Why the Chinese play cricket (an Imperial Federation timeline)

[Miss Construction]

Thought it through and this is how the Imperial decision on entering the war goes

Sept 1 (war -10): Emergency Imperial Conference called in London.
Sept 3 (war -7): Dominion delegations leave for conference.
Sept 5 (war -5): Canadian delegation arrives in London, talks between Britain and Canada begin.
Sept 7 (war -3): South African delegation arrives in London, begins lobbying for neutrality.
Sept 11 (war +1): War breaks out, small numbers of German forces immediately enter Belgium to seize strategic points.
Sept 12 (war +2) Three French armies begin entering Belgium without any Belgium appeal for help.
Sept 13 (war +3): Full scale German invasion of Belgium begins, Belgium appeals for help.
Sept 14 (war +4): French launch a large offensive in Alsace-Lorraine.
Sept 15 (war +6): French offensive in Alsace-Lorraine suffers huge casualties in poorly coordinated frontal assaults.
Sept 16 ( war +7): German forces in Belgium suffer serious defeat in Belgium against French Guard Army, German advance continues but is temporarily slowed.
Sept 21 (war +10): Australian delegation arrives in London.
Sept 23 (war +12): Fijian and New Zealand delegations arrive in London.
Sept 24 (war +13): London Emergency Imperial Conference opens, French offensive in Alsace-Lorraine halt after suffering massive casualties, French and Belgians still falling back in Belgium.
Sept 26 (war +15): Vote held on entering the war results in deadlock (7 required for a vote for war = Australia 6, Britian 6, Canada 4, Chile 7, Fiji 11, Newfoundland 8, New Zealand 10, South Africa 3), Germans still advancing rapidly in Belgium but there advance is beginning to slow.
Sept 27 (war +16): Discussions begin in London on resolving the deadlock.
Sept 28 (war +17): Large scale French reinforcements begin arriving in Belgium.
Sept 30 (war +19): Compromise decision on the deadlock in London is maintain status quo with a second vote in one week.
Aug 4 (war +23): German advance in Belgium begins to lose momentum, though their advance is still significant.
Aug 5 (war +25): British government falls, current delegation retained but significant additional input from the opposition.
Aug 7 (war +26): Second vote held in London again results in deadlock (7 required for a vote for war = Australia 5, Britian 6, Canada 5, Chile 7, Fiji 11, Newfoundland 7, New Zealand 11, South Africa 3), talks begin on resolving the second deadlock.
Aug 10 (war +29): Decision reached in London to hold another Emergency Imperial Conference in London to attempt to resolve the deadlock in three months.
Aug 13 (war +31): Australian government falls.

This means any Imperial decision on entering the war will not be made until at least mid November. By then the Schlieffan Plan will have failed and the war bogged down into attritional trench warfare. Plus large scale war orders should be starting to flow into the Empire from both sides. It is very likely anti war sentiment will have increased.

This will also establish a constitutional precedent for resolving deadlocks. A second vote in a week. If that deadlocks again another Imperial Conference in three months. Though what exactly happens if that conference also deadlocks is something everyone has very definitely put in the way too hard basket, with any resolution to be decided by the now well established Imperial policy of putting it off to that wonderfully undefined "some time later" lol.

I actually have rolled for if the second conference leads to a vote for war or not. The results are (9 required for a vote for war = Australia 10, Britian 5, Canada 6, Chile 7, Fiji 12, Newfoundland 8, New Zealand 11, South Africa 3), five to three for staying out, with only the Pacific Dominions voting for entering the war, though they do seem really keen on it. However this is very much a provisional result and may quite easily change. In fact after the earlier double deadlock I would suspect a compromise decision to be reach without a vote. However it looks very likely the Empire will be sitting this one out, at least initially

 

[Miss Construction]

No they're just closely aligned with them economically and politically, basically by accident

Pretty much right on the money lol.

 

[UrbanNight]

This will also establish a constitutional precedent for resolving deadlocks. A second vote in a week. If that deadlocks again another Imperial Conference in three months. Though what exactly happens if that conference also deadlocks is something everyone has very definitely put in the way too hard basket, with any resolution to be decided by the now well established Imperial policy of putting it off to that wonderfully undefined "some time later" lol.

I think this can also be used a precedent for if the subsequent Imperial Conference three months later deadlocks; just keep doing it - have another Imperial Conference in Britain (or wherever) every three months. Though this line of thinking suggests that in times of world crisis that an Imperial Conference could occur regularly every three months, which might evolve into a pseudo-parliamentary Imperial thing.

 

[kelgar04]

This will also establish a constitutional precedent for resolving deadlocks. A second vote in a week. If that deadlocks again another Imperial Conference in three months. Though what exactly happens if that conference also deadlocks is something everyone has very definitely put in the way too hard basket, with any resolution to be decided by the now well established Imperial policy of putting it off to that wonderfully undefined "some time later" lol.

A bit of a random idea could the monarch be called into mediate if there is a third deadlock they are the ultimate neutral arbitrator in this case since they aren’t supposed to take sides in political terms so it could be a useful tool.

 

[Miss Construction]

Actually I've rethought the beginning of the war (everything at this stage is still provisional). It'll go more like this. The prewar events will remain the same, but when the Germans cross into Belgium they will request help before the French enter Belgium.

The first French troops in will be the Guards Army of two guard division, four colonial divisions and three regular divisions maintained at full war strength. This force is meant to screen and delay the German advance giving time for regular French units to mobilise and take over. Naturally in this role the Guards Army will bleed heavily but will achieve its goal.

Now the Empire is bound by treaty to guarantee Belgian neutrality, but exactly what action they should take is not specified. Particularly there is no obligation for a military response.

The initial Imperial response pending the Emergency Imperial Conference will be to impose an embargo on the sale of 'military goods and materials' to Germany while declaring Belgium a friendly nation under the terms of 1903 Foreign Military Assistance Act, giving them cheap access to Imperial military equipment and supplies, read nearly free in this case. Naturally this will rather disappoint the Belgians who where thinking more along the lines of large numbers of Imperial troops, however it will be accepted graciously.

Moving on. Exactly what the Imperial embargo on Germany covers will be a little vague. Obviously clear military equipment, guns, ammunition, artillery will be on the forbidden list, as will anything clearly intended for military use. However equally it will not cover things such as food, medical goods etc. Where is gets tricky is things not actually purchased by the Germany government for the army or navy and strategic raw materials.

Despite the deadlock on entering the war the Emergency Imperial Conference will clarify the embargo. Things such as rolling stock, vehicles and processed strategic raw materials (high quality steel, explosives, chemicals used in the production of munitions etc.) will be declared military goods. Unprocessed strategic raw materials will remain a grey area, while food, medical supplies etc will remain off the list.

Over time this embargo will continue to be extended eventually becoming a total trade embargo and quite possibly the Entente powers declared friendly nations under the 1903 act, though getting nowhere near as good a deal as Belgium.

Germany will of course attempt to circumvent the embargo by various means, primarily purchases via neutral countries. The embargo will force them to look to non Imperial neutrals for such things, with the US featuring prominently in this.

 

[Miss Construction]

I think this can also be used a precedent for if the subsequent Imperial Conference three months later deadlocks; just keep doing it - have another Imperial Conference in Britain (or wherever) every three months. Though this line of thinking suggests that in times of world crisis that an Imperial Conference could occur regularly every three months, which might evolve into a pseudo-parliamentary Imperial thing.

Actually I've dropped the threshold for a pro war vote in November to 8, shifting Newfoundland back into the pro war camp giving yet another deadlock. And yes I think they'll go with a second vote in week hoping like hell something can be hammered out in the meantime. However I again rolled: Australia 9, Britain 7, Canada 7, Chile 7, Fiji (everyone's favourite "Hey wait a minute, they're not actually a Dominion" attendee, sooner or later this is going to come to light and need to be dealt with) 11, Newfoundland 8, New Zealand 11, South Africa 2.

So we have the second double deadlock and yet another Emergency Imperial Conference in February. However by this point it will be abundantly clear the system of Imperial governance just isn't going to work, with the primary issue now not being whether or not to enter the war (which by February 1914 will have quite clearly shown it's bloody meat grinder nature), but how the hell to get out of this mess.

You quite simply can't have most senior members of every Dominion government spending 7-8 weeks out of every 13 running off to London or wherever. This situation will finally force the Empire to take the long overdue good hard look at how it's run.

A bit of a random idea could the monarch be called into mediate if there is a third deadlock they are the ultimate neutral arbitrator in this case since they aren’t supposed to take sides in political terms so it could be a useful tool.

Mmmm, a very interesting option. There is actually a precedent, back in the 1880s (I think) Queen Victoria did twice mediate in political deadlocks in Britain. I'll have to think on it.

 

[anyone]

Could this be another avenue for US-Imperial tensions? With the Empire favoring the entente due to German aggression while America may become more pro-Germany due to trade ties and what they perceive as free trade being “violated” when inevitably the entente or somebody else tries to cut off that trade.

 

[Miss Construction]

For those (probably most of you) who can't remember what exactly the Foreign Military Assistance Act 1903 is, here's a summary

Under the terms of the Foreign Military Assistance Act, parliament is empowered to vote to declare a foreign country to be either a friendly or alternatively allied nation. The act allows allied nations assistance on the same basis as Dominions under the Imperial Forces Act 1889, while friendly nations may be allowed access to equipment and supplies at 'advantageous' prices as determined by cabinet.

The Imperial Forces Act 1889 provides for Imperial assistance for the Dominions to develop their military forces, The act specifically entourages the creation of standing military units, both to aid in training local volunteers, as well as too provide a cadre in the event of war. The act makes available training by British instructors and if requested, regular inspections regarding efficiency. Provision is also made for Dominion troops to train and operate with British forces to gain experience in a variety of conditions. It also enables the Dominions to purchase arms, ammunition and equipment as part of the British procurement process, thereby reducing the costs. Finally it recognises the potential danger of the concentration of the Empire's arms industry in Britain. To this end it provides subsidies to establish ammunition, small arms and artillery factories in the Dominions.

BTW the 1903 act does include an amendment to 1889 act making sure the Dominions and allied nations have all the benefits of friendly nations too.

 

[UrbanNight]

You quite simply can't have most senior members of every Dominion government spending 7-8 weeks out of every 13 running off to London or wherever. This situation will finally force the Empire to take the long overdue good hard look at how it's run.

I was thinking more that in such a case, Dominions would begin appointing longer-term representatives, which would then evolve into a pseudo-parliamentary thing, but apparently left that out previously.

 

[Miss Construction]

I was thinking more that in such a case, Dominions would begin appointing longer-term representatives, which would then evolve into a pseudo-parliamentary thing, but apparently left that out previously.

Such a thing already exists, the Imperial Council. It consists of two representatives from each Dominion, two from Britian and the Dominion Secretary who chairs it. Established as the Imperial Security Council was part of what is called the Hofmeyr Compromise in 1890, it was originally simply an advisory body for the British government regarding matters of Imperial security, it has evolved over time. It's now the primary body for implementing Imperial policy as determined by the Imperial Conferences and does have binding powers over both Britain and Dominions, including the power to declare war in time of crisis.

Imperial Security Council
June 1890: The final step in implementing the Hofmeyr Compromise is put in place with the creation of the Imperial Security Council. The Council will sit in London, being chaired by the Colonial Secretary and include the Secretary of State for India plus twelve members appointed by the Dominion governments, with a small permanent secretariat to support its operations. Its role is to facilitate consultation between the British and Dominions on matters of Imperial concern and allow a rapid response to any crisis. While it has no actual power over the British government's decisions, it does for the first time give the Dominions an official mechanism to voice their opinions on Imperial affairs. The Council will also include military and naval committees which will endeavour to ensure interoperability amongst the British and Dominion forces by encouraging standardisation of equipment, training, organisation and operational methods.

Hofmeyr Compromise
Eventually Jan Hofmeyr, part of the Cape Colony delegation proposes a solution. He suggests the Imperial government embark on a serious program to renew the navy, including sustained construction to restore its strength. However the Australian Station should be only modestly bolstered to avoid US hostility, but steps should be taken to ensure it can be rapidly reinforced in a crisis. The Imperial government should also assist the Dominions in strengthening their own defences, to reaffirm their commitment to Imperial security, both to foreign powers and the Dominions.

It's worth noting the Imperial Forces Act 1889 is also part of the Hofmeyr Compromise, as is the establishment of the two power standard for the Royal Navy, as well as the development of the Empire's ability to rapidly move forces across the globe to respond to crises in any part of the world. In the third iteration this ability was so good it allowed the Empire (by then called the Commonwealth) to launch what was called Operation Matchstick. An amphibious assault on the Panama canal across the Atlantic directly from the Home Islands. This assault consisted of four divisions in the first wave, with another four in the follow up wave.

 

[anyone]

When did Operation Matchstick occur? I don't remember reading about it.

 

[Miss Construction]

When did Operation Matchstick occur? I don't remember reading about it.

Sadly this will be an extremely LONG post (almost 2,600 words). While it's name was only ever mentioned once, Operation Matchstick was part of the opening moves in the Third Iteration's Transpacific War between the Pacific Alliance of Japan and the US and the Imperial Commonwealth (what the Empire evolved into). As I stated it was an amphibious assault on the Panama Canal launched from the Home Islands across the entire Atlantic Ocean.

Not only the largest amphibious operation to that point (and since I never finished the TL, ever) it was also without doubt the most ambitious and audacious military operation ever carried out. That it succeeded was due not only to the extremely high quality and training of the CW troops involved (literally the most elite formations in the CW forces), the sheer surprise factor (holy F they're doing what!!!) and the first ever of nerve agents and airborne troops by the CW (further adding to the surprise factor) but also a large degree of complacency and incompetence on the part of the US.


Operation Matchstick

February 1933: With it obvious the US is willing to block CW access to the Panama Canal and seeking to further undermine US influence, the CW begins courting Colombia while planning an amphibious assault on the canal. Still smarting from the Panamanian Revolt of 1904, these approaches are warmly welcomed.

July 1936: CW chemists discover a potent new chemical weapon. The new nerve gas can be absorbed through the skin and causes death within minutes. The discovery is immediately classified under the name Ethercite and work is begun on developing production facilities and delivery systems.

September 1938: The first CW Ethercite gas facilities begin production in isolated areas of South Africa, Bengal, Scotland and Australia.

January 1939: With the ongoing war in China appearing likely to spread, the development of new small arms is abandoned. Instead the Polish Kbsp wz.38M is adopted as the Rifle No 4, the Italian Baretta M1938 SMG as the Lancaster Machine Carbine and the Czech ZB 33 as the Bren LMG. Also chemical defence training given significant higher emphasis, with realistic exercises using diluted mustard gas.

15th February 1939: With war with the CW now clearly likely, Japanese and US officers meet in Tokyo to discuss strategic concerns.

[cut]

* Given the threat to the Caribbean is considered negligible, only four US regular divisions will be deployed to the region, two to defend the Panama Canal with one each in Puerto Rico and Cuba. With these to be replaced by reserves on mobilisation, with the regulars being redeployed to strengthen the strategic reserve for the invasion of Canada.

May 1939: CW chemists discover a new nerve agent similar to Ethercite. Named Diethercite, the new agent differs from Ethercite in being more lethal as well as persistent. With the urgency of the situation, existing Ethercite production facilities are to be expanded to produce the new weapon. It is expected Diethercite will be in production by mid 1940.

June 1939: CW troops begin intensive training for the assault on the Panama Canal. The assault force is to consist of two RM, one airborne and one regular division with four regular divisions to follow up the initial landing, along with RM Commando and SAS units.

September 1939: The CW begins the development of a series of specialist assault vehicles for amphibious operations to overcome beach defences. Based on the Matilda infantry tank they include a mine clearing flail vehicle, armoured bridging vehicle, flame tank, armoured bulldozer and an assault tank armed with a 5.3" mortar. In addition a bridge layer based on the Coventeer cruiser tank is also to be developed.

September 1939: In order to protect CW airbases, the RAF Regiment is formed as part of the RAF.

January 1940: The CW obtains Colombian approval to use their territory as a base for a combined amphibious and airborne assualt to seize the Panama canal in the event of war. Planning begins immediately, along with plans to mine the approaches. Plans are also made to seize Puerto Rico and Cuba.

March 1940: The first prototypes of the CW specialist assault vehicles are produced. The vehicles all show promise and further development to production standard is ordered.

October 1940: The CW specialist assault vehicles enter service. Several battalions are allocated to the Panama Canal assault force.

October 1940: The cavity magnetron enters production in the CW. This will lead to radical improvements in the miniaturisation of radar technology, giving the CW a huge lead in this field.

July 1940: Diethercite enters production. Work continues both on improving production techniques and developing new agents. With it condidered extremely likely chemical weapons will feature prominently in any upcoming war and the likelihood of the Pacific Alliance developing their own nerve agents, work begins on counter measures. As it is known atropine is an effective treatment an auto injector is prepared with troops being given training in its use, though it is not yet issued to units in the field. The development of other treatments is also given a high priority as is an effective full chemical warfare suit replace the existing chemical warfare capes.

November 1940: With Colombia receiving large quantities of military equipment from the CW, Panama signs a mutual defence treaty with the Pacific Alliance.

January 1941: Senior Pacific Alliance officers meet in Honolulu. It is agreed war is now inevitable and it is necessary to strike now before CW strength increases any further. The attack will begin with Japanese landings in Malaya and Borneo, while the US will strike into the Moluccas and Celebes. Japanese armoured forces will strike in China. The Japanese will take Papua and the Solomon Islands from New Guinea. If circumstances permit, the Fijian Islands will be taken, giving the potential for a landing in New Caledonia. In the Americas, the invasion of Canada will begin immediately. The agreed date for the attack is Sunday 23rd of March.

January 1941: With the collapse of the peace talks, the CW Caribbean assault force is readied for an assault on the Panama Canal and dispatched to the British Isles. The 25th (Wessex) Division* will forward deploy to Trinidad. RAF and RFC aircraft are deployed to Colombia. When war appears inevitable the assault force will sail for Barbados. It is estimated it will take 15 days to cross the Atlantic at 10 knots, with another 36 hours at Barbados to reprovision. Another five and a half days will then be required to reach the Canal. RN submarines will cover the Atlantic end of the Canal, as well as the naval bases at Guantánamo Bay and Mayagüez. Aircraft based in Jamaica will mine the Jamaica Channel. The Caribbean Fleet will be reinforced by the covering ships of the assault force. The two Revenge class battleships and the Attacker class escort carriers, two loaded with pure fighter groups, and two with anti submarine groups, will provide close cover for the assault convoy. As soon as the assault force arrives in Barbados, saturation bombing will begin on Puerto Rican air and naval bases. Three days before D-Day, the 25th will deploy to airbases in Colombia. The landing will be preceded by nerve gas bombing from Colombia. SAS units will secure one airbase after Ethercite bombing while the others will be interdicted with Diethercite. RM Commandos, assisted by the 25th, will eliminate the Atlantic forts. For security reasons, no attempt will be made to involve the Colombians.

* In order to conceal their nature the four CW airborne divisions are the 16th (Central India), 25th (Wessex), 43rd (New South Wales) and 61st (Natal) Divisions.

February 1941: With RAF and RFC aircraft arriving in Colombia, the US begin deploying additional aircraft to Panama, both for defence and to strike into Colombia.

February 1941: The CW Caribbean assault force arrives in Portsmouth. Two of the follow up divisions continue on for Barbados. Pacific Alliance intelligence assumes it is intended to reinforce Canada.

February 1941: The CW introduce the proximity fuse based on the cavity magnetron. To avoid the possibility of the capture of a cavity magnetron, the fuses are only to be used where there is no possibility an unexploded round could fall on hostile territory.

February 1941: Eight Thames class special forces submarines are covertly deployed to a concealed and isolated region of Colombia.

February 1941: The first two follow up divisions for the Panama Canal assault are forward deployed to Barbados with a number of assault ships. Extensive special forces and aerial reconnaissance around Puerto Rico begin.

February 1941: All stocks of nerve agents are removed from Canada due to concerns over the possibility of capture. The decision is made to delay their employment until the Panama landings, to achieve maximum surprise.

February 1941: Believing the CW is planning an amphibious assault on Puerto Rico, an additional air units are deployed to defend the island. Plans are also put in place to reinforce the island with two additional divisions upon mobilisation. However plans are also made to deploy three additional divisions to Panama. One to the Canal itself and two to the Colombian border to prevent any land invasion. These divisions are withdrawn from the strategic reserve in the US upon mobilisation.

March 1941: The final two follow up divisions for Panama Canal assault are dispatched to Barbados.

March 1941: In response to the CW mobilisation, the Pacific Alliance orders a general mobilisation.

March 1941: With Pacific Alliance forces estimated to be two weeks from their start points, the CW war cabinet authorises Operation Matchstick, the assault on the Panama Canal. The Caribbean Assault Force sets sail. To ensure security the assault convoy departs from two separate ports and the escort force another two. Pacific Alliance intelligence fails to detect their departure.

March 1941: The second two follow up divisions for the Panama assault arrive in Barbados. The Pacific Alliance continues to believe the target is Puerto Rico. With only three divisions in the US strategic reserve, only one division is dispatched to Puerto Rico.

March 1941: US reconnaissance aircraft detect the Panama assault convoy. All US forces in the Caribbean are placed on war alert and the fleet prepared for action.

March 1941: The Pacific Alliance issues an ultimatum demanding the CW withdraw from the war in China.

March 1941: Two hours before the expiry of the Pacific Alliance ultimatum US Rangers cross into Canada in an attempt to seize the St Lawrence Seaway locks. Fierce fire fights erupt all along the Seaway between US and CW special forces defending the locks. The CW forces also cross into the US in an attempt to destroy the locks on the US side. The resulting clashes destroy most of the locks along the Seaway.

March 1941: The CW war cabinet meet the Pacific Alliance ultimatum. Long deliberations show deep divides, however the US attacks on St Lawrence locks produce a unanimous decision to reject the ultimatum. However no declaration of war is issued, forcing President Lindbergh to go to Congress for a declaration.

23rd March 1941: CW aircraft begin round the clock attacks on bases in Puerto Rico and Panama. The attacks on Puerto Rico achieve good success, however the attacks on the Canal prove ineffective.

23rd March 1941: The Rhode Island class battleship Oregon is torpedoed and crippled by the CW submarine Upholder, and forced to return to port.

23rd March 1941: The US division intended for Puerto Rico is diverted to reinforce Panama.

24th March 1941: Guatemala declares war on the CW as its troops move into British Honduras.

25th March 1941: The CW assault force departs from Barbados.

25th March 1941: CW submarines begin attacks on US shipping throughout the Caribbean. Orders are issued to all submarines to avoid attacks on neutral shipping. US anti submarine escorts are totally unable to deal with the CW high speed submarines and losses begin to mount.

26th March 1941: The US troop convoy for Panama is coming under heavy CW submarine attack, along with air attack from Jamaica. Despite suffering heavy losses from CW submarines, the convoy is ordered to continue.

27th March 1941: The US Caribbean Fleet under Admiral Royal Ingersoll Engages the CW covering force under Admiral Andrew Somerville. Ingersoll's carriers strike first using traditional wave attacks. The strike manages to inflict heavy damage on the St David, forcing her to turn back. However the CW mass strike overwhelms the US defences, sinking the Ranger and crippling the Ulysses Grant. The CW strike aimed at the US battle line, now deprived of air cover, claim the Pennsylvania class South Dakota crippling the California of the same class as well as claiming two cruisers and three destroyers. Many of Ingersoll's other ships suffer damage. Despite his losses, aware of the importance of stopping the assault force, presses the attack. Somerville, unable to fully implement the Chatfield Doctrine is forced to deploy his battleships to engage. The resulting confused night action sees the Erin class Cambria sunk, with the Albion and Malta class Suez crippled. However the US see the Rhode Island sunk along with the Pennsylvania class Arizona and the Nevada class Oklahoma. While the Montana class Maine and James Monroe class Thomas Jefferson are crippled. A particular feature of the battle is the number of US ships damaged or even sunk by the detonation of their own torpedoes under fire. Unable to break through to the convoy, Ingersoll withdraws to attempt again in daylight. However air strikes the morning claim the damaged Pennsylvania class Idaho and the Andrew Jackson. Ingersoll, now left with only four operational battleships, two with heavy damage, withdraws toward Cuba. However continued attacks by CW aircraft claim the heavily damaged Andrew Jackson and Nevada as well as the crippled, California, Thomas Jefferson and carrier Ulysses Grant. The only US survivors of the Battle of the Leeward Antilles are the Montana class Ohio along with the crippled Maine and the heavily damaged Pennsylvania class Colorado. While Ingersoll survives the battle, his deputy Raymond Spruance is captured amongst the survivors.

28th March 1941: The CW follow up divisions depart Barbados.

28th March 1941: With the defeat of Ingersoll's fleet the two US divisions on the Colombian border are ordered to the Canal zone. With the garrison now standing at five divisions, the US commander General Lloyd Fredendall is confident he can hold the Canal. None the less, he orders the Canal mined as well as charges prepared to destroy the locks.

29th March 1941: Ingersoll is ordered to dispatch his crippled and heavily damaged ships back to Newport News while retaining the Ohio as a fleet in being pending reinforcement.

29th March 1941: An additional reserve division arrives at Panama. However it has suffered heavy casualties and lost most of its heavy equipment.

30th March 1941: The CW begin landing at Panama. The nerve gas attacks are totally devastating, leaving the defenders in chaos. The coastal forts are rapidly neutralised. A beachhead is quickly established and the troops begin to move inland.

31st March 1941: A US PT boat leaves the Pacific end of the Canal bound for San Diego carrying samples of both Ethercite and Diethercite.

31st March 1941: The US defence of Panama is in complete disarray and morale has collapsed, predominantly due to the use of nerve agents. With no reinforcement possible, Fredendall orders the locks destroyed and surrenders to avoid further pointless casualties, leaving the Panama Canal in
CW hands. Engineers estimate it will take 18 months to two years to bring the canal back into operation.

 

[Miss Construction]

I can not stress enough, Operation Matchstick was VERY MUCH a Third Iteration thing. There are simply way way way too many butterflies to go before there is any possibility of tensions between the Empire/Commonwealth and a US-Japanese alliance which might lead to even clear hostility, let alone tensions which could make war a possibility.

Even in the 3I it really came down to an extremely close 1940 US presidential election between the Republican Lindberg, Progressive Roosevelt and Democrat Halsey (yes that Halsey). If either Roosevelt or Halsey had won that election the war would not have happened. It was only because Lindberg was willing to give an unequivocal guarantee of US support in the event of Japan directly entering the ongoing proxy war in China that lead to the war. Roosevelt would have hedged while Halsey would have refused, only Lindberg was willing to say yes, and without a guarantee of US support the Japanese would have backed down, thus avoiding the war.

 

[kelgar04]

Reading back a bit at the idea with the Imperial Guard basically putting the breaks on the German Advance it will make the French Armies failures stand in even starker contrast compared to OTL and will make it so there will probably be an up roar in government at the army.

 

[Miss Construction]

Reading back a bit at the idea with the Imperial Guard basically putting the breaks on the German Advance it will make the French Armies failures stand in even starker contrast compared to OTL and will make it so there will probably be an up roar in government at the army.

Well the Imperial Guards Army is quite simply composed of the very best troops France has available at the outbreak of the war. Even the regular 17e Corps is trained in the same doctrine as the Guards and Colonial troops, using the same equipment. And yes there will heads rolling up and down the corridors of power in France because of its success compared with the rest of the French army

 

[Dannyboy]

Correct me if I'm but you wargamed out a lot of the Pacific War in the 3rd thread if I'm right?

 

[anyone]

Oh ok it being in the 3rd iteration makes sense.

 

[Miss Construction]

Correct me if I'm but you wargamed out a lot of the Pacific War in the 3rd thread if I'm right?

Sort of. With important battles I definitely did, I used my fast play naval rule and a basic version of the abstract ground combat rules I use now. But when it came to more strategic details such as if the US fleet ran into one or more of the roaming CW submarines or when the CW assault convey was detected, I used random rolls. To be honest I have no idea what those rolls where now, all my paper notes were lost when I escaped my former abusive partner. I assume by now she's probably burnt them. She had some idea how important they were to me lol.

Oh ok it being in the 3rd iteration makes sense.

Yes, though the Empire is well on its way to developing a similar capacity ITTL. The rapid reaction Imperial Army Corps stationed in Egypt has been practising such long distance operations for over ten years now. The Empire is at this point in the TL the only power with any serious amphibious warfare capacity. And that capacity is rapidly becoming truly impressive (the saying "the largest weapon the Royal Navy fires is the British Army" is very true ITTL).

Yes they are still decades away from being able to pull of something such as Operation Matchstick (a successful trans oceanic assualt on possibly the most extensive coastal fortifications in the world). But a successful opposed landing over long distance? Yes they're already capable of doing that, just depends on how far and how strong the opposition. A Gallipoli style operation over say up to 1,000 km, yes they could do that with a reasonable chance of success already.

 

[anyone]

Would that even include Japanese possessions in the far east? At least somewhat into the future, and I wouldn't necessarily expect an invasion of the home isles, but taiwan or okinawa would be interesting.