A Gear Krieg Scenario in Four Parts by Scott Lynch

"Thus it was that in the gray early morning hours of September 1, 1940, on the anniversary of the German invasion of Poland, twelve He-111s released their black-painted gliders just over the English coast. On silent wings these great dark shapes fell, and less then five minutes after their release the first enemy troops to set foot on English soil since the Battle of Hastings were moving off into the forests of South Kent. They were not to stay long."

From Lost Legends of the Battle for the Channel
Captain RN James Gramercy, VC, Retired

Strategic Briefing

France's humiliating capitulation has brought the full attention of victorious Germany to bear on England, which is still licking its wounds after the disastrous defeat and evacuation of the British Expeditionary Force. Wehrmacht High Command (OKW) is arguing over several proposals for Operation Sea Lion-an amphibious assault on the British Isles. Hitler is determined to succeed where Napoleon and the Spanish Armada both failed.

On July 3, 1940, Hitler issues orders to Army Group A to prepare a predawn raid on a major military target on the Channel Coast of England. Wehrmacht forces are to assault a port in the early morning, capture documents and prisoners, and withdraw under heavy air support in mid-afternoon. After much deliberation, Army Group A selects the historic port of Ramsgate as its target. Their intention is to not only stage a vital dress rehearsal for the main invasion, but to strike another deadly blow at British self-confidence, which has never been lower.

Ramsgate is a major headquarters for the Light Coastal Forces with which England staunchly defends the Channel. After Fallschirmjager units drop inland and cut off roads and telephone lines, the main body of the raid is assigned to land on the southern flank of the port, charging in to occupy it for several vital hours while destroying port facilities, fuel stores, ammunition dumps, and any docked Royal Navy vessels.

In late August, the Luftwaffe launches its great offensive against RAF Fighter Command. September 1 is chosen as the date for the Ramsgate raid. This symbolic gesture greatly pleases Hermann Goering, who personally authorizes an increase in the air sorties allotted for support of the raid.

On the night of August 30, a team of German destroyers and E-Boats moves down the Channel from the north, sweeping British vessels out of a vital corridor. Just after midnight, a thirty-ship flotilla forms up off the French coast and proceeds toward Ramsgate. Under ordinary circumstances, this would be a suicidal risk, but the combined efforts of the Luftwaffe and the Kriegsmarine have neutralized the capability of the British to respond for a few crucial hours. September 1 dawns cold, and the raid is on.

I. CLASH BY NIGHT: 0400 HOURS

A unit of crack German paratroopers has just landed in the dark woods of South Kent. Unfortunately for both sides, they have come down just a few meters from a large Home Guard unit bivouacked while on exercise. Can the larger force of confused, middle-aged reservists hold out against its deadly opponent?

II. FIRE ON THE WATERFRONT: 0900 HOURS

Three hours ago, a pre-invasion bombardment by German gunships and more than two hundred Luftwaffe aircraft set the port of Ramsgate afire. Driving as fast as possible, the main body of the German raid now attempts to chase the remnants of the British resistance out of the port.

III. COUNTERSTRIKE: 1100 HOURS

The other shoe falls as a light force of German paratroops tries to hold off a vengeful British armored spearhead just outside Ramsgate.

IV. ENGLAND UNDAUNTED: 1500 HOURS

The surviving paratroops have linked up with the main body of the raiders, who now try to defend the port against a massive British attack while withdrawing toward the sea.

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