stevep
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Post by stevep on Jan 2, 2019 10:57:29 GMT
June 29th, France
Operation SICKLE had been postponed over and over again for weeks. Despite their technology, I Canadian Corps still had issues with fuel and ammunition. They burned through the latter in an alarmingly short amount of time when fighting. Nonetheless, I Corps was now ready. One division had been taken off the order of battle, but the 1st, 2nd and 4th divisions, 38,000 in all, were ready and willing to attack.
The German forces on the opposite side of the Meuse were drawn from the OKH reserve, in this case from the Ninth Army. There were no Panzer divisions or motorized infantry, just line infantry. The 81st and 25th Infantry Divisions (XVIII Corps) were on the Meuse opposite the Canadians while other formations were held back for counterattacks. The Ninth Army had been weakened due to the removal of several divisions which ended up being sent to Belgium.
The Canadians had 105mm and 155mm guns, along with MLRS systems from BATUS, who did not have anything near the amount of crew required for all of their equipment. Even though new guns had been made in factories (M109s taken from storage, and AS-90s from BATUS), the amount of artillery that they had was tiny in comparison to the French, British, German, and Soviet armies. They made up for the low numbers of artillery with modern, accurate air support.
At 6:45 AM, the guns opened fire, hitting German positions along the Meuse. Aircraft pummeled supply lines and communication centres, further weakening the Germans. Troops accompanied by engineers crossed under the cover of artillery. Smoke screens were used to conceal the crossings. German units on the right bank of the Meuse were overwhelmed by artillery, airstrikes, and direct Canadian attacks on their positions.
Sedan was secured by a battalion from 10CMBG, but their advance was slow due to local German forces putting up stiff resistance. Nevertheless, the crossing was a success. Armoured vehicles rolled across pontoon bridges to reinforce the troops on the right bank. I Canadian Corps had established a beachhead that was 25 km wide and 2 kilometres deep by 9:30 AM.
Local German counterattacks occurred in several areas. In the south, 5CMBG was attacked by the 189th Infantry Regiment from the German 81st Infantry Division. Predictably, the attack was stopped with heavy casualties, causing the remnants of the regiment to retreat. Seeing an opportunity, the commander of 5CMBG ordered his mechanized and light armoured units forward. Led by the 12th Armoured Regiment, the brigade smashed through and destroyed the 189th Regiment. This success was followed by another when 5CMBG turned north and attacked the flank of the 174th Infantry Regiment, which was in the midst of pulling back. Short on supplies, the 174th Regiment simply disintegrated, taking nearly 900 killed and 600 captured.
Hermann Ritter von Speck, commander of XVIII Corps, had been killed in an airstrike along with most of his staff, leaving the corps to fend for itself. Columns of retreating men were attacked (and sometimes wiped out) from the air, spreading fear among the men as they had no way of harming the CF-18s. It wasn’t like the Luftwaffe could do anything either.
The I Canadian Corps pushed forward, tearing through German formations with light losses. By the end of the day, Canadian armoured reconnaissance units had reached La Chappelle and were closing in on La Grandville. The Germans opponents had swiftly collapsed in this area and were fleeing through the Ardennes.
On the 30th of June, the Canadian advance continued as troops started to push into the Ardennes. Progress was slower than the previous day since the terrain of the Ardennes was challenging to deal with. The hulks of destroyed German vehicles still littered the roads, which had also taken a beating from the RCAF. German troops were engaged in several locations. While they offered spirited resistance, they were overcome due to Canadian numbers and technology. The morale of the defenders was not high, either. Supplies hadn’t been getting through while ammunition was in short supply. Promised reinforcements had not come because of the heavily damaged railways in the Rhineland. This meant that any reinforcements would have to come by road, which was even more dangerous (easier targets from the air) and much slower. Four divisions intended to reinforce XVIII Corps were still waiting at railway centres back in Germany.
Buillon was reached on the evening of the 30th; Vresse-sur-Semois the following morning. In Berlin, Hitler was furious. He screamed, stomped, and threw things, demanding that the Canadian attack be stopped and thrown back to the Meuse. His wish would not be granted, as the situation for Germany would get worse over the next few weeks.
Nice to see a update redrobin65
Fully agree, an excellent TL resumed. Happy New Year to you as well Redrobin65.
Not surprised that troops, especially without experience of combat like this before for burn off ammo rapidly, especially as they would rather spend shells than men. As well as the air power they can probably counter numerically superior Germany artillery with a qualitative edge, especially if they can target the key German positions using say drones, electronic locations and code-breaking etc. Can see a lot of HQs being hit and commanding/staff officers being casualties.
Was there a political reason for the attack being in the south or possibly just that's where the Canadians were? I wonder if a strike in the north might have been better because the Ardennes aren't exactly ideal for mobile warfare, unless the Germans crumble completely. A drive towards Liege say could threat the rear of the forces in the south or even a thrust into the German Rhineland. Or am I missing too much?
Sounds like the wheels are coming off the Nazi machine. At this stage, before the rapid conquest of western Europe there was still a lot of concern about a new war and with it having turned into a disaster this will be rising. Also air raids, especially ones that damage infrastructure will have compounded problems with civilian supplies as well and there was a shortage of coal in Germany in the 39/40 winter that has probably been made worse so that will also affect morale.
Steve
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James G
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Post by James G on Jan 3, 2019 18:56:22 GMT
In Berlin, Hitler was furious. He screamed, stomped, and threw things, demanding that the Canadian attack be stopped and thrown back to the Meuse. His wish would not be granted, as the situation for Germany would get worse over the next few weeks.
Chewing the rug / carpet, is he!? |
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Post by redrobin65 on Jan 15, 2019 19:25:02 GMT
July 6th, 1940, NDHQ, Ottawa
The room was full of senior RCN officers who were reading various documents and looking at blueprints. The purpose of the Naval Planning Committee was simple: plan out the future of the Navy, and be realistic.
In 2018, most of the planned military acquisitions were naval in nature. The RCN was supposed to get 6 patrol ships, 15 frigates, and 2 support ships over a 25-year period. The Shift had thrown a huge wrench into that plan, however. Not only was the Army (rightly) seen as more important due to the situation in Europe, the designs considered to replace existing Canadian warships all contained very advanced weapons systems, most of which Canada could not easily make. Nonetheless, the RCN desperately needed new ships.
“So. The Government is still trying to buy the Little Rock, but the Americans are being very difficult about it.”
“Can’t really blame them. It’s still technically part of the USN, after all.”
“To be fair, they have no hope of maintaining it properly. Our technicians have experience with most of the systems on the ship. Plus, most of their crew don’t want to live in America with how its laws are at the moment.”
“Yeah, but we can barely maintain the Victorias and the Kingstons. Besides, we all know about the…troubles affecting the LCS. Do we really want that?”
“Buying it is way cheaper than building a patrol ship if you know what I mean.”
Everyone in the room groaned and cringed at the thought of the dual-purpose Harry DeWolf class Arctic Patrol ships/icebreakers. Under-armed, slow, and expensive, they had been nicknamed “slush-breakers” because of their low-rated icebreaking capabilities. A Captain near the door spoke up once the whispering died down.
“Those ships are completely ridiculous. I think that Harry DeWolf and Margaret Brooke should be completed, but scrap Max Bernays and cancel the others. We have enough useless ships already.”
“I agree.”
“Same here.”
“Me too. However, you have to take into account that Irving will lose its mind if we scrap one and cancel the other three. We have to build something else there.”
“What would we build there? That company is incompetent and corrupt. I wouldn’t mind giving some of the frigate contracts to Davie or Seaspan.”
“Well, they did spend years building up their yards specifically for warships. It would be a waste to not build warships there. Besides, Davie and Seaspan are for oilers and research vessels.”
“Can’t we build the third block Halifaxes or the Supers there?
“Yes, we can do the third block Halifaxes at Irving, I suppose. By Supers, you mean the bigger Halifax that we’re calling a destroyer, right?”
“Yes. Why, do you not like it?”
“I don’t. All of the designs seem…off if you will. The first one has too many guns and is longer than a Ticonderoga. The second one…well, I don’t see how it can get over 30 knots with the estimated tonnage.”
“We can just modify it. Besides, what’s wrong with a few guns?”
“A few? How are you supposed to fit six 5-inchers on a destroyer while still having room for a VLS and good radar?”
The bickering began once again.
Proposed additions to the Royal Canadian Navy
Halifax-class frigate (6): Hamilton, Abbotsford, Bathurst, Gatineau, Laval, Burlington
Harry DeWolf-class AOPV (2): Harry DeWolf, Margaret Brooke
Asterix-class replenishment vessel (1): Obliex
Protecteur-class replenishment vessel (3): Protecteur, Preserver, Provider
Hypothetical “Super Halifax” destroyer (10)
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lordroel
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Post by lordroel on Jan 15, 2019 19:28:02 GMT
July 6th, 1940, NDHQ, Ottawa
The room was full of senior RCN officers who were reading various documents and looking at blueprints. The purpose of the Naval Planning Committee was simple: plan out the future of the Navy, and be realistic.
In 2018, most of the planned military acquisitions were naval in nature. The RCN was supposed to get 6 patrol ships, 15 frigates, and 2 support ships over a 25-year period. The Shift had thrown a huge wrench into that plan, however. Not only was the Army (rightly) seen as more important due to the situation in Europe, the designs considered to replace existing Canadian warships all contained very advanced weapons systems, most of which Canada could not easily make. Nonetheless, the RCN desperately needed new ships.
“So. The Government is still trying to buy the Little Rock, but the Americans are being very difficult about it.”
“Can’t really blame them. It’s still technically part of the USN, after all.”
“To be fair, they have no hope of maintaining it properly. Our technicians have experience with most of the systems on the ship. Plus, most of their crew don’t want to live in America with how its laws are at the moment.”
“Yeah, but we can barely maintain the Victorias and the Kingstons. Besides, we all know about the…troubles affecting the LCS. Do we really want that?”
“Buying it is way cheaper than building a patrol ship if you know what I mean.”
Everyone in the room groaned and cringed at the thought of the dual-purpose Harry DeWolf class Arctic Patrol ships/icebreakers. Under-armed, slow, and expensive, they had been nicknamed “slush-breakers” because of their low-rated icebreaking capabilities. A Captain near the door spoke up once the whispering died down.
“Those ships are completely ridiculous. I think that Harry DeWolf and Margaret Brooke should be completed, but scrap Max Bernays and cancel the others. We have enough useless ships already.”
“I agree.”
“Same here.”
“Me too. However, you have to take into account that Irving will lose its mind if we scrap one and cancel the other three. We have to build something else there.”
“What would we build there? That company is incompetent and corrupt. I wouldn’t mind giving some of the frigate contracts to Davie or Seaspan.”
“Well, they did spend years building up their yards specifically for warships. It would be a waste to not build warships there. Besides, Davie and Seaspan are for oilers and research vessels.”
“Can’t we build the third block Halifaxes or the Supers there?
“Yes, we can do the third block Halifaxes at Irving, I suppose. By Supers, you mean the bigger Halifax that we’re calling a destroyer, right?”
“Yes. Why, do you not like it?”
“I don’t. All of the designs seem…off if you will. The first one has too many guns and is longer than a Ticonderoga. The second one…well, I don’t see how it can get over 30 knots with the estimated tonnage.”
“We can just modify it. Besides, what’s wrong with a few guns?”
“A few? How are you supposed to fit six 5-inchers on a destroyer while still having room for a VLS and good radar?”
The bickering began once again.
Proposed additions to the Royal Canadian Navy
Halifax-class frigate (6): Hamilton, Abbotsford, Bathurst, Gatineau, Laval, Burlington
Harry DeWolf-class AOPV (2): Harry DeWolf, Margaret Brooke
Asterix-class replenishment vessel (1): Obliex
Protecteur-class replenishment vessel (3): Protecteur, Preserver, Provider
Hypothetical “Super Halifax” destroyer (10) Nice to see a new update redrobin65 |
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James G
Squadron vice admiral
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Post by James G on Jan 15, 2019 19:28:45 GMT
A strong navy is probably more needed for this Canada than an improved air force or army. Both of the latter are important yet naval power really will be key in this world they are in; they should be thinking post-Hitler too.
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lordroel
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Post by lordroel on Jan 15, 2019 19:34:38 GMT
A strong navy is probably more needed for this Canada than an improved air force or army. Both of the latter are important yet naval power really will be key in this world they are in; they should be thinking post-Hitler too. And its true, the Halifax-class is a ship they know that works and in 1940 is the most advance warship a flood, a second batch (the first bath would be the current active once i presume) Halifax-class would most likely incorporated the Frigate Equipment Life Extension (FELEX) project that all active Halifaxs are getting. |
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James G
Squadron vice admiral
Posts: 7,608
Likes: 8,833
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Post by James G on Jan 15, 2019 19:40:35 GMT
A carrier would be great but, unfortunately, they were told to be 'realistic'. But even with a carrier, they'd still need aircraft to fly from it and so much more.
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stevep
Fleet admiral
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Post by stevep on Jan 15, 2019 22:33:25 GMT
I wonder if the best bet is going for something more outdated. Say a design from the 1950s' but with some modern equipment, especially radar and the like. This might be easier to produce, especially in numbers and could also be used more widely as no good build 2018 type ships then finding out they can only be based in Canada without extensive modifications to foreign ports. Also this would give the opportunity to either sell to allies or help them produce similar ships themselves. Ditto possibly with land and air weapons. Otherwise I feel that their running into the old problem of the best being the enemy of the good enough.
If the US is claiming a ship from a parallel world USN are they also making claims about US owned factories and the like in Canada.
Steve
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lordroel
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Post by lordroel on Jan 19, 2019 17:57:24 GMT
I wonder if the best bet is going for something more outdated. Say a design from the 1950s' but with some modern equipment, especially radar and the like. This might be easier to produce, especially in numbers and could also be used more widely as no good build 2018 type ships then finding out they can only be based in Canada without extensive modifications to foreign ports. Also this would give the opportunity to either sell to allies or help them produce similar ships themselves. Ditto possibly with land and air weapons. Otherwise I feel that their running into the old problem of the best being the enemy of the good enough. If the US is claiming a ship from a parallel world USN are they also making claims about US owned factories and the like in Canada.
Steve
The only ship that is close to a 1950 design the Canadians can use as a model is HMCS Haida who served from 1943 to 1958 and now is a known as the HMCS Haida National Historic Site . |
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stevep
Fleet admiral
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Likes: 13,229
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Post by stevep on Jan 19, 2019 23:57:40 GMT
I wonder if the best bet is going for something more outdated. Say a design from the 1950s' but with some modern equipment, especially radar and the like. This might be easier to produce, especially in numbers and could also be used more widely as no good build 2018 type ships then finding out they can only be based in Canada without extensive modifications to foreign ports. Also this would give the opportunity to either sell to allies or help them produce similar ships themselves. Ditto possibly with land and air weapons. Otherwise I feel that their running into the old problem of the best being the enemy of the good enough. If the US is claiming a ship from a parallel world USN are they also making claims about US owned factories and the like in Canada.
Steve
The only ship that is close to a 1950 design the Canadians can use as a model is HMCS Haida who served from 1943 to 1958 and now is a known as the HMCS Haida National Historic Site .
OK possibly not useful in the naval sphere then. Pity.
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Post by redrobin65 on Jan 20, 2019 1:57:12 GMT
I wonder if the best bet is going for something more outdated. Say a design from the 1950s' but with some modern equipment, especially radar and the like. This might be easier to produce, especially in numbers and could also be used more widely as no good build 2018 type ships then finding out they can only be based in Canada without extensive modifications to foreign ports. Also this would give the opportunity to either sell to allies or help them produce similar ships themselves. Ditto possibly with land and air weapons. Otherwise I feel that their running into the old problem of the best being the enemy of the good enough. If the US is claiming a ship from a parallel world USN are they also making claims about US owned factories and the like in Canada.
Steve
The only ship that is close to a 1950 design the Canadians can use as a model is HMCS Haida who served from 1943 to 1958 and now is a known as the HMCS Haida National Historic Site . Actually, we do have the St Laurent-class destroyer escorts, first commisioned in 1955. |
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lordroel
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Post by lordroel on Jan 20, 2019 7:59:36 GMT
The only ship that is close to a 1950 design the Canadians can use as a model is HMCS Haida who served from 1943 to 1958 and now is a known as the HMCS Haida National Historic Site . Actually, we do have the St Laurent-class destroyer escorts, first commisioned in 1955. True, would that work as a design. |
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Post by redrobin65 on Feb 1, 2019 17:28:18 GMT
July 8th, Hasselt, Belgium
The headquarters of the German Second Army was a mess of documents, maps, and staff officers running around.
General von Weichs and his staff were poring over a map. “Send the 267th to Leuven and the 45th to--”
An aide ran in. “Sir! I have a message from General Wager!”
Von Weichs took the piece of paper and read the message from the commander of XXVI Corps.
“Namur lost. Huy threatened. Heavy casualties.”
July 8th, Near Huy, Belguim
The 3rd SS Division was primarily made up of former guards from the camps in Eastern Germany. They had been sent to this part of Belgium to shore up the line.
The swift collapse and surrender of the Ninth Army had forced the 3rd SS to take up a defensive position in the fields next to the River Meuse. They had no air support, were short on artillery, and were about to face the Canadian 1st Division.
The standard combination of artillery and air support was followed by 65 Leopard tanks and 130 LAVs shattering the SS lines in the countryside. The 3rd Division was hard-pressed, yet still offered fierce resistance.
In the actual town of Huy, SS troops rejected calls for surrender and had to be blasted out of their dugouts, foxholes and their shelters in buildings. Many were killed trying to throw anti-tank grenades at the LAVs, but a few succeeded. The LAV-III and the LAV-VI were relatively soft skinned compared to the Leopard, but the AT grenades only damage them. There were not many anti-tank guns that could destroy the LAV in the German arsenal. The 88mm AA guns and the 75mm gun on the Panzer IV could, but most German units were equipped with the 37mm AT gun.
Despite putting up a fierce fight, the fate of the 3rd SS was sealed. Airstrikes punished the camp guards while Canadian troops pushed forwards. By nightfall, the remnants of the 3rd SS retreated, being harassed from the air all the way to Liege.
Canadian casualties were as follows: 58 killed, 10 wounded. By contrast, the 3rd SS suffered 3,800 killed and 6,600 wounded.
Following the capture of Huy, British troops took Leuven. By the 10th, German leaders were panicking. It looked like they would be pushed out of Belgium soon. Their situation appeared to be worse and worse by the day. The important town of Liege fell to the 2nd Canadian Division while French troops rolled into Luxembourg city.
Everything was unravelling for the Germans.
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Post by redrobin65 on Feb 1, 2019 17:29:20 GMT
Current frontline. Attachments:
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lordroel
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Post by lordroel on Feb 1, 2019 17:29:55 GMT
July 8th, Hasselt, Belgium
The headquarters of the German Second Army was a mess of documents, maps, and staff officers running around.
General von Weichs and his staff were poring over a map. “Send the 267th to Leuven and the 45th to--”
An aide ran in. “Sir! I have a message from General Wager!”
Von Weichs took the piece of paper and read the message from the commander of XXVI Corps.
“Namur lost. Huy threatened. Heavy casualties.”
July 8th, Near Huy, Belguim
The 3rd SS Division was primarily made up of former guards from the camps in Eastern Germany. They had been sent to this part of Belgium to shore up the line.
The swift collapse and surrender of the Ninth Army had forced the 3rd SS to take up a defensive position in the fields next to the River Meuse. They had no air support, were short on artillery, and were about to face the Canadian 1st Division.
The standard combination of artillery and air support was followed by 95 Leopard tanks and 140 LAVs shattering the SS lines in the countryside. The 3rd Division was hard-pressed, yet still offered fierce resistance.
In the actual town of Huy, SS troops rejected calls for surrender and had to be blasted out of their dugouts, foxholes and their shelters in buildings. Many were killed trying to throw anti-tank grenades at the LAVs, but a few succeeded. The LAV-III and the LAV-VI were relatively soft skinned compared to the Leopard, but the AT grenades only damage them. There were not many anti-tank guns that could destroy the LAV in the German arsenal. The 88mm AA guns and the 75mm gun on the Panzer IV could, but most German units were equipped with the 37mm AT gun.
Despite putting up a fierce fight, the fate of the 3rd SS was sealed. Airstrikes punished the camp guards while Canadian troops pushed forwards. By nightfall, the remnants of the 3rd SS retreated, being harassed from the air all the way to Liege.
Canadian casualties were as follows: 58 killed, 10 wounded. By contrast, the 3rd SS suffered 3,800 killed and 6,600 wounded.
Following the capture of Huy, British troops took Leuven. By the 10th, German leaders were panicking. It looked like they would be pushed out of Belgium soon. Their situation appeared to be worse and worse by the day. The important town of Liege fell to the 2nd Canadian Division while French troops rolled into Luxembourg city.
Everything was unravelling for the Germans.
Great to see a update redrobin65 |
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