Victory or Death: A 1944 Germany AAR

My name is Julius Schaub. For the past 20 years, I have served my dear friend and leader Adolf Hitler in the most noble manner as his adjutant. Unfortunately, the strains of war has taken a toll on him - and everybody else - and some things haven't been going well lately. The Allies have evicted us from North Africa and Sicily, and have been pushing slowly up the boot of Italy. On the Russian Front, things have gone badly with defeat after defeat and retreat after retreat. There are widespread rumors of an Allied invasion of France, but the question is where? I welcome you along with me in my memoirs of these fateful and critical days.

1 June 1944 - Wolfsschanze​

"Ahh, good morning Mein Fuhrer. How was your sleep?" Nowadays, the Fuhrer seemed like a who has been beaten. A shadow of who he once was. "One never sleeps much anymore, my friend. Perhaps today things may start to change for the better." As he finished and moved on into the conference room for the morning briefings, deep down I knew that it was only a matter of time before the inevitable happens - defeat. However, one mustn't dwell on thoughts like that and they must be put out of the mind. Focusing on your task at hand and doing what you can for the Fuhrer and the Fatherland is all you can do.

This morning was a particularly important meeting. I've seen some faces that I haven't seen in a long time. Field Marshal von Manstein? von List? Guderian? Why are they here, they were supposed to have been retired! This is odd, very odd indeed. Some of the other faces include some of the highest leadership of the Whermacht, SS, Kriegsmarine, and Luftwaffe. No wonder why everybody -including myself- and everybody that has set foot in this building has been thoroughly searched and SS and dogs have searched every inch of this building, as well as a whole battalion of SS guards outside the building and watching every move someone makes. Something grand is going on, indeed. Everybody is here Himmler, Goering, Goebbels....

After everybody was in the room, I closed the door which was guarded inside and out by young, no doubt fanatically loyal SS guards. I positioned myself in a corner about 5 meters from the Fuhrer and it was the only place I could be - standing room only - and be at least somewhat comfortable. The meeting commences with the Fuhrer's opening remarks:

"Gentlemen, the most decisive hour is at hand. Henceforth, the decisions and actions here will determine the fate and destiny of the war and our People. After much deliberation, I have come to the conclusion that things shall be different in the way this struggle shall be handled. We have three dangers to our great and glorious nation:

Firstly, the struggle in the East against the wretched Communist filth must be contained. These bloodthirsty barbarians threaten our very existence, and must be stopped. Stalin will not set one foot on German soil!

Secondly, the Americans and British are preparing to mount an invasion, obviously against the Pas-de-Calias area, but we still do not know when. But we will be ready to throw them back into the Channel!

Thirdly, after the Allies are defeated in the West, we must throw them out of Italy and regain possession of the Italian peninsula and Sicily. These are of the utmost importance, gentlemen.

I have summoned you all here today to open a discussion about what your opinions of the best courses of action to take are, and it can be assured that your opinions and thoughts will not go ignored. This is THE decisive point in our nations history. Our destiny MUST and WILL be fulfilled!"

You could almost hear the sighs in the room when it became clear to all that maybe, just maybe, the Fuhrer would be open to discussion about his handling of the war. But one would never dare question him openly.

Many others were surprised to see von Manstein, von List, Halder, von Brauchstich, and Guderian among others...but they were nonetheless greeted warmly by their peers, and more importantly, the Fuhrer. The Fuhrer was pulling out all the stops for what was coming up. As as show of appreciation and motivation, the Fuhrer decided to hand out a few awards and promotions and well. Many, many more promotions.


"Gentlemen, it has been decided to utilize an overall C-in-C for the Eastern Front. Along with comes the direction to execute battles utilizing only your own wisest judgments. Thus, we must find only the most skilled and capable commanders for this operation. The Soviets, by all accounts, are severely overextended and overexposed, and we will do what he absolutely least expects us to do. And that is attack!"

One could hear a pin drop in the room, and the large eyes. But still, not one word was spoken.

"We will attack!" continued the Fuhrer "We will attack all along the front! Field Marshal von Kluge, I have selected you and General von Falkenhorst to lead Armee Norwegen. You will take your men into Finland and link up with the existing forces there, and wait for further instruction.


Field Marshal von Rundstedt, my old friend. You are to be C-in-C East. It can be assured that there will be little interference from me, however you report directly to me. Field Marshal Model, you shall head Heeresgruppe Nord. You are tasked to hold the line from the Baltic coast along Lake Peipus down to Dvinsk. Your ultimate objectives are Kholm, Demjansk, and Leningrad. Reinforcements shall arrive after the Allies invasion is repulsed. I'm going to leave it to you to hand pick your respective commanders. This area is vitally important.

Field Marshal von Manstein, there has never been a time when I needed you more than I do now, which is why you are here. You are to command Heeresgruppe Mitte. General Guderian and Field Marshal Rommel, you are to work in conjunction with Herr von Manstein and execute the plan of attack against this bulge that extends from Minsk down to outside of Lwow. Objective here is Kiev.

Heeresgruppe Sud, your objective is to gather available forces and allies in the Balkans and take Odessa, and support the drive on Kiev from the south. Decision on command we be coming here at tomorrow's meeting. Until then, gentlemen, start drawing up your plans. I'd like to hear some ideas tomorrow. Good day"

Everybody filed out of the conference room and building in an orderly fashion with the Fuhrer's instructions on their minds, with the exception of Jodl, Keitel, myself, Halder, Donitz, Bormann, Goebbels, Himmler, and Goering. The Fuhrer asked us to be seated, while he stood near the only window of the room back to us, hands behind his back, looking out of the window and spoke. "Gentlemen, I must be frank. This war is turning into a disaster, and we must not let the Communists and Capitalists destroy the very foundation of our ideology, our proud people, and proud Reich with it. I'm afraid that if we do not act now aggressively, it's only a matter of time before those Stalinist bastards are pushing their tanks through the Brandenburg Gate. We must be proactive and throw all of our resources into this upcoming struggle, for if we do not act now, we are merely delaying the inevitable. Intelligence warns us of mass Soviet armor formations building in the Pripyat Marsh area and to the south down to Bialystok, no doubt going to attack us when the time is right. We must act preemptively. There is no other recourse. I will look forward to hearing your ideas in tomorrow morning's meeting. Good day"

The Fuhrer not once moved from the window. As everybody was leaving, he said "Herr Himmler, may I see you?" "Of course, Mein Fuhrer." Replied the Reichsfuhrer-SS.

"Herr Himmler, I have a special task for you. It has become glaringly obvious that our intelligence had treasonously failed us. I am placing you in direct overall command of all intelligence. The Abwher is to be dismantled and you are to form a new Intelligence Department. Feel free to deal with our friend Canaris and anybody else who have failed us. Failure can no longer be tolerated, only success and competence. I have complete faith that you can do this." This seemed to be music to Himmler's ears, as the man instantly started glowing. He has hated and suspected Canaris for years, and now -finally- he has the chance to act on his enemy on direct orders from the Fuhrer himself. The Reichsfuhrer clicked his heels, saluted, gave a Heil Hitler, and excused himself from the room, leaving only myself and the Fuhrer. "It's now or never, old friend." The Fuhrer exclaimed. "All of the world and all of history -past, present, and future- has its eyes on us. This is our moment. This is our moment to return to our glory days. There will be no more retreat, no surrender. It's Victory or Death!!"

The Fuhrer then left the building for a few minutes with his beloved dog, Blondi. Once or twice a day, he'd always make time to take her and take a long slow walk around the compound to get away from the war for a few moments and clear his mind. As soon as he went out of view around the bend, myself and a group of personnel, officer, enlisted it didn't matter, instantly lighted cigarettes and took long, slow, relaxing drags. It's well-known that the Fuhrer despises smoking so we sneak one in whenever we can. Cigarettes are a mans best friend when he is under constant stress, as silly as that may sound. Even the SS guards turned a blind eye as even they could understand. After several minutes, the Fuhrer returned around the corner and we got back to business. Right about then, I received a call from the airport. A group of Romanian officers and government officials has arrived, where Himmler personally greeted them and escorted them back to the Fuhrerbunker.

"Ahh, Ion!" the Fuhrer exclaimed upon the arrival of Marshal Ion Antonescu, head of Romanian Armed Forces and Prime Minister. The Fuhrer greeted him warmly and shook his hand vigorously, and led them for a walk. "Come, Julius" the Fuhrer said. "We have much to discuss!"


The Fuhrer went on to tell the Marshal of his wishes. Surprisingly, the Marshal seemed taken aback at first by the Fuhrer's plan. But the more he heard, the more he embraced.

After the long walk and the discussion, it was just after noon, and the Romanian party was back to the airport as quickly as they had come. The Fuhrer spent the rest of the day looking at maps and meeting with government officials. I took the opportunity while things were quiet for a few moments and go to the edge of the compound and have a cigarette. The sun was starting to sink lower in the western horizon, but I was looking east. I wondered if we could.....

That night before retiring for the evening, the Fuhrer spoke to us proclaiming that we will attack and throw back the endless Red hordes permanently.


As I retired myself I couldn't help but think, about what the future holds......

2 June 1944 - Wolfsschanze​

This morning I awoke early for breakfast of sausage, eggs, and real coffee. I wondered if the men at the front ate similar breakfast? After having my morning cigarette, I set off for the Fuhrerbunker to get things ready for the day. Once again, SS guards and guard dogs were scouring the premises for bombs and anything that may be a threat. Everybody entering was ordered to turn over any weapon they were carrying to the SS guards, where they will be tagged and given back upon exit.

After being searched, I sat down on my desk. Almost immediately, the phone rings. Can't I get one moment's rest around here? It was Field Marshal Keitel informing me that the Fuhrer was en route with almost the entire General Staff, in addition with almost every officer with the rank of Colonel-General or Admiral, and above. Something tells me that this is going to be a meeting of the ages. As I hang up the phone, another one rings. Maybe I should just leave mine off the hook? I thought to myself, although of course that was out of the question. It would certainly be nice, however.

The Fuhrer and his staff and generals arrive and go through the tedious search and tagging process. Only the Fuhrer himself is exempt, of course. I doubt he'd assassinate himself! Once again, everybody files into the large conference room with a heavy oak table, gorgeous wood walls with paintings, and the lone window to the near left of the door. The SS guards take up their positions, and everybody sits or stands wherever they can. That buffoon Goering has taken the standing spot I was in previously, and I'm stuck in a corner towards the back. Situated on both sides of me are General Ernst Busch and General Blaskowitz.

At this moment, all chatter has died down and we can all see the Fuhrer looking at all of us. Both of his hands are on the table and he is leaning down and forward looking at us with an excited look - a look I haven't seen in two years since the fall of Sevastopol and Rostov.

"My friends" he began "Today, we prepare for history! All of Germany's eyes will be upon you and your actions upon exiting this room today. My personal conviction and desire lie with each and every one of you. The enemies are all around us, and in great numbers. NOW is the time to strike where and when he least expects us to."

With the Fuhrer looking on, Field Marshal Keitel, Chief of the High Command (OKH), unrolled a map, and placed spectacles on his head. There was a map in here for every theater one could imagine. Acquiring a wooden pointer, he points to Murmansk on the map.

"Field Marshal von Kluge you, along with General von Falkenhorst are to, upon entering Finnish Lapland with all available forces, coordinate with the Finns for the upcoming assault. Your objectives are to quickly seize Murmansk and Kandalaksha, while clearing out the rest of the Kola peninsula. After which, you shall drive south and down along the White Sea coast after which the operation will be re-examined. This operation will be entitled Arctic Lightning."

von Kluge nodded in acknowledgment, and sat down. Next, Keitel looked in the direction of Herr von Rundstedt.

"Field Marshal von Rundstedt, as C-in-C East Front, I'd like to hear your plans of operation for the Eastern Front."

"Thank you Herr Keitel, and Mein Fuhrer. After hours of study and deliberation, we have decided our best course of action. The front line extend from Narva on the Baltic coast, along Lake Peipus and Pskov, down through the outskirts of Kholm to Haradok. After much pressure, Herr von Mannerheim and the Finns, according to Herr Himmler, have agreed to finally go on the attack. They will assault from Karelia into the general direction of Leningrad and the Ladoga-Onega isthmus."

"This should by all accounts take at least some pressure off of our northern wing and, in conjunction with a quick and successful conclusion to Arctic Lightning, should help the northern front immensely."

The Fuhrer looked delighted at the Finns' decision to assist in the assault. He and Himmler looked at each other with smiles, knowing their 'persuasion' was a smashing success. Lord only knows what this 'persuasion' was....

Von Rundstedt continued: "Field Marshal Model has hand picked his army commanders from the top to bottom, and these comprise of some of the best and brightest defensive minds in the Wehrmacht and SS. General Schorner will command 16 Armee; General Student will command 18 Armee; General von Leeb will command Armee-Abteilung 'Narwa'; and General Grasser will command 15 Armee. These four armies comprise Heeresgruppe Nord.

The mission of Heeresgruppe Nord is to hold the line from Karva to Haradok, and then reinforcements arrive within the next month, move over to the attack. We are to at least hold the line to keep pressure off of the main operations of Heeresgruppe Mitte.

If time and the situation permits, we shall try to seize the airfields of Kholm and Demjansk, threaten Volkhov from the south and west, and push back to the outskirts of Leningrad. This operation shall be entitled North Star. Field Marshal von Manstein, please explain your operation."

"Thank you Herr von Rundstedt, Mein Fuhrer." Field Marshal Erich von Manstein looked very healthy and upbeat, obviously overcome with joy at his elevation back to senior command by personal appeals from the Fuhrer himself who, ironically, had him retired just a few short months ago.

Von Manstein continued: "General Guderian will take command of 2 Armee; General Hausser will take command of 9 Armee; General Gyr von Schweppenburg will take command of 4 Armee; and General von Reichenau will take command of III Panzerarmee. These four armies comprise Heeresgruppe Mitte, which has since been split into two army groups."

"The northern group, of course, is Heeresgruppe Mitte which extends from the south of Haradok at Vitebsk, south to the north and west of Homyel, the 90 degrees due west to the east/southeast of Brest-Litovsk. We shall defend the Minsk area while simultaneously seizing Homyel, crossing the Pripyat River, and driving on Kiev in conjunction with Rommel's attacks into the Soviet salient from the west." von Manstein then nodded to von Rundstedt who, in turn, said: "Field Marshal Rommel, the floor is yours".

Throughout the meeting, the Fuhrer had been strangely silent. Usually he'd butt in and always offer his 'advice' on operations. For now however, he has sat down at the table near Keitel and the maps, and listening very intently. He seemed to be very interested, and maybe relieved, that the day-to-day military decisions belonged to the men in the field, who in turn were relieved that they could more or less operate freely with sound judgments.

"Thank you, Herr von Rundstedt, Mein Fuhrer" Rommel nodded. "My army group, NordUkraine, consists of the Hungarian 1 Armee under Hungarian General Bergffy; I Panzerarmee under General von Arnim; and IV Panzerarmee under General von Kleist. Our line stretches from Ratno, southeast of Brest-Litovsk, down in a generally south-southeastern direction through Kostopol, Tarnopol, and Horodenka."

"Our goal is to advance to the manufacturing center of Vinnytsya, then swing north to meet up with von Manstein's troops attacking Kiev from the north, erasing and encircling this giant pocket of Soviet troops. We have decided to name this operation Wolverine, after the fierce rodent that when backed into a corner, lashes out with undeniable and deadly fury."

The Fuhrer seemed absolutely delighted, and there were many smiles among the general staff.

Finally, Field Marshal von Witzleben, commander of Armeegruppe Sudost, stepped up.

"Mein Fuhrer, as you well know, just last week, that terrorist Broz Tito has been captured and executed after a surprise raid. In learning of this, the now headless Yugoslav Partisan Movement laid down their arms against us and have become subservient to us."

"I have already acted on your orders to bring to bear every unit in my disposal now that this disease in our rear has been cured. Starting immediately, all available troops in the Balkans have been ordered to the Russo-Romanian frontier to prepare in the execution of the southern wing of our attack."

"The Bulgarian Army has also fully mobilized after the miserable failure of the Communist-backed coup in Sofia was defeated bloodily. Field Marshal Keitel! Operation Dagger will commence. We are going to slice into the Red lines like a dagger in the soft belly of a boar. We are to seize Odessa, and drive on Uman taking pressure off of Herr Rommel's offensive in the northwest."

"We expect the Soviets to be caught by complete surprise, as the absolute last thing they expect is a German offensive, while they are staging for their offensive, eating caviar, and drinking Vodka. Those blasted Ivans haven't seen the last of German military superiority! Heil Hitler!!!" The rest of personnel in the room repeated with an in unison "Heil Hitler!", to the beaming Hitler.

"Gentlemen, you are dismissed. Set out at once and begin your preparations. I expect a full situation report one week from today. Good day."

As everybody exited the room, the Fuhrer remained, seemingly lost in thought. He turned to me and said: "Now, about the British and Americans....." He got up from his chair, and went and faced the map. Staring at it for what seemed like an eternity....

Thank you for the compliments, everybody!

Magyarvagyok said:

Could you include maps of the situaltions as well?

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Of course, I'm getting to that. Keep in mind that the scenario begins on 20 June.

Right now I'm focusing on building up the story line to be as realistic as possible, and so that you all can envision this in your minds yourselves. This is a lot of fun to write, and any and all feedback is welcome. I'm sort of new to all this so bear with me!!

3 June 1944 - Wolfsschanze​

"Herr Schaub, wake up! Wake up!" I look at my watch, and it says 0327. This better be good. It's my aide, a young Lt. named Hans Karl. "What is it, Hans?" I ask. "Please read this, it's of the most importance." The message was in a sealed envelope. Pretty much any message going to the highest government officials must go through me first, then Bormann, who then takes it from there.

PLEASE INFORM THE REICHSFUHRER-SS HIMMLER THAT WE HAVE OBTAINED WHAT WE BELIEVE TO BE THE INVASION PLANS OF THE JOINT US-BRITISH INVASION OF FRANCE. CODENAMED 'OVERLORD'. SET TO COMMENCE 5 JUNE IN NORMANDY REGION OF FRENCH COAST. WE COULD NOT RISK RADIOING THIS INFORMATION, SO IT'S BEING DELIVERED VIA CABLE. WE WILL BE AWAITING FURTHER INSTRUCTION. RAVEN

"Come, Hans. Let us pay Herr Bormann a visit." It's a warm summer night, so I have no qualms about wearing a robe at this time of night. With the amount of government officials and senior ranking officers here lately, security is maddeningly tight. It seems outside every door is a pair of SS guards. Where do they all come from? I thought to myself.

As we approach Bormann's quarters, we are halted by the guards who ask us our business and tell us Bormann must not be disturbed. "Soldier" I proclaim "This is a matter of urgent national security. I must speak with Herr Bormann immediately." "Very well" says the soldier. "You must be searched, however." This is getting ridiculous. In my pajamas and bathrobe, how embarrassing.

"Herr Bormann, you must wake up. I have an urgent message for you to see."

Without saying a word, Bormann took the letter from me and his eyes were staring in disbelief. Is it true? "We must address this as soon as practical. Be at the conference building at 0630. Go back and try to get some sleep."

As myself and Hans walked back to my hut, I told him to go to bed and to sleep as long as he likes. He's been up all night, and works very hard. He deserves some time off, even if it's only for a few hours.

I couldn't sleep, so I had a few cigarettes and went and got breakfast. I could feel it in my bones that it would be a long day. I arrived at the conference hall around 620 to find Himmler, Bormann, Goebbels, Jodl, and a few others there, including Untersturmführer Karl. As I walked in the door, Himmler said to me "Ahh, good morning, Obergruppenführer!" I was taken aback as I surely didn't expect to be promoted on the spot by the Reichsfuhrer himself! "Where did you get this?" He asked.

"My aide Untersturmführer Karl showed me this early this morning" "And where did you get this, Lieutenant?" asked Himmler. "I was working late at my desk, sir, and this came across the wires. Where or from whom exactly, I have no idea." Himmler smiled. "Congratulations, Hauptsturmführer. The SS is in need of young, bright persons such as yourself. I'm making you the chief of intelligence of the Fuhrer's personal staff. Ahh, I know this 'Raven'. He was specifically chosen by me for this mission, and he has come through brilliantly, for his distinct mastery of both German and British English. The Fuhrer should be arriving at any moment."

By now, the sun was low in the eastern sky and was slowly starting to climb its way up. I looked around the camp and saw black SS soldiers everywhere, and people walking around talking. I wonder if they know a war is going on? I stretched my arms, and went around the back to have a cigarette. I finished just in time to see the Fuhrer coming towards the building. "Good morning, Julius!" the Fuhrer said. It's been a long while since he has seemed this upbeat. He just has not been the same since Stalingrad.

"Mein Fuhrer, I have excellent news" said Himmler as they walked into the conference room. "One of my agents has penetrated Eisenhower's headquarters and risked life and limb to get us this message." The Fuhrer placed his glasses on and read the message. Strangely, he seemed no to believe the message and the smile disappeared from the face of Himmler. "It's obviously a trick, a ruse" Hitler said to Himmler. "It's not practical to land at Normandy, everybody knows that. The invasion is going to come at Calais and that's where we will greet them and throw them back into the sea!"

"But Mein Fuhrer", said Himmler, "this came directly from Eisenhower's headquarters! For some time, the enemy has been spreading the information that this General Patton will be heading a First United States Army Group and will invade at Calais. That, Mein Fuhrer, is the trick! There is no such thing. Patton exists, but we don't expect him to be a part of the invasion right yet, as he has been recently reprimanded for slapping one of his own soldiers. We shall never expect the enemy to attack the most obvious place."

Right about then, the General Staff started showing up and were ushered into the room after the customary (and annoying) searches. Once everybody was present, (except for the Eastern Front generals and their staffs, which left quite a bit more room in here), the Fuhrer proclaimed: "Gentlemen, it has been brought to our attention that there may be a full scale invasion in two days time of the Normandy region of the French coast, from Cherbourg to Le Havre."

"What is your opinion of this? Do you not agree that the main invasion will come at Calais? Field Marshals Heissmeyer and Lichel, what did Rommel and von Rundstedt tell you when you relieved them of their commands? What did they tell you?"

"Mein Fuhrer, said Lichel, "Herr Rommel was supremely confident that the Allies were going to land at Normandy, and thus secretly prepared as such. However, all of the panzers are well inland and concealed from naval bombardment and surface attack. Our goal was to allow static lines of defense and then launch a full scale assault onto the beached and throw them back into the sea."

"Field Marshal Lichel is correct, Mein Fuhrer." Field Marshal Heissmeyer replied. Heissmeyer is in command of OB West, the entire French and Italian theater. "Within OB west is Heeresgruppe B in Normandy under Lichel which consists of the 7 Armee under General Strauss, 15 Armee under General Grasser, and Panzergruppe West under General Adam. Currently 15 Armee is covering Calais, with the other two in Normandy. Field Marshal Blaskowitz controls Heeresgruppe G in southern France and the Italian Front."

The Fuhrer sat back in his chair and stroked his chin for a moment, holding his glasses in his other hand. "What do you recommend we do, Field Marshal?" The Fuhrer asked while looking at Heissmeyer. "Just as General Lichel said, Mein Fuhrer. The Allies have unfortunately dominant airpower and will tear our panzers and men to pieces at every opportunity. We must attack at the right time, and that is in force when the Allies land and push their way inland."

"We are hoping we can trap and subsequently destroy the Anglo-American force in large numbers. The Americans have limitless men and materials, so would no doubt try and launch subsequent invasions should this one fail. We must be prepared. All of us agree that the invasion will come at Normandy." "Very well" said the Fuhrer "Do as you see fit. We must destroy the Anglo-Americans! However, I'd like you to detach Heeresgruppe G in the south of France and redeploy to Italy. Please quickly go to Normandy and organize your troops. Also, send for Field Marshal Blaskowitz. I need him here as soon as physically possible. Good day, gentlemen! Go! The glory of Germany and the Thousand Year Reich is with you!"

All that was left in the room was myself, Bormann, Goering, Himmler, Goebbels, Keitel, and Jodl. "My friends" said the Fuhrer "I am counting on you to get the most out of the war effort. We must place those in positions where we can utilize their unique skills for the mutual benefit of the war effort and our People. Let me hear your opinions."

After a few hours of debate, this is what has been decided:


Hitler spoke of the reorganization:

"-von Ribbentrop is not only very loyal to the party, but has also done a masterful job in keeping our allies with us and into the war effort.

-Albert Speer has been reassigned by me personally due to his architectural genius. He is to head the Reich rebuilding efforts. He recommended Georg Thomas, a well renowned and brilliant scientist who will take over our secret weapons programmes and bring them to the field as soon as possible.

-Due to Herr Himmler's combining the security and intelligence departments and becoming new Interior Minister, he has chosen to subordinate the former departments among Roland Freisler, who heads Gestapo an specializes in catching and turning enemy spies, as well as general crime and partisans; and Ersnt Kaltenbrunner who specializes in field intelligence.

-Congratulations Herr Field Marshal Jodl on your becoming the new Chief of the General Staff. You are to work in conjunction with Field Marshal Keitel, Chief of High Command, on field matters and report to me. The troops appreciate your motivational and organizational skills.

-There is no better genius at supply and transportation that Field Marshal von Blomberg. Please send for him and bring him to me while notifying him of his promotion.

-Ahh, Donitz. Words cannot express how proud I am to have him as my Navy Chief. He has a noose around the Anglo-American necks that grows tighter by the day.

-Reichsmarschall Goering has recommended Field Marshal Robert Ritter von Greim as C-in-C of the Luftwaffe due to his expertise in fighter aircraft. Herr Reichsmarschall, you are now the Occupation Minister responsible for the exploitation of all occupied territories."

One could see the glowing smile on Goering's face, as everbody knows he's a looter and 'collects' treasures for himself. This should keep that fat buffoon busy and out of the way.

"Good day, gentlemen. Our glorious nation smiles on you all!"

I wonder what's for dinner......

Kurt_Steiner said:

Dunno if von Blomberg will be willing to leave Capri to return to Berlin...

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Whether or not he was willing wasn't the question. Stay tuned.

Herr Himmler brought forth the most excellent idea to the Fuhrer. Since Werner von Blomberg has been exiled and seemingly forgotten to the island of Capri off of Allied Italy, there is little doubt that he would not want to come back, especially with the loss of his son in Baghdad the previous year.

However, the offering of a Cabinet position and as head of the grandest army the world has ever seen would be very hard to pass up - but the question was would von Blomberg come willingly? We are in dire need of his skills. How do we get him?

3 June 1944 - Elba Island, Italian Social Republic​

"Ahh, Napoleon Bonaparte once was exiled here. What an honor to be sharing the same ground. Never thought I'd say that about a Frenchman! Oh how I love France, the wine, the women...but their men are cowards and military is laughable and always have been. At least Bonaparte captured Moscow..." said Sturmbannführer Otto Skorzeny to himself as he looked west towards Corsica and the setting sun.

Last year, Otto Skorzeny stunned the world when he and his hand-picked group of Fallschirmjager and commandos landed on top of the Gran Sasso mountain range, where Benito Mussolini was imprisoned and freed him. He has quickly become one the most recognizable - and feared - men in all of Germany. Winston Churchill has dubbed him 'the most dangerous man in Europe', and for good reason. One look at the dueling scar across his left cheek says it all. The man is daring, fearless. Ruthless.


Herr Himmler and the Fuhrer spoke about this awhile back, but Hitler didn't seem to receptive of the idea after the embarrassing - and very public - 'Fritsch-Blomberg Affair' which resulted in the forced exile of Werner von Blomberg. However, even before the Fuhrer came around on von Blomberg, the Reichsfuhrer-SS was one step ahead.

One week ago, Skorzeny was ordered to Elba with his men for yet another daring mission behind enemy lines - the retrieval of Werner von Blomberg from Capri. Capri is in the waters of Allied-occupied Italy, aka 'Republic of Italy'. Himmler is not concerned about how von Blomberg gets to Rastenburg, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, just as long as he gets there.

The mission is simple, but very dangerous. Utilizing two Italian (former Yugoslavian E-boats built by Germany for the now defunct Yugoslav Navy) E-boats flying ROI colors, Skorzeny and his men will depart Elba, take on fuel on the islands of Monte Argentario and Ponza en route to Capri, where they will pick up von Blomberg and his wife.

As the sun dipped below the western Mediterranean horizon for its nightly slumber, a pair of engines roared to life and Skorzeny and his men boarded their boats for their most dangerous mission yet, the retrieval of Field Marshal Werner von Blomberg.

Kurt_Steiner said:

It's time for the traditional

SKORZENY!!!!!!

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When in doubt, let Skorzeny handle it!

Hey guys, I've decided to cut to the chase here. I don't really have time to let the story develop as I have hoped, so we're going to get right into the action! Stay tuned...I'm working on this as we speak!