Chapter XXXVIII: Fortress Europe (February 1961 – June 1961)
First air recon missions revealed that the atlantic wall was better garrisoned than expected.
On February 17th, CSA troops captured New Caledonia in the south pacific. The Union of Britain capitulated.
Recon missions deeper into France revealed an even more concerning picture
After nearly a quarter of a century of warfare, the population of the CSA started showing signs of war exhaustion. It was regarded as necessary to end the war by 1964, preferably earlier. Therefore, a massive invasion was planned. At the start, all known troop concentrations in France would be attacked with nuclear warheads. Immediately after this, 5 corps consisting of divisions each would invade 5 selected areas (which had previously been nuked).
The harbors of Cherbourg and Le Havre would not be nuked – they were the landing areas for 3 Airborne Divisions each.
Once one of these harbors would fall, 4 additional transport task forces transporting 9 divisions each would set sail into that harbor. It was hoped that the shock of 12 hydrogen bombs would paralyze the French military, enabling a few quick pocket battles to reduce the strength of the French army to a level where the CS Army, supported by the CS air forces from Britain, would be able to roll over the French hexagone.
The CS Navy – back to 7 carrier groups with 4 carriers each – would basically close the English channel.
On April 21st, Bulgaria declared war against France – it looked as if they would want to join in the last moment to be on the side of the victors. Remembering Bulgaria’s previous treachery when it declared war on the CSA, the decision was made to let the internationale overrun Bulgaria. In case that the international would try to invade Turkey (after the fall of Bulgaria), the 8 CSA Divisions already in the border region would conduct a fighting retreat to Istanbul and hold that position until the end of the war.
Nonetheless, the invasion plans for France were postponed.
A few days later, a serious setback occurred as the CS Navy lost 2 CVs, 2 BBs and several smaller units in a surprise encounter with the French fleet.
The reaction was a major hunt for the French Battle Fleet.
Two days later, the Internationale started another attack against the CS Navy.
The battle ended with three of the four German CV’s sunk.