Die

Vol. I...No. 1 September 1939

Fränkiſche
Wochenzeitung THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THIS WEEKS NEWS AND EVENTS

fALL wEISS
launches
THE LIBERATION OF POLAND BEGINS
WITH A BANG AS GERMAN FORCES
ADVANCE AT A STARTLING RATE
The 1. Panzer-Division finds themselves finally mobilized, after
weeks of waiting for the opportune time, leaders of the unit an-
nounce our first points of interest. All sights are on Warsaw, the
ultimate goal, and with the pace seen today, it will be occupied
in no time! Catching the Polish by surprise has given us the ini-
tial advantage, as units begin to move out across the front. GERMAN FORCES ADVANCE INTO POLAND.
Our halftracks are fully operational with gas and munitions filled SPLIT INTO TWO SECTORS
and ready. The Luftwaffe is gaining air superiority, making for ARMY GROUPS NORTH AND SOUTH WITH
what looks to be a swift and decisive victory for the Wermacht! SLOVAK ARMY SUPPORT IN THE SOUTH
 Die Frankiſche Wochenzeitung
ANNOUNCEMENTS UNIT
PAGE 6
SPOTLIGHT
- RECAPPING THE NEWS AND EVENTS OF THE WEEK -

1.PANZER ADVANCES INTO POLAND IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS

[1] DESPITE TAKING HEAVY CASUALTIES, UNITS REGROUP, [2] REINFORCEMENTS ARRIVE JUST IN TIME TO SECURE THE
REARM AND PATCH UP TO LAUNCH A COUNTER ATTACK CROSSROADS AS FIGHTING GOES HOUSE TO HOUSE

Half-tracks lead the way

GERMAN-POLAND BORDER / HOUSE TO HOUSE
As the Züge deploy into
Poland the units received
their first objective of the
campaign, capture the town of
Ninzy, rescuing recon pilots
shot down in the area. Friend-
ly divisions advanced on the
flanks, preventing reinforce-
ment from the nearby towns,
namely the village of Lenart-
woice to the East.
Each Gruppen mounted their
respective half-tracks, the
SWT towing a Pak36. The
first goal, to capture the south-
ern ridge overlooking Ninzy.
Shortly after rolling out, a
melder heading to HQ, in-
formed the Züge of a heavy
Polish garrison close by. The
Gruppen dismounted to the
side of the road, just as enemy
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AT rounds flew-by. 1.Zug,
under the command of Uffz.
Brauer, and 2.Zug, under
Uffz. Schüttler, advanced into
the forest. Flanking the road,
they moved to engage.
Unfortunately, the Polish were
alerted and waiting in cover of
the early morning light. Both
Züge encountered a heavy
enemy ambush. Sustaining in-
tensive casualties from enemy
grenades and AT rounds each
Zug was forced to pull back.
Thinned down to less than
three Gruppen, the unit healed
up and regrouped to counter-
attack.(1) No turning back, they
pushed through the forest,
carefully re-engaging, ulti-
mately capturing a heavy for-
tification guarding the ridge.
All infantry, half-tracks, and
the SWT regrouped on the
ridge, rained down fire on
Ninzy. With the enemy pinned
by covering fire 2.Zug moved
in. (Cont. on Page 3)...
 Die Frankiſche Wochenzeitung
EQUIPMENT UPDATE
PAGE 5
- RECAPPING THE NEWS AND EVENTS OF THE WEEK -
INTEL UPDATE-MAIN POLISH TANKS-
7TP PK (USE CAUTION FACING HEAD ON!)
37 MM BOFORS WZ.37 L/45 MAIN GUN
COAXIAL WZ.30 TMG 7.92 MM MG - SPEED 30-35 KM/H
ARMOUR 5 (TOP) TO 17MM (FRONT) - 3 CREW
TKS TANKETTE (NUMEROUS, LIGHTLY ARMOURED)
HOTCHKISS WZ. 30 7.92 MM MG (SOME VARIANTS)
ARMOR - 3MM (TOP/REAR) TO 10 MM(FRONT)
SPEED 40 KM/H - 2 CREW
INTELLIGENCE PHOTOGRAPHS
POLISH 7TP (TOP) AND TKS (BOTTOM)
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[3] UFFZ. BRAUER NEGOTIATES THE SURRENDER WITH A
POLISH OFFICER, THEIR FORCES NOW CUT OFF
ASSAULT ON NINZY (CONT.)
The second phase, securing the
town of Ninzy was underway.
2.Zug reached the outskirts as
1.Zug and the SWT mounted up
and rolled in to support. Crossfire
between Ninzy and friendly
elements to the East and West
made for a treacherous approach.
The unit established a strong
southern foothold in the town.(2)
Preparing to advance, reinforce-
ments arrived via half-track.
With the Gruppen at full strength,
the crossroads were secured.
Two half-tracks were lost while
maneuvering in the fierce house
to house fighting.
To continue the push 2.Zug split,
2.Gruppe took the remaining
half-track to secure houses to
the East as 1.Gruppe advanced
towards the southwest.
UNIT
SPOTLIGHT
Using the houses as cover, 2.Zug
pressed on, while fighting valiant-
ly both Gruppe unfortunately took
on heavy casualties.
1.Zug pushed North spearheading
far into the town and splitting the
enemy defenses. 1.1 pulled back
to secure the crossroads and assist
the wounded from 2.Zug while
1.2 continued North. While they
prepared a final push, a Polish of-
ficer carefully approached 1.2 to
broker a deal with Uffz. Brauer(3).
Knowing the casualties, Brauer
warned that Panzers were waiting
just over the Ninzy ridge. The
Poles, now cut off, took the bait,
handing over Ninzy and pilots!
Heavily injured, yet valiant in
their spirit, the Züge successfully
called in to HQ for reinforcement
as they cared for the wounded. ■
 Die Frankiſche Wochenzeitung
CONTACT US EQUIPMENT
PAGE 6 UPDATE
- RECAPPING THE NEWS AND EVENTS OF THE WEEK -

GERMAN UNITS MARK UNRIVALED GAINS AS SUPPLY UNITS RUSH TO CLOSE THE GAP

terrain,
experience
gives
advantage
WHILE FIGHTING ON ENEMY GROUND CAN
BE TRECHEROUS, POLAND MAY HIGHLIGHT
UNIT SUPERIORITY IF USED WISELY
EXPERIENCED DRIVERS PROVE INVALUABLE
While fighting on an enemy’s home front can be fraught with danger
and the potential ambush, it can be argued that the terrain here in
Poland will provide useful. Not only our supply effort, but our
half-tracks and tanks as well. Emphasis remains on every soldier to
stay vigilant. Enemy scouts are still out there, some on horseback
and others lay in hiding with anti-tank rifles.
Our fellow units, both in Army Gruppen North and South, are prov-
ing the success of speed and surprise across the battlefield. The effec-
tiveness of experienced crew, especially drivers is now being demon-
strated. The recent advances showcase the ever-growing need for
HALF-TRACKS AND INFANTRY USE THE TERRAIN TOSUPPRESS
THE ENEMY FROM A RIDGE OVERLOOKING A TOWN
experienced drivers and gunners. This is the first test in combat for
many recruits, and a refresher for the rest of infantry in mechanized
tactics. Having an inexperienced driver hit a ditch and flip is not only
dangerous, but an embarrassment. Word is fellow units have had such
issues in battle. While many dismiss this as enemy propaganda it is
something to be considered!
The Polish terrain we are fighting on is generally flat yet gives great
cover in forests. Rivers can be used as choke-points however can be
perfect for ambushes. Our gains have been fast, reports from those cap-
tured talk of being caught by surprise. The thinking that exploitation of
armour would only make for slow gains is proving outdated. We now
know what we are up against, yet so do the enemy. Let us show them
our unit is one of the fastest and best trained units out there! ■

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 Die Frankiſche Wochenzeitung
UNIT SPOTLIGHT EQUIPMENT
PAGE 2 UPDATE
- RECAPPING THE NEWS AND EVENTS OF THE WEEK -

GET TO KNOW OUR VEHICLES

OPEL BLITZ: OUR OLD FRIEND

RETURNS TO THE BATTLEFIELD
ONE OF THE MOST VERSATILE, RELIABLE, AND RESPECTED
GERMAN INFANTRY VEHICLES JOINS US ON THE FRONT TODAY!
We saw the extensive use of the Heavily modifiable, this truck can
Opel trucks by many units on the fill almost any role on the front.
new front, and most likely will They span from radio cars, repair
continue to see more. So why do stations, fuel trucks, to firetrucks,
we use these vehicles en masse? command vehicles and anything
These trucks have been the else that can fit onto the chassis.
backbone of our operation and Their ground pressure is low, and
supply efforts, not only are they the “Blitz” can easily overcome
light, but extremely modifiable. It some obstacles where others,
is very likely many more will be even three-axle trucks, struggle
seen coming into the war effort. with. Even if damaged, repair
Thousands of Opel “Blitz” S has been deemed “very easy” by
Models are being converted into many mechanics.
military cargo trucks. The civil While the unit may not be using
trucks are brought up to army these extensively in the field, they
standard Kfz.305 - the official will remain a vital and significant
military designation. asset to the war effort. ■

OPEL “BLITZ” S (RIGHT)

Engine: Opel 3.6L, 6 cyl., 75 cv hp -
Speed: 85 km/h - Weight: 5800 kg -
Crew: 2 - Length: 6.105 m - Width:
2.265 m - Height: 2.565 m

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 Die Frankiſche Wochenzeitung
COMMAND LATEST
ANNOUNCEMENTS INFORMATION
- RECAPPING THE NEWS AND EVENTS OF THE WEEK -

PROMOTIONS ANNOUNCEMENTS
- OBERLEUTNANT - HPTM. SAUER WILL BE STEPPING
KNUD MADSEN (1. ZUG) DOWN FROM LEADING THE
PZGREN. SCHILL / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF KOMPANIE, AND HIS POSITION IN
- LEUTNANT - THE COUNCIL, DUE TO TIME

CONTACT US
THOMAS BRAUER (2. ZUG) CONSTRAINTS.
WE ALL THANK HIM FOR THE
- UNTERFELDWEBEL - HARD WORK, TIME AND EFFORT
SIEGFRIED SCHÜTTLER (1.1) HE HAS PUT INTO THE UNIT!
LUCAS HESSEL (2.1) KNUD “DIBBO” MADSEN WILL
QUESTIONS? COMMENTS? TAKEOVER AS KOMPANIEFÜHRER
- UNTEROFFIZIER -
HEINRICH VOGEL (1.2)
RESTRUCTURING
HANS WERRICH (2.2) PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO GIVE US YOUR - KOMPANIE -
FEEDBACK, WE STRIVE FOR THE BEST! 1. ZUG AND 2. ZUG WILL SWAP:
- OBERGEREITER -
HEINRICH FALK (1.1) 1. ZUG GRUPPEN MOVE TO 2. ZUG
BE A PART OF THE NEWS TEAM! 2. ZUG GRUPPEN MOVE TO 1. ZUG
- GEFREITER - PHOTOGRAPHERS AND WRITERS WANTED THE NEW 2. ZUG GRUPPEN WILL
KURT PROBST (1. SWT) NOW ALSO SWAP SO:
JOHAN BARKMANN (2. SWT) THE OLD 1.1 BECOMES 2.2
THE EDITOR CAN BE REACHED IN THE FIELD, THE OLD 1.2 BECOMES 2.1
- PANZERGRENADIER - THROUGH DIRECT TELEGRAM, OR USE THE
HANS ERICHSEN [1.1] - PERSONNEL -
DISPATCHER DETAIL BELOW
WEATHER MADSEN: KOMPANIEFÜHRER
1. ZUG ZÜGFÜHRER
TODAY STEAM IDENTIFIER: SHORELIFE BRAUER: 2. ZUG ZÜGFÜHRER
HI LO WERRICH: 2.2 GRÜPPENFUHRER
VOGEL: 1.2 GRÜPPENFUHRER
FOR OFFICIAL VOL. I FALK: 1.1 STELLV. GRÜPPENFUHRER
24 14
JÄGER: TRANSFERRED TO 2.2
PARTLY CLOUDY USE ONLY ISSUE.1
TOMORROW - EDITORS - - SPECIAL THANKS - - A 2ND SWT IS NOW OPEN! -
HI LO
LT. BRAUER LT. BRAUER PROBST: 1. SWT LEADER
BARKMANN: 2. SWT LEADER
30 16 OFW. SCHÜTTLER OFW. SCHÜTTLER
SUNNY AND HOT *SEE MONDAY NEWS FOR MORE!*
- RESEARCHERS - - PHOTOGRAPHERS -
PZGREN. KLOSS OGEFR. FELD

(ABOVE) PZGREN. SCHILL

KRANKENTRÄGER - 2. ZUG

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