Bonjour,
As promised, these last few weeks have seen many hard-fought battles. Tremendous effort has been demanded of all of you, and you've been up to the task. Liberty is now fully aware of the position it's found itself in by foolishly attempting to rescue their Bretonian cousins. Mere hours ago, I have been informed by commandant Favager's report of the utter annihilation of Pearl Harbour shipyard, in the heart of Californie. This heavily fortified installation has been a significant thorn in our side for the total duration of our operations in the area, keeping our enemies well provisioned and ready while we were away from our supply lines.
At great cost, and thanks to the heroic bravery of our pilots and commanders, that problem has been solved. As my valet types this, I have ordered preliminary work to research and prepare for our next advance into Liberty. While it is too early to divulge details, you will soon find that the frontline has been pushed further, ever closer to the black heart of Liberty. With Pearl Harbour gone and the many victories we've earned these past few weeks, I am confident that the time to move forward is almost upon us. Our momentum has been built, it is now in full motion. There will be nothing to stand against you. Not even the valiant efforts displayed by the Liberty navy during our recent scuffles. Remember your enemies, for they have shown remarkable valor in the defence of their homeland.
The death throes of Pearl Harbour under the might of the combined arms of the Marine Gauloise.
In the meantime, operations in Bretonia are continuing, though in a different fashion. While we amass forces and train for a massive, frontal assault on Londonian positions, Bretonian forces and supply lines have been kept busy thanks to the corvettes and combat transports of the
Gallant Gallic Gunboat Gobbler Group, or 5G. They've scored significant victories waging irregular warfare and have proven very useful in tying up regular forces and capturing resources destined to the adversary. For a new unit, their operational results are to be commended. I have ordered more personnel to be encouraged to join it, and more resources to be allocated to it.
Repossessed gold, appropriated by a detachment of 5G combat transports.
Finally, Kusari. Those of you blessed with the ability to read will have picked up on recent changes in Kusari politics. The hardlining Exiles, our bitter enemies, have been integrated into the official, legitimate government, which itself has become significantly more authoritarian. This can't bode well. We do not need a third front right now. I have decided that we shouldn't give them the comfort of even contemplating the idea to strike back at us. They will be presented with the full effect of our power projection capabilities and simultaneously reminded that we'd very much like for them to remain our friends. More will be disclosed about
Opération Baliste very soon. I can already say that cruiser and battleship commanders will be sollicited.
There is much for you to be proud about, soldiers. But there's even more to be done. There will be no laurels to rest on in this navy as long as the Gallic banner is not floating to the winds of London and Manhattan.
The unmatched power of our arsenals would be for naught, were it now for those men and women manning them and putting them to great use. The following individuals have brought great honour to their name by serving their King with distinction, professionalism and dedication. As always, Gallia ensures that everyone gets what they deserve.
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Capitaine de corvette Alaric Jean-Paul Favager d'Astier has been elevated to the rank of
capitaine de frégate, which he held in his previous position. Ever ready, never far from the frontlines, he's been the most dedicated of our officers over the past months. The
Chanzy has started to write its own legend in the ranks of the Marine Royale : its constant sight is a relief to all but its foes. His many, well-detailed reports are a valued legacy to the Marine Royale : the Etat-major hopes his alacrity and unwavering dedication will inspire all from matelot to amiral. Carry on, commandant : your subordinates look up to you, your superiors expect even more. For your various combat actions, fifty million franks have been wired to your personal accounts.
By royal decree, Alaric Jean-Paul Favager d'Astier has been chosen to receive a title of Chevalier, the attribute of which he will be allowed to choose for himself (an object, a place, a saint...).
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Capitaine de frégate Everett Fontaine has been elevated to the rank of
capitaine de vaisseau and will be granted superior training at the prestigious Ecole de Guerre. In the short time since he's willingly transferred himself from the Avant Garde to the Marine Royale, he has demonstrated impossible levels of finesse, honoured his obligations as Chambellan, and has become the personnification of Gallic virtue to the personnel of the Marine. His words hit as hard as his leadership skills : the
Algérie, possibly the most elegant warship in Sirius, has an imposing presence, and the
Félin Majestique has become a dreaded sight to the Bretonian war profiteers. The King watches you as you watch for our people : you have gained his trust, and now you will endeavour to honour it.
By royal decree, Everett Fontaine has been chosen to receive a title of Chevalier, the attribute of which he will be allowed to choose for himself (an object, a place, a saint...).
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Capitaine de Vaisseau Pierre Vincent du Petit Thouars, vicomte du Plateau des Coucous has been elevated to the rank of
contre-amiral. His dedication is without fault, his presence a great factor of unity and cohesion through any battlegroup. His administrative delegation skills have left people in the Etat-major mute with admiration, and his command of the
Bonne naissance, always in the thick of the battle line, has lent him a distinct, inspiring aura. His contribution to the 5G unit has also been remarkable and talks of his actions at the helm of the
Bateau Ivre are whispered of in awe in the shadiest Bretonian underworlds. This versatility and exceptional dedication have been your ticket to making Contre-amiral : one does not simply jump to that rank and rest on their laurels. Your former rival has become your peer : the Etat-major is curious to see what will come of this. Outdo yourself.
By royal decree, Pierre Vincent du Petit Thouars has been chosen to receive a title of Chevalier, the attribute of which he will be allowed to choose for himself (an object, a place, a saint...). This will have no incidence on his lordship over the Plateau des Coucous.
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Contre-amiral Jean-Yves Patrice de Justéton is officially commended for his work in keeping the Bétheny battlegroup well provisioned, despite it being beneath his current functions. His actions aboard the Ressentiment have, once again, been remarkable and add up to an ever increasing track record. New heroes are always a welcome sight to the Marine Royale, but reliable veterans are what keep us with a clear advantage over our primitive foes.
By royal decree, Jean-Yves Patrice de Justéton has been chosen to receive a title of Chevalier, the attribute of which he will be allowed to choose for himself (an object, a place, a saint...).
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Quartier-maître Chef Polo Bett is elevated to the rank of
Maître. Though discreet, this new recruit has proven to be very reliable, loyal and fearless, even in the face of overwhelming odds. The Etat-major hopes for this promotion to be the first of many more to come and counts on Maître Polo Bett to keep honing his skills and tapping into his significant potential. Welcome among the officiers mariniers, maître. A new family welcomes you, and with it, new responsibilities, and new possibilities as well. Thirty million franks will be wired to the account of your choice, in reconnaissance of your actions.
As a last note, the Etat-major reminds all personnel that
several offices and functions are still vacant. Do not hesitate to apply if you feel you would be a good fit. The Marine needs you.
All personnel listed to receive titles of nobility will promptly receive an invitation to an official ceremony, where they will be formally annointed to their new titles. Attendance is mandatory. Friends and family are encouraged to attend.