i say you bring back from mexico Trotsky, and with his help you will take over USSR, he could of course also help you take over mexico
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Again, those Germans show that they are not to be trusted. Evil they are, socialized they will be!
11th of February 1940 - Paris, Socialist Republic of France
The past few months everything remained quiet on the Western Front. The war had settled into "la drôle de guerre", where both sides hid behind their defensive lines. And there are no signs of this situation changing at all. The only activity that has happened in the past few months has been a feeble attempt by the British Royal Air Force to bomb major industrial centers in Germany. The British bombing campaigns have resulted into the practical destruction of Bomber Command, as the Germans were well prepared and equipped with the newest interceptors. On the 11th of February, a diplomat from a former French colony, Equatorial Africa, requested to have a meeting with Premier Blum. The diplomat's request was accepted, and in the afternoon he had a long meeting with Blum.
18th of February 1940 - Palais du Peuple, Paris, Socialist Republic of France
"We must do something! We cannot hide behind our walls forever!", shouted Jean Longuet at the cabinet. Blum sat on the other side of the oak table, not paying attention to Longuet's shouting while lighting a new cigarette. He raised his hand, signalling Longuet to stop raging. "Calm down, Jean. We have received intelligence reports that look rather promising. According to these reports, the Germans have pulled back forces from the southern Rhine sector to be deployed in the North. We can only guess why they committed such a move, but we think they might be planning a strike against Denmark to seal off the Baltic.". Marcel Cachin, Chief of Staff, stood up and unfolded a large map of the southern Rhine sector.
"Our plan is to advance upon the city of Karlsruhe, encircling it and then advancing towards the industrial center of Stuttgart. The black line indicates the main lines of defensive of the German Siegfried line. Our intelligence reports the Siegfried line is weakest in the north-east, so this is where we will attempt to cross the Rhine. While this takes place, a second army will try to cross the Rhine opposing the Black Forest. This is meant as a diversion: the only objective of this advance is to leave the enemy in the dark about our true intentions and to tie down as many reinforcements as possible. Once our armoured spearheads have captured Stuttgart, they will turn around to completely encircle the Black Forest. Then our second army will completely cross the Rhine and establish a defensive line past the Black Forest.". Once more, the cabinet was stunned by these daring plans. But Blum held his ground: "This is the only reasonable opportunity for us to seize the initiative. If it works out, the enemy's industrial capacity would be severely weakened.". "But when it fails, our entire eastern flank could be exposed!", answered Jean Longuet. Now the Minister of Intelligence, Joseph Paganon, responded: "Stop being so dramatic all the time, Jean. I have faith in the intelligence reports of my men. If this plan fails, I will take full responsibility.". Longuet stared at the man, and then walked away in anger. Silently, Blum wondered "how is it possible that we have elected such an idiot?".
The past few months everything remained quiet on the Western Front. The war had settled into "la drôle de guerre", where both sides hid behind their defensive lines. And there are no signs of this situation changing at all. The only activity that has happened in the past few months has been a feeble attempt by the British Royal Air Force to bomb major industrial centers in Germany. The British bombing campaigns have resulted into the practical destruction of Bomber Command, as the Germans were well prepared and equipped with the newest interceptors. On the 11th of February, a diplomat from a former French colony, Equatorial Africa, requested to have a meeting with Premier Blum. The diplomat's request was accepted, and in the afternoon he had a long meeting with Blum.
18th of February 1940 - Palais du Peuple, Paris, Socialist Republic of France
"We must do something! We cannot hide behind our walls forever!", shouted Jean Longuet at the cabinet. Blum sat on the other side of the oak table, not paying attention to Longuet's shouting while lighting a new cigarette. He raised his hand, signalling Longuet to stop raging. "Calm down, Jean. We have received intelligence reports that look rather promising. According to these reports, the Germans have pulled back forces from the southern Rhine sector to be deployed in the North. We can only guess why they committed such a move, but we think they might be planning a strike against Denmark to seal off the Baltic.". Marcel Cachin, Chief of Staff, stood up and unfolded a large map of the southern Rhine sector.
"Our plan is to advance upon the city of Karlsruhe, encircling it and then advancing towards the industrial center of Stuttgart. The black line indicates the main lines of defensive of the German Siegfried line. Our intelligence reports the Siegfried line is weakest in the north-east, so this is where we will attempt to cross the Rhine. While this takes place, a second army will try to cross the Rhine opposing the Black Forest. This is meant as a diversion: the only objective of this advance is to leave the enemy in the dark about our true intentions and to tie down as many reinforcements as possible. Once our armoured spearheads have captured Stuttgart, they will turn around to completely encircle the Black Forest. Then our second army will completely cross the Rhine and establish a defensive line past the Black Forest.". Once more, the cabinet was stunned by these daring plans. But Blum held his ground: "This is the only reasonable opportunity for us to seize the initiative. If it works out, the enemy's industrial capacity would be severely weakened.". "But when it fails, our entire eastern flank could be exposed!", answered Jean Longuet. Now the Minister of Intelligence, Joseph Paganon, responded: "Stop being so dramatic all the time, Jean. I have faith in the intelligence reports of my men. If this plan fails, I will take full responsibility.". Longuet stared at the man, and then walked away in anger. Silently, Blum wondered "how is it possible that we have elected such an idiot?".
Risky plan, I hope it will work !
How many divisions do have the Germans in this area ?
How many divisions do have the Germans in this area ?
12th of March 1940 - Scheibenhard, Socialist Republic of France
Dear Mathilde,
"I've received your letter last night, but only now have I been able to write a reply. We're in hell right now. We spent the past 2 weeks under constant German fire, coming from a single machine gun nest, and only now were we able to neutralize it! We lack food, medical care, ammunition, everything! It's as If they just forgot to bring any. I'm very grateful for the chocolate you sent me: it's been my only real food the past few weeks. Nothing seems to be going to plan: the regiment of my brother, Michel, got slaughtered while trying to cross the Rhine at Neuburg-am-Rhein. I'm not sure If he survived. My own regiment has spent the past 2 weeks trying to break German resistance at the Siegfried Line, but every time we clear a position they unleash deadly artillery fire on us. And If we survive that, there's a new position behind that. And another behind that one. It just goes on!
A few days ago, an Armée de l'Air captain, Louis Bourvil, joined our ranks. His entire squadron got massacred by the Luftwaffe. He and two other pilots have managed to bail out or crash land behind German lines and make it back to our side. He is now part of my team, providing technical assistance. He seems like a very brave man to me: he got shot twice in the leg by a German patrol, but still he didn't leave his wingman behind. He acted as If he was dead; while the Germans were going back to their HQ to report what had happened, Bourvil hobbled back to our lines, carrying his wingman on his back.
But he shouldn't have to go through this. We shouldn't have to go through this. I'm more and more starting to doubt If our generals and our government really care about us at all. In civilian life it seems like we are all that matter, but out here everything looks different. Maybe it is time someone else took power and guided us back to victory.
I'm ever and always yours,
Sergeant Marcel Everson"
Right from the start, it was clear that Plan Rose was doomed. After one week of fighting, the first objective (gaining a Rhine crossing) wasn't achieved at all: the French Army got pinned down all over the Rhine river. But the general leading the operation, General François, refused to halt the offensive. After 3 weeks of constant attacking against an overwhelming enemy resistance, the French Army was brutally beaten and completely battered. Over 55,000 French soldiers and airmen died in the offensive, while the Germans claim to have suffered only 15,000 casualties. The failed offensive has also left most soldiers deeply suspicious of their officers and the government. But as March was ending, they couldn't have forseen what was about to hit them. A typhoon with the potential to sweep socialism out of France...
Dear Mathilde,
"I've received your letter last night, but only now have I been able to write a reply. We're in hell right now. We spent the past 2 weeks under constant German fire, coming from a single machine gun nest, and only now were we able to neutralize it! We lack food, medical care, ammunition, everything! It's as If they just forgot to bring any. I'm very grateful for the chocolate you sent me: it's been my only real food the past few weeks. Nothing seems to be going to plan: the regiment of my brother, Michel, got slaughtered while trying to cross the Rhine at Neuburg-am-Rhein. I'm not sure If he survived. My own regiment has spent the past 2 weeks trying to break German resistance at the Siegfried Line, but every time we clear a position they unleash deadly artillery fire on us. And If we survive that, there's a new position behind that. And another behind that one. It just goes on!
A few days ago, an Armée de l'Air captain, Louis Bourvil, joined our ranks. His entire squadron got massacred by the Luftwaffe. He and two other pilots have managed to bail out or crash land behind German lines and make it back to our side. He is now part of my team, providing technical assistance. He seems like a very brave man to me: he got shot twice in the leg by a German patrol, but still he didn't leave his wingman behind. He acted as If he was dead; while the Germans were going back to their HQ to report what had happened, Bourvil hobbled back to our lines, carrying his wingman on his back.
But he shouldn't have to go through this. We shouldn't have to go through this. I'm more and more starting to doubt If our generals and our government really care about us at all. In civilian life it seems like we are all that matter, but out here everything looks different. Maybe it is time someone else took power and guided us back to victory.
I'm ever and always yours,
Sergeant Marcel Everson"
Right from the start, it was clear that Plan Rose was doomed. After one week of fighting, the first objective (gaining a Rhine crossing) wasn't achieved at all: the French Army got pinned down all over the Rhine river. But the general leading the operation, General François, refused to halt the offensive. After 3 weeks of constant attacking against an overwhelming enemy resistance, the French Army was brutally beaten and completely battered. Over 55,000 French soldiers and airmen died in the offensive, while the Germans claim to have suffered only 15,000 casualties. The failed offensive has also left most soldiers deeply suspicious of their officers and the government. But as March was ending, they couldn't have forseen what was about to hit them. A typhoon with the potential to sweep socialism out of France...
Unfortunately, for France: yes. My organisation levels and morale are really low because I switched over to the Human Wave doctrine. But something far worst hit me in early April.
1st of April 1940 - Paris, Socialist Republic of France
Agence France-Presse Socialiste, København, 9am: Our correspondent in København has reported that at approximately 3am in the morning the German Reich violated Denmark's neutrality. The German I. Armee has crossed into Denmark at Kolding and struck directly at København with an amphibious assault. There are rumours going around that the Danish government will not resist the German invasion, and will offer capitulation.
The German Empire has initiated Fall Weserübung, the invasion of Denmark and Norway. Denmark was taken without a single shot being fired, but Norway refused to capitulate. On the morning of the 1st of April, the Kriegsmarine clashed with the Norwegian navy, sinking the HNoMS Uller and HNoMS Garm. German Imperialism clearing knows no boundaries. But while we were monitoring German actions in Scandinavia, something else happened. Unfortunately, it wasn't an April Fools joke.
The German invasion of the Low Countries had begun.
Agence France-Presse Socialiste, København, 9am: Our correspondent in København has reported that at approximately 3am in the morning the German Reich violated Denmark's neutrality. The German I. Armee has crossed into Denmark at Kolding and struck directly at København with an amphibious assault. There are rumours going around that the Danish government will not resist the German invasion, and will offer capitulation.
The German Empire has initiated Fall Weserübung, the invasion of Denmark and Norway. Denmark was taken without a single shot being fired, but Norway refused to capitulate. On the morning of the 1st of April, the Kriegsmarine clashed with the Norwegian navy, sinking the HNoMS Uller and HNoMS Garm. German Imperialism clearing knows no boundaries. But while we were monitoring German actions in Scandinavia, something else happened. Unfortunately, it wasn't an April Fools joke.
The German invasion of the Low Countries had begun.
4th of April 1940 - Flanders, Kingdom of Belgium
The front on the 4th of April 1940. German Panzertruppen have captured the city of Eindhoven in the Netherlands. Luxembourg has fallen and German forces have entered the former "Ostkantonen".
Directly after the declaration of war the 15ième Armée and the newly formed 25ième Armée (under command of General Weygand) crossed the Belgian border. An agreement was struck between the French and Belgian governments, in which the French promised to defend Flanders in return for a settlement over the disputed city of Brussels. The French Army took positions behind the Albert-channel and the Scheldt river. Currently, no German forces have attempted to cross these positions. This is because the majority of the German Army is either in the Ardennes, where the majority of German Panzerarmees are deployed, or in the Netherlands. French forces have retreated the thinly defended Ostkantonen and have redeployed on the Karl Marx-line.
7th of April 1940 - London, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Following a failed attempt by Chamberlain to appeal "to common sense and to search for a mutual agreement between the British and German people" and a lost vote of confidence, Winston Spencer Churchill (aged 65) was appointed Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Churchill gave a speech in the Commons, stating that "I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat".
In the Kingdom of the Netherlands, however, things weren't good too great for the Allies. After only three days of warfare, the Dutch Army completely collapsed under German pressure and the German Army captured Amsterdam on the 6th of April. On the 7th, a devastating bombardment was launched on the government seat at Den Haag and the city of Rotterdam, killing 10,000 Dutch civilians. The Dutch Royal Family barely managed to cross the Channel, and is now in exile in the United Kingdom.
11th of April 1940 - Antwerp, Kingdom of Belgium
After almost a week of almost no activity on the front, apart from a failed French offensive at Luxembourg, the German Panzertruppen at Eindhoven now moved on to the city of Antwerp. A cornerstone for the defense of Belgium, Antwerp was turned into a gigantic fortress.
The combined forces of the Belgian and French Army numbered 17 divisions in the area, counting over 500,000 men. However, the German attacking force was more than twice as big: counting 35 divisions. However, the efforts of the French workers had paid off: all frontline forces were now equipped with the most modern equipment, making them a match for the German forces. Alot of German divisions still use old, pre-war equipment that became outdated several years ago. An area where this is felt the most are the Panzer divisions: while the Germans have deployed over 30 of them in the border area, only 5 of them are using the new Panzer III tanks. Most other divisions still use the old Panzer I or II's, with some divisions even using an extremely outdated prototype NbFz PzKpfw VI.
Unfortunately, our forces were deeply demoralized thanks to the long winter months of the "Drôle de guerre". Despite our technological superiority, the Germans were able to quickly cross the River Scheldt and bypass Fortress Antwerp. The fortress itself, however, wasn't so easily subdued. During the battle, reinforcements from the neighbouring provinces of Ghent and Namur came to support the defenders, breaking through the German ring of siege and delivering food, ammunitions and supplies. Attempts to airlift supplies were also taken, but after 25 days of tenacious resistance the Fortress collapsed. The Belgian Army surrendered, but our forces managed to make it back to the front lines at Namur, Mons and Ghent. The Battle of Antwerp had been a very costly battle for us. Brussels was captured two days later.
"Status report.", requested Léon Blum. Marcel Cachin pulled out another huge map, grabbed some bright pink, orange and blue markers and started drawing on the map. "Currently everything is going to plan: even though Antwerp has been captured, this wasn't a vital point for our defense. The real danger lies here:", as he drew a large pink circle around a Belgian city called Ghent. "This region, and preferably the city as well, are vital for Plan Arc-en-Ciel to succeed. The situation here is looking slightly bleak at the moment: 20 German divisions, mostly well equipped infantry divisions, have begun engaging our forces in the area. The forces we have in the area are well equipped, but few, because we had sent the majority off to defend Antwerp. We are holding, but German strength in the area is only increasing, while ours in declining. I suggest to temporarily bring our mechanized reserves under Northern HQ and using our tanks as "Fire brigades". Also, all reinforcements should be allocated to the area and every single available division in the country should be sent to the front. If we fail to hold, the Germans will have our northern flank wide open to quickly race to Paris and even further. We cannot afford to lose Ghent: the fate of France is at stake here.". Blum looked at Cachin, staring deeply into the man's eyes. "Are you absolutely sure, Marcel?". Marcel replied, a determined look on his face: "Yes, Léon. It's our only hope.". Blum nodded. He stood up and left the room. Today the fate of France has been decided.
The front on the 4th of April 1940. German Panzertruppen have captured the city of Eindhoven in the Netherlands. Luxembourg has fallen and German forces have entered the former "Ostkantonen".
Directly after the declaration of war the 15ième Armée and the newly formed 25ième Armée (under command of General Weygand) crossed the Belgian border. An agreement was struck between the French and Belgian governments, in which the French promised to defend Flanders in return for a settlement over the disputed city of Brussels. The French Army took positions behind the Albert-channel and the Scheldt river. Currently, no German forces have attempted to cross these positions. This is because the majority of the German Army is either in the Ardennes, where the majority of German Panzerarmees are deployed, or in the Netherlands. French forces have retreated the thinly defended Ostkantonen and have redeployed on the Karl Marx-line.
7th of April 1940 - London, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Following a failed attempt by Chamberlain to appeal "to common sense and to search for a mutual agreement between the British and German people" and a lost vote of confidence, Winston Spencer Churchill (aged 65) was appointed Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Churchill gave a speech in the Commons, stating that "I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat".
In the Kingdom of the Netherlands, however, things weren't good too great for the Allies. After only three days of warfare, the Dutch Army completely collapsed under German pressure and the German Army captured Amsterdam on the 6th of April. On the 7th, a devastating bombardment was launched on the government seat at Den Haag and the city of Rotterdam, killing 10,000 Dutch civilians. The Dutch Royal Family barely managed to cross the Channel, and is now in exile in the United Kingdom.
11th of April 1940 - Antwerp, Kingdom of Belgium
After almost a week of almost no activity on the front, apart from a failed French offensive at Luxembourg, the German Panzertruppen at Eindhoven now moved on to the city of Antwerp. A cornerstone for the defense of Belgium, Antwerp was turned into a gigantic fortress.
The combined forces of the Belgian and French Army numbered 17 divisions in the area, counting over 500,000 men. However, the German attacking force was more than twice as big: counting 35 divisions. However, the efforts of the French workers had paid off: all frontline forces were now equipped with the most modern equipment, making them a match for the German forces. Alot of German divisions still use old, pre-war equipment that became outdated several years ago. An area where this is felt the most are the Panzer divisions: while the Germans have deployed over 30 of them in the border area, only 5 of them are using the new Panzer III tanks. Most other divisions still use the old Panzer I or II's, with some divisions even using an extremely outdated prototype NbFz PzKpfw VI.
Unfortunately, our forces were deeply demoralized thanks to the long winter months of the "Drôle de guerre". Despite our technological superiority, the Germans were able to quickly cross the River Scheldt and bypass Fortress Antwerp. The fortress itself, however, wasn't so easily subdued. During the battle, reinforcements from the neighbouring provinces of Ghent and Namur came to support the defenders, breaking through the German ring of siege and delivering food, ammunitions and supplies. Attempts to airlift supplies were also taken, but after 25 days of tenacious resistance the Fortress collapsed. The Belgian Army surrendered, but our forces managed to make it back to the front lines at Namur, Mons and Ghent. The Battle of Antwerp had been a very costly battle for us. Brussels was captured two days later.
"Status report.", requested Léon Blum. Marcel Cachin pulled out another huge map, grabbed some bright pink, orange and blue markers and started drawing on the map. "Currently everything is going to plan: even though Antwerp has been captured, this wasn't a vital point for our defense. The real danger lies here:", as he drew a large pink circle around a Belgian city called Ghent. "This region, and preferably the city as well, are vital for Plan Arc-en-Ciel to succeed. The situation here is looking slightly bleak at the moment: 20 German divisions, mostly well equipped infantry divisions, have begun engaging our forces in the area. The forces we have in the area are well equipped, but few, because we had sent the majority off to defend Antwerp. We are holding, but German strength in the area is only increasing, while ours in declining. I suggest to temporarily bring our mechanized reserves under Northern HQ and using our tanks as "Fire brigades". Also, all reinforcements should be allocated to the area and every single available division in the country should be sent to the front. If we fail to hold, the Germans will have our northern flank wide open to quickly race to Paris and even further. We cannot afford to lose Ghent: the fate of France is at stake here.". Blum looked at Cachin, staring deeply into the man's eyes. "Are you absolutely sure, Marcel?". Marcel replied, a determined look on his face: "Yes, Léon. It's our only hope.". Blum nodded. He stood up and left the room. Today the fate of France has been decided.
15th of April 1940 - London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
"And now speaking to you over your radio set is the Prime Minister of Norway, who was forced to flee Oslo 6 days ago." was the sound that came out of a radio set, set to the BBC. "Dear people of Norway. I bring you the grave news about the situation of the Allied forces in Norway. Due to overwhelming German pressure, the Allied forces of the United Kingdom, Canada and our own Norway have had to abandon our last bridgeheads at Narvik. A prolonged defense of the city was impossible as German pressure was too high, and every minute more spent on Norwegian soil by the Allied troops would have resulted in more civilian casualties. However, we have denied the enemy the facilities of the harbour of Narvik. I hope you, the brave people of Norway, will understand this and refuse co-operation with the German invaders. You must do anything in your might to sabotage the unlawful invaders. For we will return. Not just return, but we will liberate our country and punish the German invaders. We shall liberate Narvik, Trondheim, Oslo, and every other town in Norway. Not a single speck of land shall be left under German occupation, so that we, the Norwegian people, can be free once more! Together we march on to victory! Long live Norway!" were the words of the Prime Minister of Norway, Vidkun Quisling. Norway was now completely under Nazi occupation.
But there was no time to protest this move, for an event of far great importance was taking place in Belgium. After 4 days of battle, over 39 divisions were now locked into combat in the region of Ghent. 19 French divisions, supported by Belgian militia, were facing 15 German infantry divisions and 5 of some of the best Panzer divisions Germany possessed.
19th of April 1940 - Ghent, Kingdom of Belgium
After 5 more days of combat, 11 new Germany infantry divisions had arrived on the battlefield. The German attackers were starting to wear down though: despite still having a big numerical advantage and a terrain advantage, the Germans weren't able to exploit the mobility of their Panzers. Many were lost in savage streetfighting as the streets of Ghent were turned into a gigantic battlefield. And 15 more French divisions were on the way to relieve the defenders of Ghent and hit back the German war machine.
29th of April 1940 - Ghent, Kingdom of Belgium
Despite even more divisions arriving to assist the German offensive, the Germans kept losing terrain. The newly arrived French divisions their morale was rising again thanks to the determined defense of Ghent and recently new artillery had arrived for most forces. The new forces thrown into the inferno of Ghent weren't just any normal forces, but the elite of the French Army: the best equipped and best trained French infantry and armoured divisions. The armoured divisions have a decisive edge over the German attackers: the German Panzer divisions, already battered from strong resistance in the streets of Ghent, were now also attacked in the flanks by fresh and determined French tank crews. The German Panzer divisions, some at just 25% of their combat strength were called back to Germany for reinforcing. The Germans had lost the momentum of the battle. Socialism had triumphed over Fascism. The Battle of Ghent had been won!
5th of May 1940 - Paris, Socialist Republic of France
To celebrate this decisive victory over the German Army, the 5th of May had been declared a new National Holiday in France. All workers were given the day off to celebrate this remarkable victory, but were also reassured that the war wasn't over yet. A cabinet meeting had been called by Blum to take a look at the current state of affairs. "Status report?", requested Blum of Marcel Cachin. "The Germans have received a bloody nose at Ghent. They have lost their momentum and their Panzer divisions have lost so many casualties they most likely will be out of action for months. But we must realize the German Army hasn't been beaten. It is now time to initiate the next phase of Plan Arc-en-Ciel: to lure the Germans into France. Our lines in the middle of Wallonia are very thinly manned. We hope this will result in the Germans once more trying to seize the initiative and trying to surround our forces in Belgium by racing to the Channel. Our mechanized forces are once again under command of Paris, ready to intervene If the Germans go beyond the previously stipulated lines. We're taking a huge risk by still following Plan Arc-en-Ciel, since it is very likely we won't be able to initiate Plan Luciole at the same time. But If this plan succeeds, we will have destroyed the cream of the German Army and we can attempt to seize the initiative. Let's just hope it works..."
"And now speaking to you over your radio set is the Prime Minister of Norway, who was forced to flee Oslo 6 days ago." was the sound that came out of a radio set, set to the BBC. "Dear people of Norway. I bring you the grave news about the situation of the Allied forces in Norway. Due to overwhelming German pressure, the Allied forces of the United Kingdom, Canada and our own Norway have had to abandon our last bridgeheads at Narvik. A prolonged defense of the city was impossible as German pressure was too high, and every minute more spent on Norwegian soil by the Allied troops would have resulted in more civilian casualties. However, we have denied the enemy the facilities of the harbour of Narvik. I hope you, the brave people of Norway, will understand this and refuse co-operation with the German invaders. You must do anything in your might to sabotage the unlawful invaders. For we will return. Not just return, but we will liberate our country and punish the German invaders. We shall liberate Narvik, Trondheim, Oslo, and every other town in Norway. Not a single speck of land shall be left under German occupation, so that we, the Norwegian people, can be free once more! Together we march on to victory! Long live Norway!" were the words of the Prime Minister of Norway, Vidkun Quisling. Norway was now completely under Nazi occupation.
But there was no time to protest this move, for an event of far great importance was taking place in Belgium. After 4 days of battle, over 39 divisions were now locked into combat in the region of Ghent. 19 French divisions, supported by Belgian militia, were facing 15 German infantry divisions and 5 of some of the best Panzer divisions Germany possessed.
19th of April 1940 - Ghent, Kingdom of Belgium
After 5 more days of combat, 11 new Germany infantry divisions had arrived on the battlefield. The German attackers were starting to wear down though: despite still having a big numerical advantage and a terrain advantage, the Germans weren't able to exploit the mobility of their Panzers. Many were lost in savage streetfighting as the streets of Ghent were turned into a gigantic battlefield. And 15 more French divisions were on the way to relieve the defenders of Ghent and hit back the German war machine.
29th of April 1940 - Ghent, Kingdom of Belgium
Despite even more divisions arriving to assist the German offensive, the Germans kept losing terrain. The newly arrived French divisions their morale was rising again thanks to the determined defense of Ghent and recently new artillery had arrived for most forces. The new forces thrown into the inferno of Ghent weren't just any normal forces, but the elite of the French Army: the best equipped and best trained French infantry and armoured divisions. The armoured divisions have a decisive edge over the German attackers: the German Panzer divisions, already battered from strong resistance in the streets of Ghent, were now also attacked in the flanks by fresh and determined French tank crews. The German Panzer divisions, some at just 25% of their combat strength were called back to Germany for reinforcing. The Germans had lost the momentum of the battle. Socialism had triumphed over Fascism. The Battle of Ghent had been won!
5th of May 1940 - Paris, Socialist Republic of France
To celebrate this decisive victory over the German Army, the 5th of May had been declared a new National Holiday in France. All workers were given the day off to celebrate this remarkable victory, but were also reassured that the war wasn't over yet. A cabinet meeting had been called by Blum to take a look at the current state of affairs. "Status report?", requested Blum of Marcel Cachin. "The Germans have received a bloody nose at Ghent. They have lost their momentum and their Panzer divisions have lost so many casualties they most likely will be out of action for months. But we must realize the German Army hasn't been beaten. It is now time to initiate the next phase of Plan Arc-en-Ciel: to lure the Germans into France. Our lines in the middle of Wallonia are very thinly manned. We hope this will result in the Germans once more trying to seize the initiative and trying to surround our forces in Belgium by racing to the Channel. Our mechanized forces are once again under command of Paris, ready to intervene If the Germans go beyond the previously stipulated lines. We're taking a huge risk by still following Plan Arc-en-Ciel, since it is very likely we won't be able to initiate Plan Luciole at the same time. But If this plan succeeds, we will have destroyed the cream of the German Army and we can attempt to seize the initiative. Let's just hope it works..."
Nice job in Ghent, I hope the next phase of your plan will be a success.
Oh..and Quisling calling his compatriots to fight the Germans...that was unexpected !
Oh..and Quisling calling his compatriots to fight the Germans...that was unexpected !
29th of May 1940 - Kingdom of Belgium and the Socialist Republic of France
After the German defeat in Ghent and at the Karl Marx-line, things looked more like a scene from 1914 than from 1940: everywhere, French and Belgian forces were digging in, while the Germans were regrouping. Overhead, the Armée de l'Air was capable of shooting down German bombers, but were forced to pull back one German fighters showed up because of its low combat strength. After two weeks however, the Germans renewed their offensive with armoured spearheads aiming for the Channel coast.
Forces of the French Army were ordered to only put up minimal resistance, to retreat and to preserve as much equipment as possible. The German Panzer divisions quickly advanced behind our lines, capturing the industrial center of Lille without meeting resistance. However, another German charge at the Karl Marx-line resulted in a massacre not seen since the First World War. Only 630 French soldiers died, taking with them 13,800 German soldiers!
Adolf Hitler, not believing the incredible advances his forces had made, issued a Haltebefehl on the 2nd of July, but the commander of Armeegruppe Panzer, Heinz Guderian, ignored it and kept pushing forward towards the coast: exactly 22 hours later did his spearhead, the 6th Panzer Division under command of Lt. General Erwin Rommel, reach the port of Calais. Over 300,000 French and 75,000 Belgian forces were now seemingly trapped in a gigantic pocket.
But what the German High Command hadn't counter on was that there were still large tank formations inside France itself, who were now made operational and halted the German breakthrough. Supplies were shipped into the encircled area by the French Navy, ensuring that the pocket did not collapse. German infantry forces, lagging behind the Panzers, attempted to save the situation and break out into the French interior behind the Karl Marx-line but were halted just in time. German morale was starting to waver, whereas French morale had received a massive boost by these victories. A massive counter-offensive was begun, and for the first time since the Belgian war, it seemed like we had a slight chance of winning.
The French counter-offensive, led by General Condé.
After the German defeat in Ghent and at the Karl Marx-line, things looked more like a scene from 1914 than from 1940: everywhere, French and Belgian forces were digging in, while the Germans were regrouping. Overhead, the Armée de l'Air was capable of shooting down German bombers, but were forced to pull back one German fighters showed up because of its low combat strength. After two weeks however, the Germans renewed their offensive with armoured spearheads aiming for the Channel coast.
Forces of the French Army were ordered to only put up minimal resistance, to retreat and to preserve as much equipment as possible. The German Panzer divisions quickly advanced behind our lines, capturing the industrial center of Lille without meeting resistance. However, another German charge at the Karl Marx-line resulted in a massacre not seen since the First World War. Only 630 French soldiers died, taking with them 13,800 German soldiers!
Adolf Hitler, not believing the incredible advances his forces had made, issued a Haltebefehl on the 2nd of July, but the commander of Armeegruppe Panzer, Heinz Guderian, ignored it and kept pushing forward towards the coast: exactly 22 hours later did his spearhead, the 6th Panzer Division under command of Lt. General Erwin Rommel, reach the port of Calais. Over 300,000 French and 75,000 Belgian forces were now seemingly trapped in a gigantic pocket.
But what the German High Command hadn't counter on was that there were still large tank formations inside France itself, who were now made operational and halted the German breakthrough. Supplies were shipped into the encircled area by the French Navy, ensuring that the pocket did not collapse. German infantry forces, lagging behind the Panzers, attempted to save the situation and break out into the French interior behind the Karl Marx-line but were halted just in time. German morale was starting to waver, whereas French morale had received a massive boost by these victories. A massive counter-offensive was begun, and for the first time since the Belgian war, it seemed like we had a slight chance of winning.
The French counter-offensive, led by General Condé.
Ahaha ! soon the encircler will be encircled !
After being barely to hold my lines in the previous battles, I was kinda suprised how easy it was to contain the German advance once I had limited air superiority.
The Germans have far greater numbers, but their tanks are almost all of inferior quality (Panzer I's or NbFz PzKpfw VI) which does seem to matter alot. Also, German numbers on my front seem to have decreased after their initial offensive failed. I have spotted a British landing in Denmark while I was defending Ghent, but that only lasted 2 days. Maybe the AI is pulling back troops to prevent the British from kicking in the back door, but it seems kinda silly that they retreat +20 divisions to guard Denmark.
Denmark is not that far away from Berlin, but yes it's maybe not the smartest move from them...good for you though.
All my AAR's have been put on hold indefinately. Alot of IRL stuff has come up lately and I simply cannot afford to spend any extra time writing on them, and I hardly find time to play. I'll spare you the boring details, I just completely fucked up something very important to me and I need all my time to get things right again. I probably won't be able to update for the upcoming 2/3 weeks almost certain. After that I'll see how the situation develops.
I'm sorry for anyone who was following this AAR, but IRL problems > Internet. I hope you all understand
I'm sorry for anyone who was following this AAR, but IRL problems > Internet. I hope you all understand