When/why to collapse Vichy

[craigbear]

In my solo game allies have recaptured all important Vichy territories in North Africa/Syria, etc. They also have Sardinia. They do not have Tripoli... but will soon if it can be kept out of supply and there are some successful ground strikes.

Q: should I be collapsing Vichy? There are about 5 or 6 BPs saved there. It has a 10 ship navy, 5 land units (which do not cover all coastal hexes, and a couple of 3 BP fighters. It could be invaded by a small Allied force (cw marine and an inf on a amph), but in a turn or two, a larger invasion force will be available to the allies. Next turn will July/August.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of collapsing at this point.

[Orm]

Now seems a good time to collapse Vichy. Although having more saved BPs would have been nice.

+ After collapsing it you gain production for the red factory, and resource, in mainland Vichy France.
+ The saved BPs becomes German and can be used for German production.
+ The Vichy fleet in mainland Vichy France is treated as surprised, and overrun, so some might get destroyed. Or captured.
+ Trustworthy units takes over the defence of southern France.

- Vichy French fleet stop fighting versus the Allies. And some (all that survive the overrun) ships will now fight for the Free French instead.
- Less units to fight against the Allies.
- A huge US entry hit if US is not yet at war with Germany.

[craigbear]

Thanks for the advice... I think I will wait a turn and then collapse given the case made.

[Shannon V. OKeets]

If you decide to keep Vichy intact, be aware that their land and air units do not cooperate with any other Axis units.

That means they cannot stack with other Axis units and when land combat occurs with Vichy and other Axis units forming a front line, it can be very difficult to support the Vichy units. For example, no fighter cover, no ground support, no HQ support or reorganization by other Axis HQs, etc.

[craigbear]

Good point!