The Sound of Drums - A British Hearts of Iron AAR
Part Twenty-Two
15th- 30th October 1939
Perhaps they realised that the war would not be won through sheer British pluck, perhaps they realised (in the wake of the Polish defeat) that Germany was a greater enemy than previously feared, the British Cabinet suddenly came alive once more in October. The ANZAC forces had arrived in Egypt, and now it was realised that it might be best if they remained there.
Mussolini clearly desired a war that would give Italy total control over Egypt, or at worst the Suez Canal. Both would link his Libyan holdings to Abyssinia, and in the case of Suez would be a horrific blow against Britain and her supply lines. Control of the region was of immense importance, but in the end it was narrowly voted that the ANZACs should be moved to Britain. Given how narrowly the vote passed, it was decided that 3 of the ANZAC divisions should remain to assist Egypt and garrison the island of Malta. Ultimately this would mean only 5 ANZAC divisions would make it to Britain to support whichever campaign they were deployed to. All helpful, but still not quite enough.
New Zealand troops get dug in.
It was partly because of this decision that new recruitment campaign in Britain began to boost her strength. The public reaction to the outbreak of war - though by no means as popular as when the Great War began - was still enough that army recruitment centres were near-overwhelmed. From this, Peck of Arabia and Nodikus agreed to begin a one year campaign that would see the creation of 18 infantry divisions. Though this would take up much of Britains manpower reserves, it was believed that these divisions would form the backbone of the British Army in what was inevitably going to be a long-term war. Naturally this saw opposition from the other branches of the armed forces.
The First Lord of the Admiralty, Darth Pugwash, argued that such resources would be better spent creating a new generation of war vessels. Admiral Clerics victory at the Heligoland Bight might have been a major propaganda boost for the Allies, but what was rarely mentioned was the near destruction of the HMS
Galatea, now in drydock for months of repairs. If this was the result of a clash against an arguably similar enemy, how would the Royal Navy fare if the much feared Japanese fleet was put to battle against England?
His arguments were overshadowed by those of the Air Force. Until now Britain had been unchecked in the air, with only a brief skirmish over the channel providing any threat. With her eastern front secured however, Germany was free to throw her entire air force at the west.
The air war truly begins
LordKestrel had arrived at a bad time. For weeks before the 21st October the British Bomber Command was easily conducting raids into the Ruhr Area, damaging German industries. Mere days after he took command of the strategic wing, Germany struck back. Messerschmitt Bf 109s of an unknown model, but significantly more advanced than the current Spitfire range, quickly repulsed the British bombers on the 21st and 22nd. As such, more attacks were called off to wait for fighter escorts to be constructed.
In a similar fashion, German bombers attempted a strike at British transport ships as they entered the Channel. British Spitfires were scrambled on the 28th and 29th and, alarmingly, only managed what could be called a draw against the German attackers in both engagements. They failed to destroy the German naval bombers (though forced them away from their targets) but at the same time took moderate losses. It was plain to see that the Royal Air Force needed a significant boost to her equipment and numbers!
These battles over the Channel were not for nothing however, as they guaranteed the safe arrival of the transport ships and their valuable cargo. ANZAC troops had finally completed their month-long journey to Britain, ready to reinforce whatever campaign they would be needed in. There were plenty to choose from
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