Hitler's Miracle Weapons - Vol. 3 - review

[edwest]

The great Allied victory over Germany was widely hailed, but this book shows how close it came to disaster. The 27 August issue of Life magazine (of which I have a copy) clearly tells readers that victory was gained "by the skin of our teeth." Reference is made to secret weapons being built underground - "Some of these things can now be revealed. Others cannot - yet." There is an illustration of Do 335 airframes partially completed. So, after the V-1 and V-2, what was left? An article from American Magazine from 1946 is quoted that mentions: "After the conquest of Germany I visited V-weapons launch sites. I can only say, and repeat over and over: We were just in time! They were not quite ready, and for that reason alone we were not defeated."

It is quite remarkable to read a statement the author claims was released only in 2001: "At a CCS meeting in Washington, Dec 8, 1944, the CCS discussed 'without much interest' a Presidential directive which would take action to meet a V-3 threat -- intercontinental missile attack against the United States." In an Associated Press story, dateline London, Dec. 18, Mayor La Guardia states: "If an attempt is made to bomb a defenseless city, the people of New York will have no business relations with Naziland for 100 years to come." Indeed, it would be completely irresponsible if the American authorities had not alerted the people regarding such a possibility.

How far along were the other rocket projects? Quoting CIOS Report XXXII-125, titled German Guided Missile Research, we learn: "A-11, A-12, A-13, A-14 further development models of the A9/A10 with 3500 mile range. Long-range rockets for attacks on the United States." In Appendix 1 of this report, it states: "Only the A-15 was never constructed."

The author mentions a book written by astronaut Gordon Cooper and the following is from that book: "At war's end, a manned V-2 was sitting on the pad at Peenemunde, all tested out, fueled up, and ready to go. ... - came about a week or so of being launched." This was revealed during a discussion between Mr. Cooper, Werner von Braun and former Luftwaffe test pilot, Joachim Kuettner. (Leap of Faith, HarperCollins, 2000)

Long-range guidance and accurate weather reporting were both required and the author makes a strong case that these were in place. An automatic weather station was set up on the coast of St. Martin's Bay, Labrador, south of Cape Chidley and operational from 23 October 1943. The Canadians denied it existed until 1981 when they received information as to its exact location. It is now located at the Canadian War Museum in Ottowa. According to an Austrian and German newspaper, Wehrmacht units did not capitualute in Greenland until 1949. He goes on to state that beacons on U-Boats or released from U-Boats, plus beacons at the target in New York would have assisted in getting the rocket-missile to its target.

The author mentions various guidance schemes and devices, but actual progress to final development is not conclusive from existing documents. Again, an American source, this time, General Arnold, is quoted: