09-1939 :
- Italy can't be Allied . Optional last defense rule used
- General Axis strategy to be followed :
1 : After Poland, go for Denmark/Norway/France
2 : secure mediterranean flank :
- Do not activate Italy
- Invade Spain and take Gibraltar
Despite very successfull defense against the panzer armies, Warsaw and Poland finally fall in September
01-1940 :
Denmark was invaded in November ,thanks to a very good weather in Europe.
Diplomatic situation : Spain , Rumania and Yugoslavia are pro-axis. Finland is pro-Soviet.
06-1940 :
During Spring , Spain has joined Axis coalition . Its forces are not ready to mobilization and become available in May.
But weather is awfull everywhere in Europe. By the beginning of June , invasion has not begun
07-1940 :
In June Germany has played an offensive against France rather than against Norway . Paris has fallen, thanks to the troops diverted against Spain.
08-1940 :
Spanish troops have entered Toulouse , and French troops fight desperatly .
North African reinforcements are available .
UK reinforces Gibraltar.
09-1940 :
France is still alive . And Yugoslavia joined Axis troops
A French attack against Bilbao has been repulsed
10-1940 :
despite initial plans, Italy joins the war on Axis side. Mussolini thinks that the situation is too good in Mediterranean to lose this opportunity to conquer a great colonial empire.
12-1940 :
Nice weather in Spain is favorable for an assault against Gibraltar , but it fails .
01-1941 :
General situation of Mediterranean front
03-1941 :
Italy has decided to attack French North Africa .
Despite German reinforcements, French defenses will last untill next summer ...
05-1941 :
After winter season , fights to supply Gibraltar are still going on .
RAF is rapatriated from Tunisia to help the defense.
