If you try to search the Internet and forums like these, you’ll find very few strategies and very little discussion on the UK. Most seem to view the UK as merely an American airbase in Europe, and restrict the British role in the game to helping Russia, and bombing Germany once in a while. Some even say that there is no point in fighting for Africa for the British, and that it should concentrate entirely on Europe (even though Africa accounts for 1/3 of the UK’s income). I think that the UK is underrated, both concerning her strategic possibilities and how fun she is to play. Along with Germany, the UK is the most interesting country to play on the board.
At the start of the game, the British Empire is still vast. However, it is under pressure on all fronts and British forces throughout the world are spread too thin to defend it all. But, if you play the UK right, and your allies are co-operative and helpful (As the Allies should be to each other), you can re-establish the British Empire as the dominant world power. Here is a strategy that I have found works very well:
1st turn
You have to convince the Soviet Union to send one of its aircraft to Egypt-Sudan and the other to India, on the condition that you move your planes to Soviet territory. This will prevent Germany from taking Egypt-Sudan the first turn and will greatly help India build up to confront the Japanese. The Soviet fleet must also move into the North Sea, of course.
When it is your turn, build an IC in India, and spend the rest of your money on a fighter and an infantry. If you have the fleet to do it, capture Norway. You don’t want such a beatiful country to fall into Stalin’s hands. After that, move your infantry in Persia into India, your infantry in Syria into Egypt and your infantry in South Africa to Kenya-Rhodesia. Also persuade the United States to move at least one infantry from Singkiang into India. The Japanese should not be able to take India now.
2nd turn
Build an aircraft carrier in the North Sea in agreement with the USA that they land two aircraft on it. Build 3 infantry to defend India. In this round or the next, you should also be strong enough to move into German-occupied Algeria or Libya.
After this, continue to reinforce your India fortress and it should be safe. Throw the Germans out of Africa and continue building a strong navy for the assault on continental Europe. You should also help the Soviets with aircraft.
