Bright sunshine, gentle sea breezes, and lush tropical plants make the Philippine Islands so vibrant in early summer, but the clear sky is covered with a thick layer of clouds, and although the sea is surprisingly calm, people can feel the psychological depression of the coming storm.

On June 28, 1929, the battleship groups and cruiser groups of the German-Turkish Combined Expeditionary Fleet bravely broke into Manila Bay, the key point of the Japanese army on Luzon Island, and the next 24 hours were called the turning point of the entire Philippine campaign, because in the first 12 hours, the Japanese once saw the hope of turning the tide of the war, and their port garrisons and task forces fearlessly fought a fierce and bloody battle with a powerful opponent. The torpedo boat squadron that launched the death attack even hit the "Kaiser Wilhelm", Germany's largest battleship, with a torpedo, and watched this super battleship evacuate with the remnants of smoke, at this moment, the Japanese officers and men stationed on Luzon Island all believed that victory would eventually belong to them and to the invincible Japanese Empire.

However, the retreat of the "Kaiser Wilhelm" after 11 shells and 2 torpedoes did not discourage the remaining Allied officers and soldiers, and as time went by, the Japanese army, which lacked air power, was never able to achieve a decisive victory, but the Japanese army and navy suffered heavy losses under the fierce German and Turkish air forces, and the Japanese Vice Admiral Matsumura Kikuto was also martyred with the flagship "Ikoma", and the entire task force was also exhausted in the battle, and more importantly, this surprise operation of the German-Turkish fleet was only a feint attack by the allied forces!

Just two hours after the start of the Battle of Manila, the German-Turkish forces launched a joint naval and air assault on Mindoro, less than 100 kilometers south of Luzon. In order to achieve the lethal effect of one blow, the German army not only invested the most elite 1st Marine Division, but also parachuted troops in the south, east and northwest of the island, and the total number of paratroopers participating in the airborne operation reached 4,700, which was also the largest airborne operation of the German army in Southeast Asia.

Due to the flat, mountainous terrain around Mindoro, the coalition attacking forces quickly gained a foothold on the beach, but as the remnants of the Japanese retreated into the mountains and relied on underground fortifications to resist, the campaign once again entered a brutal clearing phase. The German-Turkish army invested a large number of flamethrowers and fire-breathing tanks to clean up the caves where the Japanese were hiding one by one, and finally completely captured the island at the cost of more than 4,000 casualties, and obtained the best advance pedal for attacking Luzon.

When the German Messerschmitt fighters and the Turkish Mura fighters were able to fly freely in the open space on Luzon, there was no suspense about the air supremacy of the upcoming Luzon campaign. The Germanic eagles and the flying elite from Asia Minor could attack the target they wanted at any time and in any way, and the Japanese on Luzon could no longer march in broad daylight, losing about 1/10 of their men, 2/3 of their transports and immeasurable morale in German air raids before the battle began, and their few remaining warships in the Battle of Manila Bay sank to the bottom of the water in the Junkers dive bomber field again and again.

The general assault on Luzon was originally scheduled for early July. Preparations for war materiel were also quickly arranged, but at this time, the offensive was postponed for no other reason. Lieutenant General Hutière was unable to continue to command the troops due to sudden pneumonia, and both the German General Kleist and the Turkish General Enke lacked sufficient prestige and experience in group command, so the Allied forces continued to make material preparations for the landing on Luzon until the arrival of a new commander appointed by the German High Command.

The summer of 1929 seemed destined to be a season of illness, and Huttière's return to Berlin due to illness had an impact on the war situation in Southeast Asia.

And the illness of another person is also a concern for thousands of Germans. He was the father of Kaiser Wilhelm III, German Field Marshal, Prince Albert of Prussia. Heinrich.

When Chentian received the news that his father was seriously ill and rushed back to Berlin from the Netherlands, Heinrich had fallen into a deep coma, according to the doctor's diagnosis. The 67-year-old man has dedicated his life to Germany, and now, like a machine whose parts have worn out beyond repair, is probably only one step away from the end of his life.

Looking at his mother, who was strong on the surface but very painful in his heart, Chen Tian tried his best to comfort him, but his words and rhetoric seemed so pale at this time. Although Chentian did not belong to this world, the Heinrich couple undoubtedly gave him the best educational environment and identity, and without this solid starting point, he may never be able to achieve the glory he is today.

Perseverance, integrity, and recklessness are the best descriptions of Heinrich's character, who was not a genius in the military world. He was not a leader in politics, but he was studious and down-to-earth, and his humility and courage made him one of the heroes of Germany's rise. It can be said that he led the aircraft carrier group in 1914 to attack and changed the fate of Germany in the war, although the real mastermind of this incident was Chen Tian himself, but there is no doubt that Heinrich's courage and judgment are also a factor that cannot be ignored.

Although Chentian's current status is the best reward for Heinrich's parents, his early education and many years of career as a horse make Chentian rarely have the opportunity to accompany them, especially when he becomes an adult, and they only meet once a month or even less. This made Chen Tian, who was standing in front of the sickbed, feel sorry.

Heinrich lying quietly on the hospital bed was not pale like most patients at this time, his weather-beaten face was full of the vicissitudes of time, and his plain white hair was the best proof of his long-term hard work, 5 years ago, despite his physical discomfort, he led the German aircraft carrier group to participate in the Atlantic naval battle and won a decisive victory, the German soldiers never seemed to bow to fate, but at this moment, Heinrich could no longer fight.

"Your Majesty! …… Your Majesty! ”

Hoffman, who came in from outside the door, called softly a few times, and Chen Tian turned back from his thoughts.

"Your Majesty, the High Command's discussions on the new commander of the Joint Expeditionary Force have come to fruition, and the generals are inclined to speak in the form of a new commander in the United Expeditionary Force. Choose between Marshal Mackensen and General von Rundstead! Hoffman presented a document to Tatsuten.

Chen Tian glanced at it, it was nothing more than the resumes, tactical habits and merits of the two candidates, although Chen Tian was not in the Supreme Command for a period of time, but for these two very familiar generals, this document was just a formality.

After thinking about it, Chen Tian said half-asking-half-answering: "August, he is 70 years old this year!" ”

"Yes, Your Majesty! Marshal Mackensen is exactly 70 years old this year. Although he is a little older, the marshal's body has always been strong, and his recent health is fully qualified for the post of commander of the expeditionary force, and the marshal himself is also quite active in returning to the front-line troops! Hoffman's assessment sounded as if he was specifically canvassing for General Mackensen.

Chen Tian was not moved, but continued to ask, "What about General Rundstead?" 55 years old? ”

"Uh...... 54 years old! In good shape! ”

In a normal way, Hoffman's last addition of "good health" is not only a sign but also a little ridiculous, because they have chosen a commander rather than a boxer, but since 1929. Many important figures in the German world have suffered unexpected or non-accidental illness, and the "father of the German navy" von Murphy has to fight against illness. Tirpitz, German Field Marshal von Pilpitz. Francois and some old serving or retired generals make people feel the ruthlessness of the years.

"Marshal Mackensen is old after all, and we can't risk the health of an Imperial Father!" After that, Chen Tian glanced at Hoffman, and his opinion was already very obvious.

Hoffman really understood, "Well, then, Your Majesty! I'll arrange for this, and General Rundstead is currently on standby in Berlin. Before he departs. Did you meet him? ”

"Well, it's this afternoon!" Chen Tian nodded, "And." Let Marshal Mackensen come tomorrow morning, and with his character, it is inevitable to complain! ”

"Yes!"

A few hours later, the German High Command issued its latest personnel order, appointing the commander of the German Army's 3rd Army, Geerdvon Brown. Lieutenant General Rundstead was appointed as the new commander of the German-Turkish Joint Expeditionary Force to replace Oscar von Anderson, who had left the post due to health reasons. Lieutenant General Hutiel.

Half an hour after the order was issued, the outgoing von . Rundstead stood in front of Chentian in the Emperor's Imperial Study in Olaf Palace.

Before coming to this world, Chen Tian had seen the famous Nazi general from some historical photos and influences, and the first time he saw Rundstead was more than ten years ago. At that time, Rundstead was in the prime of life as a staff officer in the High Command, and was considered the most promising young officer along with Loeb, Manstein and others.

Seeing Rundstead again, Chen Tian carefully observed this "veteran" who has entered the age of knowing the destiny of heaven, his face and skin obviously do not have the vitality of ten years ago, but the facial contours are still rounder and plump compared with the previous photos, and there is only a little gray hair on his head, and his eyes are as deep as ever.

"The general may not know that many people thought that the High Command should send Field Marshal Mackensen to take over the post of Commander of the Expeditionary Force, but I and the generals of the High Command chose you in the end. You know why? ”

In Chentian's impression, Rundstead was a general with great command talent and a very good memory, and he also inherited the tradition of the German ** people - he had no interest in political activities, so he commanded the Third Army with a high reputation.

The upright Rundstead really didn't beat around the bush at all, "I beg Your Majesty to give me advice!" ”

"Marshal Mackensen's ability is beyond doubt, age does not prevent him from continuing to play a heavy role in the front-line troops, and his advantages in qualifications and experience are obvious!" Having said this, Chen Tian quietly observed the changes in Longdstead's eyes, and there was indeed a little doubt in those deep eyes, but in general they were quite calm.

"However, we do not judge a commander on the basis of seniority and experience, which is very important to keep the Empire and the Imperial Army alive! I and the generals of the General Headquarters believe that it is fully competent to command an army of this size with the ability of a general, and we are willing to entrust the safety of these hundreds of thousands of soldiers to the general, and at the same time hope that this is the motivation given to the general, not the reins that bind the general's hands and feet! ”

Chentian's words were calm, as if he was stating the facts rather than encouraging him before leaving.

Of course, all Rundstead needed was such a calm "statement" and affirmation, because a professional soldier like him was ready at all times to serve his country.

"Thank you Your Majesty and the High Command for your trust!" Rundstead said with his head held high.

Chen Tian walked up to him and patted his left arm, "Do a good job, completely expel the Japanese from Southeast Asia and completely defeat them!" In this way, the various violent incidents in Germany can be truly resolved, and the German people can live a truly peaceful life! ”

"Yes!" Rundstead "snapped" a standing.

"Any other questions?" Chen Tian asked as usual.

"Yes, Your Majesty! In terms of the strategy of the expeditionary force, does Your Majesty have anything else to explain? ”

Looking at Rundsteadt's serious expression, Chen Tian said: "No, General, you are now the commander of the expeditionary force, these things are up to you, what we have to do is to support you materially and spiritually, and then wait for your triumphant return!" ”

Rundstead was silent for a moment, and replied in a firm tone: "Please rest assured, Your Majesty, you will definitely live up to your trust!" ”

Chen Tian nodded, watching the ambitious general leave.

On the same day, Rundstead left Berlin on a special plane and arrived at the headquarters of the expeditionary force in Brunei in the early morning of the next day.

On 14 July, after some minor adjustments according to the latest battlefield situation, the newly appointed commander of the German-Turkish Combined Expeditionary Force, von Murray, was appointed as the commander of the joint German-Turkish expeditionary force. General Rundstead issued an order to attack, and the Battle of Luzon, which had been delayed for a week, finally began.

Four days later, on July 18, Prince Heinrich of Prussia finally completed his meaningful life, although he did not see Germany defeat the last enemy in the world, but it was enough to make the old man smile when he saw Germany go from a European power to the top, to see the German navy grow from a regional power to the world, and to see his son grow up and eventually ascend to the German throne. - Heinrich wanted his funeral to be simple, and it was best to bury his old navy in the form of a sea burial, and Chentian did not disobey him, but ordered the whole of Germany to mourn for a day, and published articles of mourning and praise in various newspapers and magazines, and because of the strong influence of Germany, almost all of Europe and Africa lowered the flag at half-mast on this day.

Subsequently, Heinrich's body was cremated in Berlin, his birthplace.

Taking his father's ashes with him, he accompanied his mother to Hamburg, and then sailed to the North Sea aboard the cruiser Hyde, where Heinrich's ashes were scattered in the place where he had fought and always been proud of himself in the midst of the rumbling cannons.