[edwest]

Chapter 6 is titled, Kiel - Into the Unknown. Now if you're thinking that as of 4 May 1945, the bulk of what would be found had been found, Kiel is presented as a place where "the Russians would acquire some of the most important military scientists in all Germany." The goal was to "take Kiel before the Russians can get there." Intelligence had been developed that "the Russians intended to fully disregard the Yalta Agreement and occupy Denmark." The story of how one officer with T-Force was held up by another in the signing of a movement order and how the problem was resolved, is presented. The red tape that was encountered throughout the book boggles the mind, especially in light of the fact that not reaching a target quickly heightened the odds of the material being destroyed or taken away before they got there. An example: "The last three Type XVII U-boats had left Kiel at the end of the war -- passing through the Kiel canal just yards from Dr Walter's factory only a few hours before 30AU arrived."

We are then told of new torpedoes called GNAT and LUT, designed to be fired in salvos of three. "In the badly damaged Krupps Germania shipyard, T-Force uncovered a complete Type XXIII submarine..."

Chapter 7 covers work in Denmark. "Among the targets in Denmark was a V2 rocket experimentation plant on the island of Fano (angled line through the o). And more interesting torpedoes. "Other examples of torpedoes included one with a range of 80 miles (130 km) that had earlier been launched from Le Havre to attack shipping arriving at the Mulberry Harbours off the coast of Normandy."

Chapter 8 continues with post-war investigations. "One of the most fantastical weapons noted - and one of which Jules Verne would indeed have been proud - was a flying bomb fitted with scythes that were designed to slice Allied bombers in half."

There was a search for scientists involved in atomic research and a curious comment about them was made by General Groves who was "convinced they were 'superior in all-around ability to the group which had started the New Mexico laboratory.'" How, I wonder, could any of these men be regarding in such high standing since, according to the history on the subject, Germany was far from producing a bomb and had made little progress? This is followed by the hunt for 10,000 tons of Tabun. The Me 163 is mentioned followed by a statement that 25 had been sent to the UK. This is followed by describing some of the work of Dr. Walter.

I could go on and on, but the remainder of the book, the entire book actually, is a story of rather common soldiers being put through the wringer and by hook and crook, getting the job done. They are presented as three dimensional individuals with emotions. This is truly a scholarly work which gets into all the details of how this secret, quick and nimble force had to maneuver not just among the enemy but through a bureacracy that insisted on the signing of various papers, reports and requisitions in 5 copies. It is a little thin on footnotes but the bibliography includes file numbers and titles for those wishing to do further research. The Appendix shows before and after photos of some of the participants.

Highly recommended for those with a desire to fully assemble what the Germans were doing in the way of secret weapons.




Regards,
Ed