.Bright sunshine, gentle sea breeze, and lush tropical plants, the Philippine Islands in early summer are so vibrant, but the clear sky was covered with a thick layer of clouds. Although the sea surface was surprisingly calm, people could feel the psychological depression that was about to come.

On June 28, 1929, the battleship group and cruiser group of the German-Turkish joint expeditionary fleet broke into the key to Manila Bay, the Japanese army in Luzon Island. The next 24 hours were called the turning point of the entire Philippines battle. Because in the first 12 hours, the Japanese army once saw hope of turning the situation around. Their port garrison troops and task force fought a fierce and bloody battle with their powerful opponents without fear. The torpedo boat team that launched the death shock even hit the largest German battleship "William the Great". Watching the super battleship with the remnant smoke gutter, at this moment, the Japanese officers and soldiers stationed in Luzon Island all believed that victory would eventually belong to themselves and the arrogant Japanese Empire.

However, the retreat after 11 shells and 2 torpedoes in the "William Great" did not discourage the remaining coalition officers and soldiers. As time went by, the Japanese army, which lacked air strength, could not achieve a decisive victory. Instead, the Japanese army and navy suffered heavy losses under the fierceness of the German-Turkish Air Force. Japanese Navy Lieutenant General Matsumura Kikuyo also died with the flagship "Ikami". The entire task force was also exhausted in the battle. More importantly, this assault operation of the German-Turkish fleet was just a feint of the coalition!

Just two hours after the start of the Naval Battle of Manila, the German-Turkish coalition forces launched an attack on Mindulo Island less than 100 kilometers south of Luzon Island through joint sea and air assault. In order to achieve the fatal effect of one blow, the German army not only invested the most elite Navy 1st Marine Division, but also airborne a force in the south, east and northwest of the island. The total number of paratroopers participating in airborne operations reached 4,700, which was also the largest airborne operation of the German army in Southeast Asia.

Due to the flat and central mountainous terrain around Mindulo Island, the coalition offensive forces quickly gained a foothold on the beach. However, as the Japanese remnants retreated into the mountains and leaned on underground fortifications to resist, the battle process once again entered the cruel cleaning stage. The German and Turkish army invested a large number of flamethrowers, and the fire-breathing tanks cleaned the caves where the Japanese army were hiding one by one, and finally completely captured the island at the cost of more than 4,000 casualties, and obtained the best forward pedal to attack Luzon.

When Germany's Messerschmitt fighters and Turkey's Murae fighters were able to fly freely in the airspace over Luzon, the upcoming Luzon battle had no suspense on air supremacy. Germanic eagles and flight elites from Asia Minor could attack the target they wanted to attack in any way at any time. The Japanese army on Luzon could no longer march in broad daylight. Before the battle began, they lost about 1/10 of their troops, 2/3 of their transport tools and immeasurable morale in the German air strikes. The few remaining battleships in the Battle of Manila Bay also sank into the bottom of the water as the Junx dive bomber roared again and again.

Chen Tian glanced at it and it was nothing more than the resumes, tactical habits and evaluations of the two candidates. Although Chen Tian has not been in the Supreme Command for a while, this document is just a form for these two very familiar generals.

After thinking about it, Chen Tian said half-questionably: "August is already 70 years old this year!"

"Yes, your majesty! Marshal Mackenson is exactly 70 years old this year. Although he is a little older, the Marshal is always strong and has a very healthy life. He is fully qualified for the position of commander of the Expeditionary Force in recent years. The Marshal himself is also quite active in returning to the front-line troops!" Hoffman's evaluation sounds like he is specifically canvassing for General Mackenson.

Chen Tian was not moved by it, but continued to ask: "Where is General Longdested? 55 years old?"

"Uh... I'm 54 years old this year! I'm in good health!"

In normal times, Hoffmann's last sentence "healthy" supplement was not only a bit ridiculous, but also a bit ridiculous, because they had to choose a commander rather than a boxer. However, since entering 1929, many important figures in the German military have encountered accidental or non-accidental illnesses. Those who had to fight against the illness were "father of the German navy" von Tirpitz, German Field Marshal Von Fransova, and some elderly in-service or retired generals, which made people feel a little bit of the ruthlessness of the years.

"Marrior Mackenson is old after all, so we cannot take the health of an imperial father!" After that, Chen Tian glanced at Hoffman, and his opinions were already very obvious.

Hoffman knew it, "So, OK, your majesty! I will make arrangements now. General Longdested is currently on standby in Berlin. Before he sets off, will you meet him?"

"Well, let's just be this afternoon!" Chen Tian nodded, "And. Marshal Makenson will come tomorrow morning. With his personality, he will definitely be full of complaints!"

"yes!"

A few hours later, the German Command issued the latest personnel order, appointing Lieutenant General Geldervon Rondersted, the commander of the 3rd Army of the German Army, as the new commander of the German-Turkish joint expeditionary force, to replace Lieutenant General Oscarvon Hutiel, who resigned due to physical reasons.

Half an hour after the order was issued, Feng Longdested, who was about to take office, stood in front of Chen Tian, ​​in the Emperor's Study Room of Olaf Palace.

Before coming to this world, Chen Tian had seen this famous Nazi general from some historical photos and influences. The first time he saw Longdested with his own eyes was more than ten years ago. At that time, Longdested served as a staff officer in the Supreme Command, and together with Loeb, Manstein and others, he was considered the most promising young officer.

Seeing Long Dested again, Chen Tian carefully observed the "old" general who had entered the age of destiny. His face obviously had no vitality as he had been ten years ago, but his facial contour was still round and plump compared to the previous photos. He only had a little white hair on his head, and his eyes were as deep as ever.

"The general may not know. Many people previously believed that the commander-in-chief should send Marshal Markens to replace the position of commander-in-chief of the Expeditionary Force, but the generals of the commander-in-chief finally chose you. Do you know why?"

In Chen Tian's impression, Longdested was a general with great command talent and a very good memory. He also inherited the tradition of German soldiers - he had no interest in political activities at all, so he was very famous in the third army he commanded.

The upright Longdested was indeed not abrupt in the bush, "I beg your Majesty to give me advice!"

"Martin Marshal Mackenson's ability is beyond doubt. His age does not prevent him from continuing to take on the heavy responsibility in the front-line troops. Moreover, his advantages in qualifications and experience are obvious!" After saying this, Chen Tian quietly observed the changes in Longdested's eyes. There was indeed a little doubt in his deep eyes, but in general, he was quite calm.

"However, we will not judge the quality of a commander based on our qualifications and experience. This is very important for maintaining the vitality of the Empire and the Imperial Army! My generals and I believe that it is perfectly competent to command an army of the size of the United Expeditionary Force with the ability of the general. We are willing to deliver the safety of these hundreds of thousands of soldiers to the general's hands and feet, and we also hope that this is the motivation to give the general, not the reins that bind the general's hands and feet!"

Chen Tian's words were very calm, as if he was stating the facts rather than encouraging before leaving.

Of course, all Longdested needed was this calm "statement" and affirmation, because professional soldiers like him were ready to serve the country at any time.

"Thank you for your trust and the commander!" Longdested said with his head held high.

Chen Tian walked up to him and patted his left arm, "Do it well, expel the Japanese from Southeast Asia and completely defeat them! In this way, all kinds of violent incidents that occurred in Germany can be truly resolved and the German people can live a truly peaceful life!"

"Yes!" Longdested stood at attention.

"Are there any other questions?" Chen Tian asked as usual.

"Yes, Your Majesty! Is there anything else that Your Majesty needs to explain in the strategy of the Expeditionary Force?"

After looking at Longdested's serious expression, Chen Tian said, "No, General, you are now the commander of the Expeditionary Force. These things are up to you. All we have to do is support you materially and spiritually, and then wait for your return to triumphantly!"

Longdested was silent for a moment and replied firmly: "Please rest assured, your Majesty, I will definitely live up to my entrustedness!"

Chen Tian nodded and watched the ambitious general leave.

On that day, Longdested left Berlin by plane and arrived at the Expeditionary Force General Headquarters in Brunei in the early morning of the next day.

On July 14, after some minor adjustments were made based on the latest battlefield situation, General Feng Longdested, the newly appointed commander of the German-Turkish joint expeditionary force, issued an offensive order, and the Luzon battle, which had been postponed for a week, finally began.

Four days later, on July 18, Prince Heinrich of Prussia finally completed his meaningful life. Although he failed to see Germany defeat the last enemy in the world with his own eyes, he witnessed Germany from a European power to the peak, witnessing the German navy from regional power to the world, witnessing his son's continuous growth and finally ascending to the German throne, all this was enough to make the old man go away with a smile. - Heinrich hoped that his funeral would be simple, and it would be best to let the old navy sleep in the sea in the form of a sea burial. Chen Tian did not disobey his intention, but ordered the whole of Germany to mourn and praise articles in newspapers and magazines. Due to Germany's strong influence, almost all Europe and Africa were lowered half a flag on this day.

Heinrich's body was subsequently cremated in Berlin, where he was born.
Chapter completed!