So hopefully the Germans will remain mostly quiescent to allow you to strengthen their position. The length of time they are taking is definitely a good thing though.
The AI seems surprisingly afraid of tackling a strongly held line. After a few desultory attempts in June, they have been very timid since!So hopefully the Germans will remain mostly quiescent to allow you to strengthen their position. The length of time they are taking is definitely a good thing though.
Something like that, yes. Once the line held for the bulk of the 1940 fighting season, I began to dream of something beyond mere survival. Of course, that could prove to be hubris. I could only guess about the German supply position and AI objectives at this point. And because this is bare-bones and from the French perspective, I will refrain from tagging over to take a look. Though as an after-the-fact history, it could be excusableGoing for the OTL Allied war plan of holding the line in 1940, then a massive armoured/mechanised offensive in 1941 once the industrial advantage kicks in and the colonial empires are mobilised?
Sadly HOI3 doesn't really simulate how precarious the German resource position was so the other part of the plan - naval blockade - won't have much effect.
To be fair, in this time line they did actually attack and seize three provinces of the Siegfried Line while Poland was under attack - not that it did any good in the long run. But yes, it’s war time, de Gaulle is in charge and they need a bit of bravado. And they can tell themselves they ended up winning last time too (the “Shame of Defeat” not yet having struck this time).Given France gave up Poland, Norway, Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg without much of a fight I think they should be cautious about calling anyone gun-shy! Especially as to stop the German advance they've had to give up a chunk on Northern France.
That said France can always say nasty things about the Canadians, when you are being outshone by the Iraqi airforce you are just asking for mockery.
Especially if the Germans decide not to attack the Soviets in 1941 and just concentrate on France - a renewed spring offensive is what the French Staff fear now.
Welcome to the AAR serutan! The game is played through, so I know the answer to what happens and won’t spoil ahead too much ... but things do get busy and interesting a bit later!If the German AI is scripted to not attack the SU if France has not fallen, you will have to play turtle at least until fall 1942 when
an AEF might show up.
The game is played through here, so I can't change plans now or describe intentions (and can't remember exactly what they were now ), but I can tell you that by now thoughts are turning to how France can prepare itself to go on the offensive on the main Western Front if the opportunity presents itself. But with Germany as strong as it is and without the Soviets in the war (yet, anyway ), it's a very daunting task. We may be holding them now, but if we go too soon and bleed it, it may encourage the Germans to keep going with it. But there is still French territory under the Nazi jackboot to be reclaimed, then a new French-led New Democratic World Order to be forged. Much hard work and fighting lie ahead. Much hinges on the Soviets. What will they do? If anything?Things are looking up for France! Will you transfer units from Ethiopia to support the landings in Italy, or will you start bringing colonial forces into France proper to man low-intensity areas? I'm thinking Italian Front or such.
The mighty Courbet, scourge of the Regia Marina!Courbet appears to be turning into the Warspite of this war.
Given the Western Front appears to be static one wonders when the French Army might decide to take more offensive action of their own.
And I look forward to remembering! It’s been long enough now that while I remember the broad sweep, going through the saves and writing them up is almost as fresh for me as the author as it is for my dear readers!What would I have done at this point? Probably moved the mobile reserve to behind the Italian border and then invaded Sicily. If the Italian AI strips the French front to react, hit them with the mobile reserve. If they don't react, then the invasion can move onto the main part of Italy and push onto Rome.
I look forward to finding out what you did.