Dispatches from the Front, Summer 1915

Spies, Poor Weather, Worse Troops.

That is the summary of our current situation. Through our carefully placed agent Mari Hari we were able to gain some intelligence of the operational capacity of our foe. Regrettably, the capture and execution of our agent, combined with their own Cloak and Dagger tactics have prevented any large breakouts. Continuing poor weather and entrenched position have favoured no one as slow parries and thrusts across both fronts leave naught but dead soldiers with no tangible gains.

As the stalemate in the West continues the only hope for a victory seems to lie with the Austro-Hungarians. However, I can barely spare the men to shore up their weak units: I am too committed to containing the French and the politicians in Berlin won't release the 11th army for combat service. I do what I can to help, but they are mostly on their own. The absolute inadequacies of the Italians have allowed for an impressive march to Venice. However, the AH overreached and allowed themselves to be depleted and driven back. There is still hope of success and the eventual capture of Rome but it may come too late. As the war escalates the French or British may finally commit more units to save the Italians from themselves and reverse what little progress we've made.

Indeed, the only ray of light so far this dismal Summer has been the lack of activity in the Near East. The Russian Bear remains sleeping and the British are content in their colonies. German intelligence indicates that this may soon change: a large British force was seen massing and loading onto boats. An amphibious assault would be completely foolhardy but if the Turks are slow to mobilize the British gambit may just work.

Sigh, I am beginning to really distrust German intelligence and Berlin in general. How can I fight a war with no armies? It doesn't matter if I have better guns if I don't have enough bullets! If more troops do not materialize soon, I fear my armies will be drowned in blood as the Allies fully mobilize their fighting force.

1916 is shaping up to be another miserable, long year. Another season of mud and blood...

Field Marshal Charlie K.
Chief of the German General Staff
Personal Diary