What If ?

[richard]

Hi MarshalLaw,

Recap June 1942 - August 1942

The Pacific

Guam lost in May Midway is now lost this has caused such a outrage in America a big shake up in the navy is called for more aggressive commanders are needed America is not ready for full operations but decide they must try and retake Guam and Midway in early August Midway recapture swiftly the air battle was a bitter lesson to America but never the less with the Japanese forces over stretched they withdraw and the threat to Midway is now over the battle for Guam not so easy a heavy loss for the Americans and a rethink is underway

Australia

Days after the Japans invasion the Government surrenders but the army does not and goes on fighting a gorilla war but in September Japan bombs Sidney in a week long operation and the army is forced to surrender as Japans threatens to bomb another city

Europe

Has gone quiet for now for how long ?

September 1942

The Partisans are growing in numbers and start causing real problems Hitler appoints Field Marshal Model to deal with the problem and gives him the order destroy them what ever the cost the situation has put Hitlers plans on hold. In England Churchill sends a letter to the U.S president explaining his reasons for now this calms the situation down. Japan high command gives orders to the outer forces strip there areas clean and destroy whats left and fall back to defense line one and in the most important areas of occupation strong defenses are to be constructed and a new aircraft carrier is put to sea

October 1942

America starts limited hit and run operations with destroyers and subs from now to end in December 1942 war production is up 33% that month and starts to rise from now on gearing up for major operations the following year the lessons of the battles so far are looked in to and finding better ways to wage the war

November 1942

Shipments of arms from Germany to Spain are well under way and in Spain trying to find reasons to in pound the British fleet at Gibraltar hard going. In Russia the worst winter yet grips the country Partisans retreat to winter hide outs and for the duration of winter stalemate but during the period Model draws up his plans for a major crack down in the spring of 1943

December 1942

Germany's on and off talks with France drag on France is begin to wonder if Germany is up to something and starts secret talks with England. In America war production has hit a new high plans are well under way and all armed forces go through tough training for readiness in 1943. Franco meets Hitler in Germany at a secret location and shown Germany's new weapons the V1 and V2 jet planes HE280 and the first prototype ME262 Tiger and Panther tanks Franco likes what he sees and tells Hitler we are with you all the way

January 1943
Hitler holds top level talks with his generals He will attack Poland in March or April and plans to invade France no latter than June with or with out the Russian problem sorted out in separate talks with Doenitz the U-Boat fleet must be ready and in place to strangle England's sea lanes in case they side with France

Japan digs in and goes on the defensive meanwhile in America two large tasks forces are almost ready


Richard

[MarshalLaw]

Hey Richard,

Sept. 1942:
The Partisans are growing in numbers and start causing real problems. Hitler appoints Field Marshal Model to deal with the problem and gives him the order destroy them what ever the cost, the situation has put Hitlers plans on hold. Model consults with the field commanders to determine partisan strength and location.In the Pacific Japans losses at Midway and Guam has created a even greater shortage of equipment and manpower to protect all their borders. Even though they were able to drive off the Americans at Guam they do not have the resources to fend off another attack. The Japanese high command decide to consolidate their holding and retreat from areas they can no longer defend. The Japanese pull out of wake island, and hold only a small force on Guam. Depending on what the Americans do next, they may pull out of Guam as well. The Japanese launch a new aircraft carrier with another 2 to be ready by years end. In England Churchill sends a letter to the U.S president explaining his reasons for now this calms the situation down. But there is still some bitter feelings on the American side.

Oct. 1942:

A quiet month through out the whole war zone. Everyone seems to be licking their wounds and rearming. The only worthy news is that Australia finally falls. after a fire bombing of Sidney, the Japanese threat of fire bombing Australia's remaining cities , The Army reluctantly lay down their arms.

Nov. 1942:

The worst winter to hit Russia in 75 years , gives Model a weapon to use. Model sends out word that if partisan activity continues, Germany will destroy all food stores and the Russian people will be left to starve all winter. The Russian people eager to leave the war behind and get on with living , heed the message and refuse to help the partisans any longer. Over 40% are turned in by the local population. The rest go into hiding. By December Partisan activity in North and central Russia grind to a halt. But in the Caucasus region help from Italian sympathizers keeps the movement alive in the south.Partisans retreat to winter hide outs for the duration of winter ,during the period Model draws up his plans for a major crack down in the south in the spring of 1943. Shipments of arms continue flow into Spain, Franco is having a hard time trying to pick a fight with the British without him looking like the bad guy. Franco will bide is time looking for the right opening.

Dec. 1942:

In America war production has hit a new high, plans are well under way and all armed forces go through tough training for readiness in 1943. Frances talks with the Germans continue to be on again off again. With Churchill in charge of the English, the French feel it's about time to open talks with the British as a fall back option. They trust the Germans less every day. General Franco meets with Hitler in Germany and is shown the advanced weapons that are close to being operational in the spring. Franco pledges his support to Hitler .

Jan. 1943:

Hitler meets with his general staff to formulate plans for a Poland and French attack by spring. Model has made progress with the partisan situation, and oil production is now back up to 100% again in the Caucasus region. NO MORE DELAYS!! Hitler shouts We take western Europe this coming spring! Later that month Hitler meets with Doenitz the U-Boat fleet must be ready and in place to strangle England's sea lanes in case they side with France. Doenitz reassure Hitler that his fleet is 300 boats strong and that 25 are the new XXI class. A steel net will go around England and NOTHING will get through. In late Jan. Germany completes another Bismark class battleship (yet un named) , and another Berlin class carrier is scheduled to be ready by March or April.

[richard]

Hi MarshalLaw,

February 1943

In Japan the first of two high level meeting is taking place defense line one is renamed outer national defense zone one plans for zones two and three are drawn up zone two must be 45% stronger than zone one and zone three must be 100% more stronger than zone two or so aircraft production is to be stepped up and a minimum of two aircraft carriers to be built.

In America the navy is holding a meeting the hit and run operations have been mixed results the subs are ordered to attack all japans warships and merchants and any one helping them the destroyers have been recalled and posted to task force one and two which are now having the last shack down before major operations get under way

In Europe all is quite as plans are made

March 1943

The second high level meeting in Japan is under way on the agenda is America and the coming conflict plans are drawn up to force American navy to a location of there choosing and destroy them but how is this to be done is the problem.

In America task force three is put to sea not as big as one and two a minor operation is under way orders to follow shortly.

In Western Russia the partisans are short of food and arms they pull back to Eastern Russia trying to stir things up there but this will take time Model has been tipped off about one group and lays a trap for them.

Germany

Hitler sets the date for the Polish Campaign March 20th and to in sure the French don't try another attack along Germany's borders two thirds of the Luftwaffe are moved to the border Hitler reads a progress report on the V1 and V2 some minor problems soon to be sorted out the first Jets become operational two squadrons of HE280's and the shack down trails of the Me262 further good news the first two AR234's are ready Hitler has a plan to use them on March 19th to fly over the Polish border re-con mission but stops further production for one month until he has made his mind up what role he wants for them.

Italy

The country comes to terms with the new government and situation.

England

Arms build up is well under way secret talks with France continual to go well.

Spain

Arms build up starts Franco may have no choice but war with England for now keeps Hitler happy with secret information about the British fleet in the med.

RICHARD

[MarshalLaw]

Hey Richard,

February 1943:

War council in Japan adopts a defensive posture seems that they expanded too fast and are now paying the price. The council decide on a 3 layered defense zone. Zone 1 is the outer most layer this includes the Marshal Islands & Gilbert island chain. With major bases on Kwajiein and Tarawa. Zone 2 runs from the Solomon chain , thru the Palau islands to the Mariana islands. Major bases in this zone are Guadalcanal, Palau ,and Saipan. Zone 3 runs from New Guiniea the Phillippines and to the upper Marianas. Major bases are Iwo Jima, Port Mosbry, and Manila. Each layer is to be 50% stronger as you work in.In America The 2 major task forces task force 60 and 70 are ready to sail from the states to Hawaii for staging. Each include 3 Essex class large carriers and 3 Jeep class carriers with support ships. A 3rd task force 54 will be ready in the next 2 months. In Europe all is quiet for the most part, the Partisans are in hiding in the south as the bitter winter drags on. Final plans are in place for the Poland /France invasion for the spring. a target date for the week of March 20th is set. In Italy the new government seems to be taking hold and the population has excepted it as a whole. Civil unrest is waning.

March 1943:

Hitler learns of France secretly in talks with the English, he decides to deal with the British at the same time as the French. As the army deals with France and Poland, the German navy will launch a massive air strike at Scapa flow and cripple the British northern fleet. He will send his two aircraft carriers along with support ships and Uboats to sink as many capital ships at harbor as possible. The northern fleet has 16 Battleships , 10 cruisers and many destroyers. In Russia the partisans are very short on food and they decide to retreat east for some breathing room from the Germans, General Model learns of the partisan plan and lays a trap.
In the pacific Japans war council meets again on how best to deal with the coming American invasion. In Hawaii, task force 60 and 70 arrive, it is learned that there is a design problem with the Essex carriers, all 6 carriers have the same problem with their engines, engineers are working on the problem. Invasion operations are put on hold. In Spain Hitler informs general Franco of English talks with France, Hitler tell him to be ready to strike the British soon, but does not go into detail.

[MarshalLaw]

Hey Richard:

March 17th: Troops and equipment are nearly in position for the polish invasion, Uboats have put to sea and report VERY bad weather in and around england. Hitler consults his weather experts and learns that a very powerful winter storm is sweeping over England and will be over the battle zones in the next several days. Breathing a heavy sigh. Hitler delays the invasion until the 1 week of April , when the weather should improve. "Delayed yet again "Hitler mummers as he walks out of the room.....

[MarshalLaw]

Hey Richard,

Late March to April 7th 1943:

Germany's 3rd aircraft carrier The Munich is launched. However sea trails are not yet complete so it will not be ready in time for the attack on Scapa flow. Another 2 squadrons of He 280's are operational, plus the 1st squadron of ME262's are ready for action. The AR 234 program is still on hold as Hitler is undecided on what role they will play. The V1 & V2 program are still working out their minor problems . It is hoped that the problems can be solved in the next month or so. March 25th and the winter storm has it's ice grip over much of Europe. No aircraft are flying and the sea is like a whirlpool. The weather is starting to clear west of England so a April 7th go date is set.
On April 1st 75 uboats are put to sea again, and task force Trident is being readied at Kiel & Flensburg. Army group North is ready to go into Poland , with army group 17 and armored groups 29 and 36 massed near the Belgian border. Parts of Army group south are ready to go near the French / Italian border. The plan calls for a straight run into Poland. with a end around through Belgium into France and come in behind the Maginot line. Army group south is to sweep around and cut off the French troops that are occupying parts of northern Italy.
April 6th, The weather is clearing East of Berlin, although the weather is still bad over Poland Hitler decides to go ahead. the weather will clear by the 8th. On the same Day Hitler informs Franco to attack the British after the 8th of April. Uboats are standing by to engage shipping as it leaves Gibraltar. Task Force Trident is in the North sea steaming toward its launch point. each carrier is carrying 60 planes each. A mix of modifed ME fighters and souped up Stuka dive bombers.
The stage is set. At dawn tomorrow the conquest of Western Europe begins...........

[richard]

Hi MarshalLaw,

England

March 1943

location Bletchley Park the German Enigma code has been broken Churchill orders the Navy to sea on March 25th France and Poland have been warned Germany plans to attack and invade both country's France and Poland put there ships out to sea about mid March destination the med in the same month a top level communication between Hitler and Himmler has been intercepted a programmer of deporting unwanted persons to eastern Russia and Wansee conference rescheduled for May 16th 1943 this ties in with a steady stream of information from the Partisans something very alarming is happening information passed on to the American ambassador who finds it alarming England is now on full alert so is France and Poland

Spain

April 7th/8th

Spanish spy's have spotted a large number of British French and some polish ships heading for the med and inform Germany

Poland

April 8th

large number of German troops have crossed the border and are attacking Hitler now realizing the cat is out of the bag and the Ships of Britain and France with Poland have slipped the trap Hitler now decides to concentrate on land operations for now and must move fast the reckon mission of the Ar234's was a success Hitler is pleased with the results

Poland

Mid April situation so bad surrender is the only option Hitlers order's a large scale air attack on France the ground troops to follow shortly

Russia

Model sprung his trap and rounded up three partisan groups apart from that operation things are quite

America

April

Task force three in position for a probe attack

May

Gibraltar

The ships of England France and Poland have arrived in the med Churchill wants them active under a British flag or they will be in turned due to the land situation the captains of the the French and polish agree due to the number of ships after picking up fuel and provisions some of them are sent to Marsa Tobruk and the others to Alexandria

Germany

Hitler rec'd news from Spanish spy's and remarks cleaver move by Churchill all England plans on hold

America

Tasks force one and two now put to sea and heading for a trap Japan has leaked information some high level naval staff smell a trap but with out more information its hard to decide how to handle the matter

France

April/May

Germany has attacked and France is in deep trouble the war is going badly in Spain Franco informs Hitler his country is not ready for war this verbal set back has not upset Hitler for the war is going well and he is in a very good mood but this will change....

June 1943

The land war is almost over but an incident has taken place the American ambassador plane has been shot down by accident the ambassador and his staff killed news of this gets back to the American President who demands an apology Hitler flies in to a rage and states no one speaks to me like that and does not back down the result of this America has declared war on Germany Hitler snubs this as an idol threat this is good news for Churchill

July

Secret location in America the first test of a secret weapon fails to deliver the results needed but not a total loss work goes on

Germany

Hitler is thinking about some kind of peace with Churchill even to the point of buying Churchill off...?

Richard

[richard]

Hi MarshalLaw,

Mid July 1943

American naval intelligences has intercepted a top secret high command order from Japan

UPDATE

enough of the code has been broken tasks forces one and two have been warned both tasks forces change course this result of action has thrown the Japanese fleet it has become a hide and seek

Richard

[richard]

Hi MarshalLaw,

August 1943

Germany

Hitler meets his generals and plans to invade Holland Belgium Denmark and Norway as soon as possible and orders the u-boats to sink any American ship heading to wards England Hitler wants to buy off Churchill but fears this may fail a back up plan is drawn up to assassinate Churchill his generals ask should we invade Hitler states not for the moment and keeps his reasons to himself and remarks England is bottled up Hitler tells his Generals plans are to be drawn up for the invasion of Italy in the spring of 1944


Richard

[MarshalLaw]

Hey Richard,

Been tied up with RL stuff. Sorry for the delay. Look for my response in the next few days or so.

[richard]

Hi MarshalLaw,

Mid August 1943

Atlantic

U-1011 type XXI has attacked and destroyed two American cargo ships

Late August 1943

Doenitz has dispatched a long range u-boat task force destination the eastern seaboard of America they are ordered to sink all ships they come across

Richard

[MarshalLaw]

Hey Richard,

April 7th 1943:

Spanish spys report that large numbers of British ships are leaving port, also about the same time U-223 reports a large number of war ships leaving Scapa Flow and heading out to sea. Also air patrols on the English coast have increased over 50%. Hitler informs Adm. Radar to turn task force trident back from England and to steam toward France for a possible strike. All attack forces are put on hold for 24 hrs. until it is learned if France and Poland have been tipped off as well. Later in the day it is learned that French and Polish ships have left Harbor as well. But it is decided by the General staff to Invade Poland with a French invasion to follow . April 8th German troops cross over the Polish border. Early April 10th German troops cross over into Belgium in the North and Italy /French border in the south.
In Russia Gen. Model's trap was a great success and 3 large Partisan groups are captured, accounting for over 50% of the total Partisan forces in the south. Hitler awards Modal The Iron cross set in Diamonds for his efforts.

Mid to late April , Polish invasion is a complete success , Poland expected to surrender by months end. French invasion is going well , a large French force has surrendered in Italy and Rommel's southern forces are sweeping North from the French Rivera to bottle up French forces at the Maginot line area. Task force Tridents planes have attacked and destroyed several rear area air fields many French planes were destroyed on the ground, French air force completely caught by surprised. He- 280's and ME-262 planes rule the sky over France and shoot down any French aircraft they encounter.
In the pacific Task force 57 (3) has arrived in Hawaii , parts have arrived to repair Essex class carriers that are at Pearl Harbor. All carriers should ready for sea by mid May.

May 1943:

French land war continue to go well, except for Spain . The French have pushed the Spanish back to their borders , General Franco tries to wiggle out of his agreement with Hitler, but the German general staff reminds Franco of his pledge to stick with Germany to the end. Franco is told to rally his troops and push forward once again. No backing down will be tolerated.
In Russia all is quiet for the first time in over a year. The Partisan movement is broken and for the most part completely disbanded.
In the Pacific Parts arrive for the Essex carriers and all 6 ships are now operational. Navy leaderships formulates a probing action for task force 57 in the wake Island area, to test enemy strength. Task force 60 and 70 are put to sea for a secret location, orders for the fleet to arrive once they are at sea.
In late May The ships of England France and Poland have arrived in the med Churchill wants them active under a British flag or they will be in turned due to the land situation the captains of the the French and polish agree due to the number of ships after picking up fuel and provisions some of them are sent to Marsa Tobruk and the others to Alexandria Once Hitler learns of this new development , He mets with his general staff, and for the near future any English plans are put on hold. A diplomatic solution with England may be in the planning phase instead.

June 1943:
French troops are surrounded 75 KM from Paris, Paris is under German control. Rommel has swept north to help the Spanish and has captured 3 French ports Brest, St, Nazarene, and Lorient. German uboats are to be stationed at the 3 new ports by Mid July. If all goes well France should fall be the end of the month. Belgium and Luxumborg are annexed.
In the Pacific task force 57 finds wake island deserted, Task force 60 and 70 have their orders and are steaming toward the Gilbert Islands. Task force 57 is then ordered to the upper Marshal islands in the Kwajalein area to check Japanese strength there.
In Northern Spain on June 19th the American ambassadors plane has been shot down by accident the ambassador and his staff killed news of this gets back to the American President who demands an apology. Hitler flies in to a rage and states no one speaks to me like that and does not back down. The result of this America has declared war on Germany Hitler snubs this as an idol threat this is good news for Churchill. German diplomats speak with the Americans to attempt to defuse the situation. Talks are on going but tensions are high on both sides. Neither want a war with the other at the moment. Both countries have their hands full with other nations.

[MarshalLaw]

Hey Richard,

July 1943:

July 3rd France surrenders to the Germans. Hitler meets with his general staff to make plans for a Denmark and Netherlands invasion by September and if possible a invasion of Norway by October or early spring. Also long range plans are drawn up to invade the rest of Italy by Spring or summer of 1944. German troops have annexed the northwestern corner of Italy during the French invasion. about a 100 square KM or so.
In America war has been diverted with Germany for the moment. Roosevelt makes it very clear that another act against American citizens or property will result in war. German diplomats agree, even though Hitler will still not talk to the American president. Also in the Nevada desert, a prototype Jet plane explodes in midair during a test flight. The program is set back for several months pending a investigation of the explosion.

In the pacific Navy intelligence has broken the Japanese code and has learned the Japanese has set a trap for task force 60 & 70 at Tarawa in the Gilberts. Word is sent to the fleet to break off their attack and evade. Somehow the Japanese knew of the American plan, have they broken the American code, or is there a spy network at Pearl Harbor Naval head quarters?

In England, the german ambassador pays a visit to Churchill, with a message from Hitler........

More later

[MarshalLaw]

Aug. 1943:

In England the German ambassador is called back to speak to Churchill. Churchill has had over a week to digest the letter Hitler has sent. Churchill blast the ambassador, "The letter is a shame, you talked with the French and then invaded, I believe you have the same plan for Britain"! Churchill tells the ambassador that any act against British Citizens or property will result in war. Once Hitler learns of Churchill's response he orders British shipping to be attacked. "time to throw up the steel curtain around England" Hitler comments.
In the Pacific, The US Sand Claw an American sub has detected a small task force of 13 ships heading North East toward Kwajailein. Navy brass at Pearl Harbor order task force 54 to intercept and engage. 2 days later air craft from the Hornet spot the Japanese Task force and attack with Dive bombers . 3 heavy cruisers , 1 light cruiser and 2 destroyers are sunk. 2 other cruisers damaged but manage to escape.

Back in England Churchill saw what a aircraft carrier can do not only in the Atlantic but Japan's and the US encounters in the Pacific. He orders 2 carriers started at the ship yards at Scapa Flow. 2 Battleship Keels already completed are to be modified for a carrier . If all goes well England will have 2 new carriers in early 1944. Also Churchill got some good news on the Jet front, the Vampire series fight jet had it's first test flight all went well. The Vampire could go into production by the end of the year.
In Late Aug. Germany sends word to America that British shipping is being attacked due to break down of relations with england, and that any ship approaching England will be considered hostile and attacked. 3 days later 2 American cargo ships are sunk off the English coast. No word from the Americans on the sinkings....yet.

[MarshalLaw]

Sept. 1943:
3 days after the American ships were sunk , a British merchant ship was sunk south of the English channel. Churchill 3 days later declares war on Germany. In America a fire storm has hit Washington over the American sinking's, one side is wanting war, the other wants to stay out of the European fight. Finally after 2 weeks of bitter debate. America declares war as well. Germany has 2 new enemies. Hitler orders unrestricted attacks against all shipping in British and American waters. The German Navy will deal with the Americans & British. The Army will continue with invasion plans that are already in the works. On Sept. 15 German forces invade Denmark, on Sept. 29th Denmark surrenders. The Netherlands army lay down their arms without a fight, and the country is annexed 7 days later.
Hitler meets with his general staff and lays out a Norway invasion for early spring. For the winter the German navy will cut off shipping to Norway.
In Russia everything is still quiet. The last of the Partisans have surrendered in the Caucasus mountains. With no Italian help, they were starving , no arms to fight with and no food to feed the troops.
In the Pacific, Task force 60 and 70 have given the Japanese the slip and are back at the staging area near midway. Task force 54 probed enemy strength around the upper Marshal Islands and found strong holds on several islands the largest being on Kwajalein. The task force did some limited attacks and are now on their way to Wake Island to provide protection as troops and material are being shipped there as a advanced base once again.
On September 30th Sweden declared Neutrality joining Switzerland. Finland has sided with Germany and is conducting probing attacks in the extreme north part of Norway. The Finish King has pleaded to help Germany when they invade Norway. Norway declares war on Finland.