Volume 3 Chapter 12 (1/2)

Volume 3, Chapter 12

“How would that be possible! There are hundreds of thousands of soldiers, how could the British come up with such a crazy plan. There is no way they could secretly withdrawal hundreds of thousands of troops without us knowing.” Jodl shouted.

“Did I say that they were going to sneak away? They can leave right under our gazes. Like what General Rundstedt said, if we stop our armored units and advance with only infantry, then it wouldn't be unlikely for them to sacrifice some peripheral guards and drag the fight on for a month. More than enough time for the entire group to be evacuated by then. By the time our infantry has defeated the defensive units they would be met with an empty beach!”

“My Luftwaffe can stop the enemy’s retreat!”

It seems defeated men do not give up. Not even waiting for Xu Jun's reb.u.t.tal, Hitler had already given a vicious stare to sit back down.

Xu Jun smiled and told Göring.

“I've already told you, Marshal Göring, that your Luftwaffe is unable to deal a fatal blow to the enemy. So, you would rely on preventing their retreat?

But there lies another problem also. We don't even know if the weather situation would be suitable for your planes. Furthermore, even if the weather is good, it would be absolutely impossible for your planes to destroy all of the transport s.h.i.+ps. Keep in mind, the enemy has both a strong navy and air force. They will definitely provide support for the retreat.

You may be able to eliminate a portion of the enemies but much more will escape your grasp. The British will make sure their plan is successful at all costs. As this involves the entire British war effort and perhaps the continued existence of United Kingdom. With such a strong determination, it would be impossible to completely rely on the Luftwaffe to stop the withdrawal of these forces.

If we let these troops escape, then it will leave a hidden danger. Later on, in order to eliminate these escaped troops, we will have to pay an unfathomable price. It will never be as easy as it is now. Germany, with its limited resources, cannot allow such unneeded consumption.

At this time Keitel stated, “General Reinhardt, what you said was simply a.s.sumptions. There is no evidence that the enemy wishes to retreat. Also, the British have inadequate s.h.i.+ps to load all the soldiers. If the enemy really begins to retreat, why can't we just bomb the port?”

Xu Jun smiled and was about to answer when Hitler spoke.

“Reinhardt is right! They will definitely retreat by the sea. I carefully considered the idea. Indeed, if I was the British, I would agree with this crazy idea. It is correct, the British absolutely cannot afford all of their elite troops to be eliminated in one stroke. Reinhardt managed to think of something that we would have missed otherwise. He has truly saved the war effort once again.

If we let these troops run, we cannot guarantee whether they will not return to bite us in the rear. It will become a big obstacle to our next stage of the war. These forces are already familiar with the battlefield and once they return with plenty of supplies, it will be an even more effective force. If we do not act now then it will be the disaster of 1918 again. Even if there are no signs of retreat, we must still be on guard. We must destroy these trapped soldiers as soon as possible!

Also, if you said that the British lack boats… If I was the British, there are plenty of other options. If I really wanted boats then what could stop me?”

Hearing Hitler’s words, Xu Jun could not help but secretly nod. Although, Hitler in the late stages of World War II became quite arrogant. Currently, it was only the Battle of France, he is indeed as cautious and keen to control the aspects of war as recorded. His military literacy is very high, strategic issues can often be solved by him. However, because of the lack of control over the military, during the beginning of World War II, he was still relatively dependent on the opinion of the generals. The input of Rundstedt and Göring regarding Dunkirk lead to the first large strategic mistake of the war.

Time for him to make up for his mistake.

Hitler then turned to face Xu Jun. “My dear Reinhardt, since you have long seen this issue, you must have a solution.”