Historical French AAR, 1936

[makif130289]

PART XI : INVASION OF ALBANIA
​

April 10, 1939

Only few days has passed since the invasion of Czechoslovakia and now, Italian forces landed at Albania. Albanians are showing a limited resistance while King Zog has already fled the country.

Both British and French governments issued protests to Italian government for unprovoked aggression.

Italian tanks in Albania :

April 15, 1939

Latest intelligence report after the invasion of Czechoslovakia was sent to the PM Daladier. According to the report, German military production increased by 37 percent since September 1938.

Our intelligence also reported that Germans sezied more than 1,5k SKODA tanks in Czechoslovakia.

April 19, 1939

Deliveries of 25 mm anti-tank gun to infantry divisions has begun. Each division will be given 24 anti-tank guns in a company size formation. With these guns, the General Staff believes, French troops shouldn't have problems penetrating German tanks.

May 1, 1939

British PM Neville Chamberlein announced British guarantee to Poland. French government also declared that 1921 military alliance with Poland is still in effect and France would fulfill its obligations.

After the invasion of Czechoslovakia, Herr Hitler lost all his credibility in Paris and London. Both Paris and London are united now that Hitler could only be stopped by a threat of force.

May 10, 1939

The Navy introduced the design of new Loire-Class heavy cruiser. Order of one ship was already placed by the government.

May 16, 1939

General Maurice Gamelin was appointed as Commander in chief of the French Army by PM Daladier.

General Gamelin, in the cover of LIFE magazine :

May 25, 1939

The Airforce and the Navy commands organized a joint meeting to share the preparations and plans of the both branches. The meeting was attended by the cabinet and all three branches of the armed forces.

THE AIRFORCE

French Airforce deployed 1000 fighters ( 5 wings ) and 200 bombers ( 1 wing) as of May, 1939. 572 of fighters are newer M.S.406 models while 428 of them are older Nid 62 models. Current production rate for M.S. 406 fighters is around 1 per day. The airforce command's priority is to deploy more fighter wings instead of phasing out older Nid 62 planes.

Bomber wing consists only of 200 Amiot 143 bombers. The plan is to deploy another wing of 200 bombers by the end of 1939.

The airforce's plan is to stay on defense and to protect French skies from enemy bomber attacks until the Army decides to launch a major offensive against Germany. Then the Airforce will switch to achieving air superiority over enemy regions and to providing close air support with Amiot 143 bombers.

If German aggression against Belgium and/or the Netherlands develops, air protection will be pushed towards these countries to prevent German bombers from operating.

In the case of war with Italy, the airforce plan to provide aircover for Admiral Darlan from airbases in Corsica. Airbases there were expanded to acommodate as many as 800 planes.

The Airforce believes that, with the help of the British airforce, it will be possible to control the skies.

THE NAVY

The Navy's strength is not very different from the June 1937 meeting. Since then, Battlecruiser Dunkerque and several other light cruisers joined the Navy. Battleship Richelieu is expected to be commissioned by August 15.

The Navy bases its strategy on the worst-case scenario of simultaneous war with Germany and Italy. In such a scenario;

- 1st Carrier Fleet under Admiral Esteva will help the British efforts to contain Kriegsmarine. Operations in the Atlantic are largely abandoned to the Royal Navy.

- 1st and 2nd Battle Fleets under Admiral Darlan will directly challenge the Italian Navy in the Western Mediterranean and Tyrrhenian Sea. Darlan's mission is to locate and sink main Italian war fleets and then go on to cut Italian shipments to Libya. This should facilitate invasion of Libya by 7th Army under General Juin.

- Italian torpedo bombers are expected to pose a significant problems in the Tyrrhenian Sea. To remove this threat, the Navy requested air cover over the region from Corsica.

- Submarine command is organized into 5 packs with 9 submarines in each pack. Admira de Laborde will command submarine operations. Submarine command was tasked with sinking German merchant shipping along the Norweigan coasts.

June 5, 1939

According to the intelligence report submitted to PM Daladier, French codebreakers needs approximately 6 months to decipher German enigma completely.

German enigma machine :

June 9, 1939

Japanese forces continue to advance deep into China, slowly but steadily.

June 16, 1939

Germany issued an ultimatum to Lithuanian Government for the return of Memel territory. This territory was detached from Germany with the Treaty of Versailles.

Lithuanian government informed French and British governments about German ultimatum but both governments have conveyed that no military help possible in this matter.

June 17, 1939

Lithuania folded to German demands under threat of invasion. German forces entered Memel. German Fuhrer toured the city of Klapeida next day.

According to the many in the Western capitals, Hitler may try to settle Danzig issue very soon.

German Fuhrer Adolf Hitler in Memel :

June 20, 1939

Société Manufacturière d'Armes et de Cycles developed MAS-38 submachine gun. Production was started immediately.

MAS-38 Submachine gun :

July 14, 1939

With the help of our agent in Italy, the Intelligence compiled a report on the current status of Italian Navy. According to the report, Italians haven't be able to commission their new Littorio class battleship yet.

July 28, 1939

The following changes are implemented in the structure of light armor and motorized divisions :

+ Light armor divisions are increased 5 tank battalions per division.
+ Motorized artillery and anti-tank battalions are added to motorized division formations.

 

[makif130289]

A bold plan! Let’s hope it works.

A good plan too - hope the continent can hold to allow it to happen.

Excellent.

I found the walk-through of army reorganisation and expansion plans very useful.

Thank you. But you know what they say, "No battle plan survives contact with the enemy."

Will you do a recap of what you have available when the war starts?

Sure. There is not much i can add though. 18 of 21 extra divisions i mentioned in the Army update are deployed. ( 7th Army in Tunisia is still 6 divisions strong and i guess will remain so). Danzig is very close i don't have much equipment to create more divisions until the war.

What is worse is that, i still couldn't remove "Disjointed government" modifier which gives -0.8 PP per day. So basically, i couldn't increase my mobilization level, change my conscription law, assign design companies or appoint airforce or navy commanders. I am really in bad shape but hope to get much better by Spring 1940.

 

[stnylan]

Crossing fingers.

 

[makif130289]

PART XII : DECLARATION OF WAR


​

August 15, 1939

Battleship Richelieu was commissioned and immediately joined 1st Battle Fleet under command of Admiral Darlan.

Battleship Richelieu :

August 25, 1939

Germany and Soviet Union signed non-aggression pact in Moscow today. Germany apparently secured its eastern flank and now will have a free hand against Poland.

Soviet Foreign Minister Molotov signing the pact with Ribbentrop and Stalin behind :

September 21, 1939

Extent of Japanese invasion of China as of September 1939 :

September 24, 1939

Having secured Soviet non-aggression, Hitler raised the issue of Danzig. Hitler demanded immediate return of Danzig but he said that he is ready to negotiate a settlement that would protect Polish interests.

September 27, 1939

Formation of six new infantry divisions were ordered to reinforce 3rd and 7th Armies to total of 9-divisions.

There are shortages of rifles, submachineguns, anti-tank rifles and other infantry kits.

October 1, 1939

Polish Foreign Minister Jozef Beck rejected Hitler's claim to Danzig and closed doors to any kind of negotiation that would take Danzig away from Poland.

French and British governments transmitted to Germany that they are bound by their treaties to Poland and will have to honor them in the case of agression. Britain and France are committed not to bow down in the face of Hitler's threats, not this time.

Beck rejecting German claims in the Polish parliament :

October 3, 1939

The looming crisis with Germany is finally uniting French people. Political infightings are now frozen in the French political scene. Both government and the opposition alike only talk about Hitler danger and how to stop it.

October 24, 1939

Schneider designed a new field artillery. This new powerful 105 mm gun will replace WWI-era 75 mm guns that are still in use.

New Canon de 105 Long mle 1936 field artillery gun :

October 26, 1939

Germany delivered its final ultimatum to Poland over Danzig and informed our embassy in Berlin. French ambassador in Berlin let German Foreign Minister know that France is open to negotiations but will honor her obligations towards Poland in the case of agression.

October 27, 1939

PM Daladier ordered mobilization of the French Army. Train stations are full of reservists. Minister of National Defense submitted a report to PM Daladier, detailing current equipment details of the French Army.

French Army deployed 850k men, in the form 93 divisions. Of these 93 divisions;

- 53 are infantry divisions
- 23 are light-infantry divisions responsible for defending French coasts.
- 7 are motorized divisions
- 6 are light-armor divisions.
- 4 are mountain divisions.

The Army has 1800 tanks, 5000 trucks, 2100 artillery pieces and 1500 anti-tank guns in the field.

October 28, 1939

The Cabinet and French General Staff met to discuss a possible offensive along the Rhine if Germany decides to strike Poland over Danzig. According to General Gamelin, French Army will not be in the condition to launch a major offensive until Spring 1940. There are still equipment shortages for infantry weapons and number of reserve units for other equipments are very low. Furthermore, the airforce is not ready to engage with German airforce in an offensive manner.

Finally, the Intelligence supported General Gamelin's points by providing the latest production figures of German and French arms industries.

November 1, 1939

German ultimatum to Poland expired by November 1, 20:00 PM. Poland completely rejected German claims to Danzig.

November 2, 1939

German Army began to cross Polish frontier by November 2, 4:00 AM. Polish Army is returning fire.

German soldiers removing a Polish border barrier :

By 11:00 AM, Britain declared war on Germany.

King George VI declaring war on Germany :

By 01:00, Prime Minister of France, Eduard Daladier declared war on Germany and released the following statement to the French Nation :

"Men and Women of France.

Since daybreak on November 2, Poland has been the victim of the most brutal and most cynical of aggression. Her frontiers have been violated. Her cities are being bombed. Her army is heroically resisting the invader.

The responsibility for the blood that is being shed falls entirely upon the Hitler Government. The fate of peace is in Hitler's hands. He chose war.

France and England have made countless efforts to safeguard peace. This very morning they made a further urgent intervention in Berlin in order to address to the German Government a last appeal to reason and request it to stop hostilities and to open peaceful negotiations.

Germany met us with a refusal. She had already refused to reply to all the men of goodwill who recently raised their voices in favor of the peace of the world.

She therefore desires the destruction of Poland, so as to be able to dominate Europe quickly and to enslave France.

In rising against the most frightful of tyrannies, in honoring our word, we fight to defend our soil, our homes, our liberties.

I am conscious of having worked unremittingly against the war until the last minute.

I greet with emotion and affection our young soldiers, who now go forth to perform the sacred task which we ourselves did perform before them. They can have full confidence in their chiefs, who are worthy of those who have previously led France to victory.

The cause of France is identical with that of Righteousness. It is the cause of all peaceful and free nations. It will be victorious.

Men and Women of France!

We are waging war because it has been thrust on us. Every one of us is at his post, on the soil of France, on that land of liberty where respect of human dignity finds one of its last refuges. You will all co-operate, with a profound feeling of union and brotherhood, for the salvation of the country.

Vive la France!"

 

[makif130289]

PART XIII : INVASION OF POLAND

​

November 2, 1939

French Foreign Ministry is in total mess. Messages from everywhere aroud the globe are raining down. French Foreign Minister Bonnet requested a special meeting with Italian ambassador in Paris. Bonnet wanted to learn if Italy will activate its obligations in the Pact of Steel. Italian ambassador told that Italy considers Germany as her ally but Steel of Pact doesn't force Italy to enter into war on this occasion.

November 3, 1939

French submarines in Brest left the port for merchant ship huntin operations.

German puppet regime in Slovakia declared war on Poland, Britain and France.

November 4, 1939

As an act of support for our Polish brothers, British airforce decided to conduct bombing campaigns in the Western Germany. French airforce decided to join the strike.

November 11, 1939

Polish Army is losing ground but is showing a fierce resistance to invading German Armies.

November 12, 1939

The Navy lost 4 submarines in the North Sea. The Admiralty stopped submarine operations in the area until further notice.

November 13, 1939

Air operations in the Western Germany is stopped. We lost 12 fighters and 2 bombers while German airforce lost 11 fighters during a week long operations.

Mild damages to German industrial complex across the Western Germany were reported by the Intelligence.

November 14, 1939

Royal Navy shared map of their naval operations with the French Navy.

November 18, 1939

French codebreakers finally managed to decipher German enigma messages. This will seriously improve French air defenses by providing early warning for German bombing missions. The intelligence warned against overuse of intelligence from enigma intercepts though, as this could make Germans realize that their secure messages were compromised.

November 22, 1939

Wehrmacht is advancing towards Warsaw. Polish Army is resisting bravely.

November 23, 1939

Germans are guarding their Siegfried Line opposite the Maginot Line with enough troops and the General Staff evaluates that an easy breakthrough wouldn't be possible through German defenses at the moment.

November 25, 1939

Polish forces in Krakow are encircled. Polish government informed British and French governments that the Polish government will soon leave Warsaw and set up a temporary headquarters in Lwow.

November 29, 1939

The Battle of Warsaw has begun.

He 111 dropping bombs over Warsaw :

December 2, 1939

Warsaw has fallen. Polish resistance is collapsing along the entire front. Even worse news reached today that Soviet movements along the entire Polish border were observed.

Polish government informed us that Polish Army may have to capitulate within a week if no concrete help is delivered from the West. Polish Government intends to move the government to London and to continue the struggle from there.

December 5, 1939

Red Army invaded Poland today on the pretext of "protecting life and property of peoples of Western Belarus and Ukraine".

French and British governments decided to remain more or less silent over Soviet aggression. In the inner circles of the French government, Soviet buffer-zone in the Eastern Poland is actually regarded as somewhat positive development.

December 8, 1939

In a completely hopeless situation, Polish Army capitulated today. Polish government has already fled the country via Romanian border.

German Army and Red Army met along a line in the Eastern Poland.

Political situation after the invasion of Poland :

 

[makif130289]

PART XIV : INVASION OF DENMARK

​

December 11, 1939

French Government is funding a new program to quickly set up 8 new arms factories.

December 12, 1939

After the collapse of Poland, a special session in the French Parliament was held. General Gamelin briefed French MPs on the Polish campaign. General Gamelin told that Germans now heavily reinforced their Siegfried Line with the troops relieved from Polish invasion.

General Gamelin said he believes France would be able to defend Maginot Line easily but launching a major offensive against Germany would still require a full year of preparations.

December 20, 1939

Trainings of 6 infantry divisions are almost finished. These divisions will join 7th Army in Tunisia. This army was reduced to 3 divisions to reinforce 3rd Army along the Italian border.

New armor division formation, consisting of new AMC 35 medium tanks are being trained, along with a new motorized division. These divisions will reinforce 1st and 2nd Mechanized Armies.

December 25, 1940

The British proposed to mine Norweigan coastline to prevent German merchant shipping and hence increasing the effect of blockade against Germany. French Government is worried that this can provoke a German invasion against Norway.

December 28, 1940

German tanker Altmark was boarded by British forces in the neutral Norweigan waters. Altmark was carrying survivors captured from the ships sunk in the Pacific. The British forces rescued the survivors and killed several German crew members.

German tanker Altmark :

January 1, 1940

German Army invaded Denmark this morning in a surprise attack. Attack against Norway also seems imminent. German radio broadcasts that Germany acts to protect Denmark from British imperialists.

January 2, 1940

German surface vessels started attacking Norwegian ships. Admiral Esteva was ordered to get ready for immediate departure and to help British efforts on thwarting German attacks against Norway.

January 3, 1940

Dewoitine developed a new carrier-capable fighter aircraft. Production of new aircraft model has started and will be deployed in Carrier Bearn. Carrier Joffre which is still under construction will also get new fighters.

January 5, 1940

Soviet Union made their demands in Karelian Isthmus public today. Finnish delegation is in Moscow to discuss the terms of Soviet demands.

January 8, 1940

Danish Army is putting very stiff and brave resistance along the border but German Army is slowly overwhelming the Danish defenders.

January 8, 1940

French Army introduced few improvements to 25 mm anti-tank guns after Polish experiences during German invasion.

January 8, 1940

Battlecruiser Dunkerque and two heavy cruisers, Colbert and Suffren joined 1st Carrier Fleet. The fleet is making its last preparations to sail towards Norweigan waters.

January 9, 1940

Finland rejected Soviet territorial demands.

January 10, 1940

Soviet airforce bombed Helsinki today. Red Army also started shelling Finnish positions.

Soviet bombardment of Helsinki :

January 13, 1940

Danish Army is in full retreat. King Christian X of Denmark has already fled to Oslo, near his brother King Haakon VII.

January 22, 1940

Battle of Copenhagen. Danish Army is soon expected to capitulate.

January 30, 1940

Admiral Esteva was informed about the existence of a German task force in the North Sea. But searching for German ships produced no results.

February 3, 1940

Danish Army capitulated after the fall of Copenhagen.

February 4, 1940

German torpedo bombers attacked 1st Carrier Fleet in the North Sea. 2 planes was shot down, only a minor damage to Battlecruiser Dunkerque was reported.

 

[mad orc]

Wow man
I love this calendar style
Real smooth and gives a nice perspective of flowing time
Great read

 

[makif130289]

Wow man
I love this calendar style
Real smooth and gives a nice perspective of flowing time
Great read

Thank you Real action is starting soon.

 

[makif130289]

PART XV : ITALY JOINS THE AXIS

​

February 5, 1940

French Airforce sent a fighter wing and a bomber wing to Norway. These forces will help 1st Carrier Fleet in the North Sea.

February 6, 1940

Germans are testing our defenses along the Maginot Line. Immediate reinforcements from the North are on the way.

February 7, 1940

Luftwaffe continues to harass 1st Carrier Fleet. Carrier Bearn has taken minor damages. The Admiralty ordered Admiral Esteva to return to Dunkerque as he couldn't locate German vessels in the North Sea. Further operations will be commeced if German ships are sighted.

February 10, 1940

Germans halted their offensive against impenetrable Maginot Line. The last 3 infantry divisions that were planned to join the 7th Army in Tunisia, are deployed. The General Staff decided to keep these 3 divisions in Paris as a strategic reserve.

February 15, 1940

Laffly developed a tank destroyer on the chassis of AMC 35 tank. Army wants to equip armored divisions with extra tank destroyer battalions.

February 16, 1940

Intelligence reports indicate that German troop concentrations near Belgian and Luxemburgian borders. The Army submitted its action plan to the Cabinet.

According to the plan;

+ 6th Army ( in red ) will enter into Luxemburg the moment German invasion of this country begins.

+ 5th Army (in orange) and 2nd Mechanized Army will enter Belgium to reinforce Belgian troops to the east of Meuse river the moment Germany attacks this country.

+ 4th Army (in purple) and 1st Mechanized Army will be positioned to the west of Meuse River. ( Red Line ). If Germans attack the Netherlands as well, the front will be further shifted to the north along Mesure River ( Blue Line )

March 1, 1940

Japanese Armies are at the gate of Chongqing, provisional capital of Chiang Kai Shek. French diplomats in China reports that Chinese may sue for peace soon.

March 3, 1940

PM Daladier was awaken by a phone call from General Gamelin at 3:00 AM. General Gamelin said "Mr. Prime Minister, Germans are invading Luxemburg, reports of troop movements near the Belgian and Dutch borders are raining too."

PM Daladier gave orders to General Gamelin for proceeding acccording to the military plans. PM immediately telephoned Belgian PM. However, Belgian PM still resists French deployment until Germans fire first.

March 4, 1940

Germans entered Luxemburg before French Army, without encountering any serious resistance. 6th Army now faces strong German formations. General Gamelin ordered General Olry to stop the offensive if German resistance grows more.

March 5, 1940

Germans invade the Netherlands. Belgium is still neutral and resisting French entry into its soil. General Olry stopped his march towards Luxemburg.

Grave news arrived in the evening, Italians are preparing to declare war on France and Britain. Lots of troop movements along the Italian border are observed.

March 6, 1940

German forces began to cross Belgian border by 4:00 AM.

1st Army Group of Gamelin began to march towards Belgium.

French airforce directed entire French airforce consisting of 1200 fighters to the Benelux region. Royal Air Force also started air missions in the region.

March 7, 1940

Aerial intelligence informed that German troops left Luxemburg yesterday. Armored formations of 2nd Mechanized Army are advancing towards Luxemburg city to take defensive positions there.

General Freydenberg informed Paris about huge Italian buildup just across the border. He requested more troops immediately. Government decided to send 3 reserve divisions to 3rd Army of Freydenberg.

Italy declared war on France and Great Britain.

Italian Dictator Mussolini declaring war on France and Great Britain.

 

[Bullfilter]

So the big one has started. I’m curious to see whether France can withstand the coming onslaught. I have my doubts, but hope to be surprised.

 

[makif130289]

PART XVI : DUTCH CAPITULATION

​

March 7, 1940

Italians launched offensives across the border. 3rd Army is heavily outnumbered.

Italians are attacking against Tunisia as well.

In the Egyptian side, The British forces launched an attack against Italians.

Belgians entered Luxemburg before 2nd Mechanized Army. Germans immediately launched a counter-offensive. Our armored columns are on the way to help the Belgian defenders.

March 8, 1940

French codebreakers began to transmit first fully decrypted Italian raddio messages to Headquarters today. The government decided to use the intel from decrypted messages to the fullest extent.

Germans launched simultaneous attacks against Maginot Line. The Army decided to send 6th Army under General Olry to Italian border.

March 9, 1940

Our defenses along the Tunisian borders are being overwhelmed. Italians have air superiority and bombers in the region. General Juin started a strategic withdrawal to set up new positions behind.

French Armies are advancing in Belgium to reach the frontlines.

Reinforcements against Italian offensives are reaching to the front but our defenses at two points are already about to collapse.

March 10, 1940

Very fierce air battles are raging across the skies of Belgium and the Netherlands.

General Gamelin formed 3rd Army Group under command of General Georges. 3rd Army, 6th Army and newly formed ( from strategic reserves in Paris ) 8th Army are given under his command.

French Army decided to withdraw from the Netherlands as German thrust in the Ardennes region carries the risk of threatening French rear.

March 11, 1940

Italian torpedo bombers are harassing Admiral Darlan's 1st Battle Fleet in the Central Mediterranean. After several raids, Admiral Darlan decided to return to Tunisia.

One French division surrendered to Italian Army in Tunisia. French Airforce is sending fighters and bombers to Tunisia to stabilize the situation.

March 12, 1940

Germans are trying to create a breakthrough in the Ardennes region. General Huntziger's 5th Army is trying to stop Germans in that sector.

Situation in the Italian front is somewhat stabilized. Italians are about to break our positions at two locations but reinforcements from 6th and 8th Armies have already arrived.

March 13, 1940

It seems that Italian offensive is halted in Tunisia. Airforce detachments sent to Tunisia are recalled for helping Alpine front.

March 15, 1940

General Georges managed to stabilize most of the front against Italians. Italians managed to invade small amount of territory so far.

The Dutch Army capitulated today.

March 16, 1940

2nd Mechanized Army is retreating from Luxemburg. Germans are pressing hard in the further north along the Dutch border.

As of March 16, we lost 31 fighters while Germans lost 32 fighters in the Benelux region.

British forces defeated Italian forces near Egyptian-Libyan border. British advance should ease the pressure on the 7th Army in Tunisia.

All 350 bombers of French Air Force are currently participating in the battles against the Italians. Bomber force will be redirected to the North once Italian front becomes more stable.

 

[Cromwell]

Firstly; great AAR Makif, good luck to you! It was disappointing to see Holland fall, do you think you will be able to hold parts of Belgium to avoid fighting on French soil?

Hopefully the Italians stalling in the south will lead to the Germans weakening their main front to assist them. Africa is going well for you even if it is a secondary theatre.

Do you plan to confront the Kreigsmare in force or leave that to the British?

 

[makif130289]

Firstly; great AAR Makif, good luck to you! It was disappointing to see Holland fall, do you think you will be able to hold parts of Belgium to avoid fighting on French soil?

Hopefully the Italians stalling in the south will lead to the Germans weakening their main front to assist them. Africa is going well for you even if it is a secondary theatre.

Do you plan to confront the Kreigsmare in force or leave that to the British?

Thank you. There are no natural defenses in Belgium, so i don't think i can set up a permanent defense there. Few things are against me :

- Expert AI's division templates are very effective.
- Air superiority balance is almost 50-50 right now but changing of the balance could cripple me. ( I am depending on UK AI, if they divert their fighters to somewhere else, that will be a certain death )
- This is my first time as France in HOI IV. I think i didn't play ideally. "Victors of the WWI" idea gives 75 percent malus to land doctrine researches. Removing this idea requires going for a very long tree of national ideas. I realized this too late. I still couldn't remove this idea and thus didn't research any land doctrines. ( Researching one shows around 1000 days which is ridiculous )
- Same thing with "Disjointed government" idea which totally prevented accumulation of PP. I was able to remove this idea too late that i couldn't fill my chief of staff and theorist slots.

But i like challenging games. I will take my chances, and if the worst comes to the worst, going into exile is always an option.

As for Kriegsmarine, i sent my carrier fleet to help the British but couldn't locate any German vessels. I don't think i will send my fleet again for patrolling the North Sea. It costs too much fuel. Royal Navy can handle German Navy without me i guess.

So the big one has started. I’m curious to see whether France can withstand the coming onslaught. I have my doubts, but hope to be surprised.

I have my doubts too Distraction of 9 divisions from the North to the Italian front will surely impact my efforts in Belgium.

 

[stnylan]

Well things have not collapsed straight away, but they do look a mite foreboding.

 

[makif130289]

PART XVII : BATTLE OF BELGIUM

​

March 16, 1940

French Government extended conscription.

March 17, 1940

Italians left their positions in Tunisia. They are rushing their troops to the Egyptian Front. The HQ decided to pull back 2 divisions from General Juin's 7th Army to mainland and ordered him to march towards Tripoli.

General De Gaulle's armored formations are putting a very stiff resistance despite continuous Stuka attacks. 1st Army is forming a defensive line along Gent-Brussels-Namur line.

Italian offensives are mostly checked, with French bombers greatly facilitating the effort.

Italian Navy sunk 2 French merchant ships. French government banned all merchant shippings through Suez canal. All merchant shippings to the Mediterranean will now go through Gibraltar.

March 18, 1940

Germans recaptured Luxemburg. They continue their offensive to create a hole through Ardennes. General Huntziger is defending an extremely key position right now. Luftwaffe increased number of daily bombing sorties greatly.

March 19, 1940

Battle of Belgium rages. French and Belgian Armies are trying to hold their positions.

With Italian offensives brought to an halt, French air detachment is sent back to help in Belgium.

Air battles over Belgium.

French total fighter loss : 52
German total fighter loss : 43

In Tunisia, French Army recaptured the lost territory. Italians brought 2 divisions to match French advance. Reduced to 3 divisions, ( 1 surrendered, 2 pulled back to mainland) Genel Juin's 7th Army stopped its offensive and started to dig in.

March 20, 1940

General Huntziger stopped German offensive for now. To a little bit west, General de Tassigny is trying to do the same. German stukas are extremely active.

March 21, 1940

Germans launched a very strong offensive along Gent-Antwerp line. Our forces in Gent reports that their 25 mm anti-tank guns cannot pierce enemy Panzer III tanks. This puts an extreme pressure on our defending infantry units.

French Army decided to deploy new armor division with AMC 35 tanks and an extra motorized division, without completing their training. These forces will be immediately sent into Belgium to check German Panzer III tanks.

March 22, 1940

While Battle of Belgium is in full intensity, the Intelligence briefed the government with the latest intelligence about Italian and German war machines.

Army Comparison :

In terms of army strength, French Army is close to Wehrmacht in size. Against 8 panzer divisions ( 5 medium, 3 light ), France has 7 armor divisions. ( 6 light, 1 medium ). However, when Italian Army is taken into the equation, French Army is greatly outnumbered.

Airforce Comparison :

In terms of airforce, French airforce is the smallest among Britain, Italy and Germany. Fighter plane numbers :

France : 1200
Britain : 1800
Germany : 2400
Italy : 1300

All German fighter squadrons are currently involved in Belgium. Joint French-British fighter force is trying to deny German air force superiority over Belgium. Italian airforce is currently distracted in the Mediterranean and doesn't participate in Battle of Belgium.

Navy Comparison :

Italian Navy still has only 2 active battleships of old Anread-Doria class. Admiral Darlan tried to force Italian Navy into direct confrontation in the Central Mediterranean but he was not able to do so. Continuous harassment by SM.79 torpedo bombers convinced the Admiral to leave the area.

 

[makif130289]

Well things have not collapsed straight away, but they do look a mite foreboding.

The war is reaching a decisive climax, very fast. Check out the latest update.

BTW, to all who follow this AAR; this AAR is updated on-the-go which means that i prepare it while playing, not after i played. So, when things change from one day to another in the same update, it is not because i am trying to create a narrative or trying to add more tension, it is because my understanding of the situation changes continuously. I think this approach makes it more exciting.

If you have any suggestions, i would like to hear.

 

[stnylan]

Upon the defence of central Belgium now rests the fate of France.

 

[makif130289]

PART XVIII : BELGIAN CAPITULATION

​

March 23, 1940

Situation is stabilized in Brussels but German thrust in Gent is overwhelming French troops.

Italians launched new wave of offensives. 3rd Army Group is holding firm. The HQ wants to pull 8th Army to Belgian front and wants to defend Italian front with 3rd and 6th Armies. ( Both are 9-divisions strong ).

8th Army has currently 5 divisions. ( 3 from strategic reserves in Paris, 2 from newly arrived units from Tunisia )

March 24, 1940

Air battles as of March 24 :

French fighter losses : 71
German fighter losses : 53

Newly deployed armored and motorized divisions arrived near Gent but are still low in organization. Our defenses in Gent are trying to slow down German advance.

March 25, 1940

Italians brought huge reinforcements to Tunisian front and launched a renewed offensive.

Italians are attacking British position in Libya as well.

March 26, 1940

Arrival of AMC 35 tanks to Gent somewhat stabilized the front. In the further south however, Germans are trying rip apart our front near Sedan.

March 27, 1940

Italians are creating another hole along the frontline.

Battle of Gent continues. A little bit stabilization in the Battle of Sedan.

March 28, 1940

Retreat along the Tunisian front has begun.

March 29, 1940

The situation along the frontline in Belgium is becoming critical. 8th Army from Italian front is arriving in Sedan to form a new defensive line there in case of German breakthrough.

Air battles :

French fighter losses : 100
German fighter losses : 64

March 30, 1940

After its army being overwhelmed by Red Army, Finland sued for peace and ceded the demanded territories to Soviet Union.

March 31, 1940

7th Army in Tunisia is under heavy pressure. General Juin decided to form a newer defensive line in the north.

Battle of Belgium :

April 1, 1940

Alarming news reached to Paris. Our frontlines in Belgium are crumbling. General Gamelin informed PM Daladier that they may have to retreat from Belgium to form a new defensive line on France.

April 2, 1940

Gent has fallen. Germans are very close to creating another hole in the Ardennes region. General Gamelin is trying to form a new defensive line.

April 3, 1940

One month of continuous battles drained French stockpiles of artillery, infantry rifles and trucks. French Airforce is not able to replace fighter plane losses either.

General de Gaulle's 1st Mechanized Army is defeated and is in full retreat towards Sedan.

April 4, 1940

In Britain, Churchill becomes new Prime Minister. Rumors spread that Belgian King Leopold III wants to sign an armistice with Germany.

Germans reached the French border over Belgium.

We lost air control over Belgium completely. The HQ decided to withdraw all fighters into France and to leave Belgian airspace to the Luftwaffe.

In Tunisia, 7th Army is taking defensive positions near Chott el Djerid Lake, shortening the front quite a bit.

April 5, 1940

Italian front is still somewhat stable despite the departure of the 8th Army for Belgium.

April 6, 1940

Germans entered Kortrjik. Rear of French-Belgian forces in Brussels is in danger. General Gamelin ordered a general retreat towards France to prevent encirclement.

April 7, 1940

Retreat towards France continues. German thrust towards Sedan is checked, for now.

French Airforce is reorganized to defend French airspace. Bombers are currently helping the defense of Sedan.

April 8, 1940

Germans entered Brussels. Orderly retreat from Belgium continues.

April 9, 1940

Leopold III announced Belgian capitulation. Battle of Belgium ends. Battle of France begins.

Germans and Belgian generals meeting to negotiate capitulation terms :

 

[Cromwell]

Belgium lost to the hun but not for want of French valour and élan. Now you are fighting on home soil remember men of France, not one step back (oops wrong front )!

 

[stnylan]

The Battle of Belgium is over.

It is now time to reap the whirlwind of Versailles. It does not look good - those equipment losses are ugly and the Luftwaffe can overwhelm the French airforce given half a chance.