IRL the Experimental Mechanised Force was abandoned-the economy at the time couldn't take it. However the lessons of the force had been learnt over in Germany which of course would lead to the eventual formation of the 1st Pz Div. Now let us imagine a world where there has been no economic collapse in the UK and the Mechanised Force is continued and updated, such that by 1939 we have:
31 fully mechanised cavalry regiments specialising in armoured car, armoured recconaissance and cruiser tank roles. (IRL in 1939 there were only 22 regiments plus the short term 22nd-27th Regiments but in this case no regiments have been merged)
The Corps of Scouts-this actually existed (sort of) but for my scenario has been properly established rather than just as a rump corps and a place to put The Lovats Scouts. The Scout Corps in this case was formed out of the post Boer War clamour and the fame of Baden Powell. The Scouts are used as small parties of up to company size for deep recconaissance and the like. During WW1 and under the influence of the Lovats they have also added stalking and sniping to their repertoire. (Yup some of you are thinking LRDG and SAS in 1939?)
54 Yeomanry Regiments- 4 armoured recce, 8 armoured car, 18 cruiser, 12 rifle yeomanry (euphamism for APC borne infantry units but being cavalry you never actually call them infantry), 8 assigned to the RHA as field regiments and 4 assigned to the Signals as armoured divisional regiments.
24 Royal Tank Corps battalions, plus 24 TA. (there were only 8 in 1935, eventually 12 plus around a dozen from the TA by 1939). Provide infantry tanks and any heavies.(Also have some independent companies)
5 Foot Guards regiments with 14 field battalions (plus depots and depot companies).
68 Line Infantry Regiments (IRL only 64)- there are 4 regiments 'gained' the ex Dublin LI becoming the Welsh LI, the RIR staying as such to enable recruitment of Irish citizens, the Connought Rangers become the London Rangers and the Munsters become another County unit. The final Irish unit that IRL disbanded-The Leinsters (Royal Canadians) get their titles and traditions passed over to Canada as The Royal Canadians (Loyal Irish) as Canada wanted at the time. These 68 units each have 2 field battalions plus 2 depot companies plus a varying number of TA battalions (from 2 to over a dozen), excepting units are the KRRC and RB which continue to have 4 battalions each plus corresponding depots plus TA. (in other words thats 140 regular battalions plus over 160 TA)
12 Infantry Recconaissance Corps Battalions, plus 12 TA- providing recce function for Infantry Divisions (the EMF has identified such a need). (Also several independant companies)
12 Machine Gun Corps battalions plus 12 TA (although disbanded in 1922 the MGC has been reformed following a review of needs and requirements)(there are also several independant companies for overseas garrions and specialised tasking)
An experimental parachute corps was formed and 2 brigades exist
The RA continues its expansion with the TA providing the bulk of home air defence. The other corps develop as would be commensurate with this scenario-exception being that the EMF has shown the need for a speciliast repair and recovery service and therefore we also have a REME in existance in 1939.
So whats fielded and where?
India and Burma- 8 cavalry regiments (2 armoured recce, 4 cruisers and 2 armoured car), 6 RTC, 4 IRC, 4 MGC, 45 infantry and Guards battalions (each UK battalion got linked with 2-3 Indian and Gurkha battalions to form a brigade) alongside the Indian Army this all goes to form 2 Indian Armoured Divisions, 12 Infantry Divisions plus assorted others.
Singapore, HK, Malaya and Borneo- 2 cavalry regiments (armoured car), 3 RTC, 1 2RC, 2 MGC, 15 Guards and infantry battalions (there are also around 12 Gurkha/Indian and 6 other Imperial battalions in this region) (Australian, Canadian and NZ troops also expected)
Egypt and Middle East- 6 cavalry regiments (2 armoured car, 1 armoured recce, 3 cruiser), 6 RTC, 2 IRC, 2 MGC, 30 Guards and line battalions. Forming 1 armoured division and 2 Infantry Divisions.
Home Forces and all others (Bermuda etc etc etc) -15 cavalry regiments (4 armoured car, 2 armoured recce, 9 cruiser), 9 RTC, 4 IRC, 4 MGC, 64 Guards and Line battalions,the Parachute Corps plus all of the TA (4 Armoured Divisions and 12 Infantry Divisions). Home Forces can send out a field army of 2 fully mechanised corps each with 1 armoured division, 2 infantry divisions plus and AGRA and AA Brigade. There are a few other suprises in store too...
Equipment.
This could be seen as a bit ASB....the EMF and resultant developments have meant that in 1939 the British Army enters the war with 6pdr equipped tanks. Think something like the Cromwell for cruisers and Churchill for Infantry tanks. The Light Tank is the Tetrarch with a 2pdr. There are close support variants all using a development of the 3.7" howitzer as its armament. The Armoured Car regiments are using Daimlers with 2pdr and lots and lots of scout cars. ALL armoured vehicles have radios. All vehicles have a twin Vickers K gun for AA.
A Universal Carrier has been developed. This TL U/C is however rather different to the real one as its bigger, more reliable and more powerful. The result is that we have true APC infantry. Each carrier mounts an MG and some form of other weapon (AA MG etc). There are over 60 of these beasts in a motor rifle battalion (1 per armoured brigade)
The 25pdr has been developed faster than IRL, so is fully available. A tracked version is also in use rather akin to the Sexton, mounted on the Infantry tank chassis.
The 6pdr is the standard de facto A/T gun- 6 per battalion.
The 17pdr is on issue to RA A/T regiments.
AA is based on the Bofors, the 3.7" AA plus some heavier guns (4.5" and 5.25" dual role)
Medium and heavy artillery have got the 5.5" howitzer and 7.2"
The 5th and 6th Infantry Divisons got disbanded in order to release personnel for the 2 armoured divisions. What was left was used to form a 2 brigade strong Mountain Corps. This corps have looked to Norway for inspiration and along with the Scout Corps are prime exponents of small unit operations, and how to get the best out of a bergan rucksack.
The Parachute Corps pretty much looks like the Paras at Bruneval. Bit anochronistic but hey ho. Lets imagine that they are using a troop transporter like the Valetta and Hastings-both of which were easily achievable at the time. Little need for a Glider Pilot Regiment as these 2 aircraft can cope with pretty much anything needed.
Finally the rest of the PBI....The PBI have been issued with a new uniform based upon the experimental mechanised dress and are wearing a new Mk3 helmet (as issued in 1944) with better ballistic protection, camouflage overalls are on issue and all webbing uses blackened steel fittings. The other major POD is that FN's self loading rifle as developed in 1936 and actually tested at the time by the UK Govt has entered service as nicknamed the Fen. The Bren is also in use alongside the Fen. A need for an SMG also became apparent and Messrs Shaw and Turpin and popped up with the STEN-in keeping with trying to make it look a tad more aesthetic its been given a wooden stock and foregrip (al la Mk5).
ORBATS (basic)
Armoured Div- 1 signals, 1 engineer, 1 RASC, 1 RAMC, 1 REME, 1 RAOC columns/regiments etc (each of around 1000 personnel); 1 armoured car regt, 1 armoured recce regt (with 33 cruisers and 36 plus light tanks), 1 AA regiment RA, 1 AT regiment RA, 1 Armoured Brigade (1 RHA regt, 3 cruiser regts (each 61 cruisers, 8 lights, 8 AA, 12 cars), 1 mounted rifle), 1 Tank Brigade (each 61 Infantry tanks, 8 lights, 8 AA, 12 cars), 1 motor rifle, 1 RA field regt), 1 Infantry Brigade (3 battalions, RA regt,MGC company).
(Each Division also has a battle school, MP company, Int Corps section etc)
Infantry Div- same column as Armoured Div. Rest- 1 IRC battalion, 1 Scout company (snipers), 1 MGC battalion, RA as per armoured div except all lorried. 3 Infantry Brigades.
Mountain Brigade- Signals, engineer, scout corps, MGC, RASC, RAOC, RAMC, REME company sized units, plus AA battery (with 20mm), AT battery, Mountain regiment (3.7" guns), 3 infantry battalions, RTC company. (Scout Corps are all trained mountain leaders)
Para Brigades-same as mountain units except RTC company has Tetrarch lights instead of Infantry tanks. Scout Corps are pathfinders for the Brigade.
So there we have it, the British Army is a fully mechanised army with the capability in 1939 that it had by 1944, just what would/could it do to the Panzer Armee? My betting is that it'll eat it for dinner causing a coup back in Berlin.....Thoughts?
31 fully mechanised cavalry regiments specialising in armoured car, armoured recconaissance and cruiser tank roles. (IRL in 1939 there were only 22 regiments plus the short term 22nd-27th Regiments but in this case no regiments have been merged)
The Corps of Scouts-this actually existed (sort of) but for my scenario has been properly established rather than just as a rump corps and a place to put The Lovats Scouts. The Scout Corps in this case was formed out of the post Boer War clamour and the fame of Baden Powell. The Scouts are used as small parties of up to company size for deep recconaissance and the like. During WW1 and under the influence of the Lovats they have also added stalking and sniping to their repertoire. (Yup some of you are thinking LRDG and SAS in 1939?)
54 Yeomanry Regiments- 4 armoured recce, 8 armoured car, 18 cruiser, 12 rifle yeomanry (euphamism for APC borne infantry units but being cavalry you never actually call them infantry), 8 assigned to the RHA as field regiments and 4 assigned to the Signals as armoured divisional regiments.
24 Royal Tank Corps battalions, plus 24 TA. (there were only 8 in 1935, eventually 12 plus around a dozen from the TA by 1939). Provide infantry tanks and any heavies.(Also have some independent companies)
5 Foot Guards regiments with 14 field battalions (plus depots and depot companies).
68 Line Infantry Regiments (IRL only 64)- there are 4 regiments 'gained' the ex Dublin LI becoming the Welsh LI, the RIR staying as such to enable recruitment of Irish citizens, the Connought Rangers become the London Rangers and the Munsters become another County unit. The final Irish unit that IRL disbanded-The Leinsters (Royal Canadians) get their titles and traditions passed over to Canada as The Royal Canadians (Loyal Irish) as Canada wanted at the time. These 68 units each have 2 field battalions plus 2 depot companies plus a varying number of TA battalions (from 2 to over a dozen), excepting units are the KRRC and RB which continue to have 4 battalions each plus corresponding depots plus TA. (in other words thats 140 regular battalions plus over 160 TA)
12 Infantry Recconaissance Corps Battalions, plus 12 TA- providing recce function for Infantry Divisions (the EMF has identified such a need). (Also several independant companies)
12 Machine Gun Corps battalions plus 12 TA (although disbanded in 1922 the MGC has been reformed following a review of needs and requirements)(there are also several independant companies for overseas garrions and specialised tasking)
An experimental parachute corps was formed and 2 brigades exist
The RA continues its expansion with the TA providing the bulk of home air defence. The other corps develop as would be commensurate with this scenario-exception being that the EMF has shown the need for a speciliast repair and recovery service and therefore we also have a REME in existance in 1939.
So whats fielded and where?
India and Burma- 8 cavalry regiments (2 armoured recce, 4 cruisers and 2 armoured car), 6 RTC, 4 IRC, 4 MGC, 45 infantry and Guards battalions (each UK battalion got linked with 2-3 Indian and Gurkha battalions to form a brigade) alongside the Indian Army this all goes to form 2 Indian Armoured Divisions, 12 Infantry Divisions plus assorted others.
Singapore, HK, Malaya and Borneo- 2 cavalry regiments (armoured car), 3 RTC, 1 2RC, 2 MGC, 15 Guards and infantry battalions (there are also around 12 Gurkha/Indian and 6 other Imperial battalions in this region) (Australian, Canadian and NZ troops also expected)
Egypt and Middle East- 6 cavalry regiments (2 armoured car, 1 armoured recce, 3 cruiser), 6 RTC, 2 IRC, 2 MGC, 30 Guards and line battalions. Forming 1 armoured division and 2 Infantry Divisions.
Home Forces and all others (Bermuda etc etc etc) -15 cavalry regiments (4 armoured car, 2 armoured recce, 9 cruiser), 9 RTC, 4 IRC, 4 MGC, 64 Guards and Line battalions,the Parachute Corps plus all of the TA (4 Armoured Divisions and 12 Infantry Divisions). Home Forces can send out a field army of 2 fully mechanised corps each with 1 armoured division, 2 infantry divisions plus and AGRA and AA Brigade. There are a few other suprises in store too...
Equipment.
This could be seen as a bit ASB....the EMF and resultant developments have meant that in 1939 the British Army enters the war with 6pdr equipped tanks. Think something like the Cromwell for cruisers and Churchill for Infantry tanks. The Light Tank is the Tetrarch with a 2pdr. There are close support variants all using a development of the 3.7" howitzer as its armament. The Armoured Car regiments are using Daimlers with 2pdr and lots and lots of scout cars. ALL armoured vehicles have radios. All vehicles have a twin Vickers K gun for AA.
A Universal Carrier has been developed. This TL U/C is however rather different to the real one as its bigger, more reliable and more powerful. The result is that we have true APC infantry. Each carrier mounts an MG and some form of other weapon (AA MG etc). There are over 60 of these beasts in a motor rifle battalion (1 per armoured brigade)
The 25pdr has been developed faster than IRL, so is fully available. A tracked version is also in use rather akin to the Sexton, mounted on the Infantry tank chassis.
The 6pdr is the standard de facto A/T gun- 6 per battalion.
The 17pdr is on issue to RA A/T regiments.
AA is based on the Bofors, the 3.7" AA plus some heavier guns (4.5" and 5.25" dual role)
Medium and heavy artillery have got the 5.5" howitzer and 7.2"
The 5th and 6th Infantry Divisons got disbanded in order to release personnel for the 2 armoured divisions. What was left was used to form a 2 brigade strong Mountain Corps. This corps have looked to Norway for inspiration and along with the Scout Corps are prime exponents of small unit operations, and how to get the best out of a bergan rucksack.
The Parachute Corps pretty much looks like the Paras at Bruneval. Bit anochronistic but hey ho. Lets imagine that they are using a troop transporter like the Valetta and Hastings-both of which were easily achievable at the time. Little need for a Glider Pilot Regiment as these 2 aircraft can cope with pretty much anything needed.
Finally the rest of the PBI....The PBI have been issued with a new uniform based upon the experimental mechanised dress and are wearing a new Mk3 helmet (as issued in 1944) with better ballistic protection, camouflage overalls are on issue and all webbing uses blackened steel fittings. The other major POD is that FN's self loading rifle as developed in 1936 and actually tested at the time by the UK Govt has entered service as nicknamed the Fen. The Bren is also in use alongside the Fen. A need for an SMG also became apparent and Messrs Shaw and Turpin and popped up with the STEN-in keeping with trying to make it look a tad more aesthetic its been given a wooden stock and foregrip (al la Mk5).
ORBATS (basic)
Armoured Div- 1 signals, 1 engineer, 1 RASC, 1 RAMC, 1 REME, 1 RAOC columns/regiments etc (each of around 1000 personnel); 1 armoured car regt, 1 armoured recce regt (with 33 cruisers and 36 plus light tanks), 1 AA regiment RA, 1 AT regiment RA, 1 Armoured Brigade (1 RHA regt, 3 cruiser regts (each 61 cruisers, 8 lights, 8 AA, 12 cars), 1 mounted rifle), 1 Tank Brigade (each 61 Infantry tanks, 8 lights, 8 AA, 12 cars), 1 motor rifle, 1 RA field regt), 1 Infantry Brigade (3 battalions, RA regt,MGC company).
(Each Division also has a battle school, MP company, Int Corps section etc)
Infantry Div- same column as Armoured Div. Rest- 1 IRC battalion, 1 Scout company (snipers), 1 MGC battalion, RA as per armoured div except all lorried. 3 Infantry Brigades.
Mountain Brigade- Signals, engineer, scout corps, MGC, RASC, RAOC, RAMC, REME company sized units, plus AA battery (with 20mm), AT battery, Mountain regiment (3.7" guns), 3 infantry battalions, RTC company. (Scout Corps are all trained mountain leaders)
Para Brigades-same as mountain units except RTC company has Tetrarch lights instead of Infantry tanks. Scout Corps are pathfinders for the Brigade.
So there we have it, the British Army is a fully mechanised army with the capability in 1939 that it had by 1944, just what would/could it do to the Panzer Armee? My betting is that it'll eat it for dinner causing a coup back in Berlin.....Thoughts?