Napoleonic Wargame Club (NWC)

The term "The Black Menace" is in direct connection with the Leib Hussars who are part of my brigade. It has everything to do with the color of their uniforms. Not the concept of the "skull and bones" that they wear. Nor is it in any way in connection with Hitler's SS.

There is truth that the Germans of this period (Napoleonic Wars) were in many ways segregating the Jews including allowing them to purchase their way out of military conscription (and so on). My choice of the nickname had nothing to do with the SS. And I in no way condone what Hitler did to the Jews or the rest of Europe for that matter.

I am asking that all members refrain from using the term SS in connection with our brigade. It is not only distasteful but it personally offends me. My cousin died in WW2, over Holland as a navigator in a B-17, fighting Hitler. My dad taught me the evils of the SS and Hitler. I will not get into the semantics of the Waffen-SS and the SS here but needless to say I know of Germans that opposed Hitler and do not view Germans as some evil race either.

If I hear that you are using the term in connection with our brigade I am going to email my CinC, Scott Ludwig and ask him to bring the matter to the Cabinet for discipline. It is not only incorrect, it is sick. Please avoid trying to bring controversy into the club. We are here to have fun. If what I did offends you then contact me about it. We can discuss the term and if it ever came to the Cabinet wanting it removed I would not hesitate to do so.

Hmm, just as long as they get after anyone that tries to connect me with the SS ...

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Generalfeldmarschall Wilhelm Prinz Peters von Dennewitz

3. Husaren-Regiment, Reserve-Kavallerie, Preußischen Armee-Korps

Honarary CO of Garde-Ulanen Regiment, Garde-Grenadier Kavallerie

NWC Founding Member

For Club Games: I prefer the Single Phase mode of play. I prefer to play with the following options OFF:

MDF, VP4LC, NRO, MTD, CMR, PR, MIM, NDM, OMR (ver 4.07)

Totally agree Bill. I noted that reference by one of our members. To me it was a disgrace to raise it in an international Napoleonic club.

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Marechal Knox

Prince d'Austerlitz et Comte d'Argentan
Ordre national de la Légion d'honneur

"What is history but a fable agreed upon"

Thanks Colin. A word of support from a senior French officer means a lot here.

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Generalfeldmarschall Wilhelm Prinz Peters von Dennewitz

3. Husaren-Regiment, Reserve-Kavallerie, Preußischen Armee-Korps

Honarary CO of Garde-Ulanen Regiment, Garde-Grenadier Kavallerie

NWC Founding Member

For Club Games: I prefer the Single Phase mode of play. I prefer to play with the following options OFF:

MDF, VP4LC, NRO, MTD, CMR, PR, MIM, NDM, OMR (ver 4.07)

Bill, I would honestly be very surprised if anyone in the club disagreed with your sentiments above. Shocked would actually be much closer to the truth. The exchanges that occurred in the forum happened so quickly while I was working that I never even saw any of them until Scott had already locked the post. He took the appropriate action to prevent an escalation of this issue, and quite frankly, it worked. I think the comment was made more in jest than any real serious attack. I do agree it was in poor taste, but due to the manner in which it was dropped, I hope the point was made and learned.

By posting here again, you are potentially reviving an issue that had grown quiet, and one that I would personally prefer to remain quiet. I honestly do not expect it to happen again. I really don't think that it will. I think the lesson was learned.

I will reiterate what I have said before. I do not mind if members lose their tempers and take issue with each other as long as it all occurs outside our public forums. I would prefer that everyone in the club be the best of friends at all times, but I know that is not how the world works.

I will ask the members of this club not to escalate this issue as it is a particularly contentious one. I further promise the entire membership that if it does recur, I will be right in the middle of it. I read these forums as much and as often as anyone in this club. I also have the ability to terminate accounts at any time. I readily forgive mistakes, but I do expect everyone to learn from them. Conduct yourselves with honor at all times as best you can and never be afraid to admit a mistake, or forgive the mistake of another.

Thanks, guys.

Wow Mark, I must have missed that post. I heard about the "SS" comment from one of my guys who got it in an email.

Just not needed here. I do not control this club. I am a contributor at best. It is my best role and I excel at it. I enjoy leading my brigade and that is the highest command I will ever take again in ANY club. The Musket and Cannon Club maybe being the exception.

Lets make it fun for everyone. I echo your concerns and there is no reason to prolong this thread. If you guys want to lock it I made my point and it has been understood that the "SS" ref. has no place in our club, jesting or otherwise. Things like that get taken the wrong way ...

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Generalfeldmarschall Wilhelm Prinz Peters von Dennewitz

3. Husaren-Regiment, Reserve-Kavallerie, Preußischen Armee-Korps

Honarary CO of Garde-Ulanen Regiment, Garde-Grenadier Kavallerie

NWC Founding Member

For Club Games: I prefer the Single Phase mode of play. I prefer to play with the following options OFF:

MDF, VP4LC, NRO, MTD, CMR, PR, MIM, NDM, OMR (ver 4.07)

I don't think there is a need to lock this thread, Bill. I have faith that our members will not abuse it. I like your nickname of 'The Black Menace' and would hope that you will continue to carry it forward in the future. The Totenkopf was used on many occasions from pirate’s flags to the uniforms of Brunswick officers as well. It was certainly not the invention of Hitler’s SS. Neither was the swastika.

I did not know anything about an email between you and your officers. I agree with you in this matter, but see no benefit to belaboring the point. I do think everyone understands the lesson.

I saw the post and can only assume as its 1809 it was referring to Sausage and Saukraut.

But seriously I would actually like people suspended if they do such stupid things.
This is a club for fun not to be taken so seriously, my own Peacock persona is just for fun inspired by Sir Muddy's British Field marshal persona.

BTW As an All Blacks fan I like the black menace!

Helga a round here please.

Regards

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Marechal Knox

Prince d'Austerlitz et Comte d'Argentan
Ordre national de la Légion d'honneur

"What is history but a fable agreed upon"