Heh, it’s been so long since I put those fleets together I’ll be honest and say I can’t recall!
Not sure if it was deliberate or not - but they all have some escorts. We will find out whether the fleet compositions changed over time -
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Not sure if it was deliberate or not - but they all have some escorts. We will find out whether the fleet compositions changed over time 
Hmmm truffles...nothing against the german cuisine, but French food for the win! Would already be worth it
Let's see what that foothold in Germany will get you in the end. A bloody nose or the starting point of a great offensive? And hurray, the Germans have managed not to loose their entire navy in the first month of the war.
Indeed an interesting development. The Wehrmacht is starting to push back, but if things remain as steady as they are in Saarlouis, the recent territorial gains could prove to be an excellent launch pad for a future offensive, like many others have already suggested. If the troops hold long enough, the upgraded cavalry would add to the likelihood of this. My fingers are crossed!
It's also interesting to see Republican Spain prevail in the Civil War. I have had the impression that this doesn't occur very often, but it seems to be rather common both in AARs I read and in those I write. Anyhow, this should mean you will not have to fear Spain delivering a thrust into France from your weak southern border, even though it's rare otherwise too.
It's also interesting to see Republican Spain prevail in the Civil War. I have had the impression that this doesn't occur very often, but it seems to be rather common both in AARs I read and in those I write. Anyhow, this should mean you will not have to fear Spain delivering a thrust into France from your weak southern border, even though it's rare otherwise too.
Yes, the fight for cuisine and culture continues! Stay tuned on both those points re the salient and naval warfare - things heat up!Hmmm truffles...nothing against the german cuisine, but French food for the win! Would already be worth it
Let's see what that foothold in Germany will get you in the end. A bloody nose or the starting point of a great offensive? And hurray, the Germans have managed not to loose their entire navy in the first month of the war.
The fate of Saarlouis will be clearer after the next update - up soon. Yes, I'm not sure of the stats, but the Nationalists seem to win in a majority of games, but the Republicans do sometimes.Indeed an interesting development. The Wehrmacht is starting to push back, but if things remain as steady as they are in Saarlouis, the recent territorial gains could prove to be an excellent launch pad for a future offensive, like many others have already suggested. If the troops hold long enough, the upgraded cavalry would add to the likelihood of this. My fingers are crossed!
It's also interesting to see Republican Spain prevail in the Civil War. I have had the impression that this doesn't occur very often, but it seems to be rather common both in AARs I read and in those I write. Anyhow, this should mean you will not have to fear Spain delivering a thrust into France from your weak southern border, even though it's rare otherwise too.
Episode 3: November 1939 to April 1940
Episode 3: November 1939 to April 1940
This episode sees how things stand for France in the lead-up to the expected spring onslaught from the Germans. By 11 April 1940, no further countries have joined any faction since our last update (28 October 1939).
5 November 1939
First, a short look at where things stood a week after the previous update, after the initial German counter-attack on the French salient in the west. Saarlouis withstood the initial German attack and French forces there are now well dug in. Bitburg is also now entrenched, but the Germans have consolidated strongly in Saarbrucken since it was retaken in October and their strength gathers all along the Maginot Line. Major German counter-attacks can be expected to expel French forces from their Fatherland – Hitler must be incensed!
In the air, the three French fighter wings have been rested after taking damage trying to protect their comrades in Saarlouis, who have been under heavy German air attack in the last week. The Bloch MB.152 remains the frontline French fighter,
At sea, the only ships sunk in the last week were a couple of German screens.
11 April 1940
On the Maginot Line, Bitburg and Saarlouis were eventually retaken by the Germans, with French forces withdrawing in an orderly manner back to their main fortifications. After that, things settled into the ‘waiting game’ over the winter and into the spring. Of note, radar installations (each Level 1) were deployed in Metz and Strasbourg and a first level of fortification is being built in Le Thillot – as a precaution just in case the main Maginot Line falls, linking up with Epinal for a secondary line.
On the Western Line (ie the more lightly fortified line being built west of Metz), more British divisions have taken up position, as requested, filling in from the Channel, while French units continue to build the reserve line inland.
A light mechanised response force is being developed in Ste Menehould, ready to provide a mobile reserve for plugging gaps on the Western Line.
And this map shows current and future fort builds more clearly. With Longuyon already at L2, the building program has been extended to the east, with Sedan, Ste Menehould, Reims and (in depth) Verdun being built up to L2. Charmes – another depth position – is being built up to to L1. This leaves the only gaps in the chain of forts between Metz and the Channel in the provinces of Chateau Thierry and Chatillon sur Marne. Each has a river defence and can only be attacked from one province in the line (presuming the forts either side hold), so the risk will be run for a while.
Italy has reinforced its lines along the border with France, but each province on the French side is fortified, now has a two-division garrison and most are mountainous. They will have to hold with what they have, as there are no reserves behind the line.
At sea, there has been heavy combat between the British and German navies since November. The Germans have lost four transport fleets, three destroyer flotillas, two U-Boat flotillas, four light cruisers and a battle-cruiser. But the British have paid, with the dreaded Bismarck having sunk two British battleships during this time: the HMS Revenge and the HMS Warspite. The light cruiser HMS Capetown was also lost.
This episode sees how things stand for France in the lead-up to the expected spring onslaught from the Germans. By 11 April 1940, no further countries have joined any faction since our last update (28 October 1939).
5 November 1939
First, a short look at where things stood a week after the previous update, after the initial German counter-attack on the French salient in the west. Saarlouis withstood the initial German attack and French forces there are now well dug in. Bitburg is also now entrenched, but the Germans have consolidated strongly in Saarbrucken since it was retaken in October and their strength gathers all along the Maginot Line. Major German counter-attacks can be expected to expel French forces from their Fatherland – Hitler must be incensed!
In the air, the three French fighter wings have been rested after taking damage trying to protect their comrades in Saarlouis, who have been under heavy German air attack in the last week. The Bloch MB.152 remains the frontline French fighter,
At sea, the only ships sunk in the last week were a couple of German screens.
11 April 1940
On the Maginot Line, Bitburg and Saarlouis were eventually retaken by the Germans, with French forces withdrawing in an orderly manner back to their main fortifications. After that, things settled into the ‘waiting game’ over the winter and into the spring. Of note, radar installations (each Level 1) were deployed in Metz and Strasbourg and a first level of fortification is being built in Le Thillot – as a precaution just in case the main Maginot Line falls, linking up with Epinal for a secondary line.
On the Western Line (ie the more lightly fortified line being built west of Metz), more British divisions have taken up position, as requested, filling in from the Channel, while French units continue to build the reserve line inland.
A light mechanised response force is being developed in Ste Menehould, ready to provide a mobile reserve for plugging gaps on the Western Line.
And this map shows current and future fort builds more clearly. With Longuyon already at L2, the building program has been extended to the east, with Sedan, Ste Menehould, Reims and (in depth) Verdun being built up to L2. Charmes – another depth position – is being built up to to L1. This leaves the only gaps in the chain of forts between Metz and the Channel in the provinces of Chateau Thierry and Chatillon sur Marne. Each has a river defence and can only be attacked from one province in the line (presuming the forts either side hold), so the risk will be run for a while.
Italy has reinforced its lines along the border with France, but each province on the French side is fortified, now has a two-division garrison and most are mountainous. They will have to hold with what they have, as there are no reserves behind the line.
At sea, there has been heavy combat between the British and German navies since November. The Germans have lost four transport fleets, three destroyer flotillas, two U-Boat flotillas, four light cruisers and a battle-cruiser. But the British have paid, with the dreaded Bismarck having sunk two British battleships during this time: the HMS Revenge and the HMS Warspite. The light cruiser HMS Capetown was also lost.
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Did you leave any units in Africa or Asia? Or have all the Ground Forces been moved to France?
Unfortunate that the Saarbrücken-Saarlouis Bulge had to fall, but since Poland was surrendered, perhaps offensive actions were not an option anyway. The territorial loss might have been not as much a strategic loss as a symbolic one.
I am surprised to see that the British are actually helping by sending expeditionary forces. Since I haven't often played in the Allies, I simply assumed that the AI wasn't too clever in this sense, but apparently I was wrong in doing so. But did thet actually ship the troops over the Channel to the objectives beforehand, or did you need to do it yourself? This does maybe sounds like an odd question, but I'm curious.
I am surprised to see that the British are actually helping by sending expeditionary forces. Since I haven't often played in the Allies, I simply assumed that the AI wasn't too clever in this sense, but apparently I was wrong in doing so. But did thet actually ship the troops over the Channel to the objectives beforehand, or did you need to do it yourself? This does maybe sounds like an odd question, but I'm curious.
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Yes, I was saddened by that one in particular- I had an airfix model of it when I was a kid! Then again, I had one of the Bismarck too
. Of course. But the Warspite was a favourite. Of course, I don’t know if the Bismarck got both battleships in the same or successive engagements, but it has been busy enough. At least the Hood still sails!The bulge was a bit of an adventure, but with Poland gone it couldn’t last.Unfortunate that the Saarbrücken-Saarlouis Bulge had to fall, but since Poland was surrendered, perhaps offensive actions were not an option anyway. The territorial loss might have been not as much a strategic loss as a symbolic one.
I am surprised to see that the British are actually helping by sending expeditionary forces. Since I haven't often played in the Allies, I simply assumed that the AI wasn't too clever in this sense, but apparently I was wrong in doing so. But did thet actually ship the troops over the Channel to the objectives beforehand, or did you need to do it yourself? This does maybe sounds like an odd question, but I'm curious.
On the BEF: the AI ships them to your port and signs them over, then iirc you need to move them yourself, but it’s been a while. You will see plenty of expeditionary units before the end of this game. Drawbacks include an inability to internally reorganise them and the requirement to support them, but France really needs them to have any chance, imho. Other players will be a bit more expert in them in terms of some of the details (ie does the MP to reinforce casualties still come from the original country or from the new owner, and who pays for upgrades)? If I knew, I’ve since forgotten
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Episode 4: 30 May to 8 Jun 1940
Episode 4: 30 May to 8 Jun 1940
30 May 1940
Diplomatic, Strategic and Political
Norway, Luxemburg, Holland and Norway have been attacked and now join the Allies. Italy remains neutral for now.
Of these Luxemburg has been conquered, mainland Holland has been conquered but fights on through its colonies and Belgium is hard pressed.
The Germans have invaded central Norway and advance south towards the capital. Norwegian forces apparently have transit rights in Sweden, where some of their units have fled.
The French Government changed after elections on 4 May 1940. General Charles de Gaulle has become President! Perhaps this signifies a new determination to resist. Or alternatively is a desperate measure in the face of almost certain destruction. Vincent Auriol serves on as Armament Minister – where he is well suited. The rest of the Ministry looks well-suited for their roles.
In the UK, Neville Chamberlain remains Prime Minister.
French Colonial Force Dispositions
As requested, here is a view of current colonial dispositions. In essence, they remain unchanged from pre-war deployments. This long after the fact, I can’t recall whether this was deliberate, or an oversight! We will see what happens to them in the future.
French Forces in North Africa as at 30 May 1940.
French forces in Djibouti as at 30 May 1940.
French forces in Indo-China as at 30 May 1940.
Western Front
Having quickly rolled through Holland, Germany is now in the process of doing the same to the Belgians, who mount a desperate defence of Brussels.
France has not been drawn forward to try to contest this: they stay true to their defensive doctrine. The Western Line is now defended by at least two divisions in each of its provinces. A single British division remains in Arras, where German armour has taken neighbouring Lille to the north (the first French VP city to fall). A similar screening position remains in the woods of Charleville Mezieres, north-west of Sedan.
The Maginot Line remains solid, with no significant German attacks launched against it – though significant German and Slovakian forces remain poised to attack.
Naval
French naval forces have not been significantly engaged in the last month. We surmise that the Germans have again suffered heavy casualties among their troop transports during their amphibious invasion of Norway. But not enough to stop them landing, clearly.
4 June 1940
The Belgian Army has been broken, with remnants attempting to flee south. The Anglo-French defenders await the impact of the German mechanised advance.
8 June 1940
Italy has declared war, but no advances or attacks have been noted on the Franco-Italian border.
In Norway, German forces close in on Oslo. Whether it can hold remains uncertain, but the odds do not seem good.
The Western Front has seen the Germans making rapid, largely unopposed gains in northern France. In Arras, the British division defending there was forced out after becoming disorganised. The French light armoured division which had been sent in to assist holding the province has been voluntarily withdrawn, before it becomes too badly disorganised as well. They will aid the defence in Amiens. And further east, the French screening division withdraws from Charleville-Mezieres, again before it can be badly damaged, falling back to Reims.
By this stage, most French infantry brigades have upgraded to Level 5, but a few remain at Level 4 while the upgrades filter through. There have been no changes on the Maginot Line.
The Italian Navy has attacked the 3rd Fleet off Tunis. Although being outnumbered in capital ships and total numbers, Admiral de Laborde seems to be getting the better of the combat.
The 1st Fleet is recuperating in Brest, having run into trouble with German surface raiders.
They had a run-in with the two German battleships Bismarck and Tirpitz, losing a light cruiser and a destroyer flotilla. The force had been relying on British cover to prevent such encounters and had been structured for anti-submarine warfare. They have learned a hard lesson.
30 May 1940
Diplomatic, Strategic and Political
Norway, Luxemburg, Holland and Norway have been attacked and now join the Allies. Italy remains neutral for now.
Of these Luxemburg has been conquered, mainland Holland has been conquered but fights on through its colonies and Belgium is hard pressed.
The Germans have invaded central Norway and advance south towards the capital. Norwegian forces apparently have transit rights in Sweden, where some of their units have fled.
The French Government changed after elections on 4 May 1940. General Charles de Gaulle has become President! Perhaps this signifies a new determination to resist. Or alternatively is a desperate measure in the face of almost certain destruction. Vincent Auriol serves on as Armament Minister – where he is well suited. The rest of the Ministry looks well-suited for their roles.
In the UK, Neville Chamberlain remains Prime Minister.
French Colonial Force Dispositions
As requested, here is a view of current colonial dispositions. In essence, they remain unchanged from pre-war deployments. This long after the fact, I can’t recall whether this was deliberate, or an oversight!
We will see what happens to them in the future.
French Forces in North Africa as at 30 May 1940.
French forces in Djibouti as at 30 May 1940.
French forces in Indo-China as at 30 May 1940.
Western Front
Having quickly rolled through Holland, Germany is now in the process of doing the same to the Belgians, who mount a desperate defence of Brussels.
France has not been drawn forward to try to contest this: they stay true to their defensive doctrine. The Western Line is now defended by at least two divisions in each of its provinces. A single British division remains in Arras, where German armour has taken neighbouring Lille to the north (the first French VP city to fall). A similar screening position remains in the woods of Charleville Mezieres, north-west of Sedan.
The Maginot Line remains solid, with no significant German attacks launched against it – though significant German and Slovakian forces remain poised to attack.
Naval
French naval forces have not been significantly engaged in the last month. We surmise that the Germans have again suffered heavy casualties among their troop transports during their amphibious invasion of Norway. But not enough to stop them landing, clearly.
4 June 1940
The Belgian Army has been broken, with remnants attempting to flee south. The Anglo-French defenders await the impact of the German mechanised advance.
8 June 1940
Italy has declared war, but no advances or attacks have been noted on the Franco-Italian border.
In Norway, German forces close in on Oslo. Whether it can hold remains uncertain, but the odds do not seem good.
The Western Front has seen the Germans making rapid, largely unopposed gains in northern France. In Arras, the British division defending there was forced out after becoming disorganised. The French light armoured division which had been sent in to assist holding the province has been voluntarily withdrawn, before it becomes too badly disorganised as well. They will aid the defence in Amiens. And further east, the French screening division withdraws from Charleville-Mezieres, again before it can be badly damaged, falling back to Reims.
By this stage, most French infantry brigades have upgraded to Level 5, but a few remain at Level 4 while the upgrades filter through. There have been no changes on the Maginot Line.
The Italian Navy has attacked the 3rd Fleet off Tunis. Although being outnumbered in capital ships and total numbers, Admiral de Laborde seems to be getting the better of the combat.
The 1st Fleet is recuperating in Brest, having run into trouble with German surface raiders.
They had a run-in with the two German battleships Bismarck and Tirpitz, losing a light cruiser and a destroyer flotilla. The force had been relying on British cover to prevent such encounters and had been structured for anti-submarine warfare. They have learned a hard lesson.
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So we now come to the true test - can the French line in the north hold?
Let us hope the Italians sink better than they fight
Let us hope the Italians sink better than they fight
Yes, Groundhog Day is here again: the Germans are on their familiar trajectory and the Bismarck and Tirpitz seem to be running amok.So we now come to the true test - can the French line in the north hold?
Let us hope the Italians sink better than they fight
This is the bit where I try to be more than a speed bump on their road to conquest. The ease with which Arras was brushed aside was, I recall, somewhat disconcerting- though I wasn’t defending it to the last. Also, I don’t like the weight of units gathering next to the Maginot Line: I know the fortifications are strong, but I’m not holding many of them that heavily. And then I’ll have the Italians trying to knock down the back door, backstabbing knife in hand. Just hope I can best their Navy - sending out four battleships was a bit bold of them.
Terrifyingly quick indeed, I can barely cope with this frantic pace.
You've set yourself a tough challenge in holding France and have made some bold decisions, abandoning the Low Countries and part of Northern France has deprived you of a lot of strategic depth and a few potentially useful river lines. If your mini-Maginot doesn't hold then there is not a lot between the Germans and Paris and/or other important bits. As I said, bold and very much not what Andre Maginot wanted his line to be used for, I look forward to seeing if this works out for you.
You've set yourself a tough challenge in holding France and have made some bold decisions, abandoning the Low Countries and part of Northern France has deprived you of a lot of strategic depth and a few potentially useful river lines. If your mini-Maginot doesn't hold then there is not a lot between the Germans and Paris and/or other important bits. As I said, bold and very much not what Andre Maginot wanted his line to be used for, I look forward to seeing if this works out for you.
Thanks for tuning in El Pip. This is a bit of an experiment - both to see if I can finally hold France from the jaws of defeat (for a while anyway) and also as an AAR: only using game saves for a war I finished over a year ago! Plan is for it to be a quick and minimalist run-through. Which it will need to be, given I’m still actively playing and writing my other two AARs!
Previously, I’d tried advancing into Belgium in force - crashed. And fighting a conventional delaying defence - crashed again. And then going early to save the Czechs - crashed and burned to an even earlier defeat. People will be able to see how this experiment unfolded by comparison to the ‘usual’.
Now the real war starts. Will your line hold in the north. I must say though that it looks rather flimsy. Let's see if the german AI will manage to pull off a coordinated attack or if it will just waste divisions one by one by throwing them into your lines without support.
It does look flimsy, especially when you think what the German AI normally throws at it. By this stage I can recall being a bit gloomy about the prospects but determined to fight it out to the last.
On the BEF: the AI ships them to your port and signs them over, then iirc you need to move them yourself, but it’s been a while. You will see plenty of expeditionary units before the end of this game. Drawbacks include an inability to internally reorganise them and the requirement to support them, but France really needs them to have any chance, imho. Other players will be a bit more expert in them in terms of some of the details (ie does the MP to reinforce casualties still come from the original country or from the new owner, and who pays for upgrades)? If I knew, I’ve since forgotten
Thanks for the answer, it helps me see that sometimes the AI is more clever than I think. And yes, that question is very interesting. Logically, the manpower would be drawn from the reserve of the original owner, but it's not at all as likely that this is actually implemented as a game feature. That should theoretically be testable, by playing as the UK and sending an expeditionary force to France. Then it will be easy to see whether there is a need to reinforce or not. I might try this some day soon and come back with the result.
Episode 4 – 30 May to 8 Jun 1940
30 May 1940
Diplomatic, Strategic and Political
Norway, Luxemburg, Holland and Norway have been attacked and now join the Allies. Italy remains neutral for now.
Of these Luxemburg has been conquered, mainland Holland has been conquered but fights on through its colonies and Belgium is hard pressed.
The Germans have invaded central Norway and advance south towards the capital. Norwegian forces apparently have transit rights in Sweden, where some of their units have fled.
The French Government changed after elections on 4 May 1940. General Charles de Gaulle has become President! Perhaps this signifies a new determination to resist. Or alternatively is a desperate measure in the face of almost certain destruction. Vincent Auriol serves on as Armament Minister – where he is well suited. The rest of the Ministry looks well-suited for their roles.
In the UK, Neville Chamberlain remains Prime Minister.
French Colonial Force Dispositions
As requested, here is a view of current colonial dispositions. In essence, they remain unchanged from pre-war deployments. This long after the fact, I can’t recall whether this was deliberate, or an oversight!
French Forces in North Africa as at 30 May 1940.
French forces in Djibouti as at 30 May 1940.
French forces in Indo-China as at 30 May 1940.
Western Front
Having quickly rolled through Holland, Germany is now in the process of doing the same to the Belgians, who mount a desperate defence of Brussels.
France has not been drawn forward to try to contest this: they stay true to their defensive doctrine. The Western Line is now defended by at least two divisions in each of its provinces. A single British division remains in Arras, where German armour has taken neighbouring Lille to the north (the first French VP city to fall). A similar screening position remains in the woods of Charleville Mezieres, north-west of Sedan.
The Maginot Line remains solid, with no significant German attacks launched against it – though significant German and Slovakian forces remain poised to attack.
Naval
French naval forces have not been significantly engaged in the last month. We surmise that the Germans have again suffered heavy casualties among their troop transports during their amphibious invasion of Norway. But not enough to stop them landing, clearly.
4 June 1940
The Belgian Army has been broken, with remnants attempting to flee south. The Anglo-French defenders await the impact of the German mechanised advance.
8 June 1940
Italy has declared war, but no advances or attacks have been noted on the Franco-Italian border.
In Norway, German forces close in on Oslo. Whether it can hold remains uncertain, but the odds do not seem good.
The Western Front has seen the Germans making rapid, largely unopposed gains in northern France. In Arras, the British division defending there was forced out after becoming disorganised. The French light armoured division which had been sent in to assist holding the province has been voluntarily withdrawn, before it becomes too badly disorganised as well. They will aid the defence in Amiens. And further east, the French screening division withdraws from Charleville-Mezieres, again before it can be badly damaged, falling back to Reims.
By this stage, most French infantry brigades have upgraded to Level 5, but a few remain at Level 4 while the upgrades filter through. There have been no changes on the Maginot Line.
The Italian Navy has attacked the 3rd Fleet off Tunis. Although being outnumbered in capital ships and total numbers, Admiral de Laborde seems to be getting the better of the combat.
The 1st Fleet is recuperating in Brest, having run into trouble with German surface raiders.
They had a run-in with the two German battleships Bismarck and Tirpitz, losing a light cruiser and a destroyer flotilla. The force had been relying on British cover to prevent such encounters and had been structured for anti-submarine warfare. They have learned a hard lesson.
De Gaulle elected this early?
Your IC isn't suffering anymore though, so I won't complain.The Wehrmacht, especially the Panzerwaffe, has rolled through Belgium and the Netherlands with terrifying speed. The numerous tanks ready to knock at you defensive line are a concern; this is the day of trial for the French army. At least it seems to be a while until the main part of the Germany army catches up with the spearheads, so there are still a few days of room for preparations until they hit with full strength.
Episode 5: 14 July 1940
Episode 5: 14 July 1940
Strategic
Since the last report on 8 June, the Soviets have occupied the Baltic States.
French surrender progress remains low.
The Germans close in on Oslo, but Norway fights on.
France
The Western Line has held since June. The Germans closed up and began to probe - it took a while for their infantry to catch up with the advance panzer divisions.
Because of the nature of this AAR, there are no screen shots of battles held in between updates, but the graph of land force losses over the past month is a rough indication: a few probes and initial attacks were put in by the Germans during the last month, but no breakthrough occurred.
Just to give a flavour of combat, I will include some snapshots of battles in progress or just commencing at the time of the save. This attack on Abbeville is doomed – you can tell from the low odds. By this time, the Germans are attacking forces in fortifications, with maximum entrenchment. The defenders are made up of French, British (EF) and Belgian troops.
The Maginot Line holds relatively easily.
A more serious attack on Cattenom involves three German infantry divisions. But against a strong, entrenched defence in L10 forts, their odds are negligible.
In the south, the Italians attack, but make no progress. The Germans and Slovakians have reinforced this frontier.
An attack on Briancon goes in, though not in enough strength to dislodge mountain troops and Chasseur Alpins, defending in mountains, forts and trenches.
In general, the Germans are going to have to hit hard with air attacks and make large-scale, sustained land attacks on key locations to break through. Small to medium sized probes will not be enough.
Africa
The Italians’ early gains in Tunisia are being rolled back.
While the 3rd Fleet recovers from earlier battle damage in Tunis.
Italian and Ethiopian forces attack us in Djibouti. This is a more damaging attack, but should still be comfortably resisted.
Naval
It appears the heavy cruiser Foch was lost in that earlier naval battle with Italy. From here, I will (in the no-frills manner of this AAR) only report naval losses suffered or inflicted by France.
Tech
And here is a snapshot of tech research. Note the range of fighter aircraft training and equipment techs about to come on line. The interceptors have been used for air cover on the front and have managed to survive reasonably well to date, but the Axis can inflict heavy casualties in their ground attacks – especially when they attack beyond the range of British fighters based in England.
Infantry techs are reasonably good (light artillery the only L4/1940, the rest L5/1942); armour is looking good (all L5/1942) and medium tanks getting there too (good armour will be important for both defence and later for offence, if we can survive). Anti-tank (L5/1942) and artillery (L7/1942) are also both well up to date.
Strategic
Since the last report on 8 June, the Soviets have occupied the Baltic States.
French surrender progress remains low.
The Germans close in on Oslo, but Norway fights on.
France
The Western Line has held since June. The Germans closed up and began to probe - it took a while for their infantry to catch up with the advance panzer divisions.
Because of the nature of this AAR, there are no screen shots of battles held in between updates, but the graph of land force losses over the past month is a rough indication: a few probes and initial attacks were put in by the Germans during the last month, but no breakthrough occurred.
Just to give a flavour of combat, I will include some snapshots of battles in progress or just commencing at the time of the save. This attack on Abbeville is doomed – you can tell from the low odds. By this time, the Germans are attacking forces in fortifications, with maximum entrenchment. The defenders are made up of French, British (EF) and Belgian troops.
The Maginot Line holds relatively easily.
A more serious attack on Cattenom involves three German infantry divisions. But against a strong, entrenched defence in L10 forts, their odds are negligible.
In the south, the Italians attack, but make no progress. The Germans and Slovakians have reinforced this frontier.
An attack on Briancon goes in, though not in enough strength to dislodge mountain troops and Chasseur Alpins, defending in mountains, forts and trenches.
In general, the Germans are going to have to hit hard with air attacks and make large-scale, sustained land attacks on key locations to break through. Small to medium sized probes will not be enough.
Africa
The Italians’ early gains in Tunisia are being rolled back.
While the 3rd Fleet recovers from earlier battle damage in Tunis.
Italian and Ethiopian forces attack us in Djibouti. This is a more damaging attack, but should still be comfortably resisted.
Naval
It appears the heavy cruiser Foch was lost in that earlier naval battle with Italy. From here, I will (in the no-frills manner of this AAR) only report naval losses suffered or inflicted by France.
Tech
And here is a snapshot of tech research. Note the range of fighter aircraft training and equipment techs about to come on line. The interceptors have been used for air cover on the front and have managed to survive reasonably well to date, but the Axis can inflict heavy casualties in their ground attacks – especially when they attack beyond the range of British fighters based in England.
Infantry techs are reasonably good (light artillery the only L4/1940, the rest L5/1942); armour is looking good (all L5/1942) and medium tanks getting there too (good armour will be important for both defence and later for offence, if we can survive). Anti-tank (L5/1942) and artillery (L7/1942) are also both well up to date.
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Episode 6: 30 August 1940
Episode 6: 30 August 1940
This and the last update were produced in tandem, but are presented separately - I want to keep each edition short and sharp.
Strategic
Since 14 July, the Germans have completed their conquest of Norway.
This triggers a change in government in the UK, with Churchill now in charge.
Here are France’s current war goals. In general, and in keeping with the Allied desire to spread democracy throughout Europe, the approach is to first install a puppet government and then bring democracy to each liberated enemy country. Conquests are not sought.
France
The Germans have so far been unable to break the Western Line. As before, the attacks seem to be either probes that are too light and are over quickly, or larger attacks that are still not large enough or sustained. Is this the best they can do?
This probe on Soissons looked substantive on paper, with attacks from three different directions, but was abandoned very quickly (probably due to all attacks being across rivers, plus fortification and entrenchment).
The attack on Reims, though lighter, is better prosecuted. But it is still unlikely to succeed.
There are quite heavy casualties in Reims from German and Italian CAS and TAC – but then the Knights of the Air come to the rescue – including one French and six British INT wings!
We all know a human German player would have tried to concentrate some massive force at some point along the line (probably near Paris) and kept pressing. The AI doesn't seem to have the courage to tackle heavily entrenched and fortified river lines here with sustained effort. Yet, anyway.
And in the south, a stronger attack goes in on Briancon, plus both Italian and (not shown here) even more effective German air support (where a single attack causes 289 casualties). But it still doesn’t look like making any inroads.
The Axis also probes away at Nice, where the Slovakians are busy. But that won’t end well for them, either.
Africa
The 3rd Fleet continues to patrol the coast off Libya (as do the British) in an attempt to isolate it from reinforcement. French troops have reoccupied all Tunisian provinces previously seized by Italy and have now taken the key ports of Tripoli and Misurata.
The French High Command tries to rectify the lack of corresponding British action against eastern Libya by suggesting a couple of objectives (Tobruch and Bengasi). As yet, nothing much seems to be happening there.
The Italians and Ethiopians have another go at attacking Djibouti.
Naval
There have been no naval losses incurred or inflicted by France since the last report. The 1st Fleet is back in action, but on hopefully more secure convoy escort duty – they don’t want to risk another encounter with those German battleships! They will leave that to the British.
Production
Here is a comprehensive readout of the current French production queue. There are many small infantry and support units on order – they will be used to round up divisional strength for those not yet at their maximum (we can allocate up to five, but most still only have three or four brigades). The biggest single purchase - at a whopping 30 IC - is a new medium armoured division. Two new forts are due reasonably soon on the Western Line, while a whole run of second stage works are planned for early in the new year of 1941. In the optimistic hope that there will still be something to defend – though the lacklustre German offensive so far has seen expectations improve.
This and the last update were produced in tandem, but are presented separately - I want to keep each edition short and sharp.
Strategic
Since 14 July, the Germans have completed their conquest of Norway.
This triggers a change in government in the UK, with Churchill now in charge.
Here are France’s current war goals. In general, and in keeping with the Allied desire to spread democracy throughout Europe, the approach is to first install a puppet government and then bring democracy to each liberated enemy country. Conquests are not sought.
France
The Germans have so far been unable to break the Western Line. As before, the attacks seem to be either probes that are too light and are over quickly, or larger attacks that are still not large enough or sustained. Is this the best they can do?
This probe on Soissons looked substantive on paper, with attacks from three different directions, but was abandoned very quickly (probably due to all attacks being across rivers, plus fortification and entrenchment).
The attack on Reims, though lighter, is better prosecuted. But it is still unlikely to succeed.
There are quite heavy casualties in Reims from German and Italian CAS and TAC – but then the Knights of the Air come to the rescue – including one French and six British INT wings!
We all know a human German player would have tried to concentrate some massive force at some point along the line (probably near Paris) and kept pressing. The AI doesn't seem to have the courage to tackle heavily entrenched and fortified river lines here with sustained effort. Yet, anyway.
***
The Maginot Line holds strong.
And in the south, a stronger attack goes in on Briancon, plus both Italian and (not shown here) even more effective German air support (where a single attack causes 289 casualties). But it still doesn’t look like making any inroads.
The Axis also probes away at Nice, where the Slovakians are busy. But that won’t end well for them, either.
Africa
The 3rd Fleet continues to patrol the coast off Libya (as do the British) in an attempt to isolate it from reinforcement. French troops have reoccupied all Tunisian provinces previously seized by Italy and have now taken the key ports of Tripoli and Misurata.
The French High Command tries to rectify the lack of corresponding British action against eastern Libya by suggesting a couple of objectives (Tobruch and Bengasi). As yet, nothing much seems to be happening there.
The Italians and Ethiopians have another go at attacking Djibouti.
Naval
There have been no naval losses incurred or inflicted by France since the last report. The 1st Fleet is back in action, but on hopefully more secure convoy escort duty – they don’t want to risk another encounter with those German battleships! They will leave that to the British.
Production
Here is a comprehensive readout of the current French production queue. There are many small infantry and support units on order – they will be used to round up divisional strength for those not yet at their maximum (we can allocate up to five, but most still only have three or four brigades). The biggest single purchase - at a whopping 30 IC - is a new medium armoured division. Two new forts are due reasonably soon on the Western Line, while a whole run of second stage works are planned for early in the new year of 1941. In the optimistic hope that there will still be something to defend – though the lacklustre German offensive so far has seen expectations improve.
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