September '44: Victory in France
AIR WAR OVER EUROPE:
(above) The Allied and Soviet bombardments continued to be effective over select targets, but one Allied bombing force was effectively intercepted and turned-away over Onsabruk. The Allies continue to challenge German CAP over central France, fighting a series of running battles that generally end with the retreat of German aircraft.
STRATEGIC MISSILE ATTACKS
(above) German V-2's were finally unleashed to attack Soviet industry. As predicted, Soviet air defences were absolutely powerless to prevent the attacks.
(above) Intelligence reports the net effect of strategic attacks on the USSR was a loss of 5 IC's.
WESTERN FRONT—Victory in France:
(above) Allied attempts at a second landing near Calise were foiled by new Coastal Armor units. The combination of heavy panzers and paratroops is a new design, created just for this purpose. Both brigades have high toughness, and when the unit is positioned behind sea fortifications it is extremely difficult to dislodge. Heavy panzers and paratroops are also highly resistant to attack from the air.
(above) Anti-air reserves are brought up to help protect Coastal Armor units from air attack. As Allied and Comentern bombs become more effective, these units will come to be deployed along every front.
(above) Reserve panzers were finally released on September 1, and would take a week or so to get into position. The opening attack on Allied positions began in mid-September. Caen fell on October 9, and by mid-October the operation was in mop-up phase.
After this loss the Allies are expected to be set-back a year or more. Rommel's panzer units are to be immediately transferred to the eastern front to shore up weakening defenses of Army Group North. Eventually, all that will be left in France are port guards, AA, coastal panzers, and paratroops.
SUBMARINE WARFARE—Upgrade:
Submarine technology breakthrough includes new air warning and Sonar units. The submarine fleet will be gradually upgraded beginning with its long-range and blue water submarines.
MANPOWER RESERVES:
Continued attrition by fighting on multiple fronts has reduced German manpower reserves to critical levels. Continued research into agriculture is a priority as Germany will be unable to go on the offensive until manpower levels recover.
Next Time: Fuel and Resource Crunch