575
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Post by 575 on Feb 17, 2024 10:36:25 GMT
The fighting the past 6 months had been a drain on British troops; Canadian troops had arrived in Britain as had Australian and New Zealand. Indian troops had been moved to Iraq and Egypt.
Still British losses had to be accounted for and telling the population that to avert the Great War experience of the Pal's Battalions conscripts was to get proper training with some time if possible of adaptation in a quiet sector when arriving in France.
To ensure such two training commands were set up – one on the Italian border to accustom the arrivees in France and the other in the Maginot Line fortifications.
Ensured the Government for once knew what it was doing the British kept calm and carried on.
As the Japanese kept to themselves and their War in China the Australians and New Zealanders didn't make much fuss of being shipped to Britain. The South Africans however where only mobilized for service in Africa and were used to build up the garrisons of Egypt and East Africa letting more Aussies and Kiwis elegible for the Western Front.
With experience dated equipment would be sorted out and sent to less busy areas such as the Middle East or sold off to the Romanians, Yugoslavs, Greeks and Turks.
Mussolini looked upon it slightly concerned but as the British activity in the Med hadn't escalated too much above what's to be expected in Wartime he felt reassured. He did however continue speaking to the Italians of Mare Nostrum and the Roman Empire though that seemed to be it.
As it was he didn't seem really threatening.
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stevep
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Post by stevep on Feb 17, 2024 14:50:46 GMT
The fighting the past 6 months had been a drain on British troops; Canadian troops had arrived in Britain as had Australian and New Zealand. Indian troops had been moved to Iraq and Egypt. Still British losses had to be accounted for and telling the population that to avert the Great War experience of the Pal's Battalions conscription was introduced to ensure proper training of new troops with some time if possible of adaptation in a quiet sector when arriving in France. To ensure such two training commands were set up – one on the Italian border to accustom the arrivees in France and the other in the Maginot Line fortifications. Ensured the Government for once knew what it was doing the British kept calm and carried on. As the Japanese kept to themselves and their War in China the Australians and New Zealanders didn't make much fuss of being shipped to Britain. The South Africans however where only mobilized for service in Africa and were used to build up the garrisons of Egypt and East Africa letting more Aussies and Kiwis elegible for the Western Front. With experience dated equipment would be sorted out and sent to less busy areas such as the Middle East or sold off to the Romanians, Yugoslavs, Greeks and Turks. Mussolini looked upon it slightly concerned but as the British activity in the Med hadn't escalated too much above what's to be expected in Wartime he felt reassured. He did however continue speaking to the Italians of Mare Nostrum and the Roman Empire though that seemed to be it. As it was he didn't seem really threatening.
575
Steve
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575
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Post by 575 on Feb 17, 2024 16:43:20 GMT
The fighting the past 6 months had been a drain on British troops; Canadian troops had arrived in Britain as had Australian and New Zealand. Indian troops had been moved to Iraq and Egypt. Still British losses had to be accounted for and telling the population that to avert the Great War experience of the Pal's Battalions conscription was introduced to ensure proper training of new troops with some time if possible of adaptation in a quiet sector when arriving in France. To ensure such two training commands were set up – one on the Italian border to accustom the arrivees in France and the other in the Maginot Line fortifications. Ensured the Government for once knew what it was doing the British kept calm and carried on. As the Japanese kept to themselves and their War in China the Australians and New Zealanders didn't make much fuss of being shipped to Britain. The South Africans however where only mobilized for service in Africa and were used to build up the garrisons of Egypt and East Africa letting more Aussies and Kiwis elegible for the Western Front. With experience dated equipment would be sorted out and sent to less busy areas such as the Middle East or sold off to the Romanians, Yugoslavs, Greeks and Turks. Mussolini looked upon it slightly concerned but as the British activity in the Med hadn't escalated too much above what's to be expected in Wartime he felt reassured. He did however continue speaking to the Italians of Mare Nostrum and the Roman Empire though that seemed to be it. As it was he didn't seem really threatening.
575
Steve
stevep;
Oi - why didn't anybody tell ME? Thanks - will edit. 
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stevep
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Post by stevep on Feb 18, 2024 0:26:19 GMT
stevep;
Oi - why didn't anybody tell ME? Thanks - will edit.
It was the 1st time conscription had been implemented in peacetime which considering it took two years of war before the step was taken in WWI how serious the situation was considered.
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575
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Post by 575 on Feb 18, 2024 8:57:39 GMT
June 1940
Having counted the losses the oprational force of the Kriegsmarine at the new offensive in the West May 1940, with 1 damaged DD interned in Norway following the Convoy raid 5 April 1940 counted
2 pre-Dreadnought Battleships Schlesien, Schleswig-Holstein, not really suited for much except shore bombardment,
1 BC Scharnhorst,
2 CA Admiral Hipper and newly in commission Blücher,
2 CL Nürnberg, Köln,
10 DD
Ships in repairs:
1 BC Gneisenau expected in service July 1940,
1 CA/Pocket BB Admiral Scheer expected in service October 1940,
1 CL Leipzig expected in service December 1940,
5 DD expected in service within 3-6 months.
New builds:
BB Bismarck had been expected in commission by August 1940 but due to shortages that had been delayed as had her sister Tirpitz which had launched five months prior to breakout of war and still fitting out not expect in service till post March 1941.
CV Graf Zeppelin still fitting out projected in service by the end of 1940 though the Luftwaffe had demanded return of its Fighter – Stuka Group detailled to it at the start of the May offensive.
The 1936A DD class had also been delayed due to lack of materials as had the general building of Submarines.
Even if having attained a fine Combat Tally it was an amputated Navy.
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stevep
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Post by stevep on Feb 18, 2024 12:11:47 GMT
June 1940 Having counted the losses the oprational force of the Kriegsmarine at the new offensive in the West May 1940, with 1 damaged DD interned in Norway following the Convoy raid 5 April 1940 counted 2 pre-Dreadnought Battleships Schlesien, Schleswig-Holstein, not really suited for much except shore bombardment, 1 BC Scharnhorst, 2 CA Admiral Hipper and newly in commission Blücher, 2 CL Nürnberg, Köln, 10 DD Ships in repairs: 1 BC Gneisenau expected in service July 1940, 1 CA/Pocket BB Admiral Scheer expected in service October 1940, 1 CL Leipzig expected in service December 1940, 5 DD expected in service within 3-6 months. New builds: BB Bismarck had been expected in commission by August 1940 but due to shortages that had been delayed as had her sister Tirpitz which had launched five months prior to breakout of war and still fitting out not expect in service till post March 1941. CV Graf Zeppelin still fitting out projected in service by the end of 1940 though the Luftwaffe had demanded return of its Fighter – Stuka Group detailled to it at the start of the May offensive. The 1936A DD class had also been delayed due to lack of materials as had the general building of Submarines. Even if having attained a fine Combat Tally it was an amputated Navy.
Well that hurts them especially with the cut back on subs. Sounds like work on the big ships under construction hasn't been greatly delayed yet as they were pretty much OTL for Bismarck and Tirpitz, although for the latter post March 41 is suitably vague and could cover a multitude of issues. Doubt that work on the Graf Zeppelin will continue that much longer, especially with Hermann's growing hostility and the demands on the Luftwaffe.
A lot will depend on the ongoing ground campaign but unless that goes a lot better for Germany than I suspect there's going to be some tough choices to be made in its aftermath. Given Hitler's characteristic I suspect that for a while those decisions will be kicked into the long grass, which will help their opponents more than the Germans. However I would suspect the navy will suffer the bulk of any cuts. It could get so bad that Hitler has to cancel his beloved Barbarossa. Even he is unlikely to get the generals especially - and probably even significant members of the party - to agree to an all out attack on the Soviets with the army and air force mauled in France and the allies steadily building up strength, both on the ground and in the air. Very unlikely that the Hungarians and Romanians for instance are going to support such an action which would deny Germany both forces and the southern part of the front.
Anyway still a lot in the air but potentially looking a lot better for the allies, at least in the shorter term.
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575
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Post by 575 on Feb 18, 2024 12:40:56 GMT
June 1940 Having counted the losses the oprational force of the Kriegsmarine at the new offensive in the West May 1940, with 1 damaged DD interned in Norway following the Convoy raid 5 April 1940 counted 2 pre-Dreadnought Battleships Schlesien, Schleswig-Holstein, not really suited for much except shore bombardment, 1 BC Scharnhorst, 2 CA Admiral Hipper and newly in commission Blücher, 2 CL Nürnberg, Köln, 10 DD Ships in repairs: 1 BC Gneisenau expected in service July 1940, 1 CA/Pocket BB Admiral Scheer expected in service October 1940, 1 CL Leipzig expected in service December 1940, 5 DD expected in service within 3-6 months. New builds: BB Bismarck had been expected in commission by August 1940 but due to shortages that had been delayed as had her sister Tirpitz which had launched five months prior to breakout of war and still fitting out not expect in service till post March 1941. CV Graf Zeppelin still fitting out projected in service by the end of 1940 though the Luftwaffe had demanded return of its Fighter – Stuka Group detailled to it at the start of the May offensive. The 1936A DD class had also been delayed due to lack of materials as had the general building of Submarines. Even if having attained a fine Combat Tally it was an amputated Navy.
Well that hurts them especially with the cut back on subs. Sounds like work on the big ships under construction hasn't been greatly delayed yet as they were pretty much OTL for Bismarck and Tirpitz, although for the latter post March 41 is suitably vague and could cover a multitude of issues. Doubt that work on the Graf Zeppelin will continue that much longer, especially with Hermann's growing hostility and the demands on the Luftwaffe.
A lot will depend on the ongoing ground campaign but unless that goes a lot better for Germany than I suspect there's going to be some tough choices to be made in its aftermath. Given Hitler's characteristic I suspect that for a while those decisions will be kicked into the long grass, which will help their opponents more than the Germans. However I would suspect the navy will suffer the bulk of any cuts. It could get so bad that Hitler has to cancel his beloved Barbarossa. Even he is unlikely to get the generals especially - and probably even significant members of the party - to agree to an all out attack on the Soviets with the army and air force mauled in France and the allies steadily building up strength, both on the ground and in the air. Very unlikely that the Hungarians and Romanians for instance are going to support such an action which would deny Germany both forces and the southern part of the front.
Anyway still a lot in the air but potentially looking a lot better for the allies, at least in the shorter term.
The Germans are badly off so I would expect Hr. Hitler to do something outrageous!  The Bismarck, Tirpitz and GZ is only expected dates - I wouldn't expect them to be on those times. Actually I don't see Hitler doing much in other places with his Army tied down in the West - true there is still a lot of Infantry Divisions to be mobilized at least 30 with Czech equipment and some with Polish if need be - need will be.
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575
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Post by 575 on Feb 18, 2024 12:43:17 GMT
The Germans were still struggling with their fuel supplies; the generally low quality of Soviet imports and local oil reserves meant that sythetic oil production had to be kept running in order to satisfy Luftwaffe needs.
The late change of weather into Spring had eased up on the Romanian oil supply as the Danube had become navigable. Still however the Romanians excused their inability to up supply beyond the 1939 level due to lack of refinery resources and commitments to other customers i.e. Britain.
That and the political preferences of King Michael was hugely annoying Hitler but the fighting in the West prevented much action taken and by the way the immediate entry point through Hungary would lead into Transsylvania and then end up at the Carpathians before reaching Bessarabia which he had told the Soviets that Germany had no designs on.
Stalin holding the key to oil other metals and foodstuffs Hitler wasn't in a position to bother that man who also had been adverse to re-negotiate their Trade Agreement of 1939. And generally was supplying less than agreed to citing difficulties in production and transportation. The man was sitting on his fat ass just humming chewing his pipe and waiting for Germany and the WAllies to fight each other to the last breath.
That Stalin still hadn't occupied the Baltic States told him that the man was waiting for the outcome in the West – once that issue be settled he would feel the might of the new German supermen!
The pesky Norwegian Nazi Quisling was pestering with proposals of overturning the Norwegian Goverment handing the nation to Hitler on a silver platter but for the moment time wasn't ripe for Scandinavian adventure.
With the very limited Naval capability of the Kriegsmarine it was better to have a couple of minor neutrals guard the entry to the Baltic than having to guard even more territory himself.
He had had von Papen try talk the Turks into supplying more tungsten but they had declined to do so.
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Post by stevep on Feb 18, 2024 13:40:27 GMT
The Germans were still struggling with their fuel supplies; the generally low quality of Soviet imports and local oil reserves meant that sythetic oil production had to be kept running in order to satisfy Luftwaffe needs. The late change of weather into Spring had eased up on the Romanian oil supply as the Danube had become navigable. Still however the Romanians excused their inability to up supply beyond the 1939 level due to lack of refinery resources and commitments to other customers i.e. Britain. That and the political preferences of King Michael was hugely annoying Hitler but the fighting in the West prevented much action taken and by the way the immediate entry point through Hungary would lead into Transsylvania and then end up at the Carpathians before reaching Bessarabia which he had told the Soviets that Germany had no designs on. Stalin holding the key to oil other metals and foodstuffs Hitler wasn't in a position to bother that man who also had been adverse to re-negotiate their Trade Agreement of 1939. And generally was supplying less than agreed to citing difficulties in production and transportation. The man was sitting on his fat ass just humming chewing his pipe and waiting for Germany and the WAllies to fight each other to the last breath. That Stalin still hadn't occupied the Baltic States told him that the man was waiting for the outcome in the West – once that issue be settled he would feel the might of the new German supermen! The pesky Norwegian Nazi Quisling was pestering with proposals of overturning the Norwegian Goverment handing the nation to Hitler on a silver platter but for the moment time wasn't ripe for Scandinavian adventure. With the very limited Naval capability of the Kriegsmarine it was better to have a couple of minor neutrals guard the entry to the Baltic than having to guard even more territory himself. He had had von Papen try talk the Turks into supplying more tungsten but they had declined to do so.
I must admit I suspect that Stalin would be reacting more favourably to Hitler and the Nazis here because for his desired result, both democracies and fascist Germany exhausting themselves he needs a long war and hence to show preference towards the weaker party. Unless he still thinks the Nazis are a lot more powerful than they actually are.
Agree its increasingly unlikely that any attack on the Soviets will occur but I'm wondering what rash moves Hitler will try.- One nasty one just occurred to me that could make things very bloody, if he breached the international agreements on the use of gas, especially possibly against civilian targets. That would get very ugly very quickly but I suspect that given the failures so far in his war policy that could well lead to a coup against him. Which however would open up quite a can of worms about what terms the new - probably military dictatorship - government would offer and how they would be viewed by the allies? However I suspect/hope that's not the path your thinking, especially if it leads to widespread use of gas.
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575
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Post by 575 on Feb 18, 2024 14:46:41 GMT
The Germans were still struggling with their fuel supplies; the generally low quality of Soviet imports and local oil reserves meant that sythetic oil production had to be kept running in order to satisfy Luftwaffe needs. The late change of weather into Spring had eased up on the Romanian oil supply as the Danube had become navigable. Still however the Romanians excused their inability to up supply beyond the 1939 level due to lack of refinery resources and commitments to other customers i.e. Britain. That and the political preferences of King Michael was hugely annoying Hitler but the fighting in the West prevented much action taken and by the way the immediate entry point through Hungary would lead into Transsylvania and then end up at the Carpathians before reaching Bessarabia which he had told the Soviets that Germany had no designs on. Stalin holding the key to oil other metals and foodstuffs Hitler wasn't in a position to bother that man who also had been adverse to re-negotiate their Trade Agreement of 1939. And generally was supplying less than agreed to citing difficulties in production and transportation. The man was sitting on his fat ass just humming chewing his pipe and waiting for Germany and the WAllies to fight each other to the last breath. That Stalin still hadn't occupied the Baltic States told him that the man was waiting for the outcome in the West – once that issue be settled he would feel the might of the new German supermen! The pesky Norwegian Nazi Quisling was pestering with proposals of overturning the Norwegian Goverment handing the nation to Hitler on a silver platter but for the moment time wasn't ripe for Scandinavian adventure. With the very limited Naval capability of the Kriegsmarine it was better to have a couple of minor neutrals guard the entry to the Baltic than having to guard even more territory himself. He had had von Papen try talk the Turks into supplying more tungsten but they had declined to do so.
I must admit I suspect that Stalin would be reacting more favourably to Hitler and the Nazis here because for his desired result, both democracies and fascist Germany exhausting themselves he needs a long war and hence to show preference towards the weaker party. Unless he still thinks the Nazis are a lot more powerful than they actually are.
Agree its increasingly unlikely that any attack on the Soviets will occur but I'm wondering what rash moves Hitler will try.- One nasty one just occurred to me that could make things very bloody, if he breached the international agreements on the use of gas, especially possibly against civilian targets. That would get very ugly very quickly but I suspect that given the failures so far in his war policy that could well lead to a coup against him. Which however would open up quite a can of worms about what terms the new - probably military dictatorship - government would offer and how they would be viewed by the allies? However I suspect/hope that's not the path your thinking, especially if it leads to widespread use of gas.
Re Stalin as he was so careful not to annoy the Western Allies too much not occupying the Baltic States till the call for Armistige by France I don't see him doing such here. With the OTL re-negotiating of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact already during the German build-up during Winter 40 here he see the Allies keeping the Germans at bay. Of course he isn't cutting too much back on the trade with the Germans just ensuring he isn't seen to be too party to them as the Western Allies still see him as an ally of Nazi-Germany.
I'm not thinking of going down the Gas route - there seems to have been some instances like Sevastopol where the Germans did use gas but against the Western Allies - they know they'll get it back with dividends. (hint: Rotterdam - Anwerp!)
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575
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Post by 575 on Feb 19, 2024 20:19:16 GMT
The British had been trying to talk the French into selling off their Morane's to Romania, Yugoslavia, Greece and Turkey but only with the coming on line with production of the Dewoitine D520 would the French begin discussing such. In order to keep the Turks from selling chromium to the Germans and having the French buy some Turk agricultural produce that the Germans wasn't in a position to buy at the moment the French agreed to let 25 Morane MS 406 be part of a trade deal with the Turks – it was simply a matter of depriving the Germans of much needed raw materials which for the moment was of little concern as the Turks would only trade tungsten to the Germans for Aircraft which they had told the WAllies the Germans wouldn't even talk about trading. Though not to drive the Turks into the German camp the British used a lot of time of talking the French into buying some Turk agricultural produce that otherwise the Turks had no buyer for. With that deal sorted out the British began pushing the French once more to get another deal with the Swedes who still had a want for modern Aircraft both Fighters and Bombers. Norway already was beginning to unpack their newly arrived Curtiss Hawk-75 fighter aircraft and the Danes had asked for combining future sales of Bacon, Butter and Eggs with a British delivery of 12 Bristol Mercury engines for their new Fokker G-1 light bombers building. To continue building a cordon around Germany and the Soviet Union Britain asked France to be part of a sale of 12 Morane, 12 Gloster Gladiator and 12 Bristol Blenheim I to Sweden along a British delivery of aircraft engines to Denmark all to deter Germany from spreading the War. Getting rid of the now obsolete Morane fighter the French agreed to a joint buy of Swedish iron ore – though the French complained of having enough themselves – to deny sales to Germany. In order to keep Mussolini in place the British Foreign Office also contacted Italy about deliveries of coal; much wanted by the Italians to fuel their industry and homes as the last winter had been severely cold and wet. The Italians would be able to buy at slightly lower prices than from Germany – which incidentally had little to export due to the production of synthetic oil from their surplus coal – and eagerly agreed to anything offered.
Edit: chromium for tungsten.
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Post by stevep on Feb 19, 2024 21:44:58 GMT
The British had been trying to talk the French into selling off their Morane's to Romania, Yugoslavia, Greece and Turkey but only with the coming on line with production of the Dewoitine D520 would the French begin discussing such. In order to keep the Turks from selling tungsten to the Germans and having the French buy some Turk agricultural produce that the Germans wasn't in a position to buy at the moment the French agreed to let 25 Morane MS 406 be part of a trade deal with the Turks – it was simply a matter of depriving the Germans of much needed raw materials which for the moment was of little concern as the Turks would only trade tungsten to the Germans for Aircraft which they had told the WAllies the Germans wouldn't even talk about trading. Though not to drive the Turks into the German camp the British used a lot of time of talking the French into buying some Turk agricultural produce that otherwise the Turks had no buyer for. With that deal sorted out the British began pushing the French once more to get another deal with the Swedes who still had a want for modern Aircraft both Fighters and Bombers. Norway already was beginning to unpack their newly arrived Curtiss Hawk-75 fighter aircraft and the Danes had asked for combining future sales of Bacon, Butter and Eggs with a British delivery of 12 Bristol Mercury engines for their new Fokker G-1 light bombers building. To continue building a cordon around Germany and the Soviet Union Britain asked France to be part of a sale of 12 Morane, 12 Gloster Gladiator and 12 Bristol Blenheim I to Sweden along a British delivery of aircraft engines to Denmark all to deter Germany from spreading the War. Getting rid of the now obsolete Morane fighter the French agreed to a joint buy of Swedish iron ore – though the French complained of having enough themselves – to deny sales to Germany. In order to keep Mussolini in place the British Foreign Office also contacted Italy about deliveries of coal; much wanted by the Italians to fuel their industry and homes as the last winter had been severely cold and wet. The Italians would be able to buy at slightly lower prices than from Germany – which incidentally had little to export due to the production of synthetic oil from their surplus coal – and eagerly agreed to anything offered.
I thought France was generally a food surplus nation, especially at this time. I could see why Britain would be a good market for Turkish food and a supply route running through the Med - which is pretty secure then either around Gib into the Atlantic [less secure] or possibly to Marseilles and via the French rail network to a channel port. Or would it be too complex having deals by Britain and France with Turkey covering this set of goods? Unless whatever Turkish foodstuff are of interest to French consumers but not British ones.
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575
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Post by 575 on Feb 20, 2024 7:46:47 GMT
The British had been trying to talk the French into selling off their Morane's to Romania, Yugoslavia, Greece and Turkey but only with the coming on line with production of the Dewoitine D520 would the French begin discussing such. In order to keep the Turks from selling tungsten to the Germans and having the French buy some Turk agricultural produce that the Germans wasn't in a position to buy at the moment the French agreed to let 25 Morane MS 406 be part of a trade deal with the Turks – it was simply a matter of depriving the Germans of much needed raw materials which for the moment was of little concern as the Turks would only trade tungsten to the Germans for Aircraft which they had told the WAllies the Germans wouldn't even talk about trading. Though not to drive the Turks into the German camp the British used a lot of time of talking the French into buying some Turk agricultural produce that otherwise the Turks had no buyer for. With that deal sorted out the British began pushing the French once more to get another deal with the Swedes who still had a want for modern Aircraft both Fighters and Bombers. Norway already was beginning to unpack their newly arrived Curtiss Hawk-75 fighter aircraft and the Danes had asked for combining future sales of Bacon, Butter and Eggs with a British delivery of 12 Bristol Mercury engines for their new Fokker G-1 light bombers building. To continue building a cordon around Germany and the Soviet Union Britain asked France to be part of a sale of 12 Morane, 12 Gloster Gladiator and 12 Bristol Blenheim I to Sweden along a British delivery of aircraft engines to Denmark all to deter Germany from spreading the War. Getting rid of the now obsolete Morane fighter the French agreed to a joint buy of Swedish iron ore – though the French complained of having enough themselves – to deny sales to Germany. In order to keep Mussolini in place the British Foreign Office also contacted Italy about deliveries of coal; much wanted by the Italians to fuel their industry and homes as the last winter had been severely cold and wet. The Italians would be able to buy at slightly lower prices than from Germany – which incidentally had little to export due to the production of synthetic oil from their surplus coal – and eagerly agreed to anything offered.
I thought France was generally a food surplus nation, especially at this time. I could see why Britain would be a good market for Turkish food and a supply route running through the Med - which is pretty secure then either around Gib into the Atlantic [less secure] or possibly to Marseilles and via the French rail network to a channel port. Or would it be too complex having deals by Britain and France with Turkey covering this set of goods? Unless whatever Turkish foodstuff are of interest to French consumers but not British ones.
Found a paper on the Turk dealings during WWII in tungsten and agricultural produce - the British weren't interested in the agricultural produce and not the tungsten - actually chromium (edited) and other minerals as they had their own supply from South Africa. The Germans at this time just didn't want that exchange but were willing to buy Turk agricultural produce. The Germans needed the chromium and agricultural produce but the Turks had entered an agreement October 1939 with the Western Allies and then as they wouldn't buy the agricultural produce though the British did buy dried fruits the Turks kept playing the two blocks to get the best of the situation. This is just a way of keeping those goods out of German hands. As the Turks were only interested in selling chromium for military equipment something had to be found that would make such deals go through. OTL a deal was made with the Turks that had to be negotiated all the time - this is just an annoying first of such.
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575
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Post by 575 on Feb 20, 2024 7:49:26 GMT
The British upping Aircraft production the French informed them that they were already putting the new engine for the Bloch fighter into production – giving the aircraft another 120 hp and test's being carried out with the next generation engine the Gnome-Rhone 14R which would deliver 1500 hp which would make for a max speed of the Bloch of 710 km/h.
Also the Hispano-Suiza factory was running test's on the replacement engine for the Dewoitine D520 – the production output had reached the goal of 300 aircraft by June and the tempo continueing with the new engine deliving 1100 hp. Even so during 1939 a D520 had been testflown with a Merlin X engine with good results however the French wanted to retain the moteur-canon so was apprehensive on changing engine and urged H-S to keep developing the engine.
Still making up for insufficient production the French had ordered deliveries of US Curtiss fighters shifted from the Hawk-75 to the P-40 Warhawk/Hawk 81 the first to arrive in a few months.
Also both the deliveries of crated Douglas DB-7 and Martin Maryland light bombers/attackers had been put into smooth operation with crates received in Morocco where the aircraft was assembled by a mixed US factory-French team and then flown to France across the Med from Tunesia and Algeria.
Deliveries of the new Convair LB-30/B-24 was still in the future as the prototype was being combed for issues – the British having ordered 164 the French 120 off the assembly line before the prototype had even flown. (November/December 1940)
With production of French tanks concentrated to the Somoua S-35, Char B-1 and Hotchkiss H-39 all with altered radio installations to increase tactical control the Renault factory had shifted to building APC's for the British and begin development of a new medium Tank using the British Tank turret with the 47mm SA35 or a 75 mm gun.
The increased production made for the fitting out of additional Armoured Divisions and a Polish Armoured Brigade from the Reconnaisance units of the Polish Cavalry.
The French by now fielded 7 Armoured Divisions as the Levant Motorized Troops and the NA Armoured and Cavalry bits and bobs had been worked into another 2 Division. The Polish Armoured Brigade had been set up with French equipment.
The British fielded 2 Armoured Divisions in France and the Army Tank Brigade. The British had kept the Armoured formations in Egypt to be able if need be defend the Suez Canal.
In essence the WAllies and Germans were on par in Armoured formations at the moment though the Allies still were lacking in doctrine though getting better at the game and still enjoyed being superior in vehicle armour.
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575
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Post by 575 on Feb 20, 2024 16:12:39 GMT
Even if Luftwaffe was still able to fly more sorties a day than the Allies that was changing too mainly due to the general shortage of aircraft fuel on the German side though in no small way due to better Aircraft on the Allied side closing the gap. Even the Belgians had received their ordered F-4F Wildcat Fighter aircraft termed G-36A from the USA as did France which had been ordered these to outfit the building Carriers of the Joffre class.
The Belgians with the mineral export of their African Colony Congo kept ordering the aircraft as they were lost both as replacements and for new units.
With the odds seemingly against him Hitler now decided to deliver a devastating blow to Allied Morale; Luftwaffe was to bomb the Belgians and French to have their populations demanding peace and a cessation of proceeding the War.
Of course some industrial cities had been hit during the War as production and port facilities along railway track and marshalling yeards had been bombed on either side of the frontlines. However untill now no dedicated attacks had been made on the civil infrastructure much less the populations as such.
Luftwaffe of course had gained a reputation for such during its participation in the Spanish Civil War so it ought to be well suited for the task. Luftwaffe did inform the Fuhrer that Allied retaliation should be expected and that the fighting so far had disproved the Douhet Doctrine of the Bomber always getting through and that Allied Fighter defences had improved during the fighting.
Never the less Hitler instructed Luftwaffe to attack Antwerp as a transportation and industrial hub very important to the British war effort. Besides the port installations and railway and industry the city as such should be razed just like Guernica.
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