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Amona

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TOMORROW THE WORLD? (German 38 AAR)

TOMORROW THE WORLD?

In April 1945, Adolf Hitler, beaten and sick (in more than one sense), dictated his thoughts on the lost war to Martin Bormann, nominally his bureau-chief, in fact one of the „players“ of the Nazi-polycratic system. Hitler stated there, among other things, that in retrospect his biggest mistake was not to start the war in 1938, one year early, during the Sudeten-crisis.
At that time, Hitler was determined to wage war, against all warnings of the General staff. In fact he was furious about the Munich agreement. During the polish crisis the following year he said:
“I hope there will not be some SCHWEINEHUND (“pigdog”, a german insult) with a negotiative settlement again.”
He referred to the Munich agreement, which, in his view, had betrayed him of the war he had wanted and lusted for.
What if the dictator had gotten his war in 38? Would it have made a difference in the end?
Well, the Nazis might have been swept away much sooner and without so much bloodshed and destruction, as the German Wehrmacht was far from ready to wage war at this point.
This in mind, I decided to play a German 1938 campaign, in which the Reich will start the war against Czechoslovakia right away instead of waiting for the Munich agreement.
I have never played the 38 scenario before, let alone wage war with the Germans early, so I am totally unsure how it will play out.
The setting is normal/aggressive. Harder settings make tactical air to ineffective and I dont like that.
The style of the AAR will follow the lines set in “Deep in enemy country”, my HOI1-CORE-AAR.
The Diary of OKW (german staff) will state the game developments from the German high commands point of view, while personal diaries will add some flavour. Everything is written out of the perspective of the german high command and the diary authors respectively, not from an objective point of view.
Accordingly, no thoughts, insults, klishees and so on are my own, everything is “in character”. I will give some footnotes about historical facts and persons as I go by.
There will be screenies, but no other pictures.
I hope this german game will play out differently than the usual swift victories, and ...
I hope you will enjoy.
 
Got my attention, which is often hard to do.
 
Sir Humphrey said:
Got my attention, which is often hard to do.

Maybe my AAR title then should be in ALLCAPS, too. :(
 
Sir Humphrey, tiger2004: Thank you.
 
State of the Wehrmacht, Sept.38

STATE OF WEHRMACHT, SEPTEMBER 15th, 1938

Special report to Chief OKW, Sept. 20th, 38
TOP SECRET, ONLY DELIVERED BY OFFICER

State of the Greater German Wehrmacht as of Sept. 15, 38

A. Heer

1.) Strength

34 Infantry divisions (20 Type 36, 14 Type 18)
3 mountain divisions (Type 36)
4 motorized divisions (Type 40)
1 Garrison div. (Type 39)
7 Panzer divisions ( 3 PzIIc, 4 PzI)
49 total
+ 2 AOK (Armeeoberkommando, Army headquarter) (Type 39)

brigades:
12 artillery (basic)
3 AT (basic)
2 engineer

2.) Organization

I.Armeekorps (General v.Rundstedt)
3 Inf.36 + 3 Art.brg., 1 HQ

II.Armeekorps (General v.Brauchitsch)
3 Inf.36 + 1 Art, 1 AT, 1 Eng.brg.

III.Armeekorps (General Keitel)
3 Inf.36, +1 Artbrg.

IV.Armeekorps (General v.Leeb)
4 Inf.36, + 2 Art., 1 AT, 1 eng.brg.

V.Armeekorps (GenLt. Heinrici)
2 Inf.36, 1 Inf.18, + 1 Art., 1 AT brig.

VI.Armeekorps (GenLt. v.Kluge)
2 Inf.36, + 2 Art.brg.

VII.Armeekorps (GenLt. Blaskowitz)
3 Inf.18

VIII.Armeekorps (General v.Bock)
3 Inf.36 + 1 Art.brg., 1 HQ


IX.Armeekorps (GenLt. Busch)
2 Inf. 18

X.Armeekorps (GenLt. v.Falkenhorst)
2 Inf. 18

XI.Armeekorps (GenLt. v.Witzleben)
2 Inf. 18, 1 Garrison 39

XII.Armeekorps (GenLt. v.Küchler)
2 Inf. 18

XIII.Armeekorps (GenLt. Hansen)
2 Inf. 18

I.Gebirgskorps (GenLt. Dietl)
3 Geb.36 + 1 Artbrg.

I.Panzerkorps (GenLt. Guderian)
2 PzDiv. ( 1 PzIIc, 1 Pz I)
1 mot. Div.

II.Panzerkorps (GenLt. Hausser)
2 PzDiv. ( 1 PzIIc, 1 Pz I)
1 mot. Div.

III.Panzerkorps (GenLt. v.Manstein)
2 PzDiv. (1 PzIIc, 1 Pz I)
1 mot. Div.

IV.Panzerkorps (GenLt. Model)
1 PzDiv. (Pz I)
1 mot. Div.


B. Luftwaffe

1.) Strength

600 tac.bomber ( 400 He 111, 200 Do17)
300 Stuka (Ju87B)
500 interceptor (Me109E)
300 escort fighter (Me 110)
100 transports (Ju52 3/m)
1.800 total

2.) Organization

Luftflotte 1 (General Kesselring)
2 Kampfgeschwader (KG, tac. Bomber), 1 Zerstörergeschwader (escorts, ZG)

Luftflotte 2 (General Sperrle)
2 KG, 1 ZG

Luftflotte 3 (GenLt. Keller)
2 KG, 1 ZG

I.Fliegerkorps (GenLt. Grauert)
3 StukaGeschwader

1.Jagdfliegerdivision (General Felmy)
3 JagdGeschwader (JG, interceptors)

2.Jagdfliegerdivision (GenMajor Lörzer)
2 JG

Oberkommando der Luftwaffe (GFM* Göring)
1 transportGeschwader

• = GFM= Generalfeldmarschall, german for field or air marshall


C. Kriegsmarine

1.) Strength

2 Scharnhorst BC, 2 obsolte BC
4 Hipper class CA
1 Nürnberg class CL
4 K class CL
1 Emden class CL
1 Z 17 class DD
2 Z 21 class DD
2 G 7 class DD
1 Type IIB SS
3 Type VII SS
1 transportflottilla

2.) Organization

HOCHSEEFLOTTE (GrandAdmiral Raeder)
2 BC, 2 CA, 6 CL, 2 DD

BALTIC FLEET (Admiral Böhm)
2 old BC, 2 CA, 3 DD

1.Unterseebootflotte (Vice Adm. Densch)
4 SS flottillas

I.Transportflotte (ViceAdm. Lindau)
1 transport flottilla
 
state of production and research, Sep.38

REPORT of RÜSTUNGSAMT (armaments department)
Sept 18th, 38

Production currently under way:

BB Bismarck, ready at August 25, 1940.
BB Tirpitz, February 26, 41.
CV Graf Zeppelin + CAG, October 2, 40.
CA Blücher, September 21, 39.
3 Jagdgeschwader ME109E, Oct.1, December 1, 38, Jan.1, 39.
1 Zerstörergeschwader Me110, January 1, 39.
2 StukaGeschwader Ju87, both January 1, 39.
4.PzDiv. (PzIIc) , October 11, 38.
5.PzDiv. (PzIIc), October 26, 38.
10.PzDiv. (PzIII), April 2, 39.
2 x 12 infDiv.39 in serial production, completed August 40.


REPORT of FORSCHUNGSAMT (research department)
Sept. 20th, 38

Research projects as of Sept. 15th, 38.

Improved computing machine – Konrad Zuse.
Early self propelled artillery – MAN.
Basic Mountain division – Mauser Werke.
Unrestricted sub warfare – Karl Dönitz.
Frontal missions doctrine – Hugo Sperrle.

Special report RÜSTUNGSAMT
Sept. 21st, 38

Upgrade status of HEER und LUFTWAFFE

At present 40 obsolete divisions,

2 Kampfgeschwader DO 17 to He111.
7 Panzer divisions to Pz III.
34 inf. Divisions to Inf. 39.


 
Amona, you decided to go for a HOI2 AAR after all I see. Splendid! Now let's see what you can do when starting in '38! :)
 
Here is the overview of all the armies in 1938:

untitled7tt.png



Most of the armies however are of a poor quality. For instance france only has 1918 infantry, so a good build up as germany gives u plenty of opportunities.
 
Thanks for all interest, encouragement and input.

The next short installment should answer STONEWALLS question about czech army.
 
Czech Army in September 38

Special report FREMDE HEERE OST (foreign armies east, branch of german intelligence service, concerned with forces of eastern Europe, USSR and Asia)
Sept 17th, 38
Strength and quality of czech ground forces

25 inf. Divs, all type 36 (compared to only about 20 german type 36)
3 cav. Div. (all semimot. Cav 39)
4 mountain div. 36
1 mot. Div. 40
1 armoured div (LT uz.38 light tank Level III)
a couple of brigades, mainly artillery

Overall, in quality at least equal to the Wehrmacht, only HQs are lacking and air force is negligible.

Greatest czech strength:
Border with Germany completely fortified, and heavily so. (gamewise, level 10 land forts in all border provinces, that makes for -99% fighting efficiency of possible attackers.)
 
Some words "off character"

As we all now, its not really difficult to conquer the world with Germany on HOI2, just as it was in HOI1.
This can get boring very quickly. Combine that with the inflation of "Germany victorious"-AARs...
It is my intention, not only to write the AAR "in character", but to play the game "in character" too.
I will not follow the best strategies gamewise, will not research the optimal things and produce the best unit mix.
The "Führer" will demand and command at will, and it may not be the wisest thing every time.
This leads to two points:
1. Readers proposals or advice on strategy and such will ultimately be pointless, as the aim of AAR and gameplay is not to win, but to provide a more interesting and challenging german game as is usually the case. This does naturally not mean that input is not welcome, but dont be disappointed if I dont follow any advice on gameplay.
2. I will not outright try to loose with Germany, but I would be pleased if that would be the games result.
That said, lets continue...
 
The thread title in Allcaps was by accident, not intended.
If a moderator can find the time to alter the title to normal I would be grateful.
 
Fall Grün, the plan

FALL GRÜN (case green)
OPERATION AGAINST CZECHOSLOVAKIA
Version 3d/II
(updated September 12th, 38)

I. Intentions

The czechoslovak state is like a dagger in the Reichs flank. Furthermore, 3,5 million Germans under czech rule demand to be freed. Therefore, the Führer has decided to bring the Sudetenland home into the Reich and to remove the czech threat to the Reichs security. Target of the military operations is the destruction of the Czech armed forces and the occupation of the whole country.
In case the Western Allies and/or Poland declare war on the Reich, our borders must be defended as forces allow. A delaying defense must be adopted, until forces from “GRÜN” become available.

II. Operational concept

Wehrmacht will break through the center of the czech dagger, at Ostrava from Breslau and at Brno from Hollabrunn. Armored formations will fan out west from there on to the central plains, aiming at Prague and Pilsen. Secondary attacks will tie down the czech forces at the Sudeten fortifications.
Luftwaffe will strike enemy logistical and communications targets and support the Heer with as much sorties as possible.
After destroying the Czech main force around Prague, Wehrmacht will in the second stage of “GRÜN” advance east on Bratislava and Kosice to complete occupation.

III. Opposition

Czech Army

25 inf. Div.
3 cavDiv.
1 mot. Div.
1 light armored div.
4 mountain div.
Total 34

Air Force
3 interceptor, 2 tac.bomber.


IV. Deployment and missions in detail

A. Heer

1.) Breslau

I.AK (v.Rundstedt), II.AK (v.Brauchitsch), I.PzK (Guderian), II.PzK (Hausser)
Mission: Seize Ostrava. Opposition: 4 div.
II.AK to hold Breslau against enemy forces at Liberec.

2.) Cottbus

III.AK (Keitel)
Mission: Hold Cottbus, support attack on Usti.

3.) Dresden

IV.AK (v.Leeb)
Mission: Seize Usti. Opposition: 4 div.

4.) Nuremberg

V.AK (Heinrici)
Mission: Hold Nuremberg, support attack on Usti.

5.) Regensburg

VI.AK (v.Kluge)
Mission: Hold Regensburg

6.) Linz

VII.AK (Blaskowitz)
Mission: Hold Linz.

7.) Hollabrunn

VIII.AK (v.Bock), I.GebK (Dietl), III.PzK(v.Manstein), IV.PzK (Model)
Mission: Seize Brno, opposition: 4 div.
I.GebK. to hold Hollabrunn.

8.) Vienna

7.Grenzdiv. (Schörner)
Mission: Hold Vienna.

B. LUFTWAFFE

1.) Berlin
Luftflotte 1 (Kesselring)

2.) Oppeln

Luftflotte 3 (Keller)

3.) Breslau

I.Fliegerkorps (Grauert)
2.JgFlDiv. (Lörzer)


4.) Vienna

Luftflotte 2 (Sperrle)


C. Deployment West

1.) Saarbrücken

IX.AK (Busch)

2.) Stuttgart

X.AK (v.Falkenhorst)

3.) Freiburg

XI.AK (v.Witzleben)

4.) Frankfurt am Main

1.JagdfliegerDiv. (Felmy)

D. Deployment North

1.) Kiel

XII.AK (v.Küchler)

2.) Rostock

XIII.AK (Hansen)


V. Code phrases

Attack day will be „K“.
Attack time will be “Z”.
Activation phrase 24 hours before start will be “Wallenstein”.
Cancellation phrase until 12 hours before start will be “Hutten”.

For Correctness: Oberst v.Lossberg



Depolyment of Wehrmacht for FALL GRÜN.
 
Diaries, September 1938

To follow are 3 diary excerpts from Ludwig Beck, Erwin Rommel and Walter Warlimont.

Ludwig Beck –
In history: Generaloberst and chief of staff of the Heer until 1938, when he resigned in opposition to Hitlers reckless foreign policy. Later important figure in the conservative german resistance, shot after the July 20th 44 assassination attempt on the dictator. At time of AAR in history no longer in charge.
Scenariowise: In the 38 scen. No longer a minister or available as such.
In the AAR: GFM and Chief of OKW and thereby first soldier of the Reich. As chief of OKW he has directed the build up of the Wehrmacht and is to lead the coming war, subject only to Hitler, but rivaled by Göring and Raeder (chief of Kriegsmarine), altough nominally their superior.

Erwin Rommel –
In history: Surely known well enough by the readers.
In Sept. 38 not in command of any armored formation.
Scenariowise: At start not yet in the leaderfile, will appear later.
In the AAR: Commander of 4.Leichte Pz.Div. (leicht = light) in a Panzerkorps at Czech border.

Walter Warlimont –
In history: Deputy chief of OKW-staff, from 1942 on often in conflict with Hitler, who saw him as the typical staff officer he despised so much. Ironically, Warlimont more than once asked for a front line commando, which the dictator denied him. A clear case of selffullfilling prophecy.
After the war historical advisor for german studies on the German high command. Did everything possible then to blame all mistakes on Hitler, in line with all the other ex-generals of Wehrmacht in their apologetic writings.
Scenariowise: Not in the leader-file in 38, didnt check if he appears later on, was in HOI1- leaderfile though.
In the AAR: Same position as in history, deputy chief of staff OKW.




DIARY of GFM Ludwig Beck, Chief OKW (excerpts)

September 17th
It will be a disaster. I am sure of it. We are not ready for the Czechs and their fortifications, let alone for the French army. The Führer cant continue with this. But what if he will?
The Reich is doomed. Should I resign? No, I cant desert Germany in the hour of gravest danger. Some generals are talking about a coup d etat. But thats madness too. Apart from being high treason, it would not be possible. The people are behind the Führer.
He was right at Rhineland and Austria. Is he right again?
My nerves suffer greatly. But if I dont stay calm and focused, what should become of us?
There is only one way. We must make it work. Defeat the Czechs as soon as possible and then wheel West to meet the French. The Allies WILL declare war, thats for sure.
The new concept of combined arms is untested on such a big scale. The tests in Spain dont count. Can Panzer and Luftwaffe smash through the fortifications? So many unknowns...


Diary of GenMajor Erwin Rommel, Commander 4.Leichte PzDivision (excerpts)

September 26th
We are in position. Everything is ready. Hoping it starts soon, before the weather gets bad. Tanks, vehicles, artillery hidden in the forests. Inspection tour of the men today. Anxious, nervous, but I sense confidence too, in their leaders, their training, their weaponry, and foremost, in the Führer. I am confident too. My division is the finest formation in the world and no enemy will be able to stop us once unleashed. (...)


Diary of Oberst Walter Warlimont, Deputy chief of staff, OKW-Führungsstab (operational staff)

September 27th
The madman really does it. There is no avoiding it. Thats finis germaniae (lat.= End of Germany). And my colleagues dont want to act, even Beck, who really should know his real responsibility. He seems to be calm on the outside, but he knows well enough that we dont have the slightest chance to survive a war with the Allies. Our assault on the czech fortifications is doomed and the French will finish us from the West. There are seven divisions on the whole western border. Seven for christs sake!
(...)
 
September 26th, 16.30 hours
FROM: OKW headquarters
TO: All field commanders
K: September 28th
Z: 06.00 hours


September 27th, 06.00 hours
FROM: OKW headquarters
TO: All field commanders
WALLENSTEIN