Chapter 843: Fighting in the South Atlantic (Part 2)

Spruance had reason to be angry at Wallace's behavior because he missed the opportunity to intercept the German fleet at the first opportunity, allowing Germany to safely reach the Falklands with almost no damage (only losing 1 freighter). Nearly 100,000 tons of urgently needed fuel of various types, an entire wing of aircraft (approximately nearly 300 aircraft of various types), a complete armored grenadier division and an almost complete marine brigade were sent to the island. In addition, it also includes a large amount of ammunition, accessories, equipment and auxiliary personnel. Just 12 twin-mounted electric 128mm anti-aircraft guns needed to build anti-aircraft towers.

What shocked Argentina even more was that two ships were actually loaded with genuine American goods—all Sherman tanks, Dodge trucks, and Long Tom howitzers, even with the manufacturing information and factory information on them. The certificate and US military markings are very complete.

"Is this from the United States?"

"The stuff we got from Newfoundland was given to Churchill by Roosevelt, but we robbed it. The Americans were generous enough."

Only then did the Argentinians remember the thrilling battle in Newfoundland. It seemed that the Germans were indeed not lying - if this all-American freighter hadn't been flying the German navy flag, they would have almost thought it was the Americans.

Admiral Manteuffel, who was guarding the Falklands, had already arranged the use of these Sherman tanks: engineers first disassembled the tank body and turret, and the body was used as a carrier for various construction machinery, and the turret was installed on the permanently prepared It serves as fixed anti-tank firepower on fortifications, and is not wasted at all. Such luxurious usage makes the Argentinians drool. Fortunately, Hoffman was not stingy. When he learned that Perón wanted to form 12 armored brigades (essentially armored grenadier brigades), he sent a large number of various German arms without asking for money from the Argentines. , if you carry some Argentinian specialties (such as beef, wool, agricultural products, mineral raw materials) back to Germany on the return trip, it will be offset.

As a result, it will take time to load and unload the goods in the Falklands, and it will also take time to load the goods in various ports in Argentina. The Falklands Squadron will stay in the South Atlantic for many days.

While others were busy transporting and dispatching materials, Krank himself did not bother to relax and recuperate. He took several staff officers from the Supreme Command, General Manteuffel and the top commander of the Air Force, Major General Worrell. A secret meeting was held.

"Before departure, the head of state conveyed a secret instruction to me." Krank introduced, "There are a large number of German and Italian descendants gathered in the four states in southern Brazil. They have secretly contacted us and expressed an independent request to us through diplomatic channels, hoping to receive assistance. At the same time, some figures in the Brazilian National Defense Force have secretly contacted us to consider the possibility and conditions of changing the door. The head of state is very interested in this and wants to ask what kind of power we need to solve or partially solve the Brazilian problem. ”

Everyone couldn't help but gasp. It wasn't enough for the head of state to turn Argentina upside down, and now he was planning to reach out to Brazil? After thinking about it, I felt relieved. The situation in the four southern states of Brazil is indeed relatively good. The arrival of US ground troops in Brazil has intensified the anti-American sentiment of local residents. It is a pity not to take advantage of this public opinion. Although Argentina has currently formed the La Plata Group (which temporarily includes Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Bolivia, and Peru also has signs of wanting to join), in terms of territory and strength, if Brazil is not removed, more than half of South America's strength will be left outside. .

“What’s the attitude of Argentines?”

"Argentina currently maintains neutrality, but Mr. Peron is obviously not satisfied with this. He plans to wait for the time to come, such as the showdown with the Brazilians after the 12 armored brigades he has been thinking about are formed. Of course, if he wants to move, it will not be The Argentine family and all countries in the La Plata Group will participate. This attitude is undoubtedly very clear." Krank said with a smile, "It is not a political issue, the key is military. Can you make an accurate judgment and estimate after returning to China? I will report to the Supreme Command, and the time will not be urgent. I personally estimate that it will be at least October-November this year, and September at the earliest. We still have more than half a year to prepare. In addition, some people have also suggested that the United States. People may be preparing similar plans to fully arm Brazil and push Argentina into the sea, so Mr. Peron has some worries.”

"This is indeed possible." Manteuffel walked to the map and explained, "At present, Brazil's defense strength after being armed by the United States is about 250,000 people. After the establishment of Argentina's 12 armored brigades, it will also reach about 220,000. There is a general view in South America that when it comes to fighting, with the same number and equipment, the Argentine whites whose main ethnic group is European are undoubtedly stronger than the Brazilians whose main ethnic groups are Indian and Latin. Even if Brazil is in the future Time can continue to expand the army, and considering the variables in the four southern states, it is tentatively considered that Pakistan and Afghanistan are equal in strength.

The Brazilian Navy has been destroyed by our army, and the Argentine Navy is currently the largest navy in South America. It has some advantages in this regard. I think there should be no problem in ensuring that the waterway between the Argentine mainland and the Falklands is open when the war begins.

What needs to be focused on is the strength of the United States in South America. We initially estimate that the United States has six divisions in South America, one in each direction in Colombia, Venezuela, and Guyana, and three in Brazil. There seems to be no armored division, but the degree of mechanization of the US infantry division They are relatively high and their armor strength is not weak. For the time being, these six infantry divisions are treated as our army's armored grenadier divisions. At present, our country has a total of 3 army divisions and 2 marine brigades in Argentina. The total number of troops is roughly 4 divisions, three of which are an armored division, an armored grenadier division, and an infantry division. According to my understanding, no Considering other factors, these 4 divisions are enough to compete with the 6 US military divisions.

To sum up, the two sides are equal in terms of ground power. We have a slight advantage in the navy, but the US has a clear advantage in the air force, and it is an overwhelming advantage. "

Voller introduced this in detail: After receiving new aviation reinforcements, the total number of German aircraft in Argentina is about 500, plus some modern aircraft in the hands of the Argentines, the total number is about 600. The U.S. military has more than 600 aircraft at its three easternmost aviation bases in Brazil alone. Together with the air power in Venezuela, Colombia, Guyana and the rest of Brazil, it is certain that it has more than 1,200 aircraft.

"Another thing that cannot be ignored is that after the Combined Fleet made trouble in Panama, the United States increased its deployment of armed forces in the Caribbean. The region has at least 1,500 aircraft and 4-6 American divisions. This part of the force is relatively easy to deploy after deployment. "South American battlefield." Worrell concluded, "If the head of state wants to start a war in South America, I think he must stock up on 2-3 main divisions, 2 aviation wings and sufficient supplies before the war - at least to be able to support the war. Europe calls for supplies. Only then can we be more confident. If we can do this, and the three-nation axis fleet can suppress the British and American navies, I think our victory rate is as high as 70% or more, not to mention the four in southern Brazil. The state can even transform Brazil.”

"This is an inference based on our army's proactive attack. For pure defense, I think the existing troops are enough. As long as the input of supplies is not interrupted and sea power is not lost, the Americans will not be able to defeat Argentina." Manteuffel smiled slightly. “In order to prepare for a sneak attack by the Americans or a counterattack by other forces in Argentina, I deployed a brigade in Buenos Aires under the pretext of cooperating with the Argentine Defense Forces in training. Unless Mr. Peron and I personally gave the order, no one else could move it. "

Krank nodded, deeply satisfied with Manteuffel's cautious attitude. Several staff members of the Supreme Command also nodded in unison. The situation in South America was more optimistic than they thought. They originally thought that the head of state aimed to subvert Brazil's "Amazon Plan" "It's an unrealistic dream, but it doesn't seem to be true now.

"In this case, after a few days of rest, I will go to Brazil to test the reality. If there is a fleet, then I will stop by..."

Everyone burst into laughter. Breaking friendships was a special skill of Krank and others.

On March 22, the same day that the Red Army Central Asia Army occupied all of Georgia and captured three passes in the Caucasus Mountains, Spruance received information that shocked him: "We were intercepted by the German fleet..."

"Damn, this is a fleet transporting materials and supplies to South Africa." He asked with a livid face, "What's the damage?"

"Two escort aircraft carriers sank, five freighters sank, another seven were intercepted by the Germans, and the remaining six freighters/tankers were forced to return to Brazil." Roddick checked the location, "The approximate location is 1,400 nautical miles southeast of Rio de Janeiro, Germany. Are you going back to Madagascar?”

"We have encountered a cunning and greedy opponent!" Spruance concluded after studying the map. "With so many cargo ships, it is impossible to complete the unloading and return. Judging from the fact that he arrived in the southeastern waters of Brazil so quickly, we It is inferred that the German fleet did not bring any freighters at all! He was just taking advantage of the gap to make a profit."

"Then should we go up to him or should we continue to wait here?"

"This..." Spruance is also in trouble. If he goes up to meet the German fleet, he may miss it. Waiting here will be a big trouble - what if the Germans return home via the Atlantic-Mediterranean route this time?

"Has our army's rest, replenishment and replenishment been completed?"

"All done and ready to go."

"Catch up and block his way back to Argentina. This fleet must at least return to Argentina to meet our own transport fleet. He can't escape!" Spruance ordered fiercely, "Tell the boys, keep your eyes open, no Let go of any suspicious clues. At least we know that the enemy has appeared, but they still know nothing about our fleet."

In the evening, the huge TF44 task force set out from Cape Town to copy the retreat of Krank's fleet.

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