Four more battlecruisers are complete. A fleet review takes place in the Baltics. Bohms flotilla is brought up to full strength, while Vice Admiral Marschall takes command of a new fleet. Due to British sabotage, 2 more BC are delayed and are scheduled to be completed in June. Once again the heavy cruisers Graf Spee, Admiral Scheer, Deutschland stand in for the missing battlecruisers. A shortage of modern light cruisers also results in some older models (lvl III) being deployed in Marschall's fleet.
VA Bohm conducts aggressive recon against the British and claims a victim- hopefully the Royal Navy will come out to play. For the first time he has the full complement of X6 BC.
The RN decides to foray out in force. Retreat is considered but orders are to engage the enemy fleet.
Reinforcements rush to the scene as the battle rages. Lacking dedicated naval bombers the Luftwaffe scambles some tactical bombers.
The Royal Navy loses 2 bttleships and virtually no damage is inflicted on the Kriegsmarine units. It is believed the fleeing British ships made it to Norwich.
Sensing a moment of weakness an impulsive decision is made to launch Operation Sealion several months early. 2 Kriegsmarine fleets are ordered to patrol the eastern "English" Channel while the last fleet blocks the western approaches. Submarine packs are lso deployed nearby in an effort to slow down an incursions by the Royal Navy.
The 3rd and last battle of Dover results in another victory. German marines are almost ashore.
Panzers are rushed to the scene. A breakout is ordered.
Diplomatic efforts to bring Spain into the Axis have failed. The German fleet requires access to the naval bases at Alexandria. Gibraltar must fall.....