End Autumn 1940
German aggression continues! In the fall, the Germans launch a combined naval and air invasion of Norway. In a desperate operation, the Royal Navy sailed out to engage the German invasion fleet and met them in action off the coast of Oslo. The British managed to sink the German battleships Gneisenau and Scharnhorst as well as ambush and destroy much of the German escorting destroyers - turning back the invasion fleet. Nevertheless, the initial German invasion, supported by elite paratroopers from the 3rd Falschirmjager division managed to overwhelm the disorganized Norwegian defenders (who were no doubt compromised by pro-Quisling defectors in their ranks). Oslo fell and Norway sued for peace despite the heroic victory of the British Navy.
In the Med, the Italians manage to occupy Crete and in a dairing move, German paratroopers assault Cyprus and take the island! The combined victories convince the pro-Nazi Vichy governement of Syria to join the Axis as well as incite a rebellion against British rule in Iraq. The Middle East is in Flames! Moreover, the Luftwaffe, in conjunction with the Italian Navy catch the British Eastern Mediterranean Fleet in port at Alexandria. Despite the surprise, the intrepid Cunningham managed to drive off the disorganizeed air attacks, sortie, and sink the Italian battleship group Andria Doria before withdrawing to the Suez.