Chapter 1615 Prelude to Overlord (Part 1)

Not all bright sunshine can make people feel happy. Even the warm sunshine at noon on a warm spring day may make people feel dazzling and hot. This is not to say that the sun itself is like this, but that people who feel the sunshine are not in a good mood. At least the American general sitting at his office desk holding a newly arrived telegram has a depressed look on his face.

"You look bad, General."

The person speaking next to him was Colonel Max, who was responsible for sending telegrams and making relevant situation reports. He was also the chief deputy responsible for handling daily affairs. He was basically the kind of person who was looking for things to do and took care of everything. He had a high position. The general must have such a person beside him.

"I am always worried that Washington will send me such a telegram. To be honest, I worry about this even in my dreams. But the world is often so wonderful and indescribable. Sometimes the more you worry about something, something It comes faster and faster, just like this telegram."

Colonel Max had no right to know what was said in this top-secret telegram. From the moment the telegram was received, it remained sealed until it was opened in front of his immediate superior.

So even if Colonel Max had vaguely guessed something, he could only ask questions in a tentative tone.

"Did Mr. President take the photo? Are you urging us to hurry up and take action again?"

The man sitting behind the desk put the telegram in his hand into the desk drawer without making a sound. He stood up and walked to the window and gently opened the corner of the curtain, looking at the bright and warm midday sun outside the window with complicated eyes. After a few thoughtful glances, he spoke to Colonel Max behind him without looking back.

"It is indeed a very suitable day to launch an attack, but our troops are not ready at this time."

Although the general's words did not give a direct answer, they actually confirmed that Colonel Max's guess was accurate. The contents of the telegram were exactly as he thought.

As the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Allied Forces personally appointed by Roosevelt, Eisenhower, who was standing in front of the window at this moment, had too much anxiety in his heart.

Most of the troops planning to participate in this unprecedented large-scale amphibious landing operation have now arrived. However, there is another key issue before Eisenhower that cannot be ignored: the number of ships participating in this landing operation is far from enough, at least far from the total number of ships required by the command initially planned.

It is relatively easy to talk about various types of large, medium and small combat ships. Mr. Churchill, the British Prime Minister who was born in the navy, is quite easy to talk to. He personally promised Eisenhower that all the large, medium and small combat ships needed to participate in the war in the plan would arrive in full. Even if you Americans don't have enough warships, our Royal Navy will share the burden for you.

After all, the current British Royal Navy has not yet reached the unsightly level it will be in the 21st century. Churchill, who is pot-bellied, has no other confidence. There are still many large, medium and small combat ships with various calibers and large pipes.

Except for the 460mm cannon like the Japanese Monkey, we don't have any. Among the remaining battleships, whether they are Nelson, Lao Luo, or the reputation of the maid, you can take your pick of wives. As long as they are in indispensable positions, I will transfer them to you.

The idea is good. With the Royal Navy as its back, it seems that all problems can be solved.

Eisenhower thought so at first, but when the actual preparation plan came to an end and approached the later stages, Eisenhower and his command members began to pay more and more attention to an increasingly serious problem: the landing ship's The speed of assembly and the number available fell far short of planned expectations.

The scale of this unprecedented amphibious landing operation is so large that the number of landing ships required is also terrifying.

Realizing that continuing at this speed would definitely lead to bad things, Eisenhower did not sit still and waited for death. He immediately went to find the man who promised to take care of everything for him: Mr. Churchill, the Prime Minister, and wanted to get the help he needed from him.

"If you want battleships, the Royal Navy has as many as you want. We have the most powerful fleet of capital ships in the world."

"But now you're asking me for those mobile bathtubs with open bellies floating in the Atlantic Ocean? God, at this time, where can I find for you that can transport tens of thousands of people, thousands of trucks and tanks across the Atlantic Ocean in one go? Strait landing ship? We created a world miracle on the beach at Dunkirk, but even a world miracle cannot transport so many of your troops there in one go. "

"President Roosevelt told me that your navy has more proficient experience in amphibious landing operations, and there are many landing ships specially designed for this. You Americans have begun preparing these a long time ago. I heard that it is to beat them. What are those Japanese monkeys prepared for? It’s not important anyway. Let’s beat up the Germans first and let you test the equipment.”

Churchill, who was known as the "politician with a thousand faces", kicked the ball back to Eisenhower calmly. Eisenhower was really too lazy to talk nonsense with this John Bull politician, so he could only look helpless and use both hands. A spread.

"But it takes time, it takes longer."

"If we wait for all the landing ships to be assembled at the current speed, then the start of the operation will have to wait until at least June. And our current plan is in early May. Today is April 27, and there are only a few days left. Yes, Mr. Prime Minister, you know what I mean, right?"

The war started late. Don’t blame me for not reminding you. Politicians like you have always been fraternal with the soldiers when the meat was stewed, and when it was time to eat, you kicked us aside as if it had nothing to do with it. If the meat is mushy and not tasty, we cooks have to blame it. If the meat is stewed well, it’s because the recipe you gave us is a credit. How can such a good thing happen in the world?

Want to kick the ball to us?

Sorry, I, Eisenhower, don’t accept this.

Originally, Churchill planned to nominate one of the British troops as Commander-in-Chief of the Allied Forces. After all, the starting point of this unprecedented amphibious landing was in his own homeland.

However, forms are stronger than people. Whether it is money, effort or troops, the Yankees are ahead of the United States. In addition, Roosevelt has his own set of ideas and strongly recommends Eisenhower to be the commander-in-chief of the Allied Forces. , Churchill could only compromise in the end, and nodded to acknowledge the matter with the overall situation in mind.

But now, Eisenhower actually used soft-spoken tactics on himself, and even made himself choked for a moment. This made Churchill, who was already holding some opinions in his heart, quite unhappy.