Chapter 380 Operation Starvation (4)

Sir Charles Forbes arrived early at the Prime Minister's residence to brief Churchill on the events of the previous night. "Your Excellency, last night there were significant signs of German air fleet activity detected by multiple patrol boats and fishing vessels." Due to the limited number of radar installations deployed near the English Channel, they were on high alert for possible German airstrikes on British soil. As a result, radar coverage was sparse in the northern and northwestern regions of the UK, and thus these radars did not detect the German actions from last night.

However, even if radars were deployed in the northern areas, it wouldn't necessarily guarantee the detection of Mosquito bombers.

Keep in mind that the World War II-era radar was not as advanced as later models (such as the modern CW radar, which operates based on the Doppler principle and can detect any moving object, even small birds within ten meters). At this time, British air surveillance radar could only detect large metallic objects in the sky.

Electric and magnetic fields propagate in wave form. When they hit a metal surface, besides direct reflection, the metal's conductivity leads to a skin effect. The current density inside the metal increases, with most of it concentrated on the metal surface. This turns the metal into a secondary radiation source, enhancing the strength of the reflected waves.

However, wood is a poor conductor of electricity, resulting in minimal secondary radiation. Consequently, radar signals are significantly weaker. Additionally, compared to metal materials, wood has lower density, allowing a substantial portion of radar waves to pass through without creating echoes. This weakens the return signal, making it challenging to discern targets.

The Mosquito bomber, with over 80% of its structure made of wood, was nearly impervious to the radar of the original timeline's German forces. Often, air defense alerts were only issued when the Mosquito was already within visual range.

Churchill, looking worn, reviewed the report. "So, you're saying they circled these waters and then returned? What's your assessment?" The Germans wouldn't engage in meaningless actions; they must have done something.

"Although we don't have conclusive evidence yet," Charles replied, "I suspect the Germans may have dropped naval mines. The lack of damage reports so far is because their minefield hasn't fully formed."

Churchill nodded thoughtfully. "Exactly, I also believe they've laid mines. These despicable bastards want to strangle us completely." Germany's submarine fleet and High Seas Fleet were active in the North Atlantic, causing significant losses to Britain's merchant shipping. The supply lines were the lifeline of the British Empire, and now it felt as if the Empire was being choked, struggling for breath.

After a few curses, Churchill refocused on the report. "We can't allow their minefields to form. Mobilize all available ships and personnel to ensure clear access to the main channels of each port." Although aware that German mine-laying operations would continue, Churchill didn't even consider intercepting the German air fleets responsible for these mine deployments. After the failed nighttime bombing of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the British had learned about the formidable German night fighter force. "We only need to secure a few critical ports; the rest can be abandoned. The same goes for mine clearance. We'll concentrate the ships and personnel capable of mine sweeping on the key protected ports. If the Germans want to lay mines in other ports, let them."

Charles nodded. "Understood, Prime Minister. I'll arrange it promptly."

As Charles left, the secretary entered, his expression oddly serious. "Prime Minister, the Germans are holding a press conference, announcing the release of a batch of prisoners of war for home visits."

"What?!" Churchill's mouth dropped open. "What do they mean?" His first thought was that the Germans were up to some new treacherous scheme. Now he had to begrudgingly admit that the German Crown Prince was cunning to the point of exasperation. His grandfather, Kaiser Wilhelm II, occasionally acted irrationally, and his father, Prince Oscar, was perpetually idle. How had it come to him being stuck with this sly fox?

Of course, the secretary was unaware of Churchill's inner thoughts and quickly explained. "The Germans claim it's for humanitarian reasons. They'll release batches of POWs for home visits, lasting two weeks. After that, these prisoners will need to report back to the POW camps."

"Report back voluntarily to the camps?" Churchill chuckled wryly. Were they insane? Who, after leaving a POW camp, would willingly return? Perhaps they'd grown accustomed to captivity. "What if they don't return?" Surely the Germans wouldn't send people to forcibly retrieve them?

"The Germans say it's a rotating family visit program, giving each POW a chance. But if any POW fails to return to the camp on time after their visit, subsequent activities will be canceled."

That's quite a cunning move. If anyone doesn't want to return, they become the enemy of all prisoners of war and their families, and who knows what kind of retaliation they might face.

Although I'm concerned that Germany might have another plot, the whole world now knows about this. If the British government refuses to allow these prisoners of war to return home, I can't even imagine the public's reaction. Churchill can only reluctantly welcome these prisoners back for family visits.

Germany's efficiency is remarkably high. Over a hundred selected POWs from various Class A camps have already been sent to the neutral country of Sweden. They will then board a Swedish passenger ship bound for Edinburgh, United Kingdom.

As the passenger ship slowly docked at the pier, the crowd that had gathered there erupted into excitement, surging toward the dock.

As the POWs descended the gangway one by one, the pier echoed with cries.

"Dennis!" A middle-aged couple rushed forward, embracing the young man who had just disembarked, tears streaming down their faces. "Dennis, your parents thought they'd never see you again in this lifetime!"

The family of three held each other, tears flowing freely. After a while, the middle-aged man wiped his eyes. "Let's go, hurry home."

The three of them squeezed through the crowd with difficulty and settled into a somewhat worn-out car. The father drove, while the mother and Dennis sat in the back seat.

The mother's tearful eyes still clung to his arm, as if he would vanish if she let go. "Dennis, did you suffer in the POW camp?"

Dennis, a military man, had gradually calmed down. A reassuring smile appeared on his face. "No, Mom. I'm fine there. Thanks to my previous work in Dad's factory, I learned machining skills." Although he had heard the saying "Many skills don't burden the body; multiple skills open up many paths," he hadn't expected to experience its truth so profoundly in the POW camp. It's quite ironic when you think about it.