The Lion's Last Hurrah [UK '36 TRP]

[Vanguard44]

Essentially this is a test to see how I can handle TRP. This AAR will consist of history book style posts, a little bit of individual prose, and some directions from myself. Also, it might give me ideas for my own mod (:

Ch. I 1936 - Overview

In 1936, Great Britain is still the world's most powerful country. The Royal Navy rules the waves, British troops are posted all over the globe from Malta to Hong Kong, Cairo to Capetown, Jamaica to Singapore. London controls the world's finances and Britain still has significant diplomatic power.

However, she faces triple threats; a rearming and resurgent Germany under Adolf Hitler, who may restart the Great War at any moment, an aggressive Japan who is becoming increasingly militarist, and an Italian Duce who is still sitting on the fence.

So, how must the Empire be defended? Can Britain afford to face these triple threats? The French, with the greatest Army in the world, surely, will contain Hitler. The Regia Marina is still inferior to the Royal Navy, and who can believe the Japanese can seriously challenge a European power?

Our defence is predicated on several things:
1. ) The Battleship is the King of the Sea. Escorted by powerful cruisers she can clean the high seas of anyone who threatens the Empire. To this end, we will develop powerful surface action fleets.

2. ) The bomber will always get through. To this end, we will develop large fleets of tactical and strategic aircraft.

3. ) The Japanese will never make landings in Malaya or British Borneo. Singapore is defended from the ocean by powerful forts and warships; it is the battleships and cruisers of the Royal Navy who will defend one of our most important colonies.

4. ) In a future war with Germany, Britain will mobilise in the same way as the past war. She will call up as many men as possible and send them to France under the umbrella of the B.E.F.

That is all. Enjoy . . .

The 1930 Treaty restricts us to: 17 battleships, 3 battlecruisers, 15 heavy cruisers and 8 carriers. Well, this is nonsense. Our cruisers and battlecruisers are already at the limit, and we are allowed only 5 more battleships. We will certainly break this treaty, give the excuse...

For now we are producing an aircraft carrier, five six inch cruisers, eighteen destroyers, and three submarines. This is insufficient. But first we will need to sort our economy out.

On January 20th, while we are assembly a great Fleet Review, George VI dies. His last words are reported in the Times as "How goes the Empire?" but there are rumours they were really "Bugger Bognor."

On February 27th, the French signed the Franco-Soviet Pact. Hitler declared that he is no longer bound by the Locarno Pact. I wish the French would stop cahorting with the Reds... and then on March 7th, Hitler re-occupied the Rhineland. While this caused concern to some, I don't think it is a particularly big deal. The Rhineland is, after all, German territory.

On March 26th, we are proposed with the Naval Conference, 1936. We hope that other countries will ratify, so we do, too. It turns out nobody else does. As a result, Britain lays down five modern battleships.

On December 10th, after very serious negotiation, Edward VIII finally abdicated. Now, although his brother is a little less good at public speaking, we will have a competent King. The public have been appeased and we can get back on track with preparing for war.

1936 is over, and we have re-organised our Navy, and laid down five battleships of the "King George V" type: HMS King George V, HMS Prince of Wales, HMS Duke of York, HMS Temeraire and HMS Thunderer. We will produce more capital ships in the future, as well as tactical bombing aircraft.

[Kiki023]

Exciting

[Vanguard44]

Ch. II 1937 - Construction Year

1937 was the year that Britain seriously undertook a naval construction programme that violated the 1930 Conference. The following capital warships where laid down:
HMS Lion (King George V class) November 21st, 1937
HMS Conqueror (King George V class) May 30th, 1937
HMS Illustrious (Ark Royal class) May 29th, 1937

Additionally, construction of three Town class light cruisers began on June 26th, 1937. The ships are as follows:
HMS Gloucester, HMS Manchester, HMS Liverpool

Following this, on November 1st, four destroyers were laid down:
HMS Griffen, HMS Havock, HMS Icarus, HMS Ilex.

This caused significant disruption of relations between Britain and other states. Previously friendly relations with the United States began to cool off and the situation with Germany and Italy worsened. At home, people who were in favour of appeasement criticised the Government heavily. Our violation of the Treaty, however, was judged, on the whole, to be better than it was worse, as we would be prepared for a future naval war with any of the countries that threatened us. Excluding these naval buildups, 1937 was only significant in that the Royal Air Force undertook many training missions and further developed their doctrines in all areas. The bomber force was upgraded, although fighters remain obsolete.

[Ivir Baggins]

Just remember that Britain's pre-war defence plan was not always right.

And build more screens.

[TeutonburgerW]

Mooore!

And great start. I always enjoy TRP aars.

[Praetonia]

I think that this war-mongering, sabre-rattling unilateralism is utterly indefensible. I for one trust in Herr Hitler's assurances that all we wants is an honourable settlement for Germany. No wonder he feels the need to re-occupy the Rhineland when Britain behaves like this!

[Vanguard44]

Ch. III 1938 - The World Heats Up

By the beginning of 1938, appeasement had become stronger in the British public's mind. The extensive naval building programme which had seen two aircraft carriers and seven battleships laid down was perhaps the very first naval armaments programme in British history to be resented by any section of the public. The way in which it affected foreign relations severely damaged the British economy, but the Government pressed on. The need for the Royal Navy to be "the guarantor of freedom" was too great for Whitehall officials to care about German or Italian opinion. They were somewhat vindicated when, on March 13, after serious diplomatic negotiations, Germany swallowed Austria in what would be called "Anschluss."

This greatly scared the British public and as a result, on March 30th, the Government announced the production of six squadrons of Hawker Hurricane fighters and six squadrons of Bristol Blenheim bombers. Just over a week later, Germany openly violated the Treaty of Versailles with its armaments programme, and public debate in Britain turned now directly towards the need for appeasement. Some thought that, if Germany were granted what Hitler desired, there would be no war, and thusly armaments programmes were simply a way to waste money on antagonising people.

Irritatingly, these people make up a large proportion of the population.

During the August days, the Czech and German governments began negotiations. Hitler demanded the Sudetenland. Eventually, on September 30th, he got what he wanted, with the agreement of Britain and France. Chamberlain flew back from Germany and said "Peace in our time" and everyone was happy.



Of course, the General Staff of the British armed forces and the more hawkish parts of the population weren't satisfied - generally, military men know a militarist when they see one; they recognise it in themselves. So our armaments programme was boosted as a result. We laid down the following:
HMS Victorious (Ark Royal class) October 2nd, 1938
HMS Dreadnought (Dreadnought class) October 10th, 1938

The HMS Dreadnought was a new design made by John Brown Company. It was at that time the heaviest armed battleship in construction in the world. Weighing 55,000 tons and in direct violation of the London and Washington Treaties, was armed with 9 16in guns in 3 turrets, had a top speed of 28 knots and would be a fearsome sight on completion. Furthermore, six more squadrons of Hurricanes were ordered.In November, Ark Royal was commissioned and immediately stationed at Gibraltar. At the end of November, a further six squadrons of Blenheims were ordered.Thus Britain's armaments programme of 1938 came to an end.

[TheRealKestrel]

Keep 'er going boss!

[son of liberty]

I will be watching this. I am interested in the TRP mod and want to see how it plays. Good luck.

[Vanguard44]

Ch. III 1938-1939 - A Very Serious Diplomatic Error

It seems that we really underestimated the Germans. On March 14th, 1939, they went ahead and finished off Czechoslovakia, the last democratic state with a powerful Army in Central Europe. The Czech's didn't even fire a shot. Right now we are looking pretty stupid so we guarantee independence to Poland. This time, Hitler and his gangsters won't get away with bullying small countries. Then in April we also make a similar offer to Greece because "Il Duce" is making threats.

Oops!

During May, we made our last capital peacetime acquisition. HMS Superb, the second Dreadnought class battleship, was laid down, in accompaniment with five six inch cruisers. Then from June 1st to July 1st we laid down 32 destroyers of Tribal class and I-Class. We also begin to train troops to defend our beaches.

To the front lads!

In July, HMS King George V was commissioned and immediately deployed to Gibraltar with her escorts. Here we now have a very substantial fleet that can either be deployed against Germany or Italy: the "hinge" of the Royal Navy.

Surely the Italians are now shaking in their jackboots.

In August there are severe negotiations between the Poles and the Germans. Most European nations begin to call up reservists, as tensions between the Polish Government and the German Government escalate. Ultimately, Hitler demands the Danzig corridor. Plucky Poland, always gallant in their resistance to tyranny, refuses. Britain gives a reminder to Germany of her guarantee to Poland.

Germany invades Poland.

Britain and France declare war on Germany.

Chamberlain addressed the nation on September 3rd:

"I am speaking to you from the Cabinet Room at 10, Downing Street. This morning the British Ambassador in Berlin handed the German Government a final note stating that unless we heard from them by 11.00 a.m. that they were prepared at once to withdraw their troops from Poland, a state of war would exist between us. I have to tell you that no such undertaking has been received, and that consequently this country is at war with Germany. You can imagine what a bitter blow it is to me that all my long struggle to win peace has failed. Yet I cannot believe that there is anything more or anything different I could have done and that would have been more successful. Up to the very last it would have been quite possible to have arranged a peaceful and honourable settlement between Germany and Poland, but Hitler would not have it. He had evidently made up his mind to attack Poland whatever happened; and although he now says he has put forward reasonable proposals which were rejected by the Poles, that is not a true statement. The proposals were never shown to the Poles nor to us; and although they were announced in a German broadcast on Thursday night, Hitler did not wait to make comment on them, but ordered his troops to cross the Polish frontier. His actions show convincingly that there is no chance of expecting that this man will ever give up his practice of using force to gain his will. He can only be stopped by force. We and France are today, in fulfilment of our obligations, going to the aid of Poland, who is so bravely resisting this wicked and unprovoked attack on her people. We have a clear conscience. We have done all that any country could do to establish peace. The situation in which no word given to Germany’s ruler could be trusted and no people or country could feel themselves safe has become intolerable. And now that we have resolved to finish it, I know that you will play your part with calmness and courage. At such a moment as this the assurances of support that we have received from the Empire are a source of profound encouragement to us. When I have finished speaking certain detailed announcements will be made on behalf of the Government. Give these your closest attention. The Government have made plans under which it will be possible to carry on the work of the nation in the days of stress and strain that may be ahead. But these plans need your help. You may be taking part in the fighting Services or as a volunteer in one of the branches of civil defence. If so you will report for duty in accordance with the instructions you have received. You may be engaged in work essential to the prosecution of war for the maintenance of the life of the people – in factories, in transport, in public utility concerns or in the supply of other necessaries of life. If so, it is of vital importance that you should carry on with your jobs. Now may God bless you all. May He defend the right. It is the evil things that we shall be fighting against – brute force, bad faith, injustice, oppression and persecution – and against them I am certain that the right will prevail."

Despite initial resistance, the Germans make a lot of headway into Poland. They use their tanks in deep, penetrating spearheads and their aircraft are everywhere. The outdated Polish Army doesn't stand a chance, especially when the Russians, in their typical barbarism, declare war on Poland too. There's nothing we can do about this. By October 9th, resistance is on the verge of collapse; only a few dedicated and skillful Polish troops remain to continue the fight.

Like 300, except the good guys lose

On October 12th Poland capitulates and the Phony War begins.

[Vanguard44]

After this post, posts will become shorter in time and more concentrated in detail. The next two updates particularly

[Vanguard44]

Chapter IV - April 1940 - The BATTLE OF NORWAY

On April 3rd, Germany declared war on Norway. The Royal Navy was already at sea, but following the Norwegian request for assistance, the First and Second Battle Fleets of the Home Fleet set forth to protect Norway from a German landing there. In the late night of April 3rd, after Denmark formally capitulated, British troops occupied Iceland. On April 4th, the Battle of the Norwegian Sea took place.

The First Battle Fleet in Formation

A German battle fleet attempted to break out north, through the Royal Navy blockade that ran parallel from Edinburgh to Bergen. They were intercepted by aircraft of HMS Hermes which vectored in the First and Second Battle Fleet.

Battle Map:

At 0900, Royal Oak, the lead battleship of the First Battle Fleet, sighted the Scharnhorst steaming on a northerly bearing. She ran up her battle flags and declared battle stations. Thankfully, bad weather conditions reduced the speed of both sides ships, and the German fleet had no idea they were being tailed until this point. Immediately, to prevent a German withdrawal, Admiral John Cunningham launched a torpedo attack by his destroyers. The German cruiser screen was successful in deterring this attack, sinking both the Broke and the Windsor. However, Cunningham's strategy had worked because for unknown reasons, the German fleet failed to peel off and withdraw in the face of superior firepower. With four heavy cruisers, two Great War battleships and a battlecruiser, they were no match for four British 15in ships of the line.

Rating Adam Wilcox, HMS Windsor

Well we were in the water and thankful to God that we were still alive, but I kept thinking that we'd be picked up by jerry and sent to a prisoner of war camp and that would be our war over. Some of the lads thought that would be good but it felt a bit cheap to me. We were waiting to be picked up by a jerry cruiser and then all off a sudden it changed course, and at that point we were glad it hadn't come to take us because the whole thing just blew up and sank. We were in the water for some hours after and were shouting out to the jerries that had made it off their ship, but we didn't speak German and they didn't speak English. They might have been jerries I suppose, but they were in the same pot of water as us, so to speak, so we didn't feel any ill will toward them.

Admiral Hipper sinks the Windsor

Not long after the abortive destroyer attack, HMS Resolution promptly sank the Hipper, which had been the primary instrument of repelling the British attack. The two fleets manevoured in line formation and for a short time engaged in a fierce fight. Then at 1011, the tide turned.

Rating John Harvey, HMS Royal Oak

I had just brought the Captain his tea and when I handed the mug to him, just my luck, the bloody guns went off. He had only just taken it and it fell onto the floor and broke and all the tea went over his trousers. “Bugger,” I remember him saying. And then there was a great big roar as if someone had gone and dropped a mountain from the sky and the Gunnery Officer said “Bugger indeed, skipper,” and we all looked out to sea and there it was, the bloody Scharnhorst had just gone and blown up. Suddenly I felt a bit more lucky and the Captain looked at me and said “Well Harvey, I'd better find some clean trousers!” I just had to laugh.

Sub Lieutenant Alexander Rawlings, HMS Royal Sovereign

One had to feel a pang of sorrow for the enemy when our guns first started firing. Our target was the ancient battleship Schleswig-Holstein which had served in the First World War and was laid down over thirty years ago. Then again we weren't in such a modern vessel either, but we were much better armed and armoured, and I dare say trained, too. We started firing at 14,000 yards and shortly our shots were bracketing the enemy warship. To their credit, they managed some returning fire, and some close shots were called. “I hope they don't hit us,” I recall a midshipman muttering, “Since we spent so long painting the hull, you know.” Then when they did hit us he didn't seem too impressed because the damage was only superficial, but the ship did rock and everyone knew what had happened.

“The Germans call the first shot,” the Captain remarked. “What are you doing?” he asked the Gunnery Officer, but he ignored the Captain and simply called: “Shoot!” This time we hit them with some of our fifteen inchers and caused a great big commotion on their decks. It was only another twenty minutes before she went down in smoke and flames and everyone on the ship had great satisfaction in her doing so. Perhaps we felt we had avenged Jutland in some small fashion.

By 1030, the German fleet broke off under lucky fog cover and retreated. However, the Second Battle Fleet, only a coin's toss away, moved to intercept. At 1725 the German fleet was spotted by a seaplane and an hour later, the Second Battle Fleet crossed the T of the German force. Not long after, a fierce battle ensued whereby the Germans lost Blucher, Leipzig, and a destroyer.

Lieutenant Andrew Hill, HMS Rodney

The boys were beginning to feel a little irate, for all the Great War battleships had scored kills and yet our Rodney, with the biggest guns in the fleet, had still failed to make any effect. This feeling was especially compounded when we saw Warspite bring down Blucher. Then we got our chance, because the smokescreen blew and the Leipzig, a tiny little light cruiser, had begun to turn away at speed, obviously realising the predicament she was in. Well, we were in no mood to show mercy, especially not to the Huns. So we opened fire at eight thousand yards and very shortly Leipzig and, I should think, most of her crew, were in Davy Jones' Locker. I thought of the Polish fellow I knew who used to dine at the Savoy and a very intense feeling of satisfaction captured me.

Rodney finally gets a go

Under smoke and fog the German fleet withdrew at 1900, finally making their escape. The first fleet battle of the war had ended in total victory for Great Britain, with the loss of no capital ships. A handful of destroyers and a light cruiser had been sunk in exchange for four German capital ships and an equivalent quantity of lighter vessels. When the Germans attempted to penetrate the northern defence line to land at Trondheim sixteen days later, a German fleet ran once more into the First Battle Fleet and promptly withdrew, but not before they lost the Graf Spee in exchange for the destroyer Vimy.

Nonetheless, on May 7th, the Germans did finally manage to land on Norway, in the far South. Bitter fighting ensued and Norway did not fall until July of that year, but by the time the Germans had effected proper landings, more important things were going on further south in the continent...

[Timmie0307]

Nice updates, really following this

Tim

[TheRealKestrel]

Nice! Seems the AI can actually use its navy to screen invasion forces!

Great style. Keep it up!

[Vanguard44]

Chapter V - May-June 1940 - The BATTLE OF FRANCE

If Norway and the Phony War at Sea had been the starters; the mushroom soup of the Second World War, so to speak, then the Battle of France was the main course. Both sides had been spoiling for it since they had ordered and everyone was hungry. Yet nobody could predict just how quickly, and how delicious – to some, anyway – it would be. Arrayed across the frontier of the Maginot Line, that short border, was the bulk of the armies of Germany, France and Britain.

Lieutenant Thomas Hardy, the Gloucestershires – May 2nd

The news came quickly and frankly, not without relief. The wait was finally over... the Huns had crossed the border into neutral Belgium, like they had the last time around. Many of the men carried the baggage from the last war – they were eager to re-enact Mons and to give the Germans a bashing like the Navy had given them the month before. I too had my baggage; a vintage .455 Webley that Lisa's father had given me with some solemn words of advice on “shooting Huns.” When I heard the news, strangely enough, I took the pistol – which I had given little prior consideration to – and held it in my hand. It weighed as heavily as the thoughts on my mind. In the following weeks I did not have too much time to concentrate on this... the main event was about to begin.

On May 3rd, Britain's fourteen divisions of the British Expeditionary Force moved into pre-arranged positions in Belgium and France from their jump off points behind the historic river Somme. I Corps and V Corps moved into Mons, IV Corps to Brussels and III Corps to Lille. The purpose of this arrangement was to block the centre of Belgium from advancing German forces. The German advance through the Netherlands was rapid, and by May 15th, that entire country was under German occupation. Belgian and French troops had fought bitterly to protect their borders, but everywhere were being routed by a fast and powerful German advance.

By May 19th, the B.E.F. was in action. The deployment strategy was a very primitive defence in depth; by the time the German Army had penetrated the Belgian border and the French had fallen back, the fresh British troops would push the Germans back. It became painfully obvious this was not going to happen within the first few hours of the offensive. A renewed German offensive shattered the British defensive line.

Hauptmann Schoneich, 7th Panzer Division

The Panzerkompanie rolled into the small town of Lens in the early morning. We had been forewarned by the reconnaissance company that the English had Lens under occupation... immediately we came under machinegunfire from the English Bren guns, which slowed our advance, but did not damage our machines, which were protected from such irrelevant calibres. We peppered the origin of the fire with our 2cm guns and moved up the landsers... soon the tommies surrendered. We were surprised by their short resistance. Their Lieutenant was brought to me and he said: “We were ordered to hold you as long as we could... but without any anti-tank rifles, what could we do?” I agreed with him. The English and the French are reeling under our assault: victory will soon belong to us, the Panzertruppen!

The British and French armies were in open retreat. In the following week, the British Expeditionary Force fought pitched rearguard actions to allow its forces to retreat ingloriously behind the Somme river, where a new line might be established. Further to their south, a total penetration had been achieved by the German forces, who now spilled into France like ants from a nest. The vaunted Maginot Line had simply been bypassed.

On May 7th, Churchill had been appointed Prime Minister. At a military meeting with General Gameline on May 24th, he asked: “Ou est la masse de manouvre?” (Where are your reserves?) Gamelin must have understood this butchered French, because his reply was both accurate and chilling: “Aucune!” (None.)

The situation was becoming very serious. For some days, the B.E.F. was able to hold on to its position behind the Somme, preparing for a German attack as scattered and desperate French divisions attempted to hold onto their sacred soil. But as the Germans approached, General Ironside ordered a controversial withdrawal from the defended positions behind the Somme. While he took much criticism for this action, there were some valid reasons:

1. The Flanks of these positions were untenable, the French to the right having broken. German tanks were in sight of Paris and below that, no French troops existed.
2. Paris was under direct threat. If he withdrew behind Paris, he was in a better position to support it.
3. At home, senior Generals and Politicians were calling for the withdrawal of the B.E.F. back to Britain. The Normandy ports between Le Havre and Cherbourg were still capable of taking military shipping and enough transports were ready to evacuate the fourteen division force.

So on June 15th, under a determined rearguard action, the British Expeditionary Force withdrew to the west, boarded their boats, and left for Britain. By this time, the French Army had completely collapsed. Paris was on the verge of occupation and the Maginot Line, France's last bastion, was being pressed hard. Several days later, France surrendered.

Lieutenant Thomas Hardy, the Gloucestershires – June 17th

We had been the first into France and the last out, which bought back some of the Regiment's lost pride. Everyone was in a state of shock; within a single month we had retreated across half of northern France and were now heading back to England. The entire continent was under Hitler's grasp. We heard news as we sailed back under escort that France had capitulated. There was silence on the decks – only the rumbling of the engines. I heard the Major murmur “Perhaps it's time to negotiate.” In a surprising state of affairs, the Company Sergeant Major tapped him on the shoulder and said: “All due respect Sir, but I think that's a load of rubbish.” Thus, he boldly summarised my opinion.

Although the Channel Ports, the dagger at Britain's throat, had been put under occupation by the Germans, Britain was now facing another life-threat to the Empire. On June 15th, after the fall of Paris, Italy had joined the war on Germany's side and now threatened the Suez Canal.

[TheRealKestrel]

This AAR is my first stop when I log on to the forums.

More.

[Lafayette53]

Really enjoy the style. Keep it up!

[Vanguard44]

There will be update soon

[Goldblooded]

Essentially this is a test to see how I can handle TRP. This AAR will consist of history book style posts, a little bit of individual prose, and some directions from myself. Also, it might give me ideas for my own mod (:

Ch. I 1936 - Overview

In 1936, Great Britain is still the world's most powerful country. The Royal Navy rules the waves, British troops are posted all over the globe from Malta to Hong Kong, Cairo to Capetown, Jamaica to Singapore. London controls the world's finances and Britain still has significant diplomatic power.

However, she faces triple threats; a rearming and resurgent Germany under Adolf Hitler, who may restart the Great War at any moment, an aggressive Japan who is becoming increasingly militarist, and an Italian Duce who is still sitting on the fence.

So, how must the Empire be defended? Can Britain afford to face these triple threats? The French, with the greatest Army in the world, surely, will contain Hitler. The Regia Marina is still inferior to the Royal Navy, and who can believe the Japanese can seriously challenge a European power?

Our defence is predicated on several things:
1. ) The Battleship is the King of the Sea. Escorted by powerful cruisers she can clean the high seas of anyone who threatens the Empire. To this end, we will develop powerful surface action fleets.

2. ) The bomber will always get through. To this end, we will develop large fleets of tactical and strategic aircraft.

3. ) The Japanese will never make landings in Malaya or British Borneo. Singapore is defended from the ocean by powerful forts and warships; it is the battleships and cruisers of the Royal Navy who will defend one of our most important colonies.

4. ) In a future war with Germany, Britain will mobilise in the same way as the past war. She will call up as many men as possible and send them to France under the umbrella of the B.E.F.

That is all. Enjoy . . .

The 1930 Treaty restricts us to: 17 battleships, 3 battlecruisers, 15 heavy cruisers and 8 carriers. Well, this is nonsense. Our cruisers and battlecruisers are already at the limit, and we are allowed only 5 more battleships. We will certainly break this treaty, give the excuse...

For now we are producing an aircraft carrier, five six inch cruisers, eighteen destroyers, and three submarines. This is insufficient. But first we will need to sort our economy out.

On January 20th, while we are assembly a great Fleet Review, George VI dies. His last words are reported in the Times as "How goes the Empire?" but there are rumours they were really "Bugger Bognor."

On February 27th, the French signed the Franco-Soviet Pact. Hitler declared that he is no longer bound by the Locarno Pact. I wish the French would stop cahorting with the Reds... and then on March 7th, Hitler re-occupied the Rhineland. While this caused concern to some, I don't think it is a particularly big deal. The Rhineland is, after all, German territory.

On March 26th, we are proposed with the Naval Conference, 1936. We hope that other countries will ratify, so we do, too. It turns out nobody else does. As a result, Britain lays down five modern battleships.

On December 10th, after very serious negotiation, Edward VIII finally abdicated. Now, although his brother is a little less good at public speaking, we will have a competent King. The public have been appeased and we can get back on track with preparing for war.

1936 is over, and we have re-organised our Navy, and laid down five battleships of the "King George V" type: HMS King George V, HMS Prince of Wales, HMS Duke of York, HMS Temeraire and HMS Thunderer. We will produce more capital ships in the future, as well as tactical bombing aircraft.

Will this ever be converted to 1.03?

[Vanguard44]

Sure, why not? After two years I can continue this - I will have to start again, but I will follow the same builds & the same policy. Im sure that it will be non-noticeable after 1940 anyway.