The Rise of the Third Reich

April 29, 1945, 9 a.m. (Azores time).

Airport No. 1 of the Port of Heroes Air Force Base is already heavily guarded. Military police with live ammunition are stationed five steps and one sentry around the airport. Two single-shot "Waterfall" surface-to-air missile launchers have been set up next to the airport runway. Both missiles pointed high at the sky.

A half-track flatbed transport truck was slowly driving out of a reinforced concrete building with a vault. It was walking very slowly, and there were a group of Air Force officers walking around, like stars over the moon. There was a huge bomb-loaded object fixed with chains on the flatbed of the flatbed truck, which seemed to weigh at least several tons - it was the Heisenberg Device No. 3 atomic bomb with a yield of more than 20,000 tons!

Fifteen minutes ago, the atomic bomb had just completed its charge filling and final testing, and was now ready to be dropped and detonated at any time.

Air Force Lieutenant General Models, who had just been promoted to the commander of the 1st Air Force, also appeared next to the atomic bomb transport truck at this time. He expressed his gratitude to his old friend, an ace pilot who had flown medium bombers, night fighters and Me264, and was now the 801st Group commander Colonel Helmut Lundt said: "This bomb is really big... Was it used to blow up the Churchill Naval Fortress?"

Air Force Lieutenant General Models did not know that it was an atomic bomb, although he knew that it was a very important bomb that needed to be closely escorted to the front line. But they didn’t know that there was such a thing as an atomic bomb—the atomic bomb was the top secret!

In the Azores, apart from the members of the 801st, 802nd and 803rd Groups, only the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, General Gunther Kolten, who came to sit in person, knew the secret of the atomic bomb. He was also among the officers who saw off the atomic bomb. middle.

Admiral Gunther Kolten took the question and replied: "Yes! It is used to destroy the Churchill Fortress, and can also perform remote control guidance to a certain extent."

He did not intend to deceive Models, but he simply did not have the power to tell the truth to Models.

"But even if Fortress Churchill is blown up, Concepcion Bay will still be difficult to fight." Models did not seem so optimistic. He knew the battle on Newfoundland very well, and of course he also knew how difficult this battle was.

"Well, it's very difficult to fight, but you can still win!" Admiral Gunther Kolten changed the subject and said, "I heard that the Americans have a fleet coming?"

"There are still 1,300 kilometers away. If they don't change their course, they will fight tomorrow." Models said, "Maybe there will be an air strike early tomorrow morning, but there is no problem. We can handle it."

What he said was not a lie. The air defense force on the Azores Islands is still very strong. Not only the Fokker 636, the king of medium and low altitudes, has been deployed, but also the Ta152 fighter jet that has just entered service. The extremely high-altitude performance of this aircraft (above 10,000 meters) is not as good as that of the Me262, but its applicable airspace is wider. It can basically fly from 5,000 meters to 10,000 meters. If it were not for jet aircraft like the Me262, it would also be rare above 10,000 meters. opponent.

In addition, there are many Me262HG high-speed fighters and He219 night fighters deployed on the Azores Islands, which are enough to provide all-round air cover.

However, Admiral Gunther Kolten knew that these two atomic bombs, which were absolutely indestructible, were stored at Port Heroes Airport, so he was not as sure as Models. It was best not to let American carrier-based aircraft approach the airport.

Thinking of this, he moved his lips and wanted to ask if he could use Me264 and Me410 to bomb the American fleet, but at this time, the two He219Gs took off in the first wave (the aircraft escorted the Me264K that dropped the atomic bomb) The four high-horsepower Jumo222 engines began to roar.

This means that the first actual combat of the German atomic bomb has begun!

Since the combat distance this time was very long and almost reached the limit of the He219G, the aircraft took off at the maximum weight. Therefore, the two He219Gs taxied on the cement runway for nearly a kilometer before slowly pulling up their noses.

The airport began to release He219G in waves every two minutes. After all the He219G took off, four Me264 aircraft responsible for bomb delivery, remote control and early warning also roared into the sky one after another.

At the same time, at several other airports in the Azores, hundreds of He219s responsible for peripheral escort also rushed into the sky. Seeing more than a hundred aircraft forming a formation in the sky, Admiral Gunther Kolten took a deep breath. Just as he was about to continue the previous topic, he saw his adjutant running over sweating profusely from the corner of his eye.

"Sir, an urgent telegram from Field Marshal Kesselring."

Marshal Kesselring is now in charge of the release of three atomic bombs, while Gunther Kolten is in charge of three atomic bomb delivery groups at Heroesport Airport. The urgent telegrams between them were probably not good.

Gunther Kolten quickly took the telegram, glanced at it, suddenly took a deep breath, and said to the adjutant: "Go summon the officers of the 802nd Brigade and the 803rd Brigade to the conference room!"

Models on the side saw Kolten's nervous expression and asked a little strangely: "Admiral, are the 802nd and 803rd Brigade also going to be dispatched?"

Gunther Kolten nodded: "Be ready to go at any time!"

Models frowned slightly: "But there are no more escort aircraft. The He219Gs on the Azores have already taken off."

He pointed out that escort aircraft are "peripheral escort" aircraft. In fact, they are not necessary, but are an insurance factor. Because the distance between the Azores and Newfoundland is too long, only the super-range He219G long-range high-altitude fighter can be used for escort. There are not many such aircraft. There are only more than 100 in the Azores, and now they are all deployed.

"Dispatch the Ta152," Gunther Kolten said. "Just conduct a one-way escort. After completing the mission, land at the airport in Newfoundland."

What! ?

Models couldn't believe that such words were said by Air Force Chief of Staff General Colten. Isn't this a joke about the air defense of the Azores?

Ta152 is one of the main forces in the air defense of the Azores Islands. It is responsible for air defense above 5,000 meters. Without them, the air defense of the Azores Islands would have no "cover". And if Me264 and Me410 are to be dispatched to launch missiles to attack the American fleet, then Ta152 must be escorted. How can we let Ta152 fly to Newfoundland?

In the German-controlled area on the west coast of Concepcion Bay in Newfoundland, two airports formerly owned by the US military have been repaired and can be used for Ta152 landings. However, the fuel depots at these two airports do not have enough fuel for 100-200 Used by Ta152 (there was originally a little oil, but it was all used up by German tanks, vehicles and construction equipment). In other words, the Ta152 flying to Newfoundland will become a "disposable item" (which may have the opportunity to be recycled in the future) like the ZOS523 assault transport aircraft that landed before.

Although the pilots flying these Ta152 fighters could later return by seaplane (because the German army controlled a long stretch of coastline on the west coast of Concepcion Bay, there was enough space to take off and land the Bv138 seaplane and the larger Bv222 seaplane) , the air base on the Azores Islands can also quickly replenish Ta152 fighter jets.

But recalling pilots and replenishing aircraft will require a process, during which the Azores' air power will be weakened.

Gunther Kolten fully understood what Models was thinking, but he could not tell him the truth - the atomic bomb is still a legend. Many people have heard about it from various channels, but few really understand the situation. This But it is the top secret of the National Defense Forces.

"That's it," Admiral Gunther Kolten smiled apologetically and said to Models, "160 Ta152s are on standby... This is an order!"

Admiral Gunther Kolten had such power. He came with orders from the Air Force Command and the Atlantic Front Command, and Models could only obey.

"Yes, General." Models saluted with a military salute and watched as the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, who seemed to have lost his mind, walked quickly to the officers' conference room at Port Heroes Airport.

The conference room was already crowded with officers, all the chairs were full, and many people were standing against the wall. When General Kolten walked in, everyone was whispering and discussing the bombing mission. .

"Close the door!" Kolten ordered the Air Force military police stationed at the door, "Highest alert level!"

This means that the military police will be stationed around the conference room. No one is allowed to approach without permission. If necessary, they can shoot to death!

Seeing the door of the conference room closed, everyone inside knew what was going on, and suddenly became quiet. Everyone was staring at Admiral Kolten, as if waiting for the order to attack.

"It is still a tactical mission. The primary target is the US aircraft carrier formation in the Bay of Fundy. Nuclear explosions in the water." Kolten said, "Because the distance is too far, we must land on Newfoundland after completing the bombing. In addition, this time Actions can be undone at any time, so be prepared to return and land with bombs.

Do you have any other questions? "

It turned out that the telegram Kolten had just received was an order from Kesselring from Brest - a Bv138E waterborne early warning aircraft of the German Navy discovered a large number of unidentified aircraft taking off from the Bay of Fundy 30 minutes ago, so Atlantic Front Command suspected that a large number of aircraft carriers were hidden in the Bay of Fundy. In view of the special terrain of the Bay of Fundy, the Atlantic Front Command once again requested the use of atomic bombs.

"Admiral, do we want to take action immediately?" Hans Ulrich Rudel, captain of the 802nd Battalion, asked.

"Yes!" Kolten nodded, "The action begins now... This time I will attack with you."

Chapter 1259 Atomic Bomb Sixteen

Newfoundland time, April 29, 1945, 6:30 am.

Another round of roaring and tsunami-like shelling ended, and the battlefield suddenly became very quiet, leaving only the undulating sound of the waves and a low, resounding buzz. The German troops who had been fighting hard on Newfoundland for several days knew that the sound came from an American tank group. They must have used the previous shelling as cover to complete their assembly at the front of the German position.

A new wave of tank and infantry assaults will begin soon!

Brandt, already wearing a white protective suit but not wearing sunglasses and a gas mask, dazedly emerged from the artillery bunker - in the previous shelling, the bunker where he was was directly hit by a 105mm grenade. Hit, although the sandbag with the steel plate on top (the steel plate was found from the warehouse of the US military airport and was originally a tool used to fill the runway) withstood the test. But the people hiding inside still didn't feel comfortable at all. They were shocked by the big explosion above their heads. There was also a French guy with a weak nerve who was so frightened that he cried loudly. It was really embarrassing.

After getting out of the bunker, Lieutenant Brandt, who had long since transformed from a staunch anti-war activist to an inner anti-war combat hero, first squinted at the sky, which was blue, clear, and cloudless. This is certainly a good day for air power to take advantage! Then he lay down on the edge of the trench again and looked forward with his binoculars. Appearing in the telescope were dark American tanks, an unknown number in number, as if they were all over the front line, all swaying slowly closer.

"Karl!" Brandt shouted the name of one of his squad leaders, "How many Taylor mines are there?"

"There aren't many left. There are less than 20 left."

"Put it all down and go quickly!"

"Yes! Brothers, take the Taylor mines and follow me..."

The squad leader who was called did not shirk. He roared and climbed out of the trench with nine paratroopers who could still move, each holding two Taylor mines.

The tactic of laying landmines after the enemy's shelling and before the tank group attacks first appeared on the Eastern Front battlefield. It was a tactic used by Soviet communist fighters to deal with German tanks. It worked quite well, so it was learned by the Germans. .

And who will perform this highly dangerous mission is not decided randomly, but several squads under a combat platoon take turns in order, and no one can escape.

The freedom-loving Frenchman Mitterrand, who had cried loudly in the anti-gun bunker just now, was now forced to hold two landmines and crawl on the muddy land that had just been washed by the rain. The white radiation protection suit he was wearing had already worn off. It was covered with muddy water - due to rainfall and repeated shelling, the front lines of the German front were already covered with muddy puddles, and they were also freezing cold muddy puddles. In late April, the temperature in Newfoundland was still very low.

However, mud puddles and low temperatures were not Mitterrand's biggest enemies. The real danger was the continuous firepower of the Americans. I don’t know if it was because I found the German soldiers wearing white clothes crawling on the ground (although the temperature in Newfoundland is low now, it is not the ice and snow season anymore, the soldiers in white clothes are really eye-catching), anyway, Mitterrand crawled Not long after, the machine guns on the American tanks and the mortars they didn't know were placed there opened fire. The shells and bullets rained down, so heavy that Mitterrand and others could not even lift their heads.

Mitterrand felt unable to move forward, so he placed one of the two mines in front of him, threw the other into the mud a few meters away, and then crawled back to his trench.

This is what is called burying mines. You don't really have to dig a hole to bury them, you just put them on the dirt. If an American tank presses over it, it will be blown through the ground by a "Taylor" mine. Because the shells of these landmines are painted with protective colors, they are not easy to be discovered. Even if they are discovered, it will not matter - this is not a valuable thing in the first place, and there is no fear of being picked up by American soldiers, as long as they dare to pick it up under the hail of bullets. !

"Huh? Why do these Germans wear snow combat uniforms?"

At this moment, Lieutenant General Walton Walker, commander of the 20th Army of the U.S. Army who personally went to the front line outside Grays Harbor Airport to supervise the battle, was watching the battle with a telescope. He also saw the German soldiers wearing white clothes crawling on the ground and felt very sad. strangeness.

"General, starting this morning, the German paratroopers have changed their clothes." A US military colonel (who was a tank regiment commander) said loudly to Lieutenant General Walton Walker, "But these are not snow combat uniforms, but A chemical protective suit.”

"Chemical protective clothing?"

"Yes!" said the American colonel. "Our people found a very sophisticated gas mask and chemical protective glasses from the Germans who were shot and captured."

From three or four o'clock in the morning to now, there has been fierce exchange of fire on the front line of Grays Harbor Airport, and the US military still broke through the first German trench at around 6 o'clock. Naturally, some German paratroopers were killed or captured in the process. From them, the Americans seized a complete set of radiation protection suits.

However, the captured German paratroopers did not know that this kind of clothing was used to protect against radiation. When Americans saw the gas mask, they took it for granted that it was a chemical protective suit.

"Damn it, the Germans are going to use poison gas!" Lieutenant General Walton Walker had fought in trench warfare for several days and had experienced the power of German poison gas, so he immediately thought of poison gas. However, he is not afraid of poison gas, because the American soldiers in Newfoundland also have a gas mask. And...the US military also has poison gas bombs!

In order to retaliate after the Germans used poison gas, all U.S. troops on the front line were equipped with poison gas bombs, and naturally the U.S. troops on Newfoundland also had them. And considering that the island may be blocked, the U.S. military stockpiles of gas bombs guarding the island are particularly large. There are no less than 100,000 mustard gas shells alone!

Moreover, Lieutenant General Collins, commander of the Allied Ground Forces in Newfoundland, was authorized to retaliate with poison gas bombs immediately after the Germans used poison gas bombs.

"Poison gas bombs?" Lieutenant General Collins in the Churchill Naval Fortress quickly received the report. He frowned and said to himself, "The German's trump card turned out to be poison gas. It should be a new type of poison gas..."

"Sir, Lieutenant General Walker requested that mustard gas shells be distributed to the 20th Army."

"Okay." Lieutenant General Collins thought for a while, "But he can only counterattack when the Germans use it first."

After issuing the order, Lieutenant General Collins said: "Give the Pentagon power and tell them that the Germans may use a highly effective chemical weapon on Newfoundland."

Washington, D.C., White House bunker.

News that the German army might use highly effective chemical weapons quickly reached here, sweeping away the optimistic atmosphere that had finally appeared here.

"It must be sarin gas!" Secretary of War Wallace snorted coldly. "The Nazis invented this evil murder weapon long before the war, and now they are finally using it, but we are not afraid!"

Truman glanced at his Secretary of War and said to himself: We are not afraid of sarin, but the Germans still have something to be afraid of!

"President, don't worry about sarin." Wallace saw the worried expression on Truman's face and quickly comforted him, "Frontline troops are equipped with gas masks and protective gloves. As long as you put on the mask, tighten the cuffs, and put on the gloves, you should be fine." It can resist sarin poison.

In addition, we also have means of retaliation. Not only do we have mustard gas, we also have anthrax spore bombs and plague bacteria bombs, so the Germans can also have a taste of their power..."

"No, anthrax spore bombs and plague bombs cannot be used." Truman immediately rejected Wallace's suggestion. "Anthrax spore bombs and plague bombs are our last trump card and cannot be used easily."

Due to the slow progress of the Manhattan Project, the Americans have not yet built an atomic bomb, and the Germans clearly have it. Under such circumstances, the United States had no choice but to resort to the next best thing and mass-produce anthrax spore bombs and plague bombs to counter Germany's atomic bombs.

To this end, the Pentagon also developed a "Patriot" program to recruit fanatical American freedom fighters from the U.S. Army Aviation and Naval Aviation. At the same time, it designed and produced long-range "Patriot" bombers (a sub-series of the B-29). Used to carry out a Patriot mission with no return - to drop anthrax spore bombs and plague bacteria bombs on large cities in Europe.

But this crazy combat plan cannot be launched easily, because the enemies of the United States possess more lethal atomic weapons!

"Even if we don't use anthrax spore bombs and plague bacteria bombs, we are not afraid of the German sarin gas bombs..." Halfway through Wallace's words, he was interrupted by a rapid knock on the door.

The person who knocked on the door was a senior White House secretary. He walked quickly to the president under the anxious gaze of everyone, leaned down and whispered in his ear: "Mr. Vice President's call... He asked you to answer the call immediately."

This was almost an order, but Truman did not dare not listen, because he knew that Kennedy had now established secret contacts with the Germans!

"I have to leave for a while." Truman stood up, said hello to everyone and left in a hurry, returning to his office. Then he sent his secretary out and picked up a red hotline by himself.

"Is Joseph here?" the President asked.

"Mr. President," Kennedy's voice came from the receiver. "I received a reliable piece of bad news..." the vice president's voice was trembling, "The Germans are going to drop an atomic bomb! This is very reliable news, the source..."

"What?" Truman gasped and interrupted Kennedy, "Are they...are they going to bomb New York or Boston?"

"No...not a big city, it's used on the island of Newfoundland. This is a warning, if we don't accept their conditions, the next target will be New York!"