The difference between modern combined arms warfare and static trench warfare of the early 20th century was like night and day. Especially when one had complete and total air
supremacy over their enemy.
There were three grades of air control in a war. On the lowest end there was Air Parity, which meant that airspace was for the most part contested between both sides of the conflict. In a more tactical sense, this meant that neither side could support their ground operations without having to suffer dearly for it.
After Air Parity was Air Superiority. In other words, one of the two combating factions had a significant advantage over critical airspace, allowing them to engage in air combat operations that could support their ground forces.
Air supremacy was the highest strategic level of air control, and it meant that one had complete and total domination of the airspace. It was entirely uncontested, and with the power of Air Supremacy one had the ability to do whatever the hell they wanted with the opposing forces.
As Erwin Rommel was famously quoted saying “Anyone who has to fight, even with the most modern weapons, against an enemy in complete and total command of the air, fights like a savage against modern European troops, under the same handicaps and with the same chances of success.”
The infamous Desert Fox had to learn this the hard way as despite the overall superiority of German Afrika Korps against the Anglo-American offensive in the theater of conflict, he was ultimately trounced by American Air Supremacy in the region in every major battle that ultimately decided the victor.
And it was a lesson the Bulgarian Army was currently also learning in the exact same manner. Without sufficient anti-air weapons, or fighter aircraft of their own, the German Fighters, Bombers, and Close Air Support could rain hell upon the Royal Bulgarian Army with impunity. Each strategic strike allowed for the demolition of a valuable ground asset. Such as artillery, a machine gun nest, or even logistic stockpiles. The defense of Sofia came to a complete and utter ruinous end long before Bruno even stepped foot in the city.
The war between Bulgaria and the Allies had been sparked by disputed claims over Thrace, and also by sheer accident. Even so, blood had been shed that should not have been so, and such a debt required an equally greater amount of the sanguine substance to be spilled in appeasement.
The losses Bulgaria suffered within the first 72 hours of conflict were severe enough to break the enemy’s will to fight, but not significant enough to cause long-term harm to Bulgaria as a nation, or hatred from its people.
The moment the Royal Bulgarian Army waved the white flag, the order for all combatants among the Central Powers to cease fire and halt their advance was given by Bruno. The man himself standing on the outskirts of the city as he stepped forward to greet with the General of the opposing forces.
Bruno did not look the slightest bit excited over this most recent victory, in a string of grand achievements he had gained throughout his military career. In fact, his usual stoic expression had been replaced with a grim look on his haunted face and sky-blue eyes.
The Bulgarian General noticed the look, because it was the same one expressed on his own visage. Causing him to chuckle and shake his head, laughing at the misfortune his people had befallen as a result of their own hasty actions.
“I never thought I would be standing face to face with the legendary Wolf of Prussia, surrendering to him as a foe…”
Bruno nodded his head in silence as he returned the statement with one of his own.
“I know it doesn’t seem like it, but the last thing I wanted was to go to war with you and your soldiers. You would have made a far greater ally, then an enemy of the Reich. And I hold much respect that you have held on for a full 72 hours, when a lesser nation would have fallen much quicker.
Your men fought valiantly. Unfortunately, given the circumstances, there was never any hope of victory. I see you are here to surrender. I have no terms to ask of you or your men, but I am not in a position to give them.
A member of the Greek Royal Family was killed by an attack from Ultra-Orthodox Militants, which your country sponsored via weapons, training, and safe houses. I can’t speak on behalf of the Greeks, or what they will demand. But I am quite certain your holdings in Thrace will be handed over to the Kingdom of Greece.
This I cannot stop, but if they try to make any greater demands as a result of this unfortunate series of events, I will try my best to step in and prevent any cruel and unusual punishment. You have my word.”
The General stared at Bruno in silence for several moments. He honestly could not believe what he was hearing, and was quick to ask why Bruno would try to interfere on Bulgaria’s behalf at all considering all that had happened.
“You would go to such lengths to protect us, for what purpose? As far as I am aware, you have never even stepped foot within the borders of Bulgaria until now. So why? Why bother taking such a risk, to stand between the Greeks and us?”
Bruno looked in the direction of the Bulgarian men, who, despite the freezing of battle lines, remained ever vigilant, their weapons on standby, waiting for the first sign of hostility to break out before engaging in battle once more. They just needed a reason to do so. And after nudging towards this, Bruno stated with a bitter smile on his face.
“Your men fought bravely, courageously, and loyally for king and country against an enemy with overwhelming supremacy in all fields. Whether it be training, equipment, numbers, or logistical capability, they would fight to the last man against us if the opportunity arose.
Luckily, these lions are led by men with enough sense to understand when it is no longer beneficial to keep fighting and have surrendered before making a monster out of me and the men beneath my command.
Even if we are enemies today, even if my men have fallen in battle against yours, the courage and loyalty they have shown is more than enough for me to show them all respect. This was not a war that any of us wanted. This was not a war that I should have ever fought. And yet, fate has made us enemies.
I have no hatred for you, or your people, so why should I allow the Greeks to punish you for defending yourselves when the war was the result of an accident? An accident you are to blame for, but one that was out of our hands regardless…
At the end of the day, I have far more respect for the valor your men have shown against overwhelming odds, and the loyalty they have to their monarch, then I do the Greeks who rely on my men and I to seize their claims for them.
You’re lucky I sent them to the Black Sea, as I did not want them here when I claimed victory. Or else things could have been far uglier between us than it has been…”
After hearing Bruno’s words, the Bulgarian General chuckled, before speaking his thoughts about the misunderstandings he had regarding the man’s character.
“You know, the rumors about you make you seem like you’re the spirit of death incarnated into human form. But you’re not as terrifying as I thought you would be.
Considering further resistance is only likely to cause greater misfortune, I surrender my army to you, and will command what remains of our forces to do the same…. I only hope you can do as you have professed to attempt when the negotiations finally arrive…..”
Bruno silently nodded at the Bulgarian General before returning to his own lines. Orders were conveyed for all hostilities to cease, and for the Royal Bulgarian Army to surrender all arms
willingly.
Within the next 12 hours, the Bulgarian Capital would be occupied by a small number of Austro-Hungarian forces, and the 8th German Army would move to the eastern Bulgarian border which they shared with the Ottoman Empire.
Of whom would be surprised to find, after finally mustered their strength in Thrace, that their ally to the west had already capitulated.
Having now been squeezed between the German 8th Army on the border of Eastern Thrace, and the combined forces of the Hellenic and Russian Armies at the Black Sea, the Ottoman Empire would soon realize that their reign over Constantinople was rapidly coming to an end.