I Hitlers skygge. (Denmark in the Second World War)

[noobeless]

Hello.

I Will make an AAR, i will play as Denmark, small country in the shadow of the Third Reich.

Historically Denmark capitulated when the Germans invaded and surrendered in the matter of 6 hours.
The time that Denmark was occupied by the Nazi regime is called "Besættelsen" (The Occupation).
The German occupation lasted from the 9. of April 1940 to the 5 of May 1945 (The Island of Bornholm was occupied by the Soviet Union from 9 of May to the 5. April)

The Danish government surrendered to the German army at the same day of the invasion, in hope to negotiate some "favorable" conditions of occupation, which succeeded, Denmark was even allowed to hold an election in 1943 on the 23 of March, where the communist party was banned and it was no one was allowed to criticize the German occupation.
(Source http://danmarkshistorien.dk/leksikon-og-kilder/vis/materiale/folketingsvalget-1943/ (in danish)
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1943_Danish_Folketing_election)

The Elected Government in 1943 lasted from election day to the 29. of August, in an event known as "The August Rebellion", due to increased act of resistance of sabotage against the occupying force, where the Germans demanded the Goverment implements a state of emergency, wich the danish government refused.

But what if Denmark tried to say "stay away" when the German Army came knocking?

I Will try to find out.

This will (hopefully) be the story of the little Kingdom of Denmark against Hitlers Reich

Note: I will appreciate of someone will notify if i have made typos or used incorrect grammar, because i learn best from mistakes, if i am aware that i made them

 

[noobeless]

Start Date: "1. Jan 1936"
Country: "Denmark"
Difficulty "Regular"
Historical Focus: "On"
Custom Rules: "Default"
Version: "Forgot"

 

[noobeless]

Chapter 0
Kongeriget Danmark​

Denmark in 1936 is a constitutional monarchy ruled by King Christian the 10, where the current Statsminister (Prime Minister) is Thorvald Stauning.

Stauning is from the party "Socialdemokratiet" a social Democratic party.


Territory and Population
Denmark's population consist of 3,87 Million people, which is concentrated in Jylland and the Danish Islands.
Denmarks Territorial possesion consist of Island, Grønland og Færøerne overseas in the Norwegian Sea and Jutland Fyn, Sjælland, Bornholm and various islands along the danish Straight in Southern Scandinavia.

A Map of the Whole Kingdom of Denmark, as you can see Denmark have a significant presence in the Norwegian Sea.

Industry and Production.
Denmark has 7 civilian Factories and 2 Military Factoris and 2 Naval Dockyards, with a total industrial Capacity of 11. Denmark Also produces 11 Aluminium in "Jylland"

The Danish Navy
The Danish Navy consists of 2 heavy Cruisers and 5 Submarines and it is Outdated.

This Navy is not going to stop the German Navy alone.

The Danish Army
The Danish army consists of 34,3 Thousand men.
It consists of 3 infantry Divisions, 2 Scout Divisions and a Cavalry Brigade.

We may be able to Defend against Sweden with this army.

The Danish Air Force
The Danish Air Force consists of 34 interwar fighter planes.

This airforce is only 8 times smaller that the German Air force, for now.

Conclusion.
Denmark in 1936 is a small country, with a humble industrial capacity, its Navy is small and outdated, the army is small and under equipped and it barely have an airforce.
It is unlikely that Denmark even can delay an invasion, in its current state.

 

[noobeless]

Chapter 1.
Baghaven.​

11. March 1936 Udenrigsministeriet (Ministry of foreign affairs)
Foreign minister Peter Rochegune Munch (B), Defense Minister Alsing Andersen (A), Prime Minister Thorvald Stauning (A), General William Wain Prior and
Chief of the army Erik With is sitting and discussing the German re-militarization of the Rhineland. The situation is still somewhat relaxed, as so far, as Germany have not infringed the sovereignty of it's neighbors.

Wain Prior: "The Germans are rearming them self and are preparing for war. The Nationalist Socialist regime have many times expressed ambitions of creating af "Greater Germany". All territory that the German empire controlled in Europe before the Great War is likely a part of their territorial ambition. Sønderjylland has been a part of Germany form 1864 to 1920. We cannot defend Denmark against a German invasion, we need to expand the Army, the Navy and find allies."

R. Munch: If we expand the Army, we are going to provoke the Germans and then they will definitely invade us, we can only defend our self, if we show the Germans we pose no threat to their Nation. Besides we can not stop an invasion, so why waste money on defending Denmark, of it is not going to change anything."

Wain Prior: "That is why we also need allies Munch, so we will not stand alone against a superior foe, if Denmark can form a defensive pact with France, Poland and Belgium, the Germans will have to fight a 3 front war, if they ever dare to invade Denmark."

R. Munch: "Such an alliance would violate the danish neutrality and we will still not be strong enough to stop Germany from invading us."

A. Andersen: "I agree with Munch, it is dangerous to to ally with all of Germany's neighbors, but we should still improve our defensive capabilities, so we will be ready if a foreign power invades Denmark.

Stauning : "Well then, Andersen you are right, we need to be ready, Sønderjylland have only been reunited with denmark in 16 years, wee need to defend them, so they will not be suppressed by the Germans again. Andersen, Wain Prior and E. With, make plans on how to defend Denmark, i need some overall strategies before in the 1. of August. Remember to write down how much it will cost, we do not have that many resources at our disposal.

E. With: "I can already tell you Stauning, we are going to need an airforce and anti aircraft guns.

R. Munch: "The Germans are merely walking in their own backyard, all of you are overreacting, mark my word such provocation against Germany, Denmark is going to go down the path of war.

Wain Prior: "There is a difference between "going down the path of war" and "War knocks on your door" Munch. If war comes to Denmark, we will fight, if it does not we will enjoy peace.

Stauning: "Enough with the discussion, you are all dismissed, we will meet again in August or if the Germans are showing signs off aggression. For now, we will make plans to defend Denmark with military force and focusing on building up industrial capacity.

The Rhine Germany's backyard, is most likely a mess filled with weed,
considering they have not cut the grass in more than a decade.



Major World Events.
5. of May 1936 The Treaty of Addis Abba Italy Annexes Ethiopia

 

[stnylan]

I myself have been holding off playing Denmark until the Scandinavians get their own focus trees, but will follow this with interest. Should you prove unable to hold onto the "home" territory I hope you will continue as a Government in Exile.

Also I am afraid I am going to be unable to read this without having scenes from Matador playing in my head. I will doubtless keep asking what sort of commentary Lauritz will make of whatever Stauning gets up to and so on

You asked to be notified of any typos and the like - so this is what I have spotted. I don't usually like pointing these out, but as it as requested. Two more grammatical points first:

In several places you use the word "have" where we would normally write "has". An example in Chapter 0: "and it barely have an airforce"
Similarly in several places in Chapter 0 you use "consist" where we would normally write "consists". Example: "The Danish Air Force consist of 34 interwar fighter planes"

As for typos I spotted, all in Chapter 1:
"The situnation is still somewhat relaxed" - should be "situation"
"they will defiantly invade us," - I believe this should be "definitely"
"we pose no treat to their Nation" - I believe this should be "threat"
"if it dons't we will enjoy peace." - should be doesn't (using the contraction) or "does not"
"you are all dismished" - should be "dismissed"

Not meant to be exhaustive, because I don't want you to get discouraged. Do I take it your are Danish?

Your presentation, by the way, is top notch. Very clearly laid out.

 

[noobeless]

"Oberst Hackel vil dø af hjerteanfald, når Wian Prior bliver øverstbefalende i den danske hær" (i am indeed danish and i have watched Matador too, best tv series of all time)


I can confirm i am from Denmark, i have tried made one aar before in danish, which i never completed and i lost the save so it will be what it is.

I appriciate the criticism stnylan, i will do my best to continue the this style of writing.

Thanks for the corrections english spelling (and grammer) is a chancelange, but practice (and spell checking tools) makes a master in writing.

I know it is going to be hard, because the AI germany sends its army to invade Denmark, before you could hold the Kiel canal and just walk into Berlin, once the Germans left their northern front.

 

[stnylan]

Matador is indeed great, and I am very fortunate to have come to know it.

Do keep it up. I know from own knowlege of Danish (my only other language) how difficult it can be to express yourself in another language, and I have nothing but respect for those that do so. I certainly have never yet proven brave enough.

 

[best75]

I look forward to see how you progress in building up Denmark and if it will be able to stand against Germany.

 

[noobeless]

Chapter 2.
Hvis David ikke kan besejre Goliat med et sværd, så må han skyde ham i stedet.​

The 6. of May 1936.
Wilhelm Wain Prior have been granted the funds and time to begin analyzing Denmark capability to defend itself against a potential German Invasion. He is expected to report his analysis directly to the Chief of the Army the Minister of defense and the prime minister the Monday the 2. of August. (in game i have assigned Wain Prior as military theorist)

The 20. of May 1936.
Industrial growth in Jylland have increased the industrial capacity of Denmark by one civilian factory, further growth of the civilian industry sector in Jylland is expected this year.

The 2. of August 1936 Ministry of Defense
Defense Minister Alsing Andersen (A), Prime Minister Thorvald Stauning (A), General William Wain Prior and Chief of the army Erik With is sitting around a table and discussing Wain Priors analysis of Denmark's defense capability.

Wain Prior:
" I have analysed our situation and i have come to a conclusion, if Germany attack us in the next 2 years, we can not repel or stall their invasion in any possible way. But, if we arm our army with artillery and develop effective means of shooting down enemy aircraft. We may be able to defend Jylland for 3 days and the Rest of Denmark for 7 days. Jylland is practically indefensible, E. With had the honor of watching a German war game involving tanks attacking an entrenched position, consisting of machine gun nest and deep dug trenches. The machine gun could not pennetrate the armor. As of now, we have no weapons that can penetrate such armour.

If we are to fight the Germans, we need a larger army than we can dream om mustering, let alone in less than 2 years.

My recommendation is that we form an alliance with Germany's neighbors and contain them before they can they get the change of taking Sønderjylland back."

A. Andersen:
" We can not antagonisme Germany, Denmark's independence can be at stake if we make Hitler Fürhrerios, he will Reich at our border.

Besides it would be worth the cost in either kroner or lifes, if we fight for a hopeless cause"

Wain Prior:
"Germany is already at the border Andersen and your bad puns are not helping, but i hate to admit it, but you are wrong. We need to defend our self, or else we will be a mouse fleeing from a cat."

Stauning :
"Then it is settled gentlemen, we will not rearm, as there is no way we can defend Denmark against Germany and it's huge army.

E. With:
"if David can't beat Goliath with af Sword, then he must shot him with a big gun."

A. Andersen:
"What do you mean With?

E. With:
"If we can not beat German tanks with our current weapons, we need to shoot them with something bigger.
It is true we can not defeat Germany with our current Weapons and strategies. But we can invent them, we can build them, we can use use them, we will fight with them.

I have heard that we can use Radiowaves to measure distance of object, i am don't know how it works, but i know, if i know my opponents position, that is an advantage. We should focus to research in this technology, so we can detect the Germans, before they even get a plane in the air.

We will also need bigger guns, to take out Tanks, fighters to intercept potential enemy planes and to scout fly reconnaissance on land movements, but a camera at the bottom of a plane, think out of the box"

A. Andersen:
"That sounds expensive to invest in so much With, we can't do that without sacrificing funds to other projects.

"Stauning" :
We should at least experiment with this "Radar" thing, a limited research project in that field can't hurt that much, With you should ask the University here in Copenhagen, they would love to research in such fields. Beside there must be some civilian applications, that such technology can bring.

Andersen, divert some fundings to develop anti tank guns and planes, so long we don't build those, it will not cost too much.

Prior, i want you to make plans, so we can defend Denmark to the last man, i will not go so far to fight to the bitter end, but the Regime in Berlin, for some reason give me a felling that i may change may stance on fighting to the bitter end.





Major World Events

The 2. of May 1936 Second Treaty of London Signed by The United Kingdom, The United States of America, Japan and Italy, they agreed on limiting the size of Battleship and Aircraft Carriers.

 

[noobeless]

Subchapter 2.1
Tyren og det Røde flag.​

The 7. of september Finance minister A. Andersen assign Ejnar Wærum to the "Committee of Industrial Development" to speed up the expansion and growth of the Industrial sector


Major World Events

The 16. of August 1936 Olympic Denmark won 2 silver medals and 3 bronze medals, It was celebrated with big party in Copenhagen and the Danish embassy in Berlin, Denmark.

The 13. of September Spain is now in a state of civil war a collition of nationalist, conservatives and catholic followers, lead by the Spanish general Fransisco Franco have risen in arms against the Republican forces in Spain, led by Jose Diaz and supported by various socialist, communist and democrats. Erik With, the Chief of the Danish army is now in Spain to observe how this war will be fought. International experts fear that it will be a bloody long war, if neither side manage to overwhelm the other in the next 3 months.

The Republican side have been split in two and they have some forces encircled north of Madrid and Catalonia has been isolated from Madrid.

E. With reports to the danish foreign ministry that the Civil war is most likely going to be won by Francos forces and say that only significant internation intervention or a miracle is going to save the republicans. Even though the Soviet Union is supporting the Republicans, the Germans and Italians have negated the Soviet support, by sending thier own support to the Nationalist. The spanish Civil War have become the playground Tanks, planes and experimental motorized infantry.

Notes from Erik With's diray.

"I was right, we need bigger guns and better planes. Tanks and trucks would be nice too, but there is no way we can get such things in sufficient numbers in time"

Conclusion of 1936
Ethiopia, the last African nation, have been turned to an Italian Colony, now Europe is Africa's only master
War has returned to Europe, not a great war, but a Civil war Spain, will it be the last war in Europe?

 

[noobeless]

Europe in 1937

There have been no major Border Changes in Europe, the only of peace is the spanish civil war that is still ravaging.

Denmark in 1937.

Industry and building construction.
Denmark now have an industrial capacity of 13, consisting of 2 dockyars, 2 military factories and 9 civilian factories.
A process of building up the military capacity in Sjælland is on the way and is expected to be finished the 25. March 1937,

once the the factory is complete, we can buildup artillery or anti aircraft guns.

The Danish Army.
No changes of size of the Airforce or Navy, though the Army is almost fully equipped with rifles, but still lacks artillery.

Research and Development.

Denmark have developed better construction and manufacturing methods, the largest breakthrough is a blueprint for a more advanced fighter plane, no one in the public know how it looks, because it's a secret weapon.

Not even the designers of the plane know how the new plane looks like.

Experiments with radar tech have also commenced after some reseach in the field of radio waves, anti tank guns and specialized truck for transporting infantry into combat.

State of the government
The Government is currently focusing on expanding Denmark's research capabilities, so that more project can be run in parallel. Though no major law changes have been made in 1936.

I have a military theorist and a captain of industry in my Government.

Conclusion.
Denmark is not ready for war, but it now have a slightly larger civilian industry and is slowly begging to build up its military industry, i can not at the current time say if we can do any meaningful resistance.

 

[noobeless]

Chapter 3
Samuraien og de 3 små kinesere
​

Minor Domestic Events.
The 10th January 1937: "The danish parlament voted in favor of implementing a policy of free trade and divert more fund in international cooperation in various field of research. The government hoppe this will increase the growth of the industrial capacity of Denmark and lead to Scientific discoveries at a faster rate. (Implementet free trade Policy)

The 24th of February 1937 : "The policy of cooperation have already showned signs of succes, Denmark can now focus on even more fields of research. (The focus to get 1 research slot is complete)

The 21st of March 1937: "The new artillery factory in the small town of Korsbæk, on the island of Sjælland, have been opened, the government have implemented a focus in spreading out the industry, so that in all corners of the kingdom, there will be work for every one.

The 5th of May 1937 "The industrial growth in Odense have been increased, due to the increased German demand for cement a new cement factory complex have sprung up, increasing Denmark's Industrial Capacity.

World Wide Events.

The 7th of May 1937: "The Chinese government in Nanjing have announced with various Chinese warlords, that they will stand united against any Japanese aggression.

The 8th of May 1937 "oh the humanity"
The 9th of May 1937 "The United States of America have announced that they will stay somewhat neutral if world war happens, they have announced they will not trade with nations at war.

The 2nd of July 1937: "Amelia Earhart have now finished a journey around the globe"

The 14th of July 1937: The Soviet Union have announced that many officers have "retired".

The 15th July 1937: Japan have announced they are in a state of war against the China, Japan have officialy stated that they "seek to Protect the soverngy of Manchuria, as the Chinise government have refused to acknowledge Manchuria as a sovereign nation and that china have launched an invasion of Manchuria".

China's Leader Chiang Kai-Shek have stated "The Japanese army is attacking thier own brigde, it's not Chinese aggression, but we will defend China and repel the Japanese army"

The 17th of August: The Spanish Civil war is over, a conflict that have taken over 100.000 lives is now over, the Nationalist in Spain won and Franco have installed a dictatorship with himself in charge.

With the Spanish Civil wars conclusion, Peace have returned to Europe.

 

[noobeless]

Not much is going to happen before 1938. So i will just write about, the international news and some minor news in Denmark.

 

[stnylan]

Not much is going to happen before 1938. So i will just write about, the international news and some minor news in Denmark.

Aye. For most countries the first few years are domestically usually pretty quiet.

Denmark's independence can be at stake if the make Hitler Fürhrerios, he will Reich at our border.

This made me chuckle. As a pun it is "terrible" in all the right ways, if you know what I mean.

 

[noobeless]

This made me chuckle. As a pun it is "terrible" in all the right ways, if you know what I mean.

I will not overflow this AAR with bad puns, i promise, i just could not resist that one. and i can see i made a typo
"if the make Hitler Fürhrerios" makes no sense.

 

[stnylan]

I will not overflow this AAR with bad puns, i promise, i just could not resist that one. and i can see i made a typo
"if the make Hitler Fürhrerios" makes no sense.

I am all for bad puns.

And I only just noticed that typo now myself.

 

[noobeless]

Denmark in 1938​

Europe as of 1st of January 1938, a major change is the conclusion of the Spanish civil war, which have mad a regime change in Spain.

Now the world is getting a bit more tense, so we will now look at Europe again, but in a bit deeper detail than the start of 1937.

Denmark

Industry and trade
Denmark now have 9 civilian factories, 4 military factories and 5 naval dockyards.
Denmark is currently focusing on expanding it's military industry.

Current Construction projects in Denmark.

Denmark is have also slowly begun to expand it's manufactoring of military equipment for it's land army and building a new light cruiser. But some factories suffers from a lack of raw material, due to the fact Denmark is not mobilising for war yet.

There are plans to begin production of Anti tank guns and Fighter planes, but they are not currently being produced due to lack of industry.

Denmark is importing steel from the United Kingdom, 16 units of steel each day are being imported to meet the most of the demand for raw material in the danish industry.

No one is importing our raw materials, so we only import things.

The Army.
The Army is finally fully equipped, it's still consist of 34,3 Thousand men.
No major army Reform have taken place, but there are Plans to equip every infantry division with
heavy artillery, anti tank guns along with more artillery, but no reforms have been implemented yet.

The danish army may be small, but it has up to date equipment and have decent training.

The Danish Army is planning to use artillery to bombard enemy divisions attacking danish strongholds.

Navy
The danish navy is still outdated and still consist of 2 cruisers and 5 submarines. But a light cruiser is being constructed and is expected to be combat ready in September.
it is currently being neglected and no one have any idea what to do of it and there is no Naval doctrine in Denmark

Not a mighty navy, the Cruisers need support to be usefull.

But Denmark is currently designing a new destroyer, which will be armed with torpedoes and light guns.

This New Destroyer should be abe to at least harras enemy Capital Ships, if Denmark manage to build some.

Airforce
The Danish airforce have not changed, it is still 34 outdated fighter planes, but Denmark have focused on air warfare theory, which should make the Danish air force more effective at intercepting enemy bombers.

This Airforce is not going to do anything, to small and old.

Denmark will learn how fighting in the air works.

The air force have also invested in an experimental Radar station Rødvid, further reseach is planned in the fields of Radar technology.

Government
The most major law change is the implementation of Free trade, Denmark have not Mobilized yet.
The last 2 years Denmark have focused on expanding its industrial capacity, which have been a succes.

Denmark have been investing in naval and electronic research.

Denmarks Focus on national level the last 2 years.

Conclusion
Denmark is not ready for war, but not have a larger industry and have increased its production of military equipment. Denmark could be ready to defend it selv before 1939, if it begins mobilising and reform and expand its standing army.

 

[stnylan]

Any intentions to start building some Land Forts? Maybe on Fyn or Sjælland?

 

[noobeless]

Any intentions to start building some Land Forts? Maybe on Fyn or Sjælland?

Yes.

I will build forts, once i get 2 more military factories. So i can build airplanes and anti tank guns too. I will

My plan is to hold then at the border, but guard Fyn as a backup, i have not built any military factoris in Jylland, because that is the hardest area to defend.

I will not build forts in Sjælland, because if i lose Jylland, i am in a tough spot, if i lose Fyn, i already lost and will need to evacuate.

 

[noobeless]

Chapter 4
At blive slugt af noget større.
​

The 10th of February 1938 Europe is now a nation less, the German army marched into Austria, after a national socialist coup in Vienna succeeded, the German army marched into Austria and it officially became a part of Hitlers Germany. France and the United Kingdom have made no comments on the event.

But in Denmark, the Prime Minister, Thorvald Stauning could not get himself to let Denmark do nothing. So he assembled his Minister of Defense Alsing Andersen (A), Foreign minister Peter Rochegune Munch (B) and Chief of staff Erik With, for a secret meeting to discuss Denmark's position on Germany.

The 11th of February 1938 Kanslergade 10 Copenhagen "Stauning's Apartment"

Foreign minister Peter Rochegune Munch (B), Defense Minister Alsing Andersen (A), Prime Minister Thorvald Stauning (A), General William Wain Prior and Chief of the army Erik With is sitting in "Stauning's Apartment", discussing what to do now, when it is proven that Hitler is not satisfied with Germany' border.

P. Munch:
"We need to sign a non aggression treaty with Germany, that is the only way we can secure Denmark's borders. Once the borders are secure, we can cut spending to defense and enjoy peace in Denmark"

W. Prior:
"The Nazis have shown twice, they do not respect treaties, they have annexed a country and neither France or Britain have done anything. We must prepare for a German invasion.
We must fortify the border, expand the army and build a coalition to contain German aggression."

P. Munch:
"Prior, have you ever heard about "Dannevirke", the legendary bastion against the Prussians? It did not stop the Prussian army, what makes you think a new Dannevirke would do anything"

W. Prior
"That why we need allies and a properly funded army, so that we don't fight alone with an army with outdated equipment and an unfinished fortification that is not prepared for an invasion" Prior Shouts in anger.

T. Stauning:
"Quiet Prior, shouting won't stop the Germans and Munch is right, no need to build forts and now that our army is fully equipped, we will be ready to defend Denmark"

E. With:
Stauning. We do not have a strategy to defend Denmark and our army is outgunned, the Navy is old and the airforce consist of 34 outdated planes. The only impressive thing in the Danish defense, is a Radar station in Rødvig and some static anti air guns. We do not have time to modenise and expand the Navy enough to defend the islands and we will not have a strong airforce to defend the skies in ready in a short time.

But, we do produce anti aircraft artillery and we are slowly building up a military industry, we maybe able to modernize our land army, so we at least can defend the islands against an invasion, if we build some fortifications, as Prior suggest, we may be able to defends against an attack from Germany. But that would provoke Germany, so i would advise that we will focusing on modenising the army and build up military factories in the islands, as we have done last year, what do you think Andersen?

A. Andersen:
"Forts would be expansive anyway, but building up a large army is expensive too. I can request funds for creating a small but highly trained Army, armed with the equipment and weapons you will find necessary for such force."

T. Stauning:
"Good idea Andersen. I expect With and Prior will begin to modernize the army and make defense plans so we can Defend Denmark, meeting is now over."