An Alternate World War II - "Realtime" - UK

[MacGowan]

We also can't countenance an invasion ourselves as the natural result would be to push them into the arms of Germany and delay our Malmo force for such a time as to make the defence of Sweden (and Norway by extension) untenable. That would be a disaster.

I was actually thinking about this after reading up on Swedish war history.
On a separate but similar topic, I would like to ask everyone who reads this AAR a question, and I hope to get some well thought out answers, which have been so often the case from you guys.

It's September 1940 in the AAWWII timeline, and you are Germany or Russia. The window for any offensive against the Allies is rapidly shrinking. But it's still a possibility (Sea Lion was slated for September).
What, if anything would you do?

 

[DoomBunny]

From Stalin's perspective, I would suggest that there is no reason to do anything. I am a cautious man, by no means one scared to do what is needed, but also one who likes safe bets. With that in mind I see little to be gained from attacking either Axis or Allies until they have steadily worn themselves down from another couple years of war. The best course is to wait and step in somewhere near the end to grab as much as possible with minimal risk.

As Hitler, I see three major options. Firstly, abandoning the offensive and hoarding strength until 1941, save for bombing operations. This runs the risk of eroding Germany's advantage. Secondly, continuing the war in the West, mounting an offensive either in Belgium, in Italy, or even attempting a Swiss operation to create a breakthrough. Thirdly, a Balkan offensive into Yugoslavia and maybe then to Greece, capitalizing on our current weakness to secure the resources of the Balkans in a manner similar to that attempted in Norway. None of these three holds good longterm prospects, though I feel Hitler will most likely pursue option two, for reasons of ego if nothing else.

 

[Conquerer1234]

I was actually thinking about this after reading up on Swedish war history.
On a separate but similar topic, I would like to ask everyone who reads this AAR a question, and I hope to get some well thought out answers, which have been so often the case from you guys.

It's September 1940 in the AAWWII timeline, and you are Germany or Russia. The window for any offensive against the Allies is rapidly shrinking. But it's still a possibility (Sea Lion was slated for September).
What, if anything would you do?

Well, if I was the USSR I would prepare for either a second war with Finland (to bring them Socialisim (actually to open a front against Norway) and to avenge the humiliation of the winter war.) or open a front by attacking Persia and Afghanistan to hit the heart of the British empire in India and the Middle East. If I was Germany I would probably decide to encircle the allied position between the seine and the current frontline and hope that the allies would bleed white and France decides to surrender, in Scandinavia, I would invade Sweden since the country has a rich metal stockpile and invading it to seize the metal and prepare for a Norwegien campaign is better then no metal at all and watching as Germany gets starved ala WW1 style, the Balkans I would try to influence Yugoslavia and invade if absolutely necessary and get the Balkans wrapped up with as all of the Whermact is needed for Operation Barbarossa.

 

[TomorrowsHerald]

Russia at this point of time can do whatever it wants, it can invade any none aligned to its heart's content; who will stop them? If they want to grab territory, now would be the opportune time, while the Allies and Germany remain fully committed to this struggle. That being said, I think that realistically Stalin would remain uncommitted for now, from his point of view both sides are hostile entities to the Soviet Union; so long as they kill each other he has no reason to help the Germans besides furthering Russia's own interests or making peace with the allies.

Once the battle on the Western front is decided by one side or the other, the Soviets would have reason to take action. If Germany wins, I expect Stalin would be a little bit more assertive than RL prior to Barbarossa; historically, Stalin expected a long war in the West that would give him time to prepare the Soviets for war, in this time line regardless of who wins he got one, so he would have no need to appease Germany as much as he did historically; the post Winter war reforms would be at a much more advance state than they were in 1941 and modern equipment such as the T-34 would be readily available by the time Germany would get around to threatening Russia in this timeline.

If the Allies are seen to defeat Germany on the Western front, I assume Stalin would stake his claim to the Reich's territory and invade; he could then extort many concessions from the war weary allies in return for peace; a larger chunk of Germany, full control over Poland, influence over Eastern Europe, recognition of any other territorial acquisitions gained during the interim and so on. If the allies aren't feeling that generous, Stalin can always continue the war; I assume it would still be of a conventional nature so the fresh Red Army should be able to bring the allies to their senses; a few hundred thousand casualties would not cripple the soviets. Would the Western European populations tolerate even more fighting after defeating Germany? Casualties are already entrenched in Great War statistics, I imagine they would demand peace at some point; France and Italy in particular would be vulnerable to communist subversion.

Germany would be fairly desperate at this point. Even if the Reich has already taken the initiative and has started purging suspect officers, crushing any immediate danger of a coup attempt; the purge could severely hamper their ability to conduct the war, remove talented manpower from key positions, demoralize the army and possibly causing a chain of irresponsible and idiotic decisions not dissimilar to real timeline catastrophes. Hitler needs to restore confidence in his leadership, Germany needs a victory; maybe new efforts could be made to grab Norway? Fighting in northern Italy during winter, beyond consolidating axis positions would not be a fantastic idea so Germany should push to acquire as much territory in Italy as possible now rather than later. Opening new theaters of war in Eastern Europe is the best means of gaining an easy victory but it should wait for winter to dissuade the allies from launching any offensives. Overwhelming German superiority should be sufficient against Yugoslavia to compensate for winder conditions but Greece could potentially be held by the allies; the diversion of allied resources to Greece in itself could also present an opportunity. Gaining Spain as an ally is an important interest but I don't see what reason Franco would have to join; he refused to join RL even when German victory seemed assured, why would he join now when it seems far less than assured? The best least expensive way Germany has of fighting the allies would be though wolfpacks, an expansion of the submarine fleet could cripple allied ability to redeploy in other theaters and starve Britain from resources. Bringing Japan into the war would also be a German interest, and Japan may very well attack the allies through its own accord soon enough any way. I expect Hitler might try terror bombing the populations of France and Brittan into ending the war.

 

[Blackoberst]

Some very good points have already been made.
From the German perspective Spain would be very important, so offering Franco not only Morocco and the Gibraltar, but maybe even a part of mainland France would do wonders to bringing their battle-hardened troops into the war. Historically Hitler hated the idea of a two front war, but bringing in Bulgaria to the Axis (as he did historically), plus an invasion in Yugoslavia/Greece would rise the morale of the German troops, but wouldn't require such a great investment, as smaller-axis partners could bear the brunt of the fighting. The big prize would be trying to convince Stalin to officially join the Axis.
That being said, Stalin would never go for that. He'd bide his time, fighting a sort of proxy war with the Allies through submarines and air raids on Norway. Going through Afghanistan and taking the British Raj by storm might be tempting. Seeing as how the meat grinder of the Western front is doing its job, unless Germany tries to strike East (Sweden, Balkans), the Russians would be happy to just leave them to it for the time being. Liberating a subservient communist India might just be worth it enough to risk a temporary weakness.

 

[Ticket Cookie]

Was invading India through Afghanistan even possible in that times? Logistically-wise? Wouldn't that be a nightmare for the Soviet Army?

 

[DoomBunny]

Was invading India through Afghanistan even possible in that times? Logistically-wise? Wouldn't that be a nightmare for the Soviet Army?

Russian invasion through Afghanistan was a common fear for much of the period of British India. As to the plausibility of it, I'd suggest somewhere near nil. It would require an army that could barely handle its logistical issues in Eastern Europe to transport itself across hundreds of km of poorly developed desert, across a mountain range with no railroads, and then fight a battle down in India.

 

[Dofon]

If I were Germany, i'd facepalm furiously, reenact that scene from Downfall, and then... probably move a panzer corps to Italy and attempt an encirclement of Weygand/Brits in Northern Italy. If I got those forces out of the way, it'd send you scrambling to defend the South which would open up offensive opportunities in the North (but all of this would take time... maybe i'd do best to hold in the French Alps until spring), establish Gothic line in Italy. I already hold the best part of Italy industry-wise and I have been shown how horribly inept the Italians are so further advance down the boot will reward me little. Britain owns the Mediterranean and unless the Kriegiasmarinea can change that, advancing further would just risk amphibious assault (Anzio?)

As the Soviets, I would INVADE THE F#=KK £#¥N baltics already. Seriously, why are they still independent. They exist only to be future fascist/Western patsies. Absorb. Aside from that, focus on massive buildup. I think the effectiveness of the Red Wolves in Allied harassment will be noted, and subs are cheap to shell out (compared to battleships). Airwar is noticed as major field of battle from observations by French Communists; develop effective VVS. Tanks... appear to have some issues. Asides, I might not want to make the ghost of Tukhachevsky too vindicated. Maybe focus on huge airforce to use as keypoint-busters along with massive infantry/MOT assault? A few Soviet armored divisions can be built for testing, I suppose (Stalin has ludicrous IC anyways). And uh, kill dissent. Literally.

Should Jerry prevail on the French Front, focus on preparing for massive German assault, come (probably) in 1942. Should stalemate hold, preparations to upset Allied dominations are required. Assault on Turkey, Iran may be necessary to upset Allied control of Middle East (and it's oil). Arab support for Soviet forces in Allied ruled areas likely. Attack, if successful, would cease at Sinai (further movement risks cutoff due to amphibious assault; if Bosphorus is held, large wolfpacks coming from Ukrainian ports may cover advance into Egypt, Libya). Following control of Middle East and establishment of puppets, prepare for pre-emptive strike into Axis. In West, support Communist movement and subversive activities against government, particularly in stealing technology and causing dissent.

 

[MacGowan]

For new readers:
- Norway still stands
- France still stands
- Soviet union is at war with the Allies
- Italy has surrendered​

28 August - 4 September '40 - The evacuation of Pola fails

"This story is neither an accusation nor a confession, and least of all an adventure, for death is not an adventure to those who stand face to face with it. It will try simply to tell of a generation of men who, even though they may have escaped its shells, were destroyed by the war..."

- Erich Maria Remarque, 1928 -

(London)
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Can you believe it? Another bloody cock up! The French will have our asses over this one. What a bloody disgrace. All the newspapers we be filled with news about the disaster at Pola. Churchill will have to pull off some rather clever trickery to keep the morale up back home. The spirit on the battlefield though is still fairly good. Not a surprise with the success of operation Quantum -which ended a few days ago. But I'm getting ahead of myself as I so often do. Let's begin at the start of the week.

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THE FIRST BATTLE OF VENICE GULF:

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With operation Brother in full effect, the French navy attempted to head straight for the beaches of Pola, There the pinched French division was headed with the German army close on their tails. The Axis navy, however had other plans and sailed out to met the incoming French fleet.
The first battle of Venice Gulf was a tactical French victory. The light cruiser Bartolomeo Colleoni, alongside 12 destroyers-3 French- were sunk in the battle, however the Axis fleet prioritised attacking and damaging the French transport ships. Destroying any evacuation capabilities they had.​

THE LAST VOYAGE OF THE ROYAL AUXILIARY FLEET III:

With the French transport ships out of commission, and our transport-ships on route for Italy. It would take us simply too long to divert that force to Pola, not to mention it was carrying the Australian forces. We had however a third choice: The new admiral of Auxiliary fleet III, admiral Leatham, was to oversee the repair, and then the dismantling of the fleet. He was instead given a new order: "Send what still operational ships we have in that battered fleet to Pola, ASAP". 3rd of September was the fastest it could get there, that was days before any other transport ship could.

USA GEARS UP IN RESPONS TO JAPANESE EXPANSION:

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A few days ago the US congress passed a bill to allow the military build up in their country to continue. The United States still pride themselves as isolationists and neutral to the current war. But they can't turn a blind eye to Japan, now can they? The Japanese aggressive expansion in Asia has gradually, but surely run amok, and their new Pacific fleet is of great concern to the US navy. This is good news for us, we need the US involved in what is transpiring, but Japan is currently a separate faction outside of the European war.
We know the Empire of Japan to be a German and Axis friendly nation. But with Italy out of the picture they might stay out of the whole affair, and be content with an aggressive relationship that might escalate into an isolated war with the US. Not only would that be detrimental to the Allied cause, but it would be great news for Stalin as it would take the pressure off East-Asia. All those troops he has guarding Japan could pour down into Turkey, or India.​

THE WESTERN FRONT:

Allies wounded/captured/killed: 28 000
Axis wounded/captured/killed: 31 000​

As I mentioned, with operation Quantum ending a few days ago the morale of our soldiers have been fairly decent. All of our wounded have received treatment, all our men on the front-line have received hot food, and our trucks and tanks have more than enough gasoline to last the next few months. The front saw the usual fighting: Bruges, and Sedan again. But the German forces aren't reacting well to our supply operation, and they are tired. This means that August could be called a success. However, September is where our mettle will be tested. If we make it to October the war against the Germans could have been won.

2 AUSTRALIAN DIVISIONS ARRIVE IN ITALY:

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Admiral Boyd and Australian General Morshead's quick execution meant our 2 much needed Australian divisions could land in Italy a few days ago. They were then quickly sent by train, destination Brescia, where they will arrive the... Let me find the date, ah yes. The 12th of September. I guess there won't be a court martial after all, chap. These lads might receive a medal instead. We need all the help we can get on the Italian front.

THE SECOND BATTLE OF VENICE GULF:

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Ah, here's where the plot thickens, old chap. Admiral Boyle, with Admiral Cunningham, engaged a smaller Axis fleet off the shore of Pola. The superior numbers of the Grand Mediterranean fleet meant the battle would eventually go our way. But it also meant the Royal Navy Auxiliary fleet III would have to cross the battle to get to the Pola shoreline in time. The French soldiers were at this point reaching the beaches in the thousands.

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The Auxiliary fleet III entered the battle at 3 am. Admiral Leatham managed to evade most of heavy fire, but was delayed as the enemy fleet received reinforcements. At the end, admiral Boyle and admiral Cunningham could claim a tactical win as they sunk the battleship Conte Di Cavour, a single submarine, and send the Axis fleet back to port. But the fact is that the Kriegsmarine has accomplished what they set out to do; delay the evacuation of Pola.

OPERATION BROTHER FAILS:

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Bowhill's bombers on their way back from the naval battle is then ambushed by heavy Luftwaffe forces, and we are reminded yet again who owns the air.
The Royal Navy Auxiliary Fleet III landed on the beaches of Pola at 8 am this morning only to be met by little more than the helmets and equipment left behind. And the fact is clear: We are hours too late.​

French wounded/captured/killed: 12 000​

3000 of the 21e corps d'armée were killed in a series of retreats and battles before they reached Pola. The rest were either wounded or captured on the beaches there. The disaster is a fact; Operation Brother is a failure. The French newspaper broke the story first, and of course the public demands an explanation. Back home it's brewing up to a storm. How could the Royal Navy fail?​

THE BATTLES OF BERGAMO:

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And if those news weren't dire enough. This week did not bode well for the Allied forces in Bergamo, as yet again the city is about to change hands. After fierce fighting all week long the Germans were finally able to get the upper hand and are now in process of pushing the Allies out. This time Jerry's putting in a proper punch. The Luftwaffe bombers gave our boys one hell of a beating. Seems that our anti-aircraft guns don't work with Indian equipment... And the enemy has been reinforced. We've received reports that we're looking at 9 well equipped German divisions fighting their way into Bergamo. The French are exhausted, and so are we.

THE ITALIAN FRONT:

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Let's have a look at the whole Italian line as of now. Bergamo is about to be overtaken. Venice is under attack from two angles. The ports of Pola are about to be secured by Jerry. That puts them up to 3 major dock areas in the Mediterranean sea, all secured within 2 bloody weeks! The only area we are confident in is Trento: There we have a strong gathering of forces, supported by 3 anti-aircraft brigades. But we are in danger of being encircled. The whole Italian front is a mess, chap!

OPERATION ASCENSION:

- British, New Zealand, Australian, and Indian forces are to fall back to Milan, Parma, and Bologna. 15 divisions.

- 9 French forces will follow, and fall back to the same provinces.

- 24 divisions of the Allied army, supported by the Royal navy, and the Allied Air Force, are to create a perimeter stretching from Milan, to Bologna, defending both the Italian Kingdom, as well as the entrance to France.​

I give you operation Ascension. The call hasn't been made yet, but I fear we are only a few days away from a general retreat on the Italian front. The plan is to fall behind the Po, and Adda rivers, and regroup before the enemy has time to catch up to us. The problem with this plan is that it will only work if time is on our side. If General Ironside give the orders right now our forces could have a week of regrouping before Jerry reaches the rivers. But the further we hold on to Trento, and Venice, the more time is running out on a successful retreat..

THE RED WOLVES ARE EVERYWHERE:

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The Red Wolves are as mad and unpredictable as always. This time they attacked a strong French military fleet in the...Red Sea, named fittingly. That's thousands of miles from the last place they struck. Which was a lone British merchant ship in British waters a week prior. This mad attack sunk 4 destroyers in the middle of the night, and before the French even knew what was happening the wolves split off into the night.

REBUILDING THE ROYAL NAVY SUBMARINE FLEET:

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After the miserable job the Royal Navy has done in the Mediterranean, culminating in the failed evacuation of Pola, it was time for admiral Noble to step down. The Royal Navy Submarine fleet has not been the resounding success we were hoping for. The Red Wolves ravish our waters, and we have done little to mirror their level of skill and results. With Operation Brother terminated, the fleet has now been stationed at Taranto, and is undergoing repair work. We believe the fleet should be back, ready for operations within 2 months. The new admiral overseeing the repair, and whom we have given the responsibility of the fleet to is admiral Syfret. Between you and me, Noble was a pretty decent man. But he was dealt some rubbish cards, and now he will have to find a different outfit to climb back up into grace with. But the war will be long, and the opportunities will be many for these men to rise to the occasion.

CANADIAN MOTORISED INFANTRY IN HALIFAX:

And as always we end on a lighter note. Earlier this week Canada requested the Royal Auxiliary fleet I set sail for Halifax in order to pick up a motorised division there. This is splendid news! The Canadians have been steadily churning out high quality army divisions. They are the primary reason Bruges still stands. And a new motorised division will do wonders for our boys in Sedan. This might be the nail in the coffin for the German spring offensive. Or, we might send it to the Italian front instead, depending on how well we do in Sedan next week. But Churchill, Gort, and Ironside will have all the time in the world to bicker over where to best use this addition to the Commonwealth army. It won't arrive in France until 25th at the earliest. We also have to be careful as the Red Wolves have been rather active in the Atlantic the last month. So support fleets will follow the auxiliary fleet from Spain to France.

And that's all I have for you this week, old boy. Next week we'll look at the Italian retreat, the Soviet-Baltic conflict, more operation briefings, and of course the western front.
Tell the missus we'll all have to meet up for a nice cup of tea and biscuits in the park, before the cold sets in.

Oh, and remember, chap.
England expects.



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[Kurt_Steiner]

I'm out of ideas, I must confess. This is the Great War all over again.

 

[Aquadragon10]

Damn I have missed a lot of this. Lets go Canada. Hitler says hes coming. But he's entering a storm of bayonets, tanks, and fire. We will shatter your tanks, burn your men and reduce your regime to ash in the wind. the only memory of your rule will be that you are ash.

 

[Stroke Cardinal]

I'm out of ideas, I must confess. This is the Great War all over again.

Stalemate in France and Belgium, Germans pushing into Italy... what he needs now is an American entry into the fray.

 

[MacGowan]

MID WEEK Q&A
This is a long one, gentlemen.

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How's the IC of the Axis, Allies, Comintern, and America compare?

The Allies - 550
The Comintern - 413
Axis - 403
USA - 312

you should ship an army from Africa to Gibraltar or Portugal just to be on the safe side.

There are no Allied armies in Africa (save militias and small local forces)

I am waiting for next week where the Germans seem to be booting up for an offensive to eliminate France, I will grab the popcorn and see if it is the end for France.

We'll see. Now that our supply operation is over (one that was initiated because of sheer desperation). But the Germans are tired, and winter is coming...

How about offering Stralsund to Swedish people? Stralsund was a part of Sweden before 1815.

We would need to slice up Germany into sectors to see that she does not rise again. But we would need a strong German Republic if we are to fight the Russians with them.

I'm out of ideas, I must confess. This is the Great War all over again.

The never-ending battles for the alps, the trench wars of France, the Jutland battles, why I have no idea what you're talking about .

Damn I have missed a lot of this. Lets go Canada.

Welcome back! I was so cheerful when I saw that Canadian motorised infantry waiting for me in Canada.

what he needs now is an American entry into the fray.

Oh, they'll be here.... in 3 years.

WHAT WOULD OUR ENEMIES DO?

I would consider intervening in Sweden to seize the iron ore for yourself and to prevent any German offensives into Scandinavia

we might be able to appeal to a mix of democratic sentiment and fear/brotherly sentiment over the Soviet/German invasions of Finland and Denmark.

Perhaps Sweden is simply too important strategically to leave neutral if the diplomatic effort fails and Operation Rake could turn into a much larger alternative version of the real Operation Fork in Iceland.

The Sweden issue is a very interesting one for Britain. But I keep looking at it from the other side; perhaps Sweden is such an important target that Germany has to attack ASAP. I mean, I look at the realistic alternatives for Germany: They need a big strategic win so bad now. Italy might be one, but Scandinavia would be a big price as well. I have noticed they always keep more than 5 divisions in Denmark for the never occurring Norwegian invasion. Would it be a detrimental action for Germany to open up a north front with Sweden? could it use those forces in Denmark, divert some from the Russian border, with Romanian, and Hungarian allies? Or would it weaken the Italian and west front and open itself up to a counter-attack?

I would invade Sweden since the country has a rich metal stockpile and invading it to seize the metal and prepare for a Norwegien campaign is better then no metal at all and watching as Germany gets starved ala WW1 style

This feels like something. And to be honest, would be the worst thing that the Axis could do to us right now (aside from breaking through the two fronts). We would have major difficulties immediately helping the Swedes out, and defending Norway's long border from Sweden would be a nightmare. Would Germany double down on Scandinavia?

Germany needs a victory; maybe new efforts could be made to grab Norway?

But an invasion of Sweden in September? Is that possible?

As Hitler, I see three major options. Firstly, abandoning the offensive and hoarding strength until 1941, save for bombing operations. This runs the risk of eroding Germany's advantage.

Not to mention we could use it to start pushing back. The morale of Germany won't last 'til next summer.

Secondly, continuing the war in the West, mounting an offensive either in Belgium, in Italy, or even attempting a Swiss operation to create a breakthrough

Switzerland is pretty interesting. But those Alps are a killer. Right now Italy is the best thing Germany has going for it, and that's a few months after loosing it all to us. They could hypothetically get it all back within next summer if they play their cards right. But it just doesn't feel like the major victory they would need.

Thirdly, a Balkan offensive into Yugoslavia and maybe then to Greece, capitalizing on our current weakness to secure the resources of the Balkans in a manner similar to that attempted in Norway.

an invasion in Yugoslavia/Greece would rise the morale of the German troops, but wouldn't require such a great investment,

The Balkans could be smart. But Yugoslavia has 28 divisions, so it would be a bit of a fight. specially if it lasts 'til winter.

None of these three holds good longterm prospects

No, the Balkans could be something, if they could grab Yugoslavia without too much of a hassle, and then convince Bulgaria to join the Axis.

I would try to influence Yugoslavia and invade if absolutely necessary

Yes, that's true, Germany could try diplomatic means instead, and bypassing the problem.

Greece could potentially be held by the allies; the diversion of allied resources to Greece in itself could also present an opportunity.

Albania, and Greece are both very mountainous countries and would be easiest to defend. We could send those 3 mountain divisions to Albanian in the middle of the winter. Germany could take both, but I don't see that happening until the spring.

If I was Germany I would probably decide to encircle the allied position between the seine and the current frontline and hope that the allies would bleed white and France decides to surrender,

Well deciding to encircle, and managing to is two different things. But yes, the appalling levels of casualties are hurting France on a very deep level. Britain is a bit better off, but France could go communist within a few year.

Fighting in northern Italy during winter, beyond consolidating axis positions would not be a fantastic idea so Germany should push to acquire as much territory in Italy as possible now rather than later.

probably move a panzer corps to Italy and attempt an encirclement of Weygand/Brits in Northern Italy. If I got those forces out of the way, it'd send you scrambling to defend the South which would open up offensive opportunities in the North (but all of this would take time... maybe i'd do best to hold in the French Alps until spring), establish Gothic line in Italy. I already hold the best part of Italy industry-wise and I have been shown how horribly inept the Italians are so further advance down the boot will reward me little. Britain owns the Mediterranean and unless the Kriegiasmarinea can change that, advancing further would just risk amphibious assault (Anzio?)

Yes, Germany will most likely occupy Everything North of Adda, and Po river come the winter. They might very well occupy more if Operation Ascension fails. But it looks like we are pulling out before any encirclement. Royal Navy also seem to be finally getting a control over the Mediterranean with Channel Force and French help.

Gaining Spain as an ally is an important interest but I don't see what reason Franco would have to join; he refused to join RL even when German victory seemed assured, why would he join now when it seems far less than assured?

Agreed. I think the Allies have a better chance of securing a Spanish alliance than the Axis at this point.

The best least expensive way Germany has of fighting the allies would be though wolfpacks, an expansion of the submarine fleet could cripple allied ability to redeploy in other theaters and starve Britain from resources.

Yes, but another tactic that will take years to implement. Their fleet has been ravished, so a sufficient submarine fleet must be built first, and then there's the slow naval war of attrition. Germany won't last that long. A good idea, but not the golden goose they would need to sway their own people to renew a new interest in the war.

Bringing Japan into the war would also be a German interest, and Japan may very well attack the allies through its own accord soon enough any way.

That is pretty interesting. I'll read up on Japanese history. Could the Empire of Japan join a rather weak Axis? We haven't really dived into the Sino-Japanese war in this AAR, so I'll just upload a picture.

The OTL Tripartite Pact was signed on September 27th. But would that ever happen in AAWWII? Italy's out, Germany's bleeding.

If I were Germany, i'd facepalm furiously, reenact that scene from Downfall

Haha! Well it hasn't gotten THAT bad.. yet....

The big prize would be trying to convince Stalin to officially join the Axis.
That being said, Stalin would never go for that.

Nope, he wouldn't.

Assault on Turkey, Iran may be necessary to upset Allied control of Middle East (and it's oil). Arab support for Soviet forces in Allied ruled areas likely.

Germany would love for a Turkey-Russian war, and they should be putting a lot of recourses into trying to sabotage Turkey's neutrality.

In West, support Communist movement and subversive activities against government, particularly in stealing technology and causing dissent.

Our own nation has top notch counter-intelligence, but I could see France starting to see more and more riots within the next 2 years.

Russia at this point of time can do whatever it wants, it can invade any none aligned to its heart's content; who will stop them?

As the Soviets, I would INVADE THE F#=KK £#¥N baltics already. Seriously, why are they still independent. They exist only to be future fascist/Western patsies. Absorb.

Haha! fair enough. Yes I do believe we'll see a full annexation of the Baltic states before 1941. Stalin must be looking to expand his grasp on both the land, as well as the Baltic seas for his Red Wolves.

From Stalin's perspective, I would suggest that there is no reason to do anything. I am a cautious man

He'd bide his time

I think that realistically Stalin would remain uncommitted for now, from his point of view both sides are hostile entities to the Soviet Union; so long as they kill each other he has no reason to help the Germans

Yes, it seems that the Soviet union has it made for now. Japan busy with China, Germany busy with us. And the Russian people working hard to build an army that can defend the Communist idea.

a sort of proxy war with the Allies through submarines

I think the effectiveness of the Red Wolves in Allied harassment will be noted, and subs are cheap to shell out

Yes, especially if Stalin secures a bigger chunk of the Baltic coast line. I can see it working out well for them to hunt our supply lines for the next 2 years.

open a front by attacking Persia and Afghanistan to hit the heart of the British empire in India and the Middle East.

Going through Afghanistan and taking the British Raj by storm might be tempting

Was invading India through Afghanistan even possible in that times? Logistically-wise? Wouldn't that be a nightmare for the Soviet Army?

to the plausibility of it, I'd suggest somewhere near nil. It would require an army that could barely handle its logistical issues in Eastern Europe to transport itself across hundreds of km of poorly developed desert, across a mountain range with no railroads, and then fight a battle down in India.

I was thinking about this one for a long time, They left Japan alone, I can't see them launching a full scale offensive into Asia any time soon, especially in places with non-existing infrastructure.
same with Turkey. the latter could probably be easier logistic wise. But both seem like a rather big gamble for Russia. A large scale offensive for a Soviet union that has everything going for them. Both attacks would no doubt cause A LOT of casualties, and Russia is not being invaded. Stalin could indeed bide his time instead.

Airwar is noticed as major field of battle from observations by French Communists

The German bombing of cities like Paris is highly destructive to morale. And Russia's attempt to politically influence France is also a big concern for Britain.

Well, if I was the USSR I would prepare for either a second war with Finland (to bring them Socialisim (actually to open a front against Norway)

I would not be surprised to see the Continuation War start in the spring of 1941. Especially with the Norwegian bonus added to it.

 

[Kurt_Steiner]

Now you mention Jutland... how are the defences of Northern Germany?

 

[Lol_LouisThen]

I am enjoying this AAR well, but there are some questions,
a) I still remember that there was a revolt in Ethiopia. How is the revolt now?
b) How many Commonwealth divisions are there in Western Front?
c) Are you planning to fund partisans in Axis area?

 

[DoomBunny]

In the event of the Soviets attacking Finland and conquering her, we will surely need the Finnish army in exile. Would it be wise to make preparation for providing the Finns with a capital for their government in exile (find a safe and fairly valueless VP province in Africa and if/when the Soviets look set to conquer the Finns transfer it to them for free). This would surely lend great strength to our defence against the Soviets.

 

[MacGowan]

Now you mention Jutland... how are the defences of Northern Germany?

Navy-wise? rubbish, land-wise; minimal/moderate. But we're not doing any attacking anytime soon, oh no we are not....

I am enjoying this AAR well, but there are some questions,
a) I still remember that there was a revolt in Ethiopia. How is the revolt now?

Still going, slowly growing. I'll look into it more when I have the time, worst case scenario is that Ethiopia becomes a sovereign state.

b) How many Commonwealth divisions are there in Western Front?

I thiiiink I answered this a month ago, but i'm not sure right now. But it's a lot to say the least.

c) Are you planning to fund partisans in Axis area?

We spent a lot of money trying it on the Russians, with no sucess (unlucky), Germany's better at counter-intelligence, so we'll see. We were attempting more of a large scale coup by prominent German figures. But that will probably take a back seat for now....

In the event of the Soviets attacking Finland and conquering her, we will surely need the Finnish army in exile. Would it be wise to make preparation for providing the Finns with a capital for their government in exile (find a safe and fairly valueless VP province in Africa and if/when the Soviets look set to conquer the Finns transfer it to them for free). This would surely lend great strength to our defence against the Soviets.

Hmm, interesting. And something we should probably do for other nations too.



Just finished with next sunday's session, and..... I don't want to spoil it,
but jeez this war is getting mighty interesting.

 

[Yottsgreb]

worst case scenario is that Ethiopia becomes a sovereign state.

Imperialist bastards

 

[MacGowan]

Imperialist bastards

Ethiopia is under French rule... and I'll stop them if they decide to cross onto British soil. but I'm not going to send Iraqi soldiers to kill Ethiopians cuz France can't handle foreign policies.

 

[J_Master]

Operation Ascension has to be started ASAP. These are the only viable positions we will be able to hold on to till winter. The extra bases for the Kriegsmarine are no problem, the Royal Navy is too strong to be forces into harbour, she is simply to large. Italy will be safe, more safe then to west, where there is no real obstacle for the Werhmacht.