章 66: 66
April 20, 1940
Amalienborg Palace, Copenhagen, Denmark
Our pasta friends did not disappoint my expectations this time either.
The Italian army's attack was blocked by the Wehrmacht mountain division, and all Italian bombers that went on airstrikes were shot down.
Evacuation of residents from cities near the border is also progressing without a hitch.
Carl Eggelzer said that it would be possible to stop the invasion with just two divisions instead of four, and that an invasion of mainland Italy would be possible if only the air force could be supported.
Since Mussolini struck first, I plan to take proper care of Italy as well, but not right away.
First of all, we need to take care of France first. Italy is definitely next.
The talks, which had been suspended due to Italy's declaration of war, resumed.
This time, Christian
After long and tedious negotiations, I agreed to sell Denmark only 30 Bf109s and 10 Fieseler Storch reconnaissance aircraft.
In return for selling us new weapons, Denmark provided unlimited use of ports and air bases for the Wehrmacht and even received confirmation from the King that it would send Danish troops if Germany requested it.
"Thank you, President. Thanks to this, the relationship between Denmark and Germany has become even stronger. "As the King of this country, I express my sincere gratitude."
"It was nothing. "I just did what was natural as the leader of an ally with a common enemy."
The King, who was in a good mood after the meeting had ended satisfactorily, took my hand and shook it.
"By the way, I heard today is the President's birthday? Congratulations."
Now that I think about it, today was 'this body's' birthday.
King Christian X threw a grand party for me on my birthday.
But to be honest, the food didn't really suit my taste.
After becoming President, he was able to eat as many dishes as he wanted and his taste buds became more sophisticated. However, Northern European cuisine was originally a bit far from gourmet, if not healthy.
"I'm not sure if Danish cuisine will suit your taste, hehe."
"Hahaha, how could such a sumptuous feast not please one's mouth?"
Even though I said that, honestly, there were only a handful of dishes that suited my taste.
Even things that looked decent on the outside tasted strange when I put them in my mouth.
It's not that it didn't taste good, but it was an ambiguous taste to even call it delicious.
You don't know what I'm talking about? You will know when you try it yourself. That my expression is the most accurate.
The bacon was so well-cooked that it felt like eating cookies, the salmon was good but mushy, like slime, and the fried flounder was sour because too much lemon juice was sprinkled on it. Why is steak so tough?
The dessert, Rødgrød med flöde (a Danish dessert made with soft raspberry pudding topped with condensed milk or whipped cream), was so sweet that it made my tongue tingle. The original Hitler would have liked it, but it wasn't for my taste.
The only food I was satisfied with was butter cookies, and they tasted so luxuriously buttery that I ended up eating only those.
"Fuhrer Hitler? "It looks like you've only been eating those since a while ago, but it seems like you like sweets more than I thought."
"Maybe it's because I'm getting older these days, but I'm drawn to sweet things a lot."
I couldn't say anything because the food didn't suit my taste.
I meant to serve you, but try saying that out loud. Anyone who hears it will feel bad.
But isn't this old man acting needlessly crazy?
"Is that so? Please tell me sooner. Rödgrod med flöde, have some more. Something sweet will suit your taste very well."
"Thank you..."
Damn it.
I should have come up with a more plausible excuse.
***
After returning from Denmark, where I received a warm welcome, I immediately had a series of meetings with the Norwegian and Swedish ambassadors.
Naturally, both countries wanted to arm their troops with German-made weapons.
Although Norway was larger than Denmark, it was much worse armed.
Ironically, the only fighter planes in stock are the British-made Gloster Gladiator and the American P-36 Hawk, and the only tank is a prototype called the Landsberg L-120 Rikstanken.
Unlike its Danish and Norwegian friends, Sweden was the most well-armed, having a proper armored unit made up of domestically made tanks that were improved versions of Czech tanks, and mainly using American P-35s and Italian Re.2000 fighter jets.
Although Sweden was also at war with Britain, it was judged that there was little chance of a battle due to its location, so Sweden's request was postponed to a later date.
First, we decided to listen to Norway, which was fighting against the Youngf Army.
The Norwegian negotiating team's request was similar to Denmark's.
Panzer 4, Bf109, and dozens of Stukas. Even battleships and destroyers.
Naturally, there was strong opposition from the Defense Forces.
"It is difficult to spend any more money for the war with France in the summer. "Have we already decided to sell 30 Bf109s to Denmark?"
"Norway's terrain does not require the large cavalry they want! Rather than the 4th Panzer, all you need is a light tank and a reconnaissance armored vehicle."
Göring and Guderian spoke passionately to me about why Norway's request should be rejected. The opposition from the Navy was particularly severe.
"You absolutely must not do that, Mr. President! There are thousands of sailors lounging in the port right now because there are not enough ships, so let's sell the ships! "This cannot happen."
Leder, who was more concerned about maintaining military power than the Army and Air Force, stood up and protested desperately.
Even though I repeatedly emphasized that I had no intention of selling the ship to Norway in the first place, Leder's excitement did not subside.
"... So, I think it will be difficult to grant your request to return home. "I'm sorry."
"Is that so······."
After barely persuading the Army and Air Force, they decided to sell only the 1st and 2nd tanks, dozens of reconnaissance armored vehicles, and 20 Bf109s. We decided to discuss additional purchases later.
The Norwegian negotiating team was full of disappointment.
I'm sorry, but what can I do? Our nose is also three feet long. First of all, we have to think about defeating France first.
"It's really embarrassing. "To flatly reject the requests of people who came with high expectations from us."
"What should I do? Weapons and resources are limited, but this is inevitable since there are many enemies to deal with. "It is urgent to take care of our own affairs first."
These were the words of Erich von Manstein.
***
Erich von Manstein, a rare general who is considered to have the most outstanding skills among all generals during World War II, was born in 1887 into a prestigious aristocratic family in Prussia.
Manstein, who was smarter than others, quick-witted, and had an outstanding ability to please his superiors, was promoted particularly quickly among his classmates at the military academy.
Hitler, who ascended to the position of Fuhrer after Hindenburg's death, actively employed Manstein.
In 1934, exactly one year after his promotion to colonel, he was promoted to major general.
In 1936, he was promoted to lieutenant general, during the Sudetenland crisis he was promoted to general, and immediately after the conclusion of the invasion of Poland, he was appointed senior general along with his close friend Guderian.
The promotion was so rapid that not only those around him were jealous, but even Manstein himself was confused.
Even though he was close to Beck, who was purged by night with the second long sword, Hitler's trust in Manstein did not change.
On the day that Manstein put the commander's epaulet on his shoulder, Hitler called him into his office. And then he said this.
"General Manstein, I have one favor to ask of you."
Hitler ordered Manstein to plan an invasion of France.
Manstein immediately met with Guderian to devise a plan to invade France.
Operation Yellow, established in October 1939, was a modernized version of the Schlieffen Plan, Germany's invasion plan for France during World War I, but Hitler immediately scrapped the plan, saying it was too old.
He then instructed Manstein to devise a new strategy.
Manstein, who, like Hitler, was dissatisfied with Operation Yellow, designed his own ingenious operation that was completely different from Operation Yellow.
Manstein's plan, named Operation Sickle, was to concentrate armored forces in the direction of the Ardennes Forest, which proved to be impassable for tanks, to rapidly break through the Sedan region, block the Allied counterattack, and surround and annihilate the main force of the Youngf Army. It was.
For this to happen, the tempo of the armored forces, infantry, and air force had to be properly aligned.
Manstein's plan to scythe was immediately met with great repercussions.
Although there were many people, like Rundstedt, who actively supported Operation Sickle, many generals, including Army Commander-in-Chief Brauchitsch, expressed opposition, saying it was too reckless and dangerous.
But Hitler was adamant.
When the generals pointed out that it was too risky a gamble, Hitler did not blink and spoke in a calm manner.
"If you're really that anxious, trust me instead of General Manstein. "Trust me, who believes in Manstein."
Despite much controversy, Operation Sickle was eventually approved by Hitler.
The scheduled operation date is May 10th.
With less than three weeks left until the start of the operation, Manstein was working overtime every day and concentrating on formulating the operation.
"It's already 7pm. "Let's eat something."
"That is a very wise decision, Mr. President."
Manstein, who was a typical Junker despite his original ideas and challenging spirit, did not pay much attention to Hitler and the Nazi Party when they first appeared on the political scene.
In fact, they even looked down on the Nazi Party as a group of agitators pretending to be patriots.
However, the Nazi Party, which the Junkers regarded as insignificant, became the largest party in Germany, and its leader, Hitler, became the head of Germany.
In addition, when Hitler actively hired him for some reason, Manstein also abandoned his previous attitude and cooperated with the Nazi Party's policies and flattered Hitler diligently.
"If it had not been for the recommendation of His Excellency the President, I would have been stuck in some nameless corps and drinking alcohol all day long. "It is all thanks to His Excellency the President that he has come this far."
While drinking an aperitif, Manstein worked hard again today, choosing only the words that the Fuhrer would like - in his opinion, to say the least.
Hitler moved his shoulders slightly, as if he was already used to Manstein's flattery.
"That's too much praise. Considering the general's abilities, I think his current position is rather low."
"It is an honor, Mr. President! "If the Fuhrer orders me to do this, Manstein, I will jump into the fire with a bomb on my back."
"There is no need to do that."
Unlike him, who thought that his flattery had paid off and was happy, Hitler had a completely different idea.
'Ah, this guy is overdoing it again. Don't you get tired of it...'
Regardless of his trust in Manstein, Hitler's illusions were shattering every time he encountered his true face.
***
April 29, 1940
Narvik, Norway
The rough touch woke Richard up from his sweet sleep.
Richard, who had been wearing a neat suit in his dream and boasting about his adventures in front of ladies, sighed involuntarily when he returned to reality.
"Wake up, man. "How long are you going to sleep?"
At his colleague's words, Richard glanced at the watch on his wrist.
5:23 AM.
There were still 17 minutes left until the next shift.
"It's an order from the company commander. "Everyone stay awake in case the enemy attacks."
"I'm going to be amazed."
The company commander was an elite man who was promoted to captain at the age of 25, but he frequently gave orders for everyone to stay awake and not sleep in preparation for enemy attacks, causing resentment among the company members.
At least not a single rat will appear this time, let alone attack.
Richard felt his irritation rising.
Even though I am a Marine who lives and dies by orders, honestly, this seemed like too much.
Don't you think you can fight better if you sleep properly?
"It's already been three weeks since I came here, but the company commander still seems too scared."
"I know yeah. "I still don't know why such a fearless person even thought of joining the Marine Corps."
Richard, who was spending time chatting with his classmate, changed his posture when he saw Sergeant Gayle walking from a distance.
Fortunately, it didn't seem like Sergeant Gale heard what they were saying.
Sergeant Gale, who was already famous for his scary appearance, had grown his beard haphazardly and had the face of a bandit.
"Are you doing well on guard duty?"
"Yes, there is no problem."
"I may be tired, but it's an order so what can I do? Just be patient. "I heard there was bacon specially served this morning."
"Are you sure?"
My mouth started watering when I heard the word bacon.
Since coming to Narvik, I had been eating a lot of biscuits as hard as bricks and canned sardines, so just hearing the word meat made my mouth water.
I can eat bacon in two hours.
Thinking that I could grease my mouth for the first time in a while, I felt a surge of strength that I never had before.
Until I was in England, bacon was only served once every two days, but it became such a rare food that it was difficult to even see it on the battlefield.
Not only bacon, but also hot showers and beds were nothing short of luxury here in Narvik.
"Director Haengbo, do we really have to stay here until the war ends?"
"Unless there is a separate order from above, that is the case."
Sergeant Gale muttered in a bitter voice.
It had already been 10 days since the higher-ups had promised to send replacement troops to them, but the reality was that even supply, let alone replacement troops, was a distant reality.
The British military leadership decided that it would be more profitable to attack Bergen and Trondheim, which were geographically closer than Narvik, and concentrated their forces there.
Because of this, the Marines in Narvik were left out of the attention of their superiors and were virtually left in a position of neglect.
The supply line connecting Britain and Narvik was also in danger of being cut off at any moment due to the activities of German U-boats.
Even Richard, a private, did not know that without additional support, the entire force in Narvik would starve, let alone fight.
If the problem is that the transport ships are sunk by U-boats, then what does this mean? Either increase the supply or withdraw from Narvik.
"Anyway, good luck. "No nonsense until shift-"
-bang!
Sergeant Gale's words were interrupted by a burst of alcohol.
It was the first artillery bombardment by the German-Norwegian Allied Forces against the British troops landing at Narvik.
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