Chapter 46: Harbingers of the Storm (4)
Translated by Vine | Proofread by Lust
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< German Civil War – Harbingers of the Storm (4) >
September 11, 1939
Central Germany, 9th Military District, Kassel, Frankfurt – A Residence in the City
Colonel Henning von Tresckow stood by the window, chain-smoking and gazing at the cityscape of Frankfurt as dusk settled.
Many people told him to cut down on smoking, but he couldn’t bring himself to do it in this wretched world.
The residence was filled with Junkers sporting the “von” in their names, along with monarchists led by Dr. Goerdeler.
“Is it true that His Highness met secretly with Major Schacht?”
“It is. The report came from the guards assigned to protect His Highness from potential Nazi terrorist attacks. They said he went alone, discreetly dressed in civilian clothes, without our knowledge.”
The monarchist Junkers looked quite uncomfortable at Dr. Goerdeler’s words.
“How could His Highness do this, ignoring us, who are devoted to the Imperial Family?”
“While his lukewarm response to our proposal to bring back His Majesty the Kaiser was understandable given the circumstances, this is too much.”
Although their primary concern was the restoration of the social hierarchy and aristocratic privileges, they also desired the restoration of the monarchy. The Crown Prince’s actions had greatly displeased them.
“The situation is precarious. Their ragtag ‘Free Corps’ or whatever they call it is almost equal in size to our army!”
While the New Government’s army had been smaller from the beginning and the comparison in quality was incomparable, the numbers on paper were becoming similar, and the monarchists’ anxiety was growing.
When Admiral Canaris, head of the Abwehr, first took Captain Dietrich Schacht under his wing, they had considered it merely support for an operative.
They thought he was just a captain, and as the son of the business tycoon Hjalmar Schacht, they had tolerated him as a necessary evil.
Even when he requested broadcasting authority from Ludwig Beck, they hadn’t been concerned, acknowledging his connections with the media. However, the impact of the broadcasts was far greater than they had anticipated.
The German people were enthusiastic about the anti-Nazi and pro-freedom messages, and the influx of volunteers and donations was strengthening the republicans’ position.
The monarchists had wanted to pressure him and the journalists to tailor the broadcasts to their liking, but the arrogant major, under Beck’s tacit approval and Canaris’s protection, ignored them.
“That mere major, who only talks on the radio, is becoming more famous than us! Do those ignorant masses not know who is at the heart of the New Government?”
This was the monarchists’ biggest grievance. The broadcasters, who appeared almost all day, had gained considerable public recognition.
Among them, Major Dietrich Schacht, who oversaw the broadcasts as the New Government’s spokesperson and frequently delivered public addresses, had become more famous than higher-ranking officers, even generals.
“How is he any different from Hitler! He’s riding on the popularity of the lower classes to revive a government of commoners!”
The monarchists, who had tolerated Schacht and the republicans’ contributions to the New Government’s growth, finally erupted when the Crown Prince secretly met with him.
“In this case, we have no choice. We must act before their influence grows any further.”
The Junkers nodded at Dr. Goerdeler’s words. While they had underestimated him as a mere captain, his influence had grown excessively.
All eyes turned to Field Marshal August von Mackensen, the most prestigious among the assembled Junkers, despite being retired. He wore a splendid Hussar uniform and hat.
When Ludwig Beck became Imperial Regent and began distancing himself from the hardline monarchists, Dr. Goerdeler recruited the retired Mackensen as a central figure.
“That impudent youngster is trying to push us, who have served the Empire our entire lives, into the sidelines as old fogies. What do you intend to do?”
Dr. Goerdeler replied to Mackensen’s question with a confident expression.
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“They are a group with disparate interests and ideologies. Once we eliminate Major Schacht, their central figure, and seize control of the broadcasting station, they will easily crumble. Then, we can conduct more ‘appropriate’ broadcasts, bring back the Kaiser, and under his strong leadership, guide the people and crush the Nazis.”
Mackensen stroked his magnificent beard and asked again.
“Will Beck agree? We’ll need the Regent’s consent to bring back the Kaiser.”
“He is already half under the sway of that young man and lacks decisiveness. Once we seize control of the New Government, he will have no choice but to follow.”
Just as Mackensen was about to nod at Dr. Goerdeler’s confident tone, a voice interjected.
“I object.”
Dr. Goerdeler frowned.
“General von Witzleben!”
General of the Infantry Erwin von Witzleben, who had been close to the operatives of Operation Valkyrie, continued despite Dr. Goerdeler’s interruption.
“He has, after all, made significant contributions to the formation of the New Government. He is exceptionally capable for his age and has demonstrated the power to sway public opinion. He hasn’t displayed any undue ambition or demanded a high-ranking position, has he?”
“Who knows what kind of conversation he might have had with the Crown Prince behind our backs!”
Witzleben frowned slightly at the other general’s retort.
“Regardless, he is a member of the military. I cannot agree with the idea of eliminating a promising young officer, rather than trying to persuade him. His father is the indispensable Finance Minister, and he himself has become a public figure. Wouldn’t a rash move likely backfire?”
“I agree with General von Witzleben. We have the support of the people as the New Government that rose against the Nazis. To suppress a mere major with force? It would be unsightly. If we act recklessly and lose public support, it won’t be the Nazis who crumble, but us.”
With Colonel General Kurt von Hammerstein-Equord, who oversaw the front-line troops along with Witzleben, also speaking up, Dr. Goerdeler backed down.
“Then, Colonel Tresckow.”
Tresckow, who had been smoking by the window as if the discussion didn’t concern him, stubbed out his cigarette and came to the table when Dr. Goerdeler called his name.
“Yes, Doctor.”
“You are acquainted with him. Can you persuade him?”
Tresckow instinctively reached for a cigarette, then frowned and spoke.
“As far as I can see, he doesn’t have much ambition for power. He may have different ideals, but his goal of liberating Germany from the Nazis and strengthening the New Government is the same as ours. Is it really necessary to…”
“Enough!”
Tresckow closed his mouth at Dr. Goerdeler’s outburst. As Witzleben shook his head and the atmosphere soured, Mackensen began to laugh heartily.
“Haha, hahaha. He must be something special to cause such a stir. I have an idea. He was in the General Staff course, wasn’t he? Promote him to lieutenant colonel and tell him to complete his training at the War Academy. If he truly lacks excessive ambition and has no intention of opposing us, wouldn’t he accept?”
“Oh, what brilliant insight, Field Marshal!”
The cunning Field Marshal’s proposal drew admiration from the Junkers.
“If he refuses, it would mean he has ulterior motives. In that case, honorably discharge him with the rank of lieutenant colonel as a token of gratitude for his past efforts, and then detain him. His father is certainly a valuable asset, and there might be backlash, so consider it an insurance policy. How does that sound?”
Witzleben and Hammerstein wore subtle expressions, but they couldn’t push the matter further, as they had to return to the front lines.
“So, what do you say, Colonel Tresckow? Considering your acquaintance with him, you should be able to persuade him with such a generous offer, wouldn’t you?”
Tresckow desperately wanted a cigarette.
“Excellent, this is excellent! Then let’s formulate a concrete plan immediately.”
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Regardless of what he thought, Dr. Goerdeler and the Junkers, excited, began devising their plan.
–
September 13, 1939
Western Germany, 11th Military District, Hanover, SS Training Facility, Wewelsburg Castle
The gunfire and explosions had ceased, but the ugly scars of bombardment on Wewelsburg Castle testified to the fierce battle.
With Panzer General Lutz’s advance toward Berlin halted, the offensive had stopped, but Colonel General Wilhelm Ritter von Leeb, commander of the New Government forces, had completely surrounded the training facility, slowly starving them out.
“Oh, ohhh…!”
Seeing a transport plane overhead and boxes with parachutes descending, the SS troopers rushed to open them.
However, contrary to their expectations, the boxes were filled with Iron Cross medals.
“What the f*ck! Why are they sending us this sh*t!”
The Iron Cross medals, sent from high command to commend the SS troopers’ valiant struggle for the Fatherland and the Führer, were tossed aside as worthless pieces of scrap metal.
Then, a box landed near the enemy lines, and the enemy soldiers inside deliberately took out combat rations and waved them in their direction.
“Those damn bastards!”
The SS troopers were furious. The food supplies at the isolated Wewelsburg SS training facility, consisting of nothing but the castle and training grounds, had long since run out.
SS-Gruppenführer Paul Hausser was desperately trying to reach Himmler.
“When are the reinforcements arriving? We’re receiving less than half of the supplies the Reichsmarschall promised! And half of what we get is useless!”
[The Wehrmacht bastards are using public opinion as an excuse to stay put, so we have no choice! The Reichsmarschall says the supplies are getting through just fine. We’ll find another way soon, so just hold on a little longer!]
“Fine? What’s fine about this! If you don’t believe me, tell the Reichsmarschall to come here himself and spend just one day! And please stop sending those damn Iron Cross medals!”
[But, General Hausser, that’s nonsen-]
Hausser slammed the receiver down, ignoring whatever Himmler was babbling about.
“Um, General. Your meal.”
Hausser laughed mirthlessly at the watery canned soup offered by his adjutant, who looked apologetic.
If his own meal was this pathetic, the other troopers’ must be even worse.
“You eat it. You look like you haven’t had a proper meal in ages.”
“No, General. I couldn’t possibly…”
“Eat it. I’ve lost my appetite.”
Hausser’s adjutant opened his mouth to speak, but a growl from his stomach made him excuse himself with an embarrassed look.
In the eyes of the enemy, he and his men were probably seen as evil Nazi henchmen trying to ruin Germany.
“I’m an old man, so I can endure this, but it’s hard on the young ones, suffering because of what the old men started.”
Hausser stood up wearily and went outside.
“Heil Hitler!”
“Heil Hitler, General!”
There was a time when he too had believed this was the right path for Germany and proudly shouted “Heil Hitler.” Now? What were these men thinking as they shouted those words?
As Hausser walked along the defense line, acknowledging his men’s salutes, the radio began its broadcast, as if on cue.
[Proud citizens of Germany, do not be swayed by the propaganda and fabrications of those traitors who call themselves the ‘New Government’! The vile betrayers of Germany, bought by the Jews and Bolsheviks, are no longer Germans!]
There was a time when the troopers here had eagerly awaited Dr. Goebbels’s speeches, delivered in his characteristic strident voice.
As if in response, the radio in the opposing camp began to crackle, preparing for its own broadcast.
[True Aryans, true Germans, arise! Remember the great achievements of our Führer! Remember the Greater Germany he built! Austria! Sudetenland! Bohemia! Which other German could have achieved such feats!]
A young man’s voice came from the resistance radio, as if challenging Goebbels.
[Greetings, citizens. I hope you are well, but I know that’s not the case. The Nazi Party still claims that their regime is the master of Germany.]
In contrast to the shrill, ear-piercing incitement, the New Government’s broadcast began calmly.
[But! Our great Führer! The great leader sent by God to make Germany great again has been attacked by this vile and wicked group! As true Aryans, as those loyal to our one and only Führer and his Fatherland, as proud Germans… Take up arms!]
The voices echoing from the radios on both sides of the front lines created the illusion of a debate between the Nazi Paul Joseph Goebbels and the New Government’s Dietrich Schacht.
[However! What nation can deny its own people? There is only one reason why they claim that our New Government, and the citizens who support it, are not German! It is because we refuse to obey them!]
Under the same sky, the same people, facing each other, were listening to both broadcasts.
[Fight bravely against this corrupt and depraved group that rejects German identity! The Germany of the great Aryans, the true Germans, will not yield to a mere band of traitors! Now, rise and unleash the storm! Sieg Heil!]
[We have already tasted freedom, and we will no longer be subjugated to them! They have always cried out for enemies to hate, but who is now inciting you to kill your fellow countrymen? How long will you sacrifice your lives for the glory they speak of? The German people are not their weapons, not their expendable resources!]
Paul Hausser watched his hungry troopers, who remained unmoved even by Goebbels’s captivating speech, as he smoked his cigarette.
[Let us wash away these stains on Germany! The great Germany will reign supreme over the world!]
[You are Germany! Fight for your own freedom, not for the greatness they proclaim!]
As the broadcast ended, Hausser saw placards raised from the enemy lines: “We are your countrymen,” “Don’t die for a dictator,” “We have plenty of food to share.” He sighed deeply, stubbed out his cigarette, and turned away.
< German Civil War - Harbingers of the Storm (4) > End
ⓒ Carcassonne
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