Now starting a two-parter, each open to comments, criticisms, and improvement!
In early 1940 Nazi Germany's daring attempt on Denmark and Norway succeeded, although by a closer margin in Norway than is sometimes realized. Assume that there was a leak in the plan, possibly due to the Wehrmacht's great hatred for the entire idea. First Lord of the Admiralty Churchill is informed and the following occurs:
Narvik, as in history.
Trondheim, intercepted at sea, an additional four destroyers and the heavy cruiser Hipper lost.
Scharnhorst and Gnesanieu mobbed by five battleships/battlecruisers of the Home Fleet.
Rapid response by two British brigades and several Anglo-French battalions arriving in time to aid the Norwegians.
Colonel Otto Ruge, instead of covering the escape of Norway's king, government, etc. uses his forces to retake Oslo's airport(held by less than 1000 Germans).
Allied subs get to play wolf-pack and smash attempts to land more German forces.
By the time the invasion of France occurs, the Germans have effectively written off Norway, assuming that the conquest of France will obliviate the entire issue.
German air transport is mauled, about 20,000-25,000 troops lost, and the Kriegsmarine surface fleet is shattered.
Results in general?
Specific issues: Future of German navy.
Hitler stops ALL production of major surface combatants, pours what he has into U-boats.
Hitler as above except perhaps Bismark and/or Tirpitz built for reasons of national pride.
Hitler orders major effort into surface fleet, either then or after the Battle oF Britain, recognizing his impotence frees up powerful British naval forces that will influence Italy, Spain, or Japan.
Hitler, perhaps listening to Goering, decides army and air force is the way to go, to heck with subs too.
Bear in mind the failiure to hold Norway will mean serious trouble for U-boats in terms of range and endurance.
Also note that Scotland just became a place where the RAF can relax and recover during the Battle of Britain.
PART TWO IS SEPARATE!
In early 1940 Nazi Germany's daring attempt on Denmark and Norway succeeded, although by a closer margin in Norway than is sometimes realized. Assume that there was a leak in the plan, possibly due to the Wehrmacht's great hatred for the entire idea. First Lord of the Admiralty Churchill is informed and the following occurs:
Narvik, as in history.
Trondheim, intercepted at sea, an additional four destroyers and the heavy cruiser Hipper lost.
Scharnhorst and Gnesanieu mobbed by five battleships/battlecruisers of the Home Fleet.
Rapid response by two British brigades and several Anglo-French battalions arriving in time to aid the Norwegians.
Colonel Otto Ruge, instead of covering the escape of Norway's king, government, etc. uses his forces to retake Oslo's airport(held by less than 1000 Germans).
Allied subs get to play wolf-pack and smash attempts to land more German forces.
By the time the invasion of France occurs, the Germans have effectively written off Norway, assuming that the conquest of France will obliviate the entire issue.
German air transport is mauled, about 20,000-25,000 troops lost, and the Kriegsmarine surface fleet is shattered.
Results in general?
Specific issues: Future of German navy.
Hitler stops ALL production of major surface combatants, pours what he has into U-boats.
Hitler as above except perhaps Bismark and/or Tirpitz built for reasons of national pride.
Hitler orders major effort into surface fleet, either then or after the Battle oF Britain, recognizing his impotence frees up powerful British naval forces that will influence Italy, Spain, or Japan.
Hitler, perhaps listening to Goering, decides army and air force is the way to go, to heck with subs too.
Bear in mind the failiure to hold Norway will mean serious trouble for U-boats in terms of range and endurance.
Also note that Scotland just became a place where the RAF can relax and recover during the Battle of Britain.
PART TWO IS SEPARATE!