Deadlock: France holding its own

[unmerged(33619)]

March 12th 1940
0730 Essen, Germany

Poland was beaten weeks ago, but it took that long to rebuild, and resupply German Army Group A. Rommel was the Field Marshall of it all, having just returned from the invasion of Lithuainia as well as leading his forces to take Warsaw. The Poles held out longer then any one thought possible.

Rommel scratched his shoulder blade, still feeling the itch of his wound from the begining of the war. A Polish tank divison attack Rommel's forces as he went after a small band of Infantry holed out in Torun. It was Rommel's only retreat in the war, and he prayed it would be his last.

Rommel like most of the wermacht assumed Poland would be out in a week, yet it took about two months for the Polish Army to surrender. The German forces split themselves in half, one taking the North, the other the South. Each was to go to the border of Russia then circle back and surrond Warsaw. The Polish Infantry cut off the southern advance delaying it for three weeks. Luckily logistics was on Germany's side. What Polish divisions that weren't defeated out right were straved into submission.

That was in the past as far as Rommel was concerned, now was time to get back at France, and all the others who defeated Germany. Rommel like all good German soldiers believed in Hitler's "stabbed in the back" theory. He was ready for the fight. Knowing it would be over in less then two months, patting the top of his Tank's coppala.

A runner came up to Rommel flashing the Nazi salute " Sir Prepare yourself we move out a 0900"

Rommel flashed a smile he hardly ever used, it was a smile he had been saving up since Germany lost the Great War. France got them, now it was Rommel's turn to get revenge for Germany. He just hoped that extra month didn't give France time to beef up their defenses.

April 7th 1940
1300 Freiburg, Germany

Otto Skorzeny layed out in the sun looking out at the German-Swiss border. Skorzeny was tall and braod shouldered and would have been handsome if not for the scar that seamed his left cheek. Actually, he was handsome in a piratical sort of way.

Sitting up he grabbed his gear, and sub machinegun. The S.S. mountian troops set up a small base camp, all the unit leaders were to meet there for their briefing. Otto stepped into the tent looking out at the other S.S. men.

" We ready to start this thing?" Skorzeny said with a childish grin on his face.

" We have been ready for ten mintues now Herr Skorzeny" Col. Jager spoke with a crisp German accent looking like the poster child for a Prussian Officer. Skorzeny grined again and did a quick heel click " Sorry Sir! Won't happen again Sir!"

Jager laughed and then got the briefing underway. It was as Skorzeny expected Six mountian divisions were to pass through the Swiss Alps and head into France, create a protective area and hold out waiting for reinforcements to arrive.

Otto walked over to his squad of men, all hand picked by him. He explained their orders and started them off over the border. The walk was more pleasant then anything Skorzeny remebered for awhile. He was leading a division against the Allies at the start of the Invasion of France. Everything went smoothly. Denmark, the Netherlands, Luxumberg all fell to the Germans in days. Even once the bulk of Germany's forces passed into Belgium they faced no real challenge. All that was left was to take Antwerpen, but a gap was seen in the French line. Trying to take advantage of it the Germans pushed forward at full speed.

Much to Skorzeny's dismay the British had figured out how to use Tanks correctly. Instead of using them to defend infantry, Montegumery used them in mass cutting off the German thrust. It forced a retreat into Beliguim. The Allied forces banned together and created a stalmate on the westernfront again. Germany was able to make small break throughs, but the Allies quickly stopped them.

So here was Otto and the other men, ready to open up another front. It took almost an act of god to get Hitler to be "granted" military access to Switzerland. There was a rumor going around that some S.S. got together and performed a Coup de'tat on the Swiss government. Looking up at the snow capped mountians Skorzeny smiled warmly, another front opening up can give the Germans the movement they need to win against France. ANd maybe it can get Italy to join the alliance Hitler was pushing on them. I mean who can lose when the Itailians are on their side? Otto laughed and marched on ward.

 

[unmerged(29507)]

Good start. Altough what version are you playing with? Is this your first AAR?
And please continue like this I really liked it.

 

[unmerged(29305)]

Are there going to be any screenies?

 

[Zuckergußgebäck]

Is this your first AAR?

Judging by his post count, yes.

 

[unmerged(33619)]

Judging by his post count, yes.

Wow we got some perceptive people out here, huh? I kid, I kid.

I'm playing with HOI 1.06 on Hard. I thought it was odd for every game I have played the German army swept across europe. I normally defeat France by late 39' or In January of 40'. But this time...... well I blame my change in research plans.



January 21st 1941
1000 London, England

Churchill sat in the large leather chair. Taking a puff from his cigar he looked out at the "Allies." Snuffing the cigar out he leaned over to Anthony Eden the Minister of War. " Tell me old man, what do you make of our chances today?"

Eden shrugged. Churchill leaned back as the other allied represenatives arrived. General Gamelin leader of the French forces, Gustov Branium the Free Netherland army leader, Admiral Cornez leader of the Free Danish army (which much to Churchill annoyance was a small fleet loaned to England at the start of the war), and finally George Shultz the commander of the Beligain armed forces (which much like Cornez annoyed Churchill for the remainder of Beligiums army was being pushed back and the bulk was made up of Militia). The rest of the room was filled with various ministers from Canada, New Zealand, and Australia.

" Well gentlemen I believe now is as good a time as any to begin." The other men nodded around the table. Churchill nodded to Eden who stood up moving over to a large map of europe covered in mulitcolored pins.

" At this time the Jerries...excuse me the Germans have begun yet another thrust into southern France. We believe that if this suceceds they can link up with the Itailian forces. As for northern France....." the room grew quite. All the men there knew France could hold out for a few more months at best. Belguim was believed to fall any day now. Churchill spoke up " Gentlemen... I believe we need to make a decision on how to strengthen our forces and prepare for a counter attack at a later date."

He let the question sit there for a moment, and much to his surprise the first to speak was Gamelin. " The General staff of the Republic of France wishes to make it known that we shall send five divisions to England if....and I stress the word if the Nazi's break through our defensive line" It was said, Churchill nodded somberly for France knew her time was up.

Eden got up one more time moving to the right side of the map. " Seven days ago Italy moved what we believe to be forty divisons to the border of Yugoslovia. While three days since the a joint German-Italian operation into Greece was put into action." The rest of the men there sat up and smiled. The Candaian minister stood up " What, if any, are the chances of a counter attack in southern france?"

Eden cleared his thoat and began again " At this point we can make a small thrust at them, but with the Germans advancing I believe we have less of a chance then before of breaking the offensive line" Churchill looked to Eden " Have you," looks to the other men assembled "Have any of you considered what our options would be if we supported the Greeks and the Yugoslovians?"

Eden leaned down speaking to Churchill " Our own military advisors has spoken of this. They believe that assisting the eastern nations would just delay the Italian and German armies. The upside would be less units on the western front."

"And there is a downside I assume?"

Eden nodded " Yes, the amount of supplies, armaments, and most likely troops could severely hamper any plans for operations in France." Churchill leaned back in his chair. " Have we taken into account the plan not to defeat the Germans and Italians but just to defend Greece and Yugoslovia to the best of our ability? For if we can make this war like the last one...well combined numbers of our respective countries should win out in the end correct?"

A silence hit the room. Eden coughed and chuckled lightly " I must say Sir, that operations could work in our favor if we try not to take on the Germans on their terms but our own."
Churchill eyed Eden " Meaning?"
"Meaning if we should try to at the earliest time plan for the evacuation of France. A few of our Generals have plans prepared for repeling a German attack of England. And we play the defensive on our fortified island the Axis powers should take significant loses."
Once again the room grew silent, every man sat there wondering if the war was to be won, or just delayed. Nodding somberly Churchill looked to the assembled men " Gentlemen, what we do here is not for personal pride,or cultural gain, but instead for national identity. Our nations banned together to fight social enemies, political enemies, and now we fight for survial."

March 15 1941
1400 Paris, France

Hitler looked out at the city of Paris from the large balcony of the former French paralaiment building. His smile so big his cheeks hurt, looking out at the wonders of a defeated enemy seeing proud German soliders marching down the streets along side French citzens looking very much like the losers they are. It took longer then expected, but the point is they took France.

Taking his hat off and wiping the sweat from his brow he went back into the old Paraliament building. He shook any hand offered him, slapping Generals and soldiers on the back. He looked at the map on the far wall, red pins showing Germany and her Allies, blue being the Allied army. Three weeks ago Fransico met with German dignitaries and worked out Spain induction to the Axis powers. Two weeks ago Spainish forces invaded France. One week ago the Allies crossed the channel, leaving Germany the only true military power on the contient.

Hitler smiled wickedly, now that Italy, Spain had joined Germany all of europe was ripe for the picking. Most interesting was all was Ireland asking to join just four days ago. Already was his General Staff drooling at the possiblites of having Ireland as an ally. Not for industrail or military reasons, but for being the only nation sharing a border with England.

" Soon, very soon...."

"Mien Furher?" A General looked at him curiously.

Hitler smiled " I was thinking out loud pay no attention." The general nodded and went back to the map. Hitler too looked at the map, it showed Italy's advances in Albania, Greece and Yugoslovia. Hitler chuckled at that if not for the German Tanks divisions he doubted any Itailian force could have taken Greece, let alone Yugoslovia. The supply lines from England kept pouring into Greece some how, despite the efforts of the U-boat patrols. He wanted to send in more troop to the area and the Field Marshall who took Paris for him. What was his name? Ah yes Rommel, but no he is needed for things else where

With that the Corpral from Austria sat down and began discussing how to deal with Vichy and its relationship with the Riech.

 

[unmerged(27050)]

exellent AAR if ya ask me! definately one i got bookmarked

 

[unmerged(18043)]

Judging by his post count, yes.

He could have had it resest due to spamming.

Fenwick good start and it looks very interesting

 

[Zuckergußgebäck]

He could have had it resest due to spamming.

Judging by his join date AND post count, this would be his first...

 

[unmerged(33619)]

June 16 1941
1330 Berlin, Germany

Count Canio looked out at all the assembled Axis members. He felt proud to sit beside El Duece, but being the head of the Italian Diplomatic Service had its advantages. Sitting around the horse shoe table was everyone worth anything in Europe these days. At the open end of the table was a map, not of Europe but of the world: gray,blue, red,yellow, green, and white dots covered the map. Red was the color for German forces, green for Italy, blue was the allies, gray axis partners, yellow was Japan's, and finally white was for Russia. Everyone knew Russia would either become an ally or an enemy one day, so until then she was considered a threat. Hell, the Soviets are a threat even if they become an ally.

Hitler sat in the center of it all, to his right was Mussolini, to Hitler's left was Tojo the Japanese primie minister. At least I think thats what the man is.. Canio chuckled at his own wit. He glanced to his right and smiled at all the other nations assembled. Fransico's second in command sat in for Spain, Calmien Hapshere spoke for the Swiss governement ( who still claimed to have not taken sides in this war), Mcgraw the diplomat for Ireland. And then at the very end of the table sat the other "independent" nations.

Canio was in full agreement with Mussolini, who spoke against letting the puppet nations be allowed in the meeting. But Hitler decided that these nations should be given aleast an apperence of autonomy in the world. They were all there Greece, the Netherlands, Vichy France, and one single man representing the Northen half of Yugoslovia which was under Axis control.

" Gentleman I would like to call this meeting into order." Hitler said with considerable pride. Of course he's happy, the allies are almost gone, and soon what hold outs that are left will join the Axis. Canio run his tongue over his lips, wishing he had a drink, for the room was hot and muggy. Every one must of thought so but didn't want to appear weak in front of the others. " Today we control most of Europe. Negoatiations are under way with both Romania, and Bulgaria to join us,Yugoslovia still holds out but by next month we shall have the forces needed to break through into their capital." as Hitler spoke a man in full military uniform moved at pointer to the forementioned nations. " As for Africa the Italians, as well as the Spainish are beating back the British at every turn. "

Canio saw Mussolini sit up at the mention of his nation. For despite what some military planners thought Italy was holding its own in every front she entered. Of course the Nazi's help cannot be overlooked. Everything from troops tothe newest tanks designs were offered to them.

" As you all know less then a month ago the great and powerful Empire of Japan honored us by joining our alliance." Canio had to bite his lip so as not to laugh. What on earth could a stupid Island like that do? " Because of this we have sent two tank divisons for their use in China." Hitler looked smug and proud, the fitting image of the man whose lead his country to perhaps the greatest victory of all time.

The meeting went much as Canio had expected, talking of how to deal with partisans, logistical support, Hitler even brought up how to speed up the mail service in newly conquered nations. It was what Canio was used to, no big ignorant men swaggering about, just men with a noble duty of fixing the worlds problems. At the end McGraw stood up and addressed every one " My nation would like to announce our plans to retake Balfest from the Limey's this year." Every eye turned to Hitler. What are those stupid men trying to do? Hitler looked at the map on the wall for some time then nodded. " We shall give you any spare units we can afford, as well as weapons and supplies. But I would like a German to be in charge of the operation." The eyes then turned to McGraw who seemed to think about the offer for a moment. He cleared his throat and then smilied "I shall convey this to my government, I am sure they shall agree." Hitler nodded.

June 16 1941

1845 Berlin, Germany

Hitler paced around his Riechstag office, looking at all party leaders, and Generals assmebled. Himmler sat on a rather ugly looking sofa, next to Goring. Rommel stood up by the door looking rather bored with the whole thing. Then there was Mainstein looking over maps and charts with the staff officers he brought along.

Hitler poured himself some water from the pitcher on his desk. " What, if anything, will happen with our other plans if the Irish decide to attempt their "invasion?"

Manstein looked up from his maps. " I believe Mein Furher, that such an attempt will not happen our operations into the Soviet Union at all."

" Explain this. For not three weeks ago you along with Rommel informed me how an invasion of England would do nothing but waste our forces?!" Hitler's eyes looked like they alone could rip a man apart. Rommel spoke up, moving to the map of England showing it to Hitler. " True Mein Ferhur, but that was for an all out invasion of the island. In this case it is a small area, that can be overtaken, and defended by a small number of soldiers. We may not even need to send tanks. And on the plus side, it will give us a pretext to base fighter squadrons in the area. Bombing runs will occur more fequntly, and over a greater range if launched, not from France, but northern Ireland."

Hitler looked at the maped shown him for awhile, letting it sink in. " I understand what you mean in how easy it will be to take the area with Ireland. But have you," looks to the rest of the men assembled "Or any of you consulted the Luftwaffe on how a division of aircraft will affect our intentions in Russia?"

Goring stood up quickly " Herr Hitler, I believe we we use our new aircraft as in a test with England and use our standard craft over in Russia." Hitler glared at Goring, for months he spent the Luftwaffe's resources not on improving the aircraft they already had, but on some silly scheme involing proppelerless planes. He then smiled " You know, we shall assist the Irish, you Goring shall be in charge of the airforce stationed there." Goring smiled, Hitler could see the look in his eyes of wanting to play with his new toys.

Rommel leaned down and spoke " Herr Oberst, I would like to suggust the man to lead the ground forces in Ireland." Hitler almost choked at hearing this. " Are you really suggusting we use you in that place instead of over in the Russian ste..." Rommel steped back seeing Hitler prepare for one of his famous rants. " No sir, I was refering to am S.S. commando that was most helpful in France, as well as Greece." Hitler stopped and looked to Himmler who for the first time at the meeting spoke up. " He is refering to Otto Skorzeny, he lead a team over the Swiss alps, and also made various raids against the Greeks, currently he is in Africa working with the Italians."

Hitler sat back down in his chair looking at the ceiling " I believe this plan shall work to our benifit. Recall this Skorzeny, I shall meet him personally and then tell him his new assignment." Himmler nodded and scribbled a note to himself.

"Now what about the weapon development on the Elbe river?" Hitler turned to the aide who spoke, a thin man with glasses, looking like a younger verison of Himmler minus the mustache. Hitler had to think for a moment, but the aide set a paper in front of him discribing the project. Turning to the man "Is it true we believe we can have this ready in a month?" The aide nodded, "Oh yes, the hard water of the Elbe has sped up production to almost a gram a...."