Bismarck

It was only 7:, but the place was still bustling with activity. Staff and agents came and went in an endless stream, and the tapping of telegraph machines and the ringing of electric bells merged into a grand symphony.

We have all been through a lot, but our enthusiasm for work has not diminished in the slightest.

"The boss is here! Everyone stand up!"

"The boss is here."

Regardless of whether they were working or not, everyone stood up and saluted the minister. Their eyes were full of fighting spirit and longing, as if the bad news in the morning had not affected them at all.

To be honest, William did not privately request the title of boss. When he asked why they were called that, the answer given by his subordinates left him speechless - he was more like an entrepreneur than an officer (actually, more like a gangster boss). What kind of a weird reason is this?

"Okay, let's get back to work. Where is Colonel Andre? I need him to report the situation. Make a cup of black tea and send it to the office in ten minutes. It's the same as always."

"Colonel Andre is in the file room. Do you need me to call him?"

"Of course, and then give the two letters to Mr. Hugo Abramson and Mr. Harald Johnson respectively, the sooner the better."

After explaining the task, William continued to walk through the maze-like corridors and stairs and finally returned to his office which he had been away from for a long time. The decoration inside was the same as it was a year ago, with no changes. This was to commemorate his predecessor, Sir Menzies.

He changed his low-key suit into a military uniform and put on the shiny rank of major general, which he had obtained only a few months ago. If it weren't for that disaster, he probably would have had no chance of promotion.

"Boom boom boom, boom boom boom."

"come in."

"Good morning, Your Excellency, Colonel Andre reports to you."

Andre was not a newcomer in the Sixth Bureau. He had been there during Menzies' tenure. He was a very serious person, older than William, and had served as a lieutenant in World War I. But strangely, he had not received any promotion in recent years until William took over.

"Good morning, Andre. Please report to me the progress of your work, starting with the cryptographic aspect."

"Yes, Mr. Minister, we have hit a bottleneck in deciphering the German code, and there are very few articles that can be deciphered. Our staff and experts are working hard to solve this problem, and we estimate that we will be able to produce results in less than a year. Our allies in the Soviet Union and the United States have also stepped up their cooperation with us. After you adjusted the intelligence network, the progress has been greatly improved, and I believe we will succeed soon! The detailed report on the deciphering is already on the table, and I think you have read it."

In fact, I didn’t even watch it...

"Ahem, you must speed up the decoding process! Andre, this is no longer the First World War. The Suez Canal has been occupied by the damn Nazis! The Indian colonies are in danger. The lifeline of the British Empire depends almost entirely on trade with the Americans. The damn German submarines and that evil cruiser are rampaging in the Atlantic. We can no longer afford greater losses! This is related to our survival! We must keep track of these sea wolves and do everything we can to hunt them down!"

"Speaking of this, what about the battle plan I made?" William asked.

"Mr. Minister, the intelligence has been confirmed by spies within the German army. The combat forces of the OSS (OSS was formed ahead of schedule for some reasons) and the 1st Airborne Special Service Regiment are already in place. All we have to wait for is the approval of the General Staff. Our disguise and confidentiality work are quite perfect, and not many people know about it. The German intelligence department has not noticed our actions."

"But one thing is very important, Andre. We must get rid of those 'evil spirits'. According to the report of the pilots who survived the Battle of Newcastle, 'they' have extraordinary physical strength and perception abilities. They were even hit in the head by armor-piercing incendiary bombs without any injuries. Although the boys in the special forces are all carefully selected veterans, they are definitely not something our team members can deal with. If they find us, cancel the operation immediately and disperse, and switch to on-site reconnaissance."

"I will change the combat schedule according to your instructions. Which report do you want to hear next?"

"Tell me about the progress in Japan."

"Okay, Mr. Minister, we are making very good progress with our allies. The decryption of the JN-25C code is nearing completion. The Japanese side didn't even notice it. The U.S. military intelligence department has already sent us the text. I believe that the Allies will soon be able to grasp the movements of the Japanese army, which will provide great help to our war situation in the Pacific. After investigation, they seem to have reached some kind of agreement. Judging from the equipment exchange, it should be to divide up the rare resources in Southeast Asia."

"These guys are really getting bolder and bolder. The limited resources to begin with have been divided up a second time. According to the information provided by the Soviets, the Japanese utilization of resources is simply touching. I'm afraid the Germans won't get much either."

"By the way, Andre, how is the restoration of the Giant going? I know that without Professor Turing, the work will be quite difficult, but the agents found some things in Dr. Turing's relics that are quite helpful for the restoration work. I think they should be able to speed up the restoration progress."

The exposure of Bletchley Park was quite unbelievable, which made Churchill furious and wanted to find out the "spies" in the country. As William himself said, he was "so angry that he wanted to dance", but think about that figure... okay.

Under Churchill's order, MI5 launched a huge investigation storm. All people who knew the truth were investigated, even the deceased Sir Menzies was not spared. However, the result was disappointing. There was no progress at all with the joint cooperation of MI6 and MI5. William clearly remembered the scene of Churchill being furious and spitting when he got the result. He didn't want to experience it again.

What bothered William the most was the intelligence sources of the German army. After investigation, he found that almost all of them came from the "devil fleet" of the German Navy. This puzzled William. Could it be that these so-called "witches" really used magic? After all, the terrifying speed and hit rate were really weird.

"Mr. Minister, I have mobilized relevant personnel and experts. As you know, the human resources of the Sixth Bureau are already quite scarce, but our allies in the United States and Canada are also helping. The Americans are quite interested in its technology."

"I don't ask you to come up with the results quickly. In any case, I hope to see it again at the end of 44 years."

"We will do our best, Your Excellency. I have something important to tell you."

"Go ahead."

"MI6's spy network in Europe has obtained intelligence about the German army's development of new equipment. Here is the report, please take a look."

While reading these reports, William's expression gradually became grim. This was indeed very important information, and even the slightest clue had to be found. In addition to mastering the enemy's troop movements, MI6's main mission also included this. As a veteran who had fought in France, William knew very well the importance of advanced equipment to combat.

"What about credibility?"

"Part of the intelligence comes from investigations and decryption by agents in Germany. The intelligence from these intelligence stations is quite reliable. The other part comes from our spies within the German army. Since the Gestapo's information blockade is too strict, I don't think it is very credible."

"But on the other hand, judging by the severity of the Eastern Front and the outcome of the Battle of Britain, it's only a matter of time before the Germans develop new equipment."

"Ah... It's been a rough ride lately. The modifications of the Europa and Bremen over at the German Navy are almost finished."

"That's right, Mr. Minister."

"These pickles are really quick.... Tell our friends in the United States to protect those three big treasures and refit them and put them into use as soon as possible. They are important for us to take back North Africa. I heard that the New York Mafia is not honest again."

"Put the rest of the report on the table. Send the information about the new equipment to the Ministry of Defense. Then go pick up the Prime Minister and tell him that I have important information that needs to be reported in person. The time is set for the afternoon. Go quickly. Colonel Andre, get me a new cup of black tea. Half an hour has passed now."

"No problem, I'll do it right away."

"Also tell the Prime Minister that I have a 'gift' for him."

On the evening of December 1941, 12, in the Ionian Sea, a submarine was slowly moving towards the Italian coast. The wave-breaking boat cut through the waves layer by layer, and the moonlight shone on the paint surface of the submarine, creating a strange beauty.

If someone is careful enough, they will find that the shape of this submarine is not the famous German U-boat, but the A-class submarine of the British Royal Navy, also known as the Akron class.

The recent sudden downturn in the Royal Navy's situation has forced the British government to speed up their production plans, and the Acheron was urgently built to fill the gap in combat power.

But this time it is not here to fight, it has an important mission - to transport 20 special forces members.

Major Malcolm David Wanklin, the captain of the Akron submarine, anxiously grasped the telescope and observed the surrounding situation. This submarine was very new, the paint was not even dry yet. Malcolm himself had just been transferred here from an old submarine and was not familiar with anything.

The Mediterranean is now the world of fascism. If you are not careful, you will be discovered. You know, this is the second time he has secretly transported these guys in round-brimmed hats to Italy. God knows what these crazy people are going to do.

"Captain Juan! I think we are close to land. Prepare to dive. Set the depth to 20 meters. As before, tell those guys in round-brimmed hats to get ready. We will transport the people to the offshore area and then retreat directly! There will be friends from the OSS to meet them there!"

"Yes, sir!"

Colonel Malcolm retreated to the bridge, closed the watertight door, and came to the interior of the cabin modified for the transportation of personnel. The soldiers inside were already ready, and the camouflage on their faces and the special armbands all proved their special identity as the Airborne Special Service Regiment.

"Major Malcolm! We are ready and waiting for your orders at any time!"

The speaker was the leader of this group of special forces, Lieutenant Gene, who had experienced the Battle of France and the North African Campaign and had made outstanding achievements. The hideous scars on his face made people imagine the pain he had experienced.

"Special forces! I don't think I need to repeat those instructions again. Now all you have to do is remember your new identities! This is something the top brass has worked so hard to get! Cherish it! What is our battle slogan for this operation?"

“Don’t speak German!!!”

The 20 players shouted slogans in fairly standard Italian.

"Very good! Special forces! Keep the special weapons in the waterproof box safe and prepare for action!"

--

At the same time, off the coast of Taranto, OSS agents Lieutenant Colonel James and Major Jeffrey were driving a small fishing boat, slowly approaching the rendezvous point.

"Hey, Jeffrey, do you think the British method will succeed?" Colonel James grabbed the rudder and asked his deputy who was smoking outside the cockpit.

"I think it's risky, but seeing how they transport boxes of equipment so mysteriously, maybe they can really succeed?"

"Ah, this matter is also related to our American interests in the Pacific battlefield. We must not let the Japanese and Germans reach a deal. At least we have to destroy those equipment. I think the judgment of the top leaders is still correct."

"That sounds nice..." Jeffrey curled his lips and threw the extinguished cigarette butt into the sea.

"You also know how mysterious those evil spirits are described by the British, such as humanoid self-propelled radar, indestructible body, running faster than anyone else, belts pulled high... Hey? Belts? Why am I talking about this?"

"Who knows? We are at the place now, ready to pick you up."

"Oh."

James stopped the fishing boat and came to the deck to observe the movements on the sea with Jeffrey. At this moment, a strange shadow suddenly appeared on the calm sea. It was obviously the periscope of a submarine.

"Hey, Geoffrey, they're coming! Look over there, there's the periscope! Get ready for the rope ladder!"

"Yes!"

Twelve days after OSS picked up the special forces, the two groups successfully met in a small town near Taranto Port with the help of local agents, and figured out the road traffic and military deployment in the city within 12 days. Now they are lurking in Taranto Port and the city with new worker identities provided by the Italian Mafia, waiting for the arrival of the "target".

In the basement of an old bar on the outskirts of Taranto, Lieutenant Colonel Philip, the commander of this SAS operation, and Lieutenant Colonel James of the OSS were discussing the battle plan with other team leaders. There were densely packed marks and dots on the map of the city and the dock. One of the roads was highlighted with a red pen. This was the road that the German transport convoy would take to reach the dock.

Lieutenant Colonel Philip held the table with both hands and gave orders to the team leaders together with James.

"According to the intelligence provided by our superiors, the projections of these evil spirits will follow the transport convoy. Our main combat goal is to destroy the boxes while the convoy is moving! We must act before entering the dock, otherwise it will be too late."

Major James on the side pushed his black-framed glasses and continued to explain Colonel Philip's plan.

"The specific plan is written on this piece of paper. You each have your own responsibilities. Remember it and burn it. If you are captured by the enemy, just give this little thing a light bite and your suffering will end quickly."

Major James took out this simple suicide cyanide capsule from a sealed small box. The capsule emitted a strange light under the light, which made the team members present feel a chill down their spines.

"There is also 600kg of C-type powder explosive, which we call Aunt Jemima. It is a mixed explosive that is detonated with a detonator. It looks like flour. It is non-toxic. Even if it is found, there is no problem. If the inspector still doubts, you can eat it on the spot."

James pointed to a pile of wooden boxes next to him and explained their properties and uses to the special forces members.

"The equipment department equipped us with the matching thermite. When the former is combined with type C explosives, we get this thing. I call it an "explosive blanket". Its specific function is to more efficiently blow up solid armored walls and hatches."

"This is a portable recoilless gun codenamed MK1 by the military. It is still in trial production."

Philip pulled out a long, thin tube from the sealed box at his feet. The tube had a very strange shape, with an inverted cone at the back.

"It can penetrate all tanks within a distance of hundreds of meters, and it can also be replaced with high-explosive bombs to destroy enemy buildings. Due to concerns about technology leakage, it has been converted into a disposable weapon. All of this is confidential and must not be seized by the German army! Do you understand?"

"clear!"

"Minister William also entrusted us to "deliver" this letter to Lu Yanster. Although we don't know what he wants to do, it is an important task that must be completed."

In Philip's opinion, Major General William is omnipotent and has a lot of connections, so he must have his own reasons for doing this.

"Everyone has accepted this mission and signed a will! Regardless of whether we succeed or not, the heroic battle between SAS and OSS will be praised by the world. There are no cowards here! There are only heroes here! Our descendants will be proud of us!"

"Cheers! To victory!"

"For victory!"

Hearty laughter and the clinking of wine glasses echoed in the basement, foreshadowing the battle that was about to begin.

ps: This is a sequel written by Lao Wang next door in the group. It targets the British sneak attack on the ship girls and the Germans' supplies to Japan. The writing is very good and consistent with the plot in the article.

MI6: Plans and Protocols

After William personally handed the compiled report to Churchill, the Prime Minister immediately convened a meeting to seek a response plan. After half a month of wrangling and discussion, the old-fashioned Ministry of Defense finally gave a weapons development plan for the British Army in 1942, which really made William breathe a sigh of relief.

"Sir William, do you think this thing called 'recoilless gun' is really useful? When this plan was proposed, the old guys in the Ministry of Defense were furious. Jet aircraft and engines also became a higher priority in research and development. William, are you sure your information is accurate?" Prime Minister Churchill looked at William Wyatt, who was sitting opposite him, with a suspicious look on his face. The latter was leisurely playing with a wooden jet model in his hand.

"Of course there is no problem, Prime Minister. I have already conducted relevant tests on the 'recoilless gun'. I believe those old guys with heads as hard as stone will be scared to death when they see it. The information about the jet has been confirmed by me personally and can be guaranteed to be correct."

"Currently, domestic companies are very interested in this technology, and the Americans have also expressed their intention to cooperate. Prime Minister, you really should go to the manufacturing workshop to take a look. Those guys are as energetic as if they had been injected with chicken blood!"

The British started working on jet engines quite early. The earliest one was the W39 engine launched by Whittle in September 9, with a thrust of 1 kn. The later model even developed an excellent result of 3.8 kn. However, when Whittle confidently brought out its masterpiece to attract the attention of the military, World War II broke out.

Compared with the Merlin engine of the same era, it was far inferior in performance and reliability. The military was very pessimistic about its prospects. Completely different from the Germans, the British military's short-sightedness was outrageous and almost delayed the development of the British jet.

It was not until the beginning of the 40s that the old company Gloucester helped Whittle. The chief designer WG Cattell was very interested in Whittle's advanced design, so he went all out and directly launched a jet development program, code-named G40, which was successfully tested on May 41, 5.

In order to conduct research on large-scale production of jet aircraft, the military brought together Rover and Whittle, but the two companies had disagreements over some ideas and each worked on their own, which delayed the process for two full years. During this process, the engine development of the two companies was very slow, but it was also progressing steadily.

However, this is a historical issue. There is no conflict between the two companies now. They are even actively seeking cooperation. Seeing this, the military found Rolls-Royce (commonly known as Rolls-Royce). With the cooperation of the three parties, the research and development progressed rapidly. Stanley Hooker, a senior designer of RR, joined Whittle's research and development team and solved the technical problems of the engine. The new engine was codenamed w2A/21 and had a thrust of up to 9.32kn.

Not to be outdone, de Havilland was developing its own jet engine based on the patents it purchased in early 41, and named it the Halford H1, which was the predecessor of the famous "Gremlins" engine in history. However, de Havilland did not develop its own fighter jet as in history (that fighter jet was the Vampire, and de Havilland had its own set of designs, so it was unwilling to install the Gremlins on the Meteor), because the military did not want to give them the fighter jet design contract at all, and the British did not have so many resources to squander.

Gloucester's enthusiasm for jet aircraft was unexpectedly high. With the encouragement of the military, they made rapid progress and had already built a prototype of a twin-engine jet fighter, code-named G41. The relevant tests had been completed and they were just waiting for the engine to be transported to the test site for final assembly.

Historically, the RAF had little interest in jet aircraft. After all, their Spitfire fighters almost dominated the British skies. At that time, they were more concerned about how to expand the Spitfire production line. William's intelligence was like a blow to the head, waking up these conservative guys.

Metropolitan-Vickers has been contracted to design the axial-flow jet engine, and the progress is quite encouraging. Its H1 engine can even reach a thrust of 9.3kN. The military is currently selecting the best engines for experiments. Some experts estimate that initial mass production can be achieved in 43 years.

The reason why these high-spirited gentlemen worked so hard was actually because William lied about the intelligence he provided, artificially "increasing" the thrust of the jets the Germans were developing to 18kN. This little trick was quite effective, and various companies were frantically developing new jet engines as if they had taken stimulants. After all, as pioneers in the fighter field, they could not lose to the Germans no matter how much they lost.

--

Back in the reception room, the two were still discussing. The glass ashtray was already filled with cigarette dust and the reception room was filled with the smell of smoke, so dense that William felt he was almost suffocating.

Whenever there is a meeting, this place always feels like a paradise on earth.

"You have to know, William, our funds are stretched to the limit, and we must use them effectively. I have made appropriate modifications to your suggestions and removed some unrealistic plans. I trust your judgment, so please don't let me down."

In addition to providing intelligence, William's position also served as an "advisor" to the Prime Minister, and sometimes he was directly involved in certain decisions, but this also made him a thorn in the eyes of some people.

"I will definitely live up to your expectations, Prime Minister."

William put down the model and made a new request to the Prime Minister with a serious face.

"In addition, I hope you can send more personnel to MI6. We have too few human resources. If we want to expand our intelligence network in Asia and North Africa, these human resources are indispensable, especially in Asia, which is so important."

"That's no problem. Now I can save my face. I just had a big fight with them two days ago. I don't care about my face anymore. Hahahaha!"

The Prime Minister's laughter was mixed with a little weakness and dryness. The extremely complicated affairs in recent months were tormenting him, both physically and mentally. His originally round figure had become thinner, and he smoked cigars more and more often, which surprised William and everyone else. This was really incredible. Although the Prime Minister was relatively thin when he was young, everyone agreed that if he wanted to lose weight now, the only way was for the sun to rise from the west.

"What do you know about the enemy's deployment in the Indian region? I have already asked Roosevelt. If those guys dare to go to the Atlantic to cause trouble, the Americans will transfer old battleships to help escort them. They should be able to make do with our battleships. There shouldn't be any problem."