Chapter 2: Déjà vu
For the place of internment of the German fleet, the Entente took great pains. The surface ships that had been disarmed were to be detained on the spot in neutral countries, but none of them wanted their ports to become places of detention for the German fleet, and to become places of right and wrong. Later, the Entente negotiated the matter with Spain, but the Spanish government refused.
In the end, the victorious powers simply tore their faces and chose Scapa Bay in Britain, which they thought was the safest place to detain the German fleet, because it was the base of the British Royal Navy: who would dare to break ground on Tai Sui's head? He doesn't want to die? As for whether Germany can hang on to its face, does that matter? Even if Germany loses face, it is difficult for them to dare to do it. It's a big deal to fight another war, but after this war is over, Germany will have no colonies to pay. At that time, there may be even fewer native Germany. Britain, France, Poland, and everyone will carve up Germany.
On November 19, 1918, the High Seas Fleet lifted anchor and embarked on a difficult journey of no return, and according to the plan, on the 21st it would rendezvous with the victorious escort fleet. Rear Admiral Hugo Morul, who was in charge of the negotiations, was told that there would be a sizable fleet "waiting" for the arrival of the German High Seas Fleet. This sizable fleet consisted of the British Royal Navy, a U.S. fleet of warships, and ships of other victorious powers, a total of 370 ships.
At 8:30 a.m. on the morning of the 21st, in accordance with the order of British Royal Navy Admiral Betty, the German High Seas Fleet sailed into the predetermined sea area in a single formation in a single formation, led by a small British light cruiser flying balloons and kites.
Perhaps to show his heart, British Admiral Betty said: "This is a sad scene, in fact, I should say that it is a sad scene." However, the smug smile on his face did not show that he was sorry for it. It is very appropriate to describe the British Navy at this moment with the sadness of a rabbit and a fox. After all, it won't be long before the British Royal Navy, which digested this batch of German warships, can claim to be invincible in the world.
Escorted by the Entente's formidable convoy of escorts, the once proud High Seas Fleet arrived at its first destination, Forth Bay, where it was tested by the victorious powers. At dusk, the flag of the German Navy was lowered, and the British Admiral Betty gave the order: the flag of the German Navy should never be raised again. A few days later, the fleet entered its final destination: Scapa Bay.
From that day until June of the following year, the entire German High Seas Fleet was detained by the Allies in Scapa Bay, and the victorious powers imposed strict regulations on her: the ship was forbidden to have a radio station, and Rear Admiral Reutt and his officers were virtually isolated from the rest of the world, and they had to read the British newspapers they had only read four days earlier to learn about the situation in the outside world. However, for Zhang Chengtian, who knows the historical process, let alone the newspaper four days ago. He could have guessed the newspaper four days later.
At the same time, the victorious powers continued to quarrel over the fate of this fleet, and Britain naturally wanted to dominate this fleet rather than share it with its allies. In fact, British diplomats have done this almost perfectly. In addition to a small number of ships distributed to the United States and France, they ceded a part of the reparations. Then, almost the essence of the German Navy was taken.
Over time, as the situation evolved, the attitude of the officers and men of the German fleet in the places of internment changed from frustration to angry contempt. On May 31, 1919, they openly celebrated the third anniversary of their victory in the Battle of Jutland, and in flagrant disobedience to Betty's orders, raised the flag of the German Navy and the Red Banner of the Revolution on the top of the mast.
At the same time, rumors arose in British ports that the British government was preparing to seize the German fleet. Britain was indeed ready to seize the German fleet. Both British admirals Betty and Maiden agreed to take action to seize the fleet if the Germans self-destructed. Some British generals even offered to seize the German fleet anyway, so as not to have too many nights and troubles.
On 16 June, British Admiral Freyman formally handed over to Maiden a plan of action to capture the German fleet, which was set for midnight on the 21st. Later, as the Allies extended the ultimatum until 23 June, the plan to capture the German fleet was postponed to the early morning of 24 June.
It was in this critical and chaotic situation that Chang's plan began to be implemented. It's a perfect time, just in time for a time gap. Because as long as the German government has not signed the Treaty of Versailles, it means that the war has not really ended, and therefore, no one has the right to stop Operation Rainbow.
In fact, Ludwig had already reported Chang's plan to the German government. Subsequently, there was also an approved reply. And, of course, there are also awards and promotions that come with it. Zhang Chengtian was promoted to second lieutenant and received the Iron Cross, 1st class, for his key role in the operation.
Although Britain had foreseen the possibility of the Germans destroying their fleet, the British could only watch over the German fleet from a distance on their own warships, as the agreement to detain the fleet clearly stipulated that Britain would not send armed personnel to the German fleet for armed custody.
Later, Chang claimed that on June 21, five British battleships in Scapa Flow, who had been in charge of holding the German fleet for months, would leave Scapa Bay for military exercises outside the harbor. He claimed to have learned this through a German-British officer who had volunteered to defect.
Britain will conduct exercises at such a time!? Even the most optimistic people don't dare to think so, but Zhang Chengtian put this kind of news in front of everyone so lightly. Colonel Dale glared at Zhang Chengtian with an incredible expression. It's a pity that he didn't make a name for himself.
"Well, I believe you." Surprisingly, the always steady Ludwig gave such an answer. This is not to say that Ludwig was a reckless man, though. On the contrary, he quickly considered the possibility of the British setting a trap. However, he thought that there was no need for the British to set a trap in such a thing. After all, now there is nothing more tempting to the British than such a fleet. Get these German elite warships as bait? The British are not so arrogant!
Besides, is it hard to say that you don't believe it? How embarrassing it is for the hero who proposed and participated in the planning in front of him. Anyway, it doesn't make a difference whether you believe it or not, and when the time comes, the British warship will naturally see if it will leave.
At 10 a.m. on June 21, Ludwig looked at Zhang Chengtian in surprise. Although he said that he believed it, he did not expect that a small second lieutenant could get this kind of information. The British fleet, really went out to exercise! Without having time to think too much, Ludwig decided to prioritize Operation Rainbow.
"Reinhardt"
Zhang Chengtian, who heard the roll call, replied. Then I heard Ludwig's praise: "Not bad, well done." ”
Without waiting for Zhang Chengtian to give in, Ludwig turned around and ordered the signal flag to be raised.
Because Ludwig had given Zhang Chengtian enough face to "believe" before. All the personnel were very well prepared today.
Soon, the signal flag was raised on the mast: "Perform the eleventh paragraph." ”
These may seem like ordinary flags, but they have actually taken on a whole new meaning, which is the secret order for the wreckage fleet. After learning that all the ships had received his secret order, Ludwig sent a new signal: "Z condition - scuttling!" He then personally gave the order to the captain of the flagship to sink the ship. The flags of the German Navy were raised on the masts of each ship, and the self-destruct devices below deck were quietly opening their valves, and the sea water immediately poured into the ships.
As the giant ship gradually sank to the bottom of the sea, Zhang Chengtian let out a sense of déjà vu. He seemed to have returned to the night before the crossing, back to the cruise ship that sank into the sea.