Shiro-Sathrati Expeditionary Force
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| Allegiance: |  Shireroth
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| Active: | 1731 AN - Present |
| Notable Commanding Officer: | Lucas Brutun, Master of Soldiers
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| Size: | Apr. 452,519 manpower (active personnel)
19 Divisions |
The Shiro-Sathrati Expeditionary Force (SSEF) was a major contingent of the Imperial Forces of Shireroth during the Sathrati Emergency, coordinated under the Department of MASS. This force was specifically established to execute the largest naval and logistical invasion in Shirerithian history, aimed at liberating the Emirate of Sathrati through Operation Thuylemans' Wave. The expedition was bolstered by the Imperial Shirerithian Air Forces, which provided critical air support. Prior to its deployment, the SSEF underwent an extensive period of preparation, involving the mobilization of hundreds of thousands of soldiers, the relocation of military equipment, and the expansion of key ports including Raynor Point, Lichport, Musika, and Solaris. The bulk of the professional troops came from the Departments of Gaudin, Confluence and Isen, while the Eastern Dominions heavily expanded the weapon programs and key industrial complexes to provide sufficient goods to the frontline.
Formation and Operations
The SSEF was activated in 1731 AN following the pivotal victory at Zy-Rodun, partly contributed to Shiro-Batavian Tribune (Mid Grade) Mark Konincksberg. By early 1733 AN, the force was meant to successfully execute landings and liberate the Isles of Mirioth, Amity, and Yardistan. The expeditionary force consisted of a mix of reservists and professional soldiers. The Dominions' economy was pushed to its limits by draconian measures to make the operation a success. The bulk of the industrial material came from the Dominions of Greater Kildare, where questionable working conditions and long hours combined with a population surplus made the opening and expansion of the factories possible.
Preparations and Mobilization
From late 1731 to 1733 AN, the focus was on rigorous preparations. This included the training of personnel and the establishment of a naval blockade designed to weaken resistance and disrupt communications among Sathrati rebels.
Economic Mobilization
The preparations for the invasion required unprecedented economic mobilization:
Shipyard Labour Force:
- Over 250,000 skilled shipbuilders and trades workers were employed.
- Approximately 10% of auxiliaries were drafted into shipyards.
- Tens of thousands of conscripted unskilled civilian laborers supplemented the workforce.
- Workers were reallocated from other manufacturing sectors.
- The production process operated on two 10-hour shift cycles to maintain round-the-clock production.
Raw Material Mobilization:
- Over 5 million tons of steel were required for hull construction, representing at least 25% of the annual steel output of a major industrial power.
- 15 million board-feet of lumber were used for hulls, decking, and installations, sourced from national forests and reserves.
- Large quantities of coal, piping, wiring, steam engines, and auxiliary components were also mobilized.
Production Facilities:
- Over 100 coastal shipyards in the Duchy of Modan and So-Sara operated at emergency capacity.
- New slipways, drydocks, and workshops were constructed within months.
- Rail networks were upgraded to transport material stocks to shipyards.
- Prefabricated components were moved from inland factories on a crash basis.
Logistics & Manpower:
- A workforce of over 400,000 needed to be fed and housed in shipyard towns.
- Whole sectors of the merchant marine were retasked for supply chain conveyancing.
- Tens of thousands of dockworkers, mechanics, and riggers were mobilized.
- A mass call-up of civilian mariners and naval reserves was initiated to crew the ships.
Management & Oversight:
- Centralized authority controlled design, costs, labor, and material flows.
- Production quotas were met through martial enforcement, utilizing forced and conscripted labor sources.
- Quality and safety protocols were often compromised due to the rushed timeframe.
The Auxiliary Armada
An auxiliary armada of unprecedented scale was assembled, combining requisitioned commercial vessels and scratch-built small craft. The armada comprised over 8,600 vessels with a total gross tonnage of nearly 10 million tons. The fleet included:
| Vessel Type | Quantity | Gross Tonnage (each) | Personnel Carried | Stores/Cargo Carried |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gunboat-Barges | 1,000 | 150 tons | 50 troops | Light Artillery |
| Horse Transports | 2,000 | 60 tons | - | 30 horses |
| Small Landing Craft | 2,000 | 20 tons | 30 troops | Light Supplies |
| Artillery Barges | 200 | 300 tons | 30 crew | Heavy Artillery |
| Gunboats | 100 | 400 tons | 60 crew | Medium Artillery |
| Pioneer Ferries | 1,000 | 1,500 tons | 200 troops | 30 Tanks/Vehicles |
| Marine Barges | 630 | 500 tons | 120 troops | 6 Light Tanks |
| Assault Boats | 3,000 | 20 tons | 30 troops | Light Supplies |
| Artillery Lighters | 250 | 150 tons | 15 crew | Light Artillery |
| Troopships | 200 | 7,500 tons | 1,500 troops | - |
| Cargo/Supply Ships | 130 | 3,000 tons | 50 crew | 3,000 tons stores |
| Hospital Ships | 25 | 6,000 tons | 500 medical staff | 1,000 casualties |
| Auxiliaries/Lighters | 70 | 100 tons | 10 crew | 100 tons supplies |
This fleet could transport an initial assault force of over 450,000 troops, 2,000 horses, 1,200 armored vehicles/tanks, and 1,500 artillery pieces. The logistics included over 2.5 million tons of ammunition, construction materials, fuel, food, and other stores. Over 100 hospital ships were prepared to evacuate up to 25,000 casualties from the beachheads. Additionally, 1,550 gunboats, artillery barges, and coastal defense craft provided offshore fire support.
Strategic Planning and Operation Thuylemans' Wave
The Shiro-Sathrati Expeditionary Force (SSEF) faced two possible scenarios for their campaign against the Emirate of Sathrati. The first scenario involved an island-hopping strategy, which was strategically favored due to its focus on concentrating material and deploying the best troops progressively. This approach was expected to methodically dismantle the rebel strongholds one by one.
The second scenario, which called for a simultaneous assault on the three main islands, was favored by the political elite. This strategy aimed for a quick and decisive victory to mitigate the emerging threat from the Benacian Union in the north. There were also concerns that a slower, more methodical approach would drive the rebels on the remaining islands to entrench themselves further, leading to even greater resistance.
Despite the strategic advantages of the gradual approach, it was ultimately not chosen. The political pressure for a swift victory led to the approval of the simultaneous assault. This plan, named Operation Thuyleman's Wave, was finally sanctioned and launched on 2.01.1733.
Strategic Air Campaign: Prelude to Operation Thuylemans' Wave
Two months prior to the full-scale invasion of Mirioth, Amity, and Yardistan, the Shirerithian Imperial Air Forces initiated an intense strategic air campaign designed to cripple the Sathrati's ability to resist the impending assault. This campaign, codenamed Operation Thunderbird, aimed to achieve air superiority, disrupt enemy logistics, and destroy critical infrastructure.
Shirerithian Divisions and Material Used in the Invasion
Invasion of Mirioth
REPORT CONCERNING THE INVASION OF MIRIOTH
Mirioth will be moderately difficult to invade due to its balanced defenses and significant militia support.
- Moderate resistance from the 10th Armoured Cavalry Division and the 11th Light Infantry Division.
- 75,469 unorganised militia spread across the island.
- Support from the 2nd Squadron, 7th (Air Support) Division, and the HAC Air Component.
Around 123,348 military personnel.
| Division | Strength | Ships | Aircraft |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Gaudin Auxiliary Division | 32,214 soldiers | Support:
|
Fighters:
50x F-9 Ashavan II 10x F-17 Axarana 70x Raven IV Model 32x SAC J39 „Fliegender Griffin“ Bombers: 6x Sisera S-88 Troop transport: 32x GAV-4(U) Jackalope |
| 7th Gaudin Auxiliary Division | 31,965 soldiers | ||
| 12th Eastern Auxiliary Division | 26,432 soldiers | ||
| 21th Eastern Auxiliary Division | 29,523 soldiers | ||
| 2nd Shirerithian Airborne Division | 3,214 soldiers |
Invasion of Amity
REPORT CONCERNING THE INVASION OF AMITY
Amity presents the greatest challenge due to its strong defensive positions, heavy armored presence, and numerous militia forces.
- Strong resistance expected from the 9th Armoured Cavalry Division and the 12th Light Infantry Division.
- High concentration of militia (92,898 unorganised fighters) and extensive fortifications in key locations.
- Air support from 1st Squadron, 7th (Air Support) Division, and the HAC Air Component.
Around 188,234 military personnel.
| Division | Strength | Ships | Aircraft |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Confluence Auxiliary Division | 28,749 soldiers | Support:
|
Fighters:
170x Sokoku Spiteful 70x Yaddith-1 Class Fighter Bombers: 9x Sisera S-88 Troop transport: 91x GAV-4(U) Jackalope |
| 9th Gaudin Auxiliary Division | 27,954 soldiers | ||
| 7th Confluence Auxiliary Division | 24,054 soldiers | ||
| 3rd Guttuli Auxiliary Division | 23,689 soldiers | ||
| 4th Isen Auxiliary Division | 25,855 soldiers | ||
| 5th Isen Auxiliary Division | 26,332 soldiers | ||
| 10th Guttuli Auxiliary Division | 25,812 soldiers | ||
| Luchtmobiele Brigade | 5,789 soldiers |
Invasion of Yardistan
REPORT CONCERNING THE INVASION OF YARDISTAN
Yardistan will be the second most difficult to invade due to the islan's size, its complex and extensive defenses, high number of organized and unorganized forces, and substantial air and naval support.
- The most complex defense with multiple divisions, including the 1st Area Defense Division, 2nd and 3rd Armoured Cavalry Divisions, and the 4th and 5th Light Infantry Divisions.
- High number of unorganized militia (84,183 fighters).
- Strong air and naval support from multiple squadrons and flotillas.
Around 140,937 military personnel.
| Division | Strength | Ships | Aircraft |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9th Isen Auxiliary Division | 31,201 soldiers | Support:
|
Fighters:
105x Sokoku Spiteful 34x Yaddith-1 Class Fighter Bombers: 7x Novaya-Sabir Class Bomber Troop transport: 73x GAV-4(U) Jackalope |
| 13th Isen Auxiliary Division | 25,922 soldiers | ||
| 15th Gaudin Auxiliary Division | 26,433 soldiers | ||
| 29th Eastern Auxiliary Division | 24,566 soldiers | ||
| 11th Guttuli Auxiliary Division | 27,461 soldiers | ||
| 3rd Shirerithian Airborne Division | 5,354 soldiers |
Legacy
The assembly of such an extensive invasion armada demonstrated the immense maritime resources of the Imperial Republic. This undertaking highlighted the sheer scale and complexity of the logistical efforts required for a successful island-hopping campaign against Sathrati. The SSEF's achievements underscored the strategic and operational prowess of Shireroth's military forces during this pivotal period.
