1939, May, French turn,
The French launch a number of counter offensives.
The first offensive, is carried out in the south of France. Here the units of the French 2nd and 3rd army make an attempt at break-out from Marseille. The light Italian armored forces are chosen as the victims of this breakout attempt. Forces from Marseille, and the hex just above it, and Toulouse all participate. The small Italian armor is no match for these forces, and they are destroyed or pushed back, towards Bordeaux. Here another phase of the offensive is put into motion. Forces from Toulouse (3rd Army) and Bordeaux as well as some forces moved out from Marseille, attack the Italian infantry, and tanks, and once again are victorious. The remaining Italian forces flee north.
Once again an attack is conducted, this time with the division "Bordeaux" being the main attacking force, and the hapless italians once again flee north. This time they are met by the Mobile French forces (Mobile French Forces II), and they easily dispatch the remaining Italian armor, with almost no losses to the French forces. The invading Italians are proving to be not much contest for the strong French units.
With these events unfolding focus is still held on the main threat to France, the loss of the French Capitol, Paris. Almost all of 1st Armies artillery is moved to or near Paris where it begins the systematic bombardment of the forces between Lille and Paris. In the process of these artillery drumbings, the Bridges over the Seine are destroyed. Forces, pulled from the Maginot line, and forces from Paris itself, and the surrounding countryside, begin an offensive against the forces that have taken position between Lille and Paris. This attack ends in both sides retreating from combat, and the battle is officially a draw. This however feels like a victory!
Belgian Mobile forces and forces from the Maginot line move into the Hex, and the German spearhead seems to have been blunted. The forces standing between Paris and Le Havre, are also bombarded, and bombed. But no attack is made on them... instead the mobile forces of Mobile I, are sent to attack the armored column just north of Le Havre. This attack fails miserably, despite heavy bombing of the forces there.
Also night bombers, from France, based in Britain have strategically bombed Brussels, the City took major damage according to observers.
Here is a map of the action done in the French turn...
