The power of the event was such that out to a radius of four miles, there was sufficient force to destroy most residential homes – an area of roughly 200 square miles that enclosed the entire city. The homes of the roughly 400,000 people that lived and worked within that area were almost invariably made of wood, paper and woven bamboo: the traditional materials with which most Japanese homes were constructed.
None were spared the devastation as the shockwave swept across those alleyways and narrow streets, and the blistering heat that followed again ignited everything flammable, quickly turning what was left of the city into an inferno as that second, terrible mushroom cloud began to rise, mirroring the cloud over Kure that was already reaching high into the stratosphere, just eleven miles to the south-east.
The combination of blast and the rampant, unchecked fires spreading throughout the suburbs would account for almost one hundred per cent lethality amongst the citizens of Hiroshima. Of those few that survived the initial effects, even fewer would live to see in the New Year, most falling prey to the terrible effects of radiation sickness that would follow.
Still in control of the Boomerang as it climbed steeply back toward 45,000 feet, Andy Jones knew better than to look back, instead concentrating on the task at hand and resisting every instinct that cried out for him to turn his head. With their protective goggles securely fitted, the gunners had all been watching quite eagerly however, none of them really knowing exactly what to expect but expecting some kind of ‘show’ all the same. Even with protection, the flash hurt their eyes and left flared after-images in their vision that would take some minutes to clear.
As they looked on at the second explosion, their initial excitement dissipated quickly in the face of the destruction that followed, and the realisation that it had been wrought upon a civilian population brought savagely home to them the reality of what they’d done… and of why their CO had insisted on personally taking responsibility for the weapons’ actual release. Some turned their faces away, not wanting to see any more, while others were unable to do anything but continue look on in horror.
Alone in his cramped turret at the very rear of the aircraft’s short, vestigial rump, the tail gunner wept openly. Staring out through a small viewing port toward the rear of the main flight deck, Alec Trumbull leaned against the airframe, slid down to his knees and did the same.
19.Schisms
8. Prinz-Albrecht-Strasse
Berlin, Grossdeutschland
December 28, 1942
Monday
“My German Volksgenossen! Freed from the heavy weight of an expectation which long haunted us, I now think the time has come that I am able to speak again to the German Volk without having to take refuge in lies either to myself or to the public.
“For a long time, the betrayal by Japan which took place was foreseeable, not because of a lack of suitable support for effective resistance, and not because of the non-arrival of overwhelming German help. Rather, it was the result of failure – or better, the lack of honour – of those elements which have now caused this betrayal by concluding their planned theft and espionage. What these men strove to achieve for many years has now been put into effect: the switching of the status of the Japanese government from an ally of the German Reich to that of a common enemy.”
The unmistakable voice of Adolf Hitler burst forth from the speaker of the radio set as it stood atop a large filing cabinet behind the Reichsführer’s desk. Although a pre-recorded speech specifically intended for broadcast, it lacked none of the Chancellor’s usual fire and charisma.
“The Führer is in fine form already tonight,” SS-Obergruppenführer Heydrich observed with cold admiration from a lushly-upholstered leather chair in one corner, close to the door.
At thirty-eight years of age, Reinhard Heydrich already concurrently held the positions of Reichsprotektor of Bohemia and Moravia, Director of the RHSA (the Reich Main Security Office), and the head of the feared Sicherheitsdienst, which had been absorbed into the RHSA toward the end of 1941). Tall, handsome and perfectly Aryan, the man known by nicknames such as ‘The Blond Beast’ and ‘The Butcher of Prague’ had earned a reputation of cold brutality that had once even caused Hitler to remark that he was a ‘Man with the Iron Heart’.
“When is he ever not in such form, Reinhard?” Himmler countered, standing by a large drinks cabinet beside the radio on the opposite side of the room. “Just selterswasser for you… are you driving yourself these days…?” He added with a dry half-smile, lifting a large tumbler of cut glass and used a small pair of tongs to add ice from a bucket inside the cabinet.
“Not driving, Heinrich, no…” Heydrich added with a forced attempt at a smile of his own, “but I have a long flight back tomorrow and I’d prefer to wake up fresh. I’m surprised to see you drinking,” he observed quietly as the Reichsführer poured himself a very small glass of Riesling and turned to bring both glasses over.
“I generally don’t…” Himmler conceded with a faint nod. “The Führer does not, of course, so neither do the rest of us… however a small glass now and then can do no harm. It is excess the courts danger… in many things…”
“You did not request this late night meeting to discuss the drinking habits of the Oberkommando…” Heydrich pointed out, accepting the sparkling water as it was offered and pausing for a moment as his CO and mentor raised a silencing hand and stopped to listen to the speech, still playing loudly in the background.
“As the Führer of the German Volk, I have always understood and respected the territorial claims and aspirations of the Emperor and the Japanese people in the Orient, and Germany has always stood ready to provide its ally with any support necessary for Japan to realise these claims. Therefore, neither at the time of the signing of the Pact nor later, did I in anyway attempt to interfere with Japanese interests in South-East Asia. On the contrary, I completely left it to the Japanese government’s discretion either not to immediately enter this war against our enemies or to do so at a point when it felt suitable and it was at complete liberty to make that decision.
“Until now, the Emperor and the Japanese Government have elected to bide their time, seeking the most opportune moment to make their move, and accordingly, Germany, even though it was immersed in a most difficult struggle, helped its ally to the utmost of its means. Many offers of assistance were either completely rejected by the military rulers of Japan from the start or were accepted only under conditions which could not be met. At an appropriate time, documents will be submitted to the public that reveal the extent of Germany’s contribution to its ally in this fateful struggle and the extent of what it would have been willing to continue to contribute.”
“They’ll be taught a lesson now for their insolence…” Himmler growled softly, taking in The Chancellor’s words and nodding slowly to himself. “…And as to your statement: indeed, I did not…” Himmler continued with a nod, taking a seat in an identical chair beside his. “Reinhard, I rarely take alcohol, however there has been some news this evening that has caused me to see this night as a special one of sorts – hence the wine…”
“Washing our hands of the Japanese means this much to you?” He asked with a suppressed smirk, also half-listening to the radio.
“Don’t be obtuse!” Himmler chided with an exasperated wave of his hand, ignoring Heydrich’s raised eyebrow. “I know you far too well to fall for your little mind games, and I know you are being intentionally dense. Stop it: is belittles you!”
“Of course, Mein Herr,” Heydrich acknowledged with a tilt of his head, sounding suitably contrite but inwardly pleased all the same that his words had drawn the expected reaction.
“The Führer has asked a favour of me…”
“How surprising…” Heydrich muttered softly, well aware of the sheer volume of duties accorded the Reichsführer by their beloved leader.
“…and I – in turn – am asking that same favour of you…” Himmler continued, continuing to ignore his jibes. “
It is The Führer’s belief that contrary to what we have been told, the atomic weapon detonated on that verdammt island two weeks ago was in fact set and armed by the Reichsmarschall himself.”
“You have proof of this…?”
“Proof…? No… at least, none as yet; however despite this, a suspicion remains…”
“The Reichsmarschall diverted to Ambon solely to ensure the device did not fall into Japanese hands… what purpose would there be in lying about this, when such actions are completely concurrent with the reason he was on that island in the first place?” Heydrich mused thoughtfully, sipping at his water and starting to become interested. “The Führer could hardly have been displeased, considering the outcome, and as you say, those yellow swine in any case deserved everything they were given; treating German officers in such a manner!”
“As you say, what purpose indeed? I was sceptical at first, however further, seemingly unrelated information has since also come to light that may leave some doubt as to the Reichsmarschall’s true motives…”
“You now have my full attention, Mein Herr,” Heydrich announced excitedly, leaning forward in his chair and smiling genuinely for the first time.
“There has been an accusation…” the Reichsführer began carefully, the raised a warning hand once more, adding: “Wait – this I want to listen to… it was a pleasure to help write it…” as Heydrich rolled his eyes in mild impatience.
“…while they can portray this as a necessity, they will never find an excuse for the fact that this occurred without the ally’s having been informed ahead of time. Not only this: at the same time that assurances were given that Japan would not commit any act that might threaten this alliance, Japanese military forces in the Pacific were poised to strike at the heart of the Unites States, a neutral world power with whom Germany has neither quarrel nor territorial claims. As a further insult to my Racial Comrades, the German Reichsmarschall and his advisors have been held by the Japanese against their will and met with threats against their person. These are not the honourable actions not of an ally, and I tell you that as your Führer, I consider such actions to be a personal insult. Future generations of Japanese will be ashamed of the use of these tactics against an allied friend, who with his blood and sacrifices of all types, fulfilled his duty to more than the letter of the treaty.
“My Volksgenossen…! Now that I have been given sufficient opportunity to truly observe the duplicity and dishonesty of these reactionary and anti-German actions, there is no doubt about the true intentions of this Japanese government. In fulfilment of my duties, I have ordered all those measures which could be taken in such a case to spare the German Reich a fate which Prime Minister Tōjō and his men not only inflicted on the Emperor and the Japanese people, but into which they also intended to plunge Germany.”
“There has been an accusation, as I said…” Himmler began again, sipping at his wine. “One from a possibly creditable source…”
“An accusation of what, Mein Herr…?” Heydrich asked bluntly, becoming vaguely annoyed over the interruptions and taking his turn at mild exasperation.
“An accusation that Kurt Reuters may be an enemy spy!”
“You…!” Heydrich stated, about to scoff openly, then halted in stunned surprise as he realised that his commanding officer was utterly and completely serious. “You cannot be serious, Heinrich!” He added finally, shaking his head and showing a thin, disbelieving smile.
“As serious as I have ever been.” Himmler answered calmly with a deadpan expression.
“Kurt Reuters? Reichsmarschall Kurt Reuters… who has led the Wehrmacht to victory over all of Europe…?”
“The very same… Ahh: it comes to the end now…” The Reichsführer answered firmly as both men starred at each other in silence, each almost daring the other to look away first as Hitler’s speech continued in the background and he took a moment to hear those final words.
“The measures now to be taken to protect German interests, in view of the developments in Japan, are very harsh. Insofar as they concern Japan, they are already progressing according to plan. The example of Yugoslavia’s betrayal last year provided us with salutary insights and valuable realisations. Japan’s fate may serve as a lesson for us all so that, in the hour of most terrible distress and the most bitter need, we may never renounce national honour, that we loyally stand by our allies, and with faithful heart fulfil what duty demands of us. The people which passes these trials by Providence will in the end receive as a reward from the Almighty the laurel wreath of the victor and therefore its prize of life. This victor must and will be Germany under any circumstances.
“We are great in our Volk! We are great in our Reich! We remain victorious! I am your Führer: Adolf Hitler…! Seig Heil…!”
As the oratory came to a final end, Heydrich still found the concept impossible to believe, although his CO’s unwavering expression was beginning to unsettle him. With the speech ended, that momentary spell also seemed to be broken, and Himmler immediately nodded in silent assent over something with his own mind and rose from the chair, stepping quickly across to the radio and turning it off.
“The Ivans won’t waste a moment taking advantage of this, if I’m any judge…” the Reichsführer muttered out loud, again momentarily distracted by the contents of the speech. “I tell you that I mean every word… about the Reichsmarschall…” he reaffirmed, turning to face Heydrich as he stood by the drinks cabinet once more.
“I think perhaps you can pour me a scotch, Mein Herr…” The Blond Beast suggested eventually, shaking his head at the enormity of the idea. “This ‘possibly’ creditable source…” he continued, forcing himself to think clinically – to use his copious talents for deduction. “…would you be so kind as to enlighten me as to who that might be?”
“Not quite yet,” Himmler replied quickly, turning to pour the requested drink. “To hear the source before you hear the detail of the accusation may perhaps colour your perception…”
“Controversial, then…” Heydrich noted immediately. “When have you ever before known me to be anything other than logical?”
“When have I ever before denounced a Reichsmarschall…?”
“Please; explain then, if you will…” the younger man conceded gracefully, extending an upturned palm as evidence of his request.
“We have suspected for some time that there may be an Allied agent working within the OKW, yes…?”
“I would go so far as to guarantee it, Mein Herr,” Heydrich countered, well aware of the circumstantial evidence that had been collected regarding exactly that rumour over the last two years.
“Well, you also know that we have our own agents within both the American and Australian governments: information they have gathered suggests that the British knew about the presence and significance of Kormoran long before the vessel was intercepted in the Banda Sea…”
“You’re talking about our assets…” Heydrich confirmed, meaning agents of the RHSA specifically, and received a nod of assent in return.
“You think I would trust the Abwehr with something this delicate? Their entire command structure was hand-picked by Reuters following the disaster at Amiens: if they received even one sniff of accusation against him, he would know about it instantly. I am speaking of our operatives, yes… and although they have not secured proof as yet, there is substantial evidence that Allied intelligence agencies were provided with advance warning of Kormoran’s voyage, including details of her cargo.”
“Which would explain their immediate response to the Japanese invasion of Ambon – the urgency with which they counter-attacked.”
“Exactly so,” Himmler nodded again, moving back to his seat and handing over the scotch as Heydrich placed his water down on a small, circular table between the two chairs. “That in itself only indicates a leak within the OKW, or the Abwehr itself, perhaps; but there are other matters of concern. One of the reasons I called you here tonight was due to the fact that I know you h
ave already been conducting an unofficial investigation that indirectly involves the Reichsmarschall: the hunt in Northern Ireland for this Jew, Lowenstein?”
“It was of interest to me why the OKW was so desperate to have this man returned to custody…” Heydrich answered, unfazed by the revelation. He had long ago become accustomed to the Reichsführer’s uncanny ability to simply know things that he should not.
“This man – you knew that he was a Jew, yes? – was a prisoner of the Reichsmarschall, and by accounts has been so for many years, held in custody somewhere close by wherever Reuters finds himself. Lowenstein escaped this custody on the very same night that the OKW was bombed at Amiens, days before the invasion of Britain. He had been – at the time – held prisoner in a cell converted from an old stable at the rear of the main building itself…” He left that sentence hanging, fully expecting his protégé to pick up the correct thread.
“Mein Herr, was it not a stable in which they found the bodies of Herren Göring, Bormann and Hess shot to death… along with Direktor Zeigler?” The tone of the conversation had turned suddenly dark now, and hair suddenly rose all over his body as a strange chill rippled through Heydrich, as if he were sensing something subliminally dangerous in his immediate vicinity.
“Found by Generaloberst Schiller, if reports are to be believed…” Himmler remarked pointedly “…with this Lowenstein fellow nowhere to be seen…”
“Their opposition to Reuters was well-known…” Heydrich mused, surprisingly horrified at some of the hypothetical scenarios he was now imagining in his twisted mind. “It was always believed that Bormann killed the others in an argument – some play for power or the result of some betrayal over a secret deal…”
“That was what was officially reported,” Himmler shrugged, feeling no great sympathy for the death of men who’d been incredibly problematic to deal with at times. “Easier to take this line than answer difficult questions for which there might be no answers… no comfortable answers, at least…”
The Dead Alone (Empires Lost Book 3) Page 111
