klisemfg Chapter 337 The Last Madness (6)
Chapter 337 The Last Madness (6)
Throughout May, despite frantic resistance from German fanatics, the eastern, western, and southern fronts advanced steadily toward the edge of Berlin. On May 5, the armies of China, the USSR, and Britain simultaneously approached the outskirts of Berlin.
On the floors of the Empire State Building, one could already see smoke and the rumbling of artillery fire in the distance, approaching the city of Berlin step by step!
In his underground command room, the Führer roared hysterically once more, hurling insults at all the frontline commanders. Of course, there were moments of clarity; he already knew his empire was about to fall. But he was unwilling to accept this, remembering that before the war, their army consisted of less than two million men, and their equipment was not as extensive as it is now, yet they were unstoppable, quickly conquering most of Europe. Even now, the Third Reich still boasted over four million troops, with behemoths like the Maus in production and deployed. They also possessed missiles and aircraft far superior to those of the Allies and Soviets. Even now, the German Tiger helicopter attack helicopter remained a nightmare for Soviet and Allied tanks.
He couldn't understand why, despite having more advanced equipment and more troops, he was still outmatched by the enemy. Right now, the German army still possessed over a million elite troops around Berlin, most of whom were ardent supporters of him from the SS and Wehrmacht. Moreover, the majority were not of German descent, but of other nationalities and races. Four elite SS divisions were concentrated in Berlin, and his "Leibstandarte," "Reich," "Totenkopf," and "Wiking" divisions remained at his side. These SS troops remained as tenacious and ferocious as ever.
However, they were no longer facing the British and Soviet armies of the early days of the war, but rather a powerful corps battle-hardened and the largest military force ever assembled by mankind. Furthermore, with the participation of China and the United States, these armies, which had fought almost everywhere in the world, joined the attack on the Führer's Third Reich. Around Berlin alone, there were over 300 million troops, three times the number of the German army. Furthermore, the Allies possessed aircraft and artillery that could absolutely crush the German army. Aside from this resistance force in the Berlin area, the remaining German forces were trapped in three major regions: Scandinavia, East Prussia, and Nuremberg. These were the remnants of the German Army Groups B, C, and G. According to sources, they were all negotiating with the Allies on how to surrender with dignity.
The Führer, comforted by his mistress, fell into a deep sleep. Jodl, Keitel, and others were deeply distressed. Seeing the Allied and Soviet forces closing in on Berlin from multiple directions, they repeatedly urged the Führer to evacuate Berlin immediately, sailing down the Elbe River in a secret submarine and fleeing to Argentina. But the stubborn old man refused to leave, still fantasizing about his loyal subordinates defeating the surrounding enemies and restoring the glory of the Third Reich.
Keitel and Jodl slowly walked out of the Führer's underground command room and headed towards the underground staff. In the empty underground corridor, apart from the guards along the way, only the two lonely footsteps echoed.
The two returned to the General Staff Command Room. At Jodl's signal, they entered the secret room. After the adjutant left to guard, Jodl said to Keitel worriedly, "The old man's condition is getting worse. At this critical moment, the future of the Reich is fading. I am very worried. Once Berlin is captured, will Germany still exist?"
Keitel sighed deeply and said, "No matter what, I will not betray the Führer. Now that it has come to this, I have no choice but to fight to the death. Even if I die in battle, it is better than living in disgrace."
Jodl knew full well that even if he surrendered now, the Allies would never let him go given his involvement. The only outcome awaiting him was a matter of how he would die. He was worried about the German people and Germany's future. Jodl thought for a moment and said, "Field Marshal Keitel, you are the Führer's designated successor and his loyal follower. I think you should consider Germany's future. End this fearless war sooner rather than later, and the German people will be grateful to you."
Seeing Keitel hesitate, he quickly said, "Marshal, our most urgent task now is to get the Führer out of here. Only when he leaves can all this end. I hope you can join me in trying to persuade the old man to leave before the Allies blockade the Elbe River."
Keitel smiled dejectedly. "Chief of Staff, I know exactly what I'm thinking. I also know you're not betraying the Führer, but the Führer is unwilling to leave. Moreover, given his current condition, where else can he go? Argentina? Can his body withstand the thousands of kilometers of flight?"
"I know we have completely lost this war. We have no chance! But I will not let the enemy capture the Führer and humiliate him! If necessary, we must take action."
Just then, the adjutant knocked on the door and came in, saying, "Gentlemen, the Führer is awake and he wants to see you!"
By this time in Berlin, veteran German commanders like Göring had been placed under house arrest by the Führer, held responsible for the defeat. The city's defenses were now commanded by Colonel-General Helmut Otto Ludwig Weidling. The Führer had appointed commanders of the outer defenses, including Heinrich, Manteuffel, and Tippelskirch. The German army frantically resisted the Allied and Soviet attacks. The Soviets, attacking from the east, were particularly fierce in their engagements.
In the Battle of Neuenhagen, the German 1st SS Division, with more than 15 men, held back the offensive of two Soviet armies for 1051 days. The entire town was razed to the ground. In the ruins, the German army mainly used small teams to delay the enemy. The 5st Division of the National Guard organized in Neuenhagen, composed of children aged twelve or thirteen, people in their fifties and sixties, and some disabled soldiers, became the only auxiliary force of the 60st SS Division.
However, it was the fighting spirit of these elderly and children that shocked even Soviet commander General Popozov. As a last resort, the Soviets concentrated over 300 heavy artillery pieces and Katyushas, laying down a continuous barrage in the area. Using tanks and armor as cover, the Soviets entered Neuenhagen, where they engaged in a desperate battle with the resisting German troops and the Self-Defense Forces amidst the ruins.
General Popozov had planned to allow the Germans to surrender with dignity and promised them amnesty, but was sternly rejected by the front commander. At this point in the war, the Soviets would show no mercy, especially the fanatical fascists in the German army, who must be completely and completely eliminated!