Panzer Korps – Blitzkrieg: The Storm Turns West 1940

Description

Panzer Korps – Blitzkrieg: The Storm Turns West 1940 covers the organizational structures of the various Allied Low Country forces in 1940 at the Divisional level.

Panzer Korps – Blitzkrieg: The Storm Turns West 1940 covers every major combat organization including Norway, Denmark, Holland, Belgium & Luxembourg. General’s handbook for the armed forces of Belgium, Denmark, Luxembourg, Norway, and the Netherlands, 1939-1940.

• Artillery, Infantry, Armored forces & More!
• Details of forces that faced the storm
• Comprehensive Vehicle, Aircraft & Artillery lists for PANZER 2.0 Rules system
• May be used with other World War II Divisional Level rules
• Charts & Tables for most available weapon systems
• Get into the Command mindset and prepare your plans!

Fall of France

Although the Fall of France is usually the event from the Western Front of the Second World War that gains the most attention. It is often forgotten that all branches of the Wehrmacht were involved in the systematic invasion and occupation of no less than five other European countries – Belgium, Denmark, Luxembourg, Norway, and the Netherlands in the early months of 1940.

Putting aside the detestable policies of the Nazi regime, this still stands as one of the most significant military achievements in modern history.

The mileage conquered by Hitler’s Armies was attained in a shorter period of time, with fewer casualties, and with more rapidity than the Kaiser’s Armies had attained-even though the Kaiser’s forces had been better prepared, equipped, motivated, and on stronger moral ground.

As with the invasion of Poland, the Nazis liked to portray these campaigns as nearly bloodless affairs that faced little resistance from countries diluted by foreign influence” and defended by armies “infected with cowardice.”

These portrayals were gross over-simplifications, yet it is a testament to the effectiveness of the German propaganda machine. That their views still widely accepted as the truth. This does a great disservice to the brave people who resisted the Wehrmacht and to the men who had to fight these campaigns on behalf of Berlin! With the sole exception of Austria, Germany never occupied a nation without resistance.

Germans sustained high losses

Germans sustained high losses in some cases, including losses of critical equipment. The Danes alone destroyed at least twenty two German armored vehicles. And the formal resistance in that country ceased in less than twenty-four hours! In Luxembourg, there was at least some sporadic resistance.

Its unfortunate that so little has been done to cover the forces that opposed Hitler in those dark, early days. For the purposes of wargaming, let alone general history. The campaigns of the 1940 Blitzkrieg were ultimately German victories, but those victories were hardly inevitable. Better prepared, the Dutch might well have stopped the Germans.

With more political will, the brave early sacrifices of the Danish Army might well have slowed the German advance into Scandinavia. With just a little more time and more of the promised support from their erstwhile. “Allies in France and Britain, the Belgians might well have repeated their successes of 1914-1915.

And, finally, no one can deny that the Norwegian Army put up a much stronger fight than anyone expected. If the Allies had not suddenly withdrawn with the fall of France. The Norwegians may well have held the Nazis at bay. Or even forced a surrender of those troops who had landed.

Wargamers do not tend to focus on this period

Wargamers do not tend to focus on this period, perhaps due to a misconception that the German Military of the period is unbeatable. Or perhaps because it is extremely difficult to find information regarding the “Minor” Allies prior to the formation of the “Governments in Exile” after the 1940 campaign.

In some cases, campaign histories and orders of battle simply are not available in the English language. One literally has to comb every crumb from a wide variety of sources to find useful information.

It is my hope that this supplement helps to fill in the gaps and inspire you to do your own research. While Hitler and Goebbels may have portrayed the campaigns of 1940 as sideshows. More pragmatic minds in OKW had learned their lesson when they underestimated Polish resistance. (which resulted in a very bloody war). So they constantly worked to develop new tactics and strategies.

Advance into Luxembourg

No army was taken lightly and even the advance into Luxembourg was well supported against such a comparatively tiny opponent. Meanwhile, Hitler’s potential enemies in Belgium, Denmark, Luxembourg, Norway, and the Netherlands. Had a variety of attitudes toward the defense of their nations.

Ranging from resolute determination to stop the Heer in its tracks to trusting in the false hope that lack of provocation coupled with military demonstrations would compel Hitler to avoid the cost of an invasion of their nation.

This is an extremely colorful period to wargame! Unusual weapons are plentiful. Mixed with doctrines that range from highly advanced to downright archaic even by the standards of the First World War.

Where else can you employ Model 1914 machine guns on one side, and German NbFz B landships on the other? And talk about heroic soldiers, lost causes, and long odds! Keep in mind that this not intended to be an exhaustive history. Rather, it is a general overview for the layperson.

Individuals looking for highly detailed histories of the various campaigns described here would be served by seeking out additional materials. Though this is certainly a good place to get started.

There’s a dedicated Facebook group for Panzer Korps – Blitzkrieg: The Storm Turns West 1940.

To view the entire Wargaming Rules catalogue or the full Panzer Korps Rules and Supplements catalogue.