WI: Germany invaded Sweden in 1940

Good points everyone. i was solely thinkign about a Sweden only campaign, not at the same time of France, maybe after an Norwegian campaign. Everything one after another.

In the end sweden was probably more worth as a trading partner with intact industry than it being occupied. They had no choice since they were surrounded anyway, just like Switzerland.

I could see a "quick" campaign in July/August/September 1940 or early 1941. Taking the main cities should not take too long, the rest of the country might be partisan though. But seeing how germany relatively effectively ruled say FRance, norway, etc. i'd guess it would be a strain on german forces, but then again not so much. a hand full of divisions, at most?

How much was kept for Norway, France, etc.?
 
The Swedes would have one very big problem: Their fighter a/c are few and obsolete, thus Me110 would be ok for long range escort missions. Without fighter cover daylight movement of ground and naval forces becomes difficult and dangerous, too difficult and dangerous as the Allies found out in Norway.

I just simulated this scenario in a war game called Time of Wrath. It's a fairly simple simulation about WWII in Europe on a strategic scale. In a scenario designed by a Swede I played Germany and after dealing with Poland I went through Denmark and on to Sweden.

The reason I did not go for Norway is because everyone was expecting it. Historically the Germans only succeeded by beating the Royal Navy to the punch. Anyway I had to invade Sweden for it's iron mines or risk them falling later to the Allies.

The Swedish army as modelled was very tough in winter. It took almost three months to finally reach Stockholm. The only way I could succeed was with my air units relentlessly attacking his supply lines and by using them as flying artillery.

My point is that as modelled by a Swede the only way to conquer Sweden in 1939-40 is by massive use of tactical air power. Ground forces alone would not have done it in my opinion.
 
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