MARE BELLUM - ADMIRAL'S EDITION EDITION

[Dili]

Okay.

[DuckofTindalos]

Okay, this last one was always a bit tricky, but I've given it a go. As I stated previously, the French are caught in the middle of re-equipping and re-organizing their Indochina air arm.

They've split the country into three geographical zones of operations, each with its own mixed air wing (Groupement Mixte). In addition, there's a reserve wing, a reconnaissance unit and a small Aeronavale wing, operating some land-based Loires as well as the ones flying from the cruisers.

The northern wing is naturally based around Hanoi, and comprises two fighter squadrons of Hawks (19 operational, 5 non-operational) and a bomber squadron with of F.221s (6 each operational and non-operational).

The central wing protects Hue, and has one fighter squadron of MS 406s (10/2) and one bomber squadron of Marylands (9/3).

Given that the likeliest route for a Jap incursion is in the south, this is where most of the French air strength is concentrated. The southern wing has three figher squadrons of Hawks (30/6) and a bomber squadrons of Marylands (10/2).

The reserve wing is also in the south, with one fighter squadron of MS 406 (4/8), one bomber squadron of F.221s (4/8) and one transport squadron of Potez 542s (6/6).

Rounding out the OOB is an observation squadron with Potez 25s (12/6), and a flying boat squadron of Loire 130s (6 shore-based, 8 ship-based).

Total air strength:

• Hawk - 60
• MS 406 - 24
• Maryland - 24
• F.221 - 24
• Potez 542 - 12
• Potez 25 - 18
• Loire 130 - 14

In all 176 aircraft.

[Alikchi2]

I very much approve. This is going to be awfully interesting.

Have you put any thought into the altered Japanese dispositions? Simultaneous invasion from Thailand, China and the sea, I would imagine.. and if the Thais want a chunk of Indochina this may be something they're willing to fully commit to.

The real question is what the effect of putting off an invasion of Malaya for some time will be. Assuming the Japanese player decides to put it off, of course.

[ny59giants]

It will be interesting to see what the force disposition is on Hainan.

Are there to be some reshuffling of major Japanese naval assets??

[DuckofTindalos]

Can't do an overland Jap invasion from the north, since the Chinese own all the real estate. The current plan is a three-pronged offensive, one through Cambodia towards Phnom Penh and Saigon, and the other two through Laos and from the sea to cut the country in half at Hue and then drive north. The Thais will definitely be involved.

[DuckofTindalos]

ORIGINAL: ny59giants

It will be interesting to see what the force disposition is on Hainan.

Are there to be some reshuffling of major Japanese naval assets??

Haven't decided yet. For the moment, I've just picked up all the Jap units that were in Indochina and dropped them in Thailand and on Hainan.

[Historiker]

Is the Japanese side strengthend somehow - maybe by additional Thai Air and ground units later in the war as they aren't as reluctant as IRL this time?
Or is it just intended to make it a little more difficult for Japan and to add additional ships and planes to the game?

Will other parts of the French Navy join the fight later in the war? No Toulon, no Oran, no Mars-e-Kebir... This should strengthen them somehow, especially as the French Navy participates in fighting the Italians.

[Dili]

What about AVG will they move from Burma to Indochina?

[DuckofTindalos]

Possibly. It largely depends on playtesting, and whether or not Indochina turns into a one-week speedbump or a month-long slogging match for the Japs.

[DuckofTindalos]

ORIGINAL: Historiker

Is the Japanese side strengthend somehow - maybe by additional Thai Air and ground units later in the war as they aren't as reluctant as IRL this time?
Or is it just intended to make it a little more difficult for Japan and to add additional ships and planes to the game?

Will other parts of the French Navy join the fight later in the war? No Toulon, no Oran, no Mars-e-Kebir... This should strengthen them somehow, especially as the French Navy participates in fighting the Italians.

I don't want to go overboard with the Japs. It'll be more a case of redeploying existing units, although the Thai army presence will almost certainly be expanded, along with a Thai air force.

And yes, there'll be other French ships arriving, including some who've been reconstructed in the United States. Jean Bart will be an aircraft carrier, for example. I've got art for it, as well as for French Hellcats and Dauntlesses, so I'd be a fool not to use it.

[Historiker]

sounds good!

[Shark7]

ORIGINAL: Terminus

ORIGINAL: Historiker

Is the Japanese side strengthend somehow - maybe by additional Thai Air and ground units later in the war as they aren't as reluctant as IRL this time?
Or is it just intended to make it a little more difficult for Japan and to add additional ships and planes to the game?

Will other parts of the French Navy join the fight later in the war? No Toulon, no Oran, no Mars-e-Kebir... This should strengthen them somehow, especially as the French Navy participates in fighting the Italians.

I don't want to go overboard with the Japs. It'll be more a case of redeploying existing units, although the Thai army presence will almost certainly be expanded, along with a Thai air force.

And yes, there'll be other French ships arriving, including some who've been reconstructed in the United States. Jean Bart will be an aircraft carrier, for example. I've got art for it, as well as for French Hellcats and Dauntlesses, so I'd be a fool not to use it.

Just wondering if you are going to go for a rematch of the 1940 war in indochina, or will the Thai's still be going after the Shan States.

[DuckofTindalos]

The Thais will do what the Japs tell them to do. We shall see what that is.

[DuckofTindalos]

One French unit that will definitely be making an appearance as a reinforcement is the 13e DBLE. Always had a soft spot for that one.

[Dili]

Side views: http://www.clipart.com/ set options to english and search "France Ship"

In attachment is the ch111-112 renamed AVALANCHE and COMMANDANT BOURDAIS

You have more sides there like La Perouse; Arras is same class as Tahure but there are better drwaings around.

[DuckofTindalos]

Already got it, although the art is provisional. I didn't know she had two stacks; are you sure this is the correct class?

[Dili]

Yep, i am certain about that. But the drawing i posted above is incorrect since hull bow doesn't have such elevation in photos.

[Dili]

Here is the proper Avalanche




Fuel i have is 24t coal

[DuckofTindalos]

Definitely the same. Okay, won't be hard to fix that ship art.

[DuckofTindalos]

Historically, Thailand invaded French Indochina in late 1940, to exploit the perceived weakness of Vichy and conquer what the Thais thought of as their territory. The war was quite short and while it ended in stalemate militarily, a Japanese-brokered ceasefire agreement achieved the Thai political objectives.

In my timeline, there is no Vichy government and therefore the French hold on Indochina is not nearly as tenuous, keeping the Thais from going to war. Instead, the Thai government seeks closer ties with the Japanese, biding its time.

In December 1941, the Japanese have persuaded the Thais to assist them in their conquest of the SRA by contributing a large part of its armed forces for the attack on Indochina. Their reward will be control of the disputed territories in French Indochina.

Both Royal Thai Army, Air Force (re-equipped by the IJAAF to avoid "incidents") and Navy will be present in my mod.