Chapter 18: Good-natured Provocation

The first Ju-52 to land, however, did not bring fully armed paratroopers. These individuals were dressed in Waffen-SS uniforms and carried various-sized toolboxes. Soldiers who had come to assist quickly unloaded long wooden crates and 20-liter square fuel tanks from the cargo compartment at the rear of the aircraft. Logan had arranged for this even before the operation began, and the greatest credit for this planning undoubtedly went to Stephenberg, the "Arsenal of Weapons" who predicted that tank airborne operations would become an important firepower support for the German occupation of the airport, and would also become the focus of enemy gunfire. So not only were ammunition and fuel prepared, but also a group of experienced technicians were selected to come along. Now, it seemed that the ammunition and fuel had arrived in the nick of time, but the defensive forces of the British had not been able to make much of an impact; the two tanks were still intact at the end of the battle. However, the technicians were not idle; during the fighting, German paratroopers captured three British trucks and found one armored vehicle still in the repair phase in the warehouse, all of which would need adjustments before being reintroduced into combat.

The later-arriving Ju-52, however, brought a genuine combat force!

After the tumultuous inspection incident in the previous stage, the Air Force Command finally sincerely equipped the exemplary paratrooper regiment with sufficient equipment and ammunition. After several weeks of intensified training, the soldiers of the Heavy Equipment Company had adapted to the new organization and tactics. So, after the advance troops captured the airport, they became the priority for airlift. In no time, a reconnaissance force consisting of over twenty NZ350 motorcycles (without panniers) set off in all directions toward the airport amidst their characteristic buzzing sound. The remaining soldiers quickly and efficiently unloaded MG-34s with tripod mounts, 50-millimeter mortars, and large quantities of ammunition from their respective compartments.

Accompanying the combat forces of the Air Force were a group of rather peculiar-looking individuals: they wore army gray uniforms but sported the Air Force's eagle emblem on their chests. Some carried toolboxes, while others carried submachine guns, all of them with a calm demeanor as if they belonged to their own airfield. As they passed by the paratroopers, their eyes mostly displayed indifference!

Logan himself had no fondness for this anti-aircraft unit commanded by General Göring. The main reason he had this unit tied to his own task force was to avoid the predicament encountered in Operation Stiletto— even if "Fatso" woke up, he wouldn't let his own direct subordinates fall into a deadly trap because of personal grudges!

Of course, this was also a well-trained and well-equipped combat force. In the Polish campaign and the invasion of Norway, they had sent some of their battalions to participate in the battles. By the time of the Western campaign, they were the main force and had been tempered in major battles in the Netherlands, Belgium, and France. Like several other Waffen-SS units preparing to be upgraded to a higher level of formation, the current strength of this unit far exceeded what its name purported to be a "regiment"!

"Klein, go tell their commander that the anti-aircraft guns around the airport must be put back into operation within half an hour. The RAF will counterattack soon!"

Logan was displeased with the arrogant attitude of General Göring's troops, but at least he had obtained direct command of the Air Force units participating in the operation from the Führer himself.

After Bren Hartmann delivered the order, those leisurely individuals finally began to assemble in formation, and soon after, a major ran up.

"Colonel, Colonel Dietlert von Känsall, commander of the 1st Battalion of General Göring's regiment."

"Reporting in!"

"Hmm."

Logan responded with a formal military salute, then calmly assessed the officer before him, who was both tall and well-built: he couldn't have been older than 30. In today's German military, nobility still offered certain advantages over commoners, but to become a major at such a young age, one either needed strong backing or outstanding ability, both of which he seemed to possess!

Major von Känsall stood tall, his chest puffed out as he reported, "My battalion, consisting of two companies, has joined the airborne operation. Currently, four platoons and two squads have arrived, and the rest of the unit can complete assembly within five minutes!"

Logan glanced at the soldiers in formation and remarked, "Major, there are two points I need to correct. First, you're being airlifted, not parachuted; second, such a fine display makes for excellent targets for British fighter strafing!"

The proud look in Major von Känsall's eyes faded instantly at these pointed remarks, and he had no rebuttal to offer.

Logan continued impassively, "The paratroopers' duty is to descend from the sky and engage the enemy garrison in combat. To capture this airport and its surrounding anti-aircraft guns, we have lost many comrades. Now, Major, it's time for you to demonstrate the strength of the Göring Regiment. Do not disgrace this great name, nor underestimate us!"

At this seemingly provocative speech, there was finally a strong reaction in the deep green eyes of the major. Straightening his chest, he responded confidently, "Colonel, we will prove it through action!"

With that, he walked off towards his subordinates with an unhappy expression.

Logan smiled slightly at this straightforward demeanor. Although the Göring Regiment's precursor was a police force, after several years of updates and changes, a considerable portion of its members had become qualified soldiers of the Wehrmacht. In the original historical timeline, during the Battle of Anzio in 1944, this unit earned recognition from their allies for their excellent performance!

Amidst another roar of engines, the first two Ju-52s that had landed restarted their engines. After unloading their equipment, the two "Aunties" appeared much more relaxed. They smoothly ascended, turned, and without looking back, flew towards the opposite side of the channel.

Logan watched the scene with interest. In his line of sight, a formation of much smaller aircraft passed by the departing Ju-52s. They elegantly swooped down, giving the impression of being as agile as swallows, especially the lead aircraft, which lifted its nose and slowed its speed when it was still over a hundred meters from the ground, then gracefully and smoothly landed on the recently vacated runway!

Before the black propellers had completely stopped turning, the pilot had already opened the cockpit hatch and agilely jumped out. Logan couldn't help but envy their dashing figures. Among all branches of the Wehrmacht, none could match these guys in terms of handsomeness—driving tanks might seem cool, but the crew often ended up covered in oil and sweat while constantly repairing equipment!

As the pilot descended from the plane, his tall figure approached a paratrooper nearby for inquiries, then headed straight towards Logan's direction, revealing his graceful athletic demeanor!

Even before the man got close, his prominent thick mustache revealed his identity: Adolf Garand, commander of the 3rd Squadron of the 26th Fighter Squadron, ace of the air, and at the tender age of 28, a Luftwaffe major—in the original historical timeline, he became the youngest general in the German Air Force two years later, while Dietrich Peltz didn't achieve that until 1944, at the age of 29 years and 10 months!