Recently, many projects in Germany have been launched with the inflow of large sums of funds, while research and development on weapons began earlier.
The high-speed civilian transport aircraft designed by Rhine Company was improved into the He-111 medium bomber, and 50 of them were recently delivered to Rommel. The Junkers Company, which was reorganized by Reinhardt, also received appeasement orders and produced a
A batch of dive bombers referred to as Stukas, 50 of which were also shipped to Rommel's German-Spanish Combined Corps.
In addition, Rommel also received 100 Messerschmitt 109E fighter jets. This newly improved secret weapon of the Luftwaffe equipped with the famous liquid-cooled engine, the data is even much higher than that of the long-developed Polish aircraft.
PZL fighter. Even the French MS406S fighter and the British "Hurricane" fighter are no match for this fighter code-named Me-109E.
100 of the best contemporary fighter jets, plus 100 bombers with excellent performance. These are Rommel's new capital for launching the next round of offensive. Facing the upcoming Battle of Catalonia, Rommel's German-Spanish Combined Corps will
Another relaxing inspection of Germany's air force weapons.
........
"Is Rommel not here yet?" An anxious Franco glanced at his watch and anxiously asked Rommel's chief of staff Gauss: "Are you sure General Rommel knows that today is the day when the three-nation coalition forces will formulate a joint operations meeting?"
"I'm sure Commander Rommel has received the news of the meeting." Contrary to Franco, Gauss smiled calmly: "But the head of state has just transferred 200 new pilots to the German-Spanish Combined Corps, and General Rommel wants to see him first.
Guys from afar."
Gauss's calmness was fully confident. None of them were optimistic about the plan proposed by Rommel in the last meeting, but it turned out to be the most glorious victory on the Spanish battlefield. This time the joint meeting was held again, it was time for the Germans to toughen up.
Franco glanced at the Italian officer corps sitting on the left side of the conference room, and tried not to be biased in his tone when describing: "I think it would be better for General Rommel to come as soon as possible."
Do you think, as much as possible? Franco's choice of words is very telling. It is obvious that he does not want to offend the German general. Although this makes the officers of the Italian Expeditionary Force seem a bit embarrassed, after all, the army still depends on its performance.
As for Franco's favoritism, Gambara, the commander of the Italian Expeditionary Force, did not feel any dissatisfaction. He was also known as a famous general of the Italian Army, but his achievements were really not as good as those of Rommel. He believed that Italy
The only person who is evenly matched between the army and the German army is probably the bald leader in the country.
Gambara also heard that some time ago, without consulting any senior military officials, Mussolini sent his son-in-law to the German head of state to demand so-called compensation. Anyone with a discerning eye could see that the breakthrough of the Italian Expeditionary Force was
Delaying the blessing of Rommel's victory from others. At this time, he shamelessly asked the Germans for benefits, and you can guess the result.
From Rommel, Gambala could see the unique arrogance of the Germans. The generals under his command were all lions, so how could the German head of state named Reinhard be a sheep? The pride in him was absolutely
No less than the German major general from Spain!
As for domestic propaganda, Mussolini was the mentor of Reinhardt, the German head of state, and Gambara was too lazy to believe it. In this era, strength is what matters, and whoever has a bigger fist has more say. Even the German head of state
So what if he verbally admits that the Italian leader is his mentor? Will the Germans respect the Italians for this? No! They will only regard this as a topic for after-dinner chat.
"I'm sorry, I'm late." Rommel strode into the conference room, and behind him, four colonel-level officers walked in neatly.
Looking at the quality of these officers, Gambara felt envious. How many of the Italian officers he had brought with him could walk in step?
While taking out a document, Rommel walked towards the approaching Rommel and saluted Franco and Gambara with a standard military salute according to etiquette. According to tradition, Rommel, who had the rank of major general, should indeed have the honor of Franco and Gambara.
Allied generals saluted. However, seeing Rommel's meticulous salute, Gambara was still full of respect for this rigorous German general.
"Same as last time, let me first talk about the combat plan formulated by the German-Spanish Combined Corps." With a confident smile on his face, Rommel unceremoniously picked up the telescopic rod and pointed to the combat diagram on the wall: "We
The German-Spanish coalition can launch a large-scale offensive along the line from Huesca to Zaragoza in the northwest of Catalonia. At the same time, we hope that the Spanish National Army can contain the Republican Ebro River garrison on the southern front.
As for the Italian Expeditionary Force, I believe it is fully capable of taking down Figueras, a stronghold of the Republican Army in the north, on its own and completely cutting off the road connection between the Republican Army and France."
"What do you think?" Rommel asked calmly.
"I agree, I trust your judgment." Franco, the leader of the Spanish National Army who was good at adapting to the changing circumstances, immediately stood up and showed his kindness to Rommel.
"Me too. General Rommel's military talent has been proven in previous wars. The combat effectiveness of the German-Spanish Combined Corps is also worthy of trust. The Italian Expeditionary Force will try its best to cooperate." Gambara nodded and solemnly said to
Rommel expressed his attitude.
This rare outstanding infantry general in Italy did not steal the main attack plan as the domestic leader requested. On the contrary, he agreed with Rommel's plan without hesitation. After all, Rommel had already given Italy enough face.
, leaving the relatively relaxed Figueres alone to the Italian attack, this can not only give the Italian Expeditionary Force a reasonable record, but also be suitable for the combat level of the Italian Expeditionary Force.
Although on the surface, Gambala was a general and Rommel was a major general, Rommel had to salute Gambala when they met. However, Gambala knew very well that his back in Spain was definitely not as strong as Rommel's. Yes.
, Rommel seemed to be asking for his own opinion, and he also saluted him seriously, showing him full respect.
But if Gambara really opposed Rommel's plan, he believed that Rommel would not mind another "three-way march" to attack each one in his own way. Respect is an attitude, but it is only an attitude.
Judging from the fact that Rommel was determined to win, he would never agree to change this plan. At least, he would not change the march route of the German-Spanish Combined Corps.
"Then, let me introduce the details of the plan in detail." Gauss, Rommel's chief of staff, stood up with a smile, took the document brought by Rommel from a German colonel, and said loudly:
The combat plan is mainly divided into three directions, with the three ** teams as the main force.
On the northern front, the Italian Expeditionary Force was solely responsible for the occupation of Figueras to achieve the strategic goal of isolating the Republican Army. The specific marching route was determined by the Italian Expeditionary Force.
To the northwest, the German-Spanish Combined Corps will use 1 German armored division plus 1 Spanish German armored division. With the cooperation of 10 supplemented German armored infantry divisions, they will wait for an opportunity to engage in a decisive battle with the main force of the Republican Army on the northern front, trying to
Opening up the route to Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, in one fell swoop.
On the southern front, the Spanish National Army under General Franco needs to launch a diversionary attack of more than 60,000 people on the Republican Army along the Ebro River, trying to firmly tie the main force of the Republican Army on the southern front to the Ebro River.
On the battlefield.
The entire combat plan is expected to be implemented within 15 days. The strategic purpose is to cut off the Republican Army's road connection with the outside world, capture the capital of Catalonia, and annihilate the northern main army of the Republican Army...