Warlords: Rising from the Northwest Border and Sweeping Across the Powers

Chapter 1255 Planned Bankruptcy

In the English Western Front Headquarters, in a heavily guarded underground meeting room.

&34；先生们，&34；蒙哥马利元帅站在巨大的作战沙盘前，目光锐利地扫视着在座的将领们，&34；&39；雷霆&39；计划已经进入最后准备阶段。这将是一次足以改变东线战局的行动。&34；

Air Vice Admiral Harris immediately reported: "Twenty modified Lancaster bombers have completed testing. Loading training for the London One bomb has also been completed. The pilots are our best aces."

"Where are the carrier groups?" Montgomery asked.

海军上将坎宁安接话：&34；&39；皇家方舟&39；号和&39；光辉&39；号航母已经在北海完成部署。两艘航母都配备了完整的护航编队，包括四艘巡洋舰和八艘驱逐舰。&34；

"Very good," Montgomery nodded, "Now let's talk about the specific battle plan."

Harris immediately unfolded a detailed battle map: "We will carry out the bombing in three batches. The first batch of eight bombers will target the arsenals and weapons factories in East Prussia. The second batch of six will be responsible for destroying the railway hubs. The third batch of six will specifically attack their headquarters."

&34;What's the schedule?&34;

"The first group will take off at three in the morning," Harris said, pointing to the map, "They will take this route around the Baltic Sea and arrive over the target at dawn. The second and third groups will take off at four and five respectively, forming a continuous strike."

General Williams from the intelligence department suddenly interrupted: "According to the latest intelligence, the air defense force of the Bird Empire on the Eastern Front is not strong. Their main forces are on the Western Front and the Soviet battlefield. This is our best chance."

"Where are the escort fighters?" Montgomery asked.

"Each bomber group will be escorted by twelve Spitfires," Harris replied, "and they will provide cover throughout the bombing."

Cunningham added: "And the carrier group will be as close to the target area as possible to ensure that the fighters have sufficient range."

"Gentlemen," Montgomery's voice became serious, "The significance of this operation is far more than a simple military strike. If successful, it will completely cut off the supply lines of the Eastern Front of the Byrd Empire and paralyze their troops on the Eastern Front."

He walked to the sand table and said: "This will not only help relieve the pressure on Suvia, but also shake the overall strategic deployment of the Bird Empire. Therefore, we must ensure that nothing goes wrong."

"Yes!" the generals responded in unison.

"Okay," Montgomery looked around for the last time, "then the code name of the operation is confirmed to be "Thunderbolt", and it is scheduled to be launched in the first week of next month. All units will immediately begin final preparations. Remember, this operation must be unexpected and a sure hit! "

No one noticed that a seemingly ordinary communications soldier in the corner of the conference room was watching all this with a special look.

East Prussian waters, two o'clock in the morning.

On the dark sea, the U-47 submarine was moving silently. The captain, Major Prien, was carefully observing the sea situation through the periscope. Suddenly, his eyes fixed.

&34；声纳发现大型舰队！&34；声纳兵急促地报告，&34；方位290，距离12海里！&34；

Prien immediately ordered: "Everyone, get ready for battle!"

At the same time, five other U-boats also found the target and were approaching the English aircraft carrier formation from different directions. This was a carefully designed encirclement.

"Target spotted, the aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal!" the lookout reported in a low voice.

Prien sneered: "Prepare to launch torpedoes, target the aircraft carrier!"

Just as the Ingli aircraft carrier formation was preparing to launch the first batch of bombers, the god of death was quietly approaching under the sea.

&34;Launch!&34;

Six U-boats fired torpedoes at the same time, and eighteen torpedoes flew in a fan shape towards the aircraft carrier formation.

With a loud bang, the starboard side of the "Ark Royal" aircraft carrier was hit, and the hull tilted violently. Then, a cruiser escorting it was also hit, and a huge flame rose.

"Damn it!" Admiral Cunningham roared in the conning tower, "It's a U-boat! They have been waiting for us here for a long time!"

Meanwhile, inland East Prussia.

Kleist's air defenses were on full alert, with radar stations operating around the clock, anti-aircraft artillery on duty, and fighter squadrons ready to take off at any time.

"Report!" The signalman rushed into the headquarters, "The aircraft carrier Ingrid was attacked! The operation may be delayed!"

Kleist sneered: "It won't be postponed. They still have the "Glorious" aircraft carrier. They will definitely continue to implement the plan, but the scale will be smaller."

Sure enough, two hours later, the radar station discovered a formation of enemy aircraft.

"Enemy planes spotted!" the radar operator yelled. "Three groups of four to six bombers each, escorted by fighters!"

"Act according to the plan!" Kleist ordered, "The first line of defense is ready to engage the enemy!"

When the English bomber formation just crossed the coastline, a dense anti-aircraft artillery fire network was opened. At the same time, a group of ME-109 fighters dived down from the clouds and went straight to the bomber group.

"Damn it! They're prepared!" the English pilot shouted in despair.

The heavy bombers seemed extremely cumbersome under the siege of fighter planes. Three of the first batch of eight bombers were quickly lost, and the rest had to abandon their bombs in advance and flee in a panic.

On the ground, Brauchitsch's troops had also completed their transfer. The important arsenal and headquarters were cleverly camouflaged, and the real targets had long been moved to a safe area, leaving only some bait buildings at the original site.

&34；元首，&34；克莱斯特向柏林报告，&34；英格力的&39；雷霆&39；计划已经破产。我们击落了他们五架轰炸机，击伤三架。其余的都被迫返航。我方损失两架战斗机。&34；

Hidler nodded with satisfaction: "Well done! Pass my order and continue to be vigilant in case they come back again."

This carefully planned bombing operation completely failed due to the careful defense of the Bird Empire. And all this was thanks to the intelligence from China.

At the English Western Front Headquarters, Field Marshal Montgomery's face was terribly gloomy.

&34；完全失败！&34；他狠狠将报告摔在桌上，&34；不仅&39；皇家方舟&39；号重创，连带着&39；格拉斯哥&39；号巡洋舰也被击沉。八架最先进的轰炸机被击落，十六名精英飞行员阵亡！&34；

Lieutenant General Harris turned pale: "Marshal, the Byrd Empire seems to have known our plan for a long time. Their air defense deployment is too targeted."

"Not only that," Admiral Cunningham added, "the U-boats were clearly waiting for us. They knew exactly our route and timing!"

Montgomery stood up suddenly: "What does this mean? It means our intelligence has been leaked!" He looked around at the generals present, "This plan is only known to the people in this room. Now, I want to know who leaked it!"

General Williams immediately stated: "I have ordered the intelligence department to conduct a comprehensive investigation. All personnel involved in the plan will be subject to review."

"Not enough!" Montgomery said sternly, "I want you to thoroughly check everyone's communication records, movements, and even bank accounts! You must find the mole!"

"Yes!" Williams stood at attention and saluted.

At this time, a handwritten letter from Prime Minister Churchill arrived. After Montgomery quickly read it, his face became even uglier.