French Strategies for 1936

[GeneralHandGrenade]

There is no guarantee that any of the French territories will become Free French. The only place one of their proposed capitals could be safe is London, but of course you can’t move any French units there until both them and the UK are at war. That’s why it’s important for the Germans to take France all in one turn. Well, that and so Britain doesn’t drop units into France.

I did have one game where France survived the whole game but that was because Germany smashed Russia instead. It was a brilliant move by them though check it out;
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXHm3hvGKezi3Skboy4wiUQciDYU_-sqb

[Slamhelsing]

@GeneralHandGrenade thanks for the clarification GHG, the smash Russia move sounds brilliant, considering France can’t attack the Germans for a full turn

[GeneralHandGrenade]

I had it pointed out to me last night that it’s a good idea for France to lend lease units on the first turn to Abyssinia to prevent Italy from taking it. If the Abyssinians can hold on there and continue to acquire units until Paris falls then the territory goes to France and is not subject to the Vichy roll. It automatically goes Free French. Whatever units are there are converted into Free French units and now you have a small force guaranteed in Africa. Just remember that the more units France sends there the less they have to sponge units off of Germany.

[Slamhelsing]

@GeneralHandGrenade after France moves capitols I’d the new one considered home territory? Or are they unable to build or use factories then because they would have no home country and no supply line to a major factory?

[GeneralHandGrenade]

@Slamhelsing No. Paris and the connecting French territories are still considered the home country of Free France.

The rules are ambiguous when it comes to Version 2 of the rules regarding Free France. I would recommend that you start using the rules from Version 3 which are listed on HBG’s site in the Preorder section.

In Version 3 You can specify any Free French Territory as their new capital. You can build a factory in any Free French territory that has a point value. Here’s what it says about their factories;
Does not need a railway connection to Home Country. After acquiring a factory, may build anything on the Free French build chart.
In Version 3 Free France has their own Reference Card which is separate from the France Reference Card.

[Slamhelsing]

@GeneralHandGrenade thank you for the clarification, I’ve been confused on that one

[Dran Black]

@GeneralHandGrenade
Isnt it almost impossible to send troops to abyssinia. You need an open supply line to the territory and IIRC there are no rail or port links in Abyssinia.
How can you manage to build the supply line and Lend Lease the Troops before the Italians easily overwhelm the territory?

[Dran Black]

@GeneralHandGrenade
I do like the idea of securing Abyssinia as a guaranteed Free French redoubt especially if you were going to attempt the “Free French Roulette” strategy that I mention in the alternate take above.
If you decide to effectively pull out and give Germany an easy ride, Lend Leasing a decent force to Abyssinia could give you a head start especially if the 50/50 breakdown of the “Roulette” goes well for the FF.

[GeneralHandGrenade]

@Dran-Black If you look on the V-3 map you’ll see that there is a Minor Port in French Somaliland and a railway from there to Abyssinia.

[Dran Black]

@GeneralHandGrenade
Yes, I’ve just seen a decent closeup of the V3 map. Very interesting. Thanks for the tip.
Makes for a far more interesting situation in East Africa.

[Broken Mortar]

@Slamhelsing Militia, as much as possible. Artillery and Infantry are good, maybe a couple AA guns. Have the UK locked and loaded to drop troops in France. Finally pray that Germany screws up.

[Broken Mortar]

@Dran-Black I’m not a huge fan of the Africa strategy. I’ve seen the Vichy rolls go horrible too many times.

[Dran Black]

@Broken-Mortar
Oh I agree it’s a gamble and like any big gamble if it doesnt go your way it’s a bit of a disaster.
But given that I’ve seen Germany take a pretty bulked out France with barely any losses, it’s something to be considered. And when comparing the two outcomes, leaves you in more or less the same place.
However if the rolls do go your way, you can have a pretty effective fighting force capable of independent action in Africa or the Middle East.
Something to consider at any rate. Especially if you fancy trying something different.