u/BreakfastEvery9484

13th June, 40th year in the reign of His Majesty

Wet.

The company was forced to halt after two vehicles were stuck in the mud during a torrential downpour; there would probably be a delay of two or three days in our advance. Everything else looks good, high command notified us of steady progress heading towards Otaheit in the North, war expected to end in five or six months. Commander told us to camp out until the rain passes before moving the tanks.

Ration amount seemed to decrease a bit compared to the delivery two weeks ago— probably supply chains being targeted by mercenaries or geurillas from what rumours I’ve got— missing two pieces of biscuit and a can of tinned vegetables; Lonni decided to share his chocolate bar with me, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

Expecting another day of rain tomorrow, probably would have to try and un-ditch the tanks— these Hounds seem to be more stubborn than usual; we’ve already failed in getting them out today. Commander told us to double our efforts, seemed to be scared of something, maybe CAS.

Those Marins can’t harm us anyways with how fragile they are; I’ve no idea why he’s panicking so much.

20th June

We seemed to have caught up with other units, took us a while to fix the Hounds but we got there in the end.

Encountered an ambush by the Rats along one of the major roads, some new anti-tank weapon from what it seems, man-portable, looks like Sturmhammer but is in tube shape instead of having a charge at the end; I gave the order to fire, torn three of them into dust.

2 tanks were knocked out, crew and all; thank Yggdra I’m not first in the column. It took us some time to clear off the wreck at front, Thomsen and Gerhard are both dead along with their crews.

Did a short minute of silence for them, they will be missed greatly

27th June

Proceeding at slow and steady pace towards linkup point Charlie, commander seems to be more nervous than ever and has ordered entire company to proceed at reduced speed— fear of ambush is what I’m guessing. We’ve had to send out scout parties on motorcycles to the roads before moving after more explicit orders from high command.

More chatter on the radio while orders are given to commander, “Japan” is mentioned a few times, spooked my nerves a bit from what I’ve been hearing about them from scraps of newspaper.

Rain pouring down again, I’ll shoot myself if my Emily decides to dig herself into the mud (again)

29th June
Commander had some worrisome news no doubt. Report file was sent in to him from high command via the usual ration and ammo trucks, the man’s gone pale and stared at the note for several minutes without a word.

He took his lighter and burned it; there’s nothing left of that paper but ash.

Commander refused to talk of it, but we were apparently ordered to turn back in retreat and regroup with the entirety of Army Group South near Alue with maximum speed and minimal delays.

Daily rations decreased yet again, down to one biscuit, a slice of bread, two cans of meat, some tinned sausage and a bit of sauerkraut. No chocolate.

Sometimes I worry that this war isn’t going to plan, especially with this bizarre turn of events, but a soldier is here to do his job; I’m not supposed to question that much.

Orders are orders, we move first thing tomorrow morning.

30th June
I don’t know what we’re dealing with here, but the news has finally been out— Valkyries Base has fallen at the hands of Japan.

If they can ruin the airforce so thoroughly, we are no doubt in deep trouble— how can a single company hold out against such a threat? The chatter amongst the company are endless, whispers about superheavy tanks with impenetrable armour, devastating guns and fast movement.

I would’ve dismissed it as pure propaganda, were it not for their planes.

I saw one fly overhead today, we were lucky we’re not the targets, but I know our days are from now on, numbered. No propeller’s, same as those damned Wizards up North, but fast. Much faster. Twin exhausts and two rudders, rockets of immense size slung under the fuselage, and a sharp nose pointed like the beak of an eagle.

This thing… it looks like it’s out to kill. Our Antares looks like some antiquated children’s toy next to it.

It’s terrifying, I can still hear the loud explosion of sound when it roared past over our heads.

Commander nearly fainted at the sight, and all the exposed infantry ducked under the tanks. Is this what defeat feels like? I don’t know. Our progress to Alue continues, but now every man fears for their lives. Death is cruel and comes knocking at times most unexpected.

Maybe there’s a chance we’ll make it out alive if the General knows what he’s doing, and I pray to God he’ll do it quickly.

9th July
Came under attack, all tanks wiped out, I’m lucky I survived the initial attack.

Rumours of Japanese advances in our direction, should be catching up soon.

Commander is dead, entombed in his steel coffin.

It’s every man for himself, most survivors have fled into the woods.

I stayed behind with Lonni and Günther, best to use a bit of shelter and save the ration packs.

15th July
Lost, we have no idea where we’re going, can faintly hear gunfire, Japanese close.

Constantly fleeing, no time to rest.

Sleep kept at minimal, I feel like my eyes might pop out.

[Final entry] 18th July

Flowers blossom in Ragna, while my family watch on
We fight in the dust, we feel our souls are gone
Why are we here?
Death walks through our ranks, while the twisted screams go on
We run and we run, while the twisted screams continue on
Why are we here?
Not a bird cries, no joyful tune at dawn
While my family watch on, in the streets of Ragna
They watch on, while we suffer and bleed till we’re gone

Wir sind verloren.

The only realistic option I could think of is the T-80UM2 because it has Drozd APS.