First off, this is the first TL I've thought about doing that isn't in the dark ages, so my idea has probably been discussed, dissected and found implausable already.
Let us say that Churchill is temporarily incapacitated (though not permanently injured) and unable to interfere in strategic planning between December 1940 and February 1941. First off, would his immediate replacement be as likely to interfere in the conduct of the war as he did?
Assuming the answer is no and that whoever is in charge tells the Greeks to look to their own defences against the Italians, I'm wondering:
Could General Richard O'Conner press ahead with Operation Compass and drive the Italians, and any elements Afrika Corps that make it ashore, from North Africa before Churchill recovers. Nazi Germany and Italy would then hold the Balkans, but British and Commonwealth troops would have won their first significant land campaign against the Axis, secured the Suez Canal from attack and have freed up perhaps as many as 100'000 men for deployment elsewhere.
Does anyone think Operation Compass could succeed in its aims uninterupted, or maye suggest a way that doesn't involve ASBs striking down the Prime Minister. I'm aiming for the Japanese to face more serious opposition when they make their drive for the Dutch East Indies.
Let us say that Churchill is temporarily incapacitated (though not permanently injured) and unable to interfere in strategic planning between December 1940 and February 1941. First off, would his immediate replacement be as likely to interfere in the conduct of the war as he did?
Assuming the answer is no and that whoever is in charge tells the Greeks to look to their own defences against the Italians, I'm wondering:
Could General Richard O'Conner press ahead with Operation Compass and drive the Italians, and any elements Afrika Corps that make it ashore, from North Africa before Churchill recovers. Nazi Germany and Italy would then hold the Balkans, but British and Commonwealth troops would have won their first significant land campaign against the Axis, secured the Suez Canal from attack and have freed up perhaps as many as 100'000 men for deployment elsewhere.
Does anyone think Operation Compass could succeed in its aims uninterupted, or maye suggest a way that doesn't involve ASBs striking down the Prime Minister. I'm aiming for the Japanese to face more serious opposition when they make their drive for the Dutch East Indies.