Netherlands = oil and rare materials. No need to torch one's own supply dump. There was also a comment by Johan about the benefits of keeping Netherlands neutral.
-
We have updated our Community Code of Conduct. Please read through the new rules for the forum that are an integral part of Paradox Interactive’s User Agreement.
Alexander Seil said:
In the long run, the Netherlands is quite prone to joining the Allies when it comes under attack from Japan. Therefore, I tend to take it just after France, just for the sake of it.
I don't really see the logic of that - what if Japan does not invade until Dec., 1941, or even later? Until then, the Netherlands would be quite useful. And, in the event of a Japanese attack, you can always occupy them before the Allies send in reinforcements.
Alexander Seil said:
Well, the thing is that most of the time you'll want to have your full attention, not to mention all your troops on the East Front by that time. So, sure, if you want to either keep some of your troops away from the frontline or have to pull some off the frontline during the Russian campaing (which is more than liable to go to hell if you're playing on a higher difficulty setting), that's your choice.
Myself, I prefer to do it after France like I said, for the sake of it. If you want rare materials and oil, the Soviet Union can usually help you in that department (and when you start Barbarossa, well, pray to God you win it fast so you can turn to the Middle East and Britain).
rasmus40 said:
In previous games I have tended to use lots of Artillery and SP Artillery for front line units. In this game I have taken a decidedly different approach by going for the total speed/maneuver advantage. With this approach I am building engineers en masse. All my "elite" units and HQ units have engineers. About 50% of my infantry also has engineers. I'm trying to outfit them all, but am having trouble keeping up with demand.
As for garrisons, yes, I am using MP brigades on all garrison units. They are cheap in both supply cost and IC cost. If I get in too much of a MP bind then I'll have to reconsider.
May 1940
May 1, 1940 : III. Panzer Corps has arrived in Paris. VIII. Armeekorps has arrived in Ghent. I. Marine Corps has arrived in Cherbourg. Hitler sends Rommel a notice that he will personally fly to Paris as soon as they declare it safe to do so.
May 2, 1940 : We won a battle against France in Dunkerque, the panzers roll in and clear the beaches a few hours later. A battle was also won in Orleans. Naval combat continues in the Channel. The following ships are sunk: HMCS Kingston(CA), HMS Cornwall(CA), HMS Berwick(CA).
May 3, 1940 : With Paris firmly in our hands, and seeing relations with Il'Duce are good, Hitler invites him to join in a Pact of Steel against the UK and her cronies. Il'Duce him'd and haw'd, finally rejecting our Military Alliance proposal.
Ribbentrop also had talks with the Soviets. The goal was to establish a non-agression pact. Stalin was an unmovable rock in the negotiations. The Soviet Union declined the non-aggression pact suggested by us. We found a UK task force attempting passage to France(our intelligence believes they were carrying expeditionary forces). We pounced on them and sank the Andes Flotilla(TP), Resolution Flotilla(TP), 25th Destroyer Flotilla(DD), HMS Leander(CL), 26th Destroyer Flotilla(DD).
May 4, 1940 : I. Panzer Army HQ has arrived in Argentan. I. Marine Corps has arrived in Avranches. We won a battle against France in Le Mans. Our U-boats in West Biscaya Basin have sunk 14 transports and 0 escorts.
May 5, 1940 : In continued contests over control of the Channel, we sank HMS Revenge(BB). Secret meetings were held with the French government. Hitler announced to the world today that a new Vichy French state would be formed. French forces and territory immediately split along Vichy and Free lines. North Africa, Syria and Indochina all stayed with the Vichy Government, while the rest of the French Empire continues to fight under UK control. Most of the French Fleet fell under Vichy control, including the Bearn(CV). Japan immediately demanded French Indochina from the Vichy government. Being in no place to argue, the fledgeling vichy government caved in to Japan's demands and turned over Indochina. This day did not, however go completely as planned. The UK had managed to land an expeditionary force in France. These forces were suddenly the only ones not putting down their arms. They were surrounded in Troyes by superior Heer forces. A few hours later they capitulated when a determined attack was made against thier positions. With North West France now under German control, Raeder ordered the KM, one of the U-boat fleets and most of the transport fleets to rebase to Brest, whose facilities were taken intact. The Baltic Fleet and the remaining U-boats and transports would move to Wilhelmshaven, closing the ring around the British Home isles.
May 9, 1940 : The Royal Navy made an attempt to disrupt our rebasing effort. This cost them HMS Calypso(CL) and HMS Delhi(CL).
May 13, 1940 : Hitler has been very pleased with the performance of the Marine-Sturm Divisions. Today the first of these divisions received a unit citation and an upgrade to Marines '41. They are told that their services would soon be needed again. Before they would go to England, however, passage must be opened to the Mediterranean. Spain would be the next target. In the meantime, the KM and Luftwaffe have been ordered to harras and engage anything that moves around the British Isles. The Battle for Britain enters its preparatory phase.
May 15, 1940 : Il'Duce wore a smile as wide as his favorite hat. Ribbentrop had just explained to him that Hitler's eye is turning south. With the prospect of Gibraltar falling, and with France effectively out of the war, Il'Duce finally agreed to join in the Pact of Steel. Italy is now at war with the allies. Hitler also indicated that he would leave a few forces positioned for action in Greece should Il'Duce desire to move against them.
May 17, 1940 : United Kingdom today announced a Guarantee of Greek independence. Hitler dismisses the announcement as so much hot air. He doesn't believe the UK could save Greece any more than they saved France.
May 21, 1940 : Our forces in East Celtic Shelf have sunk 12 transports and 0 escorts.
May 22, 1940 : Another naval clash occured in the Channel. We sank a number of Canadian warships, including the Destroyer Flotilla 1(DD), HMCS Quebéc(CL), HMCS Ontario(CL), Destroyer Flotilla 2(DD). Our forces in West Biscaya Basin have sunk 5 transports and 3 escorts.
May 23, 1940 : Our U-boats won a battle against United Kingdom in East Celtic Shelf. The following ships were sunk: 19th Destroyer Flotilla(DD), 20th Destroyer Flotilla(DD). Our forces in South Iberian Shelf have sunk 2 transports and 2 escorts.
May 25, 1940 : Our forces in South Iberian Shelf have sunk 4 transports and 2 escorts.
May 26, 1940 : Our forces in East Celtic Shelf have sunk 11 transports and 0 escorts. Hitler orders all Spanish assault forces to take up positions. Hostilies against Spain will commence on the 28th of May.
I have a screenshot of East African action, but my permission to post attachments appears to have been turned off!!!! What's up? I am well within my allowed storage?
Ok, here's a try to host the image from my personal site:
May 1, 1940 : III. Panzer Corps has arrived in Paris. VIII. Armeekorps has arrived in Ghent. I. Marine Corps has arrived in Cherbourg. Hitler sends Rommel a notice that he will personally fly to Paris as soon as they declare it safe to do so.
May 2, 1940 : We won a battle against France in Dunkerque, the panzers roll in and clear the beaches a few hours later. A battle was also won in Orleans. Naval combat continues in the Channel. The following ships are sunk: HMCS Kingston(CA), HMS Cornwall(CA), HMS Berwick(CA).
May 3, 1940 : With Paris firmly in our hands, and seeing relations with Il'Duce are good, Hitler invites him to join in a Pact of Steel against the UK and her cronies. Il'Duce him'd and haw'd, finally rejecting our Military Alliance proposal.
Ribbentrop also had talks with the Soviets. The goal was to establish a non-agression pact. Stalin was an unmovable rock in the negotiations. The Soviet Union declined the non-aggression pact suggested by us. We found a UK task force attempting passage to France(our intelligence believes they were carrying expeditionary forces). We pounced on them and sank the Andes Flotilla(TP), Resolution Flotilla(TP), 25th Destroyer Flotilla(DD), HMS Leander(CL), 26th Destroyer Flotilla(DD).
May 4, 1940 : I. Panzer Army HQ has arrived in Argentan. I. Marine Corps has arrived in Avranches. We won a battle against France in Le Mans. Our U-boats in West Biscaya Basin have sunk 14 transports and 0 escorts.
May 5, 1940 : In continued contests over control of the Channel, we sank HMS Revenge(BB). Secret meetings were held with the French government. Hitler announced to the world today that a new Vichy French state would be formed. French forces and territory immediately split along Vichy and Free lines. North Africa, Syria and Indochina all stayed with the Vichy Government, while the rest of the French Empire continues to fight under UK control. Most of the French Fleet fell under Vichy control, including the Bearn(CV). Japan immediately demanded French Indochina from the Vichy government. Being in no place to argue, the fledgeling vichy government caved in to Japan's demands and turned over Indochina. This day did not, however go completely as planned. The UK had managed to land an expeditionary force in France. These forces were suddenly the only ones not putting down their arms. They were surrounded in Troyes by superior Heer forces. A few hours later they capitulated when a determined attack was made against thier positions. With North West France now under German control, Raeder ordered the KM, one of the U-boat fleets and most of the transport fleets to rebase to Brest, whose facilities were taken intact. The Baltic Fleet and the remaining U-boats and transports would move to Wilhelmshaven, closing the ring around the British Home isles.
May 9, 1940 : The Royal Navy made an attempt to disrupt our rebasing effort. This cost them HMS Calypso(CL) and HMS Delhi(CL).
May 13, 1940 : Hitler has been very pleased with the performance of the Marine-Sturm Divisions. Today the first of these divisions received a unit citation and an upgrade to Marines '41. They are told that their services would soon be needed again. Before they would go to England, however, passage must be opened to the Mediterranean. Spain would be the next target. In the meantime, the KM and Luftwaffe have been ordered to harras and engage anything that moves around the British Isles. The Battle for Britain enters its preparatory phase.
May 15, 1940 : Il'Duce wore a smile as wide as his favorite hat. Ribbentrop had just explained to him that Hitler's eye is turning south. With the prospect of Gibraltar falling, and with France effectively out of the war, Il'Duce finally agreed to join in the Pact of Steel. Italy is now at war with the allies. Hitler also indicated that he would leave a few forces positioned for action in Greece should Il'Duce desire to move against them.
May 17, 1940 : United Kingdom today announced a Guarantee of Greek independence. Hitler dismisses the announcement as so much hot air. He doesn't believe the UK could save Greece any more than they saved France.
May 21, 1940 : Our forces in East Celtic Shelf have sunk 12 transports and 0 escorts.
May 22, 1940 : Another naval clash occured in the Channel. We sank a number of Canadian warships, including the Destroyer Flotilla 1(DD), HMCS Quebéc(CL), HMCS Ontario(CL), Destroyer Flotilla 2(DD). Our forces in West Biscaya Basin have sunk 5 transports and 3 escorts.
May 23, 1940 : Our U-boats won a battle against United Kingdom in East Celtic Shelf. The following ships were sunk: 19th Destroyer Flotilla(DD), 20th Destroyer Flotilla(DD). Our forces in South Iberian Shelf have sunk 2 transports and 2 escorts.
May 25, 1940 : Our forces in South Iberian Shelf have sunk 4 transports and 2 escorts.
May 26, 1940 : Our forces in East Celtic Shelf have sunk 11 transports and 0 escorts. Hitler orders all Spanish assault forces to take up positions. Hostilies against Spain will commence on the 28th of May.
I have a screenshot of East African action, but my permission to post attachments appears to have been turned off!!!! What's up? I am well within my allowed storage?
Ok, here's a try to host the image from my personal site:
Last edited:
June 1940 - Spain
May 28, 1940 : Germany and Italy declared war upon Nationalist Spain. Ribbentrop asked Hitler the day before why he was going to attack Spain instead of trying to make allies of them. Hitler answered by explaining that there is only room in the new order for the strong. Spain may be politically symapathetic, but we would have to station German forces there anyhow to keep them from being taken by the Allies. I feel much safer with full control and full access to the resources to make Germany stronger. I also want to have an uninterrupted supply line to Gibraltar. Italy may be our ally, and strong enough to survive, but I intend to control the gateway to the Mediteranean.
Also on this day, our forces in West Biscaya Basin have sunk 11 transports and 0 escorts and we won battles against Nationalist Spain in Oviedo, Bilbao and Seville.
May 29, 1940 : Spanish and UK naval forces attempted to stall our landing in Seville. They were no match for the modern aircraft and guns of the Kriegsmarine. Over the next coupld days we sank the Flotilla de Escolta(DD), Flotilla de Torpederas No. 3(DD), 1. Razaracka Flotila(DD), 1a Flotilla de Submarinos(SS), S101 Flotilla(SS), 2ème Flotille des Contre-Torpilleurs(DD), 11ème Flotille des Contre-Torpilleurs(DD). Our forces in East Celtic Shelf have sunk 7 transports and 0 escorts.
May 30, 1940 : I. Marine Army HQ has finished unloading in Oviedo.
June 1, 1940 : V. Armygroup HQ has finished unloading in Seville. We won battles in Saragossa, Gibraltar and Huelva. VI. Mountain Corps has arrived in Bilbao.
June 2, 1940 : We met the Spanish Flagship, ARE España(BB), in combat today and sank her. So ends the Spanish challenge to our naval supremacy.
June 3, 1940 : We won a battle against Nationalist Spain in Huesca. XXII. Armeekorps has arrived in Gibraltar.
June 4, 1940 : I. Marine Corps has arrived in Burgos. XXIII. Armeekorps has arrived in Huelva. XXVI. Armeekorps has arrived in Málaga. Another battle took place in the Channel today. We managed to sink HMS Durban(CL), HMS Warspite(BB), 18th Destroyer Flotilla(DD), HMS London(CA), HMS Curlew(CL), 17th Destroyer Flotilla(DD). Goering comments to Hitler that the real reason for continued success in the Channel isn't the fleet, but that the Luftwaffe is providing air cover and naval bombers to soften up the UK fleet before they reach combat range. Raeder disagrees vehemently. He claims the more advanced air groups being flown on the CVLs and the big guns of the improved battleships are more than a match for the RN. Hitler smiles at both of them and says, "Don't fight each other gentlemen. Save it for the English. We will need both of your capabilities in the very near future. Now, see to the end of Spanish resistance before we get carried away with ourselves."
June 7, 1940 : VI. Armeekorps has arrived in Saragossa. We won a battle against Nationalist Spain in Valladolid. V. Mountain Corps has arrived in Huesca. XXII. Armeekorps has arrived in Jaén.
June 8, 1940 : We won a battle against Nationalist Spain in Tarragona. III. Marine Corps has arrived in La Coruña.
June 9, 1940 : I. Marine Army HQ has arrived in Valladolid. We won a battle against Nationalist Spain in Madrid. I. Panzer Army HQ has arrived in Sigüenza.
June 10, 1940 : We won a battle against Nationalist Spain in Badajoz.
June 11, 1940 : We won battles against Nationalist Spain in Barcelona, Castellon and Albacete. VI. Mountain Corps has arrived in Tarragona. II. Marine Corps has arrived in Madrid.
June 12, 1940 : I. Panzer Army HQ has arrived in Guadalajara. V. Mountain Corps has arrived in Barcelona. XXII. Armeekorps has arrived in Murcia.
June 13, 1940 : V. Armeekorps has arrived in Castellón. We won a battle against Nationalist Spain in València.
June 14, 1940 : II. Panzer Corps has arrived in València. With the occupation of this last objective in Spain, Hitler declares their annexation. Unfortunately, the UK was quick to land expeditionary forces in the Spanish Colonies. The UK immediately siezes control of Ifni and Ceuta. Hitler tells his staff not to let the UK distract them with the sniping of such inconsequential colonial territories. "Let them waste their strength fighting and moving about the periphery." he explains, "We shall take them through the heart!" Hitler instructs his staff to repair the KM and set aside sufficent forces for Sea Lion. The remaining forces will be redeployed to the East where operations will commence against the lesser nations of the east. Specifically, Bulgaria, the baltic states and the now weakened Finland. The burden of garrisoning occupied territories also continues to grow. The manpower commited to anti-partisan work now exceeds 400,000 and our manpower reserves have fallen to less than 600,000.
June 22, 1940 : As the new generation of infantry weapons and tactics are adopted, their application to other specialist units is being made. The first Gebirgsjäger Divisions have been upgraded to Mountain '41.
June 23, 1940 : We have lost control over El Aaiún to United Kingdom.
June 27, 1940 : Werner Heisenberg has developed 'Isotope Separation Facility'. Germany immediately diverts sufficient resources to begin construction of their first, small, test reactor. Heisenberg is given funding to continue his research.
June 28, 1940 : Turkey joined the war on the same side as United Kingdom, Iraq, France, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa, Nepal, Bhutan, Yemen, Oman, Netherlands and Belgium in their war against Germany and Italy. This news causes a small rethinking of Hitler's plan. He does not yet want an active land front with the UK on the continent. Therefore, he takes Bulgaria off the hit list. Once Sea Lion is complete, then a drive through Bulgaria and Turkey, into the middle east will be an ideal winter operation that will also result in another axis of advance for Barbarrosa in 1941.
May 28, 1940 : Germany and Italy declared war upon Nationalist Spain. Ribbentrop asked Hitler the day before why he was going to attack Spain instead of trying to make allies of them. Hitler answered by explaining that there is only room in the new order for the strong. Spain may be politically symapathetic, but we would have to station German forces there anyhow to keep them from being taken by the Allies. I feel much safer with full control and full access to the resources to make Germany stronger. I also want to have an uninterrupted supply line to Gibraltar. Italy may be our ally, and strong enough to survive, but I intend to control the gateway to the Mediteranean.
Also on this day, our forces in West Biscaya Basin have sunk 11 transports and 0 escorts and we won battles against Nationalist Spain in Oviedo, Bilbao and Seville.
May 29, 1940 : Spanish and UK naval forces attempted to stall our landing in Seville. They were no match for the modern aircraft and guns of the Kriegsmarine. Over the next coupld days we sank the Flotilla de Escolta(DD), Flotilla de Torpederas No. 3(DD), 1. Razaracka Flotila(DD), 1a Flotilla de Submarinos(SS), S101 Flotilla(SS), 2ème Flotille des Contre-Torpilleurs(DD), 11ème Flotille des Contre-Torpilleurs(DD). Our forces in East Celtic Shelf have sunk 7 transports and 0 escorts.
May 30, 1940 : I. Marine Army HQ has finished unloading in Oviedo.
June 1, 1940 : V. Armygroup HQ has finished unloading in Seville. We won battles in Saragossa, Gibraltar and Huelva. VI. Mountain Corps has arrived in Bilbao.
June 2, 1940 : We met the Spanish Flagship, ARE España(BB), in combat today and sank her. So ends the Spanish challenge to our naval supremacy.
June 3, 1940 : We won a battle against Nationalist Spain in Huesca. XXII. Armeekorps has arrived in Gibraltar.
June 4, 1940 : I. Marine Corps has arrived in Burgos. XXIII. Armeekorps has arrived in Huelva. XXVI. Armeekorps has arrived in Málaga. Another battle took place in the Channel today. We managed to sink HMS Durban(CL), HMS Warspite(BB), 18th Destroyer Flotilla(DD), HMS London(CA), HMS Curlew(CL), 17th Destroyer Flotilla(DD). Goering comments to Hitler that the real reason for continued success in the Channel isn't the fleet, but that the Luftwaffe is providing air cover and naval bombers to soften up the UK fleet before they reach combat range. Raeder disagrees vehemently. He claims the more advanced air groups being flown on the CVLs and the big guns of the improved battleships are more than a match for the RN. Hitler smiles at both of them and says, "Don't fight each other gentlemen. Save it for the English. We will need both of your capabilities in the very near future. Now, see to the end of Spanish resistance before we get carried away with ourselves."
June 7, 1940 : VI. Armeekorps has arrived in Saragossa. We won a battle against Nationalist Spain in Valladolid. V. Mountain Corps has arrived in Huesca. XXII. Armeekorps has arrived in Jaén.
June 8, 1940 : We won a battle against Nationalist Spain in Tarragona. III. Marine Corps has arrived in La Coruña.
June 9, 1940 : I. Marine Army HQ has arrived in Valladolid. We won a battle against Nationalist Spain in Madrid. I. Panzer Army HQ has arrived in Sigüenza.
June 10, 1940 : We won a battle against Nationalist Spain in Badajoz.
June 11, 1940 : We won battles against Nationalist Spain in Barcelona, Castellon and Albacete. VI. Mountain Corps has arrived in Tarragona. II. Marine Corps has arrived in Madrid.
June 12, 1940 : I. Panzer Army HQ has arrived in Guadalajara. V. Mountain Corps has arrived in Barcelona. XXII. Armeekorps has arrived in Murcia.
June 13, 1940 : V. Armeekorps has arrived in Castellón. We won a battle against Nationalist Spain in València.
June 14, 1940 : II. Panzer Corps has arrived in València. With the occupation of this last objective in Spain, Hitler declares their annexation. Unfortunately, the UK was quick to land expeditionary forces in the Spanish Colonies. The UK immediately siezes control of Ifni and Ceuta. Hitler tells his staff not to let the UK distract them with the sniping of such inconsequential colonial territories. "Let them waste their strength fighting and moving about the periphery." he explains, "We shall take them through the heart!" Hitler instructs his staff to repair the KM and set aside sufficent forces for Sea Lion. The remaining forces will be redeployed to the East where operations will commence against the lesser nations of the east. Specifically, Bulgaria, the baltic states and the now weakened Finland. The burden of garrisoning occupied territories also continues to grow. The manpower commited to anti-partisan work now exceeds 400,000 and our manpower reserves have fallen to less than 600,000.
June 22, 1940 : As the new generation of infantry weapons and tactics are adopted, their application to other specialist units is being made. The first Gebirgsjäger Divisions have been upgraded to Mountain '41.
June 23, 1940 : We have lost control over El Aaiún to United Kingdom.
June 27, 1940 : Werner Heisenberg has developed 'Isotope Separation Facility'. Germany immediately diverts sufficient resources to begin construction of their first, small, test reactor. Heisenberg is given funding to continue his research.
June 28, 1940 : Turkey joined the war on the same side as United Kingdom, Iraq, France, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa, Nepal, Bhutan, Yemen, Oman, Netherlands and Belgium in their war against Germany and Italy. This news causes a small rethinking of Hitler's plan. He does not yet want an active land front with the UK on the continent. Therefore, he takes Bulgaria off the hit list. Once Sea Lion is complete, then a drive through Bulgaria and Turkey, into the middle east will be an ideal winter operation that will also result in another axis of advance for Barbarrosa in 1941.
July 1940 - Finland and the Baltic States
July 1, 1940 : With forces in position, Germany and Italy declared war upon Lithuania. The UK continues to advance through the former Spanish colonies, siezing Villa Sanjuro.
July 2, 1940 : The Luftwaffe announces the entry into service of its first 4 engined combat aircraft, the Focke-Wulf Fw-200C. It first enters service with Seeaufklärungsgruppe 128 and immediately goes on duty in the seas around the UK.
July 3, 1940 : We have lost control over Melilla to United Kingdom.
July 5, 1940 : XLVIII. Armeekorps has arrived in Kaunas. Hitler declares the annexation of Lithuania.
July 8, 1940 : After a couple days off, Germany declared war upon Latvia. Estonia, being allied with Latvia, joins in against the Germans. Germany and Italy also declare war on Finland. We quickly win battles in Jekapils, Mazirbe, Jelgava and Petsamo.
July 10, 1940 : We won a battle against Latvia in Riga.
July 13, 1940 : XII. Armeekorps has arrived in Riga. Latvia is immediately annexed. Estonia, however, takes control of Gulbene. The UK continues to advance in Africa, siezing Villa Cisneros.
July 14, 1940 : We won a battle against Finland in Turku. The Baltic Flotilla also sinks a Finnish submarine unit off the Coast of Stockholm.
July 15, 1940 : We won battles against Estonia in Gulbene and Parnu. We have lost control over Gran Canaria to United Kingdom. Hitler comments to Ribbentrop that these counter moves by the UK are taxing his patience. He is more eager than ever to complete the eastern operations so that Sea Lion may begin.
July 16, 1940 : We won a battle against Finland in Helsinki. The Baltic Fleet ran into an old remnant of the Swedish Navy and sank HMS Clas Fleming(CL).
July 17, 1940 : We won a battle against Finland in Rovaniemi.
July 18, 1940 : VIII. Armeekorps has arrived in Vaasa. Having taken the last Finnish objective, Finland surrenders and is annexed into the greater Reich.
July 19, 1940 : We won a battle against Estonia in Tallinn.
July 20, 1940 : Another remnant of the old Swedish Navy was encountered in the Kalmar Sound. We quickly sank HMS Tapperheten(CA), HMS Drottning Victoria(BC), HMS Sverige(BC), and Aran(CA). XII. Armeekorps has arrived in Tallinn and Estonia was annexed. Hitler now orders full attention to Sea Lion, scheduled for launch on 1 August 1940.
July 1, 1940 : With forces in position, Germany and Italy declared war upon Lithuania. The UK continues to advance through the former Spanish colonies, siezing Villa Sanjuro.
July 2, 1940 : The Luftwaffe announces the entry into service of its first 4 engined combat aircraft, the Focke-Wulf Fw-200C. It first enters service with Seeaufklärungsgruppe 128 and immediately goes on duty in the seas around the UK.
July 3, 1940 : We have lost control over Melilla to United Kingdom.
July 5, 1940 : XLVIII. Armeekorps has arrived in Kaunas. Hitler declares the annexation of Lithuania.
July 8, 1940 : After a couple days off, Germany declared war upon Latvia. Estonia, being allied with Latvia, joins in against the Germans. Germany and Italy also declare war on Finland. We quickly win battles in Jekapils, Mazirbe, Jelgava and Petsamo.
July 10, 1940 : We won a battle against Latvia in Riga.
July 13, 1940 : XII. Armeekorps has arrived in Riga. Latvia is immediately annexed. Estonia, however, takes control of Gulbene. The UK continues to advance in Africa, siezing Villa Cisneros.
July 14, 1940 : We won a battle against Finland in Turku. The Baltic Flotilla also sinks a Finnish submarine unit off the Coast of Stockholm.
July 15, 1940 : We won battles against Estonia in Gulbene and Parnu. We have lost control over Gran Canaria to United Kingdom. Hitler comments to Ribbentrop that these counter moves by the UK are taxing his patience. He is more eager than ever to complete the eastern operations so that Sea Lion may begin.
July 16, 1940 : We won a battle against Finland in Helsinki. The Baltic Fleet ran into an old remnant of the Swedish Navy and sank HMS Clas Fleming(CL).
July 17, 1940 : We won a battle against Finland in Rovaniemi.
July 18, 1940 : VIII. Armeekorps has arrived in Vaasa. Having taken the last Finnish objective, Finland surrenders and is annexed into the greater Reich.
July 19, 1940 : We won a battle against Estonia in Tallinn.
July 20, 1940 : Another remnant of the old Swedish Navy was encountered in the Kalmar Sound. We quickly sank HMS Tapperheten(CA), HMS Drottning Victoria(BC), HMS Sverige(BC), and Aran(CA). XII. Armeekorps has arrived in Tallinn and Estonia was annexed. Hitler now orders full attention to Sea Lion, scheduled for launch on 1 August 1940.
Aug 1940 - Sea Lion
July 30, 1940 : Hitler meets with his Chiefs of Staff in a final review of the upcoming Operation Sea Lion.
First, he asks his head of intelligence what kind of forces remain to defend the home isles. He is informed that the UK has somewhere between 20-25 divisions in the home isles, as well as approximately 3000 aircraft. The aircraft are about half fighter types and half bomber types. These are mostly RAF units, but several hundred Free French and Dutch aircraft are also in the mix. The Royal Navy has been reduced dramatically due to the concerted efforts to keep the Channel clear during operations in France. It is estimated that the RN has fewer than 60 serviceable warships remaining, including just one CV, HMS Eagle, and one BB, HMS Malaya.
Hitler then turns to his Chiefs and asks what we have prepared for the offensive.
The Kriegsmarine reports 100% readiness with all 8 light carrier groups, 6 Bismarck class battleships, 2 Schlesien class battlecruisers, 2 Hipper class heavy cruisers, 18 light cruisers(mostly Nurnberg class, but the original Emden and Leipzigs are still in operation), and 18 destroyer squadrons(mix of Z1/Z17/Z23 classes). The U-boat force stands at 28 flotillas of Type IXs. Also, 34 transports are available for troop movements. The U-boats have already left port to take up convoy raiding positions west of the Isles. The KM and BF will each escort a group of transports to their landing sites and provide shore bombardment at the most heavily defended sites.
The Luftwaffe reports all squadrons have completed upgrades to latest models. The operation will include 1200 Bf.109G Fighters(to be used on offensive air superiority missions), 1600 Ju-88 Tactical Bombers(to be held in reserve until needed to remove stubborn resistance), and 800 Fw-200C Naval Bombers(which will keep a 24 hour anti-ship patrol operating around the area of operations).
The Heer reports 40 divisions assigned to the operation. 14 Marine '41, 11 Mountain '41, 11 Panzer III, and 4 HQ(two marine, one mountain and one panzer). All units are equiped with engineer brigades. The plan is for Panzers and Marines to hit the East Coast, while Mountaineers and Marines hit Ireland and the West Coast. The forces are then to enclose and destroy all resistance while a few mountain troops march up to Scapa Flow to complete the occupation.
Hitler congratulates all and states his confidence in achieving victory. Now that the Luftwaffe has 1200 Improved Fighters, even the air war should be well in hand. He raises a toast to victory and retires for the night.
August 1, 1940 : The Luftwaffe gets the first action, beginning thier air superiority sweeps even before sunrise. Elsewhere, troops and ships set sail for the heart of the enemy resistance.
August 2, 1940 : The first naval clashes occur. With the Condors constantly harrasing the enemy vessels, there are few undamaged ships facing the Kriegsmarines warships. Good carrier weather makes the results even more decisive. The UK loses ARE Canarias(CA), 28th Destroyer Flotilla(DD), 8nd Destroyer Flotilla(DD), 7th Destroyer Flotilla(DD), Essex Flotilla(TP), 6th Destroyer Flotilla(DD), 1a Flotilla de Destructores(DD), 2a Flotilla de Transporte Naval(TP). U-boats sink 10 transports. On land, the first troops achieve victory on the shores near Norwich.
August 3, 1940 : We won battles against United Kingdom in Sheffield, Plymouth and Bristol. Hitler formally declares war on Ireland.
August 4, 1940 : We won battles against United Kingdom in Glasgow, Blackpool, Edinburgh and Sheffield.
August 5, 1940 : We have lost control over Fuerteventura to United Kingdom.
August 6, 1940 : Troops finish unloading in Cork, Bristol, Plymouth, Edinburgh, Blackpool, Glasgow, and Belfast. We also won battles in Dublin and Sunderland. Ireland is nearly defeated and the defenders in the Home Isles are being overwhelmed in rapid succession. The battle for London has begun, but looks like it will last some time yet. A fair number of divisions have already capitulated. Over 500 aircraft have also been destroyed as their airfields were overrun. There are a number of damaged RN warships taking refuge in Portsmouth. Among these vessels is HMS Malaya, the sole surviving battleship, who is severely damaged from previous combat. The Luftwaffe is ready to pounce when the Heer flushes them out of port.
August 7, 1940 : We won a battle against United Kingdom in Portsmouth. Seeing the advancing German forces, the RN vessels make a dash for a safe harbor. As soon as they leave, they are pounced on by all 800 Fw-200c and the HMS Malaya along with many smaller vessels are sent to the bottom. Troops arrive in Cardiff and Sunderland.
August 8, 1940 : Mountain Troops arrive in Portadown and Dunfermline. We have also finally defeated the tenacious defenders of both London and Dover.
August 9, 1940 : We won a battle against United Kingdom in Liverpool. II. Marine Corps has arrived in Portsmouth to find a harbour nearly empty, save for a number of burning wrecks.
August 10, 1940 : Troops arrive in Dover, Dublin, London, Birmingham, Liverpool and Aberdeen. The Battle of Britain is all but over. Hundreds more RAF aircraft are destroyed on the ground as the German columns advance.
August 12, 1940 : We have lost control over Lanzarote to United Kingdom. Hitler is amazed at the willingness of the UK to continue fighting far from home when London itself is now in his hands. It looks like Churchill intends to live up to his words and "never surrender." We shall have to root them out of every hiding place. With this thought in mind, Hitler orders the Marines to head north to Iceland. This base is the key to controlling access to and from Canada. He wishes it in his hands before the UK or Canada can fortify it.
August 13, 1940 : II. Mountain Army HQ has arrived in Inverness.
August 14, 1940 : II. Marine Army HQ has arrived in Norwich.
August 17, 1940 : II. Mountain Army HQ has arrived in Stornoway.
August 18, 1940 : V. Mountain Corps has arrived in Scapa Flow. Recon patrols spotted the last few RN submarines leaving port as they approached. More aircraft were also destroyed on the ground.
August 19, 1940 : We have lost control over Tenerife to United Kingdom.
August 22, 1940 : I. Marine Army HQ has finished unloading in Reykjavik. Iceland is returned to the Reich.
August 25, 1940 : Kriegsmarine has arrived in Seville in preparation for Hitlers next move, Operation Sudwind. He intends to help Italy finish off Allied resistance in the Mediteranean during the Winter months so that he will have a clear hand to deal with Russia in the Spring.
August 26, 1940 : In acknowledgement of the fact that the total defeat of the Allies will require efforts around the globe, Hitler sends Ribbentrop to seek an agreement with Italy and Japan called the Tripartite Pact. This pact will agree to certain zones of influence and areas of responsibility in removing the allied strongholds and occupying territory. Italy and Japan both agree and sign the Pact. Hitler gives his Chiefs permission to begin Operation Sudwind as soon as they are ready.
July 30, 1940 : Hitler meets with his Chiefs of Staff in a final review of the upcoming Operation Sea Lion.
First, he asks his head of intelligence what kind of forces remain to defend the home isles. He is informed that the UK has somewhere between 20-25 divisions in the home isles, as well as approximately 3000 aircraft. The aircraft are about half fighter types and half bomber types. These are mostly RAF units, but several hundred Free French and Dutch aircraft are also in the mix. The Royal Navy has been reduced dramatically due to the concerted efforts to keep the Channel clear during operations in France. It is estimated that the RN has fewer than 60 serviceable warships remaining, including just one CV, HMS Eagle, and one BB, HMS Malaya.
Hitler then turns to his Chiefs and asks what we have prepared for the offensive.
The Kriegsmarine reports 100% readiness with all 8 light carrier groups, 6 Bismarck class battleships, 2 Schlesien class battlecruisers, 2 Hipper class heavy cruisers, 18 light cruisers(mostly Nurnberg class, but the original Emden and Leipzigs are still in operation), and 18 destroyer squadrons(mix of Z1/Z17/Z23 classes). The U-boat force stands at 28 flotillas of Type IXs. Also, 34 transports are available for troop movements. The U-boats have already left port to take up convoy raiding positions west of the Isles. The KM and BF will each escort a group of transports to their landing sites and provide shore bombardment at the most heavily defended sites.
The Luftwaffe reports all squadrons have completed upgrades to latest models. The operation will include 1200 Bf.109G Fighters(to be used on offensive air superiority missions), 1600 Ju-88 Tactical Bombers(to be held in reserve until needed to remove stubborn resistance), and 800 Fw-200C Naval Bombers(which will keep a 24 hour anti-ship patrol operating around the area of operations).
The Heer reports 40 divisions assigned to the operation. 14 Marine '41, 11 Mountain '41, 11 Panzer III, and 4 HQ(two marine, one mountain and one panzer). All units are equiped with engineer brigades. The plan is for Panzers and Marines to hit the East Coast, while Mountaineers and Marines hit Ireland and the West Coast. The forces are then to enclose and destroy all resistance while a few mountain troops march up to Scapa Flow to complete the occupation.
Hitler congratulates all and states his confidence in achieving victory. Now that the Luftwaffe has 1200 Improved Fighters, even the air war should be well in hand. He raises a toast to victory and retires for the night.
August 1, 1940 : The Luftwaffe gets the first action, beginning thier air superiority sweeps even before sunrise. Elsewhere, troops and ships set sail for the heart of the enemy resistance.
August 2, 1940 : The first naval clashes occur. With the Condors constantly harrasing the enemy vessels, there are few undamaged ships facing the Kriegsmarines warships. Good carrier weather makes the results even more decisive. The UK loses ARE Canarias(CA), 28th Destroyer Flotilla(DD), 8nd Destroyer Flotilla(DD), 7th Destroyer Flotilla(DD), Essex Flotilla(TP), 6th Destroyer Flotilla(DD), 1a Flotilla de Destructores(DD), 2a Flotilla de Transporte Naval(TP). U-boats sink 10 transports. On land, the first troops achieve victory on the shores near Norwich.
August 3, 1940 : We won battles against United Kingdom in Sheffield, Plymouth and Bristol. Hitler formally declares war on Ireland.
August 4, 1940 : We won battles against United Kingdom in Glasgow, Blackpool, Edinburgh and Sheffield.
August 5, 1940 : We have lost control over Fuerteventura to United Kingdom.
August 6, 1940 : Troops finish unloading in Cork, Bristol, Plymouth, Edinburgh, Blackpool, Glasgow, and Belfast. We also won battles in Dublin and Sunderland. Ireland is nearly defeated and the defenders in the Home Isles are being overwhelmed in rapid succession. The battle for London has begun, but looks like it will last some time yet. A fair number of divisions have already capitulated. Over 500 aircraft have also been destroyed as their airfields were overrun. There are a number of damaged RN warships taking refuge in Portsmouth. Among these vessels is HMS Malaya, the sole surviving battleship, who is severely damaged from previous combat. The Luftwaffe is ready to pounce when the Heer flushes them out of port.
August 7, 1940 : We won a battle against United Kingdom in Portsmouth. Seeing the advancing German forces, the RN vessels make a dash for a safe harbor. As soon as they leave, they are pounced on by all 800 Fw-200c and the HMS Malaya along with many smaller vessels are sent to the bottom. Troops arrive in Cardiff and Sunderland.
August 8, 1940 : Mountain Troops arrive in Portadown and Dunfermline. We have also finally defeated the tenacious defenders of both London and Dover.
August 9, 1940 : We won a battle against United Kingdom in Liverpool. II. Marine Corps has arrived in Portsmouth to find a harbour nearly empty, save for a number of burning wrecks.
August 10, 1940 : Troops arrive in Dover, Dublin, London, Birmingham, Liverpool and Aberdeen. The Battle of Britain is all but over. Hundreds more RAF aircraft are destroyed on the ground as the German columns advance.
August 12, 1940 : We have lost control over Lanzarote to United Kingdom. Hitler is amazed at the willingness of the UK to continue fighting far from home when London itself is now in his hands. It looks like Churchill intends to live up to his words and "never surrender." We shall have to root them out of every hiding place. With this thought in mind, Hitler orders the Marines to head north to Iceland. This base is the key to controlling access to and from Canada. He wishes it in his hands before the UK or Canada can fortify it.
August 13, 1940 : II. Mountain Army HQ has arrived in Inverness.
August 14, 1940 : II. Marine Army HQ has arrived in Norwich.
August 17, 1940 : II. Mountain Army HQ has arrived in Stornoway.
August 18, 1940 : V. Mountain Corps has arrived in Scapa Flow. Recon patrols spotted the last few RN submarines leaving port as they approached. More aircraft were also destroyed on the ground.
August 19, 1940 : We have lost control over Tenerife to United Kingdom.
August 22, 1940 : I. Marine Army HQ has finished unloading in Reykjavik. Iceland is returned to the Reich.
August 25, 1940 : Kriegsmarine has arrived in Seville in preparation for Hitlers next move, Operation Sudwind. He intends to help Italy finish off Allied resistance in the Mediteranean during the Winter months so that he will have a clear hand to deal with Russia in the Spring.
August 26, 1940 : In acknowledgement of the fact that the total defeat of the Allies will require efforts around the globe, Hitler sends Ribbentrop to seek an agreement with Italy and Japan called the Tripartite Pact. This pact will agree to certain zones of influence and areas of responsibility in removing the allied strongholds and occupying territory. Italy and Japan both agree and sign the Pact. Hitler gives his Chiefs permission to begin Operation Sudwind as soon as they are ready.
Crisisman said:
** applause **
Great Work! A fine example of a seaborne invasion, effectively throwing UK out of the war. Now it's time for a big showdown in the east, can't wait to see that.
A true masterpiece, Chrisisman. I like your AAR a lot. Keep it up to this level!
One question
While reading other threads, lots of other people complains on their TC problems (playing Italy or Japan, in another AAR) and the suggested solutions almost always are "try liberating a puppet or two". How does this help free TC and how come you don't share their problems? I'm guessing it's because of your very high IC giving you a TC of ~1000, right?
Now you have quite a few occupied provinces you can't annex (UK and mainland Netherlands/Belgium) that do drain your TC (how much? can you see that somewhere?). Do the annexed non-national provinces drain TC too or not? Sorry, but I just don't get it all yet.
Your thoughts on this?
Thanks a lot!
@ Crisisman:
Thanks for your answers to my questions above. I notice from the screenshots that you don't put garrisons in every occupied province.
Since garrisons can't move how do you then fight rebel in provinces that don't have a garrison?
Do you keep a few mobile forces around as well?
Are rebellions frequent or do the partisans not rebel but only diminish your transport capacity?
And finally an unrelated question: Why don't you use your full industrial capacity when you have sufficient raw materials?
Thanks for your patience with me
@ 873: You can see the drain from partisans by holding the cursor over the TC score.
Thanks for your answers to my questions above. I notice from the screenshots that you don't put garrisons in every occupied province.
Since garrisons can't move how do you then fight rebel in provinces that don't have a garrison?
Do you keep a few mobile forces around as well?
Are rebellions frequent or do the partisans not rebel but only diminish your transport capacity?
And finally an unrelated question: Why don't you use your full industrial capacity when you have sufficient raw materials?
Thanks for your patience with me
@ 873: You can see the drain from partisans by holding the cursor over the TC score.
You make it look so easy...
You must be have some problems, most noticeably with partisans and TC. Manpower must be a large issue as well? Especially with the showdown against the big bear.
Are you gonna strike the middle east before you hit the red blob? Another axis of advance + mid-east oil seems like a good idea...
You must be have some problems, most noticeably with partisans and TC. Manpower must be a large issue as well? Especially with the showdown against the big bear.
Are you gonna strike the middle east before you hit the red blob? Another axis of advance + mid-east oil seems like a good idea...
hmm thanks for the AAR...interesting read.
I just got the game myself the other day and havent really had time to start playing it for real...unfortunately now Im starting to think it was a mistake to buy it
If Germany can do this...or anything resembling this the game is IMHO broken...if Germany builds a big prewar navy (prewar you build atleast 2 BBs, 6 CVs and lots of subs more than historically) the reaction of the UK would have been extremely paranoid Im sure....not to mention the US...both of which guarded their naval supremecy jealously. Additionally I fully support the view that GW CVs seem to be vastly overpowered...historically they were pretty worthless vs. modern fleet CVs...
Additionally to garison the whole of Poland, Hungary, Romania and yugoslavia with just 200k troops is rediculous...historically thats pretty much what Germany ended up having just in Norway...although ofcause Im sure half that was invasion defence...
I just got the game myself the other day and havent really had time to start playing it for real...unfortunately now Im starting to think it was a mistake to buy it
If Germany can do this...or anything resembling this the game is IMHO broken...if Germany builds a big prewar navy (prewar you build atleast 2 BBs, 6 CVs and lots of subs more than historically) the reaction of the UK would have been extremely paranoid Im sure....not to mention the US...both of which guarded their naval supremecy jealously. Additionally I fully support the view that GW CVs seem to be vastly overpowered...historically they were pretty worthless vs. modern fleet CVs...
Additionally to garison the whole of Poland, Hungary, Romania and yugoslavia with just 200k troops is rediculous...historically thats pretty much what Germany ended up having just in Norway...although ofcause Im sure half that was invasion defence...
873 said:
Japan and Italy seem to have nowhere near the industry of Germany. 557 effective IC is a lot. As the US, even after all your industry is mobilized, you won't have much over 400.
Please don't turn this brilliant AAR thread into another one of those classical rants you see about every Paradox game:boehm said:hmm thanks for the AAR...interesting read.
I just got the game myself the other day and havent really had time to start playing it for real...unfortunately now Im starting to think it was a mistake to buy it
If Germany can do this...or anything resembling this the game is IMHO broken...if Germany builds a big prewar navy (prewar you build atleast 2 BBs, 6 CVs and lots of subs more than historically) the reaction of the UK would have been extremely paranoid Im sure....not to mention the US...both of which guarded their naval supremecy jealously. Additionally I fully support the view that GW CVs seem to be vastly overpowered...historically they were pretty worthless vs. modern fleet CVs...
Additionally to garison the whole of Poland, Hungary, Romania and yugoslavia with just 200k troops is rediculous...historically thats pretty much what Germany ended up having just in Norway...although ofcause Im sure half that was invasion defence...
He didn't do exactly like in real life = the game is broken.
Please notice that Crisisman has used his naval forces with great skill so this may not be something players such as you or me can copy. He has used only two large navies and fought smaller ai navies that were badly composed. This is of course bad on the part of the ai but that doesn't in itself mean that Great War carriers are overpowered. He has quite simply used overwhelming force and CAGs meant for more modern CVs. I would like to see restrictions on the update of CAGs used on old ships but that is a discussion for the general forum.
rasmus40 said:
While I am sure that Crisisman is no novice of the game and Im sure that any decent human can outmaneuver the ai in many ways...I do feel it is a problem if Germany can build a vastly more powerfull navy than historically without any reaction from the side of the UK...IRL Im sure the UK would have gone into paranoid panic mode had Germany launched such a massive naval building program...anyway, my main gripe is basically that if Germany can do all the above on "normal" settings....then I fear that with a bit more experience a human will be able to easily duplicate this even on "very hard"...in EU2 which I have played extremely extensively I didnt care too much about whether or nor France could pull of an invasion of UK...since EU2 covers 400years its bound to be alternative history anyway....but HOI2 being a ww2 wargame has to be tied much closer into what was historically viable otherwise IMO it just doesnt work...since in EU2 if England is invaded by France she loses a few provinces and the game goes on...whereas in HOI2 if UK is invaded she is dead and the game is all but over...unless USSR will be able to kick Germanys ass because Germany has neglected her army...now I dont know which mods or patchs has been used in this AAR but I read another one where a few measely subs destroyed almost the entire french fleet...who knows maybe its just subs being overrated...anyway my main argument was that Germany should NOT be able to do all...historically Germany prioritised all buildup of army, naval and air assets to give her the best chance of knocking out the french...problem in games ofcause is that with hindsight everybody knows that the french army gave poor performance and will thus complain if France survives the German blitz...but in my oppinion any real simulation of the prewar years should basically be to the advantage of the allies...since Germany historically did quite well in their decisions of those years whereas it was the allies who screwed up. - and no player deviation from the historical path should be left in a vacum...the ai should react to what the players does! ...So Germany doesnt want to make a deal with USSR...fine let the UK and France try to make one with the USSR instead...thats what they did try historically! So Germany launches a huge prewar naval program...well if this starts in 36...this would surely get the UK to start rearming much faster since a naval buildup is a direct threat and challenge to her! (historically England didnt really start rearming seriously until after Munich)...Likewise...if Germany doesnt have a fairly strong army or airforce when she demands the Sudetenland...France and England should be MUCH more likely to support the Czechs...Historically one of the main reasons they didnt was because the overrated the strength of the Germany and were seriously conserned about their ability to win a war at the time. Had Germany been a papir tiger they would surely never have agreed to the Munich settlement.
blablabla ok Ill shut up now....The only reason I complain is because the mechanics of the game looks soo good...so I want the balance and the AI to be good too
Certainly most of us would like to see the ai improve but it is a very complex game for the ai to handle. There are so many aspects to take into consideration. It would be fantastic if the UK would respond to a german naval build up by building even more ships or getting one of those "preparing for war" events allowing it to use more of it's ICs.
Now let's leave the scene to Crisisman and his potential world conquest.
Now let's leave the scene to Crisisman and his potential world conquest.
rasmus40 said:Certainly most of us would like to see the ai improve but it is a very complex game for the ai to handle. There are so many aspects to take into consideration. It would be fantastic if the UK would respond to a german naval build up by building even more ships or getting one of those "preparing for war" events allowing it to use more of it's ICs.
Now let's leave the scene to Crisisman and his potential world conquest.
agreed, and my posts should in no way be viewed as criticism of Crisisman. Whom I thank for bringing us this AAR in the first place.
Hmm, but why doesn't Stalin do something? Crisisman just stepped on his foot very painfully, by taking the Baltic states. I don't beleive he'd just say "Aww, its all right. I didn't want them anyway.".boehm said:agreed, and my posts should in no way be viewed as criticism of Crisisman. Whom I thank for bringing us this AAR in the first place.