes to Russia's aid in the legal dispute, while Germany sides with the Austro-Hungarian cause. (The US and France remain neutral.) Tensions grow ever closer to war.



The Austrian Arms-Manufacturing Company approaches Weber in the following weeks wishing to sell Austro-Hungarian arms to the Balkan states. Weber agrees, hoping to strengthen the future client states of Austria-Hungary. 

1908



January is quiet, the calm before the storm. The Habsburg is two months from completion, and the budget has grown to the point where bringing the Donau back into construction is reasonable. 







The Habsburg comes to completion on the second of March, 1908. It is a fine vessel, and yet seemingly already outmoded. Three or even four centerline turrets are being displayed on ships all across Europe. It's rumored that the British utilize a dreadnought with 15" guns.

And yet, it will have to do. That spectre of war has finally arrived.




Albania's government, long unstable, has finally fallen to upheaval and revolt. Austria-Hungary without second thought sends a force to secure the area. A regional power disagrees.




War has come to Austria, but it was not the war they expected nor desired. However, it is non-negotiable. Albania is too close, too important - it cannot fall to a foreign power.

And so, on that fateful day in 1908, Weber's preparations are finally put to the test. Austria-Hungary marches to war.



Three days after the formal declaration is sent to the Italian government, Weber makes his move. The Italian fleets abort a tentative raid on the port of Spalato, and in response, Weber sends out his second cruiser squadron to destroy the ammunition dumps at Ancona. 

[garrisonchisholm]

Cliffhanger! That old literary trick, you devil!
Will be checking frequently Sunday!

[Wildkins]

Oh, don't worry. I have no intention of leaving my save resting here. Figure I'd just split the strategic and tactical sections up a bit, as they do offer nice stopping points (and a significant change in writing style).

Oh and, I'd also like to state that I have ccip to thank for a lot of the formatting and organization of this AAR. I've tried where possible to mold it slightly more into my own tastes, but I think his rendition of the RtW AAR format was very well executed, and thus I tried to emulate it in many points (which are probably obvious), especially the beginning. Anyway, I'd feel bad if I didn't give credit where it was due.

[Wildkins]

Raid on Ancona
29th of March, 1908 - 15:52 local time

Austro-Hungarian Order of Battle
2nd Cruiser Sqn.
 1st Cruiser Division
   SMS Frundsberg, Frundsberg-class (CA)
   SMS Kaiserin und Konigin Maria Theresa, Kaiserin und Konigin Maria Theresa-class (CA)
 Support Division
   SMS Cobra, Panther-class (DD)
   SMS Panther, Panther-class (DD)
 Scout Division
   SMS Aspern, Aspern-class (CL)
   SMS Novara, Aspern-class (CL)





The 2nd Cruiser Sqn. is led by a Cmdr. Maximilian, a brash yet intelligent fellow in command of the SMS Frundsberg, the new flagship of the squadron. Given the order by Weber to assault the ammunition dumps at Ancona ahead of the main fleet, Maximilian detached six ships - his flagship and the aging Kaiserin, two Panther-class torpedo boats, and the Aspern and Novara as scout cruisers.

The irony of Italian-built Aspern-class cruisers fighting their former builders is not lost on the Commander. The two ships set out in a wide arc ahead of the squadron, keeping an eye out for enemy vessels. 



The ammunition dump in question lies just a few hundred yards south of the port of Ancona, and in a suitable position for coastal bombardment. Cmdr. Maximilian pushes the fleet south, past the port of Ancona, hoping to use the fast-approaching night to cover their approach on the port-town. 



The sun begins to set. At approximately 17:30 local time, Maximilian gives the order to approach the ammunition dump at cruise speed.



The flotilla sneaks into position, hundreds of yards off the coast in the dead of night. The first shells of the war are fired on Maximilian's personal order, and 9" shells begin to land and explode within the ammunition dump.



Less than five minutes later, a lucky shell from the Aspern manages to set off the munitions within the depot. A German shell from an Italian-built Austrian cruiser inaugurates the colonial war over Albania. Maximilian took a moment to revel in the simple glory of it, and then ordered his cruisers back to port.



Four hours later, the fleet returns to port in Pola.





While Maximilian was left largely disappointed by the lack of enemy contact, it also bodes well for the Austrian front. Every victory that can be attained without engaging in a shooting war will do well for the future - perhaps not the Vizeadmiral's prestige, but for the strength of the navy. The less to rebuild, the better. 



And so, the war begins.




(I was hoping I would get a more decisive cruiser action, but I won't complain. Italy declined the rest.)

[Noname117]

I'm quite interested to see where this goes. Keep it up!

[Wildkins]

1908 (con't.)



Wartime spending is a wonderful thing, Weber thought to himself. The first shots of the Austro-Italian conflict had been fired, but Weber was not content in standing idly by.

With the increased spending in hand, he immediately ordered the construction of the Donau, Jupiter, and Szigetvar to continue. He then placed an order for an additional four Arciduca class minelayers to be pressed into service, and called all of the currently existing minelayers into coastal patrol duty. Those eight minelayers, plus four of the Panther class torpedo boats, would ensure that raiders had a difficult time harrying merchant shipping through the Adriatic.

The people of Austria-Hungary would not stand idly by either, however.



A popular subscription was run throughout Hungary and Dalmatia to collect funds for a new battleship by the Navy League, and they were deposited into Weber's hands in early April.



Developments were also announced in the form of the preheater, a device that, as far as Weber could surmise, heated the boiler feedwater before it was placed into the boiler itself. 



Not all is well, however. The minelayer and torpedo boat coastal patrols can only cover so much, and merchant ships are being harassed and captured around the area of Corsica-Sardinia. Weber would need to handle this. Before he could manage that, however, it was time to play the part of Admiral. Intelligence suggested that the Italian fleet had relocated further north to protect the naval yards at Ancona, so Weber devised a plan - a coordinated, fleet-level strike at the smaller naval dockyards in Pescara. It would be difficult, and very risky, but nonetheless possible.



Battle off Pescara
22nd of April, 1908 - 07:51 local time

Austro-Hungarian Order of Battle
2nd Cruiser Sqn.
  Armored Cruisers
    SMS Frundsberg (Frundsberg-class, Sqn. Flagship)
     SMS Adria (Adria-class)
     SMS Kaiser Karl VI (Kaiserin und Konigin Maria Theresa-class)
     SMS Kaiserin und Konigin Maria Theresa (Kaiserin und Konigin Maria Theresa-class)
     SMS Sankt Georg (Kaiserin und Konigin Maria Theresa-class)
     SMS Schwarzenberg (Kaiserin und Konigin Maria Theresa-class)
     SMS Minerva (Kaiserin und Konigin Maria Theresa-class)
  Protected Cruisers
     SMS Aspern (Aspern-class)
     SMS Aurora (Aspern-class)
     SMS Novara (Aspern-class)
     SMS Helgoland (Aspern-class)
     SMS Admiral Spaun (Aspern-class)
     SMS Zenta (Zenta-class)
  Torpedo Boats
     SMS Ulan (Ulan-class)
     SMS Velebit (Ulan-class)
     SMS Warasdiner (Ulan-class)
     SMS Uskoke (Panther-class)
     SMS Panther (Panther-class)
     SMS Zara (Panther-class)
     SMS Sebenico (Panther-class)
     SMS Dinara (Panther-class)
     SMS Turul (Panther-class)
     SMS Salamander (Panther-class)
     SMS Cobra (Panther-class)
     SMS Streiter (Panther-class)
     SMS Scharfschutze (Panther-class)
     SMS Csikos (Panther-class)
     SMS Kigio (Panther-class)
     SMS Drache (Panther-class)
     SMS Lussin (Panther-class)
     SMS Boa (Panther-class)



In the end, Weber left the heavy capital ships out of the action, positioning them further north in an attempt to keep the Italian forces from responding as quickly to the coastal raid. Newly-promoted Captain Maximilian led the charge once again, aboard the SMS Frundsberg. The entirety of the light fleet, from the newest Frundsberg to the aging Kaiserin-class, thus set out in the early morning to assault and destroy the dockyards.

In reality, Weber knew these dockyards were not nearly as vital as those in Ancona - if they were, the Italian fleet wouldn't have left them open. Regardless, any hit to Italian operational strength made this war end more quickly. Weber re-iterated to Maximilian - the Italians were misguided, but they were not outright scum like the Russians. Keep the damage minimal, but do not be afraid to engage the enemy if they engage you. 

Just over two hours later, the Admiral Spaun signalled unidentified contact. Maximilian readied the battle line, awaiting an all-out battle. 



Twenty minutes later, the Admiral Spaun signalled that the contact was, in fact, a small merchant ship - and one without support. One sight of the approaching Admiral Spaun and Helgoland caused the crew to simply abandon ship, and soon the two ships returned to the screen.

It was at this point that the Aspern raised signal - two unidentified vessels were moving in front of the battle line. Two became three - and they were heading straight for the screen and the northern line. Aspern called out the first target as a protected cruiser, the Nino Bixio-class.




For the first showing from the Italian Navy, the Nino Bixio-class is very reassuring. A normal screen design, not unlike the much heavier Aspern-class. However, the Aspern-class gains two extra knots of engine power, and 6" guns over the Nino Bixio's 4". Maximilian consolidates the battle line, signalling for the torpedo boats sailing north of the line to fall in behind. Not much later, the first of the battle line rears its ugly head - the Marco Polo-class.




These concerned Maximilian more. Essentially identical in armor and speed to the Kaiserin, but with a much stronger armament. The Frundsberg and the Adria were equal competitors, but they did not compose the majority of the cruiser fleet. The Varese-class and the Amalfi-class swept in front of the battle line, giving Maximilian a clearer picture of the situation.




Maximilian remained cautious, further compacting the battle line. If he remained noncommittal, he may be able to avoid any losses, and keep the engagement to longer ranges where the Italian gun advantage would be lost. Nembo-class destroyers sat on the far end of the Italian battle line. The Austrian advantage seemed to lay in their torpedo boats - Maximilian could only made out a possible four or six Italian torpedo boats - Maximlian had eighteen. 



As an added dash of irony, the Italian torpedo boats were led by a Marsala-class protected cruiser; the same type that was converted into the Aspern-class leading the northern edge of the battle line.





The Austrian battle line held firm, burning head-on for the docks at Pescara. The Italians floundered to the north, at first charging head on into the battle line but falling short just outside the range of the Frundsberg. The Italians changed course, orienting SSW in an attempt to cut in front of the Austrian fleet. Maximlian ordered the battle line to cut straight north, sailing directly against the Italian line. As the lines edged closer, Maximilian took count of the enemy line.

Two of the Marco Polo-class, two of the Varese-class, and one of the Amalfi-class, with two light cruisers in support. Further north, separated from the main line, sat an additional two Marco Polo-class cruisers and the Marsala-class.

As the Italians re-oriented, Maximilian cut west again, attempting to force an engagement before the Italian line consolidated.

The first shot of the battle came from the Varese-class, a 10" shell landing just off the bow of the Frundsberg. 



Both lines opened up, the Italians pushing north out of the firing range of the more compact Austrian line. The first hit of the war was made by the closest Marco Polo, an 8" shell bouncing off the main belt of the Frundsberg. Maximilian breathed a sigh of relief, and gave the order to keep firing.

The Italians seemingly split into three different lines; a single Varese supported by destroyers and light cruisers; the main cruiser line with a destroyer escort that just pushed out of Austrian firing range; and the two Marco Polo class ships to the north, still moving to meet with the main line. Maximilian did not commit to an engagement with these lines; they mutually sat just outside of firing range as the Austrians moved for Pescara. 

A little under four miles from the coast of Italy, the Austrian fleet moves northward, edging closer to the docks at Pescara. The Italian battle line flounders for a moment, still non-committal.




A single patrol boat, dispatched from the Pescara docks, was soon lit up by the entire battle line's secondary armament. The Varese-class led its battle line into firing range of the Frundsberg, and took a shell from the Austrian 9" guns. 

Soon enough, the battle line enters range of the docks at Pescara, and Maximilian orders the older Kaiserin cruisers to begin bombardment. The Frundsberg and the Adria remain vigilant, dropping sporadic bombardments of 9" shells at the edge of the Italian forward group. There the Austrian forces sat, parked in the harbor outside the Pescara docks, bombarding it for almost an hour. Italian forces probed the fleet just outside the range of the Frundsberg's guns, but again, they did not commit.



Finally, over two hours later, the dockyards were nothing but fire and rubble. Most of the line cruisers were below half on ammo stock, but Maximilian wanted to try and force an engagement. He needed to prove to the Italians that the Austrian fleet was superior. He pushed north, in the wake of the deserting Italian fleet. On the way, the Velebit was detached to secure a single survivor from that Italian patrol boat, slowly sinking in the Pescaran harbor. 

At 15:42, the Maximilian sighted an unidentified vessel to the east of the line. He oriented the Frundsberg to intercept, the line following behind.

It was another transport - a larger one, this time. Maximilian, angered by the development, disobeys Weber's orders and pushes his line forward to destroy the transport.

The entire battle line roared past the transport at just under 20 knots, a hail of 9" shells ripping the merchant from bow to stern. The cargo lit ablaze and the ship listed heavily to the right.

Maximilian didn't wait for the ship to sink. He shifted the line north again, moving for Ancona. He would find that fleet, Weber be damned.

Eventually, however, night fell, and Maximilian knew the chase was over. The fleet had likely reached Ancona already, and he did not have the long range firepower to directly assault a port like that.

He swung the fleet around, heading for the port at Spalato. 




The battle was, like the raid on Ancona, an operational Austrian victory. It meant good for the campaign, good for the war - but it didn't do anything for Maximilian's desire for vengeance. 






--------

Weber was glad to hear of Maximilian's success in the raid on Pescara, although he seemed similarly annoyed at the lack of a proper, decisive engagement. The Italians were certainly not at a disadvantage in that engagement; Maximilian's torpedo boat advantage in that fight would mean nothing, given the sheer number of secondaries aboard the Italian cruisers. Nevertheless, he would take what he was given - and what he was given was fifty million kr. to purchase a battleship. The Habsburg that was ordered from the US was a fine vessel, but techniques had changed and new developments had been made.

The US, when contacted, immediately offered their largest vessel: the Florida-class. Weber asked for a local battleship design, and got nowhere; the Austrian yards were still too small to offer any improvement over the Habsburg, and Austrian large guns were still behind those of the US. Thus, Weber accepted the 81 million kr. US contract, naming the class the Franz Joseph.



It was, essentially, an upscaled Habsburg-class, combining the features of more modern dreadnoughts with additional armor and long-range firepower, and foregoing both a tertiary armament and torpedo tubes. A single example was ordered, estimated to be completed at the end of 1910. Weber hoped the war didn't last long enough that he needed to depend on this ship; no, he intended on it keeping ships like the Russian Poltava from becoming a serious threat.

Weber didn't subscribe to the idea of "speed is armor", and he was glad that the US didn't seem to, either. 



News quickly came of the shortages and market crashes happening across Italy, as the once vital Mediterranean trade ground to a halt. Weber didn't put any ships to task on raiding commerce; instead, he sat the two divisions of the 2nd Cruiser Squadron on patrol routes near Italian ports, and neither merchants nor fleets bothered to engage.

Weber needed to press the offensive. Before he could, however, he received a report from Albania. The Italians had finally engaged.

[Wildkins]

Battle off Brindisi
14th of May, 1908 - 21:30 local time

Austro-Hungarian Order of Battle
3rd Flotilla, 2nd Cruiser Squadron
  Armored Cruisers
     SMS Kaiserin und Konigin Maria Theresa (Kaiserin und Konigin Maria Theresa-class)
     SMS Minerva (Kaiserin und Konigin Maria Theresa-class)
  Protected Cruisers
     SMS Aspern (Aspern-class)
     SMS Aurora (Aspern-class)
  Torpedo Boats
     SMS Velebit (Ulan-class)
     SMS Warasdiner (Ulan-class)

---



The Austrian blockade of the port of Brindisi was going well; as such, it was incredibly boring. Commander von Höhnel of the SMS Minerva sat at just over a hundred miles off the harbor, running normal patrols north and south.

The Commander was almost overjoyed when the Aspern raised signal; two unidentified ships, closing quickly directly into the battle line. von Höhnel remained firm, waiting for direct sight on the enemy. The night made it difficult, even as a shell landed mere inches from the Aspern's hull. The unidentified ships were hard to make out, and lookouts on the Aspern called them anything from battleship-class down to protected cruisers. von Höhnel didn't care; he swung his battle line directly into them.

Eventually, the outline of the vessels became clear. The enemy line was two Marco Polo-class cruisers, supported by three torpedo boats.




The match-up was dicey, but far better than if they had been the more updated armored cruisers. von Höhnel gritted his teeth, however; he was a veteran, and the Kaiserin had been in the navy since he had been. It would do the job. 



von Höhnel drove the Minerva straight into the gap of the Italian battle line. A shell tore through the stern of the Minerva, exploding inside one of the coal bunkers. The Minerva quickly returned the favor, placing shells on-target with relative accuracy. Another shell cut into the fore of the Minerva, beyond the cover of the belt armor. More shells slammed into von Höhnel's flagship, cutting down the secondary battery and ripping through the superstructure. But for every shell that landed on the Minerva, one was returned into the Marco Polo.



The two traded fire, keeping pace with each other. The Marco Polo cut suddenly north; the Minerva followed, taking a shell directly to the forward gun - the magazine refusing to set off, thankfully. The Kaiserin began to take fire as well, two shells bouncing uselessly off the belt armor and a third detonating one of the port 6" guns. 

Both of the Minerva's guns were non-functional, now; that didn't stop von Höhnel's crew, however. The crew kept the secondaries firing, and those responsible for the main gun raided the ship's armory and began to fire upon the Marco Polo with small arms.



The knife fight continued. von Höhnel saw the sight of his ship and pressed on anyway; he would not accept defeat unless he was drowning in the Adriatic, as far as he was concerned. Two more shells slammed into the Minerva, impacting uselessly off the battered belt armor. Another shell cut straight through the wrecked superstructure. Six more would cut through the ship in half as many minutes; and yet, the crew carried on. Within moments they had both guns firing again, and all holes before the waterline patched. Both cruisers let off an unrelenting folly of gunfire on the Marco Polo; as von Höhnel passed by, he noted that the fore turret had been completely destroyed, and the aft turret unresponsive.

They kept firing. The Marco Polo's aft turret responded, sending a shell barreling directly at the Minerva's conning tower; it ricocheted uselessly into the sea. 



The Marco Polo crawled to a halt. von Höhnel gave the order; the Minerva loosed a single torpedo directly at the stationary Marco Polo.



Northward, the circling Warasdiner slammed directly into an unseen Italian torpedo boat. They, alongside the Velebit, traded fire; the Warasdiner took a shell to the engine room, and a second through the fore hull. Both Austrian torpedo boats responded in kind, loosing enough 3" shells to convince the Italian to back away. 

The stubborn Marco Polo refused to die. von Höhnel gave the order again.



The Aurora and Aspern returned from further south, having pushed the other Marco Polo outside the line of battle. Both cruisers opened up with their six-inch guns, drowning the Marco Polo in a hail of gunfire. 

The torpedo boats didn't want to be counted out; they used the dying ship for target practice.



Velebit loosed a torpedo into the Marco Polo's side. More gunfire - ten more minutes worth of gunfire. Eventually, finally, the Marco Polo slipped into the deep.

The battered Austrians didn't bother to search for the second Italian cruiser. They simply turned and headed for Cattaro, the nearest friendly port.






Finally, the Austrians had a proper engagement to secure their dominance. It was not necessarily decisive, but the sinking of the Vettor Pisani showed that even the aging Austrian vessels had the ability to prove their worth. von Höhnel was given an award for merit, citing his intense dedication (reportedly operating the single main gun of the Minerva when the gunner was hit by shrapnel).

Weber was pleased, but ultimately confused - why had the Italians pushed this engagement, and ignored the advantageous one? A tinge of worry colored his celebration. He didn't want to blame the Italian tactics on incompetence - instead, he told his crews to remain ready for battle, at any moment.

[Wildkins]

June 1908
A number of small things happen in June. 



The Habsburg becomes combat ready, and is officially designated the flagship of the active Kriegsmarine.



Italian raider activity continues, although much less severely than earlier in the year. Partially because of the effectiveness of the Italian-built Aspern cruisers:




Action near the Canarias

14th June, 1908 - 17:14 local time

Fregattenkapitän (FKpt) Njegovan reported a possible Italian vessel attempting to breach the Austrian blockade of the Mediterranean, and gave chase in his ship, the Aurora. Contact was made at 17:16 local time, two hours before sunset.






The enemy raider in question was a Nino Bixio-class, a slower and lightly armed light cruiser compared to the Aurora. Njegovan closed in for the kill, 6" guns stuttering to life as the slower Nino Bixio fell within range.



The Nino Bixio did not fire for almost thirty minutes, before slowly and steadily returning fire with 4" guns. The fire is largely ineffective, except for a lucky hit knocking one of the secondary guns on the Aurora. 

This continues for some time - the Nino Bixio lands one or two lucky hits, but the sheer volume of fire from the Aurora quickly disables the enemy raider:



By 18:30, the enemy raider lists hard to port and begins to sink.




However, where military victories are gained, there are again political concerns to deal with.



A spy is discovered in the cruiser yards, and brought before a military tribunal. Everyone expects another Russian interloper, but it was, in fact, a British spy. Weber steps in, hiding the entire matter and arranging him transport out of the country (with a note informing the British of his discovery).



Italian coastal submarines manage to take out an Austrian merchant, the first submarine kill in the Mediterranean, and perhaps in the world. The German-Austrian bureau begins to research anti-submarine warfare techniques, although Weber informs them that it is low-priority. 

And once again, Italian cruisers are sighted near Corfu, and the closest military vessels are scrambled to respond.



Battle near Corfu
24th July, 1908 - 17:15 local time

Austro-Hungarian Order of Battle
  Armored Cruisers
    SMS Frundsberg (Frundsberg-class)
    SMS Kaiserin und Konigin Maria Theresa (Kaiserin und Konigin Maria Theresa-class)



FKpt. Maximilian maneuvered his dispatch between the narrow gap separating the Adriatic and Ionian seas. Reports of Italian ships in the area had been sent along, and the young captain hoped to prove his worth as von Höhnel had done. There were rumors that von Höhnel was being considered for the position of Konteradmiral; one of Weber's right hand men. Maximilian wanted that, and he'd show that he was worth it.

It looked as if Maximilian would get his wish. A spotter on the Frundsberg called out at 17:17, an unidentified ship heading straight for them. Maximilian waited, attempting to spot the tell-tale green, white, and red of the Italian ensign.

Two ships, now. One turned hard to port, and the other soon followed. They were heading east. Maximilian gave the order to proceed at flank speed, and maneuvered hard starboard to catch them. The Italian ensign was clear now - the rear ship looked like a protected cruiser, perhaps a Marsala or a Nino Bixio.



As they approached, it became clear. They were both protected cruisers, the Nino Bixio class. Maximilian cackled in delight - this would be a slaughter. The slow, unarmored cruisers would be torn to shreds. He ordered the Austrian battle line in.




The Frundsberg's main gun began to roar, sending out pairs of 9" shells. The two cruisers nimbly avoided the first few volleys, and soon after the Frundsberg's fore turret became jammed. Shell extraction took a little over ten minutes, all the while the lumbering armored cruiser slowly gained on the pair of light cruisers. 

Eventually, shells from Maximilian's ship hit home. The rear Nino Bixio slows to a halt, its superstructure nothing more than scrap metal and burning embers. Frundsberg doesn't give up the chase - it roars past at 21 knots, the aft turret of the ship swinging into action and blasting away at the wounded Italian frigate.



Maximilian leaves the cruiser to die in the night, closing in on the second. However, the sun begins to escape across the horizon, and visibility becomes poor. A real possibility exists of losing sight on the enemy cruiser.

Sure enough, night comes and the cruiser slips away into the night. Frundsberg orients northward, attempting to cut the vessel off as it tries to hug the coastline back up the Adriatic. 

Almost an hour later, the Frundsberg makes an unidentified callout. Maximilian's gambit paid off.




Shells go flying off into the night. Maximilian yells to keep firing, ordering the crew of the rear guns to take up small arms and fire. He turns back to the main gun, stopping for a moment. He hears something...no, it's nothing. Must be the engine.

---

Frigate captain Wagner grumbled. Frundsberg would take all the credit, of course. The Kaiserin was a good ship in her time, but "her time" was almost another era.

Up ahead, there was a sudden crash. Wagner looked up. The Italian cruiser had been hit, clearly. Except...he didn't remember the Italian cruiser being that big.

He looked on, his mind slowly processing what was going on. That wasn't the Italian cruiser. That was the Frundsberg.

The main gun shot flames ten feet into the air, and explosions ripped the hull from bow to stern. The armored cruiser, gallant captain and all, exploded in a gout of flame that lit up the Italian coastline like a signal flare.



He ordered the Kaiserin to flank speed, but the ship was old. There was very little chance that his ship could catch the Italian before it snuck away into the night. And yet, there it was, slowly losing speed on the Kaiserin. Wagner ordered the ship to hang directly behind the Nino Bixio, lest Austria lose two cruisers to the same fate. Then, as the cruiser began to round the coastline northward, the Kaiserin swung in front and unloaded two broadsides on the cruiser.





There the Kaiserin sat, sending volley after volley into the protected cruiser that had caused the death of a hundred Austrian sailors. The Nino Bixio soon sank into the water, its hull swiss cheese. The Kaiserin returned to the sinking wreck of the Frundsberg, almost unrecognizable. There were no survivors - that much was obvious.

Despite the loss of both Italian cruisers, the true victor was obvious. 10,000 tons and hundreds of Austrian souls sat at the bottom of the Ionian Sea, and one of the finest (if the most brash) commander of the Austrian-Hungarian Kriegsmarine lay dead.





---

Weber grumbled at the strategic tables. The loss of the Frundsberg was serious. Not only was it the flagship of his cruiser fleet, but it was the most - and only - capable armored cruiser left in the Navy. He placed von Höhnel in charge of the second cruiser squadron, moving his post from the Minerva to the Adria.





The Austro-Hungarian Army plans to invade the Venetian coastline, and the Kaiser approaches Weber with a plan to temporarily divert funds from the Navy. Weber agrees after some thought. Realistically, excluding the loss of the Frundsberg, the naval war was essentially won. The Italian battleships remained elusive, and a decisive fleet engagement was improbable. Italian civilian traffic had all but ground to a halt, and Italy's cruiser stock for raiders was rapidly depleting. 



An end to the war was necessary, however. The people lamented over the loss of the Frundsberg, and moreso that the war was still proceeding when Austrian victory was obvious. They called for peace, and Weber understood them.



And, with the loss of raiding craft and submarines, their attacks on Austrian shipping were becoming less and less effective. 



Reports cycle in that Italian fleet cruisers are now engaging merchant shipping, as their raiding Nino Bixio cruisers are taken out of action. As an Austrian convoy enters the Adriatic, Weber decides to ensure the safety of the convoy personally.