Chapter 72
Chapter 72
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 72
Chapter Title: What Are We Fighting For? (2)
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December 20, 1939
Berlin, Northern Germany, Government Chancellery
Germany was thrown into an uproar when, just as the general mobilization order was declared, Poland launched a surprise attack at dawn.
Damn it. We had just issued the mobilization order, and now a surprise invasion? And we’re the ones getting ambushed by Poland, getting smashed from the very start?
We could field over a hundred divisions if we mobilized all our reserves. But that’s only possible once mobilization is complete.
Even if we hastily finished reorganizing and sent them to the front lines immediately, we had fewer than twenty divisions ready to fight on the mainland.
And half of those were trapped and under attack in East Prussia.
As their invasion was in full swing, Poland brazenly sent their reply, finally rejecting our non-aggression pact proposal, along with a declaration of war stating their intent to reclaim their ancient lands.
“What are Britain and France saying?”
In response to my father’s weary question, Foreign Minister Weizsäcker answered with a grimace.
“France and Britain have issued statements of condemnation, but that’s all.”
It wouldn’t be surprising if France was secretly pleased, just putting on a show of criticism.
“Britain bought up the German companies that were confiscated. Is that it?”
“MP Churchill and members of the Anglo-German Cooperation are denouncing the government, but Prime Minister Halifax announced that while Poland’s provocation of war is regrettable, they are not considering any separate response at this time.”
Sighs filled the conference room. Had that damned Halifax still not kicked the habit he developed during the Munich Agreement?
“We just issued the general mobilization order…”
“A surprise attack! Such a cowardly act!”
“It seems we grew too complacent after winning the civil war…”
It was so absurd I could only let out a hollow laugh. To think of all the blood that was shed to get this far.
Is this some kind of historical inevitability? Did God decree that Germany in this era must collapse at least once, no matter what?
To be subjected to the very same tactics Nazi Germany used in the original history, but by Poland? It was so ridiculous I was at a loss for words.
“First, the Foreign Ministry must do whatever it takes to secure Britain’s support.”
“…I will do my best.”
Foreign Minister Weizsäcker agreed to my father’s request, but he didn’t seem very hopeful himself.
Perhaps the problem was that we ended the civil war too easily. France was already a semi-hostile nation, so that was to be expected, but…
From Britain’s perspective, wanting to maintain a balance of power in Europe, they might be hoping to see our national strength, which had ended the civil war far faster than expected and was pushing down into Italy with unstoppable momentum, curbed a bit.
“…A heavy burden has fallen on the shoulders of the Defense Minister and the military.”
The Minister of Defense, Field Marshal Ludwig Beck, let out a small sigh.
“The damage from the surprise attack is by no means small, but I will do my utmost.”
After all the trouble of ousting Hitler, now we had Poland, and probably Hungary, on top of Italy.
Even if I was naive to expect that World War II wouldn’t happen just by getting rid of the Nazis.
Was the problem the anticlimactic collapse of the Nazi Wehrmacht during the civil war, or was history simply destined to happen regardless?
If the god who dropped me here is watching, I’d like to ask.
What in the world are they—are we—fighting for?
-
December 20, 1939
Berlin, Northern Germany, Reichswehr Headquarters
“General Manstein. Do you have a plan?”
Ludwig Beck and I sighed as we watched the great Manstein remain silent, his eyes fixed on the operational map.
The only consolation was…
“I’ve ordered the navy to neutralize the Polish navy and secure command of the sea.”
Admiral Erich Raeder reported, looking pleased for the first time in a while. Our navy might be weak among the great powers, but we still possessed old battleships, pocket battleships, and the only truly proper battleships, the Scharnhorst and Gneisenau.
They could easily suppress the Polish navy, which lacked even old battleships, and could provide coastal bombardment support if needed.
With no practical way to help the 3rd Army in East Prussia at the moment, even that was a relief.
After a long silence, Manstein finally spoke.
“We have no choice but to pull troops from the Italian front. At least twenty divisions, preferably twenty-five or more…”
“So it’s come to that…”
We desperately needed troops to buy time until the reservists were mobilized.
But the Italian army, in terms of divisions and manpower, was currently equal to or greater than the Polish army. As weak as the Italians were, pulling troops from that front would undoubtedly mean getting pushed back.
We had made it all the way to Veneto. I knew how much blood was shed to secure a distance that was only a few centimeters on the map.
But we couldn’t let our homeland be trampled. It was a total mess.
“The Veneto region is not suitable for defense. We will have to fall back to South Tyrol, or even Tyrol, and wage a defensive battle.”
Hearing Manstein’s words, a hundred thoughts raced through my mind. I could almost understand why Hitler and Stalin were so adamant about not retreating.
Not that they cared about the blood of their dead soldiers.
Within that small map, the real world was surely littered with the bodies of Germans and Italians. And there would undoubtedly be civilian casualties that couldn’t be justified with excuses like ‘they invaded us, so we’re returning the favor.’
I had requested that the military avoid civilian casualties as much as possible, but it was just a request. How well was it being observed on the front lines? Did they even intend to observe it?
“I agree.”
As I was lost in thought, Minister of Defense Ludwig Beck voiced his agreement. Well, no one could argue with this. Hitler would have worried about his authority as a dictator being shaken at a time like this, but…
“…The Minister and I will take responsibility and persuade the cabinet.”
This wasn’t a war to consolidate power. We were a wartime national unity government; we needed to focus on minimizing damage rather than assigning blame.
“Thank you, Minister, Vice-Chancellor! You are truly far more magnanimous than that Hitler fellow!”
Manstein, his expression visibly relieved, immediately began his flattery, making Beck and me grimace.
Ah, I’ll never get used to this.
As I thought this, Ludwig Beck spoke up.
“Though this is a crisis, in a way, it could be a good thing. We now have the justification to reclaim the long-desired Danzig Corridor and teach those damn Polacks a lesson.”
“Indeed, Minister! Opportunity arises from crisis, does it not!”
A chilling feeling washed over me.
Beyond being bothered by the soldiers’ remarks, which showed no regard for the blood that would be shed in war, hadn’t I, too, been thinking the same thing subconsciously?
That I wanted to take Danzig if the opportunity arose. If, just if, Poland hadn't invaded us.
Would I, would we, truly have refrained from invading Poland after the war with Italy was over?
I clenched my teeth. This was no time to dwell on such things.
“Who do you have in mind for the appointment?”
In this situation, the general left in charge of the Italian front would essentially be a sacrificial pawn.
It would be a success just to avoid losing ground, let alone achieve any military glory. Who would want such a post?
Manstein cleared his throat.
“That is something I’ll have to discuss with the Southern Army Group Command.”
“…What about Lieutenant General Model as the Chief of Staff for the Italian front?”
Manstein’s eyebrows rose slightly at my words.
General Walter Model had been arrested when the Nazi Wehrmacht’s Southern Army Group was dismantled, but thanks to the defense of General von Witzleben and his subordinates, he was immediately released and his rank restored.
“Ahem, I am well aware that you are acquainted with him, Vice-Chancellor. However, is he not a man who has retired from service?”
The problem was that General Model himself had requested retirement after his release…
“That’s true, but I believe he is the most suitable person for such a role. I’ll persuade him.”
“Hmm, that Model fellow is certainly capable. Since it’s a post few would want anyway, if he’s willing…”
With Beck chiming in, Manstein broke into a broad smile and spoke.
“In that case, I am all for it! Haha, so the Vice-Chancellor has a soft spot for personal relationships as well. That heart, not wishing for his former mentor to languish in obscurity! That very spirit, shining even in high office, is what makes the Vice-Chancellor—”
“Then I will convince General Model.”
“I’ll leave it to you.”
“Then the navy will proceed with its operations.”
Manstein’s flowery prose was mercilessly cut short by me, Beck, and Raeder.
-
December 21, 1939
Dresden, 4th Military District, Central Germany
“Welcome, Schacht.”
“Pardon the intrusion.”
I was visiting Walter Model’s residence.
“Here you are.”
“Thank you, Hertha.”
“Ah, thank you, ma’am.”
General Model’s wife served us drinks, then shooed away a pair of curious-looking girls who were peeking into the room.
“Hella, Christa. Don’t be rude.”
The scene brought a natural smile to my face.
Ah, will Claudia and I live like this one day?
“…You have a lovely family, General.”
“I’m no longer a general.”
Seeing General Model, who always wore a monocle and a crisp uniform, now in comfortable clothes and smiling gently, I was suddenly struck with doubt.
…Is this the right thing to do?
When I was driving out the Nazis, I had conviction.
The conviction that this was undeniably the right path.
To prevent the Nazi Holocaust and avert a terrible disaster that would claim tens of millions of lives. I had run this far with that firm goal in mind.
But what was the result?
Witnessing the hollow collapse of Nazi Germany in the civil war, neighboring countries began to look down on Germany and invade in turn.
In the original history, the German army, which had surrendered itself to Nazi madness and shed immense blood on the battlefield, at least had the chance to repent to later generations.
But now?
We are under attack, but our enemies do not know Germany’s true capabilities. Knowing Germany’s potential from the original history, I don’t believe we will be defeated by this, even if we struggle at first.
The German people will fight back, their hearts burning with heroic patriotism to save their nation in crisis. But how is the hatred directed at the invaders any different from that instilled by the Nazis?
Claudia said it was a natural human anger, and a legitimate motivation. She was certainly right.
But how are those who say this invasion gives us justification to take Danzig any different from Mao Zedong, who supposedly thanked Japan for invading because it allowed the Chinese Communist Party to take control of China?
“You look like you’re at a funeral. It’s not your fault, so don’t make that face.”
What was I thinking, sitting in front of my former mentor? I snapped my head up and apologized to General Model.
“I’m sorry, I was…”
“I already understand your position. It’s not your fault that I was arrested, or that I requested retirement.”
Walter Model said this, then added with a grin.
“Though I must admit, repaying my kindness with betrayal was rather audacious of you.”
“Ugh, I’m sorry.”
No, I came here to convince him to return to the battlefield, and all I’m doing is apologizing.
“I did the same, so what does it matter? Like master, like student, I suppose. Haha.”
Model laughed as he said this. It wasn’t the laugh he used on the battlefield when he made odd jokes to maintain a cheerful atmosphere, but one tinged with a deep bitterness.
He had passed on the battle situation to the Southern Army Group, effectively inducing their surrender, and was then arrested along with Brauchitsch.
What was he thinking, what was he feeling, when he did that?
“…The truth is, I…”
“You came to ask me to return to service?”
Wait, can General Model read minds too?
As I gaped at him, Model just smiled wryly.
“You think a lot, but in some ways, you’re surprisingly easy to read. Especially when it comes to emotional matters.”
“…That’s right.”
But do I even have the right to make such a request? To put it mildly, I betrayed my mentor, General Model.
On top of that, now that the Nazis are gone, I can no longer be sure that what I’m doing is truly the right path.
“Fine, I’ll do it.”
“Pardon?”
As I stood there dumbfounded, it was General Model who looked at me as if I were the strange one.
“What, is it so strange for a retired lieutenant general to want to return to duty during a war?”
“No, that’s not it, but…”
Seeing him out of uniform, with his family, looking so natural and at ease, so happy, I wondered if I had the right to drag him back to the battlefield…
“My retirement was, in a manner of speaking, an escape.”
“Pardon?”
Walter Model, an escape? *That* Model?
“My mentor had been betrayed, and was on trial. I didn’t want to walk around the military with my head held high. It would have been easier if I had been put on trial and punished alongside him.”
Walter Model grinned at my bewildered expression.
“But I am a soldier. When my country is in crisis and calls for me, I’m not so ill-bred as to refuse.”
I bit my lip.
“Are you alright with that reason?”
“Why wouldn’t I be? It’s how I’ve always lived. You asked, didn’t you? What are we fighting for? I fight for my country. I abandoned my mentor because I realized that fighting alongside him was not for the good of my country.”
He truly was a soldier, through and through. I felt a strange sense of deflation.
After a moment’s thought, I said to him.
“It’s shameful to admit this now, but I don’t know anymore.”
“Don’t know what?”
I didn’t know how to explain this contradictory feeling, so I just let the words tumble out.
“What we’re fighting for. The horrors of the battlefield I witnessed have faded to mere afterimages, and I find myself judging whether we’re winning or losing based on the numbers in reports. I feel more and more horrified by the person I’m becoming.”
Model listened to my words in silence.
“We’re under attack, so we defeat the enemy. We win for our country and reclaim our territory. Is that all there is to it? Many of the soldiers dying on that battlefield have probably never even been to that land in their lives, and there will be many civilians who die simply because they happened to live there.”
What kind of nonsense was I spouting to a soldier loyal to his country?
“…I’m sorry. We’re the ones being attacked. I’m speaking nonsense.”
“Hmm. You’re certainly not cut out to be a soldier.”
General Model stated it simply, then looked my uniform up and down before speaking.
“Then why do you walk around in a uniform? You may still be in the military, but you’re a politician now. And you’re not the type to want to show off your rank.”
“…I wear it because I’m afraid I’ll forget that even at this moment, there are soldiers fighting and dying on the front lines.”
Model grinned at my answer.
“That’s a rather fine answer. I like it. Look here, Schacht. How old are you this year?”
“…Twenty-nine, sir.”
“I told you. You think too much. You’re just a greenhorn, yet you worry far too much.”
Wait, is twenty-nine really that young?
“Frankly, it’s hard for me to sympathize with your worries.”
“I suppose so.”
General Model smiled at me, then slapped me on the back with a loud thwack.
“Ow, General!”
That really, really hurts!
“But I’ve seen firsthand where politicians who don’t worry, who are full of conviction, lead their soldiers and their people.”
While I was momentarily speechless, Model looked at me and added.
“Leave the fighting for our country, following orders without hesitation, to us. You worry instead. Worry your heart out. Based on what you’ve shown me so far, I trust you won’t leave us without an answer to what we fought for.”
“I think you’re overestimating me…”
“Overestimating? Didn’t I underestimate you and get stabbed in the back for it?”
When he put it like that, there was nothing I could say.
I sighed and extended my hand for a handshake.
“Welcome back, Lieutenant General Model.”
“So, where is this urgent post that has you coming to me, even with all your worries?”
In that moment, I understood perfectly why he had earned the nickname ‘Fireman.’
“Yes, it’s… a rather unfortunate assignment, I’m afraid.”
“Excellent. A fitting battlefield for a sinner who abandoned his mentor.”
Feeling the firm grip of General Model’s handshake, I added with a grin.
“Let’s go, General Model. Time to remodel the front lines.”
“…I didn’t know you enjoyed making jokes like that.”
Haha, my apologies, General. That one’s a cheat, courtesy of the future.