123

December 14, 1941

White House, Washington DC, USA

Damn it. Who would have thought that what the Germans said was right... .

Roosevelt had deep regrets about his choices in the past.

Even though I knew that what had already happened could not be undone, I felt like I wanted to turn back time and go back to the past.

Before the attack on Pearl Harbor, Germany warned the U.S. government to be careful because Japan would soon launch a surprise attack.

Hitler went further and said that there was a high possibility that there would be simultaneous attacks not only on American islands in the Pacific such as the Philippines, Guam, and Wake Island, but also on Hawaii.

However, Roosevelt ignored Germany's warning.

Of course, it was clear that Japan's movements were unusual.

However, even if war broke out between the United States and Japan, it was thought to be possible only around spring of next year.

Who would have predicted that Japan would make a surprise attack so early in the war, even before the negotiations broke down!

… .No. Hitler predicted it.

Roosevelt was filled with envy when he thought of Hitler, who must have been in a full-blown state by now.

Those damn Germans are probably sitting leisurely on the sofa, thinking that the war between the US and Japan is nothing more than a fun spectacle.

While eating a strange cake called Fürerkuchen or something.

The U.S. Navy suffered heavy losses at Pearl Harbor.

Of the eight battleships anchored in Pearl Harbor, Nevada, Oklahoma, and California were sunk, and of the five battleships, West Virginia and Arizona suffered moderate damage, and Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Maryland suffered minor damage.

Maryland, which suffered the least damage, was expected to be able to return to active duty within three weeks, and Tennessee and Pennsylvania could also complete repairs and return to service in three months, Chester Nimitz, the new commander of the U.S. Navy's Pacific Fleet, wrote in the report.

Fortunately, there were no aircraft carriers in Pearl Harbor at the time of the attack.

All of the aircraft carriers owned by the U.S. Pacific Fleet were performing missions in different locations, so they were safe from the Japanese military's surprise attack.

Still, the U.S. Navy was in a very difficult situation because the battleships, the most important force of the Navy, were destroyed.

For the time being, we have to fight the Japanese Navy with only aircraft carriers and no battleships... . Is it possible? Roosevelt was worried.

To make matters worse, the U.S. and British armies were suffering consecutive defeats due to the Japanese army's surprise attack.

Guam has fallen, Hong Kong and Wake are on the verge of falling, and Japanese troops have landed in the Philippines.

According to the doctrine of the U.S. military stationed in the Philippines, a squadron of B-17s was to be sortied at the beginning of the war and destroy the Japanese military base in Taiwan, but on the day of the Pearl Harbor attack, most of the aircraft were lost in a surprise attack by the Japanese military.

Even the trusted British Eastern Fleet suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of the Japanese.

Two precious battleships sank into the sea without being able to do much.

The control of the South China Sea was completely controlled by the Japanese military. The Dutch East Indies were also invaded by the Japanese army.

The only positive thing is that the resistance spirit of the American people is skyrocketing.

Although the war had just begun, morale would usually hit rock bottom when the war situation was at its worst. Despite the news of defeat continuing every day, the lines at the recruiting station were getting longer.

"Death to you bastards! "Bloody revenge!"

Millions of young men from all over the United States flocked to the military, filling military recruitment centers, and those who were rejected for enlistment because they were too young or too old were angry.

What does age matter when it comes to killing bastards?

Americans' passion for war was so strong that there was even an incident where a young man who failed the medical examination committed suicide out of despair over the reality that he could not participate in the war.

Even some members of the National Assembly went to the army and navy recruiting offices to say they would enlist.

"I can fight too! "Even though my joints are creaky, I have no problem running with a gun!"

"me too. I also fought in World War I. "Even if it's just as a private, please enlist me."

The recruiters had to sweat hard to appease the lawmakers who were begging them to enlist as well.

"The Army needs more lawmakers who agree to increase the budget for the Army in the Capitol than Congressmen who are soldiers."

"If you truly care about the Navy, please return to Congress and allocate funding for the Navy instead of enlisting."

Considering the people's will to fight, America's victory was virtually certain.

The only question is how long it will take to win and whether tens of thousands of Americans will lose their lives.

There was one more thing that Roosevelt was concerned about. That's Germany.

While the United States and Japan face off in the Pacific, no one knows what mischief Hitler will get up to.

That made Roosevelt uneasy.

Since Britain had already been attacked by Japan, it would send troops to protect its colonies in India and Southeast Asia, and the mainland's defenses would naturally weaken.

If Germany were to seize that moment and attack by surprise, Britain would fall before it could hold out for even a month.

Roosevelt expressed his concerns about Germany in a phone call with Prime Minister Halifax, but Halifax seemed unconcerned and told Roosevelt that his concerns were excessive.

-Hitler has already declared neutrality, and there is no sign of the German army moving.

"But Chancellor, Hitler is a man whose true feelings are unknown. Doesn't the Prime Minister know how he swallowed up Austria and Czechoslovakia one after another? "He may seem quiet on the outside, but when will he show his teeth?"

-president. I understand that you are worried about Germany, but the enemy of Britain and the United States right now is Japan. India is in danger, but we cannot worry about Germany, which has declared neutrality.

Roosevelt, who tried to convey advice to Halifax to be wary of Germany, only received a scolding in return.

Phew, damn it. Roosevelt was irritated, but he had no choice but to endure it because he could no longer make noise with the allies who would fight together against Japan.

Considering the love calls that Germany has sent to the United States, Halifax's words may be right (and they were). But Roosevelt could not relax.

He thought that the information that Germany had given to the United States before the attack on Pearl Harbor was German disinformation, and that Germany might now be preparing for another war while Japan and the United States were fighting each other.

Looking at the current map of Europe, it is not incomprehensible that Roosevelt was excessively wary of Germany.

Look at the map! How many countries are Germany's allies and subjects to Germany? And how many countries followed Britain and the Soviet Union.

Even Portugal, Britain's traditional ally, agreed to lease its ports to Germany and to turn the Azores and Madeira islands into outposts for the German navy and air force.

France also acknowledged Germany's establishment of military bases in its colonies in Africa, the Indian Ocean, and the Pacific.

Soon we may see the German Navy's destroyers and Air Force fighter jets crossing the Atlantic Ocean and circling the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

For now, it is right to put out the fire that has fallen on our feet first - Japan.

However, it was unacceptable to leave a wild animal (Germany) without a leash, who could jump over the fence and harm people at any time.

That's exactly what Halifax is doing. It's like they're relieved that nothing bad will happen just because the beast called Germany is inside the fence.

Churchill was better.

Of course, he too had many flaws in many ways to be considered a proper person, such as being embarrassed while trying to place the blame on Chamberlain, but at least he clearly saw the danger of Hitler.

If Churchill had become prime minister instead of Halifax, the map of Europe might have been different from what it is now.

At least he would have chosen resistance rather than peace with Germany. If that were the case, the United States would have had justification to intervene in the European war.

However, now that Britain had strengthened its ties with Germany and the war was over, there was no justification to destroy Hitler's Germany. Reason.

"Your Excellency, there are five minutes before the meeting starts."

"I understand. "Go now."

***

December 15, 1941

Ministry of War, London, England

It's pathetic. It's like worrying about a fire in your front yard and a robber who doesn't even show up.

Halifax was shocked to hear what Roosevelt said yesterday.

Why pay more attention to Germany, which declared neutrality, when it would not be enough to pour all its effort into fighting Japan right now?

Of course, it is true that Germany poses a great threat to Britain's security.

However, since the war ended, Germany has shown no signs of starting a war and is focusing only on economic recovery.

If Hitler was really planning another war, how can he explain the return of prisoners to their homes, the disbanding of divisions, and the demobilization of soldiers?

When Halifax asked, Roosevelt could only say that it was a German trick.

In addition to Roosevelt, there were also voices of concern about Germany within the military.

However, the opinion was that a minimum number of troops should be left behind to defend the homeland, and nowhere did it say that Germany should be more concerned than Japan.

The army, which had been cut in half at Dunkirk, was rebuilding on the mainland for a long time, so it had no choice but to fight against Japan with Asian colonial troops and colonial auxiliary troops.

Halifax ordered elite divisions to be deployed to the defense of India as soon as the reconstruction of the army was completed.

Since the national power and status of the British Empire came from India, India had to be defended at all costs.

"What is the situation in Hong Kong?"

"It's the worst. The Hong Kong garrison retreated to Hong Kong Island and the Gaulong (Kowloon) Peninsula was completely taken over by the Japanese. "The Hong Kong governor and garrison decided to fight to the death, but in fact, the fall of Hong Kong is considered a fait accompli."

"… .They are braver than me. "You are truly trying to protect the honor of the British Empire."

I felt sick to my stomach when I thought about the Japanese soldiers and citizens fighting against the Japanese army.

They must be suffering greatly from the Japanese army's artillery bombardment, air raids, and lack of supplies.

Nevertheless, they chose resistance instead of surrender. For the honor of the British Empire.

Halifax, who had been silent for a while, asked about the situation in the Malay Peninsula.

Of course, the war situation in the Malay Peninsula was also the worst.

With the destruction of the Oriental Fleet, control of the sea completely fell into the hands of the Japanese army, and the Japanese army, passing through Thailand, continued to advance, relentlessly pushing the British garrison.

While the British troops stationed in Malaya were poorly trained and poorly equipped third-rate troops, the Japanese troops attacking them were elite troops with years of combat experience in China.

In fact, Britain also had opportunities.

Since the war with Germany ended early, the elite troops from the mainland could be sent to Malaya at any time if they wanted to.

But Britain didn't do that.

This was because rebuilding the army that was shattered at Dunkirk was more urgent than defending the Malay Peninsula.

In reality, the reconstruction of the army was important, and there was concern that Germany might break the peace treaty and come across the Strait of Dover at any time, so it cannot be considered an incomprehensible decision, but considering the result, it was a perfect self-defense.

The same goes for heavy equipment such as tanks. As tanks were difficult to maneuver in the jungle, the British troops stationed in Malaya judged that they were unnecessary and were caught off guard by the Japanese attack with tanks.

Still, Halifax thought it was fortunate that since Germany had declared neutrality, it could send elite troops now.

It is doubtful whether the Malay garrison will be able to hold out until the elite divisions from the mainland arrive.

The performance of the fighter aircraft possessed by the Japanese Air Force was also an important topic of the meeting.

The aircraft possessed by the Malay garrison was the American F2A Buffalo, which was virtually obsolete as of 1941. And the Japanese fighter they had to deal with was the Hayabusa, a type 1 fighter of the Japanese Army Air Corps.

"Our buffalo is completely helpless against Japanese fighter planes. "In the first battle, our troops lost 12 Buffaloes, but the Japanese army suffered no damage at all."

"I thought only German fighter planes were monsters, but the Japanese were monsters too… ."

Halifax bowed his head. The British Empire, including its navy, army, and air force, was defeated by the Japanese army. There was no such figure.

"I guess we should send the Hurricanes and Spitfires as soon as possible."

"One more thing, we also need tanks."

An Army lieutenant general raised his hand and spoke. Yes, there were trams too.

A decision was made to hastily ship the Matilda, which was found to have insufficient performance in France, and the Valentine, which was produced but never used, to the Far East.

It seemed helpless against German tanks, but it would be different against Japanese tanks.

"One defeat of France is enough for the British Empire. "There must be no more shame."

Halifax, who had made up his mind, raised his head and made eye contact with Churchill. When Churchill made eye contact with him, he smiled awkwardly, then turned his head and began discussing something with the naval admiral sitting next to him.

Halifax suddenly had a strange premonition, but brushed it off, thinking it was just his mood.

Well, is there anything special going on?

***

December 19, 1941

Krampnitz 2nd Tank School, Berlin, Germany

The Japanese army, which began the Southern Operation, was slowly eating away at Southeast Asia, winning consecutive victories against the US, British, and Dutch forces.

Britain hastily began sending elite troops that had been stored on the mainland to the Far East, while the United States is repairing the destroyed battleships at Pearl Harbor and carrying out large-scale conscription to manufacture soldiers who will fight the Japanese army in the jungles of Southeast Asia and the small islands of the South Pacific in the future.

The Soviet Union declared the annexation of Tuva.

In history, Tuva was annexed to the Soviet Union in October 1944, here about three years earlier.

I could only guess that Stalin's thoughts had changed because the German-Soviet War had not occurred, but since it was not that important, everyone just ignored it.

-Target 11 o'clock direction. Distance 920. Load grenades!

Through the radio, I could hear the radio calls of tank soldiers in training. Maybe it's because I, the President, came to observe it myself, but everyone's voices are in high spirits.

-Loaded!

-Aiming complete!

-shooting!

"Hoo?"

The Panther, painted yellow, green, and brown, maneuvered to the right and fired its main gun. The shell hit the target precisely.

It is very difficult to hit a target by shooting while moving. Especially with the scope of 1941.

I don't know who it was, but the Panther's gunner must have been a very skilled soldier. It would be difficult to achieve that level of skill through simple training. It was clear that he was a veteran with real combat experience.

said Guderian, who was observing the training through binoculars.

"Everyone seems to have considerable skills."

"That's right. If it's control, it's control, if it's shooting, if it's shooting, there's nothing missing."

Feeling thirsty, I took a sip of coke and then turned to the principal who was standing next to me.

"It looks like you've always been tough. "I can't find a gap."

"Thank you, Mr. President."

Tank School principal Major General Hatso von Manteufel smiled broadly.

When we turned our attention back to the training area, this time it was the Tiger tanks' turn.

The five Tigers passed through the pontoon bridge installed by the Engineer Corps and advanced one after another.

When one tank advancing through the pontoon bridge stepped on a model mine and came to a halt, all four tanks stopped and turned their turrets in different directions to stand guard.

Eventually, the No. 4 rescue tank arrived and towed the tank, and with the support of the infantry, the Tigers rushed toward the hill.

Stop, shoot. After confirming the hit, move forward again.

"I guess there's nothing more to see."

I nodded at Guderian's words. I thought this was enough.

"Enough with the training. Since everyone has worked hard, let's have a company dinner. "If I told you I was coming, you wouldn't have been able to sleep for days and would have been running away."

"All right."

I shook hands with each of the instructors and soldiers who participated in the training and congratulated them on their hard work.

Not only the private, who seemed to have enlisted just a few days ago, but even the captain, who had medals hanging on his uniform jacket, was shaking when I shook my hand.

"Don't be nervous. "Am I that scared?"

"no!"

It's scary to hear that a veteran who crossed the line of fire finally met the President.

"What do you think of the new heavy tank proposed by the Ordnance Department?"

I wanted to hear Guderian's opinion on the development of a new heavy tank proposed by the Ordnance Department the day before yesterday.

When it comes to heavy tanks, there is the Tiger, but the Ordnance Bureau argued that there should be a new heavy tank armed with a more powerful main gun, saying that it would be difficult to break through the Molotov Line and Stalin Line of the Soviet Union, potential enemies, with the Tiger alone.

Originally, Hitler ordered the development of a new tank, and the Ordnance Department expressed reluctance, but somehow it turned out to be the opposite.

What is the reason?

"The 88mm 56 caliber main gun mounted on the Tiger is very powerful, but it feels a bit inadequate in breaking through the Soviet defense line built with concrete positions. Still, I think we need to review the Ordnance Bureau's proposal at least once."

"is it so?"

Unexpectedly, Guderian expressed his approval of the Ordnance Bureau's proposal.

I was surprised by his unexpected answer.

"Just unexpected. "I thought an enemy would unconditionally oppose it."

The Guderian I know is a man who went through a lot of trouble trying to stop Hitler, who came up with all kinds of variations of tanks and assault guns in his day.

Why is such a guy suddenly acting like this? Did I eat something wrong?

Perhaps Guderian's thinking may have changed because miscellaneous variations such as Assault Gun No. 3, Tank Destroyer No. 4, and Tank No. 8 Mouse did not appear in the world.

I shrugged my shoulders.

In fact, the Tiger alone was insufficient to deal with the Soviet and American heavy tanks that would appear in the future, so preparing the design of the next heavy tank was not a bad choice.

Since it is not a war, resources and manpower are limited.

It's only been a year since the Panther and Tiger came out