Chapter 757: Choice (1)

The first time Henry Wallace presided over a meeting on behalf of the president, he was impressed by the power of the leading figures in the army and navy. He initially thought that Nimitz's speech was a reflection of different voices within the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He was familiar with the situation and grasped the dynamics while supporting In order to increase the strength of the army so that the army would be more comprehensive and balanced, he not only adopted Nimitz's suggestions, but also pretended to seek the opinions of Generals Marshall and King, and finally established the relevant personnel changes and adjustments.

When he just ended the meeting, he was a little complacent, thinking that he had quickly grasped the overall situation, and then faced the challenge of Capitol Hill. But when he went out, he was blown by the cold wind, and his dizzy head finally came to his senses - Mom Yes, I was fooled! There are no different opinions within the army and navy. This is clearly a double act arranged by the army and navy in advance. Cunningham's position cannot be moved lightly. If Cunningham is moved, the foundation of the Anglo-American joint navy will be shaken. At the same time, as a person selected by the Navy, how could Nimitz be transferred from the Pacific to the Atlantic to serve as the commander-in-chief if not for Admiral Kim's nod? commander? How is it possible to express opinions unscrupulously without caring about the opinions of top bosses? He recalled the faint, vague smile of Presidential Chief of Staff General Li Hai during the whole process - this was clearly mocking him.

It's a pity that he doesn't have a capable team, let alone trustworthy senior officials in the military, and because of his current embarrassing "acting" position, he can only choose to cooperate with these military leaders.

Two days later, the top brass of the army and navy held a second joint meeting to discuss follow-up strategies. Admiral Kim and Marshall sat together closely and had a serious discussion. It was impossible to tell that the two had had a fight in public not long ago - all of this. It's a performance for his subordinates. If the top bosses don't even dare to defend the vital interests and honor of their own service, how can they expect to be loved by their subordinates? Fighting is the cheapest and most effective way! After all, both of them are good actors. This action deceived many people. Even Barton, who has always been regarded as a reckless man by others, was speechless after hearing this, but he still thought that Boss Marshall was great - he would make trouble even if he didn't understand. Three points!

Now, everyone gathered together to listen quietly to Nimitz's explanation of the overall subsequent strategy. Wallace's feeling was correct. Nimitz's general concept had been initially approved and elaborated. The army and navy only wanted The president is given multiple-choice questions, and the subsequent interpretation and execution power after the election is in the hands of the army and navy.

"As for the next strategy, I agree with the judgment that our current situation is at a disadvantage and we must shift to strategic defense. However, in terms of specific tactical guidelines, I suggest that we do not need to be so conservative and can adopt a more aggressive strategy." Nimitz said to The global map talked about it, "First of all, the situation in the Atlantic Ocean. From the intelligence point of view, although the German army still has 2 aircraft carriers, they are actually injured. They must be repaired after the battle. The Cunningham fleet now has 2 aircraft carriers. The aircraft carriers that are basically intact, plus the Hornet that is still undergoing sea trials, there are three aircraft carriers that are immediately available. The Hornet and Bataan that were injured in this battle are expected to be repaired in 3-5 months, plus 1. With the USS Franklin commissioned in March, we will have a main fleet of six aircraft carriers (four Essex-class, one Unicorn, and one Independence-class) within half a year.”

"I would like to add that the Hancock (Essex-class) is expected to be in service at the end of March next year, and between April and June, the UK's two Vengeful-class armored aircraft carriers will be completed and put into service, so in the next six months we may have The number of aircraft carriers will be 9, including 7 large fleet aircraft carriers.”

"That's even better." Nimitz nodded. "The Germans will probably be able to acquire 2-3 aircraft carriers within half a year. Let's count them as 3 aircraft carriers. The strength balance between the two sides will be 3:2 in the short term and 9:5 in half a year. We still have a great advantage; secondly, in mid-to-late December, the North Atlantic route will enter a period of high winds and rough seas, and weather changes will make it difficult for carrier-based aircraft to take off. This not only shows that it is very difficult for our military to use escort aircraft carriers for escort. It can also be inferred that it is basically impossible for the Germans to rely on aircraft carriers to block routes. The enemy can only use traditional gunboats and submarines to escort. It is much easier to dodge in a harsh environment. My suggestion is that if we still want to maintain our position on the European battlefield, In order to consolidate the Anglo-American alliance, we must strengthen the delivery of supplies to the United Kingdom. This is the only hope to ensure that the British government does not collapse in winter..."

Admiral King and Marshall looked at each other and nodded calmly: Although the two had often argued about Eurocentrism in the past, the current situation did not allow them to abandon the British authority and turn to Germany. British industrial and shipbuilding power will soon become a force that overwhelms the United States. It is more beneficial for Britain to continue to be a friend than an enemy. Apart from anything else, what will happen if these two Vengeance-class ships fall into the hands of the Germans like the French warships? as a result of? No one dares to take this risk.

"The new batch of ships and cargo will be ready to depart around December 15th, with a total tonnage of 1.2 million tons..." Admiral Jin gritted his teeth, "I am prepared to bear one-third of the loss."

"It is recommended to increase to 1.5 million tons and expect losses of half that," Nimitz added.

"good!"

"The loss of the aircraft carrier in this battle is still secondary. The key issue is the excessive loss of carrier-based pilots. Admiral Cunningham reported that the fleet can currently gather up to 92 pilots (groups). General Matthew reported from Newfoundland. There are about 34 pilots (groups), and I brought 60 pilots (groups) from the Pacific Fleet, most of them attack aircraft pilots, so the number of front-line pilots is about 180 groups. Considering the current sea trials and reserve strength, it is expected to be Group 260, I hope to use material transportation to put a little pressure on the British government to transfer 100 pilots from the Royal Air Force - it is recommended that all fighter pilots be transferred to Hainan Airlines, plus there are more than 20 escort aircraft carriers this time. With experienced surviving pilots and pilots who have recovered from injuries in previous battles, it is expected that the LV.5 pilot group will be restored to 600-700 groups within half a year, which can barely cope with the fierce front-line battle."

"I will coordinate this negotiation, but it is best if the supplies can be increased to 1.8 million tons." Faced with Li Hai's suggestion, Admiral Jin agreed again.

"After talking about the Navy, let me talk about the Army's problem. Since it is an internal meeting, I am not talking about the issue. With all due respect, the Army needs to learn from the Marines how to attack difficulties - at least the defenses at the level of Tarawa must be We have full confidence to win it, otherwise the 3-5 times superior force will not help the opponent, which will hurt the morale of the opponent and waste time. If the 3rd and 5th Army Divisions can capture Cape Verde before the arrival of the German fleet, there will be more to come. So many things? This will be a very beautiful victory-defending the east coast, repelling the enemy's invasion of Newfoundland, and occupying Cape Verde, which has important strategic value. Maybe the president will be happy when he hears the news! No need to be hospitalized... I have seen every day's battle briefing, and I think it is a pity that we are only 5 minutes away from the final victory!"

Nimitz's words made Marshall blush, but this time he was not angry, because Nimitz immediately praised the army as soon as the topic changed: "If the army can be as brave as General Matthew's troops, leading the loss of personnel The 101st Airborne Division, which lost one third of its heavy weapons and almost all its heavy weapons, launched a decisive counterattack and inspired the friendly forces that had suffered repeated defeats. The situation was by no means so bad. "

Everyone sighed. The Airborne Division was originally on the list of the second batch of supporting troops, but it was temporarily adjusted to defend Bermuda, so luck is sometimes really unpredictable.

"General Holland of the Navy has rich experience in amphibious landings and fortifications. If the Army is willing, I recommend him to serve as a consultant... He has a complete set of experiences around fortifications and defenses."

"Stop being a consultant." Marshall's attitude was very good now. "He is the commander of the amphibious force. Let's also serve as the commander of the army. Ask him to lead three divisions and also hold the rank of lieutenant general of the army! In extraordinary times, we must There are extraordinary measures.”

After Nimitz's arrival, he blew a new wind into the depressed and silent military world. The top brass of the army and navy were thinking carefully about his famous saying: Confidence is a beacon in the dark, and confidence must not be lost at any time. Everyone knows that Nimitz is of German descent, but no one takes the loyalty decree that is currently in full swing seriously - if officers of Nimitz's level are not reliable, the United States does not need to fight and just surrender.

"Only after we resolve the issue of confidence can we talk about resolving the issues of the Azores, Cape Verde and the Falkland Islands. Before that, I would like to talk about two issues in a presumptuous way: strategic choice and General Turner."

"Just tell me, there is nothing that cannot be said." Admiral Jin said, "Now everyone must unite sincerely and talk about what they have to say. As long as it is for the sake of victory, you can let General Marshall and I retire..."

"It's not that serious." Nimitz said, "Everyone has the same initial idea of ​​​​strategic choice. We must now shift to strategic defense. This adjustment is not only psychological, but also conceptual. The previous battles have been formulated The starting point and logic are very clear. The intention is to weaken and eliminate the axis naval power, and try to regain absolute sea control in the Atlantic through one or two decisive battles. Now we must realize that the above purpose cannot be achieved for the time being, and we must face up to the fact that the axis is currently in the Atlantic Ocean. In view of the fact that the power control is stronger than ours, I do not recommend that the starting point of the counterattack be placed on these core islands. I recommend that we first do our own defense in German West Africa! Newfoundland and Bermuda are the two northern and southern states of the United States. The hub island must be fortified! It is not a fortified island like Pearl Harbor, where there is not enough time. We should follow the enemy's standards for island fortification. "

He took out a few drawings and patiently explained...