Henri said:
You mean minor losses...like half of his sub fleet? Yep, it's certainly been a cakewalk so far.
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You mean minor losses...like half of his sub fleet? Yep, it's certainly been a cakewalk so far.
Half of his subfleet and the rest of his navy in drydock... It takes quite alot of time to repair them I believe.
Alexander Seil said:
I'm not sure as I don’t have the game, but the default difficulty is weakling I think
Aanel said:I'm not sure as I don’t have the game, but the default difficulty is weakling I think
I believe it is too
Aanel said:I'm not sure as I don’t have the game, but the default difficulty is weakling I think
The normal difficulty setting is designed to a challenge for new players, not veterans. As such, I am making it more diffucult by aiming for lofty goals. Let's just hope I'm not shooting toooo high.
Any updates coming soon?
I secretly hope that you will be defeated when SU & USA join the war.
I secretly hope that you will be defeated when SU & USA join the war.
Aanel said:Any updates coming soon?
I secretly hope that you will be defeated when SU & USA join the war.
Adds Aanel to my secret gestapo hit list.
I will be posting another update shortly.
Dec 1939 - Jan 1940
December 1, 1939 : German troops began crossing the border into Yugoslavia this morning as the sounds of bombers filled the air. Yugoslavia naturally joined with the allies as soon as it was clear that war had been declared. Initial assaults were conducted across the full length of the Yugoslav border. Victories were quickly earned in Nis, Zrenjanin and Ljubljana, which were the 3 primary axis' of advance. Defenders in Novi Sad and Maribor, however, turned back the German attackers with ease. The combination of weather, ice and the Danube proved too much for the smaller forces assigned these secondary objectives. The Panzers and Mountaineers, however, kept moving.
December 2, 1939 : We lost a battle against Yugoslavia in Bjelovar as yet another of the Danube crossings was turned back. All was not bad this day, however, as a vicotry was won in Osijek.
December 4, 1939 : We won battles against Yugoslavia in Pristina and Novi Sad. Novi Sad was beaten this time by concentrated fire and the effects of much aerial bombardment.
December 5, 1939 : We won a battle against Yugoslavia in Belgrade. The Panzers, with engineers attached and a Winter Specialist in charge are proving nigh unstoppable. Novi Pazar also fell today to the advancing Mountaineers.
December 6, 1939 : We won a battle against Yugoslavia in Podgorica.
December 7, 1939 : II. Armee has arrived in Zagreb, completing the objectives of the westernmost thrust.
December 8, 1939 : We have lost control over Nis to a Yugoslavian counter attack.
December 9, 1939 : We won a battle against Yugoslavia in Nis, thus ending the counter attack.
December 10, 1939 : We won a battle against Yugoslavia in Stip.
December 11, 1939 : We won a battle against Yugoslavia in Sarajevo, the last objective for the center thrust.
December 13, 1939 : We won battles against Yugoslavia in Skopje, Uzice, Bjelovar and Dubrovnik. Skopje and Dubrovnik are the last two objectives of the campaign and the targets of the Mountaineers.
December 15, 1939 : With Sarajevo and Dubrovnik being finally secured, the campaign came to an end and Hitler annexed Yugoslavia. Germany deploys garrisons to the region. Garrisons deployed in Eastern Europe now total 17 Divisions with attached MP brigades. The drain of 204,000 personell to keep these regions safe and productive is being noticed. Total reserve manpower, which reached 1.1 million at its peak, is now below 950,000.
December 19, 1939 : Coatia petitioned for independence today. After hearing their plea, Hitler refused their request. Repeating an earlier statement to Ribbentrop, Hitler said, "I don't like paying for the same real estate twice."
January 1, 1940 : State of the Reich reports for the new year are encouraging. The Heer reports 200 total divisions, of which 150 are frontline units. (the remainder being garrisons and units awaiting the rest of their corps to be completed) The Luftwaffe reports 3600 operational aircraft including 800 fighters, 2400 tactical bombers and 400 naval bombers. The last of the Ju-52 have finally been upgraded to Do-17. The fighters are given priority for production, as it is estimated more will be needed for the spring campaign in the West. The Kriegsmarine is back up to 100 U-boats and the surface fleet is ready for new operations.
Hitler and his staff debated the next course of action. One by one, targets were named and discussed:
a. Baltic States - Disapproved as their independence is guranteed by the USSR, and Hitler is not willing to provoke them further until the West is dealt with.
b. Bulgaria - Disapproved for same reason as Baltic States. Also, they may prove a useful ally should Turkey join the Allies.
c. Greece - Disapproved because annexation would require capture of Crete. The lack of ability to get ships to the Med and lack of airborne units makes this currently unattainable. Should Gibraltar be captured, this may be back on the menu.
d. Italy - As much as I dislike the Oaf in Rome, he will prove useful in keeping the UK tied up in Africa while we go for Gibraltar and the Home Isles. He is better kept as an ally.
e. Switzerland - Everyone gurantees their independence. A war with both the USSR and USA at this point is NOT desireable.
f. Low Countries - They are not able to be annexed due to distant colonies, however, they will probably prove valuable as a route to encircle the growing French Army(now almost 100 divisions).
g. Scandinavia - With the USSR fighting in Finland, and gaining ground, Scandinavia is the next point of urgency. Noone gurantees their independence, so the diplomatic impact will be minimal.
After looking over the options, Hitler decides the prepare for Scandinavian operations. Due to the difficulties of weather and terrain, he gives instructions to take it one step at a time. First, Denmark will be crushed. Second, The Navy will land in Norway for a true battle test of the Marines. Third, Sweden will be assaulted with a double move from both Norway and Denmark, with landings on the Baltic Coast. Hitler orders operations to commence as soon as winter begins to recede. He leaves the staff the option of beginning earlier if they feel they are adequately prepared. With that, the staff head off to begin preparations and give their forces some rest.
January 4, 1940 : 7. Armee has been upgraded to HQ '43. (note that this is a 1941 tech, Germany gets HQ units faster than everyone else.) Guderian has been busy developing his Panzer Doctrines. These new HQ units are mobile enough to keep pace with the panzers under most conditions.
January 19, 1940 : KMS Amerika and KMS Rheingold were commisioned, bringing the total to 8 active CVs.
January 30, 1940 : In a planning meeting with his staff, Hitler sets new force level goals to prepare for future operations against the USSR. Goals are set at:
Heer - 15 Infantry Armies, 2 Panzer Armies, 2 Mountain Armies, 2 Marine Armies, and, if possible to complete research and construction in time, 2 Mechanized Armies. (approx. 225-250 front line divisions)
Kriegsmarine - Continue building towards eventual total strength goal of 12 CV, 12 BB/BC/CA, 18 CL, 18 DD, 48 Transports and 60 SS. KM strength goals are long term and not critical to timing of operation.
Luftwaffe - 1600 Fighters, 2400 Tactical Bombers, 800 Naval Bombers. Additional Fighters/Tac would be nice if they can be completed in time.
These levels are considered sufficient to continue operations against the UK while fighting in USSR. Building towards these levels will continue during Scandinavian and Western European operations.
Screenshot:
-Slav_Finale shows situation just before annexation. Note that a few provinces needed to be bypassed to reach objectives quickly.
December 1, 1939 : German troops began crossing the border into Yugoslavia this morning as the sounds of bombers filled the air. Yugoslavia naturally joined with the allies as soon as it was clear that war had been declared. Initial assaults were conducted across the full length of the Yugoslav border. Victories were quickly earned in Nis, Zrenjanin and Ljubljana, which were the 3 primary axis' of advance. Defenders in Novi Sad and Maribor, however, turned back the German attackers with ease. The combination of weather, ice and the Danube proved too much for the smaller forces assigned these secondary objectives. The Panzers and Mountaineers, however, kept moving.
December 2, 1939 : We lost a battle against Yugoslavia in Bjelovar as yet another of the Danube crossings was turned back. All was not bad this day, however, as a vicotry was won in Osijek.
December 4, 1939 : We won battles against Yugoslavia in Pristina and Novi Sad. Novi Sad was beaten this time by concentrated fire and the effects of much aerial bombardment.
December 5, 1939 : We won a battle against Yugoslavia in Belgrade. The Panzers, with engineers attached and a Winter Specialist in charge are proving nigh unstoppable. Novi Pazar also fell today to the advancing Mountaineers.
December 6, 1939 : We won a battle against Yugoslavia in Podgorica.
December 7, 1939 : II. Armee has arrived in Zagreb, completing the objectives of the westernmost thrust.
December 8, 1939 : We have lost control over Nis to a Yugoslavian counter attack.
December 9, 1939 : We won a battle against Yugoslavia in Nis, thus ending the counter attack.
December 10, 1939 : We won a battle against Yugoslavia in Stip.
December 11, 1939 : We won a battle against Yugoslavia in Sarajevo, the last objective for the center thrust.
December 13, 1939 : We won battles against Yugoslavia in Skopje, Uzice, Bjelovar and Dubrovnik. Skopje and Dubrovnik are the last two objectives of the campaign and the targets of the Mountaineers.
December 15, 1939 : With Sarajevo and Dubrovnik being finally secured, the campaign came to an end and Hitler annexed Yugoslavia. Germany deploys garrisons to the region. Garrisons deployed in Eastern Europe now total 17 Divisions with attached MP brigades. The drain of 204,000 personell to keep these regions safe and productive is being noticed. Total reserve manpower, which reached 1.1 million at its peak, is now below 950,000.
December 19, 1939 : Coatia petitioned for independence today. After hearing their plea, Hitler refused their request. Repeating an earlier statement to Ribbentrop, Hitler said, "I don't like paying for the same real estate twice."
January 1, 1940 : State of the Reich reports for the new year are encouraging. The Heer reports 200 total divisions, of which 150 are frontline units. (the remainder being garrisons and units awaiting the rest of their corps to be completed) The Luftwaffe reports 3600 operational aircraft including 800 fighters, 2400 tactical bombers and 400 naval bombers. The last of the Ju-52 have finally been upgraded to Do-17. The fighters are given priority for production, as it is estimated more will be needed for the spring campaign in the West. The Kriegsmarine is back up to 100 U-boats and the surface fleet is ready for new operations.
Hitler and his staff debated the next course of action. One by one, targets were named and discussed:
a. Baltic States - Disapproved as their independence is guranteed by the USSR, and Hitler is not willing to provoke them further until the West is dealt with.
b. Bulgaria - Disapproved for same reason as Baltic States. Also, they may prove a useful ally should Turkey join the Allies.
c. Greece - Disapproved because annexation would require capture of Crete. The lack of ability to get ships to the Med and lack of airborne units makes this currently unattainable. Should Gibraltar be captured, this may be back on the menu.
d. Italy - As much as I dislike the Oaf in Rome, he will prove useful in keeping the UK tied up in Africa while we go for Gibraltar and the Home Isles. He is better kept as an ally.
e. Switzerland - Everyone gurantees their independence. A war with both the USSR and USA at this point is NOT desireable.
f. Low Countries - They are not able to be annexed due to distant colonies, however, they will probably prove valuable as a route to encircle the growing French Army(now almost 100 divisions).
g. Scandinavia - With the USSR fighting in Finland, and gaining ground, Scandinavia is the next point of urgency. Noone gurantees their independence, so the diplomatic impact will be minimal.
After looking over the options, Hitler decides the prepare for Scandinavian operations. Due to the difficulties of weather and terrain, he gives instructions to take it one step at a time. First, Denmark will be crushed. Second, The Navy will land in Norway for a true battle test of the Marines. Third, Sweden will be assaulted with a double move from both Norway and Denmark, with landings on the Baltic Coast. Hitler orders operations to commence as soon as winter begins to recede. He leaves the staff the option of beginning earlier if they feel they are adequately prepared. With that, the staff head off to begin preparations and give their forces some rest.
January 4, 1940 : 7. Armee has been upgraded to HQ '43. (note that this is a 1941 tech, Germany gets HQ units faster than everyone else.) Guderian has been busy developing his Panzer Doctrines. These new HQ units are mobile enough to keep pace with the panzers under most conditions.
January 19, 1940 : KMS Amerika and KMS Rheingold were commisioned, bringing the total to 8 active CVs.
January 30, 1940 : In a planning meeting with his staff, Hitler sets new force level goals to prepare for future operations against the USSR. Goals are set at:
Heer - 15 Infantry Armies, 2 Panzer Armies, 2 Mountain Armies, 2 Marine Armies, and, if possible to complete research and construction in time, 2 Mechanized Armies. (approx. 225-250 front line divisions)
Kriegsmarine - Continue building towards eventual total strength goal of 12 CV, 12 BB/BC/CA, 18 CL, 18 DD, 48 Transports and 60 SS. KM strength goals are long term and not critical to timing of operation.
Luftwaffe - 1600 Fighters, 2400 Tactical Bombers, 800 Naval Bombers. Additional Fighters/Tac would be nice if they can be completed in time.
These levels are considered sufficient to continue operations against the UK while fighting in USSR. Building towards these levels will continue during Scandinavian and Western European operations.
Screenshot:
-Slav_Finale shows situation just before annexation. Note that a few provinces needed to be bypassed to reach objectives quickly.
I was wondering where did the dissent on october 1939 pics came from ? Some kind of new german events, perhaps ?
With all those annexations, my bet is that you'll see the USMC knocking on your door pretty soon. Not to mention the number of units you'll have to use for garrison duty (which it looks like you've noticed already).
Good luck!
Good luck!
Dhatori said:Amerika is a weird name for a german ship.
Why? They like Rammstein that's all
Quivis said:Why? They like Rammstein that's all
I think it's named after its destination.
But seriously, 12 CV's as Germany?? Talk about alternate history...
Quivis said:Why? They like Rammstein that's all
My first thought was that someone in the dev team really likes Rammstein...
Easter Egg!
Dyadya Sam said:
From changing ministers.
CVs are all GW. I'll start building higher quality vessels once I reach my numbers goal.
Optimate said:
No, he said right at the start that it's normal difficulty.
The defeat of the Royal Navy boils down to good use of strategy. The Royal Navy is spread unequally and Crisisman used that to his advantage, in a somewhat rock-scissors-paper match.
Poland was due largely IMO to overwhelming force, which he achieved by making use of the new "batch-building" bonuses and by building low-tech units. In the demo Germany was a breeze for me to play largely because they could bring overwhelming force to bear along multiple fronts. Support Attack really makes a difference.
In the demo, Germany was too easy because German TC is out of whack and use of ahistorical forces is possible (you can support the Ardennes attack from the Netherlands, for example). Nothing a text editor couldn't fix.
I do not really see what is so shocking about Poland falling 15 days earlier. Players generally tend to be more aggressive than historical commanders (who have more to worry about concerning losses and performance).
I do not really see what is so shocking about Poland falling 15 days earlier. Players generally tend to be more aggressive than historical commanders (who have more to worry about concerning losses and performance).
Feb-Mar 1940
February 10, 1940 : Despite Winter still holding sway, the General Staff was too eager to wait any longer. They informed Hitler that they were ready for phase I - Denmark. Hitler therefore decided made his public declaration of war. It was hoped tht Denmark would surrender at the first sign of serious force, but no such luck was forthcoming. Denmark entered a Military Alliance with United Kingdom, Iraq, France, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa, Nepal, Bhutan, Yemen and Oman.
February 11, 1940 : I. Panzer Army HQ has arrived in Kolding. We also won a battle against Denmark in Copenhagen.
February 12, 1940 : I. Panzer Corps has arrived in Odense. I. Panzer Army HQ arrived in Arhus. Hitler annexed Denmark.
Later that day the Danish fleet was found fleeing to British ports and was immediately bombed by the Luftwaffe. A series of battles occured over the next few days which ultimately resulted in the sinking of the Danish Navy.
February 14, 1940 : The KM reported the upgrading of their CAGs once again to Bf.109T / Ju.87T Stuka / Fi.167. (Improved CAG) Finally the KMs CVs have airgroups based on modern aircraft with the ability to take center stage in naval combat.
February 24, 1940 : The first batch of Infanterie Divisions has been upgraded to Infantry '41. Unfortunately, it will be a long while before the whole Heer is up to this new standard.
March 1, 1940 : KMS Hindenburg and KMS Ludendorff were commissioned, bringing the primary battleline up to 6 BB, 2 BC and 2 CA. Plans are to build 2 more Bismarck class vessels before switching to either H, or H-44 class.
March 6, 1940 : The UK, taking advantage of our rather limited range of operations, launched their own amphibious operation against Iceland today. We have lost control over Reykjavik to United Kingdom. Until Norway is taken there is little hope of retrieving the base in Rekjavik. For the time being, it is not really essential anyhow. It will be, however, after we take the British Home Isles. The UK completed their conquest of Iceland by occupying Hofn on the 10th. This news prompted Hitler to order a go-ahead on the second phase of Scandinavian operations. Oslo is ice free, but Narvik will still be frozen.
March 11, 1940 : As the KM sailed north with the invasion force for Narvik, they stumbled into a large French task force in Helgoland Bight. The upgraded CAGs really showed their effectiveness in this fight. The French force had no CVs. They lost the Ocean(BB), Bretagne(BB), Jeanne d'Arc(CL), Foch(CA), and 7ème Flotille des Contre-Torpilleurs(DD) before getting the hint and running for their lives. The invasion force continued to its destination. (tactical note - due to the short range of the G7 class DD, the KM disbanded that unit so that they could reach the shores of Narvik. Modern replacement DDs are already on the slipways.)
March 14, 1940 : With both landing forces and covering fleets in position, Hitler declared war on Norway. The battles on the beaches of Oslo and Narvik were both won by the end of the day. The German Marines have been earning their pay, and will continue to have opportunities to do so.
March 15, 1940 : With 60 U-boats now operating in the Western Approaches, the wolfpacks scored their first convoy success, sinking 8 transports and 0 escorts. The Baltic Flotilla also met a suicide mission by the Norwegian Navy and quickly sank the KNM Norge(CA), KNM Eidsvold(CA).
March 16, 1940 : Another U-boat success, our forces in West Biscaya Basin have sunk 9 transports and 0 escorts.
March 17, 1940 : I. Mountain Corps has finished unloading in Narvik. II. Marine Corps has finished unloading in Oslo. Hitler annexes Norway. Forces immediately begin redeploying to positions for the invasion of Sweden. The Norwegian submarine forces make a desperate dash through the Kattegat to reach UK bases. They are caught by land based airpower and the Baltic Flotilla and sunk.
March 18, 1940 : U-boats operating in the West Biscaya Basin found the French Battlecruiser Dunkerque sailing alone and sank her.
March 19, 1940 : U-boats en route to convoy areas were repeatedly harrased by UK and French naval forces as they attempted the Channel passage. A day long series of battles took place which ultimately resulted in the sinking of a handful of UK and French DDs, plus HMS Diomede(CL), HMS Suffolk(CA), HMS Exeter(CA).
March 20, 1940 : HMS Courageous(CV) was found sailing in the West Biscaya Basin and sunk by U-boats. Hitler is struck by a sense of De Ja Vu. (I find it interesting that both Courageous and Glorious met with their historic fates.)
March 22, 1940 : After further review of the tactics and equipment of CV operations, the KM revises and upgrades their CAGs once again. CVs now operate Bf.109T / Ju.87T Stuka. The older Fi.167 were found wanting in recent operations, while the Ju.87T proved its ability to act as either a dive bomber or a torpedo bomber as the situation demands.
March 30, 1940 : Another convoy attack. Our forces in West Biscaya Basin have sunk 11 transports and 0 escorts. Also on this day, Hitler declares war on Sweden. By the end of the day, battles have been won in Malmo (as an entire Panzer Army is lifted across the Kattegat), Stockholm (by Marine landing), and Kiruna (by overland attack of Mountaineers).
April 1, 1940 : We won battles against Sweden in Göteborg and Karlskrona.
April 2, 1940 : U-boats score again. Our forces in East Celtic Shelf have sunk 9 transports and 0 escorts. We also win a battle in Gotland and complete the occupation of Stockholm. Hitler is very pleased with the capture of large stores of Metals. The German economy now runs a fine line only in Rare Materials.
April 3, 1940 : We won battles against Sweden in Skövde, Amal and Jonkoping. HMS Gustav V(BC) was found and sunk just off the Swedish coast.
April 4, 1940 : I. Mountain Corps has arrived in Sveg.
April 5, 1940 : I. Mountain Army HQ has arrived in Ludvika. We won a battle in Karlstad, but lost to a counter-attack in Gotland.
April 6, 1940 : We won a battle against Sweden in Falun.
April 7, 1940 : U-boats in the West Biscaya Basin sink HMS Carlisle(CL). I. Mountain Corps arrives in Falun, occupying the last Swedish objective. Hitler annexes Sweden the following day. Immediately all forces are ordered to make all haste to the western border area. Spring has arrived and good campaigning weather is wasting. Forces are ordered to be ready for Operation Fall Gelb no later than April 20.
April 15, 1940 : Garrisoning of occupied territories continues to drain away manpower and supplies. Currently 312,000 men in 26 division+brigades are on anti-partisan duty. Reserve manpower has fallen to 800,000.
April 19, 1940 : A final tally of armed forces ready for Operation Fall Gelb is taken. The Luftwaffe has 1200 Bf.109G Fighters, 2400 Tac Bombers (mix of Do-17/He-111/Ju-88), and 700 Do.217 Nav Bombers. The Heer has allocated to the operation 1 Marine Army (Mar 39), 1 Mountain Army (Mtn 39), 2 Panzer Army (Pz.III), and 3 Infantry Army (mix of Inf 39/41). Including HQ units this comes to 85 divisions. (Historic force was 94 divisions, but with only half the tank force...this should be winable.) Kriegsmarine reports approximately 50 surface units ready for action and 24 U-boat flotillas, plus transports.
Screenshots:
-SovFin shows USSR beating up on Finland. This definitely puts some urgency into the operation.
-Norway shows the successful landings in Oslo and Narvik.
-Sweden shows the disposition of assault forces just before declaring war.
February 10, 1940 : Despite Winter still holding sway, the General Staff was too eager to wait any longer. They informed Hitler that they were ready for phase I - Denmark. Hitler therefore decided made his public declaration of war. It was hoped tht Denmark would surrender at the first sign of serious force, but no such luck was forthcoming. Denmark entered a Military Alliance with United Kingdom, Iraq, France, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa, Nepal, Bhutan, Yemen and Oman.
February 11, 1940 : I. Panzer Army HQ has arrived in Kolding. We also won a battle against Denmark in Copenhagen.
February 12, 1940 : I. Panzer Corps has arrived in Odense. I. Panzer Army HQ arrived in Arhus. Hitler annexed Denmark.
Later that day the Danish fleet was found fleeing to British ports and was immediately bombed by the Luftwaffe. A series of battles occured over the next few days which ultimately resulted in the sinking of the Danish Navy.
February 14, 1940 : The KM reported the upgrading of their CAGs once again to Bf.109T / Ju.87T Stuka / Fi.167. (Improved CAG) Finally the KMs CVs have airgroups based on modern aircraft with the ability to take center stage in naval combat.
February 24, 1940 : The first batch of Infanterie Divisions has been upgraded to Infantry '41. Unfortunately, it will be a long while before the whole Heer is up to this new standard.
March 1, 1940 : KMS Hindenburg and KMS Ludendorff were commissioned, bringing the primary battleline up to 6 BB, 2 BC and 2 CA. Plans are to build 2 more Bismarck class vessels before switching to either H, or H-44 class.
March 6, 1940 : The UK, taking advantage of our rather limited range of operations, launched their own amphibious operation against Iceland today. We have lost control over Reykjavik to United Kingdom. Until Norway is taken there is little hope of retrieving the base in Rekjavik. For the time being, it is not really essential anyhow. It will be, however, after we take the British Home Isles. The UK completed their conquest of Iceland by occupying Hofn on the 10th. This news prompted Hitler to order a go-ahead on the second phase of Scandinavian operations. Oslo is ice free, but Narvik will still be frozen.
March 11, 1940 : As the KM sailed north with the invasion force for Narvik, they stumbled into a large French task force in Helgoland Bight. The upgraded CAGs really showed their effectiveness in this fight. The French force had no CVs. They lost the Ocean(BB), Bretagne(BB), Jeanne d'Arc(CL), Foch(CA), and 7ème Flotille des Contre-Torpilleurs(DD) before getting the hint and running for their lives. The invasion force continued to its destination. (tactical note - due to the short range of the G7 class DD, the KM disbanded that unit so that they could reach the shores of Narvik. Modern replacement DDs are already on the slipways.)
March 14, 1940 : With both landing forces and covering fleets in position, Hitler declared war on Norway. The battles on the beaches of Oslo and Narvik were both won by the end of the day. The German Marines have been earning their pay, and will continue to have opportunities to do so.
March 15, 1940 : With 60 U-boats now operating in the Western Approaches, the wolfpacks scored their first convoy success, sinking 8 transports and 0 escorts. The Baltic Flotilla also met a suicide mission by the Norwegian Navy and quickly sank the KNM Norge(CA), KNM Eidsvold(CA).
March 16, 1940 : Another U-boat success, our forces in West Biscaya Basin have sunk 9 transports and 0 escorts.
March 17, 1940 : I. Mountain Corps has finished unloading in Narvik. II. Marine Corps has finished unloading in Oslo. Hitler annexes Norway. Forces immediately begin redeploying to positions for the invasion of Sweden. The Norwegian submarine forces make a desperate dash through the Kattegat to reach UK bases. They are caught by land based airpower and the Baltic Flotilla and sunk.
March 18, 1940 : U-boats operating in the West Biscaya Basin found the French Battlecruiser Dunkerque sailing alone and sank her.
March 19, 1940 : U-boats en route to convoy areas were repeatedly harrased by UK and French naval forces as they attempted the Channel passage. A day long series of battles took place which ultimately resulted in the sinking of a handful of UK and French DDs, plus HMS Diomede(CL), HMS Suffolk(CA), HMS Exeter(CA).
March 20, 1940 : HMS Courageous(CV) was found sailing in the West Biscaya Basin and sunk by U-boats. Hitler is struck by a sense of De Ja Vu. (I find it interesting that both Courageous and Glorious met with their historic fates.)
March 22, 1940 : After further review of the tactics and equipment of CV operations, the KM revises and upgrades their CAGs once again. CVs now operate Bf.109T / Ju.87T Stuka. The older Fi.167 were found wanting in recent operations, while the Ju.87T proved its ability to act as either a dive bomber or a torpedo bomber as the situation demands.
March 30, 1940 : Another convoy attack. Our forces in West Biscaya Basin have sunk 11 transports and 0 escorts. Also on this day, Hitler declares war on Sweden. By the end of the day, battles have been won in Malmo (as an entire Panzer Army is lifted across the Kattegat), Stockholm (by Marine landing), and Kiruna (by overland attack of Mountaineers).
April 1, 1940 : We won battles against Sweden in Göteborg and Karlskrona.
April 2, 1940 : U-boats score again. Our forces in East Celtic Shelf have sunk 9 transports and 0 escorts. We also win a battle in Gotland and complete the occupation of Stockholm. Hitler is very pleased with the capture of large stores of Metals. The German economy now runs a fine line only in Rare Materials.
April 3, 1940 : We won battles against Sweden in Skövde, Amal and Jonkoping. HMS Gustav V(BC) was found and sunk just off the Swedish coast.
April 4, 1940 : I. Mountain Corps has arrived in Sveg.
April 5, 1940 : I. Mountain Army HQ has arrived in Ludvika. We won a battle in Karlstad, but lost to a counter-attack in Gotland.
April 6, 1940 : We won a battle against Sweden in Falun.
April 7, 1940 : U-boats in the West Biscaya Basin sink HMS Carlisle(CL). I. Mountain Corps arrives in Falun, occupying the last Swedish objective. Hitler annexes Sweden the following day. Immediately all forces are ordered to make all haste to the western border area. Spring has arrived and good campaigning weather is wasting. Forces are ordered to be ready for Operation Fall Gelb no later than April 20.
April 15, 1940 : Garrisoning of occupied territories continues to drain away manpower and supplies. Currently 312,000 men in 26 division+brigades are on anti-partisan duty. Reserve manpower has fallen to 800,000.
April 19, 1940 : A final tally of armed forces ready for Operation Fall Gelb is taken. The Luftwaffe has 1200 Bf.109G Fighters, 2400 Tac Bombers (mix of Do-17/He-111/Ju-88), and 700 Do.217 Nav Bombers. The Heer has allocated to the operation 1 Marine Army (Mar 39), 1 Mountain Army (Mtn 39), 2 Panzer Army (Pz.III), and 3 Infantry Army (mix of Inf 39/41). Including HQ units this comes to 85 divisions. (Historic force was 94 divisions, but with only half the tank force...this should be winable.) Kriegsmarine reports approximately 50 surface units ready for action and 24 U-boat flotillas, plus transports.
Screenshots:
-SovFin shows USSR beating up on Finland. This definitely puts some urgency into the operation.
-Norway shows the successful landings in Oslo and Narvik.
-Sweden shows the disposition of assault forces just before declaring war.