Assuming GE is going for Gib through Spain...

[jjdenver]

Hi,

With this assumption, is it very common for Germany to vichy then collapse rather than completely conquer? It seems pretty easy for France to build a redoubt in the Toulouse-Bordeaux area. Does this force GE to Vichy and then collapse commonly? Or is there something I'm missing?

Thanks

[Dabrion]

France cannot build a redoubt and defend Paris. Even if you gain massive CW lend lease, all you can get is a better air force. Holding back units is infeasible, that will jeopardize your Paris front and lead to an early fall of Paris -> France. If GE is going for the Rock through Spain the will likely take some efforts to unhinge the Metz pocket to outflank Paris from the east early, as the coastal approaches are usually secured by the CW. I have seen successfully OChits on the Maginot Line for that reason in a France First that continued into a Spain to Gib steam roller. Germany decides when the take Vichy.. not France. So they can usually get their forces to Spain if they chose so. France should then evac more units in that time, and stay strong in Lyon, Toulouse and Nantes to deny an complete victory.


Sidenote: assuming experienced players the axis will not make the build plan/time table for a '41 Barb when they go for Spain. It depends a bit on the Italy vs. CW dance in the Med too. But usually that should end with a '42 Barb, which is the first nail in the coffin for the Euro-Axis. There is just very little chance to break a '42 Bear. If Spain fails the Axis is in a deep pit.. if it works a closed Med will mean a concentrated France D-Day.. as soon as '43 (Allies will land in France, later in Spain and liberate it = +2 US ochits/year). In short, as the Axis I would only go that route vs inexperience Allied players. It looks beautiful when it works.. but it should not work in general.