Time for the Canadian Report on the war.
Current Date of War- JULY 31st, 1940
I have played Canada several times and knew that as always, manpower is canada's main problem. So starting in 1936, I invested heavily Manpower enhancing doctrines. It has paid off as Canada can steadily produce several divisions every year. However, in 1940, I have had to start producing planes because my manpower is so restricted at this point.
Knowing I would have a small army, I aimed to get the maximum that I could get out of each division. So I have invested heavily in each division, and have created a specialized army with nummerous special forces, trying to spread the talents of my army.
The biggest disappointment so far, was my heavy investment in Naval and Air doctrines. With the UK owning the air and especially the seas, that research was all for nought. That LS would have been better spent enahncing my ground forces.
TO THE ACTION:
ON THE CEILING OF THE WORLD
Canada's first operation was actually in Iceland and Greenland. With the UK's attention in France it was up to the Canadians to recapture Iceland and Greenland to deny them to the germans. I occupied the ports of the two islands, not knowing that I would have to retake the entire island so that the US would get the speical "Occ. of Iceland event". Unfortunately I did not know that the UK had to occupy the islands. However, after several months of marching (it takes a LOOONG time to occupy Greenland) faroe islands, iceland, and greenland were all firmly Canadian.
EAST AFRICAN FRONT
Knowing that the Canadian forces would be most useful on the periphery of the war until they were strengthened, I choose to position my forces in East Africa, to quickly eliminate Axis resistance there. Though not always the most useful area for the Italians, denying the ports to Italian submarines was the main objective of the operation. Pre-positioned forces in British Somaliland and the port below Mogadishu, waited paitiently for the Italians to enter the war. Once they did, the Royal Canadian Mounted Corps in British Somaliland quickly marched straight to Addis Abba, and captured the capital in about three weeks (much faster than the 5 months it took the Italians), Knocking the Ethiopians out of the war. Democracy was installed there overthrowing the Monarchy, and a puppet regime was established. We puppeted so that we wouldn't be harassed by Ethiopian Resistance fighters spawning. Once Ethiopia was taken, the two italians ports in the area were quickly taken by Royal Canadian Marines. By my tally, the operation in Italy cost the italians three poorly trained divisions. Although 1 divisions did appear to have some regular infantry in it.
Ethiopian forces pursuing Italian remants.
NORTH AFRICAN FRONT
While Canada was taking Ethiopia the British in Africa, were being pushed to the brink. Already pushed out of Alexandria, they were desperately trying to hold on to the West Bank of the Suez. Canadian forces slowly moved into place, limited transport capacity, among the UK as they were holding the last few provinces in Egypt. However, the tide turned in Egypt when the British executed a brilliant landing at El Alamein cutting off at least 7 Italian-German divisions. It took several months but these divisions were eventually forced to retreat to Alexandria, where they dug in and fought a desperate last stand. Not wanting to waste valuable manpower in a battle of attrition, with Britain's blessing, I started attacking the lightly defended Italian ports. (It should be noted that Italy has some fairly experienced air commanders now as their aircraft with total air superiority mercilessly pounded canadian and UK forces in Africa.) The valuable fortress of Tobruk was the first to fall in a matter of hours. The italians, only had an HQ guarding it, as an infantry division had just left the province hours earlier. Tobruk was captured without any casualties.
Looking to capitalize on the lightly defended ports, Canadian forces quickly redeployed to Malta. There they made a simultaneous landing at the two Italian ports south of malta. Once they landed, they battled three divisions of Militia and quickly routed and destroyed them.
Throughout this time the New Royal Canadian Air Force continues to grow. It consists of CAS and MFTR, whose role is ground attack. The mixed blessing of the lack of manpower is that soon Canada will have the premier Ground-attack air force in the world. Perhaps the doctrines were well spent. All though the Italian interceptors are formidible and Air Superiority over Italy is still up for grabs.
Current State of Sicilian Operation.
Now Canadian forces are resting and refitting, awaiting the next operation.
BATTLE OF THE ATLANTIC
Finally, I would like to add that the Battle of the Atlantic is over. The UK has one and the covoy's are sailing smoothly. The crafty Canadian Mariners have not lost a single convoy. The 100 convoys yet to be used are likely to help plug the hole of any losses suffered in the upcoming war with the Japanese.
Question to the Community of MP's?
What is the community's stance on allowing at the start of the game the "prepare for war" declaration? Currently we do not allow it and it severly hampers minor's ability to a basic army going. Frankly I don't see the point of denying them the ability to start getting geared up for war. Opinions?
