The Allies worked hard to detain the German fleet. They originally decided to detain the disarmed surface ships in neutral countries, but no neutral country wanted their port to become a detention center for the German fleet and become a place of right and wrong in the future. After that, the Allies and Spain
Negotiated the matter, but was rejected by the Spanish government.
In the end, the victorious countries simply broke up and chose Scapa Flow in the UK. They believed that it was the safest place to detain the German fleet, because after all, it was the base of the British Royal Navy: who would dare to disturb Tai Sui?
Ah? He doesn't want his life? As for whether Germany can keep its face, is that important? Even if Germany loses face, is it possible that they still dare to take action? At worst, there will be another war, but after this war is over, Germany
But there will be no colonies to lose. By then, there may be even less mainland Germany. Britain, France, and Poland can just carve up Germany together.
On November 19, 1918, the High Seas Fleet weighed anchor and embarked on a difficult journey of no return. According to the plan, it would rendezvous with the escort fleet of the victorious countries on the 21st. The German Rear Admiral Hugo Morul, who was in charge of the negotiations, was told:
There will be a sizable fleet "waiting" for the arrival of the German High Seas Fleet. This so-called sizable fleet is composed of the British Royal Navy, an American battleship fleet and ships from other victorious countries, totaling 370 ships.
At 8:30 a.m. on 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 file, led by a small British light cruiser with balloon kites hanging.
The huge fleet of the victorious countries on standby for escort was facing a formidable enemy: although it was known that the German ships had been disarmed, the ships of the Allied Powers were still ready with guns and ammunition in preparation for any emergencies.
Perhaps to show his magnanimity, British Admiral Betty said: "This situation is sad. In fact, I should say this is a sad scene." However, the proud smile on his face did not tell at all.
He felt sad about this. To describe the British Navy at this moment is to use the phrase "the death of a rabbit and the sadness of a fox". After all, not long after, the British Royal Navy, which had digested these German warships, would be able to claim to be invincible in the world.
Under the escort of the powerful escort fleet of the Allied Powers, this once proud high seas fleet arrived at the first stop of its destination, the Firth of Forth, where it was inspected by the victorious powers. At dusk, the flag of the German Navy was lowered.
, British Admiral Betty issued an order: the German Navy's flag can never be raised again. A few days later, the fleet entered its final destination: Scapa Flow.
From this day to June of the following year, the entire German High Seas Fleet was detained by the Allies in Scapa Flow. The victorious powers imposed strict prison regulations on her: it was prohibited to have radio stations on board the ships. German Rear Admiral Reuter and his officers
We are almost isolated from the rest of the world and can only understand the situation in the outside world by reading British newspapers four days ago. However, for Zhang Chengtian who knows the historical process, let alone the newspapers four days ago, he can also guess the newspapers four days later.
A rough idea.
At the same time, the victorious countries continued to quarrel over the fate of this fleet. Britain naturally wanted to monopolize this fleet rather than share it with its allies. In fact, British diplomats completed this task almost perfectly
Except for a small number of ships given to the United States and France, they gave up part of the compensation. Then, they almost captured the essence of the German navy.
Over time, as the situation evolved, the attitude of the German fleet officers and soldiers in the detention center changed from frustration to angry contempt. On May 31, 1919, they actually publicly celebrated the third anniversary of the victory in the Battle of Jutland and openly
Disobeying Betty's orders, the German naval ensign and the revolutionary red flag were hoisted to the top of the mast.
At the same time, there were widespread rumors in British ports that the British government was preparing to seize the German fleet. Britain was indeed preparing to seize the German fleet. British admirals Betty and Maiden both agreed that if the Germans destroyed the fleet, they would take action to seize the fleet. Some British generals even proposed
The German fleet must be captured no matter what, so as to avoid long nights and unintended consequences.
On June 16, British Admiral Fremand formally submitted an action plan to seize the German fleet to Maiden, and the time was set at midnight on the 21st. Later, the Allies extended the ultimatum to June 23, and the plan to seize the German fleet was
Accordingly, it was postponed to the early morning of June 24.
It was in this critical and chaotic situation that Zhang Chengtian's plan began to be implemented. This was an excellent time, just a time lag. Because as long as the German government has not signed the Treaty of Versailles, it means that the war has not yet begun.
It is truly over, therefore, no one has the power to stop Operation Rainbow.
In fact, Ludwig had already reported Zhang Chengtian's plan to the German government. Subsequently, he also received a reply of approval. Of course, there were also incidental rewards and promotions. Zhang Chengtian was awarded because of his key role in this operation.
Promoted to second lieutenant and awarded the Iron Cross First Class.
Although the British had foreseen the possibility of the Germans destroying their fleet, the agreement to detain the fleet clearly stipulated that Britain was not allowed to send armed personnel to board the German fleet for armed custody. Therefore, the British could only stay away from their own warships.
Guarding the German fleet.
Later, Zhang Chengtian claimed that on June 21, the five British battleships responsible for guarding the German fleet in Scapa Flow for several months would leave Scapa Flow and conduct military exercises outside the port. He claimed that this was done through a voluntary defection.
German-British police officer learned.
Will Britain conduct exercises at this time!? Even the most optimistic people dare not think so, but Zhang Chengtian put this kind of news in front of everyone so lightly. Colonel Dyer stared at Zhang Chengtian with an incredulous expression. What a pity.
, he didn’t stand out.
"Okay, I believe you." Surprisingly, Ludwig, who has always been steady, gave such an answer. However, this does not mean that Ludwig is a reckless person. On the contrary, he quickly considered the British attitude
The possibility of setting a trap. However, after much thought, he felt that there was no need for the British to set a trap for this kind of thing. After all, there is nothing more tempting to the British than this kind of fleet. How about using these elite German warships as bait?
The British are not that generous!
Furthermore, is it possible to say that you don’t believe it? How embarrassing is the hero who proposed and participated in the plan in front of you. Anyway, it doesn’t make any difference whether you believe it or not. It will naturally be determined whether the British warships can leave or not.
At 10 o'clock in the morning on June 21, Ludwig looked at Zhang Chengtian in surprise. Although he said he believed it, he did not expect that a little second lieutenant could actually get such information. The British fleet really went out for exercises!
Without time to think too much, Ludwig decided to prioritize Operation Rainbow.
"Reinhardt"
Zhang Chengtian responded when he heard the roll call. Then he heard Ludwig's praise: "Not bad, good job."
Without waiting for Zhang Chengtian to yield, Ludwig turned around and ordered the signal flag to be raised.
Since Ludwig had given Zhang Chengtian enough "trust" to save his face, today all personnel were very well prepared.
Soon, the signal flag was raised on the mast: "Execute paragraph 11."
These seemed to be very ordinary semaphores, but in fact they had been given a new meaning. They were preparatory secret orders for scuttling the fleet. After learning that all ships had received his secret orders, Ludwig issued a new
Signal: "Z situation - scuttled!" Then, he personally gave the order to the captain of the flagship to sink the ship. The masts of each ship raised the flag of the German Navy, and the self-destruction devices below the deck were quietly turned on.
Valve, sea water immediately poured into each ship.
As the giant ship gradually sank to the bottom of the sea, Zhang Chengtian let out a feeling of deja vu. He seemed to have returned to the night before the time travel, and returned to the cruise ship that sank into the sea.