The World After Appeasement-UK 1941 AAR

The Mediterranean Theater, November 1941

November was a critical month for Field Marshal Adam and for all of Britain. It was a month that would see the air of defeatism pervaded throughout the population finally subside.

In the beginning of the month the Italians were on their last legs. Operation Jack-O-Lantern was a success. Benghazi had been surrounded and the pocket was quickly closing in on the beleaguered defenders. Once Benghazi was in British hands the fascists would have no means of obtaining essentially supplies such as ammunition, foodstuffs and most importantly water. The deserts were especially harsh when one had an empty canteen.

The Italian high command, being largely comprised of incompetents, organized a pathetic diversionary attack on Cyprus. If they truly believed that such a tactically insignificant pile of dirt would draw a substantial British force away from Libya then they had lost the war from its onset.


Needless to say the attack did nothing to divert Adam's attention. The Benghazi pocket was soon crushed.


The capture of Benghazi yielded fruit in the form of flushing out hiding Italian submarines. They were soon engaged by the Royal Navy and promptly destroyed.


One submarine managed to limp its way back to Benghazi and surrender. The crew was quickly interned. A British officer by the name of Hayman claimed the Italians placed explosives aboard the vessel and ordered that it be sunk immediately. This was nonsense. The sub was taken by British intelligence later in the week.



The Italians now had no way to receive additional men or materiel. They were in total disarray and would soon be starving and even sooner dying of thirst. The back of the Italian forces was almost broken, now was the time to add the final straw.

Large assaults were ordered on both sides of Libya. The Italians were stuck in a British pincer that would force them deeper into the deserts. This series of attacks would be known by many as the "Libyan Turkey-shoot" due to the overwhelming ease in which the British advanced.

Within only days the Italian forces had completely routed. Libya was almost secured.


By late November all that remains in Libya is a scattered Italian division or two that have lost their will to fight. The entirety of the coastline now flies the Union Jack, while the Italian stripes only fly over desert shanties. Churchill was very pleased with Field Marshal Adam's success. Field Marshal Adam was pleased as well. He would have been most embarrassed if his prediction about crushing the Italians by the end of November had not come true.

The British could finally be proud at the end of the month. The Italian army in North Africa was literally decimated. Not a single division escaped destruction or capture. Field Marshal Adam was commended, as were many of the soldiers and officers who fought under him. What was next for Britain? The lads in the war room were ardently working on it...








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Did the update today because it was a short one and I didn't feel like studying lol. I'll still do the home front update tomorrow(hopefully) and maybe even a bonus update in addition to that one(best case scenario). Hope you guys are enjoying everything. Thanks everybody.

Gladiator said:

You made it great! First, to resist italian superiority at start, second, by capturing strategic provinces. Your troops start looking north, now....

Great AAR!

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Thanks so much. The eyes of the strategists are now fixed on Rome.

volksmarschall said:

Italy is finished in N. Africa, so it is only time until you invade Sicily, and then mainland Italy!

Mussolini and his staff must be working overtime in Rome to come up with a good excuse for Hitler why they've lost the war in North Africa.

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I can only wonder what Mussolini's excuse is. I remember reading that german propaganda stated that british pilots were able to shoot down german bombers at night because they ate a lot of carrots, which enabled them to see in the dark :rofl: Perhaps the Italians will come up with an even more absurd excuse. Thanks for commenting.

GrenadierSchube said:

and so with the loss of africa rommel defected to the allies and joined the king in his great crusade in liberating the world of facism :rofl:

excellent job at taking italy out of lybia so quickly, maybe an invasion of greece or sicily is next?

only say greeks because it may help your soviet ally and it would be nice to have an ally u can back up on the mainland AND prevent soviet spread of evil communism

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Lol, I'd love to have rommel. I am considering landing in Greece actually. The garrison is light and It has a close proximity to the soviets, this way when I break out into greater europe the soviets are essentially blocked from conquering too much. However I lack mountain divisions. We'll see what happens. Thanks for commenting.

Home front update and a possible bonus update tonight or thursday night.

anweRU said:

IIRC, that was a British originated story, based on real facts (the pilots ate carrots) to hide the truth (radar, radar, radar). I remember reading John Smith's WW2 memoirs almost 20 years ago. He was a British tech intel top dog.

And yes, his real name was John Smith. German scientists and intel officers he interrogated after the war thought it was a pseudonym. Having written his memoirs after theirs, he got a kick out of it...

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You might be right, I read this a while ago so my memory may be fuzzy. If I were the Germans I'd think it was a pseudonym too. Thanks for following.

2 updates tonight: Home front and a small bonus one. Writing them now.

Home Front, November 1941

Throughout November the British population could not rid themselves of the paranoia that remained from the Shetlands offensive. However the populace had no reason to be alarmed. All ports were secure, the axis spy network was dwindling and the HMS Indomitable, the nations newest carrier, was finally placed into active service.


Another carrier was always welcomed but it wasn't what the nation needed at the time. Both Britain's main adversaries, Germany and Italy, had lost the majority of their capital ships. The Royal Navy already had a large advantage. The law of diminishing returns comes to mind. Only so many carriers were needed before they started to become a waste. Luckily Armaments Minister Kingsley Wood recognized this. He ordered the construction of several new merchant marine escort ships.



Some criticized this move, claiming escorts were not as important as transports. Minister Wood defended his decisions, saying that there were many, many, more transports currently scheduled to be built while there was literally nothing being built to protect them(126 groups of transports, 280 more groups being built. While there was not a single escort ship remaining). He felt the escorts were essential to protecting the investment of time, money and resources that the transports represented.



Until the escorts arrived the transport lanes, Britain's arteries, would be vulnerable. A fleet and a strategy were personally assembled by Admiral Dudley Pound, Chief of the Navy. The main component of the fleet was state-of-the-art light carriers and destroyers. Two heavy cruisers accompanied the smaller ships in case of a run in with German capital ships. All vessels were under the command of Admiral Evans who had a reputation as a hard man. He would need to be hard as his mission would require spending a very long time at sea.

The strategy: Surviving merchant mariners have noticed a peculiar pattern about u-boat attacks. The u-boats attack, sink 1-3 vessels of a convoy and leave. They do not return until several days later, always in the same general area. Admiral Pound theorized that the Germans feared retaliation from the Royal Navy, so they quickly struck where they knew there would be transports and then returned to base before any retaliation could be undertaken. Admiral Pound would not send Evans' ASW(Anti-Submarine Warfare) fleet directly to the area where the attacks were most frequent. Instead he would let the attack happen, send the fleet between the area of attack and a German naval base that likely harbored the submarines. If the subs were found they would not be engaged, they would be tracked and followed. Once they arrived at port the port would be blockaded indefinitely("5 months or 5 years" Admiral Pound would famously proclaim). Effectively bottling up the submarines and protecting the transports.

Once enacted the plan worked flawlessly. Churchill was most impressed. Evans' fleet did not blow their cover, they shadowed the subs and found them hiding in the port of Lorient. It was soon enough blockaded and 5 flotillas of u-boats were trapped.


Upon realizing they were trapped the units attempted a run of the blockade. Hundreds of depth charges were dropped. 2 flotillas were sent to the bottom.


Unfortunately 3 escaped. Evans sent all of his ships in a mad dash after the remaining u-boats, which had been damaged in the previous battle. The u-boats left a trail of debris and oil and were easy to follow. They too were destroyed without much of a fight. The u-boat crews have paid for their transgressions with their lives. After hearing the news that the remaining subs were destroyed Admiral Evans lit a cigar and smiled.

Evans' fleet would remain at Lorient until further notice. Evans himself was commended by Churchill for a job that was "bloody well done".

Aside from the success of the ASW campaign, Britain also enjoyed technological success throughout November, they are listed below.

1.Mechanized Infantry
2.Mountain Infantry
3.Mass Assault doctrine IV
4.Grand Battle Plan doctrine
5.Improved Air Launched Torpedo
6.Jungle Warfare Equipment

All of these advances were critical. The doctrines for obvious reasons. The mechanized infantry would help add a more swift and powerful element to the British land forces. They would certainly be useful against the Germans and would be able to run circles around the Italians. Mountain infantry would be useful in Italy, southern Germany and the Balkans. The Air launched torpedo would improve the damage done by all carrier air-groups, increasing the odds that the enemy would not escape. Jungle warfare equipment was designed in case of a Japanese attack. British lads would need to have the tools to fight a prolonged conflict the the jungles of Asia.

A positive month ended on an underwhelming note, the deployment of the nigh insignificant HMS Charybdis, a light cruiser. Only a small section of the newspaper even took notice of this event. It was overshadowed by the success of Evans' ASW campaign and Adams' success in N.Africa.


By November's end the wave of paranoia and defeatism had been shattered thanks to the deployment of a new carrier, Admiral Evans, and technological advances, not to mention the actions of the lads in Africa. The tide seemed to be turning, the end appeared to be in sight. Africa had fallen, u-boats were sinking and the Germans could not muster up an invasion. What could possibly go wrong at this point?









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Starting the mini-update about possible war-plans. Its small so dont get too excited. Sorry for so much text in this one, couldnt help it. Thanks for following everyone.

Dissecting "Fortress Europe", November 1941

With the Italian army in north Africa crushed, the British army can now turn its attention to the most crucial of places, Europe...

As soon as it became apparent that victory in N.Africa was a certainty plans for a liberation of Europe were ordered to be drawn up. It goes without saying that such a large undertaking does not come without controversy. Whenever a plan was theorized it was immediately put down by a swarm of critics. Back-door politics was also an issue. It angered and disheartened Churchill that the military could not put aside petty differences and decide on the best course of action. After much drinking he decided on a solution. He would pick 3 trusted men and commission each one to originate a battle plan to begin the liberation of Europe from the axis powers. Churchill obtained interesting results:


This first plan, dubbed "Operation Zeus", was proposed by Chief of Staff Alan Brooke, his plan:

An invasion of southern Italy would commence. They would advance only partially up the peninsula and would stop at a position suitable for prolonged defensive actions. Once the advance stopped the Army would wait and observe the Italian numbers and the strength of their attacks. Once the numbers increased a sufficient amount it would be apparent that the Balkans had only a skeleton garrison. At this point a much larger invasion of Greece would be ordered. The Balkans, at this point, is expected to be largely empty. British troops will advance to selected cities, Ploesti, Budapest and Belgrade. Once here they will establish a perimeter and wait for further instructions.

Main goal: Containment of USSR. On the map an "acceptable area of Russian advance" is highlighted in red and yellow stripes. It is unacceptable if the soviets conquer more of Europe than they deserve. This plan is more oriented towards the long term. In Alan Brooke's mind Germany is on its way out, the USSR will soon become the new enemy. This plan is meant to stem the red deluge before it can begin.

Expected resistance: Light in the Balkans, heavy in Italy

Timetable: Can begin with diversionary invasion as early as January. The "true invasion" probably will not be ready until late February the earliest.

Churchill agreed with this plan. He was no lover of the USSR and the last thing he wanted to see was them establishing a hegemony of Europe after the war was over.
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The second plan, titled "Operation Verdun" was drawn up by Field Marshal Adam, hero of North Africa. The plan:

The plan was split into three phases

Phase 1: Initially war would be declared on the traitorous Vichy French regime. Afterwards a massive amphibious invasion would take place in southern France. A successful invasion and the establishment of a beachhead were the goals of phase one.

Phase 2: Total annexation of Vichy France. The soldiers would advance from the beachhead into Vichy France. This phase was expected to be the easiest. The interior of Vichy France was thought to be poorly defended at best.

Phase 3: Liberation of France. This phase was going to be the most difficult. Battle hardened German troops were going to be encountered in occupied France. If it was possible France was to be liberated and the advances would stop upon reaching the pre-war borders. It was thought that the advance would naturally stall by then anyway, as the Germans would be sending more divisions to keep the British armies at bay.

Main goal: Protection of British economy and lives. Adam's idea was that once France was liberated it would be able to take a load off of Britain's nearly broken back. A restored France could provide much needed men and equipment which could assist Britain in destroying the Axis powers. Also, the Germans would not have French Bases to use for their U-boats.

Expected Resistance: Moderate resistance on the shores, little to no resistance in the Vichy countryside, heavy resistance in occupied France.

Timetable: Start as soon as March-April 1942.

Churchill appreciated how Adam thought of the overburdened British Economy and British lives in his plan. If only Brits fought only Brits would die, by having the French help it would certainly diminish British dead and the strain on the economy. What Churchill did not like was the fact that there was nothing to check the USSR in this plan. It could waltz into eastern Europe and the Balkans unopposed.

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The final plan, known as "Operation Visigoth" was proposed by Chief of the Army Cyril Deverell. It was the simplest but perhaps the most versatile plan.

the plan: The Italians would expect an Invasion from the south, so the Army would land in the north. This has an added benefit besides surprise. The bulk of Italian industry is located in the north, by taking the north you cripple Italy's industrial capabilities. Once the northern half of Italy was taken a push into the south would sweep away all Italian resistance, driving them into the Mediterranean sea. Once Italy was destroyed a defensive line in the mountains along the German border would be established until an advance seemed favorable.

Main goal: Long term flexibility. With Italy taken both "Operation Zeus" and "Operation Verdun" could be launched from Italy. The same could not be said for the two other plans. Once they were undertaken the course of action was set and inflexible.

Expected resistance: Moderate resistance, much of the Italian armed forces were destroyed in N.Africa.

Timetable: Start as soon as late January to early March.

Churchill felt this plan encompassed the best of both worlds. the Soviets could be kept in check via a Balkans invasion from Italy, while the Vichy French dogs could also be attacked from Italy. Also, there was a path to Berlin through Austria. This plan had the most versatility.

Fortress Europe has been dissected by three brilliant military minds. Which plan will Churchill choose? Is it of consequence? After all, a plan never survives first contact with the enemy...











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OK theres the bonus, it was about my different plans for what to do. Next update thursday/friday or saturday. Thanks so much for following people, i appreciate it.

GrenadierSchube said:

while i do enjoy the thought of attacking through greece there might be supply problems involved....

the northern italy advance seems interesting, possibly a fast capture of italy and then france or after italy secure the balkans who knows....just depends on where those silly sovies are

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Greece is certainly the best option in terms of excitement. However I'm leaning towards "Operation Visigoth" because then I can strike into Germany, France or the Balkans after it is successful. Thanks for the comment.

anweRU said:

The Balkans - Churchill's own pet project, overruled by the soldiers over and over again - something about hare-brained schemes from WWI... You could see if it would have worked... In all cases, I think you are underestimating the German response. Though that depends on how Barbarrossa is going - and it doesn't look good in those maps.

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Haha, yeah I can't blame the soldiers for not wanting another Gallipoli. If it was HOI2 I would agree with you that I am certainly underestimating the Germans. However from what I've seen from the German AI in previous games I have nothing to fear. It is not like HOI2 where they send their entire army to save the Italians and prevent you from getting a beachhead.

You also mention Barbarrossa. The front has been practically static since the start of the AAR. They must be beating the crap out of each other. Hopefully German manpower will be drained by the time one of these invasion plans is enacted. Thanks for commenting.

Von Uber said:

Go for greece, take a chance!

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I'm thinking about it. It certainly is the most arduous and dramatic path.

volksmarschall said:

Operation Zeus would be the simpler of the invasions, but Visigoth will be the most rewarding of the two. I can't wait to see where you go from here. The only problems are supplies and size. Your forces (size-wise) are (I would guess) somewhere around the size of the Italians, so that's no problem. The problem is... if the Germans come; what will happen? Hopefully if that be the case the Soviets can blitz Berlin.

Good work!

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Visigoth seems seems like it would be pretty simple assuming that the bulk of the Italian army was destroyed in Africa. If not than it could be rough going. I personally love Operation Verdun because it is sort of "outside the box" and it will enable me to produce less divisions and whatnot. In terms of where I'm going from here, I'll just say this: I've played ahead and what happens is really cool, and I've wanted to skip so many months just so the cool stuff can happen. But I can't reveal anymore.

As always, thank you both for commenting.

Next update tomorrow night or friday day.

Supervixens said:

Very bold strategic plans You have there. Are You trying these operations with British forces only, or do You have some extra muscle from Your allies?

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Just British forces. IHMO I have enough for Visigoth and perhaps even Verdun, but Zeus will take quite a lot of men because of the two invasions. Still contemplating which operation to perform. Thanks for following.

Lord Blekinge said:

re-capture Cyprus, that is the surprise that no-one will expect not even you:rofl: Great little AAR, almost makes me want to start HOI3 again but I have HTT and Rome and FM to play.

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Haha, Cyrpus, the real key of the second world war lol. Thanks for the compliment and comment.

btw: I've given everybody that commented rep(the rep was given on everybodys first comment. If I gave rep on every comment it would cheapen everything so I cannot do it). If you haven't noticed you can now give people reputation, sort of like a karma system. So if you want you can give me rep also, this way i can feel like a big man.

also: December update coming shortly. I condensed December into one update because Italy had been destroyed in N.Africa so there was really no combat to speak of. It'll be posted in anywhere between 1/2 hour to 2 1/2 hours. Thank you all so much for following, commenting and reading. I really appreciate it.

*goes off to write update*