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Yiiiikes. The extremely lenient terms of that treaty are spooky. Hitler is obviously gearing up for his war with Stalin, as I noted earlier - with Britain out of the picture, there's no need to dominate France as badly. And Hitler probably hopes to bring Halifax along in his war against the Soviets. That's a darned intriguing scenario in which WWII lasted all of a few weeks, and wasn't a world war at all. But the war with the Soviets is going to be an infernal mess indeed, when it finally arrives. Which side Britain joins will be critical, and judging from the rising hooliganism in East London, I am wondering if a slightly Nazified Britain may go on an anti-bolshevik crusade.
Good, good, stuff. That line in particular was hair-prickling.
Good, good, stuff. That line in particular was hair-prickling.
Oh shoite. It seems that ze Germans will end up with a Vichy-type France that hates the Brits for abandoning them ( They have no way to know that they would have lost anyway ) and that might actually enter the Axis at one point.
I suppose the one thing we can thank Halifax's cowardice for is the an adventure against the Soviet's is off the cards. He's only staying in power because 'The war is over', hurling the country into another war is A. Out of character and B. Going to get him thrown out of office.
The flip side of his cowardice is that there will be no Arctic convoys to the Soviets, though I fear the war could be over before their loss is noticed.
Given Germany now has no distractions, no occupation duties and should be able to launch Barbarossa in early Spring (Perhaps even as early as March) rather than June the Soviets could be out of it by the end of the year. If the panzers reach Moscow even a month or so early (September not October) when the ground is still hard and the weather not so cold then it could be Good Night Vienna for Stalin and the Soviet Union.
And I don't think they'll be getting a lenient deal out of Ze Germanski...
The flip side of his cowardice is that there will be no Arctic convoys to the Soviets, though I fear the war could be over before their loss is noticed.
Given Germany now has no distractions, no occupation duties and should be able to launch Barbarossa in early Spring (Perhaps even as early as March) rather than June the Soviets could be out of it by the end of the year. If the panzers reach Moscow even a month or so early (September not October) when the ground is still hard and the weather not so cold then it could be Good Night Vienna for Stalin and the Soviet Union.
And I don't think they'll be getting a lenient deal out of Ze Germanski...
Oi vey. Very clever of the Germans to not punish the French too much - though please tell me the Compiegne train car was blown up! - and thus separate the Frogs from the Entente Cordiale for good. Interesting to see what havoc Musso's adventures in the Middle East will bring to the Empire, and whether ze Germanz will reach Moscow before comrade Winter is awaken from his vodka-induced stupor and given a command.
- and thus separate the Frogs from the Entente Cordiale for good. Interesting to see what havoc Musso's adventures in the Middle East will bring to the Empire, and whether ze Germanz will reach Moscow before comrade Winter is awaken from his vodka-induced stupor and given a command.
You're doing this wrong. More correct would be "For you, ze war iz ova!"
Interesting.
Any chances of Italy feeling snubbed enough they'll team up with some anti-german power? (if France gets hostile enough and Germany is otherwise preoccupied we might get France vs. UK and Italy...)
Any chances of Italy feeling snubbed enough they'll team up with some anti-german power? (if France gets hostile enough and Germany is otherwise preoccupied we might get France vs. UK and Italy...)
Ahh, of course Jonesy...I completely forgot about Jacobite...although as soon as I read it, I pictured the Viscount Halifax pushing young children out of his way as he attempted to secure his own backside from Nazi bombing...but I do agree with the rest, it appears Herr Hitler may be turning is focus upon the Soviet Union and the Balkans.
~Hawk
~Hawk
Chapter 53, Chequers, 22 June 1940
Attlee and Sinclair knew immediately that something was not right. Halifax seemed genuinely unhappy, and invited them both to remain at Chequers with him over the weekend. For Attlee, there was a genuine regret that Halifax had not done this sooner. Attlee, a private man himself, understood that the Prime Minister was deeply introverted and therefore preferred to work within smaller groups, or, preferably, by private audiences with individuals. He also, as a lawyer, understood the value of discussion and negotiation away from the glare of prying eyes. But not, Attlee decided, when such negotiations resulted in secret deals affecting the future of untold millions. He suspected that Sinclair harboured similar concerns, though the Liberal Leader had been a hardworking and discreet member of the National Government that Halifax headed.
Halifax had been keen to take Attlee and Sinclair riding. Attlee wasn’t enthusiastic and instead the three men had strolled through the grounds, enjoying the summer weather. Strolling through the Buckinghamshire countryside, with the Chiltern Hills in the distance, the three had chatted openly on a number of crucial matters of state. Halifax, relishing the role of proud (if temporary) lord of the manor, noted Sinclair’s enjoyment in particular (Sinclair was, like Halifax, a landowner). Attlee noted with approval Halifax’s grudging acknowledgement that more should be done to help the urban working classes at home, he and Sinclair pledging their support for a ‘pet project of Oliver’s’ that would substantially improve the standard of housing in Britain. But the Deputy Prime Minister never lost his sense of reality. He was struck by that afternoon stroll and would later famously recall:
“It was the perfect English scene. Three gentlemen of state enjoying England’s rural beauty in the stunning afternoon light; the dangers of totalitarian Europe far, far away. That was my worry with Viscount Halifax: he never saw the world beyond the sleepy village green and the soaring Anglican spires. Dangers and adventures were the stuff of the far away Empire and the Viscount had honourably done his duty out there before returning home to the family seat.”
The gentlemen returned to Chequers to change for dinner. Halifax had been sent some particularly fine venison from his estate in Yorkshire and was looking forward to sharing it with Sinclair and Attlee. The dinner was particularly fine until the butler brought a small envelope for the Prime Minister’s attention. Halifax apologised for dealing with business at the dinner table and quickly read the contents. He sighed, and flopped deep into the seat. Attlee read Halifax’s expression perfectly:
“Bad news?”
“Ah,” Halifax sighed again. “I must now bwief you gentleman, I suppose,” he sounded gruff, unhappy. “I have, through Rab and ‘Chips’ Channon, offered the South Africans a region of territory north of their Dominion to them as compensation for the pwovisions of our treaty with the Germans.”
Sinclair looked intrigued. Attlee was immediately, suspicious, probing. “Prime Minister,” he began formally (especially after such a relaxed weekend), “will this be taken to the Cabinet for discussion?” Beside, him, Sinclair nodded his agreement.
“If required, though I would hope that its merits are obvious.”
Attlee threw his hands up in despair. Sinclair, sensing the impasse, interjected. “Could this not be a decision best left until after the election?”
The effect upon Halifax was impressive. Caught unprepared, his mouth flapped open and he struggled to find the trap he feared was being laid. “The election?”
Attlee prevented Sinclair from replying. “Archie is quite right, now that peace has been achieved there must be an election.”
“But, surely now is the time to maintain a united fwont…”
“If we were at war unhesitatingly yes. But we are at peace, and domestic politics must resume. I, like Archie here, am under pressure from my senior MPs to push for an election as soon as possible.”
Halifax put down his fork and rubbed his head. “When would you like the election?”
Attlee and Sinclair exchanged glances, Sinclair nodded. “August or September. A failure to announce a date before the end of September will result in the Labour Party leaving the National Government.”
“Does the Liberal Party feel the same way?”
“Ay, My Lord, we do.”
Halifax nodded, accepting defeat. “Vewy well gentlemen, we are agreed. I will discuss with His Majesty a Genewal Election in September. Now, given that this will be three months away, I must ask you to consider the South African situation. Are you or against the suggestions?”
Attlee raised a hand. “Cabinet, My Lord, I must insist that this goes before the Cabinet.”
[Game Effect] – And so Halifax concedes the election issue. Of course a General Election was going to happen as soon as Germany was no longer an enemy (either through her defeat or a peace treaty) given that the previous one was in 1935! Could, constitutionally, some sort of delaying measure be adopted? The answer is yes, but (for it to have widespread support) not without an exceptionally good reason (which Halifax doesn’t have). I think the Labour Party have got it just about right in giving Halifax three months before demanding a ballot. So Halifax has, potentially, only three months left in which to make his mark on the world.
The South Africa territory farce lumbers on. Whilst I don’t think Attlee would welcome it, I doubt he would be furious as it’s not as if Halifax is giving more land to the Germans. That said he would be deeply suspicious of the Prime Minister’s reluctance to put the matter before Parliament. Will the South Africa deal bring down the Halifax administration? Unlikely, though the effects upon that Dominion could, potentially, be dramatic.
Enewald: Not quite; at present Western Europe has a shared anti-communism and a right-wing outlook (putting it mildly) but there are differences amongst the powers.
Phargle: Indeed, an exceptionally lenient treaty (though in reality there were no colonial demands) as Germany seems only to want a redress of Versailles. A lot of this, evidently, has come because of Britain’s swift exit as the lack of a perfidious Albion across the Channel allows Germany to be clever in her peace terms. As to Halifax joining an anti-Russian crusade, the role of Britain will be closely looked at by both Hitler and Stalin.
Trekaddict: Indeed. With a reasonably supportive Germany now looking to work with France Britain will be viewed with hostility by the new French government. The story of France is one of the more interesting of this AAR.
El Pip: Agreed, Halifax would need an extremely strong and unified cabinet before even contemplating a war. But he wouldn’t on his own motivation.
Morsky: Italy’s position is unenviable: Germany seems just as keen to befriend France as it does them, making their close links with them questionable. Will Italy go charging off into Arabia? Stay tuned!
Trekaddict:
Arilou: An interesting concept. It all depends on how Mussolini views his relationship with Hitler now that the Western European war is over. Would he view the French Empire as a prime target for Italian expansion?
Hawkeye1489: Oh no, the Navy will have escorted him away long before the need for that arises.
Attlee and Sinclair knew immediately that something was not right. Halifax seemed genuinely unhappy, and invited them both to remain at Chequers with him over the weekend. For Attlee, there was a genuine regret that Halifax had not done this sooner. Attlee, a private man himself, understood that the Prime Minister was deeply introverted and therefore preferred to work within smaller groups, or, preferably, by private audiences with individuals. He also, as a lawyer, understood the value of discussion and negotiation away from the glare of prying eyes. But not, Attlee decided, when such negotiations resulted in secret deals affecting the future of untold millions. He suspected that Sinclair harboured similar concerns, though the Liberal Leader had been a hardworking and discreet member of the National Government that Halifax headed.
Halifax had been keen to take Attlee and Sinclair riding. Attlee wasn’t enthusiastic and instead the three men had strolled through the grounds, enjoying the summer weather. Strolling through the Buckinghamshire countryside, with the Chiltern Hills in the distance, the three had chatted openly on a number of crucial matters of state. Halifax, relishing the role of proud (if temporary) lord of the manor, noted Sinclair’s enjoyment in particular (Sinclair was, like Halifax, a landowner). Attlee noted with approval Halifax’s grudging acknowledgement that more should be done to help the urban working classes at home, he and Sinclair pledging their support for a ‘pet project of Oliver’s’ that would substantially improve the standard of housing in Britain. But the Deputy Prime Minister never lost his sense of reality. He was struck by that afternoon stroll and would later famously recall:
“It was the perfect English scene. Three gentlemen of state enjoying England’s rural beauty in the stunning afternoon light; the dangers of totalitarian Europe far, far away. That was my worry with Viscount Halifax: he never saw the world beyond the sleepy village green and the soaring Anglican spires. Dangers and adventures were the stuff of the far away Empire and the Viscount had honourably done his duty out there before returning home to the family seat.”
The gentlemen returned to Chequers to change for dinner. Halifax had been sent some particularly fine venison from his estate in Yorkshire and was looking forward to sharing it with Sinclair and Attlee. The dinner was particularly fine until the butler brought a small envelope for the Prime Minister’s attention. Halifax apologised for dealing with business at the dinner table and quickly read the contents. He sighed, and flopped deep into the seat. Attlee read Halifax’s expression perfectly:
“Bad news?”
“Ah,” Halifax sighed again. “I must now bwief you gentleman, I suppose,” he sounded gruff, unhappy. “I have, through Rab and ‘Chips’ Channon, offered the South Africans a region of territory north of their Dominion to them as compensation for the pwovisions of our treaty with the Germans.”
Sinclair looked intrigued. Attlee was immediately, suspicious, probing. “Prime Minister,” he began formally (especially after such a relaxed weekend), “will this be taken to the Cabinet for discussion?” Beside, him, Sinclair nodded his agreement.
“If required, though I would hope that its merits are obvious.”
Attlee threw his hands up in despair. Sinclair, sensing the impasse, interjected. “Could this not be a decision best left until after the election?”
The effect upon Halifax was impressive. Caught unprepared, his mouth flapped open and he struggled to find the trap he feared was being laid. “The election?”
Attlee prevented Sinclair from replying. “Archie is quite right, now that peace has been achieved there must be an election.”
“But, surely now is the time to maintain a united fwont…”
“If we were at war unhesitatingly yes. But we are at peace, and domestic politics must resume. I, like Archie here, am under pressure from my senior MPs to push for an election as soon as possible.”
Halifax put down his fork and rubbed his head. “When would you like the election?”
Attlee and Sinclair exchanged glances, Sinclair nodded. “August or September. A failure to announce a date before the end of September will result in the Labour Party leaving the National Government.”
“Does the Liberal Party feel the same way?”
“Ay, My Lord, we do.”
Halifax nodded, accepting defeat. “Vewy well gentlemen, we are agreed. I will discuss with His Majesty a Genewal Election in September. Now, given that this will be three months away, I must ask you to consider the South African situation. Are you or against the suggestions?”
Attlee raised a hand. “Cabinet, My Lord, I must insist that this goes before the Cabinet.”
[Game Effect] – And so Halifax concedes the election issue. Of course a General Election was going to happen as soon as Germany was no longer an enemy (either through her defeat or a peace treaty) given that the previous one was in 1935! Could, constitutionally, some sort of delaying measure be adopted? The answer is yes, but (for it to have widespread support) not without an exceptionally good reason (which Halifax doesn’t have). I think the Labour Party have got it just about right in giving Halifax three months before demanding a ballot. So Halifax has, potentially, only three months left in which to make his mark on the world.
The South Africa territory farce lumbers on. Whilst I don’t think Attlee would welcome it, I doubt he would be furious as it’s not as if Halifax is giving more land to the Germans. That said he would be deeply suspicious of the Prime Minister’s reluctance to put the matter before Parliament. Will the South Africa deal bring down the Halifax administration? Unlikely, though the effects upon that Dominion could, potentially, be dramatic.
Enewald: Not quite; at present Western Europe has a shared anti-communism and a right-wing outlook (putting it mildly) but there are differences amongst the powers.
Phargle: Indeed, an exceptionally lenient treaty (though in reality there were no colonial demands) as Germany seems only to want a redress of Versailles. A lot of this, evidently, has come because of Britain’s swift exit as the lack of a perfidious Albion across the Channel allows Germany to be clever in her peace terms. As to Halifax joining an anti-Russian crusade, the role of Britain will be closely looked at by both Hitler and Stalin.
Trekaddict: Indeed. With a reasonably supportive Germany now looking to work with France Britain will be viewed with hostility by the new French government. The story of France is one of the more interesting of this AAR.
El Pip: Agreed, Halifax would need an extremely strong and unified cabinet before even contemplating a war. But he wouldn’t on his own motivation.
Morsky: Italy’s position is unenviable: Germany seems just as keen to befriend France as it does them, making their close links with them questionable. Will Italy go charging off into Arabia? Stay tuned!
Trekaddict:
Arilou: An interesting concept. It all depends on how Mussolini views his relationship with Hitler now that the Western European war is over. Would he view the French Empire as a prime target for Italian expansion?
Hawkeye1489: Oh no, the Navy will have escorted him away long before the need for that arises.
Oh dear. My only hope is that Halifax mucks it up before the election and gets the boot. Considering who we are talking about, it is very likely.
Anyway, I think it's too late for re-starting the war now, but if someone else who actually has a spine sits in No.10 ze Germans better watch out. German declaration of war over British aid for Russia anyone?
Anyway, I think it's too late for re-starting the war now, but if someone else who actually has a spine sits in No.10 ze Germans better watch out. German declaration of war over British aid for Russia anyone?
Alas booting Halifax prior to the election only increases the chances of a Labour victory. As a Labour government inevitably means unemployment, bankruptcy and general misery for Britain I am, reluctantly, forced into supporting Halifax.Oh dear. My only hope is that Halifax mucks it up before the election and gets the boot. Considering who we are talking about, it is very likely.
Though I do of course hope for a Conservative coup straight after the election.
Alas booting Halifax prior to the election only increases the chances of a Labour victory. As a Labour government inevitably means unemployment, bankruptcy and general misery for Britain I am, reluctantly, forced into supporting Halifax.
Though I do of course hope for a Conservative coup straight after the election.
As do I.
EDIT: You'll love the bit I am currently working on as the next intermission in my own AAR....
Bah, elections. Such horrid affairs these days, now that the great unwashed have the right to participate, wot. Lord Halifax just isn't suited to pandering to the depraved and brutish sensibilities of the unenlightened masses. I wecommend an immediate wevocation of the Wefowm Acts and restoration of a Stuart-style absolutist monarchy. The recent events in Europe clearly show world democracy will go the way of the dodo in short order, no?
I wecommend an immediate wevocation of the Wefowm Acts and restoration of a Stuart-style absolutist monarchy. The recent events in Europe clearly show world democracy will go the way of the dodo in short order, no?
Alas booting Halifax prior to the election only increases the chances of a Labour victory. As a Labour government inevitably means unemployment, bankruptcy and general misery for Britain I am, reluctantly, forced into supporting Halifax.
Though I do of course hope for a Conservative coup straight after the election.
As do I.
EDIT: You'll love the bit I am currently working on as the next intermission in my own AAR....
State of amazement increasing...
Now I feel as some English king troubled by a priest...
Chapter 54, Downing Street, 24 June 1940
Halifax received Sir Samuel Hoare in good humour. Sir Samuel, a former Foreign Secretary, Home Secretary and once a man ‘tipped for the top’ bowed to his Prime Minister and informally, Halifax suggesting retiring to the gardens. It was a beautiful summer morning, with not a cloud in the sky. Halifax held Hoare in esteem; he seemed to the Prime Minister a man of conscience. As a key supporter of Chamberlain he had nevertheless been a key advocate of increasing Britain’s naval power, the ships that were soon to take their place at the van of the Royal Navy. And Halifax felt a keen sorrow for Hoare’s self-torture over Munich. But despite his misgivings he had supported Chamberlain and Halifax and as such was held in high regard.
“Samuel, I am gwateful for your visiting me. I thought perhaps you could stay for lunch. Nothing too heavy, it is so warm I do not think that I could abide a full lunch.”
“It is a lovely day My Lord. Of course I will stay.”
“Good, good. Lemonade?” Halifax was tactfully reminding Hoare.
“Oh yes of course,” he began to fill two tumblers from a small jug. “Have you had an opportunity to read my briefing?”
“Yes, I have. You think now is the time for Newall to go?”
“I think it is an ideal time. After all, the Air Chief Marshal has been in office for three years. And he’s still,” Hoare sighed. Halifax looked expectantly at his Secretary of State for Air. “He’s still furious with us for overruling him during the invasion of France.”
“Did we?”
“Well,” Hoare paused, choosing his words carefully. “You may recall that he opposed the reinforcement of the RAF presence in Northern France.”
“But did he thweaten resignation?”
“Not as I remember, Sir, no.”
It was a good point, and Hoare noted it. “Unfortunately he is still vexed about it all. He thinks that we sacrificed his precious RAF to strengthen our position at the negotiating table.”
Halifax, characteristically, pursed his lips. “I see. When were we thinking of weplacing him?”
“As soon as we have allocated a replacement. With Ironside leaving as CIGS now is a good time to consider a new Chief of the Air Staff.”
“Do we have a candidate?”
“Well, this may sound odd, but I am impressed by Dowding.” Halifax raised an eyebrow. “I know that it may sound dubious, replacing one curmudgeon with another, but his vision for Fighter Command is a good one.”
Halifax wasn’t convinced. Of all the senior military positions, he sensed this would be the most difficult to assign. Stanley was already proving to be a highly effective First Lord of the Admiralty, complementing the First Sea Lord, Pound (and Stanley seemed eager to keep Pound in post), whilst Dill was already proving a godsend in the War Office. But the RAF’s future was being hotly debated. There were some, Halifax new, who still wanted a large strategic bombing capability to act as both an offensive tool and a deterrent. Others, and here Halifax suspected Dowding would ally himself with Hoare, argued passionately for a strong interceptor network, aided by the new radio direction technologies and providing a powerful defence (in tandem with the Royal Navy) of the Home Islands. Others, Hankey and Eden in particular, favoured developing aircraft that could work closely with the Army. The Prime Minister, in truth, new very little about aircraft or their employment. As Foreign Secretary he had visited Germany and Italy, and had been awed by their air forces. The RAF, he had counselled himself, was equally as impressive. But, he allowed, I have read the reports of an aerial attack on England, particularly London. I know how aeroplanes could wreck our economy, and smash our cities. If Dowding wanted to comprehensively protect the British mainland, he would have the Prime Minister’s full support.
“I think Dowding would be useful in the Air Ministry. Will he accept?”
Hoare smiled. “Now that you’ve denied him a chance to lead Fighter Command against the Luftwaffe? He’ll certainly be tempted.”
[Game Effect] – Newall steps down as Chief of the Air Staff and Dowding succeeds him. Halifax, I think, would have swallowed some of the German/Italian propaganda about bombers ruling the skies and would, as a senior member of the government, have read the gloomy estimates for the effects of bombing on the UK mainland. Because of this Dowding, a flag-waver for Fighter Command, would have been an attractive choice as CAS. Historically, Portal of course took over from Newall after impressing Churchill with his powerful advocacy for strategic bombing (he was CINC of Bomber Command prior to his appointment as CAS) and becoming one of the few senior British officers to impress the Americans. For Halifax though, the 30’s nightmare of “the bomber will always get through” has taken hold and the CINC of Fighter Command, rather than Bomber Command, is promoted. Interestingly, this is another rare example of ideology overriding personality as the key requirement for consideration for a job. Hankey, Stanley, Dill, Beaverbrook, even Eden, have been appointed to their respective positions because of their personal attributes (or power within the party/nation which I guess is similar). “Stuffy” Dowding will not be the easiest person to work with, but such is Halifax’s worry over a bomber threat that he is prepared to go along with the best candidate to deliver a solution. The only other person appointed because of their beliefs is Butler, kept as a Foreign Office minister (and made Leader of the Commons) because of his pro-appeasement credentials, despite misgivings over his ability.
Sir Samuel Hoare (later Viscount Templewood) saw his fortunes wane throughout the late ‘30s, culminating in his dispatch to Spain in 1940 upon Churchill’s becoming PM (he requested the Viceroyalty of India, but Labour would not have condoned this for a second). For the moment Halifax is content to let him soldier on as Air Minister.
Enewald: Why? Surely they’re more likely to accept the offer of free land before storming out of the Commonwealth.
Trekaddict: Well, he’s got three months before the election in which to make his mark on the world.
I loved your scenario of an ‘aid to Russia’ scandal restarting the war. Halifax would have to be careful as overt assistance would of course be in breach of his agreement. Would he try covert means? I think he’d have to be pushed into it.
El Pip: Sadly true. Labour in 1940 would have a difficult time in office, especially as there has been no huge war to settle much of the issues of the day. But the Tories have had a rollercoaster of a time since Halifax came to power which would have weakened their position.
Trekaddict: Looking forward to it.
GeneralHannibal: Interesting thought, not sure that Attlee would be any better at this stage.
Morsky: Joking aside, there was definitely a Oligarch side to Halifax. And at the moment, democracy looks very vulnerable.
Kurt_Steiner: :rofl:
All: No update until Sunday night (GMT) at the earliest as I’m playing the dutiful husband again and visiting the in-laws.
Halifax received Sir Samuel Hoare in good humour. Sir Samuel, a former Foreign Secretary, Home Secretary and once a man ‘tipped for the top’ bowed to his Prime Minister and informally, Halifax suggesting retiring to the gardens. It was a beautiful summer morning, with not a cloud in the sky. Halifax held Hoare in esteem; he seemed to the Prime Minister a man of conscience. As a key supporter of Chamberlain he had nevertheless been a key advocate of increasing Britain’s naval power, the ships that were soon to take their place at the van of the Royal Navy. And Halifax felt a keen sorrow for Hoare’s self-torture over Munich. But despite his misgivings he had supported Chamberlain and Halifax and as such was held in high regard.
“Samuel, I am gwateful for your visiting me. I thought perhaps you could stay for lunch. Nothing too heavy, it is so warm I do not think that I could abide a full lunch.”
“It is a lovely day My Lord. Of course I will stay.”
“Good, good. Lemonade?” Halifax was tactfully reminding Hoare.
“Oh yes of course,” he began to fill two tumblers from a small jug. “Have you had an opportunity to read my briefing?”
“Yes, I have. You think now is the time for Newall to go?”
“I think it is an ideal time. After all, the Air Chief Marshal has been in office for three years. And he’s still,” Hoare sighed. Halifax looked expectantly at his Secretary of State for Air. “He’s still furious with us for overruling him during the invasion of France.”
“Did we?”
“Well,” Hoare paused, choosing his words carefully. “You may recall that he opposed the reinforcement of the RAF presence in Northern France.”
“But did he thweaten resignation?”
“Not as I remember, Sir, no.”
It was a good point, and Hoare noted it. “Unfortunately he is still vexed about it all. He thinks that we sacrificed his precious RAF to strengthen our position at the negotiating table.”
Halifax, characteristically, pursed his lips. “I see. When were we thinking of weplacing him?”
“As soon as we have allocated a replacement. With Ironside leaving as CIGS now is a good time to consider a new Chief of the Air Staff.”
“Do we have a candidate?”
“Well, this may sound odd, but I am impressed by Dowding.” Halifax raised an eyebrow. “I know that it may sound dubious, replacing one curmudgeon with another, but his vision for Fighter Command is a good one.”
Halifax wasn’t convinced. Of all the senior military positions, he sensed this would be the most difficult to assign. Stanley was already proving to be a highly effective First Lord of the Admiralty, complementing the First Sea Lord, Pound (and Stanley seemed eager to keep Pound in post), whilst Dill was already proving a godsend in the War Office. But the RAF’s future was being hotly debated. There were some, Halifax new, who still wanted a large strategic bombing capability to act as both an offensive tool and a deterrent. Others, and here Halifax suspected Dowding would ally himself with Hoare, argued passionately for a strong interceptor network, aided by the new radio direction technologies and providing a powerful defence (in tandem with the Royal Navy) of the Home Islands. Others, Hankey and Eden in particular, favoured developing aircraft that could work closely with the Army. The Prime Minister, in truth, new very little about aircraft or their employment. As Foreign Secretary he had visited Germany and Italy, and had been awed by their air forces. The RAF, he had counselled himself, was equally as impressive. But, he allowed, I have read the reports of an aerial attack on England, particularly London. I know how aeroplanes could wreck our economy, and smash our cities. If Dowding wanted to comprehensively protect the British mainland, he would have the Prime Minister’s full support.
“I think Dowding would be useful in the Air Ministry. Will he accept?”
Hoare smiled. “Now that you’ve denied him a chance to lead Fighter Command against the Luftwaffe? He’ll certainly be tempted.”
[Game Effect] – Newall steps down as Chief of the Air Staff and Dowding succeeds him. Halifax, I think, would have swallowed some of the German/Italian propaganda about bombers ruling the skies and would, as a senior member of the government, have read the gloomy estimates for the effects of bombing on the UK mainland. Because of this Dowding, a flag-waver for Fighter Command, would have been an attractive choice as CAS. Historically, Portal of course took over from Newall after impressing Churchill with his powerful advocacy for strategic bombing (he was CINC of Bomber Command prior to his appointment as CAS) and becoming one of the few senior British officers to impress the Americans. For Halifax though, the 30’s nightmare of “the bomber will always get through” has taken hold and the CINC of Fighter Command, rather than Bomber Command, is promoted. Interestingly, this is another rare example of ideology overriding personality as the key requirement for consideration for a job. Hankey, Stanley, Dill, Beaverbrook, even Eden, have been appointed to their respective positions because of their personal attributes (or power within the party/nation which I guess is similar). “Stuffy” Dowding will not be the easiest person to work with, but such is Halifax’s worry over a bomber threat that he is prepared to go along with the best candidate to deliver a solution. The only other person appointed because of their beliefs is Butler, kept as a Foreign Office minister (and made Leader of the Commons) because of his pro-appeasement credentials, despite misgivings over his ability.
Sir Samuel Hoare (later Viscount Templewood) saw his fortunes wane throughout the late ‘30s, culminating in his dispatch to Spain in 1940 upon Churchill’s becoming PM (he requested the Viceroyalty of India, but Labour would not have condoned this for a second). For the moment Halifax is content to let him soldier on as Air Minister.
Enewald: Why? Surely they’re more likely to accept the offer of free land before storming out of the Commonwealth.
Trekaddict: Well, he’s got three months before the election in which to make his mark on the world.
I loved your scenario of an ‘aid to Russia’ scandal restarting the war. Halifax would have to be careful as overt assistance would of course be in breach of his agreement. Would he try covert means? I think he’d have to be pushed into it.
El Pip: Sadly true. Labour in 1940 would have a difficult time in office, especially as there has been no huge war to settle much of the issues of the day. But the Tories have had a rollercoaster of a time since Halifax came to power which would have weakened their position.
Trekaddict: Looking forward to it.
GeneralHannibal: Interesting thought, not sure that Attlee would be any better at this stage.
Morsky: Joking aside, there was definitely a Oligarch side to Halifax. And at the moment, democracy looks very vulnerable.
Kurt_Steiner: :rofl:
All: No update until Sunday night (GMT) at the earliest as I’m playing the dutiful husband again and visiting the in-laws.
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Dowding has arrived, everything will be fine.
Though I would feel more certain of that if Leigh-Mallory made sure to impale himself on one of Bader's metal legs.
Though I would feel more certain of that if Leigh-Mallory made sure to impale himself on one of Bader's metal legs.
At least Halifax gets something right. But I fear he will still cut production of the Spitfire because the Hurricane is cheaper, never mind the actual capabilities.
With the elections coming, it is difficult to see who offers what. Europe in general is going through a "conservative" of sorts sweep, but Britain's unique situation may change the way it experiences that sweep, especially since all parties are culpable in the surrender to Germany. I fear Labour wins this one, making things remarkably worse than they are under Halifax. Then again, Halifax is a clever one so far, and may be able to outmaneuver his adversaries, provided he can navigate his way through the South African debacle.
The change in tactics vis a vis the air is a solid hint that the RAF will have a role to play in future scenarios. Untangling that role is hard. . . air superiority versus the Russians has got to be relatively trivial to establish, especially in conjunction with the Luftwaffe, while a beefed-up RAF would give the German air force nightmares. Hmm.
The change in tactics vis a vis the air is a solid hint that the RAF will have a role to play in future scenarios. Untangling that role is hard. . . air superiority versus the Russians has got to be relatively trivial to establish, especially in conjunction with the Luftwaffe, while a beefed-up RAF would give the German air force nightmares. Hmm.