In the swirling snow, the luxurious Fuhrer's special train sped along the well-equipped railway lines of Germany, enjoying supreme privileges that allowed it to travel smoothly without hindrance.
Typically, the Fuhrer's special train did not travel alone. It was usually preceded by another train to clear the way, with another following behind as a rear guard. Additionally, due to the Fuhrer's belief that unpredictability was key to preventing assassination attempts, the itinerary would often change suddenly. While the German railways were known for their punctuality, as soon as Hitler's special train set off, the entire national transport network would descend into chaos. Trains would be delayed regularly, sometimes even forced to change routes. Predicting the schedule of Hitler's special train was no easy task. Station masters at major hubs might receive information about the train's passage twelve hours in advance, while smaller stations might only find out half an hour before. Sometimes, it could be even more bizarre – the announcement of the special train's arrival might be followed by the arrival of a freight train!
Fortunately, in the winter of 1940, the significant advantage in the war against Britain allowed Adolf Hitler to maintain the high prestige he had enjoyed since the surrender of France. The majority of the German populace genuinely supported this leader who had led them to one glorious victory after another, and dissenters had no choice but to bide their time in the shadows. Furthermore, the presence of accompanying dignitaries seemed to be an important reason for the little dictator to change his habits. During lunch, the dictator finally introduced his "old friends" to the senior German military officers traveling on the special train: the Duke and Duchess of Windsor!
Before the war broke out, this famous couple had visited Germany and had close contact with Adolf Hitler. However, it was the first time that Logan had seen this "fighter among men, VIP among kings." The former King of England was only 46 years old this year, with a robust physique, a high nose, and full lips. His sharp eyes exuded an aura of dominance. Standing next to the little dictator, the contrast between the leaders was stark!
In comparison, the Duchess, nearing her fifties, appeared spirited and had smooth skin, but she did not strike Logan as particularly remarkable. In terms of appearance, temperament, or stature, there was nothing that could surpass Dolly – fate often worked in such illogical ways!
After the host and guests were seated, the generals and officers took their places along the long dining table according to their military ranks. Hitler briefly introduced his trusted aides to the Duke and Duchess: Chief of Staff Keitel, Army Commander Brauchitsch, and Navy Commander Raeder. He then solemnly recalled his old comrade, former Luftwaffe Commander Hermann Goering.
"Although the bullets that struck Goering came from British pilots flying German planes, I have always believed that Goering's death was the result of traitors within our ranks, sinister conspirators with evil intentions! We will avenge our great comrade, but not against the British... I have always believed that both the Anglo-Saxon and Germanic peoples possess noble Aryan blood. The temporary conflicts between us are merely a result of their being misled by the devil. We should rule the world together, rather than shed blood in conflict!"
Once Hitler had finished his lengthy discourse, the Duke of Windsor spoke, fluently in German: "You are absolutely right, esteemed Fuhrer. Britain and Germany should not continue to fight! Europe needs lasting peace, and we have a common enemy – the Bolshevik-controlled Russia!"
His tone was firm but not as incendiary as Hitler's. With that, the little dictator led the applause, and the generals naturally followed suit.
With a glance from the Fuhrer, Field Marshal Keitel rose with his glass. "I propose a toast to the health of our Fuhrer, to the friendship between Germany and Britain, and to the true peace and prosperity of Europe!"
Although lunch wasn't the ideal time for drinking, everyone emptied their glasses of red wine at the call of friendship.
"Alfred, my wise Minister of War, I heard we have captured 120,000 British troops so far. How are they faring?" Hitler couldn't possibly be unaware of the answer to this question, but he still pretended to defer it to the Chief of Staff.
The well-groomed General Hoth stood up respectfully. "Reporting to the Fuhrer, of the 120,000 British troops, 115,000 have now arrived in France by ship. We have prepared twenty fully equipped camps in Saarbrucken, Laon, and Dreux for them. Food and medicine are provided according to the standards of the Wehrmacht, with additional chocolates and wine for the holidays!"
"Ah! Excellent, you have maintained the great friendship between Britain and Germany. Indeed, the British military is a great one. The performance of the Royal Air Force, Navy, and Army has been outstanding!" Hitler rarely praised his adversaries like this. He turned to the Duke of Windsor. "I believe that the vast majority of these 120,000 troops were swept into this war by Churchill's instigation! As long as they heed your call, they will awaken to join your cause. As long as they pledge absolute allegiance to you and the British monarchy, I can immediately return their weapons and allow them to return to England to help rebuild their homes and order!"
"Your greatness and kindness will be forever remembered by the British people!" the Duke said with dignity.
"For those soldiers who are still instigated by the Churchill government, they should also return to the light! Especially the Royal Navy commanders who have excellent traditions and regard Nelson as their model. They should choose to abandon darkness and join the light!" Adolf Hitler spoke with enthusiasm. Clearly, he had already reached some understanding – perhaps even a secret agreement – with the former King of England.
The chapter continues on the next page!
"Yes, any sensible soldier will realize that Britain urgently needs genuine peace at the moment! I will endeavor to make them understand the importance of peace for Britain. After the baptism of blood and fire, they should fully understand the formidable combat power of the German army! I believe they will be inspired by this battle and make wise choices!"
The Duke spoke solemnly. Indeed, at this moment, Britain was like a boxer in the ring, battered and defenseless, with a face swollen like a pig's head, vulnerable to further attacks until it was battered to the brink of collapse!
"Yes, you're absolutely right! They should understand the importance of peace for Britain! Perhaps... we can organize those soldiers who voluntarily accept your authority into a Royal Guard. If they can persist until the final victory, they can redeem the shame of history for the British Army and reclaim their royal titles!" Hitler eagerly planned, as if that army would soon be under his command.
"A Royal Guard? But, esteemed Fuhrer, I don't currently hold the title of king, let alone the role of protector! How about... calling it the Defense Forces, hm, the Defense Forces?" the Duke glanced at the little dictator, then courteously turned his gaze to Keitel, Brauchitsch, and Raeder, as well as casually scanning the others – at this point, a young Imperial Air Force major general had not yet caught his attention.
"The British Defense Forces? Not bad, not bad at all! Before long, more British soldiers will join your Defense Forces under your command. Perhaps our war will end in another month!" Hitler's excitement was unusually high. As usual, once he had formed an opinion, it was hard for others to change his mind.
The Duke's face remained expressionless, indicating that he realized Hitler's notion of "more" meant capturing large numbers of British soldiers through a series of battles, which inevitably meant significant casualties. He calmly replied, "Respected Chancellor, in the short term, we cannot expect them to be deployed to the front lines. Psychological warfare will be our focus."
"Ah, psychological warfare!" Hitler nodded vigorously in agreement. At this point, he finally noticed that no one at the table had touched their utensils, and the sumptuous food had already cooled in the warm air. He made a straightforward remark, "Let's destroy the food before us, just as we deal with the common enemies of Germany and Britain!"
The hungry generals and marshals obeyed without hesitation.
The straight-line distance from Berlin to Paris was only over 700 kilometers. By dusk, the Chancellor's special train had arrived at the Paris train station. Adolf Hitler and his generals once again toured the night view of Paris in a victorious manner. They warmly invited the Duke and Duchess of Windsor to the opera house to watch a new Christmas play, sitting together in a special box reserved for royalty and heads of state—a gesture reminiscent of the highest honors Hitler had bestowed upon the royal family during their previous visit to Germany after the abdication of the former King of England.
The day after Christmas, Hitler reviewed the German infantry and armored units resting in France after their return from Britain under the Arc de Triomphe. Amidst heavy snowfall, the mighty German tank columns roared through the famous Champs-Élysées, while the disciplined German infantry marched with heads held high, composing an unstoppable torrent with their firm strides, weaving a stirring anthem of war!
At the end of the parade, over 6,000 captured British soldiers marched into the Champs-Élysées. Leading the way were combat personnel from the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, their cap badges and shoulder patches, as well as collar badges, were allowed to remain, and their hair and beards had obviously been tidied up. They appeared slightly better in spirit and marched more neatly. Following them were the vast numbers of British Army prisoners of war, heads bowed, moving slowly and heavily, seemingly daunted by the iron lion leading the way. However, when these British prisoners of war witnessed the Duke of Windsor, their former king and still respected figure in Britain (after all, he had been heir to the throne for 26 years), standing in military attire on the reviewing stand, there was a stir in the ranks.
Suddenly, a major shouted loudly, "Attention! Salute to the Duke!"
With the first command, similar shouts rang out continuously throughout the ranks. Although the overall formation still appeared somewhat disorderly, many soldiers straightened their chests, stepped briskly, and saluted the reviewing stand. At this moment, they were no longer a group of war prisoners waiting for the war to end, but the cornerstone of Britain seeking self-redemption. At the same time, the Duke of Windsor, who had secretly returned from the Bahamas to Europe, was also completing his redemption in a unique way!