Amona

TURN 2b, October 15, 1939 -Polish 4 corps and 1 Air in and around Warsaw, all at 50-70 % strength. Warsawcorps after attack by tankgroup at 9 strength. - Bombercommand spots subpack U-29 south of Ireland, both Bombers and Resolution BB finish that pack. - Fleet searching for second wolfpack, but doesnt make contact as of yet. - US entry level 16%, USSR 41%.

Based on the situation of an Axis-bias in the original Fall Weiss, the bidding is used to balance the game, or, to put it easy, make Allies stronger. From a systematic point of view, I think it wrong to toy with 100 MPP there and 1 chit there. To really test things out, I would start some games with Allies massively strengthened, like in the game I have with JerseyJohn (see our AAR) or even more. What about 250 MPP UK, 1000 US, 2000 USSR. AND 6 free chits for USSR and 10 for USA. Test this out, and afterwards, if you see now it favors Allies too much, we can cut back a bit and arrive finally at a point where the quality of the player and indiviual tactical/operative decisions decide the game. Most important for me is fun, and its not funny if the game is decided early on. It should be decided in 1942/43/44, not even before Barbarossa starts and US is in. For this reasons, I prefer to strengthen USSR and especially US massively. As is discussed in other treads, the role of USA should be much bigger than it is.

TURN 18a, NOVEMBER 10, 1940 Entry levels: US 41%, USSR 51% MPPs: UK 317/ Germany 795/ Italy 473 War Diary of OKW: No operations this period. Our preparations for things to come proceed as planned. German General at the Headquarter of the Italian Forces reports: The usual zero activity, English units aproach Tobruks outer defences in Libya again, but without making contact so far. Italian subs sink 10 MPPs worth of merchant ships again. Ministry for armament and ammunition reports: 328 MPP collected. Italy collected 115 MPP. Ministry for foreign affairs reports: Hungary joined the Axis cause. The country will be available as starting point for operations in the Balkan from next period on. VOELKISCHER BEOBACHTER reports on page 1: HUNGARY JOINED THE JUST CAUSE OF THE MIGHTY AXIS! EUROPE AS A HOLE TO STAND BEHIND GREATER GERMANY IN FIGHTS TO COME! Minister Goebbels, head of ministry for propaganda and peoples information, announces the next day: "... so it was a sabotage act by communist agents, hiding in their dirty holes, that in yesterdays paper there was this mistake in the headlines. Naturally, the WHOLE of europe, not the HOLE was meant. These petty criminals will be brought to justice shortly, and the whole rightful wrath of Greater Germany will come down on them..."

TURN 1b, SEPTEMBER 17, 1939 Canada declares war on Germany. Polish forces take position around Warsaw. No other movements, at least none visible to Axis. Not a friend of the Ireland gambit, as it delays US-entry into the war, and further hindered by the lack of the two carriers, I didnt DOW Ireland.

Just a detail from the sales rackets in Germany: SC -german version - is there in every great shop in the shelves in big numbers, and was sold out after one week in the city I live in. THere must be thousands and tenthousands sold in Germany< in the last few weeks. The only bad news: The German version isnt compatible with the original one. I have both versions, so it doesnt matter for me, but most German players who get the game now will not be able to play with us here. Interestingly the german 1.07 does cooperate with my old 1.06beta version, but not with the 1.07 patch. Anyway, here in Germany there is very great interest in the game since it is on the shelves. But many people dont order via internet or look into forums. I am member of a community of German wargamers, and altough I mentioned countless times to countless people that SC is a great game and worth getting, nearly no one ordered it. Now, the same people have bought it without delay and are enthusiastic about it. So, from my experience I second Rambos opinion that the game belongs on the rackets in supermarkets and so on.

JerseyJohn, the option in the editor "Siberian transfer already made" doesnt help at all. It doesnt mean you get the siberian units at start with Russia. It just means they NEVER come. I think this option in the editor was intended to be used in scenarios that start 1942 or later, when historically the transfer already took place.

TURN 17a, October 13, 1940 Entry levels: US 41%, USSR 51% MPPs: UK 222/ Germany 643/ Italy 358 War Diary of OKW: In Sweden, the operation is concluded. 8th and 14th armies shatter the remnants of 2nd Sw.Army, while Luftwaffe annihilates the Swedish air force. Finally, Sweden surrenders. Otherwise a very quiet period. Group Nordic reports: VIII AK reports english naval forces have left coastal waters near Bergen, probably in fear of Luftwaffe attacks. German General at the headquartes of the Italian Forces reports: No activity apart from Italian subs. 10 MPPs worth of merchant ships sunk. Ministry for armament and ammunition reports: 348 MPP plundered from Sweden. 304 MPP collected. Italy collected 115 MPP.

TURN 16a, SEPTEMBER 15, 1940 Entry levels: US 21%, USSR 44% MPPs: Germany 384/ Italy 243/ UK 199 War Diary of OKW: The quiet time is over. In an combined operation by all three parts of the Wehrmacht, Operation Alleruebung (Aller exercise, as you have undoubtedly guessed, another german river) is conducted, an massive strike to secure swedish ore for our mission to secure Europe once and for all. 1st Swedish army in Stockholm is bombarded by Gneisenau combat group and Luftflotten I, IV and III, located near Oslo. After that, 14th army lands north of the city and finishes off the defenders. 8th army lands south of Stockholm, occupies it and attacks 2nd Swedish Army to the West of it. L II and L V support the assault, leaving 2nd Swedish with 40% strength. Further south, XXX AK and 10th army attack I Sw corps after landing by sea. Finally, Scharnhorst combat group shells the swedish corps. I Sw corps is now down to 30% strength. Despite the fall of Stockholm and the heavy losses swedish formations have taken, Swedish government refused to surrender. An airborne assault by 7th FliegerDivision to capture government before able to leave the capital was a failure. Nevertherless, Sweden will surrender soon, and Scandavia will be completely secure. Apart from these operations, everything is quiet in Europe. The English dont move a muscle. Only Group North reports bombardments of VIII AK in Bergen by the usual warships. German General at the Headquarter of the Italian Forces reports: Italian subs still very active, sinking 10 MPPs worth of merchant ships in Med. Apart from that, futile discussions about Malta- or Egypt operations. Still no decision reached. On hearing this, Fuhrer has decided to meet with the Duce again. Perhaps the Italians need some help by special German formations. Fuhrer is thinking about a Panzer corps and air support. Ministry for armament and ammunition reports: 284 MPP collected. Italy collected its usual 115 MPP. Ministry for foreign affairs reports: US war readiness rise from 21 to 41%, US government not at all pleased with our operation against Sweden. USSR readiness has risen only slightly to 51%. Parole of the day by chief of the German press: "... well, the swedish ore is very important for our war industry. We must explain to the Volksgenossen, how much we have gained by this operation, which will be concluded shortly. And the nordic people of sweden had to be united with the Reich anyway. I am thinking about a propaganda paper in Swedish. Bleichmann here has been thinking along these lines for a while and will give you some details what we have in mind. Bleichmann, would you be so kind..."

TURN 15a, AUGUST 28, 1940 Entry levels: US 21%, USSR 44% MPPs: Germany 265/ Italy 168/ UK 201 War Diary of OKW: Nothing new to report, apart from massive preparations for an invasion across the Channel. Should the English think about it, if its for real or not... German General at the Headquarter of the Italian Forces reports: Discussions about an invasion of Egypt. Italian admiral staff fears Royal Navy in Eastern Med. At least an effort to take Malta should be possible, but Italians dont want to risk their pretty ships in that. General very upset, as clear by his very ironic reports, which clearly leave the path of clear technical military language. Fuhrer says there is nothing we can do about that. At least Italian subs still score on English merchant fleet. 10 MPPs worth sunk in the period. Ministry for armament and ammunition reports: 267 MPP collected. Italy collected 115 MPP. MAERKISCHE VOLKSZEITUNG (Paper of the people of the mark) explains on page 4: "... it is clear that an undertaking like a seaborne invasion of England is no trivial exercise. The Volksgenossen can be assured that the staffs of the Wehrmacht and all its men are working round the clock with german accuracy to get ready for the final onslaught. The German mills may mill slowly, but they mill very precise.*" * A German saying, undoubtedly translated by me into wrong English.

TURN 14a, AUGUST 11, 1940 Entry levels: US 21%, USSR 44% MPPs: UK 333 Germany 278 Italy 463 War Diary of OKW: Nothing new to report. Our plans proceed. German General at the Headquarter of the Italian Forces reports: Italian wolfpacks sink 10 MPPs worth of merchantships. Ministry for armament and ammunition reports: 265 MPP collected. Italy collected 115 MPP. VOELKISCHER BEOBACHTER ASKS ON PAGE 1: PREPARES ENGLAND AN ATTACK WITH GAS? WEHRMACHT READY TO COUNTER IT!

TURN 13a, July, 28 1940 Entry levels: US 21%, USSR 44% MPPs: Germany 498/ Italy 348/ UK 212 War Diary of OKW: English evacuated Brest. II AK occupies city without resistance. The operation in the West is now concluded. Discussions grind on about Sealion. No decision by Fuhrer as of yet. Meanwhile, preparations are going on for other operations of strategic proportions. Otherwise a very quiet period. The enemy is very quiet indeed. Group North reports: Further bombardments of VIII AK in Bergen, Norway. German General at the Headquarter of the Italian Forces reports: No activity, apart from italian subs sinking 5 MPPs worth of merchant ships near Malta. Fremde Heere West (Foreign armies West, branch of german intelligence services, concerned with western enemies) reports: Intelligence analysis of the English forces: Army: Probably 14 - 15 ground units. Possibly 4 of them Free French (2 colonial corps and 2 armies evacuated to Britain) 4 originally located in MidddleEast 1 Gibraltar 1 corps originally in London 2 newly built armies (1st and 2nd), seen in Bordeaux and Brest Others unkown, probably 1 HQ in England. Air force: 4 air units. 3 original (including 1 bomber group) 1 probably Free French. Navy: 13 to 14 groups. Lost 1 cruiser group so far, so probably 1 or 2 Free French groups. Ministry for armament and ammunition reports: 261 MPPs collected. Italy collected 115 MPPs. VOELKISCHER BEOBACHTER reports on page 1: "... so the English have laid their destiny in the hands of an alkoholic with distasteful habits. Churchill, the hasardeur of the Dardanelles..."

TURN 12a, JULY 14, 1940 Entry levels: US 21%, USSR 44% MPPs: Germany 249/ Italy 233/ UK 195 War Diary of OKW: OKL undertakes a massive air offensive against English army at Brest. Armed Reconaissance by XXIII AK reveals only 40% of 1st Uk army lost, despite missions flown by all five operational Luftflotten. Very heavy AA fire, the heaviest Luftwaffe has encounterd as of yet. Fighters from two (2) english carrierfleets, positioned west of Brest, intercept two of our airfleets, inflicting, additionally to losses by AA fire, very disturbing casualities on our formations, especially our Stukas took a heavy beating. OKL plans to rest and refit its forces before offensive will commence again. This is a major setback, the first we have encountered so far. Fuhrer is furious and condemms Goering, who is off hunting in the Schwarzwald (black forest in Germany). General discussion between OKH and OKM about an invasion in England. Different opinions, as was to be expected. Fuhrer is quiet. As long as he doesnt decide for the operation (codenamed Sealion), nothing will happen. So, OKH and OKM discuss further, but Gen.Jodl dismisses their thoughts, telling the assembled generals and admirals that Fuhrer has something different in mind. Group North reports: VIII AK in Bergen is shelled again with minor losses by English warships. Royal Navy seems to rotate its forces there to give their men gunnery practise. German General at the Headquarter of the Italian Forces reports: Apart from 5 MPPs worth of merchantships sunk by italian submarines, no activity. Ministry for armament and ammunition reports: 249 MPPs collected. Italy collected their usual 115 MPPs. SPECIAL REPORT! The OKW announces: In heavy air battles over Brest our fighters shot down 354 carrierborne English fighters. Heavy bombardements reduced the English forces in BREST... STATION BEROMUENSTER (neutral Switzerland) broadcasts in a commentary: "... so, its very peculiar that the Germans claim to have shot down over 350 CARRIERBORNE fighter planes at once, as Britain surely hasnt got more than a third of that number in its arsenal. Seen in this light, the pompous German reports seem not very credible."

Shaka, I have now 6 games going. Lets try our game in a while, when 1 or 2 are ended. What are the details of your "no amphib invasion" option? By the way, you are right on one hand regarding forces at hand, but on the other there would have been, for example, the option for Germany to expand its airforce and lets say have 8 airfleets. You surely know it was planned to shift production to air and naval after Barbarossa. You might say the fuel problem limited the size of German airforce, but some expansion would have been possible. These are decision options players should have too, as the warleaders had them too.

Shaka, certainly you are right about the number of German operational aircraft. Thats the problem in putting historical accuracy against playability. I think you are leaning to have on Accuracy, at least in repect to units. The Germans had six airfleets numbered, plus Luftflotte REICH, plus additional smaller formations. Oh, yes , I know, L V was in Norway and never was as strong as the other fleets, but if we start a discussion in such deatail... oh my. I am certainly not making the mistake so many players make in trying to break through with airfleets help in the East (you know, the boring thing I encountered far to often when SC was young, 3 rows of russian corps against 20 plus german airfleets. Hell no. As the Germans, you need tanks in the East most of all. Dont let Russians build a defense line at all. If they do it, break through and exploit with the tanks. And by the way, I try to have 8 tanks groups at start of Barbarossa, killing both russian tank groups in the initial onslaught as well. Dont speak to me of tanks. I think many players think tanks are added to the game for spice. I know they have a real mission in their own right. Its a pity we cant play each other because of the email problems you encountered with my address.

Regarding Shakas thoughts on the game: (If it is not okay to interrupt your AAR here I can open a new thread) Generally I think limits or force pools are a very good solution to some of the problems. I just think that the limits in this game of yours here are not good ones. 4 airfleets for Germany is not enough to have a chance. What about 8 for Germany, US and UK? This gives Germany a powerfull airfleet in the early stages of the game, enough to help with breakthroughs in the East to avoid attrition war there, and on the other hand allows the Western Allies to win the air war in the West after 1942 or so. NUmbers for other nations: USSR 6, Italy 2, France 2. I would make it that the limit refers to all air units, so 8 is the number of airfleets and bombers combined. What about that? Regarding tanks: Why give techadvances there for free? It would be interesting if Germany had to decide if to invest in Jetresearch or heavy tanks. You need a strong tank force to avoid attrition war in the East, so, why not investing in tanks instead of Jetresearch? Your experienced German air units can, at least in the East, make up for possible russian jetresearch. It would add spice to the game if Germany had to decide which research to favor. For a new try to design a balanced game (probably the 115th ) see my AAR with Jersey John and the rules and modifications stated there in my first entry. Surely it need not be as complicated as that, but the air limit for starters should change the game quite a bit. Your 4-air limit for Germany unbalances game towards Allies in my opinion. At last: I really enjoy reading your and Oaks AARs, keep that going.

TURN 11a, June 30, 1940 Entry levels: US 21%, USSR 44% MPPs: Germany 1333, Italy 118, UK 265 War Diary of OKW: The occupation of France is conducted. English 2nd Army evacuates Bordeaux, II AK marches in instead. English have a beachhead in Brest too, there, 1st UK Army is spotted. XXIII AK advances towards the enemy, but makes no contact as of yet. After the fierce battles of our glorious victory overorarchenemy France, our armies and air formations stay down for rest and refit. Fuhrer is convinced the English will give up the fight. He said, we can have peace from one moment to the other. OKM, especially Doenitz are of different opinion, want to restart operations with U-boat-packs in the Atlantic. No wonder Doenitz is after that, it would mean building new subs, as his entire little fleet of underwater-boats rests on the bottom of Atlantic and Skagerrak respectively. German General at the Headquarter of the Italian Forces: Not much activity. Italian subs are active again in the central Med, sinking 5 MPPs worth of english merchantships. Ministry for armament and ammunition reports: 247 MPP collected. Italy collected 115 MPP. VOELKISCHER BEOBACHTER reports on page 7: "... english prisoners from 2nd UK Army, taken in the fighting at Bordeaux, are by no means ENGLISH. The English use negroes, Indians, Australians (mainly convicted criminals) and other people to fight their wars for them. These scum is naturally no match for the disciplined German forces and our noble and brave Italian allies..."

Ah, a new Karl XII is born, it seems. You know how this conquering of Northern Europe ended, dont you? There is always waiting a Poltawa and a Perewolotschina for you.

TURN 10a, June 16, 1940 Entry levels: US 21%, USSR 44% MPPs: Uk 195, France 76, Germany 236, Italy 328 War Diary of OKW: France has fallen to our weapons! Fuhrer very pleased, one of the best days of his life, he said. There will be some fieldmarschalls, he told Gen.Jodl. The details: 6th FR.Army in Paris was assaulted by XXIII AK, 3rd, 4th, 10th and 14th armies and succumbed quickly to the massive onslaught. 2 french corps southwest of Paris were surrounded and then left alone. Bordeaux surrounded and attacked by XVI and XIX Pz, II AK and italian 1st Army. Lost 20% strength. It must be noticed that the italian formation inflicted no losses on the English and aborted the attack very early, as Gen. Guderian, commander of XIX Pz, is reporting. After the fall of Paris, France surrendered and a new puppet government in the small town of Vichy was formed. Apart from southern France and the colonies, the country will remain occupied by German forces. Italian forces had, as a result of the treaty, to abandon Marseilles and leave Southern France. The Italians are not happy (see below). No air missions were flown as Luftwaffe refits and rests its formations for coming operations. Group North reports: VIII Ak in Bergen was attacked by british warships, grouped around battleship Nelson. Losses are slight. German General at the Headquarter of the Italian Forces reports: Italian generals and Mussolini himself furious about retreat from Marseilles. General had a very though week of late. But with this Tobruk thing, of which the General reminded italian general staff, they have to be careful to be to demanding. It is we who have smashed the France. We would have done it without Italians without any change in the outcome. General reports his analysis that there will be more problems with our Allies ahead of us. Ministry for armament and ammunition reports: 862 MPP plundered from France. 241 MPP collected. Italy collected 115 MPP. PK-correspondent Otto Weichling reports in AUSBLICK IN DIE WELT (outlook on the world, a German magazine for the public): "... we advance slowly to the frontline. The houses around us are nearly all destroyed. How foolish of the French to defend Paris, instead of declaring it an open city. Our aussault pioneers are marching quickly, shouldering their heavy burden of combat equipment without difficulty. They are accustomed to it, as they are accustomed to storming stubbornly defended cities. This is our fifth fortress to take. Our pioneer battaillon is assigned to different formations, where ever we are needed. We have taken part in the aussaults on Warsaw, Copenhagen, Oslo and Brussels already. Our men are very expirienced. The French will learn that to their sorrow too soon enough. Heavy machine gun fire can be heard now. Our advancing infantry is slowed down by enemy MG-nests at important crossroads. Well, our flamethrowers will take care of that shortly..."

Kuniworth, as a German I have to say, your German is among the worst I have ever encountered. Jersey John, your translation is a little bit loose to be sure, but you get the basic facts out of it.

TURN 9a, MAY 26, 1940 Entry levels: US 21%, USSR 44% MPPs: UK 313/ France 119/ Germany 265/ Italy 193 War Diary of OKW: Our forces are closing in on Paris from all sides, nearly encircling it. A french corps (@24,16) east of Paris is shattered by 3rd and 10th armies, X AK and L II. A second corps (@23,15) north of Paris dies in massed assaults by XVI Pz, IX AK, 4th army and L I. L I and L II are both intercepted by the RAF, taking losses and inflicting them. No clear picture on losses to english fighter force. Southwest of Paris a third french corps is down to 60% strength due to attacks by XIX Pz and II AK. Finally, the first attack on Paris is made, conducted by air aussaults of L IV and L V and gronud attacks of XII AK, XXIII AK and 14th army. Not expecting to succeed just yet, we managed to bring 6th Fr.army defending the city down to 40% strength. Furthermore, their defensive positions are now much weaker than before (entrenchment down from 4 to 0). Paris will surely fall next period, and with it France as a whole. Intelligence and reconnaissance revealed 5th French army was operated west, probably to be brought to England via Brest. Furthermore, a UK army, named 2nd, was spotted occupying Bordeaux. German General at the Headquarter of the Italian Forces reports: Ital. II AK occupied empty Marseilles. Ital. subs raiding in Med sunk 5 MPPs worth of merchantmen. English forces have retreated from forward positions near Tobruk, leaving the Italian defenders alone again. Ministry for armament an ammunition reports: About 215 to 220 MPP collected ( Didnt pay attention, lazy fool that I am ) Italy collected 125 MPP. VOELKISCHER BEOBACHTER reports on page 1: PARIS ENCIRCLED BY WEHRMACHT FORCES! TO FALL SOON! WAR ALREADY DECIDED!

TURN 8a, APRIL, 28, 1940 Entry levels: US 21%, USSR 44% MPPs: UK 231/ France 99/ Germany 220/ Italy 230 War Diary of OKW: Second Phase of the conquest of France under way. Fall Rot commences with massive attack on two french armies located east of Paris, transferred there hastily from the abandoned Maginot line. 4th Fr.Army (@24,17) is attacked by X AK, II AK and XIX Pz, all well supplied and ready under Mansteins leadership, therefore eliminating the french unit. 3rd Fr.Army (@24,16)disintegrates after attacks by XII AK, 3rd and 10th armies and L III. IX AK and L V attack unnamed french corps north of Paris, reducing it to 60% strength. Both air fleets attacking were intercepted by british air positioned in Southeast England, and took losses due to the advanced english fighters, but continued their missions successfully nonetheless. XXIII AK advances from Munich across the Rhine to take the vacant Maginot line. 6th Fr.Army in Paris is at entrenchment 4, and will dig in further to be sure. Second echelon forces advance into France and Luftflotten took positions on newly conquered airfields for the final onslaught on Paris. Combat Commander of Garrison Kopenhagen reports: No English warships passed the Baltic Approaches into the Baltic. German General at the Headquarter of the Italian Forces reports: Italians finally managed to reinforce their army in Tobruk.(didnt forget this time ) Italian subs raiding in the Med think 5 MPPs worth of merchantmen. Italian 1st Army advances over Alpes into France, makes contact with unnamed french corps north of the mountains and inflicts some damage with only light casualties. II it. AK moves on to Marseilles, in fear of an ambush not advancing into the city. General complains about Italians, who lack the will for decisive action in his opinion. His remark starts a lengthy discussion, led by the Fuhrer, how went to great length to explain why the Italians of today are no longer the Romans of old. Very interesting, though Halder of OKH was objecting again. Ministry for armament and ammunition reports: 218 MPPs collected. Italy collected 125 MPPs. parole of the day by Chief of German press: "...so I dont want to read anything like: these Italians are whimpy, not a strong ally and so on. Not even faint hints at it. To be sure, these things are facts, and are disturbing the Fuhrer himself, but we must make sure the Volksgenossen believe the Italians to be as strong and daring as we are ourselves. Bleichmann here, has brought to us a little story about a brave Italian soldier, defending a bunker at Tobruk on his own against a company of English riflemen. Its exaggerated to be sure, so lets make a platoon out of that company. No, lets say a squad..."

TURN 7a, March 31, 1940 Entry levels: US 21%, USSR 44% MPPs: UK 232/ France 143/ Germany 513/ Italy 115 War Diary of OKW: Offensive in the West a smashing success. Full breaktrough is achieved on Belgian-french border. Details: 1st Fr.Army northeast of Ardennes (@25,14) is attacked by 10th army and a massive air aussault by three Luftflotten (III, IV, V). Disintegrates under the Stukas. Heavy air battles with french and english interceptors. OKL reports that English air force brings new fighter aircraft to the frontlines, the Spitfire. (UK jet-level at 1) Heavy casualties result. Luftflotte IV and V take a beating. L III encounters less resistance against obsolete and unexperienced french fighter units. After 1st Frenchs death, Armor and fast corps move into the gap, and XIX Pz take the french mine behind Maginot line. Concentrated attack by XIX Pz and XII AK from the rear and 3rd and 14th army from the front on 2nd Fr.Army, located in the Ardennes (@26,15). French are destroyed. XVI Pz advances into the gap too and attack 5th Fr.Army positioned at the Channel (@24,14). It knocked only 10% off the enemy strength, while taking heavier casualties themselves. Its survival in the face of heavy allied air attacks is in doubt, because after Fall Weiss it was never brought back to full strength and is now only at 50%. The only setback in the operation so far. Without the possibility to completely destroy a third french unit, L I and L II flew no missions, instead replacing losses. Finally, to maintain a solid frontline, II AK moves into the now vacant Ardennes area (@26,15). More of our ground forces follow in the second echelon. Result: A major breach of several hundred miles in french lines, units will approach Paris next period if no french reinforcements are placed in their way. The Maginot line is bypassed, French 3rd and 4th armies and XXI corps are nearly trapped in Maginot line. 5th french army is isolated at the coast without southern neighbors. Newly formed 6th Fr Army is spotted fortified in Paris. Fuhrer is very pleased and even OKH is now sure of victory over France. Now its just a matter of time. We will see to it that it wont take long until German units march into Paris. OKM reports: U-47 wolfpack guarding Baltic Approaches is attacked by what appears to be Englands complete Home Fleet. OKM very disturbed, fears, Royal Navy will advance into Baltic and sink our surface fleet as well. Since our surface forces are rather a mere tactical asset than a strategic one, we at OKW look calm at this possibility. If the Royal Navy wants to risk its precious battleships in the Baltic waters against the Luftwaffe, they might well proceed. Another possibility is that they hoped to intercept ground forces seatransported back from Norway. Well, they can search a long time for those. We all had a good laugh about that here at headquartes. Lighted the mood nearly as much as the news from France. German General at the Headquarter of the Italian Forces reports: Still no Italian attack in the Alpes. Now three french corps lined up in defense of the mountain line. France will need them elsewhere soon. Holding Marsaille and loosing Paris will do them no good at all. On the other hand, british forces attacked Tobruk in North Africa. Incredible incompetence at Italian command, was not able to reinforce army holding Tobruk! (It was a long day for me and I just plain forgot to reinforce them. ) Ministry for armament and ammunition reports: 219 MPP collected. It served us well to take Norway so soon. Group North (Norway) reports: VIII AK enters vacant Bergen, completing the conquest of Norway. VOELKISCHER BEOBACHTER reports on page 1: TWO FRENCH ARMIES DESTROYED! WIDE HOLE IN FRENCH LINE! GERMAN PANZERS WITHIN SIGHT OF PARIS!

TURN 6a, March 3, 1940 Entry levels: Italy 100%, US 11%, USSR 37% MPPs: Germany 477/ Italy 0/ UK 182/ France 178 War Diary of OKW: Fall Gelb commences in the West. Concentrated attack on Lowcountries. Netherlands corps is bypassed, 14th, 10th army and XIX Pz shatter Belgian corps, supported by heavy air attacks of L III and L IV. XII AK takes Brussels. Low countries surrender. Ourair units are intercepted by english carrierborne fighters. The obsolete SeaGladiators are no match for our Me109, and so the English take losses without inflicting much on us. In the Ardennes, XVI Pz attacks 2nd French army, inflicting losses and taking some itself. Ground support missions flown on 2nd Fr. by L II. Intercepted by Hurricanes from english Malta AF, obviously operated to Southeast England from Malta. L II takes considerable losses. Heated discussion between OKM and OKH about next missions for OKL, which is not pleased. OKM wants our bombers to engage the english carriers in the Channel, while OKH naturally prefers ground support missions for our attack into France. OKL itself awaits Fuhrers decision. Fuhrer has not decided yet. German General at the headquarter of the Italian Forces reports: Italian attack on Southern France to commence soon. No activity in the Alpes as of yet. Italian sub forces sink 5 MPPs worth of merchant ships near Malta. Ministry for armament and ammunition reports: 291 MPP plundered from Low countries. 195 MPP collected. Ministry for Foreign Affairs reports: US war readiness reaches 21% due to the invasion of Low countries. USSRs reaches 44%. VOELKISCHER BEOBACHTER reports on page 3: French army communications still rely heavily on pigeons for carrying important messages. How ridiculous, while German communication equipment is the most modern in the whole world...

TURN 5a, January 7, 1940 Entry levels: Italy 94%, US 5%, USSR 33% MPPs: UK 282/ France 188/ Germany 403 SPECIAL REPORT! The OKW announces: In the early hours of today, German forces have taken over the protection of Norway. Arriving just before an impeding english attack (Nazis ever spoke of english, not british), our troops under command of General Falkenhorst... War Diary of OKW: Operation Weseruebung, a daring attack on Norway, went as planned. 4th and 8th army and L I overwhelmed the defenders. In the second wave, VIII Ak took over the port of Oslo, and VII AK landed directly into the city. Norway surrendered immediately. The Royal Navy was nowhere to be seen. Was enemy taken be complete surprise? Either that, or the Allies didnt really care. Intelligence reports, both UK and France have build two new ground units each. Nothing happens in the West. Fuhrer was right, French are unwilling to fight and English are to weak. Ministry for armament and ammunition reports: 297 MPP plundered from Norway. 177 MPP collected. Ministry for Foreign Affairs reports: US and USSR war readiness going up to 11 and 37 % respectively.

ERRATA in 4a: VOELKISCHER BEOBACHTER on "page 3" not "side 3". Not easy to do this in a foreign language