15 July 1942
The Reichs Chancellory, Berlin.
A week prior wires had been sent all over Germany and to the remnants of the General Government of Poland, a meeting had been called by the Fuhrer. Normally an annually occuring meeting that was really more a matter tradition than of substance, the character of this one was to be different. From the Chancellory cables had been sent out ordering the entire Cabinet, the Heads of the O.K.W, S.S, and the remnants of the Ostministerium to make their way to Berlin with all haste.
At 1400 hours on the 15th, as scheduled, the cars (and in Speer's case, motorcycle) began to arrive, making their way through the rubble strewn streets of Berlin. The Honor Guard of the S.S ushering in each incoming official into the main meeting room of the Chancellory, Where they were presented with their assigned seeting, certain refreshments, and jovial conservation with their peers.
"
Now that we are all here, we shall begin." Of course the Fuhrer was the first to speak, and addressed the attentive table.
" Unforeseen by all, the military and political situation of the Reich has degraded rapidly within the last six months. The intervention of the Amercians on behalf of the Allied powers had led to the loss of France and the west, and as for Italy? well." The reference to the perpetually weak and floundering Italians combined with the Fuhrers smile led to Morbid laughter amongst the gathered officials.
" The situation on the Ostfront is entirely more ominous, it is because of this we are meeting here today gentlemen. Today we decide how to lead the German people out of this predicament and to inevitable VICTORY!" All around the table the Ministers and Generals pounded their hands on the table in support. This dramatic ending was also Hitlers usual signal to begin the serious business at hand, accordingly Joseph Goebbels spoke.
" The military circumstances of the day being the most dire, and pivotal, I ask that our Chiefs of the O.K.W. and O.K.H, present to us their plans." General-
feldmarschall Alfred Jodl, and Generalleutnant Kurt von Hammerstein-Equord have the orderlies pass out certain documents, and make their way to a map out the wall, on the left side of the large table.
" Taken into cosideration the current status of the Heer, the O.K.W has decided that the only way to stave off collapse, is to launch an offensive." Jodl speaks as Hammerstein gestures on the map.
" There were two plans articulated and put forth by our Staff officers,Plan Blue called for creating a defensive barrier on the Wisla , and committing the majority of our remaining Panzer forces to an assault against the British and Americans, through the Ardennes. With the intent of reconquering France. The second plan, Plan Red, called for the creation of a static defenseive barrier in the west, and using our offensive forces to attempt a thrust at the Soviets, recapturing much of the General Governments lost territory in Poland."
Scanning the distraught faces around him, Hammerstein who had been quiet, explains the reasoning of the O.K.W.
" Plan Blue was eliminated from consideration because of several main factors. First, the current manpower situation we face would not allow us to re-garrison Western europe, without allowing the Soviet Armies to further advance to the Oder , and beyond. Secondly, the terrain and constraints of the Netherlands and the remains of the newly strengthened Maginot line, will allow an effective defense without tying down a number of our remaining divisions.
With the west of Germany secure, the Panzerkorps are allowed freedom of action on the east. This gentlemen is the plan we have decided upon." Nods of approval all around, as the Soviets are by far the most menacing threat to Germany. The Generals take their seats, Speer waits for them before he begins to speak.
Reichs Minister for Armament and Munitions, Albert Speer was responsible for the industrial output of the German War Machine.
" The levels of Industrial output today, are roughly as they were in 1939, with the exception of the additional resources and industry that are contribued by the Reich's Protectorate of Czechslovakia. Our focus has always shifted with the demands of the Heer and Luftwaffe, therefore in according with the needs of the Oberkommando des Heer . Production of the Panther medium tank will dominate for the Panzer divisions headed for the East Front."
Speer addresses the new Commander of the Luftwaffe, Hugo Sperrle ( Reichsmarchall Goering was found in Munich , he apparently overdosed on morphine and was found dead in his bedroom, next to a salted pork).
" The luftwaffe requires increased numbers of bombers with which to engange the massive Soviet Forces, we seek to have more than a thousand Stukas in service by Septemember."
For another 3 hours the Ministers of Agriculture, the Interior, and the rest of the cabinet briefed the Fuhrer and his deputies at the Chancellory, however the endearing portion of the meeting was clear, and as the Men filed slowly filed out , back to their posts across Germany. The directive was clear,
To Strike East.
