Third Lucis War (OPEN/MT)

[Great Lucis and Accordo]

On January 5, News of people disappearing had been on headlines. The center of it was in Niflheim just south of Lucis. No one knows what was going on. A spy had been sent to check on some of the disturbances. When the Spy had reported, they found that people were disappearing because of A group known as "Idolians" is secretly plotting a coup d eta't against the government and restore the pure military government which they also planned to extend. The people were turned into workers and slaves. Those who refused to work were executed immediately. Many foreigners were among those who were captured.

The Idolians were centered on the former ruler of Niflheim, "Idola Eldercapt" who invaded Lucis and made himself Grand President. His son, Charles Edwardius Eldercapt was the main figure of this attempt. He wanted to restore the military government of Nilfheim then invade Lucis then the whole Commonwealth. Many experts know that this is a very mad attempt. There was one distress call which Intelligence failed to analyze. They believed that it was civilians who were needing help.

The disappearances took place in 3 castles.


Those marked in red were the places where the disappearances took place.


Hollenzburg Castle where the Distress was much evident.

Hearing everything, His Majesty's Armed Forces geared up. About 2,500,000 Civilians fled from their homes near the Black Forest while the others collaborated. About 25,000 Soldiers collaborated due to influence of Charles Edwardius Eldercapt.


The People leaving the Niflheim Region.

Sides:

National Socialists

Charles Edwardius Eldercapt
- Pro- National Socialism or Fascism
- Anti Capitalism
- Anti Religion
- Aims to turn the Commonwealth into a Militaristic Empire
- A staunch ally of fascism
- An absolute ruler who used the military to impose his influence
- Intends to Invade neighboring nations to fulfill his father's dream of a grand empire
- Known as "The Butcher"
- Known to use his power to enslave a city
- Known to have many followers
- Known for his notorious slave policies
- Notorious for the Disappearances
- Known for the mass murders during the Second Lucis War
- Never bought to the court for his war crimes.

Commonwealth

King Noctis Lucis Caelum
- Known as "Farmer Noct" for his unending service to his people and the growth agriculture which he was also a skilled vineyard worker.
- Beloved by the masses. Earning the name "The Beloved King"
- Implemented laws which made sense and was for the people's usefulness
- Born as a Christian
- Refused to wear Battle suits, saying that his duty belonged to the people and his nation. He only wore uniforms.
- The First King to marry a Commoner or someone from the masses
- The King who always leads his troops in battle despite the advancement of tech, He still goes with his father's horse.
- Known for being a loyal ally
- Has never betrayed anyone
- Taxes were low because of his management. He fired lazy and corrupt ministers.
- The Most Effective Monarch since his 7th Great Grandfather, King Georgius III

WHO WILL YOU SIDE?

OOC: RULES:
1. No weapons of mass destruction
2. No doing fast attacks like "ARMY goes to CITY, captures it, Kills the LEADER and Wins the War" or one keeps a tech secret then making a secret attack then saying "THIS LAND IS OURS!! WE WIN FAIR!! GO AWAY!!! WE JUST PWNED YOUR TROOPS WIMPS!!!!" and anything related
3. No fast assasinations like a spy fast travels to a capital and kills someone like that
4. No Godmodding
5. Have Fun!!!

I will RP as the Militarists in the same account.

[New Jordslag]

To: The Honourable Noctis Lucis Caelum of the United Kingdom of Great Lucis and Accordo
From: The Respectable King Olav VI of The Holy Kingdom of New Jordslag
Encryption: None
Context: Good sir, I simply must start by giving my sincere condolences for what has become of your country. My country was once ruled by a Dictatorship like the one trying to overtake you right now. I highly commend you for not giving in.

My country has deep sympathy for you. Two days ago, I called a meeting of Parliament on whether to help you. The vote was nearly unanimous: We shall help you in any way you need. Should you need troops, medicine, Weapons, or money- We shall be glad to donate it to help your war effort. Please reply quickly. While our sympathy is endless, our patience is not.

[Great Lucis and Accordo]

From: King Noctis Lucis Caelum of the United Kingdom of Great Lucis and Accordo
To: The Respectable King Olav VI of The Holy Kingdom of New Jordslag

Greetings and Salutations of peace,

The Commonwealth thanks for your support in this dark time my people are facing. I hope that we will prevail against this threat perceived by Charles Edwardius Eldercapt. When this is over, He will be brought to court and trialed. This man is very dangerous so I advise caution. His actions are unpredictable I tell you. You may send your aid at Cassino where a Humanitarian Aid for those evacuees are being given.

[Immortal lord drake]

A man, a simple man who only has two extraordinary qualities. one of the extraoridnary things about this man is how ordinary he is. After all his apperance, job, car, family, parents grandparents, browser history are all vary simple and plain. The boat he tavels on is shared by many ordinary people. His quest, to seek his roots in the great United Kingdom of Great Lucias and Accordo, a quest he is sure many have taken before him.His destination constantinus filled with countless normal people just like him. His travel to the black forest is a common one for tourist. After all one of his extraordinary quailities is is ordinaryness, the other extraordinary thing about this man is the amazing depth of his facade. For this man is anything but ordinary, he is an agent sent to find and set up comunications with Charles Edwardius Eldercapt. who he works for, well thats only for Charles Edwardius Eldercapt to know and should somone from the other side ask him, his final drink will be a small dose of cyanide that just rolls down your throat.

[Great Lucis and Accordo]

A man, a simple man who only has two extraordinary qualities. one of the extraoridnary things about this man is how ordinary he is. After all his apperance, job, car, family, parents grandparents, browser history are all vary simple and plain. The boat he tavels on is shared by many ordinary people. His quest, to seek his roots in the great United Kingdom of Great Lucias and Accordo, a quest he is sure many have taken before him.His destination constantinus filled with countless normal people just like him. His travel to the black forest is a common one for tourist. After all one of his extraordinary quailities is is ordinaryness, the other extraordinary thing about this man is the amazing depth of his facade. For this man is anything but ordinary, he is an agent sent to find and set up comunications with Charles Edwardius Eldercapt. who he works for, well thats only for Charles Edwardius Eldercapt to know and should somone from the other side ask him, his final drink will be a small dose of cyanide that just rolls down your throat.

OOC: I don't get it

[New Jordslag]

To: The Honourable Noctis Lucis Caelum of the United Kingdom of Great Lucis and Accordo
From: The Respectable King Olav VI of The Holy Kingdom of New Jordslag
Encryption: None
Context: Unpredictable or not, Mr. Eldercapt is of no threat to us, now and forever. We a prideful country, and he wouldn't be stupid enough to invade. Our winters are some of the coldest in the world. Our summers are likely colder then your winters. Sending his agents to sabotage us would be suicide.

However, now is a time of emergency, not a time to discuss the strength of our nations at Leisure. We are perfectly willing to send a detachment of troops to help you fight, but we must get permission first. We don't want to be condemned and embargoed by the International Community. Please give us a list of Troops and Supplies you need, and we shall dutifully send them.

[Immortal lord drake]

OOC: sorry trying to be too clever i guess
IC: An spy for Immortal lord drake, who has been rasied out of the country and only cotacted through fifth party representitives of ILD is entering the United Kingdom of Great Lucias and Accordo. his mission is to set up communications with Charles Edwardius Eldercapt. he will do anything even scarafice his life to make sure his true idenity remains a secret.

[Togeria]

Togeria herby declares war on the militarist, and will side with its long time ally Lucius. A force of 2,000 is being sent to the islands, and long with one naval fleets, and two panzer brigades. Weapons will be airlifted to ally troops , as a bigger shall be sent in the coming days.

[Great Lucis and Accordo]

From: King Noctis Lucis Caelum of the United Kingdom of Great Lucis and Accordo
To: The Respectable King Olav VI of The Holy Kingdom of New Jordslag

Very well. I'm giving you the permission to send the aid to the capital. Some evacuees have arrived in the capital. We could ask for about 75,000 Troops, A few helicopters to hasten the evacuations, Relief Goods for those who evacuated just to be sure they could be supplied enough.

My Thanks.

[Great Lucis and Accordo]

Militarist POV:

Somewhere in the Black Forest, The Militarist were preparing. Some looked at the captured civilians. They were enjoying seeing them be enslaved. Those who can't work will be shot. Many have succumbed to diseases. Charles Edwardius Eldercapt was no Farmer Noct.

In a radio room. Charles hears a call from somekind of spy.

"Identify yourself."

[Great Lucis and Accordo]

BREAKING NEWS: 10 PEOPLE DISAPPREARED

Today, 10 men were missing in the near the City of Lucaris. MI-6 believed that this was the work of the notorius Charles Edwardius Eldercapt or "The Butcher". The Intelligence doesn't have any clue on what was going on. The Royal Army had declared the areas around the Black Forest as impassable. Roadblocks were set up. They were aided with the numbers of MI-6 Agents who identified the people who were militarists. So far, 25 of these militarists were arrested and are found to be brainwashed. Not one sign of the disappeared people have been found.

[Great Lucis and Accordo]

One night later, The final batch of evacuees have been evacuated away from the Black Forest and the area surrounding it. The King declared the whole surrounding area of the Black Forest as restricted. The towns looked like ghost towns. Everything was abandoned.

On the bridge near Lucaris, The soldiers saw a few more civilians crossing the bridge. They were dressed in common civilian clothing.

"Sir, Civilians heading towards here."

"Impossible. There's no one there."

The civilians went past the checkpoint. The Guards let them pass, believing that they were late evacuees that failed to catch the last batch. Suddenly, The Civilians pulled out their rifles and wounded 1 soldier.

"Damn! Militarists."

The Guards opened fire. The Lieutenant knew that something was wrong and this was it. A few moments later, more militarists crossed the bridge. Seeing this, The guards with their wounded fellow escaped and fled to Castiglione where the rest of the Armed Forces were preparing. They sent a radio message to the guards who were guarding the post to leave.

The supposed coup was now a Civil War with the Militarist-Fascist Forces against the Commonwealth Forces.

[New Jordslag]

To: The Honourable Noctis Lucis Caelum of the United Kingdom of Great Lucis and Accordo
From: The Respectable King Olav VI of The Holy Kingdom of New Jordslag
Encryption: None
Context: Unfortunately, due to our extensive involvement in other wars and Peacekeeping Operations, we will be able to deploy only 40,000, at most. Still, I consider that enough. I thank you for replying. You are a wise king who deserves to be in Power. I hope we can hold a Royal meeting sometime.

Anyways, the first batch of 4,000 Troops should be arriving within the week.

Cassino, Great Lucio and Accordo
Troop Transport Planes landed in the airfield in Cassino, flying the Jordslagian flag. After they landed, Troop spouted out, in full uniform and armed. One of them, wearing the insignia of a Colonel, walked forward, signaling he wanted peace with the soldiers there. "Gutten Tag." He said, in Jordslagian. "You have called for soldiers. We have answered. Keep calm." He said, in thickly accented Lucisian. The Jordslagian Soldiers, forming a line behind him, saluted.

[Great Lucis and Accordo]

From: King Noctis Lucis Caelum of the United Kingdom of Great Lucis and Accordo
To: The Respectable King Olav VI of The Holy Kingdom of New Jordslag

We thank you for your aid. Your troops are very skilled and battle-hardened like ours. As you know, This has erupted into civil war. My Field Marshal has indicated his interest in fighting alongside your troops. I also hope that we can have a meeting. Once this war is over, The Parliament has indicated interests in opening trade, tourism and aid to your nation. May you are blessed with a long prosperous life to you and your honorable nation.

Very Truly Yours

The General saluted back and reached for the Colonel's hand.

"We are very glad to see you. We hope that we can work out this situation. My King is in debt for you nation's aid."

He led the Colonel to the bunker.

"As you know, This has erupted into a blasted war. 4 cities and 20 towns have been occupied by militarists and continues to expand. Their tanks are taken from storage, They don't have a navy and Air power. But their numbers grow and grow. They have been estimated that there are around 85,000 Militants. Currently, We are still preparing but a task force has been ordered to watch the only bridge over the river boyne. They might use it to get across and get to Castiglione."

[Archadia-Archedes]

"Emperor Solidor, A crisis has arose in Lucis."
The Emperor get up from his throne. He took the newspaper and read it. He knew that his people had not forgotten about Idola Eldercapt. He remembered that he supported him during the Second Lucian War. Vayne Solidor wanted the Monarchy out of Lucis and replace it with a more conservative government. His staff thought this would be a great idea.

"Very well, Send a message to Charles Edwardius Eldercapt."

To: Charles Edwardius Eldercapt
From: Emperor Vayne Solidor

Greetings ally of the Imperial state.

My Empire has declared support for your side. We are pro-socialists. I supported for your father in the previous war of attrition against the monarchy of Lucis. Today, We are hoping that the monarchy would fall right before you. We are sending troops, weapons and ships of war to aid your conquest of Lucis and of the Commonwealth.

[Archadia-Archedes]

The First batch of troops arrive in Colditz. There, The Emperor himself appeared before Charles who was clapping. The Emperor got out from his truck and went to Charles and shook his hand.

"A Glorious Day for your side. This I hope shall the cement of our friendship. Your father was a good man. He was beloved in my Empire."

"Thank you for your compliments. Now, Let us discuss our plan of attacks."

The two went to the command truck. There, A table and a map was displayed.

"How many troops do you have?"

"At most, 95,000. They're ready to die for you." Solidor said.

"Very well. If I am to take over then my side has to win. So far, My conquests reach up to Lucaris. I'm planning to expand further into Lucis City where I hope I will shoot that damned King. He's too young to lead."

"Very well. If you wish to move to Castiglione, Then I will send my troops to attack it."

"Ok."

About 45,000 Archadian Troops are dispatched to attack Castiglione. There, Emperor Solidor commanded that the city be surrounded. 45 Tanks and 55 Field Guns were assembled to fight against Royal Army. They hoped for a 2 week conquest using blitzkrieg tactics.

[New Jordslag]

From: King Noctis Lucis Caelum of the United Kingdom of Great Lucis and Accordo
To: The Respectable King Olav VI of The Holy Kingdom of New Jordslag

We thank you for your aid. Your troops are very skilled and battle-hardened like ours. As you know, This has erupted into civil war. My Field Marshal has indicated his interest in fighting alongside your troops. I also hope that we can have a meeting. Once this war is over, The Parliament has indicated interests in opening trade, tourism and aid to your nation. May you are blessed with a long prosperous life to you and your honorable nation.

Very Truly Yours

The General saluted back and reached for the Colonel's hand.

"We are very glad to see you. We hope that we can work out this situation. My King is in debt for you nation's aid."

He led the Colonel to the bunker.

"As you know, This has erupted into a blasted war. 4 cities and 20 towns have been occupied by militarists and continues to expand. Their tanks are taken from storage, They don't have a navy and Air power. But their numbers grow and grow. They have been estimated that there are around 85,000 Militants. Currently, We are still preparing but a task force has been ordered to watch the only bridge over the river boyne. They might use it to get across and get to Castiglione."

Secret Bunker, Cassino, Great Lucis and Accordo
The Colonel contemplated this information. "I see." He said, simply. Looking straight at the General, he continued. "I currently have 1,000 Infantry. A battalion, at most. Your forces should normally be able to defeat 85,000 poorly trained militants fairly easily. But, as with all wars, I expect somebody will support the Militants. We far underestimated Militant numbers." He saluted the General. "Sir, I need you to send a message to the King for me. Tell him that we will be sending more troops, and we will pull out of more minor wars if necessary. He does not have a choice in the matter of our expanding troop size. The Militants are expecting you to make a direct strike on the Forest. I suggest you adopt Trench positions just North of the Forest. Prepare any and all AT and Artillery. We can take no rebellion lightly. They must all be squashed. That will be all... General." The Colonel said, adding the title shortly after finishing. "Oh, and call me Colonel Kaanes. I will be in overall command of all New Jordslagian forces. Good day, sir. Prepare for defensive war." Saluting rigidly, he marched out of the bunker. Stopping briefly, he turned. "Our deployment will be 40,000 men over the next three weeks. God bless your country, General." Then he continued marching back to his troops.

[Great Lucis and Accordo]

The Current Situation: Militants have condemned troops to attack Castiglione.

Secret Bunker, Cassino

"Send a coded message to the King. Tell him that Colonel Kaanes will have more troops to arrive in Cassino. Also, We need him to meet up with the rest here in Cassino. I will stay here and wait for him." The Marshal said.

Then, Defence Minister Noel Kreiss arrived.

"Snow, We have a terrible situation in Castiglione."

"What?"

"Castiglione.... is surrounded. About 25,000 Troops of ours are trapped. We need to rescue them somehow. River Boyne is threatened."

"Send 45,000 Men and 150 Tanks to Guard the River. We must wait until reinforcements could arrive. Place every man, every gun on position. Send an order to armored divisions to deploy a line and adopt a hull down defense. Those within 1km away from the River, about how many of our strengths?"

"About 10,000 troops, 45 Tanks and 55 Field Guns."

"Order them on the defensive. They mustn't cross the river. There's only one bridge across river boyne and we have to defend it. Do we have any reserves?"

"65,000 total. But the King may arrive with more reinforcements. Our Jordslagian

[Militarist Niflheim]

Charles Edwardius Eldercapt was in the bunker room with his trusted generals. He was very much confident of restoring the glory of Niflheim and the memory of his father, Idola Eldercapt, who once ruled Lucis except the while Commonwealth. But this time, he was going to make sure that there will be no 3 year war. He conducted blitzkrieg attacks which he was confident that he will overrun the whole army of the UK and its pathetic allies in just 2 weeks.

"His Supremacy, May I suggest to attack Concordia and Rubrum so that our campaign may be short. The Royal Army is unprepared for us."

"That may be true, General. Do we have any army to attack Concordia?"

"Yes. General Amsel's 18th and 19th Militant Force. The 12th SA is ready to commence the attack on the River Boyne. One push altogether and we take Handelheim."

"Good. Make it happen then. But as for Concordia, That would be too painful. Do not attack that land. We have better things to handle."

The 12th SA begins to attack on the River Boyne. The Jordslagians were outnumberred but the fighting reached a stalemate since the Jordslagians fight tooth and nail.

[Great Lucis and Accordo]

Current Situation: Castiglione is surrounded. Task Force Roger fails to reinforce Castiglione and is on the defensive.

King, who was the Governor-General of Rubrum has decided to enter war and support the fight against the militarists. The whole defensive line was on the defensive as more and more militants push with a little gain. Castiglione fails to get aid and Task Force Roger is forced to retreat. Marshal Villiers notices that region in Ramsbury is nearing to capitulate. He was facing a crisis. In one desperate move, Villiers orders the XIV and XV Corps to land on Ramsbury and aid the garrison there. There is still no news of the reinforcements which the King will bring.

[Militarist Niflheim]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MD6oDnm43HA

The Militarists in their ceremonial march. The song is the proposed national anthem when Charles Edwardius Eldercapt dominates the whole commonwealth as supreme furher.

[Bendicion]

To:National Socialists
From: Bendicion High Command

Greetings Noble Ally!

We have come to the area to once again coincide with the Lucian Commonwealth, and to see such a growing ally hungry for power and strength, Bendicion will stand by your forces and march against the enemy and end the rule of monarchs! The Union wishes that your troop must and will be the battle opponent that only will match against Bendicion!

The following Army Divisions will be sent to your aid in the following days of continuing offensives:

7th Expeditionary Corps
-1st Exped Division(12,000 troops)
-2nd Exped Division(12,000 troops)

3rd Armored Exped Division
-1st Overlord Regiment(2,500 troops-200 tanks)
-2nd Overlord Regiment(2,500 troops-200 tanks)
-1st Marshall Regiment(2,300 troops-150 tanks)

5th Artillery Exped Division
-1st Caesar Artillery Regiment(3,000 troops-270 Field Artillery)

5th Exped Fleet
-12 destroyers(2,500 personnel each)
-2 Aircraft carriers(5,500 each-50 navy fighters each)
-19 Supply ships(1,200 personnel each)
-5 Amphibious ships(4,500 personnel each)

5th Taskforce
-700 trucks
-45,000 base personnel
-12,000 mechanics
-1,200 charters
-7,000 medic crews
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8th Expeditionary Corps-will arrive as needed reservists
-1st Exped Division(20,000 troops)
-2nd Exped DIvision(12,000 troops)

3rd Armored Exped Division-will arrive as needed reservists
-3rd Overlord Regiment(2,500 troops-200 tanks)

Landing will be initiated in --m-----r-

[Great Lucis and Accordo]

A few days later, Ramsbury, having failed to be reinforced fell. However, It was a relief since all 50,000 occupants were able to evacuate. With the news of the King being bedridden, The hopes of a lightning war for the enemy increased. The line on the River Boyne was cleared when Field Marshal Villiers withdrew his forces from the river. The Jordslagian Forces were included. The retreat was massive. Lucis City was declared an open city while the King and the others were evacuated to the safety of Tristain.

[Militarist Niflheim]

With the Bendicion intervention and the declaration of Lucis City as an Open City and the massive retreat by the Royal Army and its allies, The Militarists were able to capture key cities such as Marlborough and the Capital itself. The Militants, with support from the Bendicions were able to drive the Allied Forces out of Lucis.

Along the way, The Militants executed and sent the Nippons into work camps. They turned the Capital City into a ghetto for Nippons where they will work and die.

Charles Edwardius Eldercapt's Slavery Policy was implemented across the whole Lucis. In Accordo, Charles spared those who were leaving while the rest stayed due to his speeches. Those who stayed were given a better option of working in order to live or be executed. The Nippons were automatically sent to work camps as Eldercapt knew that Nippons were in his belief were "Inferior People". The Christian Churches were demolished under Charles policy of embetterment for the future of Lucis.

In Lucis, The Militants marched victoriously into the streets while the people weeped.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAFc1ED_oPs

As the Blitzkrieg Campaign raged on, The Militants increased to 550,000 in numbers.

Now, The only thing left was to invade the other countries nearby to ensure himself of a "Grand Empire"

[Great Lucis and Accordo]

Tristain, X941

Inside a bedroom, The King was ill. Many commoners and people went inside the Tristain Palace to pray for the recovery of its King. Field Marshal Villiers reported the failure of the campaign. The reason why Lucis was lost is because of the King's illness and failure to send reinforcements. With only a combined 150,000 Troops defending the River Boyne against 125,000 Militants aided by the Bendicians, The War was sure to be lost.

"Hail Mary, Full of grace.... Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus." The people said in the rosary masses.

Prince Ignis, Queen Henrietta and the King's wife, Queen Claire prayed beside the King, who was not in the battlefield, not working in the vineyards but instead was confined to the bed. The Queen cried and cried. She wasn't prepared to die and lose her husband. Prince Ignis and Queen Henrietta couldn't do anything since the King needed rest. Without the King, The Commonwealth would fall before Eldercapt. The people knew that the Commonwealth would never in its life accept a military leader even if they were forced into.

A few days later, Prime Minister, Prince Ignis spoke in front of the masses in Tristain Square. His speech was recorded by the LBC and was heared by the people all throughout the other countries.

When, a week ago today, I asked the House to fix this afternoon as the occasion for a statement, I feared it would be my hard lot to announce the greatest military disaster in our long history. I thought-and some good judges agreed with me-that perhaps 20,000 or 30,000 men might be re-embarked. But it certainly seemed that the whole of the Jordslagian Army and the whole of the Lucis Expeditionary Force in the River Boyne Line would be broken up in the open field or else would have to capitulate for lack of food and ammunition. These were the hard and heavy tidings for which I called upon the House and the nation to prepare themselves a week ago. The whole root and core and brain of the Lucis Army, on which and around which we were to build, and are to build, the great British Armies in the later years of the war, seemed about to perish upon the field or to be led into an ignominious and starving captivity.

Meanwhile, the Royal Navy, with the willing help of countless merchant seamen, strained every nerve to embark the Lucis and Allied troops; 220 light warships and 650 other vessels were engaged. They had to operate upon the difficult coast, often in adverse weather, under an almost ceaseless hail of bombs and an increasing concentration of artillery fire. Nor were the seas, as I have said, themselves free from mines and torpedoes. It was in conditions such as these that our men carried on, with little or no rest, for days and nights on end, making trip after trip across the dangerous waters, bringing with them always men whom they had rescued. The numbers they have brought back are the measure of their devotion and their courage. The hospital ships, which brought off many thousands of Lucis, Jordslagian and Commonwealth wounded, being so plainly marked were a special target for Enemy bombs; but the men and women on board them never faltered in their duty.

Meanwhile, the Royal Air Force, which had already been intervening in the battle, so far as its range would allow, from home bases, now used part of its main metropolitan fighter strength, and struck at the Enemy bombers and at the fighters which in large numbers protected them. This struggle was protracted and fierce. Suddenly the scene has cleared, the crash and thunder has for the moment-but only for the moment-died away. A miracle of deliverance, achieved by valor, by perseverance, by perfect discipline, by faultless service, by resource, by skill, by unconquerable fidelity, is manifest to us all. The enemy was hurled back by the retreating Lucis and Allied troops. He was so roughly handled that he did not hurry their departure seriously. The Royal Air Force engaged the main strength of the Enemy Air Force, and inflicted upon them losses of at least four to one; and the Navy, using nearly 1,000 ships of all kinds, carried over 335,000 men, Lucis and Commonwealth Troops, out of the jaws of death and shame, to their native land and to the tasks which lie immediately ahead. We must be very careful not to assign to this deliverance the attributes of a victory. Wars are not won by evacuations. But there was a victory inside this deliverance, which should be noted. It was gained by the Air Force. Many of our soldiers coming back have not seen the Air Force at work; they saw only the bombers which escaped its protective attack. They underrate its achievements. I have heard much talk of this; that is why I go out of my way to say this. I will tell you about it.

When we consider how much greater would be our advantage in defending the air above this Island against an overseas attack, I must say that I find in these facts a sure basis upon which practical and reassuring thoughts may rest. I will pay my tribute to these young airmen. The great Allied Army was very largely, for the time being, cast back and disturbed by the onrush of a few thousands of armored vehicles. May it not also be that the cause of civilization itself will be defended by the skill and devotion of a few thousand airmen? There never has been, I suppose, in all the world, in all the history of war, such an opportunity for youth. The Knights of the Round Table, the Crusaders, all fall back into the past-not only distant but prosaic; these young men, going forth every morn to guard their native land and all that we stand for, holding in their hands these instruments of colossal and shattering power, of whom it may be said that

Every morn brought forth a noble chance
And every chance brought forth a noble knight,

deserve our gratitude, as do all the brave men who, in so many ways and on so many occasions, are ready, and continue ready to give life and all for their native land.

Turning once again, and this time more generally, to the question of invasion, I would observe that there has never been a period in all these long centuries of which we boast when an absolute guarantee against invasion, still less against serious raids, could have been given to our people. In the days of Idola, of which I was speaking just now, the same wind which would have carried his transports across the North Sea might have driven away the blockading fleet. There was always the chance, and it is that chance which has excited and befooled the imaginations of many Continental tyrants. Many are the tales that are told. We are assured that novel methods will be adopted, and when we see the originality of malice, the ingenuity of aggression, which our enemy displays, we may certainly prepare ourselves for every kind of novel stratagem and every kind of brutal and treacherous manœuvre. I think that no idea is so outlandish that it should not be considered and viewed with a searching, but at the same time, I hope, with a steady eye. We must never forget the solid assurances of sea power and those which belong to air power if it can be locally exercised.

I have, myself, full confidence that if all do their duty, if nothing is neglected, and if the best arrangements are made, as they are being made, we shall prove ourselves once more able to defend our island home, to ride out the storm of war, and to outlive the menace of tyranny, if necessary for years, if necessary alone. At any rate, that is what we are going to try to do. That is the resolve of His Majesty's Government – every man of them. That is the will of Parliament and the nation. The Lucis Empire and the Jordslagian Kingdom, linked together in their cause and in their need, will defend to the death their native soil, aiding each other like good comrades to the utmost of their strength.

Even though large tracts of Lucis and many old and famous States have fallen or may fall into the grip of the Militants and the Bendicion Imperialists, we shall not flag or fail. We shall go on to the end. We shall fight back into our homeland, The birthright of the Commonwealth, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be. We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender, and if, which I do not for a moment believe, this island or a large part of it were subjugated and starving, then our Commonwealth beyond the seas, armed and guarded by the Lucis Fleet, would carry on the struggle, until, in God's good time, the New World, with all its power and might, steps forth to the rescue and the liberation of the old.