what if Turkey had Joined the Axis in Jan 1941?

[rcocean]

And given Hitler's armies free rein to attack south through Syria? And later attack north and take Baku? I see turkey as the key to the war in 1941-1942. Of course, I have no idea what Stalin's reaction would've been in the Spring of 41. I doubt he'd have been happy.

[pugsville]

And given Hitler's armies free rein to attack south through Syria? And later attack north and take Baku? I see turkey as the key to the war in 1941-1942. Of course, I have no idea what Stalin's reaction would've been in the Spring of 41. I doubt he'd have been happy.

Well there was 0% of this happening, the Entire Turkish ruling class was 100% agreed that getting into the war would be bad for the country.

The Soviets were pretty sensitive about this. The Immediate effects art likely to be the cancellation of the Nazi-Soviet pact and the Invasion of Eastern Turkey.

Invading the Soviet Union from Turkey is less effective than many people think. Turkish railways were really poor, and only a few Divisions could be supported, attacking through really horribel terrain and against a large Russian garrsion. It;s unlikely to achieve anything significati at all.

What is invading the Middle East via Turkey meant to achieve. Yup it;s pretty for the Birtish to defend especially if we grant the what if the Turks go along with it (though zero chance historically),

The Germans would only be able to support a few divisions, (and the threat of the soviets on their flank woudl require attention) After the Germans advance into Syria they would be in much the same situation as Rommel before Egypt, massively over extended supply lines, limiting effective progress.

But IT;s possible that the Axis conquer Egypt, Syria, Palestine and Iraq. Whats the achievement.How would any Oil get anywhere useful. You can't truck it (truck consumes load). You can't rail it (no rails) , and you can't ship it (shipping thought he Indian ocean post many Royal Navy bases, with no escorts or actual tankers available) . And you cant defend 1,000s miles of pipeline. ( SAS, LRDG, Arbn Legion, Jewish Guerillas take you pick)

[Terry Duncan]

No attempt to meet the criteria for what makes an acceptable 'What If', therefore the topic is locked.

Terry