There is no end till the world speaks German (German AAR)

[Gormytorysh]

There is no end till the world speaks German

To start off
This is one of my first post on the forum (been around for a little while) and is my first AAR, so any constructive feedback is most welcome. Just a heads up, English is not my native language so there may be some grammatical errors and such.
I’ve been playing HOI3 for about 4 months now with a lot of trial and even more error to get to know the game mechanics. Now that I know where to find what and how to structure things and after reading a lot of the AAR’s on the forum, I got enthusiastic and thought why not start one myself. Let me kick off with some information about my game setup.

Starting Year: 1936
Game: FTM 3.05
Mod: No mod used
Difficulty: Normal
Style: History book/ gameplay (I’d wish I could tell stories like some of you!)
Country: Germany (I know it is not new, but hey…. It’s fun to play)

Description: Playing with Germany gave me the best learning curve as probably did for most players when started to play the game. Therefore I choose to play Germany where I want to eventually dominate the world, which means I will not get myself into an alliance with any other country, nor will I invite anyone into the Axis faction and no puppet states will be created. Unlike dutchmagnum’s WAAr against the world, I declare war when I see fit . The challenges I will be facing are both logistical and suppressing rebellions. In my last trial and error game this has proven to be my biggest challenge so it probably will be a ‘do or die’ game.
I’m a micro manager so I will be handling basically all things myself at first, except for trade. Perhaps later on, I’ll let the AI take control over suppressing rebellions, not sure yet though.
Events and stories mentioned in this AAR are (almost all) a-historical!

Main goals in the following sequence:
1. First and foremost, take out the ringleaders in Europe (ignore colonies in the first few years). France first, UK second and Italy third.
2. Conquer rest of Europe.
3. Knock out U.S.S.R.
4. Bring down the USA.
5. Conquer Japan.
6. Rest of the world.
7. Try to do it all before August 1945 (probably too ambitious, but I need it to be ).

Side goals (yet not less important):
1. Build up a powerful and modern Kriegsmarine.
2. Optimize supply lines, especially from Europe to Asia.
3. Enjoy playing the game.
4. Bang my head against the keyboard when I screw up (it sadly happens too many times).

Chapters:
Prologue: Pre war, when life was….. peaceful?
Chapter 1: 1936 - Mastering the Maginot line
Chapter 2: 1937 - Not picking on someone our own size
Chapter 3: 1937 - Taming the Lion
Chapter 4: 1937 - Western Europe's last stand
Chapter 5: 1939 - Hunting for Bears

 

[Gormytorysh]

Prologue: Pre War, when life was….. peaceful?

Treaty of Versailles​

17 Years after signing the peace treaty in Versailles, Germany was both economically and military weak and its population humiliated. The occupation of the Rhineland, Germany’s main industrial engine, had taken its toll. Resources were transported out of Germany and into France and Great Britain, leaving the German people empty handed. The terms dictated in the treaty also stated a maximum standing army of 100,000 men and loss of territory to neighboring countries. Warmongering was to be expected at a certain point and with a strong leader in power, someone who knew how to hold a speech and how to inspire his followers, change was about to come…..

As one of his first actions, the leader reviewed his army and noticed a lot of incompetence was still in place. By promoting strategic brilliant minds and demoting those that were not fit to command large armies, the new Wehrmacht gained a fresh start. After reassessing the Rhineland occupation with his new military staff, he decided to reoccupy the land belonging to Germany. With no resistance met, the Wehrmacht liberated the Rhineland and the road to rebuilding the armed forces was wide open.

Reoccupation of the Rhineland – 1936​

Meanwhile spies forged documents and spread fake rumors in neighboring countries which, in the eyes of the German people, justified building a large army. Especially the French were not to be trusted according to the documents and rumors.

No military actions from France, just another demand​

With the industry at Germany’s disposal yet lacking a full support from the German people, spies created an incident at the German-Lithuanian border in February, 1936. As a response Germany declared war on Lithuania actually with no intention in setting one foot across the border, for now. However, with a charismatic Minister of Propaganda screaming how outrageous the Lithuanian aggression is, the leader used this act as an excuse to pass some new legislation through parliament. With an economy and industry focused on producing arms and equipment for the military and many men waiting in line to join the army, the world knew peace was soon about to end in Europe.

Next: Chapter 1: 1936 – Mastering the Maginot line

 

[Belgiumruler]

Following this

 

[Gormytorysh]

Following this

Thanks , waiting for the moderators to approve the prologue.

EDIT: and there it is. Thanks mods, been playing meanwhile so I have some catching up to do with writing.

 

[Roguim]

There is no end till the world speaks German
Main goals in the following sequence:
1. First and foremost, take out the ringleaders in Europe (ignore colonies in the first few years). France first, UK second and Italy third.
2. Conquer rest of Europe.
3. Knock out U.S.S.R.

Also following any attempt to paint the world grey is welcome

And a tip/advice/warning: Be careful when invading England as the Soviet AI loves to DoW you after London falls.
have a strong army if the frontier and the Ribbentrop-Molotov pact might help to delay them.
This little fact take many new players by surprise and i mean "200+ reds division against 30" type of surprise....

 

[Gormytorysh]

Also following any attempt to paint the world grey is welcome

And a tip/advice/warning: Be careful when invading England as the Soviet AI loves to DoW you after London falls.
have a strong army if the frontier and the Ribbentrop-Molotov pact might help to delay them.
This little fact take many new players by surprise and i mean "200+ reds division against 30" type of surprise....

Thanks for following .

And in my game I am already beyond that stage, but I'll get to that soon . Have to do some serious writing today/ tomorrow.

 

[Mountainduke]

I will follow this one too.
I am especially curious if it possible to put up a strong enough army for the job AND a strong Kriegsmarine.

 

[Gormytorysh]

Chapter 1: 1936 – Mastering the Maginot line

The hatred among the Germans towards the French could only lead to another war between the two nations and everyone was well aware of it. Various strategic scenario’s were discussed by higher command. After a long debate they proposed a daring direct attack at the Maginot line. This fortified border between Germany and France was known for its many bunkers and roadblocks, so therefore unexpected by the French forces that were believed to guard the Belgian border mostly. Instead of rushing into Belgium, higher command believed that only by annexing Luxemburg, there would be enough room to invade France from that corner.

In August, in the year 1936, Germany declared war on Luxemburg and immediately a German panzer division rolled into the small Duchy that was annexed that same day. Knowing that this was just the easy part of the operation, spirits were still lifted among German soldiers and they were anxious to get their long desired revenge.


Luxemburg annexed

The day after war was declared on France and the rest of the Allied forces and German troops from Heeresgruppe A, led by Heinz Guderian, started to attack from Luxemburg and Saarlouis hoping to punch a hole in the French line of defense. After repelling the first two attacks in a short time, both nations feared another trench war was upon them. Especially when British forces joined the French ranks in the defense of their ally. After almost a month fighting the Germans broke through and French resistance started to weaken. Slow but steadily the Germans pushed into France with 1st Army moving towards the Channel and attack Paris from the north and west, 2nd army drove towards Lyon first and changed its course north-west to attack Paris from the south. 3rd Army would count as reserve army for when French forces would break through the German lines.


Breakthrough in the north of the Maginot line


Breakthrough in the south of the Maginot line

It was late October when French troops could do nothing but retreat in the hopes of getting more allied support. German forces, who celebrated victory over victory, were advancing rapidly into the north and south of France, while the middle they seem to meet a little more resistance, especially when trying to cross the Seine river.


Progress in France beginning of November


Progress in France late November

Late November German forces were knocking on the doors of Paris by 1st Army from the north and west, just as planned, while two divisions were securing the coast in case a British expeditionary force would land to help their Allies with more troops. 2nd Army approached Paris from the north east and south east, leaving a corridor for the French from the south/ southwest. With the diminished French forces and lack of adequate leadership, Paris was about to fall into the hands of Germany.


Encirclement of Paris

The battle of Paris took a week of intense fighting and the French capital was taken before Christmas 1936 and what could not be accomplished roughly 20 years before ago was accomplished now: the French government capitulated to the Germans. However, instead of taking control of the whole of France and having to deal with colonies that cannot be defended right now, the Germans installed a collaborating government in Vichy.


Victory over France

Upon hearing the news of French surrender, the German leader gave a speech in the Reichstag which was broadcasted live on the radio. In his speech he praised his general staff and courageous soldiers and congratulated the victors on their win over the coward French. He ended his speech with a message to the world saying that this was only the beginning.

As a token of their loyalty and respect for their leader, the general staff ordered the divisions that captured Paris to hold a symbolic victory march over the Champs Elysee underlining their glorious victory.


German victory march over the Champs Elysee

Next: Chapter 2: 1937 – Not picking on someone our own size

 

[Schweppenburg]

Will be following this, I am a new player myself, so this could be very useful. You're very ambitious I must say - conquering the world without the help of Italy (no big deal) or Japan (a very big deal), seems daunting to me....
Good luck, and looking forward to the next update.

 

[Gormytorysh]

I will follow this one too.
I am especially curious if it possible to put up a strong enough army for the job AND a strong Kriegsmarine.

Thanks for following and we'll see. The army is least of my problems, a strong Kriegsmarine will be much more challenging for me.

Will be following this, I am a new player myself, so this could be very useful. You're very ambitious I must say - conquering the world without the help of Italy (no big deal) or Japan (a very big deal), seems daunting to me....
Good luck, and looking forward to the next update.

Thanks and also thanks for following and I hope I can make it usefull enough for you . As mentioned, I need to set myself an ambitious goal, otherwise I get bored too soon. Japan will be a big deal as probably the US will be.

 

[Mountainduke]

Some nice first action, taking down France at this early stage.
I like to see your step toward the UK.
Could you show what your current Kriegsmarine looks like?

 

[Gormytorysh]

Some nice first action, taking down France at this early stage.
I like to see your step toward the UK.
Could you show what your current Kriegsmarine looks like?

I'm already a little further in my game, so I can only show you what it looks like now. Will make a sceenshot this evening. First, time to get the next update up for approval by the mods.

 

[Gormytorysh]

Chapter 2: 1937 – Not picking on someone our own size

With the capitulation of France and the ongoing hunger for expansion of Germany, many other neighboring countries feared a similar attack and fate. Even though most countries, like Denmark, Czechoslovakia and Poland could not match the German armed forces, they did everything within their power to get their defenses up. Czechoslovakia was the first to mobilize their forces and when the German government received the message from the foreign minister, they declared war on Czechoslovakia on February 4th 1937. Immediately upon declaration, German forces started to invade in, what was believed, Czech occupied Germany. Sudetenland was German territory as far as Germany was concerned and after World War I, always desired to be part of their land again. Advancing through Czech territory was fast and the Czech army was forced to retreat battle after battle. The German 4th army was hardly sustaining any casualties and with their Blitzkrieg tactics it felt more like marching rather than fighting. By the end of February the Czech forces were diminished and forced to surrender. Instead of installing a collaborating government, German government decided to annex the country.


Progress in Czechoslovakia

Simultaneously to the invasion of Czechoslovakia, Switzerland was invaded by 2nd Army who were still in the “winning mood”. The Swiss government did not anticipate to any attack as they were, and always had been, neutral in conflicts for centuries. Next to that, they kept decent relations with their northern neighbors. This proved to be the biggest mistake Switzerland could make and after the declaration of war there was hardly a standing army to defend the country. Within a week, they were forced to surrender as they were simply no match for the well trained and by that time, experienced German army. Blitzkrieg tactics were first tested in a mountain area and the commanders findings were passed on to higher command for evaluation.


Switzerland overrun

The rather flat country of Denmark proved to be a wide open space for the taking. 3rd Army invaded Denmark with only one division and as soon as it’s brigades were closing in on Frederikshaven and Copenhagen, the Danish government surrendered. The only shot fired was that of a German soldier trying to shoot down a seagull. No casualties (including animals) were sustained on both sides.


Denmark overrun


Europe March 1937

The European map had some drastic changes within a year and the remaining free states realized that they could suffer the same fate. By March 1937, the German empire stretched from the Atlantic ocean almost all the way to the Russian border. The United Kingdom was anxious to include more European states in their alliance but only banished governments joined. The British expeditionary force that tried to land near Calais did not help the Allied forces in persuading more governments to join in. After repelling the British attempt to get a bridgehead at the coast of France, Italy offered an alliance to Germany, which was declined as Italians were believed to be inferior and their army to be badly trained. Although they shared the same ideology, Germany was concerned that having Italy as ally would only be a hindrance rather than a benefit.
Right after the failure of the expeditionary force, the United Kingdom guaranteed the independence of Poland. Feeling secure with this proclamation, the Polish government ordered a full mobilization of their forces. Germany’s army in the east was not entirely ready for defending the Reich and therefore decided to boldly invade Poland with a daring plan. Part of 4th Army would move in from the south and sweep east towards the south east of Warsaw while the other part would move north first and end up south west of Warsaw. 5th Army would move in from the north and end up west of Warsaw.


Poland invasion plan

After the invasion the Polish army, knowing that Germany wasn’t fully reinforced and ready, started to fiercely defend their lands and even took the opportunity to counterattack several times. These counterattacks were mainly ways of trying to cut off troops in the hopes of them getting out of supplies and therefore forced to surrender.


Poland invasion progress

Though some counterattacks succeeded, in the end the Polish army was not capable of stopping the German steamroller. Within a month, Poland had no other option than to surrender to Germany.


Poland surrenders


New 3rd Reich

The foundations of a new, third, Reich were outlined now and within Europe, there were only two more nations that could prove to be obstacles. One of them, the United Kingdom, attacked the German forces in France with a large 2nd expeditionary force. Their new equipment proved to be harder to defend and after landing, the British moved into occupied France as fast as they could. British intelligence did not know about the presence of a Panzer division about 50 km from where they invaded. After a battle of 2 days, they were cut off from the harbor and had no option to raise the white flag.


British 2nd failed attempt to invade and liberate France

To make things even worse for the Allied forces, Austria voluntarily joined Germany after the political crisis.


Anschluss

Next: chapter 3: 1937 - Taming the Lion

 

[Gen. Marshall]

Great updates, action, writing, and graphical support; and that in a first AAR - this seems like something I'll gladly follow

Germany in 1936 is nowhere the Germany we usually see initiating a 1939 war, in contrast to France which has quite a full army in '36. So, your victory is that much more impressive. Just make sure you catch the Soviets unawares soon, for they are even less prepared than Germany for fighting an early war!

One thing caught my attention; you ask the mods for approval of every chapter. Is that just a courtesy and double-check to prevent swastikas sneaking into your pictures, or did some sly mod trick you into thinking that's a rule?

 

[Gormytorysh]

As per request.... well sort of:



Its my current Kriegsmarine and I am already 2 years ahead in game and behind on my personal schedule

Great updates, action, writing, and graphical support; and that in a first AAR - this seems like something I'll gladly follow

Germany in 1936 is nowhere the Germany we usually see initiating a 1939 war, in contrast to France which has quite a full army in '36. So, your victory is that much more impressive. Just make sure you catch the Soviets unawares soon, for they are even less prepared than Germany for fighting an early war!

One thing caught my attention; you ask the mods for approval of every chapter. Is that just a courtesy and double-check to prevent swastikas sneaking into your pictures, or did some sly mod trick you into thinking that's a rule?

Thanks for the words, much appreciated. The thing about the mods is because when I submitted the prologue and chapter 1 I got a message saying that it was up for approval for the mods. I was happily surprised that chapter 2 was posted immediately.
The issue with the soviets.... well, I'll get to that soon .

 

[Mountainduke]

Again an impressive steamroll at an early stage and a good summary of the actions so far.
Seeing your Kriegsmarine setup you are clearly not into a German U-boat policy but more into a 'Sea lion' ready one.:happy:
Keep it up but beware for the bear in the east.

 

[Gormytorysh]

Chapter 3: 1937 – Taming the Lion

In June 1937, after a 3rd attempt by the British army, Germany invaded England with a daring landing north east of London. Before the pride of the German navy set sail, the U-boats tried to clear the channel of enemy ships, unfortunately all U-boats were destroyed in this battle. Nonetheless, German high command approved of the invasion and ensured the German leader it was necessary to take down the United Kingdom in Europe to secure western continent.
As the Blitzkrieg already proved its value on the mainland, the German general staff was convinced that the battle of England would go into the history books as a glorious victory.


Invasion of the UK

After the invasion it was imperative that the coast along the channel would be captured first making it harder for the Royal Navy to interfere with supplying the invading forces. As a large number of British soldiers already had been captured during the battle of France and three failed invasions, the number of defending forces was much lower than expected. The German steamroller was on the move again and there was hardly anything the British forces could do, except retreating to the north. In a desperate attempt to withhold Germany from dominating the channel, a force tried to defend Cornwall. Unfortunately the invading army could not be stopped and before the summer ended, the Germans secured the land adjacent to the channel.


Progression in the UK


Channel secured

After the battle of Cornwall, British resistance was broken and England, Wales and Scotland were overrun by the German army. The only army left on the British Islands was in Northern Ireland and surely would be no match for the German army. However, with more pressing matters, it would not be earlier than May 1938 before the invasion of Northern Ireland and Ireland.


Blitz in the UK


Resistance is futile


German soldier standing guard outside the old RAF Headquarters

While Germany invaded Northern Ireland and Ireland, the treacherous Soviets declared war on Germany. Even though the eastern front was building up its forces, yet again they were not ready for invading the U.S.S.R., and defending the border could be a problem. The western army would learn the meaning of haste as they probably would be needed to defeat the bear in the east.


NEIN! Declaration of war


Ireland included in German territory

Next: Chapter 4: 1937 – Western Europe’s last stand

 

[Gormytorysh]

Again an impressive steamroll at an early stage and a good summary of the actions so far.
Seeing your Kriegsmarine setup you are clearly not into a German U-boat policy but more into a 'Sea lion' ready one.:happy:
Keep it up but beware for the bear in the east.

Somehow U-boats and Gormytorysh is not a tender loving relationship. So yes, I decided to prepare the Kriegsmarine for invading the UK . Next chapter will be up soon .

 

[Migthy]

So you'll play without allies. Not really realistic (the fascists should stay together no matter what), but much intersting. More challenging. I'll be looking forward.
BTW: Beating France trough Maginot line. Good job.

 

[Gormytorysh]

So you'll play without allies. Not really realistic (the fascists should stay together no matter what), but much intersting. More challenging. I'll be looking forward.

True, it is not realistic, but thats what I mentioned in my introduction: "Events and stories mentioned in this AAR are (almost all) a-historical!" .
But yes, I am going for the ultimate challenge. I'm a more ahead in time with the game and spoiler alert: the battle vs the Soviets will be interesting! The outcome is still very unsure!

BTW: Beating France trough Maginot line. Good job.

Thanks!