239

Episode 239: Operation Sea Lion (3)

By noon, the news of the German army's landing on the British mainland had spread all over the world, so that there was almost no one who did not know about it.

"Extra! "Extra-extra!"

"hey! "Just one copy of the newspaper!"

"Yes yes, here it is!"

"Are there any more newspapers?"

While the newsboys were selling out in less than five minutes, an announcer with a bewildered voice reported breaking news on the radio.

People walking down the street, from office workers to homeless people, cleaners, and police officers, all listened to the news coming from the radio.

-This is new news that just came in. The places where the German army landed are said to be Dover, Folkestone, Camber, Hastings, and Eastbourne. There was an attempt by the British to counterattack, but it is said to have been repulsed and air superiority is currently in the hands of the Germans.

-In London, a great escape of terrified citizens is taking place... … .

-This is breaking news. King George VI and Queen Elizabeth announced that they would remain in London to encourage the military and citizens.

Since the news of the end of the German-Soviet War, the war in Europe has become a hot topic among Americans for the first time in a while.

Even people who were not interested in politics or what was going on in the world freely shared their opinions about the news of the German army's landing in England during a meal with family, friends, or work colleagues.

"In the end, will Germany devour Britain?"

"no way! "But wouldn't England be different?"

"Shall we make a bet? "How many days will it take for Britain to surrender?"

"I'll bet you $5 every four weeks."

"So, if Germany's offer of peace had been accepted a long time ago… … ."

For ordinary citizens, the news of Germany's invasion of England was only a small stimulus to their boring daily lives, but at least it was not in the White House.

It was too big an event to be a topic of conversation that would be used as a one-time use during a meal with acquaintances or a drink with friends.

"You all know, but the Germans invaded England."

As far as Marshall knew, there had been only a handful of times when a president had looked this serious.

This was the case when the German army entered Paris, when Pearl Harbor was attacked, and when the Philippines fell completely into the hands of the Japanese.

And again… … When was it? Yes, Stalin had this look on his face when he raised the white flag. My memories are fresh.

Just as the full meeting was about to begin, Roosevelt's secretary ran in and spoke to Roosevelt in a voice that was not very loud but could be heard by everyone.

"dismissal. "This is a call from Prime Minister Churchill."

"… … "Excuse me for a moment."

While the President went to take a phone call from the British Prime Minister, the people left at the table exchanged glances with each other. Hull, the oldest, was the first to open his mouth.

"I think the President has already made his decision."

"I guess so. "He was preparing for war long before that."

"Especially this time, it can't be avoided… … ."

Marshall nodded. Leahy lit a cigarette in silence, and King and Arnold looked at each other with anxious expressions.

This incident is not normal to the extent that these two people, who are not on good terms, look at each other in sympathy. Marshall took a sip of his coffee.

Even on a day like this, the coffee tasted good.

***

-Now Britain is in crisis.

As soon as he picked up the receiver, Churchill spoke in a voice that was almost in tears. Before Roosevelt could say anything, Churchill continued.

-This is the worst crisis since the beginning of the war, no, in British history. Air superiority is completely with the Germans, and the army is in repeated rout.

Churchill said that the Home Fleet (Home Fleet), the only means of stopping the German army, was deceived by the German army's deception tactics and stayed at Scapa Flow and hastily set sail, but was unable to move due to the German-Norwegian fleet's check.

Is that it? Airfields in southern England have been taken over by German airborne troops, and the Germans, who have taken control of air superiority, are transporting troops and supplies from France to England by transport plane.

They hastily gathered forces and attempted a counterattack to retake the airfield, but all attempts so far have ended in failure.

-The only way to save the British Empire is with the help of the United States.

"I know, Prime Minister."

-We will mobilize the army, navy, and air force to stop the Germans, but it will be difficult to hold out for long. Work is currently underway to move government functions from London to Glasgow.

"What will the Prime Minister do?"

-I will remain in London until the end.

"All right. I wish you good luck. "I will do my best."

-Please, President. The fate of Britain and the world is in your hands.

Churchill remained faithful until the end of the call. Please save Britain.

Roosevelt's heart sank heavily. After returning to his seat, he asked Richie.

"Prime Minister Churchill says he is already moving government functions from London to Glasgow. It looks like they are already considering the fall of London. "How many days do you think it will take for the Germans to reach London?"

"Probably more than three weeks would be unreasonable. "Maybe it won't even take two weeks."

Leahy said. Now that air superiority has passed to the Germans, it will be difficult for the British to hold out for long.

Of course, it would be a different story if the British Navy, which had spread all over the world, came to England, destroyed the German Navy, and succeeded in isolating the troops that landed in England, but currently, the British Navy, excluding the Home Fleet, is spread out in the Mediterranean and Indian Ocean areas.

By the time they arrive in England, the Hakenkreuz flag will already be flying at Buckingham Palace.

And as mentioned earlier, air superiority belongs to the German military.

Even if the Royal Navy fleet arrived in England right now with God's blessing, what would be the odds of winning a decisive battle against the German Navy, supported by the Air Force?

Roosevelt shook his head vigorously.

"If Britain goes over, there will now be only the Atlantic Ocean between America and Germany. Would Hitler really be satisfied with England? No way! Hitler will certainly not be satisfied with England and will extend his influence to the American continent as well. "If we don't stop Germany in England, then we might have to fight them in Boston or New York."

Those attending the meeting listened to what Roosevelt had to say.

They had so far opposed intervention in the European front for various practical reasons, but now that the German army had landed in England, there was no longer any reason to oppose intervention.

As Roosevelt said, the fall of Britain meant Germany's advance into the Atlantic, and Germany's advance into the Atlantic meant that the United States, like Poland or France, could be exposed to German attack.

For Japan to attack Washington, it must first occupy Hawaii and move north through the Panama Canal and attack the islands of the Caribbean. However, for Germany to attack Washington, it must send a carrier strike group to the Atlantic or develop long-range bombers to attack Britain or the Azores. All you have to do is initiate it through the system.

And although Japan could not even defeat China, Germany defeated the Soviet Union, which had a larger land mass than China and was much more powerful.

If Germany, which absorbed Europe's population, industrial power, and resources, decides to conquer the United States, the United States will have to endure greater damage than during the Civil War.

Marshall had already prepared a plan for the movement of military forces and supply of supplies in preparation for intervention in the European war under Roosevelt's orders.

While making the plan, Marshall hoped he would never actually use it... … .

Sadly, God coldly ignored his earnest request.

***

Soldiers of the German 7th Airborne Division who descended on Westfield succeeded in occupying the RAF base with relatively light damage.

However, the joy of victory was short-lived as the British army quickly launched a counterattack to regain the base.

As soon as the news of victory was sent to the division headquarters in France, the soldiers began a battle with the British army, who were trying to retake the base.

Fortunately, the second battle also ended in victory for the German army without any major damage.

The British army attacked hastily without understanding the size of the enemy, and when they encountered strong resistance from the German army, they easily gave up and withdrew.

Immediately after the second battle, the first transport plane from France landed at the airfield.

The doorway of the whale-sized Me 323 Gigant (giant) opened and heavily armed soldiers poured out.

Gigant, which had a large and beautiful body worthy of its name, was capable of transporting up to 12 tons of supplies or a company of fully armed infantry.

Two Gigants landed at the airfield.

130 Army soldiers and a Puma armored vehicle set foot at Westfield.

Seeing the newly arrived reinforcements and armored vehicles, Second Lieutenant Harald Quandt felt his morale soar.

I thought that with this number, even if the British army attacked with tanks, we would be able to protect the airfield until our troops arrived.

"Platoon leader! The Tommys are coming!"

"Damn it again?"

I think I had too much confidence. The British army had just gathered its forces again and launched a counterattack again. And this time, even pulling a tram.

"Prepare your Panzerfaust!"

"Ready to fire!"

"It looks like the tommies have really grown horns."

The sergeant sitting next to Quandt said.

"You brought as many as five tanks. There are also armored vehicles. "This is causing trouble."

"That's right."

The British army, supported by five M3 Stuarts and six M3 Halftracks, was determined to recapture the airfield this time.

"launch!"

A puma disguised as a bush made a preemptive attack.

The 50mm KwK 39 tank gun had poor performance against medium tanks such as the T-34 or M4 Sherman, but was powerful enough against light tanks such as the Stuart or Valentine.

As Stuart, who had been pierced through the front, burst into flames and the tank commander, the only survivor, opened the hatch and came out, the Puma fired a second round.

However, the location was discovered and the Stuarts launched a concentrated attack.

One of these shots hit the turret, destroying the chamber and injuring the tank commander and gunner.

Puma, unable to fight, hurriedly fled. Still, he destroyed two tanks, so he did his part well.

"Start shooting!"

As soon as Quandt's instructions were given, the platoon members opened fire all at once. Quandt knocked down a British soldier of the same rank who was running with a pistol using the MP38.

-pop!

"Khaaaa!!"

The MG34 gunner and second gunner were hit by a 37mm grenade and fell out. The M2 heavy machine gun attached to the half-track also caused significant damage to the German army.

Soldiers hit by 12.7mm bullets had their limbs separated and instantly turned into minced meat.

The British army harassed the German army by firing machine guns and tank guns outside the range of the Panzerfaust.

The Germans also fired 50mm light mortars and flew bombs over the heads of the British troops, but it was very difficult to withstand the onslaught of the British troops supported by tanks and armored vehicles.

The designated marksman shot down the machine gunner with a Kar98k, but there was nothing he could do about the tank. Even if you aimed at the tank's observation window and fired, it was only blocked by the bulletproof glass.

The moment Quandt replaced the new magazine, a shock wave was transmitted from the side, causing his body to rise into the air for a moment.

A fragment the size of a thumbnail was stuck in my arm and it felt like it had been burned.

When I managed to pull out the fragment, blood flowed down. The amount of blood was not large, so there seemed to be no need to stop the bleeding.

"… … Yarn?"

Quandt survived, but the sergeant next to him did not.

Where the right arm of the sergeant who died with his eyes wide open should have been, a white bone was sticking out through the red flesh.

The MP38 he was using was broken due to the impact a little while ago, so Quandt picked up the sergeant's MP38.

However, this one also seemed to be malfunctioning and the bullets did not come out.

"Shit!"

Quandt, who had thrown away his MP38, was about to pull out his pistol when a Stuart rushed at him at speed.

A soldier fired a Panzerfaust, but the warhead missed Stewart.

Stuart's turret spun around and fired a coaxial machine gun, knocking out the soldier who had fired the Panzerfaust.

Quandt lowered his posture and approached the fallen soldier. After inserting a spare warhead into the launch tube of the Panzer Faust, he stood up and fired.

"Eat this!"

The warhead he fired crashed into Stuart's engine room.

I felt cruel joy when I saw the tank crews jumping from the burning tank and collapsing under a hail of bullets.

However, Quandt soon fell to his knees due to pain felt in his left shoulder. He was hit by a bullet.

A Home Guard member holding a Lee-Enfield turned around and shouted something in English.

Quandt reflexively pulled out his Walther P38 and aimed it at the Home Guard members.

The moment the Home Guard member turned his head, Quandt pulled the trigger.

The Home Guard member who had put a bullet in his shoulder fell down with a bullet himself in his neck.

The war situation was hopeless. Quandt's platoon alone suffered more than 10 casualties, and the defense line was about to be breached.

I'm going to turn away. On the first day of the operation, I became a prisoner of the Tommys. What kind of disgrace is this? I didn't have the honor to see my parents.

In particular, his father treated him well as if he were his own child, even though he was not related to Quandt at all.

But how heartbroken would you be if you heard that you had become a prisoner of the enemy?

"… … Huh!?"

But it seems that God had no intention of abandoning him yet.

At the most critical moment, reinforcements arrived like in Hollywood movies.

"It's our tank unit!"

"hurray!"

As the vanguard of the LSSAH division, which had landed at Hastings, appeared, shouts of hurray now came out of the mouths of the soldiers who had been screaming just moments before.

On the other hand, the British army, which was confident of victory, was devastated.

Panzer 4's 75mm gun opened fire and tore the Stuart to pieces. Stuart also did not lose and fired his 37mm main gun, but it was blocked by the 80mm armor plate.

When the attack failed, Stuart fled, but was hit directly by a 75mm shell, blowing off the turret.

LSSAH's tanks and armored vehicles advanced northward, receiving enthusiastic cheers from German paratroopers.

Thirty additional Gigants arrived at the airfield where the battle ended and unloaded troops and supplies.

***

June 7, 1943

U.S. Capitol Building in Washington DC

Members of Congress watched in silence as Roosevelt stood at the podium and spoke about Britain, which was in crisis due to an all-out German attack, and the need to help it.

When Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, they enthusiastically cheered and supported Roosevelt's speech requesting a declaration of war against Japan, but this time their reaction was different.

Britain is an important partner of the United States and an ally who fought together against Germany during World War I and is still fighting alongside Japan in Asia and the Pacific.

On the other hand, Germany, a country at war with Britain, was the main enemy of the United States in World War I and has a history of sinking transport ships heading to Britain.

But Germany was different from Japan.

Like Japan, it has not launched a preemptive attack on the United States, and has clearly stated that it has no intention of going to war unless the United States attacks first.

Lawmakers who made a living off of the people's votes wanted to avoid losing the election by incurring the resentment of German-Americans, who accounted for a significant portion of the electorate, by advocating for intervention in the European war by helping Britain.

The Irish people, who had a long history of enmity with Britain, also actively opposed intervention in the European war.

another one. The existence of Japan, which was already at war, served as the biggest factor preventing intervention in the European war.

No matter how much of the current war in the Pacific seems to be favorable to the United States, there is still a long way to go before reaching Tokyo. If war breaks out in Europe as well, the troops and materials that need to go to the Pacific will be split in two, and the timing of punishment against Japan will naturally be delayed. Wouldn't you like to lose?

Therefore, opinions were polarized not only among the Republican Party, which opposed Roosevelt's Democratic Party, but also within the Democratic Party.

"We are already at war with Japan, so why are we fighting Germany?"

"Didn't Hitler offer peace talks to Britain several times before? But wasn't Britain the one who rejected all of that and brought about today's invasion?"

"Why should our young people shed their blood to save Britain? "And in a war that has absolutely nothing to do with the United States!"

The strongest opposition came from Senator Robert Taft, a powerful figure in the US Republican Party and the godfather of hard-core conservatives.

He actively supported the war against Japan after the attack on Pearl Harbor and did not oppose support for Britain itself, but he strongly opposed participation in the war.

In particular, when the existence of secret Soviet spies in the White House was revealed, he criticized Roosevelt more fiercely than anyone else, and showed signs of discomfort throughout Roosevelt's speech.

However, just as not all Democrats supported Roosevelt, not all Republicans opposed Roosevelt's claims.

"If Britain falls, all of Europe will fall into German hands."

"Germany has already fortified the islands of Spain and Portugal and deployed warships and aircraft. That means you can drop a bomb on Washington or New York whenever you want."

"Even if it is impossible to retake all of Europe, we need to put a brake on Germany's growth at this point."

Polish and Czech Americans, who accounted for as much of the American population as the Germans and Irish, cried out for participation in the war.

They hoped that the wave of the American flag would save their suffering hometown from the clutches of Hakenkreuz.

There were already tens of thousands of British, Polish, and Czech Americans who had enlisted in the British or Canadian military and were fighting against Germany.

"-I therefore ask the Congress to declare a state of war between the United States and Germany."

After the speech, it was time to decide.

There were plausible justifications for both those in favor of the war and those opposed to the war.

Let's think about Germany later and deal with Japan first.

Just as even a small spark can become a forest fire if left unattended, if we turn our attention to Europe now, New York or Boston may become like Warsaw or Rotterdam.

Members of the National Assembly voted for their respective beliefs.

The battle between beliefs and beliefs was extremely close.

In the Senate, the pros and cons were split exactly in half.

In a situation where the pros and cons were tied, the Senate President, who had the deciding vote (casting vote), stepped forward.

Just one vote decided the fate of America.

The United States declared w