Bismarck ISOTed to RMS Titanic - and U-234

Preamble

Tyr Anazasi

Well-known member
At first, I would start a thread of a TL with a story post. In this time I can't. I have to dedicate this threat to PPaul, resquiescas in pace. He had started at AH.com a TL, but unfortunately died way before he could do anything. So I decided to restart this TL again, but with Bosemacher's idea to add U-234. If you see parallels, well, that can't be changed. I have to admit, that some parts are needed to be introduced, while others are changed drastically. For example, there was no SS-thug on Bismarck. But a Nazi-naval judge on U-234...

Bismarck


Bundesarchiv_Bild_193-04-1-26%2C_Schlachtschiff_Bismarck.jpg


RMS Titanic


450px-RMS_Titanic_3.jpg


U-234


U234_KptLt_Fehler_USS_Sutton.jpg


About U-234 one has to add, that the boat did NOT have a Me-262 jet fighter crated on board. But it had the blueprints. And this personnel:

General der Flieger Ulrich Keßler, who had been once naval officer and pilot, member of the July 20th plot, air strategist
Lt. Erich Menzel, his adjutant, a RADAR specialist (also Allied RADAR) and bombing aiming devices (which were on board)
Oberstlt. Fritz v. Sandrart, air defense specialist
Fregattenkapitän Gerhard Falcke, engineer for electric welding, also naval strategist
Kapitänlt. Richard Bulla, pilot, specialist for carrier operations (well should be educated for this)
Oblt. z.S. Heinrich Hellendorn, Flak specialist (3,7 cm flak 43)
Dr. Ing. August Bringewald, Messerschmidt
Franz Ruf, Technician, Messerschmidt
Marinebaurat Dr.-Ing. Heinz Schlicke, IR- and RADAR expert
Marinerichter Kay Nieschling
Kaigun-Gijutsu Chūsa Hideo Tomonaga, naval architect and submarine designer
Kaigun-Gijutsu Chūsa Shoji Genzo, aircraft specialist

Blue prints of: Me 163, Me 262, Hs 293, Bismarck class, DD type 1936 C, DD type 1944, DD Type 1941, Type 1943 M-Boat, S-Boats and Uboat types II, VII C, IX, X, XI, XXI and XXIII (among others)
550 kg Uranium oxide
 
Chapter I, Part 1: When Fate strikes

Tyr Anazasi

Well-known member
27.05.1941, Bridge of Bismarck, 550 nm off Brest, North Atlantic Ocean, 10:15:

Fregattenkapitän Oels, stood on the bridge. Admiral Lütjens and Captain Lindemann had been killed, so he was in command. He heard a voice: "Herr Kapitän, we've shot the last shell." "I am ordering to scuttle the ship. The ship cannot be captured by the British." "Jawoll!"

Only a few minutes later, Matrosenobergefreiter Otto Schreiber was thrown to deck by yet another shell hitting the Bismarck. He was only slightly injured. When he was stood up again, he saw the charrred and mangled remains of what had once be his friend. "Jürgen! Jürgen!" he cried. Then he saw the torpedoes coming, and turned to his commanding officer whom stood next to him with an injury to his left arm. "Leutnant Hausburg, what will we do?" "Pray! ..." was the only answer the young officer could give. "Gegrüßet seist du, Maria, voll der Gnade," He heard his young commanding officer start to pray, and he started to pray as well: "Vater unser, der Du bist im Himmel, ..."

And at the very moment the torpedoes hit, the scuttling charges went up, ... everything turned dark.

10.05.1945, U-234, North Atlantic Ocean, 10:15:

Germany had surrendered. Only half a day ago Kapitänleutnant Fehler got the confirmation, as he could contact another Uboat. So it wasn't a ruse by the Allies. He knew, Hitler had died, and now the fatherland was in shambles. U-234 was alone. Should the mission be completed? For hours they had discussed, what to do. Going to Japan, as ordered previously, or surrendering, as ordered now? The Japanese officers and the Naval judge had voted to go to Japan, General Keßler had voted to surrender. Now he,had to act and order what to do. He stood up. "Gentlemen, I am the captain of this Uboat. I, and only I, will decide what we will do. We will..." And before he could finish his sentence, suddenly, everything went black.

14.04.1912, Crow's nest of RMS Titanic, 23:20:

The night was clear, and the sea calm, yet out of the blue two bright flashes occurred which would come to change everything ...

"Did you see that, Reginald?" Frederick Fleet said.

"Yes, I did. There was a flash. No. There is a second, but much smaller."

"We should report that."

"Bridge, this is Crow's nest, Lee speaking. Sir, we could observe two flashes on port..."

As everything remained dark, both spotters went ahead with their original task.

14.04.1912, about 15 nm away, 23:22:

"Where are we?" Otto Schreiber asked whilst and looked around as he woke up. Everything seemed to be in order, even the ready stock of the guns were there. What's going on here ... "I don't know." Fuck! That certainly was a voice he'd never expected to hear again. "Jürgen? Jürgen! You're alive. But I saw you die!"

"What? I do have a headache, but all I remember, is wanting to find some ammo ...Where are we? Where is the British fleet?" "I don't know." Otto answered, before asking: "Are we dead?"

First the was one light, then a second, a third, another and another. Slowly more and more lights started to illuminate the ship. On the bridge a flash light had illuminated the scene. Captain Lindemann could see his ship. "All station, situation report. On the double!" he ordered wondering what's going on. It just didn't make any bloody sense ... Were they dead? After all, he remembered his ship being slowly shot to bits.

Engine room reported, everything was working. The generators were starting to come alive again, and soon, the whole ship would be operational again. Slowly further reports came in, and surprisingly no damage had been found. And various persons, like Kapitän Netzband, whom he knew for a fact had been dead only a few minutes ago, were repported to be alive!

At the same time his navigators seemed to be unable to figure out where they were, at least initially, for the stars didn't correspond to their last known location, moreover, even having been adrift couldn't have done this. They seemed way off. And it definitely wasn't 10:20 AM in the morning. They should be the bottom of the Atlantic. But they were here, wherever this 'here' was.

"Herr Kapitän," he heard the voice of the man at the helm. "Is this a British trap?" Admiral Lütjens asked him as he looked at the admiral. "That might be a logical answer, but we're alive, the ship is repaired ... I don't know, how, nor why. Neither would I know why the Brits would sink us, heal us, fix the ship and then let us float around somewhere. Fully operational."

"Herr Admiral," Lindemann said, "we're receiving an SOS. A ship is near and sending a distress signal."

"What ship?" the Admiral wanted to know.

"They call themselves the RMS Titanic." Lindemann said as he moved to give the message to his commanding officer: 'SOS, RMS Titanic, we're sinking, position...' it reads. "But Herr Admiral, that cannot be! Can it? The Titanic sank in 1912, it's 1941!"

Unknown the the officers and crew of the Bismarck, only a few miles away, on U-234, a very similar situation was unfolding: TFehler entered the bridge as the ship was slowly resurfacing, when he saw the silhouette of a big ship nearby, which was slowly turning on it's running lights, and even it's cabin lights. He however couldn't believe his eyes! It was clearly a Bismarck class battleship. "Herr Kaleun, RADAR reports three contacts, one very near!" the RADAR officer nearly screamed at him in fright. He had not detected the Bismarck yet, but as he turned around Fehler showed him the ship, and asked with his voice coated in both awe and sheer disbelieve: "Is that the Bismarck?!"

But before Fehler could say anything, the radio operator appeared. "Herr Kaleun, you won't believe me, but we got a distress signal by a ship called RMS Titanic..."


OOC: Thanks to Vnix for editing.
 
Chapter I, Part 2: Help is coming

Tyr Anazasi

Well-known member
14.04.1912, North Atlantic Ocean, 23:24:

On the bridge of Bismarck Fregattenkapitän Oels had just got word, there were two radar contacts some 15 nm from their position, but right as he tried to open his mouth to report on these contacts, something new popped up on his radar. There on his screen it showed a new contact. It was but barely 1 000m away, and it showed as a small contact, likely a submarine. And yet again before he could report, either on this newer ship, or even on the two bigger ships detected previously, something happened: signal rockets were fired by the new contact.

„What is this?!“ Admiral Lütjens demanded as he stared at the signal rockets. It was but a moment later however he got the information he needed, the ship, or rather the submarine, started flashing something. As officer he could read morse code, but there was also another lieutenant, who translated.

„Uboat U-234 to battleship Bismarck. We must talk. But we need to save the Titanic first. I suggest to meet in square BC7315 tomorrow night. Kapitänleutnant Fehler, commander of U-234.“

Lütjens was stunned. A German submarine, U-234? Quickly he roused himself from his stunned state and moved to his communications officer. „Signal them back. ‘Message received. On our way to Titanic. Rendezvous at square BC7315 when possible.’ “As the young communications officer ran of to signal back, Lütjens made his way to the radio room, and swiftly after the Bismarck started broadcasting radio messages to all ships nearby asking for help with Titanic.

The German battleship Bismarck was going to assist the RMS Titanic, a ship out of time, and an enemy to boot.



14.04.1912, about 15 nm away: 23:26:

Despite having rammed an iceberg the crew of the RMS Titanic had not yet started to launch the lifeboats. On the bridge Captain Smith saw lights in the distance, an unknown ship was approaching, and he could not hide his relief as he saw that. They were not yet doomed. At that very moment Jack Phillips, his radio officer, ran in and spoke: „Sir, a German battleship is nearby and on her way. They call themselves the Bismarck. She’s on her way to help us and will arrive in a bit more than half an hour.

„Battleship Bismarck?“ Captain Smith said more to himself. „Never heard of it! There was a cruiser called SMS Fürst Bismarck, IIRC."

„It doesn’t matter, Sir.“ First officer Murdoch said. „We need all the assistance we can get.“

„You’re right!“ he answered whilst commemorating his long life at sea. He’d spent his whole life at sea, he’d earned the right to call himself the captain of the newest and greatest ship in the world. And now this, a disaster! Still, he was the Captain and as such he would take charge, he’d take charge of the evacuation. Still he couldn’t help but feel relief as he looked at the lights on the horizon again before he left the bridge.

At the same time on the bridge of the Bismarck Kapitän Lindemann was informed that another ship, the RMS Carpahia, was also en route in response to the distress signal.

„So it is true? This isn’t a dream?“ Lindemann spoke his thoughts loudly.

„I don’t know if it’s true or not, but we seem to be both living the very same dream.“ Lütjens remarked. „Anyway, we need to concentrate on rescuing survivors. I want every boat in the water, when we arrive. We need to rescue as many persons as possible.“

„Herr Kapitän,“ Korvettenkapitän Neuendorf remarked, „we should order the band to play something to keep the people calm. On the Titanic they did so as well.“

„Good suggestion. Make it so!“ Lindemann replied.



15.04.1912, 00:08, RMS Titanic

Captain Smith returned to his bridge as he saw the battleship come closer. Even in darkness he could see, that this ship was unlike every other warship he had seen, and he’d never even heard about such a ship being built. And it would have taken years to be built. Could it have been hidden? Seems unlikely. Anyway, for now those thoughts were irrelevant. He had to save his passengers and crew. Hopefully the Admiralty knew more about the ship, as he had no time to think about it any longer. Indeed he was glad to see a ship coming to help. Now there was a chance, that everyone could be rescued.

On the bridge of the German warship Admiral Lütjens had a quite similar line of thought about the situation. He had no idea, what had happened, and worst of all, he had no time to think on it. Two German warships sent back in time, just to this moment. Why? And how? Or should he better ask who? The Lord? He breathed. He had no time. And he was sure, he would not find a logical answer. Only a few people might have idea, an idea of what MIGHT have happened. He was no such man. He had ordered the crew informed of the situation, he’d even remembered to add in orders on keeping any advanced technology a secret from the Titanic’s crew and passengers.

It was a quick instruction, which was helped by the fact, that everyone knew the RMS Titanic. And to help that ship meant, that the men would think about other things first and not get the same crazy thoughts he had. Or, if they did, they had little time to actually think about it. Which is good, he mused. They’d time afterwards, and that won’t be easy, but by then the evacuation of the Titanic would have finished and one had more time to talk about the situation.


Thanks to Vnix for editing
 
Chapter I, Part 3: Rescue Operation

Tyr Anazasi

Well-known member
15.04.1912, 01:06, very near to RMS Titanic (by PPaul16)

Seamen Otto Schreiber and Jürgen Graf gently bobbed up and down in one of the Bismarck’s lifeboats in the cold but calm North Atlantic waters. They were waiting for another boat to fill before they could move into position to offload passengers from the sinking Titanic.

“I tell you Jürgen, you were dead, I saw it with my own eyes, in fact I can’t get that horrible image out of my mind…” said Otto as he looked between his friend and the massive sinking ship “But now you’re alive and well and I’m looking at the Titanic with my own eyes…”

“Well I feel alive now and don’t remember being dead.” Replied Jürgen “Do you really think we are in 1912? I wonder what is going on in Germany. I wonder if my parents are there, I would be older than them now.”

Their conversation was interrupted by Leutnant Hausburg in charge of their boat who ordered them to begin rowing into position as the previous boat pulled away. “Remember our orders men, keep the communication with the passengers to a minimum. No talk of us being from the future or anything like that!” he commanded.

15:04.1912, 01:56, bridge of RMS Titanic

„Mr. Andrews, Mr. Ismay, you’re the last passengers on board.“ Captain Smith said. „I am ordering you finally to leave the ship, as the evacuation is nearly over.“

„Indeed the orchestra has taken their boat. Chief engineer Bell and his men are taking theirs. That means, there will be soon no electricity for the pumps.“ First Officer Murdoch arrived with these news. Andrews and Ismay went to the last boat.

„Captain, there is nobody left. Please, come with me to the boat.“ Murdoch said to the Captain, who stood alone on the bridge looking into darkness.

„What about the poor souls, trapped in the flooded parts of the ship?“ Smith asked.

„Sir, whether you go down with the ship or not, you can’t help them. You have prevented a much greater catastrophe. It could have been much worse. So very much worse. It’s a miracle, that you succeeded to rescue anyone at all.“ Murdoch tried to convince his captain.

„Well, no miracle. That German battleship was the miracle. I didn’t do much.“ He answered.

„That’s not true Sir. You kept this ship afloat for such a long time.“

Captain Smith looked on to the cold and dark sea again. He breathed. He needed a moment to consider the next step to take. Going down with the ship would avoid the inquiry to come, and a captain should go down with his ship. He should go down with his ship, shouldn’t he? But wouldn’t it also be cowardly, somehow? He wasn’t a coward, and as the last person, he had no duty to go down with the ship. He just nodded to his first officer, and both men hurried to the last life boat, for they hadn’t much time left.

Shortly after the electricity stopped working and the ship started to move.

15.04.1912, Bridge of Bismarck, 01:59:

Captain Lindemann looked through his binoculars. „It seems, Captain Smith decided to leave his ship. He seems to be the very last.“ He remarked.

„What would you have done?“ Lütjens asked him softly and solemnly.

„That’s a question every captain, and every naval officer, should ask himself.“ Lindemann replied, as he took a moment of silence before he continued: „A few hours ago I was prepared to go down with this ship. But that was in battle. Here we’re in peace. Here he’s the last. He doesn’t need to die. He doesn’t need to prevent the capture of his own ship by the enemy.“

„I agree. He’ll have to face the music at home, and he’ll certainly take part of the blame. He knows it, and I think I know his thoughts: He thinks, what he could have done to prevent this. Or at least, those were my thoughts in the last minutes of the battle.“ Lütjens said before he looked straight into Lindemann’s eyes and continued frankly, „You were right. We should have sank the HMS George V* and then sailed home.“

A young Leutnant named Richter stopped the conversion, when he returned with a book from the library. „Herr Admiral, it seems there is another ship near, the SS Californian. She however seemed to have her radio switched off at night.“

„I guess a 38 cm shell in front of her bow would a good reason to switch the radio on.“ Lindemann remarked with a small glimmer in his eye.

„I’d like to think and do so, but there are too many people on deck. Moreover, as we seem to be from the future, we should not reveal that we can fire accurately at night.“ Lütjens sighed. „It’s 1912 and they don’t use radio like we do. Erm, will do? Would have done? Anyway, you know, what I mean.“ Just thinking about time travel seemed to give him a headache.

„Herr Admiral,“ a radio officer appeared on the bridge, „we’ve managed to contact another ship, the SS Mount Temple. And the SS Frankfurt is also assisting us. Neither ship will be here until morning though.

„That’s still helpful. Hopefully they can accommodate our passengers. I’d rather go back home as fast as possible, and skip any visit in New York or Halifax.“ The Admiral said.


„BTW lieutenant, I want you to go into by quarters and from the bulkhead remove the old imperial flag there and replace our ensign with it. And make sure you are careful with it! It is the old flag of the SMS Bayern which thankfully could be saved before the ship was scuttled.“ Lütjens ordered the lieutenant whom had just before appeared on the bridge.

„Admiral. We should launch some flares. We might be able to contact the Californian, or perhaps another ship.“ Lindemann suggested. The admiral just nodded. He just hoped the survivors would not look too thoroughly at the ship.

* The Germans believed at first, the other ship would have been the HMS King George V, as they never thought, the British would send such a new ship against them.



15.04.1912, North Atlantic Ocean, 02:17:

As the Titanic sank with the Bismarck still illuminating the scene with her searchlights, suddenly the stern of the giant ship began to lift into the air. Slowly at first, but then faster, higher and higher. Surprisingly the ship tilted back onto the water for a moment only to capsize and slip beneath the waves. Of the once great ship Titanic, only debris remained. Debris of a ship which but hours before had been the greatest ocean liner in history. It was a tragic sight to see, and as such the band of the Bismarck, which had played joyful music before, but stopped playing. It seemed, nobody made any noise. Time seemed to be stopped for this moment. Only the cameras of the war correspondents on Bismarck and some photographers, most of them from the Bismarck, but also some from the Titanic, were busy.

For a full two minutes after the Titanic slipped beneath the waves no one made a sound. Not even the last few rowers in the water made a sound for they too had taken the time to honour her. The officers and crew of both the Titanic and the Bismarck on deck stood there saluting. It was then that one young officer quietly started singing: „Ich hatt’ einen Kameraden …“ Tte band of Bismarck followed suit and joined in to play „Der gute Kamerad“.

Not everyone was already on the Bismarck, some few boats were still on the water. In one of them Otto and Jürgen were rowing back to Bismarck after taking a small break when she sank. As they rowed they could hear the voice of an old man praying on German for the souls lost. Then he started to bless the crew of the launch and the German warship. It was Father Peruschitz, who would become a silent hero of the catastrophe. It was him, who warned the 3rd class passengers, that the ship was sinking. He went to every cabin to look for the people and was sitting in the last boat with passengers. Together with him there were mostly Irish sitting in the boat.

„You’re from Germany?“ Otto asked, as he was surprised to hear a German speaking priest.

„Yes, I am. I am from Bavaria. I am Father Peruschitz.“ The priest answered. „Where are you from?
„Weimar.“ Otto replied. Fort he first time he had to think of home. A home no longer existing. Or did it ever existed? It didn’t mean much, as it was lost.

His thoughts were, luckily, disturbed by the priest. „Then you’re not catholic?“

„No.“ Otto shook his head.

„That’s alright. We don’t mind you rescuing us anyhow.“ The priest replied and laughed. Quickly he thought to translate into the Irish, who, before he even managed to finish, started to laugh as well.

In this moment Jürgen leaned over to Otto and whispered. „In the time we’re from most of them would be dead by now. But they don’t have any clue about that.“ He looked at the passengers, who still laughed.

„They faced death, but now they’re laughing in a small nutshell somewhere on the Atlantic Ocean.“ Otto mumbled.

„Well, a few hours ago I was dead…“ Jürgen muttered.

Lieutenant Hausburg looked at them grimly. They stopped talking and rowed. Soon they would reach their ship and saviour, the German battleship Bismarck.
 
German HSF Ship Classification

Tyr Anazasi

Well-known member
German HSF ship classification

Großlinienschiff = Great ship of the line = battleship, Dreadnought
Linienschiff = Ship of the line = battleship, predreadnought
Großer Kreuzer = Great Cruiser = A cruiser with a displacement of over 5.500 t
Kleiner Kreuzer = Small Cruiser = A cruiser with a displacement of less than 5.500 t
Großes Torpedoboot = Great Torpedo boat = A torpedo boat of over about 600 t, includes also destroyers
Torpedobootszerstörer = Torpedoboat destroyer = The first German destroyers. Note that the type 1916 destroyers were classified as torpedo boats again
Kleines Torpedoboot = Small Torpedo boat = A Torpedo boat of about 200 t, no modern ones

This system was outdated, when ww1 began. New types had to be introduced and others were outdated. The Torpedoboot also included destroyers, the Kleiner Kreuzer had reached the dimensions of the great cruiser, the Große Kreuzer included armoured cruisers, battle cruisers but also older cruisers.
 
Chapter I, Part 4: Helping the Survivors

Tyr Anazasi

Well-known member
15.04.1912, North Atlantic Ocean, 02:25:

Elsewhere on the Bismarck John Astor attempted to comfort his pregnant wife, “please try to stay calm Madeleine, we are safe now.”

Still sobbing and somewhat in shock she explained: “I can’t believe such a magnificent ship could ever sink! Could you imagine what could have, no what would have happened to us had we still been on her!”

“Please don’t think of that,” replied her husband, “besides, they told me another ship will be getting us soon to take us straight to New York. We’ll be home soon my dear.”

“I can’t wait to get back on land.” she exclaimed as she shivered in the cold night air.

Upon hearing whom the man and his wife were, a young petty officer – whom had spent some time in the US in the 1920s and knew of their stature – rushed off to get some blankets and a cup of coffee for the pair in an attempt to try and make sure they would be as comfortable as could be under the circumstances.

“Here you go ma’am” he said handing her the steaming mug. “Remember my name is Petty Officer Hans Wolf, happy to be of assistance!”

“Thank you,” John Astor responded “I appreciate your assistance, and I’ll be sure to remember you when we return to New York.”

As petty officer Wolf walked off to continue his normal duties he was nudged by another sailor whom asked: “What is going on there?”

“Don’t you know who that man is?” replied petty officer Wolf in a somewhat surprised tone of voice. “That’s one of the richest men in the world! You can’t blame a man for trying to be on their good graces.”

“Perhaps I too should see if I can help them out in any way too…” the sailor responded. At the same time he could not help but think it was strange, Wolf, always trying to find a good deal. We’ve only just come to this time and he’s is already trying to get some action …”

Nearby Filip Asplund declared “I don’t see anyone bringing mama coffee and blankets, I’m surprised they even let us stand on the same deck as them!”

“Even here there is still a class system!” agreed his mother Selma.

“I heard that man is so rich he could buy this entire ship!” added Filip “We better not look at them too much or they’ll have us whisked away to sit on a coal pile in the bowels of this ship!”

“Enough!” commanded his father Carl. “Some people have more money than others, that’s the way the world is, but after everything that has happened we should be thankful we have our entire family together here safe and sound!” Carl shook his head thinking about how badly his family was behaving, they had all just barely escaped with their lives, and now they’re complaining about not getting coffee!

Carl’s brother had moved to America a few years ago and was doing well for himself and had urged Carl to bring his family over. He told him he could get good work in America and give his family a better life.

Passage on Titanic – in steerage mind you – had cost him all his savings, he’d risked everything. Thankfully it had been an uneventful voyage up until a few hours ago. When they initially discovered the ship was sinking the gate leading to the upper decks was locked and he had feared they would all be trapped there, and that they would drown.

Upon escaping the lower compartments the scene above on the decks was much different from below decks, here too it was utter chaos, and all he could do was to keep his family together.

Then as if from heaven a great warship appeared, and it seemed like everyone calmed and the crew started working with organization to evacuate everyone. He knew some families were separated, but he was thankful he’d managed to keep his wife and children by his side throughout the entire ordeal.

His thoughts were interrupted by his wife “You know if we were back in Sweden we could all be in safe warm beds right now!” she huddled the children together trying to keep them all warm in the cold night air.

Carl looked at her with exasperation “We’re doing this for the children, I want to give them, and you a better life. I’ll get a good job, we’ll have a nice home, and the children can all get a good education!”


(By PPaul)


15.04.1912, North Atlantic Ocean, 03:03:

For Father Joseph Peruschitz this had been the most unusual pulpit he ever saw. However, it was the best he could get, even if he needed to be careful to not fall from the turret Dora with her two mighty 38 cm guns. In front of him, on the stern, a crowd of survivors had come together to celebrate the Holy Mass. Well, it wouldn’t technically be a real Holy Mass as he would speak English and German instead of Latin. Similarly there wasn’t an organ or a true choir, but a German sailor playing an accordion. But at least the ship’s crew had supplied him with Bread and wine even if he, rightly, assumed, that the wine was way too good for such a mass.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you for coming to celebrate this somewhat peculiar Holy Mass with me. I beg your pardon, for the organ is missing, but thankfully our dear fellow seaman Andreas Hofer has brought his accordion and will play for us instead. And I dare say, the wine might be a bit better than in most churches. As such I hope the small problem of not having an organ is therefore alleviated."

As Father Joseph took a short break muffled, and some not so muffled laughs could be heard all around the deck.

"I know, that despite all efforts, not everyone could be saved.” He continued in a somewhat less jovial tone than he had started his sermon with. “To that end, we're here to celebrate them. We’re here to celebrate their ascension into heaven. We’re here to celebrate their lives, to honour them one last time. More importantly we’re here to mourn them, our friends, and loved ones.

Many of you have lost someone dear. Normally I would tell you something about the dead, normally I would tell you stories about them or parts of their lives. But today, there are too many. I can't honour them all individually. In time I’m certain all will be individually remembered, and all will have the send-off they deserved. Today, all I can say is, that they are at a better place. They’ve been freed from all the trials and tribulations of our mortal lives, for they have been received by Our Lord’s warm embrace. Our lost friends and loved ones are with the Lord.

Yes, you can mourn. Yes, you can cry. Yes, it will be difficult for you to remember. But, please, also remember the good times. Remember the good times. Remember all the times you laughed with them, and had fun with them. We are here to celebrate the good times. We're here to celebrate not their deaths, but their lives. So I ask you to remember any scene you had, which was remarkable well. And then watch that scene again."

He made a small pause. The auditory was partly crying, partly laughing, partly doing both.

"Sam Smith, former steward on Titanic. He's from Harlem, New York. He will sing now Amazing Grace. If you can, you can sing with him."

Sam, a small black man, with a clear voice started to sing: “Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound. That saved a wretch like me …”

"Thank you, Sam.”

“I would like to remind us all, we are not guilty for living. None of us is guilty in that way. None of us should ask why we’re alive yet someone else is not. We cannot blame ourselves. Instead we should be thankful that we’re alive. Be thankful to have spent so much time with your loved ones. As I said before, our fallen loved ones are in a better place, and also please remember that we shall all one day see them again. Someday we will join them! Even if that may be in a distant future.

“We should be thankful that we survived. We should be thankful, that we got another chance. We should be thankful, and remember or loved ones. We should be thankful to share this with others. None of us are at fault for living, it is the will of the Lord. He wants us to live. He has for us to play a role. Nobody knows, what this role will be. In time we shall discover it. It might not come now, but it will. So we should thank the Lord for his grace to let us survive. We're here. We're alive. We should be very grateful."

"We should also be thankful for this very ship. Seemingly out of the nowhere she was sent here to help us. Sent here to rescue us. Had this ship left Germany a day earlier or later ... Let us not think of that. Let us instead be thankful for this ship, and thankful towards this crew, and also thankful to our Lord.”

“In German history the choral "Nun danket alle Gott" has a special meaning. After the battle of Leuthen, where Frederick the Great won against a force twice as strong as his own, in a time of great despair, a soldier sang this choral, starting the whole army to sing it as well. And ever since it had become a kind of national choral. Therefore I ask you to sing this chorale with me to thank and to honour our Lord, this ship and her crew."


Nun danket alle Gott


15.04.1912: North Atlantic Ocean, Officer's mess of battleship Bismarck, 03:50:


The officers of the Titanic and the members of the staff of the White Star Line had taken a meal in the officer's mess of the German warship, when Kapitän Lindemann entered the room.

"Gentlemen," he said, "I can tell you, that the RMS Carpathia is on her way to meet with us. In fact, we can already see her approaching. Our estimation is that she’ll arrive in about 20 minutes. From then on we are going to ferry the survivors to her and the other ships coming."

"Captain Lindemann," Captain Smith spoke, "I have to thank you and your crew for rescuing us."

"That was nothing. Any seaman would do so." Lindemann answered.

"That may be captain, but it was you and your crew helping us. Therefore we need to thank you."

"If it wasn't so tragic, I would say, it was my pleasure." Lindemann replied.

"May I ask you some questions?" Smith asked.

"Of course, but I have precious little time at hand."

"Where does this ship come from?"

"Oh, from Hamburg. But was built by the Kaiserliche Werft Wilhelmshaven. We were on our shakedown cruise before the ship is to be officially commissioned."

"So this ship isn't commissioned yet?" Smith was baffled.

"Well, not officially. We were on our way back home, or better wanted to return, when we got your SOS. As there were no flaws to stop a commissioning, Admiral Lütjens decided to commission the vessel at once."

"So the swastikas seen here...?" Smith didn't end the sentence.

"Oh, they are part of an experimental new yard ensign for the Shipyard. The Swastika is an old sign for luck." Lindemann needed to note down these lies.

"Can you tell me..." Smith couldn't end the question as Lindemann interrupted him.

"Captain Smith, I am sure, you want to get to know more about this vessel. I am sure many want. However, that will have to be postponed, as this ship and I need to prepare."

"Of course, I don't want to disturb you."

When Lindemann was gone, Mr. Andrews walked over to Captain Smith. "I couldn’t have thought our intelligence on German shipbuilding to be this wrong if I hadn’t seen this ship with my own very eyes. That they haven't remarked a ship like this moored in Hamburg, the second largest city of Germany. It must have taken years to build, how could they miss it!"

"Mr. Andrews, what do you think about her?" Smith inquired.

"Well, I cannot be certain on all of it, but I think and we can feel it to an extend right now, she's a very stable ship. And fast, I presume, despite her tonnage. She must be at least over 35.000 ts. Most likely even more than 40.000. And then there’s her guns. These seem to be at least 14", which is a change from the Germans’ usual style of smaller guns for more armour. It might be an early response to our "Iron Dukes" and "Queen E’s"? While they are still in the works, there certainly are enough rumours around about them.

Her secondaries are not in casemates, but in turrets. We know the Germans love a full-blown secondary battery compared to our Navy, which prefers the all big guns ship, still this is new. And she carries at least a plane. Her speed may exceed 25 knots. She looks to be fast. In this regard more like a battlecruiser. But that may cause some thinner armour."

"And your opinion?"

"Uph. Hard to say. But several aspects are very new and modern. Revolutionary even. I don't know if everything works out this way, new ideas implemented often cause at least some problems. In my opinion, this super dreadnought is a testbed for some of their new design ideas. Maybe an "answer construction" to our own new super dreadnoughts, based on rumours available to them? It would partly explain this mismatched dimensions. But it's a German ship, so I would not like to fight her."

"Hmmm. Mr. Andrews, I hope, you're right concerning our intelligence. If that ship is as new to them as it is to us, we need to tell them about her as fast as possible. And even if she’s not new, we should still do our best to find out all we can about her."

"Captain Smith," Mr. Ismay, the manager of the Blue Star Line, interjected, "there is another point to see as well. Whilst I do not want to sell MI6 short, but the Bismarck could have arrived and left Hamburg at night. The Germans clearly wanted to keep her a secret. Coming in at night with tugs, no doubt the Germans know their own river quite well, and presumably they could have stowed her away in a shipyard for the day. The southern parts of Hamburg have one shipyard after the other, some of them are really large, like Blohm & Voss or Vulkan. If she just came in as part of their test voyage and to take some supplies for an Atlantic crossing, I am rather confident she could have escaped attention, if the stay in Hamburg was short.”

“As for Wilhelmshaven, can the Germans build ships this big there? Since they started expanding that little village into their main Atlantic Naval Base around 50 years ago, it is still under construction, still being added to, I heard. Yes, the base and yards undoubtedly are operational, but I do not think they have many slips for super dreadnoughts, because a substantial part of their fleet building is done at other yards. I doubt that she was built in Wilhelmshaven, and she certainly couldn’t have been at some backyard in their colonies. It could be part of a secret alliance Germany has with another power. We can only hope MI6 knows more."

"But who would have built the ship for the Germans?" Smith wanted to know.

"I don't know. The swastika might be a hint. It's indeed an old sign of luck, and it’s quite popular in India. It also has been gaining in popularity in the USA, and Japan too could be her origin.” Andrews answered. “The French are their enemies, of that at least we can be certain. But Russia? Not totally impossible, but highly unlikely. Unlike Mr. Ismay, I don’t want dismiss the German colonies so fast. If they indeed managed to build such a ship in secrecy such a location would be perfect. And for the MI6 a great defeat not getting to know anything.”

“As for Wilhelmshaven, we cannot forget that practically all of the city is an off-limits special military district. Germany can do there as she pleases without many recognising anything. Whilst I share some of your doubts about the Germans being able to build ships this big out there, we cannot rule it out." Andrews remarked.

"Still, we don't know. We can only tell the Admiralty, what we know. And that is relative little, for now." Smith added.
 
Chapter I, Part 5: Assistance is arriving

Tyr Anazasi

Well-known member
15.04.1912, North Atlantic Ocean, bridge of SS Carpathia, 03:54

Captain Rostrom couldn't believe his eyes. That’s a huge dreadnought flying the Imperial ensign. Around it he saw some boats rowing nearby. Presumably those are still looking for survivors.

"Mr. Cottam, please signal the captain of that colossus over there, that we will be ready for the transfer in about half an hour. Also, please wake Mr. Blackmarr, as a naval photographer he is needed."

"Sir, I’ve never heard of that ship, not even rumours. Hopefully the Admiralty knows more. In any case we need to get all the intel on this ship we can get. Photographs included." his first officer Horace Dean remarked.

"She certainly is a beast isn’t she? I can only hope the Admiralty knows about her, and has countermeasures in place Mr. Dean. I however have a bad feeling the Admiralty knows nothing about her!"

"Sir, where do we go to land the survivors? Azores, Halifax or New York?" Mr Dean asked.

"New York. We will go back to New York. Please inform our passengers that we won't arrive in Fiume in time."


15.04.1912, North Atlantic Ocean, bridge of Bismarck, 04:25


"Herr Admiral, a priest wants to speak with you." Admiral Lütjens only heard the voice of the young lieutenant. He turned and saw Father Peruschitz.

"Herr Admiral, I am Father Peruschitz from Bavaria. I need to talk to you. And I would prefer it to be in a more private atmosphere."

A little later they were in the Cabin of the Admiral.

"Herr Admiral, some of what your crew has told me was quite shocking, unbelievably so in fact. However I’m not so certain anymore."

"Well, at first I need your word, that nothing of this is spoken of outside of this room." Lütjens made clear.

"Absolutely. I am a priest..."

"This is a state secret as well, and I really shouldn’t be telling you about this." Lütjens added.

"Then it's true?!?" Peruschitz couldn't believe it still.

"Yes, it is. Nobody is mocking you. We are from the future. We were in battle with British forces and we needed to scuttle this ship. But suddenly we were here and everyone was fine. I don't know the reason, and I don’t know how."

"Herr Admiral, I am a man, doing my duty for the Lord. I am priest since nearly 17 years. I never heard about such a wonder before."

"Father, we don't know the exact reason..."

This time the Father interjected. "No, Herr Admiral, this has to be a wonder. The Lord has sent you here because of a reason, a reason we don't know. Perhaps you should prevent that war. Perhaps you should only prevent one of the passengers’ deaths. It's providence. It's a wonder. And believe me, I am very cautious in this regard as well."

This time the admiral didn't say anything. He just looked into the eyes of the priest.

"Look, I was ready to die, when I heard the news of the damage. Now I am here. I am pretty much sure I would be dead by now, if you hadn’t come to save us ... I don't know, what the Lord wants to be done. Shall a certain person be influenced? Or a whole country? Or the whole world? I don't know. I only know, that this is providence. Please be careful, what you do."

"Father, I am."

Both looked at each other for some time, when someone knocked on the door. "Herr Admiral, we can start the transfer."

"Alright.” He responded to the knock, before turning back to Father Peruschitz: “Father this is top secret."

"Herr Admiral I did my duty for the Lord, and I will do my duty to you. I won't tell anyone. Even if the Pope came to me, I wouldn't say anything."

The admiral just nodded. A moment later Lütjens was back on the bridge and Peruschitz on the way to the boats.


15.04.1912, North Atlantic Ocean, 12:38:

RMS Carpathia had taken about 700 survivors. The ship left for New York at about 09:00 o'clock. In the meantime SS Mount Temple had arrived and taken another 700 survivors. The last about 700 survivors were taken to SS Frankfurt. That ship got also 49 bodies recovered by the boats of the Bismarck, which had found 16 more survivors, of which 2 would unfortunately die.

Over the next few days more bodies were found and recovered to a total of 118. Some of them had be laid to rest on the sea, but 95 were buried at St. John. The captain of the Frankfurt got an envelope, he had to get to the consulate in New York to be transferred to Germany. The Message:

"German grand ship of the line* Bismarck on the way back home STOP Assisted Titanic STOP More explanations follow at home STOP Signed Vice Admiral Lütjens

On the bridge of Bismarck Captain Lindemann ordered: "Helm, take us to Grid BC7315. The Admiral and we all need to have to talk with the commander of a Uboat."

"Aye, Herr Kap'tän."


* the German term of battleship in this time was ship of the line, for a Dreadnaught Grand ship of the line (Großlinienschiff).
 
Chapter I, Part 6: Rendez-vous far from Home

Tyr Anazasi

Well-known member
16.04.1912, North Atlantic Ocean, KM Grid BC7315, 23:18:


The Bismarck had arrived at the rendezvous point with U-234. Soon after firing signal rockets a half-way submerged submarine, with her deck below the waterline, was spotted. Admiral Lütjens invited Kapiänleutnant Fehler to his room, surprisingly Fehler did not come alone.

With him came his first officer Kapitänleutnant v. Bulla, navigator and pilot, who was to become an expert for carrier operations; General der Flieger Ulrich Keßler, also once a naval pilot though now an air strategist; Lt. Menzel, his adjutant and RADAR specialist also former bomberardier; Oberstleutnant v. Sandrat, an air defence specialist; Fregattenkapitän Gerhard Falcke, engineer for electric welding and naval strategist; Oberleutnant zur See Hellendorn, flak specialist; Marinerichter Kay Nieschling; Marinebaurat Dr.-Ing. Schlicke, IR and RADAR expert; and the Messerschmidt employees Dr-Ing. Bringewald and Franz Ruf.

Of these Lütjens didn't at all expect two of them: Kaigun-Gijutsu Chūsa Hideo Tomanoga, a naval architect and submarine designer; and Kaigun-Gijutsu Chūsa Shoji Genzo, an aircraft specialist.

With Lütjens were Kapitän Lindemann, his First Officer Fregattenkapitän Oels and Kapitän Netzband, former commander of the battleship Gneisenau and now in Lütjen's staff, and Fregattenkapitän Ascher. After the greeting and introducing they got immideately in medias res. Fehler explained, what had happened after the sinking of the Bismarck until his own "event".

"So we had to surrender and Germany was completely occupied and with most our cities largely bombed to rubble?" Lütjens was shocked.

"Yes, Herr Admiral!" Fehler said.

"And Hitler dead?" Lindemann wanted to know.

"Yes."

"That was the only good news we have." Keßler interjected.

"That's treachery! Hitler was the greatest German ever!" Nieschling, a Nazi to the core, ranted. "That's the same attitude, which led to our defeat! I will remember this, once we're at home."

"You can't threaten me. Hitler is now some small post card painter in Munich. Nothing to speak of." Keßler answered.

"He's the Führer. The true leader of Germany. We need to go home and..."

"He led us into a war, a war which mind you couldn't be won! He led us into destruction like pigs to the slaughter. And he committed crimes nobody could imagine before!" Keßler said loudly.

"Not possible. Lies! Where’s the proof?!" Nieschling nearly screamed, though not without wanting to know.

"Here.” Keßler said whilst he opened his bag and took out several pictures. “Just a dozen of the many photographs we’ve made in the KZs. Look at them. Look at the children. The gas chambers. The crematories. Your beloved "Führer" has killed millions of Jews, Gipsies and others". As he finished speaking and the pictures had been seen, all were astonished and horrified, even Nieschling.

"That doesn't mean anything, they are not real. Faked." Nieschling spoke, though his voice was much more silent, calm even, almost as if he had started to doubt.

"No, that's the truth. That's the worst crime ever happened." Keßler's voice was calm, but sharp.

"That's the work of some cronies of Hitler, if these photographs are real, which I still doubt. Himmler perhaps. That's another reason, why we have to go home and help the Führer to get his position he is born to." Nieschling parotted, though not even he was truly convinced anymore.

"Herr Nieschling," Lütjens intervened, "I don't think, you can deny, that Hitler was against the Jews. Herr Ascher can tell you more, if you don't know anymore."

Fregattenkapitän Ascher, a Jew, nodded. He was too shocked to say anything.

"We need to go to Germany..." Nieschling could not end the sentence.

"Oh, we will go back to Germany, as we are German soldiers, regardless, who is in power." Lütjens said calmly.

"Good, we..."

"I said, regardless, who is in power. We won't start a coup to install another man, especially no certain Austrian painter!" Lütjens voice was a bit louder.

"How dare you!" Nieschling seemed to explode. His face was as red as it could be. "I will have you court martialled for treachery! You are under arrest.”

Lindemann looked to Oels who just nodded to one of the sailors in the background at the door. The two men stepped forward and grabbed Nieschling, who was still crying bloody murder and threatened everyone in the room. Only seconds later Nieschling was on the way to the brig.

"Herr General, that knowledge and those pictures, were you in the Widerstand?" Fehler asked Keßler.

"Yes, I am. I was part of the July 20th plot." Keßler confessed.

Lütjens had to breathe deeply to come back to the topic. "Meine Herren, is here someone against going back to Germany?" he asked directly. Nobody said anything.

"Okay, I am placing you directly under my command, Herr Kapitänleutnant. You're to go to Germany. How long will you need to do so?"

"Herr Admiral, that are about 2400 nm. I can make up to 17 knots surfaced, but economically only 10 is feasible. That would be about 10 days, without delays. So I guess 14 days."

Lütjens nodded. "You won't cross the Channel. As do we. I think, we will need a week to arrive home. I will give you an escort, when you arrive at grid AN2311."

"Herr Admiral, what do we do in Germany? I mean, they don't have any clue that we exist at all." Fehler wanted to know.

"Well, we're still German soldiers. But I have to add, that I had talked to Father Peruschitz from Titanic. He said, we were sent here by the Lord. It would be providence. We need to do something. Whether this is true or not, I still think, even more so now," he looked at the pictures, "that we need to change history."

"How?"

"Well, our knowledge is plentiful. We can change much." Lindemann interjected.

"I didn't mean that. I meant, if we change the political situation. And in what way?"

"That's a good question. Hitler’s system didn't work in any way shape or form.” He said, somewhat more forcibly than normal. “We need to keep him out at all cost. As to Kaiser Wilhelm, well ... His grandfather was smart enough to select Bismarck as chancellor. But Wilhelm? A chancellor with more powers, but depending on the Reichstag? Possible. We have to see." Lütjens said.

"Jawoll, I understand, Herr Admiral."

"Herr Admiral," Lütjens hear a voice from the other end of the table, a voice he hadn't heard in this discussion. "What is with us? We know too much." It was the voice of Kaigun-Gijutsu Chūsa Genzo. "Are we your prisoners?"

"Well, of course not." Lütjens made clear. "But you're our guests."

"We could offer you an alliance with Japan." Kaigun-Gijutsu Chūsa Tomamoga added.

"That's a political question. And although I see some advantages, it certainly is not up to me. Besides, I think while this "early" Tokyo will soon see that Germany is a better friend for Japan than the Allies ever will be, they will be baffled by what happened to us all as well. So you're our guests, but I am sure you can soon talk with your embassy once we are back home in Germany. " Lütjens made clear.

The two Japanese officers looked at each other, then they nodded. "It would be a pleasure for us to accept your hospitality, Herr Admiral."

"Kapitänleutnant Fehler, your passengers will sail home with us. Fregattenkapitän Ascher will be your new 1WO. He will be under your command, you will remain commander of U-234."

"Herr Admiral, I accept, of course." Fehler said. Ascher just nodded. Finally he asked Admiral Lütjens:

"Herr Admiral, are we able to stop this?"

Lütjens looked at him. "Stop Hitler? Yes. Stop the war, the First World war? I certainly have my doubts. I would wish to, but I still think there are other powers too keen to attack us. France is obvious. And as long as Russia is France's ally we have to deal with them, too."

"But we shouldn't forget, that Britain is there, too." Lindemann added. "They won't accept Germany having a strong fleet. And they would want to control the oil sources. They already control most of Persia, and I doubt they accept us in the region. Not only because we would then threaten India, but also because of the oil. This ship is completely dependent on oil. The Hochseeflotte still used coal just because of the fear that oil might be harder to get in a war. They were true."

Lütjens agreed. "Yes, I think we should try to avoid such a horrible war. But if the Allies decide to attack us, we need to pay them dearly for their mistake. And if we don't lose that war, Hitler will never come to power."

"We need to deal with him, one way or the other, though." Keßler added.

"Well, he hadn't done anything we could kill him for. He's just a painter." Oels interjected.

"Well, one way or the other didn't mean to kill him. Not necessarily at least." Keßler made clear.

"As a painter he could get a better education. That might be the key." Lütjens said. "At one point, however, we might need to do so. And that has to happen before he becomes a danger."

Soon after the talks were closed and after the most needed luggage was sent to Bismarck, both ships started the voyage home.
 
Chapter I, Part 7: Rumors

Tyr Anazasi

Well-known member
16.04.1912:


Headlines from several newspapers:

New York Times, NY:

RMS Titanic sunk after collision with iceberg - Most of the passengers and crew rescued by German battleship



Daily Telegraph, London:

RMS Titanic sunk - hundreds dead - survivors were rescued by German dreadnaught



Vossische Zeitung, Berlin:

Titanic gesunken - Deutsches Großlinienschiff rettet Überlebende (Titanic sunk - German battleship saves survivors)





16.04.1912, Berlin, Secretary of the Navy, 09:02 o´clock



Großadmiral "Mr. Forkbeard" Alfred von Tirpitz had just set down at his desk, when he got a call. 'That´s about 4 minutes earlier than I expected', mused the most influential naval officer of Germany, rather amused.

The Admiral had set down his cup of coffee with a loud clang earlier in the morning when he saw the headlines of the newspapers during breakfast. He instantly knew a long, long day was coming for him.

"Herr Staatssekretär, the chancellor wants to talk to you." his secretary said. Soon after Chancellor v. Bethmann-Hollweg was talking to him.

"Herr Admiral, can you tell me something about the stories of a German Großlinienschiff assisting the sinking Titanic?" Bethmann-Hollweg wanted to know.

"Herr Kanzler, I can assure you, that we don't have any ship there at the moment. I don't know which or what ship was there, but it isn't ours... SMS Moltke´s voyage to the Americas is planned for June ... Yes, they must be mistaken ... No, Herr Kanzler, I too am totally baffled how a dreadnaught ship can be so badly misidentified by multiple sources ... We are working on it ... We cabled our embassy in America and they confirm the ship and crew identified themselves as Germans ... Yes, the cruiser SMS Fürst Bismarck is still here ... No, she couldn't sortie, even if we wanted to. She needs plenty of work since coming back from Asia ... Yes, sir. I will inform you once I know more."

Soon after he got the next call.

"Your Majesty? ... No, it’s not one of ours ... No, I don't have any clue at this moment what ship it was ... There must be a mistake, but a very strange one ... After cabling our embassy they confirm the ship and crew claimed to be German ... Yes, your Highness, the SMS Fürst Bismarck is still here ... No, she can't sortie ... Yes, your majesty, I will inform you the moment I hear something new ... We are working on it with outmost speed.

The calls didn’t stop coming.

"Reichstagspräsident Kaempf? ... No, this isn't our ship ... We are in the process of finding out what strange thing happened there ...

His whole morning was full with speaking other politicians about this mystery ship. Alfred simply hoped that more information would reach his offices soon. It would take till noon, when a courier arrived with a coded message from Funkstation Nauen.





16.04.1912, London, HQ of the Admiralty, 14:13:



Sir George Smith-Cumming, director of the MI6, had written a letter to the First Lord of the Admiralty:

"Dear First Lord of the Admiralty,

I got your question about the news of a German super dreadnaught named Bismarck, which, according to our press, has saved the passengers of the Titanic. I can tell you that my sources tell me that the only ship named after Bismarck is the armoured cruiser SMS Fürst Bismarck, which is currently in Germany for refit after having been in East Asia for nine years.

It's very likely this ship, which was mentioned and the civilians overestimated it. We haven't heard about a German dreadnaught called Bismarck. Such a large ship usually can't be built in secrecy. If such a ship still exists, it shows that we are heavily underfunded for our task, a problem that I mentioned before.

C"

Winston Churchill still had some bad feeling. He wasn't totally convinced. Especially after reading the telegrams sent by Captain Rostom of RMS Carpathia. He needed to wait, until the pictures were here.





9:30pm 18 April 1912 – New York City



A large crowd had gathered for the arrival of the Titanic’s passengers and crew. Reporters were jockeying for position hoping to get the best interviews with the passengers and crew as they departed. Captain Rostron had invited the Titanic’s officers to remain on the RMS Carpathia for a while so they could avoid being mobbed by the reporters. While they were talking another man entered the room.

“This is Francis Blackmarr” said Captain Rostron introducing the newcomer to the group “He had his photography equipment on board with him and was able to take some photographs of the Bismarck. I assume you and your crew will be returning to England?”

“Yes” replied Captain Smith “We plan to go to the New York White Star Line office, I’m sure they will advise us to return to England as soon as possible.”

“I need to resume my voyage to Fiume, but I think we should get all the information we have about the Bismarck to the Admiralty as soon as possible.” Said Rostron “Mr. Blackmarr has agreed to turn over the pictures of the Bismarck after they are developed. He can then give them to you so you can deliver them when you return to England if you are willing.”

“Of course we will deliver them!” replied Captain Smith. “Hopefully the Admiralty already knows about the Bismarck and the Royal Navy is building even bigger dreadnoughts, but regardless it is our duty to report everything we know.”

“Good, I wish you safe travels back to England” said Rostron “I have some of my men spreading rumours that you and your officers were on one of the other ships, after the crowds disperse you should be able to make it off the ship and to a hotel without too much hassle.”

(By PPaul)





19.04.1912, New York City, 18:54:


The SS Frankfurt arrived in New York City later than the faster RMS Carpathia. While the survivors of the Titanic were landing, the First Officer hurried to the consulate. As it was closed, he demanded to talk to the consul. As he was adamant, he finally got the address of his house, which he reached a little later. There he gave the message of the Admiral to Consul Falcke. Also he got several photos from the Admiral showing him and the ship. To say the consul was astonished was the least. At once he sent this coded telegram to Germany:



From: Horst P. Falcke, Generalkonsul New York

To: Foreign secretary of State v. Kiderlen-Waechter

Following telegram by Vice Admiral Günther Lütjens STOP Authentic STOP Photos seen STOP They come with the next ship STOP Battleship Bismarck is REAL! STOP Stories about the ship are mostly true! STOP Awaiting further orders in this regard! STOP



20.04.1912, Berlin, City Castle, 09:00:

Admiral Tirpitz was on time, when he entered the office of the Kaiser. Wilhelm was greeting him. "Herr Admiral, we get more and more rumours about this Battleship Bismarck. Either it's a belated April fool’s joke or there is indeed a German Großlinienschiff called Bismarck en route to us."

"Eure Majestät, Naval Command and I also don't know anything about this ship, only what I read in the newspapers. Additionally we got a coded confirmation from our embassy in the USA that the ship is real and on her way 'home'. There are confirmed photographs of the unknown transported on RPD Zieten. Unfortunately, while the Zieten is a fast ship, there is no chance for them to reach Germany before the mysterious vessel.

Furthermore, we got a message from that vessel calling itself the Bismarck via Nauen radio station. But it was short, rather mysteriously worded and as such we learnt few things. But there should be a ship reaching the Bight soon."

"So you didn't build a ship without my knowledge?"

"No. I have no idea, what ship is coming. Or should come. In a situation like this nothing would me make more glad than telling you we build a Großlinienschiff in total secrecy, but that is not the case here."

"Hopefully." the Kaiser remarked. As he didn't know more, he just sighed. "It seems, the ship will be here in a few days. We should be ready. Full alert to the Hochseeflotte. Bachmann* shall send some cruisers to look for this ship.

"Jawohl, your majesty."



*Viceadmiral Bachmann was the commander of the reconaissance force 1912 (Befehlshaber der Aufklärungskräft, BdA)


22.04.1912, North Sea, bridge of SMS Mainz, 10:38:


The Small Cruiser SMS Mainz under Captain v. Egidy was patrolling in the North Sea to look for this ominous warship called Bismarck. Egidy had no clue, what was going on. The whole Hochseeflotte was on alert. 8 great ships of the line and 12 ships of the line were near Heligoland. Three great cruisers and 10 small cruisers were patrolling the North Sea. And they were not the only ones. Since the last three days he had seen six British cruisers, including a battlecruiser. As if that wasn't strange enough, a plane was spotted an hour ago. It neared the ship, overflew it and then flew north. It was a monoplane. He asked himself, from where it came, as he was way out of the next possible landing site, even if it was a float plane. And the cross on it had resemblance to the Iron Cross. German planes had a corcade*.

"Herr Kapitän," he heard the voice of the First Officer, "we spotted a ship straight ahead."

"Another British cruiser?"

"I don't know. But I never saw such a ship before. But I doubt, it is a cruiser."

Egidy looked through his binoculars. And he didn't believe his eyes. It was a great warship with two twin turrets on the bow and at least two twin turrets of medium calibre at each side. Likely that was only half of the armament. Egidy had never seen this before. Then it started to contact his ship with light signals:

"German cruiser, this is the German Great ship of the line Bismarck."

"Bismarck, this is the SMS Mainz. I am Captain von Egidy"

"Captain, Admiral Lütjens sends you his greets. He invites you to visit our ship and to talk about several things."

Captain Egidy didn't know, if he could deny this, but the Bismarck had already launched a boat. So he followed the invitation. If an admiral invites you, it is regarded as an order.

After a small tour through the ship led by Captain Lindemann Egidy met with Lütjens on the bridge. Lindemann had avoided to answer his questions about the origin of this ship. He couldn't think, the Imperial Navy had built such a ship without having heard anything about this. And the uniforms were a bit different.

"So what do you think of this ship, captain." Lütjens asked.

"It is a marvellous ship, Herr Admiral."

"Fine. We're on the way to Wilhelmshaven. I would want to ask you to invite Admiral von Tirpitz to see this ship."

"Well, I am only a captain. I can't tell you, what he will answer."

"Of course, but I still think, he wants to see this ship, don't you think?" Lütjens remarked a bit humorously.

"That's sure. I will contact him once I am back on my ship."



*Because of the problems identifying enemy planes the Iron Cross was used to mark German planes and tanks, as the corcade was not sufficient to differate between German and Entente planes.

22.04.1912, London, HQ of the Admiralty, 13:59:

Having just had lunch Admiral Sir Francis Bridgeman had come back to office where he found the next memorandum of the search for the Bismarck. To this date no such ship had been seen. There were many other German ships travelling around, but not this particular ship. It seemed, the German main fleet was in the German Bight near Heligoland, while the cruisers were searching the North Sea just like his own. Until now with seemingly the same nonexistant success. But then he got news, that the German main fleet was travelling north. The cruisers were called back. Damn. It seemed, the Krauts were successful. He was sure, that this meant, that this ship, the Bismarck, met another German ship. But why this? If this was a normal vessel, then there should be not such an action to find the ship. Alas, this was also no normal ship. It remained strange though.

"Please tell Smith-Cumming he should be aware, that the Bismarck finally arrived at home. He should take every opportunity to get more information." he ordered to his secretary. Too bad, that the photographs of this vessel hadn't arrived yet. The RMS Laconia was to arrive the next morning- at earliest. "Of course, but I have little time."
 
Chapter I, Part 8: Coming Home

Tyr Anazasi

Well-known member
22.04.1912, ca. 100 nm west off Stavanger, bridge of SMS von der Tann, 15:18:

The Großer Kreuzer SMS von der Tann had been the new flag ship of the reconnaissance force. As such Konteradmiral Franz Hipper was leading the search for this strange ship called Bismarck, allegedly a German Großlinienschiff, from this Großer Kreuzer, which was indeed a battle cruiser. Only a few hours ago SMS Mainz reported having made contact to this ship. In the coded message they had confirmed, it was a Großlinienschiff indeed. Now he had recalled his cruisers to this point. SMS Berlin had reported being shadowed by a British Pelorus class cruiser, but could outsteam her. Soon the ship would arrive here, after changing course twice. Indeed only SMS Mainz was missing, as she was at the most northern point of his ship’s search area.

"Herr Admiral", Captain Robert Mischke said, "we could spot the Mainz. And there is also a Großlinienschiff following... There!" Mischke pointed towards a dot of black smoke on the horizon. Hipper took his binoculars.

And there he saw the ship. He was baffled. If there had ever been a Großlinienschiff, then this would be it. It was just great! It was still far away, but he could estimate the dimensions anyway.

"I think that ship could sink the whole Hochseeflotte!" Mischke commented.

"Yes. Or half of the British fleet! Hail her. I would like to talk to the commander of this ship, but I have orders to return to Wilhemshaven at once. We are going home." Hipper ordered.

Soon after the German fleet was steaming south. Near Horns Reef SMS Cöln spotted a British cruiser, but in that moment Bismarck signalled Sms von der Tann via light:

"British cruiser detected. Asking for permission to drive full speed."

Hipper answered. "Permission granted. Five torpedo boats will escort you." Then he couldn't believe, that the giant ship accellerated to a speed, which he had never expected. "That is thirty knots at least!" he heard someone whisper. He only smiled. The British would now face an opponent, which was to be regarded as the best ship on this planet. He hadn't seen much, but he was sure.

Only a few miles away HMS Gloucester was driving at its highest speed. She had reached the German reconnaissance force, but was unable to identify a ship, which was unknown to her. As the ships were on their way home, she remained there only for a little while and then retreated. She had missed the departing of the Bismarck by a few minutes.

Meanwhile the Bismarck met the German battlefleet half-way to Heligoland. She was escorted to Wilhelmshaven, where she reached in the early morning hours. She anchored on Schillig Roads. Home again.


24.04.1912, house of Großadmiral Alfred von Tirpitz, 07:48:

After hearing the battleship Bismarck had finally arrived at Schillig roads, Tirpitz had packed for a trip to Wilhelmshaven. He was about to leave, when the doorbell rang. His butler opened the door, bowed and, after greeting the visitor, let him enter the hallway. Tirpitz was surprised to see the Kaiser.

"Good morning, admiral!" The Kaiser greeted him before Tirpitz could say anything.

"Good morning, your majesty." Tirpitz bowed slightly.

"I heard, you would go to Wilhelmshaven?" the Kaiser wanted to know.

"That's true, your majesty. I want to get as much information as possible about this ship. I will give you a detailed report, when I'm back"

"That's not necessary, as I will go to Wilhelmshaven as well. I want to see the ship with my own eyes. We're going to use my personal train."


24 April 1912 – The Admiralty, London

First Lord of the Admiralty Winston Churchill addressed the Board of Admiralty. “I know we have all been reading the stories of the German dreadnought which rescued the Titanic.” The others nodded in agreement, the stories had them all concerned and they were anxious to find out more details about the Bismarck. “I have received word the officers of the Titanic are sailing back to England now and have more information about the German ship, including photographs.”

“Excellent!” exclaimed Admiral Bridgeman “That will answer a lot of questions, surely the stories must be exaggerated, how could the Germans have built a ship like that without us knowing about it.”

“It doesn’t seem possible.” Agreed Churchill “Building a dreadnought takes a lot of time and space, we have men near all the German shipyards, there is no way they could build anything that size without us finding out.”

“What if the Germans have another secret shipyard we don’t know about?” asked Admiral Moore.

“That’s just not possible!” declared Churchill “I’m sure it is just some sort of exaggeration, maybe the Germans just changed the name of one of their dreadnoughts or something.”

“The photos will answer all the questions!” said Bridgeman “When are the Titanic officers scheduled to arrive?”

(By PPaul)


24.04.1912, officer's mess of Bismarck, 14:06:

The Kaiser had been in Wilhelmshaven already at 12:00. He rushed to Schillig, where a torpedo boat brought him and Admiral Tirpitz to the Bismarck. There he got a first tour through the ship. After it, he met with Admiral Lütjens in the mess.

After greeting each other the Kaiser started in medias res. "So where are you from? Who has built this ship? Who has paid for?"

"Your majesty, we are from Germany, but from a different time. We're from 1941..."

"Admiral, at least you claim to be an admiral, that is the most idiotic explanation I ever heard. So, where you're from?" The Kaiser was furious.

"Again I can only say, we're from 1941..."

"That's hogwash. Tirpitz, tell me finally the truth! Where is it from?" The Kaiser asked loudly and angrily.

"I swear, your highness, I know as much as you. I didn't see this ship..."

"Nonsense! It can't be!"

"Your majesty, it's true. We ARE from 1941 and we can proof it." Lütjens interjected. "Our technology..."

"Can be invented in secrecy. No, that's no real reason!" Wilhelm was adamant. "Tirpitz! Tell me the truth!"

"In the very name of the Lord I tell you..." Tirpitz didn't end the sentence, as Lütjens interjected.

"He's telling the truth! We're from the future!"

"Well, if that's so, someone may tell me." Wilhelm was smiling sardonically. He nodded to an aide standing at the door. The aide left the mess and came back after about 30 seconds. With him a young Leutant entered the mess. "Who are you?" Wilhelm wanted to know.

"I'm Leutnant Günther Lütjens from the Großer Kreuzer Hansa." Indeed the Kaiser had ordered the young man with the same name to accompany him. Now, in his eyes, the whole story would no longer be tenable.

Admiral Lütjens was baffled to see his younger self. However, the Kaiser ordered Admiral Lütjens to tell him only things, the Leutnant could know, if he was him. The Kaiser's smile got petrified, when one thing after the other, even the most personal ones, were testified by the young man. Finally he started to believe, that this ship is from the future.


24.04.1912, officer's mess of Bismarck, 18:00:

The Kaiser looked at pictures in front of him. they showed most horrible things. Dead corpses from children, naked, piled. Dead corpses taken out of a gas chamber, crematoriums, living people, who looked like being dead. He nearly vomited. Wilhelm excused himself and went outside. He went to the stern of the ship. From there he looked around, after he had got his countenance back. He was looking at Wilhelmshaven. He could see the SMS Nassau and SMS Oldenburg guarding the Bismarck. And several torpedo boats. Would everything be in vain? Would everything be lost? Finis germaniae? No! It MUST not happen. He returned to the mess after about 20 minutes.

Wilhelm sat down. He looked around. He was astonished, that even a second vessel, a submarine, had been transported back in time. It was en route to Germany as well. He looked to the passengers of that submarine, who joined the conference once he had accepted the truth.

"General Keßler, how many Jews were murdered?" Wilhelm asked.

"It's hard to say, we don't have the exact numbers. We can only estimate." the general answered.

"And what are your estimations?"

"Five millions. More than five millions. Perhaps six or seven. Jews and Gypsies."

"Five... Six... Million..." Wilhelm's face was still white. It seemed, he wasn't well. He looked on the pictures. Finally he took them. "Are these the only pictures?"

"Ja, Eure Majestät! There are no copies." the general confirmed.

"All right. I am taking these pictures with me. They are a state secrecy. Nobody in this room may talk about them. Is that clear?"

Everyone nodded.

"That may NEVER happen!" the Kaiser became angry. His face became red in record braking time. "Where is this Hitler now?"

"Your majesty, he hasn't done anything illegal yet." Lütjens said.

"That's true, your majesty." Keßler added. He couldn't believe saying it as well. He looked to Lütjens.

The Kaiser sighed. "I myself am no friend of the Jews. But... that..." He had to breath. "All right. But we need to find him nonetheless. We need to control him. Hans, note that!" Needless to say his adjutant Hans von Plessen had already noted that. "If this Hitler makes only one move into the wrong direction..."

Wilhelm felt headaches. "This has taken on dimensions, I would have never believed. I... No. We need to talk to several politicians. The day after tomorrow. I would like to do it now, at once, but that's too early. We need to think about the situation. It's better to sleep a night and then to find a solution. I have many questions and no solution. I will meet with you the day after tomorrow at 9 AM. All, except you, Fregattenkapitän Oels. You're needed here to show this ship to the needed personnel. On Monday we will commission this ship officially. Prepare everything for it. Oh, and please make sure to remove these swastikas. I can't see them any more."

Just when the Kaiser wanted to go, Lütjens intervened. "Majestät, we still have two guests from Japan..."

"Oh, I forgot. I want to see them."

Shortly after the two Japanese officers, Hideo Tomonaga and Genzo Shoji, entered the mess. After the first greetings the Kaiser said: "Gentlemen, there are many things to be discussed. I ask you to join me on my ride to Berlin. I will talk to you as my personal guests tomorrow." Both agreed and bowed. "Your Majesty, we are very grateful to accept your magnificient invitation."

Not long after the Kaiser was back in his train. He had to think a lot. And not only him. That night was a short one. But not only in Germany.


24.04.1912, HQ of the British admiralty, 19:00:

Churchill, Admiral Bridgeman and Smith-Cumming, C, were sitting together. They were discussing the situation. It seemed, the Bismarck was indeed a true battleship. Naval attaché Watson had gotten the first look, but he was caught. He was released soon after, as he was a diplomat, but his camera and the photographies were "unfortunately" broken. He was compensated, but he had no had chance to take new photos. However, he could confirm, that the ship was in Germany. The dimensions he mentioned were confirming the fears of the members of this discussion.

Suddenly someone knocked on the door.

"Sirs, Captain Smith from the Titanic is waiting outside with pictures from the Bismarck..." an aide said.

"Let him enter. We are waiting for these pictures!" Churchill said.

"Good evening, gentlemen. Here are some pictures from the Bismarck." Captain Smith said. "They were taken from The RMS Carpathia."

The three men looked at the pictures and became pale. For Smith it was a shock to see, that they had no idea about the ship. That wasn't good.

"How long is this vessel?" C asked.

"About 250 yards, I guess."

"That are at least 14" guns!" Churchill said.

"And it seems to be a fast ship. I think that's the reason, why my cruisers didn't find her. She's too fast, so that we looked at the wrong positions." Bridgeman added.

"I had hoped, the stories were exaggerated. Now I see, that the stories were indeed more of an understatement. The Germans have built a super-dreadnaught!"

"But how?" Admiral Bridgeman asked.

"They said, that the ship was built in Wilhelmshaven. Then it changed to Hamburg." Smith replied.

Everyone looked at C, who was looking at the photographies. "Well," he finally said, "that may be the truth. I have too few people in Germany. And I have none in Wilhelmshaven. Remember, that we were not able to find out, what kind of ship the SMS Nassau was."

"That was another ship!" Bridgeman said.

"Yes, it was. It seems, the Germans learned as well. This time they surprised us completely. And that's not good! A short stay in Hamburg is also possible." C commented.

"There is also the possibility, that it was not built in Germany." Smith said.

"But what country would be able to build such a dreadnaught? And then not for their navy, but the Germans’?" Churchill wanted to know.

"And if there's a secret German shipyard? Somewhere?" Bridgeman asked.

"Such a yard would not be easy to hide." Churchill said. He looked to C, who was still looking at the photographies.

"As I said, I have no clue about such a yard. My budget..." C said after a moment.

"Yes, yes, yes. We know." Churchill nearly ranted. "If there's such a yard, we need to find it!"

"Hmm. Perhaps we just need to ask the crew? We could invite them for giving them some awards. And then, well, seamen love to celebrate. And they love to celebrate with alcohol and girls." C remarked.

"That's an outstanding idea. The Bismarck has to come. We need to honour them anyway, as they helped save thousands of lives. I am sure, I can persuade the king easily."
 
Chapter II, Part 1: Politics

Tyr Anazasi

Well-known member
25.04.1912, Hotel Adlon, Berlin, 20:12:

The Hotel Adlon was the best Hotel in Berlin. It had been the best address, indeed, and was frequently used by guests of the state. Thus it was uncommon, that a group of officers, who were partly no flag officers at all, were using this hotel. General Keßler and Vice Admiral Lütjens, wearing the uniforms of a Prussian General and Imperial German Vice Admiral respectively, were invited to come into one of the quiet séparées, where people could talk undisturbed. They were surprised to meet Chancellor v. Bethmann-Hollweg.

"Herr Reichskanzler, how can we help you?" Lütjens asked.

"Well, I was told your story by the Kaiser. To be honest, it's still hard to believe. But the facts say something don’t lie." Bethmann-Hollweg said.

"I see. I guess a few days ago... Erm, in a few days?... Erm, you know, what I mean... Well, I had not thought this is possible as well. I would have called anyone a lunatic, who said such a thing." Keßler said. "But it's true."

"Look, I don't know, what has caused this. Or who. I simply have no clue and would also be not surprised, if that remains a mystery for ever. All I know is, that we have the chance to do something right, in order to prevent certain events." Lütjens added.

"Do you think, you're a tool of God?" the chancellor asked.

"Erm,..." Lütjens looked to Keßler, who looked at him. "Well,... no. But I have talked to a Bavarian priest, who was on the Titanic. He saw it as a providence, a sign of the Almighty. And I can't deny, that he has some points. But I am not a tool of anyone. I am not saying, I am the tool of the Lord to do this or that, however, I do want to stop certain events, which were bad for Germany."

The chancellor breathed. "Well, at least there is no religious problem arising."

"Well, some would exploit this, if it became public. One way or the other." Keßler remarked.

"And one can't disregard this 'providence' completely." Lütjens added.

"And of course the anti-Semitism is a religious problem as well." Keßler said.

"To be clear," the chancellor said, "I don't think religion should in any way have influence in this regard. I know, it's hard to argue against it, when something like this is happening. But we should disregard the religious component of this."

"I think, we can agree." Lütjens said. Keßler just nodded.

"Let me introduce you into the political situation. I want to remark, that I did not want to become chancellor. My appointment was an order for me. I want to keep peace and I want to introduce the SPD into the accepted political spectrum. I also want to limit the power of Wilhelm. He is too- problematic in some regards. Indeed we are trying to circumvent him, wherever we can."

The chancellor made a pause. "I'm also trying to find a modus vivendi with Britain and Russia. With France we will never find something like this, until they accept the reality. Because of that I oppose the fleet program, but support the army reforms."

"That may be a problem for you, now that a huge warship appeared, which is also the greatest warship afloat." Lütjens remarked.

"Yes, indeed." Bethmann Hollweg confirmed. "This will be a problem for the relationship with Britain. On the other hand you brought interesting information. I knew, there were forces in Britain, who would oppose us. I had some ideas, but I didn't know, how deep this ran."

The chancellor sighed. "Just two months ago we talked to Haldane, British minister of war. Indeed we accepted quotas for our fleet. But then the British did not want to sign a treaty of non aggression. Even in the case of a French attack on us they would not be ready to sign this. And Austria comes under more and more pressure from Serbia. Serbia would be no problem, if there weren’t any support from Russia. And Italy will betray us. Indeed they will soon start their attack on the Ottomans, who will lose two wars this year."

He took out cigars and offered them the officers sitting in front of him. They took the cigars and lit them. After a minute the chancellor continued. "That's the situation. We need to find a solution."

"Herr Kanzler," Keßler said, "we don't want a war." Lütjens nodded. "But we need to prepare, as the danger of war is still here. We need to defend us. And for that we need the means to do so."

The chancellor smoked, looked at the cigarre and said: "Me, too. I am trying to prevent a war. I also want to be prepared though." He smoked again. "Gentlemen, can I rely on your support?"

Lütjens and Keßler looked at each other and then nodded. "But that will include also a new fleet law." Lütjens added.

"Yes, it will. But we could make it in a way, the British would not leave the table immediately." the chancellor said.

"When U-234 is here we will have the blue prints of many weapon systems." Keßler said.

"Yes. And they will be costly." the chancellor said. "Costly in many ways."

They smoked again and turned to private topics.

They would meet again the next day.

Keßler invited Lütjens into his room, when Bethmann Hollweg had left.

"So we support him?" Keßler wanted to know.

"Yes. He seems to be the most prudent option. However, we must make sure, that he will support the armed forces as well. We need to be prepared. I fear war will come, regardless of what we do."

"I fear, you're right." Keßler answered.


25.04.1912, Wilhelmshaven, Reichshof, 22:30:

Otto Schreiber and Jürgen Graf had celebrated returning home. And although they had drunk, they were still sober enough to know, when to go. They were just leaving, when they saw another sailor of the Bismarck who was rather small. They didn't know him, but there were over 2.000 seamen on board, so that didn't mean anything. Passing by they heard him talking to a woman, who was most likely a prostitute.

"Yep, we're from the future." the man babbled. "I can tell you, we're from 1941..."

Oskar couldn't believe hearing that. He reacted at once.

"My friend, you're completely duun*. I think, the best would be to go home now." Oskar and Jürgen grabbed him. He protested, but drunk sailors were not much paid much attention to, unless they were making trouble and one being "escorted" home by comrades was nothing new. The man initially tried to defend himself, but soon relented. They brought him back to the street. In the next dark lane they stopped. After being sure, nobody else would listen, Jürgen started to rant.

"How, in the name of the Lord, can you be so stupid. Even being drunk is no excuse. You're talking about our darkest secret. Loudly! Why on Earth are you so idiotic? Who are you? We need to tell the Captain immediately. Der Alte** will know, what to do."

The sailor started to laugh. Suddenly the man, who appeared to be drunk, was sober. Oskar and Jürgen were perplex and looked at each other. "Thank you! You made my story even more believable. But you don't need to get me to your captain. I am Oberleutnant Wilhelm Canaris..."

"You can tell us whatever you want. We are taking you to the Captain!" Jürgen was adamant. Finally the man, who called himself Canaris, was brought to Lindemann on the Bismarck, which was still lying on Schillig roads.

Lindemann was already sleeping, when someone was knocking the door. After putting on the bath robe he opened. In front of him were Fregattenkapitän Oels and three sailors.

"What is so important to disturb me?" he was still nearly asleep.

"Herr Kapitän, these sailors," Oels nodded towards Oskar and Jürgen, "visited a bar, in which that sailor openly said, he was from the future."

Lindemann was completely awoke. "WHAT!?!!" He looked sharply towards the sailor. "HOW CAN YOU BE SO STUPID?" he nearly screamed.

"Herr Kapitän, I am Oberleutnant Wilhelm Canaris. I got the order by Kapitän Tapken from the Marinenachrichtendienst personally to go to certain... establishments and play the role of a drunk sailor. I was supposed to tell this story."

"I will talk to Kapitän Tapken. You're in big trouble, if this isn't true. You are to wait in my cabin. Sailors, you will keep an eye on him!" He nodded at Oskar and Jürgen, after which he left. The two of them just looked at Canaris, who was sitting on a chair. They stood there and waited for the captain to come back.

Half an hour later Lindemann, Oels and another man wearing the uniform of an Imperial captain entered the cabin.

"Is this Oberleutnant Wilhelm Canaris?" Lindemann asked Tapken.

"Yes, he is." the man answered.

Lindemann nodded to Oskar and Jürgen, who breathed[1] .

"But that's a secret!" Oskar said.

"Yes, it is." Tapken answered. "And because of this we told it. There are more of these rumors floating around. We want to spread the truth to cover it. Revealing the truth in this case is so unbelievable, that they think, it's just a story to cover it. Hopefully they[2] will report, that it's our idea to cover the background of the Bismarck. Therefore[3] I sent a couple of trusted soldiers to certain inns, in which we assumed foreign spies could be."

Oskar and Jürgen were stunned. They looked at each other and then at Captain Lindemann, who just shrugged.

"As this problem was solved, we can go, I presume." Tapken looked at Lindemann, who nodded. "Oh, thank you for the good work, gentlemen. The Kaiser can be very grateful." He shook hands with both of them. Oskar and Jürgen found a 20 Mark coin in their hands. They had no time to say thank you.

Lindemann looked at them and then said: "Boys, you are lucky. But the order is still active. You DON'T say anything about the future. IS THAT CLEAR?"

"Jawoll, Herr Kapitän." both said at the same time.

"Oh, and you weren't here. You just brought a comrade back home, who was drunk. And the coin you got, because you had luck with the cards. Do you copy?"

"Of course." Both nodded. They had the feeling, they should leave the room fast.

"You're dismissed!" Lütjens ordered and breathed. He wished, they really hadn't been here.


* Low German for drunk
** The old one, term for Captain, colloquial


26.04.1912, Berlin, Stadtschloß, 17:00:

It had been a long day with discussions, some more heated, some more relaxed. However, the plans were made, at least roughly. They were now all somehow exhausted. They, that were the Kaiser, Bethmann Hollweg, Tirpitz, Lütjens, Keßler, and Helmuth von Moltke, the younger. In other rooms several other officers discussed details. These discussions would continue and likely last some more days. Then they were led elsewhere. Among these groups were also officers from Bismarck and the passengers of U-234.

"So I want to summarize, what information we have been able to collect." The Kaiser said. "At first, the strategic situation: France, Russia and Britain are allied. Britain, however, is unsure about the alliance with France and Russia. Some want to stay allied and fight us, others want to distance themselves from them. We need to help the latter. However, as Italy is betraying us, we have only the Austrians as allies left. We might get new allies in the Ottomans, the Bulgarians and the Japanese. But that's still a question of time. The Ottomans will lose the next wars. We can't help them at this moment, not much at least. The Bulgarians will be betrayed by their now allies and lose, what they gained. Both would be good for us. The first steps towards an alliance with Japan have been made. However, the plans, how to help our allies are not necessary to be discussed now."

The Kaiser made a small pause before continuing. "We need to keep the British out of the Entente. I think, we need to make another attempt to find a modus vivendi with the British. On the other hand we need to prepare for the worst case, meaning a war with the British, French and Russians. For that war we must be prepared. On the strategic front we need to change our strategies to a Russia first strategy. That strategy means, we need to attack in the east and stay on the defensive in the west. We need to fortify our border for such a war. Two armies will defend the west, the others will be sent east."

Moltke coughed, as he disagreed. "That means, we should raise another army to have three in the west." The Kaiser added.

He then turned to Tirpitz. "At sea we need something to calm down the British. We will make some adjustments to the new Fleet Law. First we will start building the first ships of the Ersatz Wörth class this year, next year the other two, followed by the first pair of the Ersatz Victoria Louise class. In 1914 and 1915 we take a sabbatical and build no further Großlinienschiff. However, in 1914 we will start to build four Ersatz Hertha class Große Kreuzer. That and the Bismarck should be actions, the British should have to chew through for the moment. But the pause, the promise to lay down no other Bismarck class ship before 1916 and the proposal to make a conference about the fleets should appease them. I don't know, what result will be reached on this conference," he made a small pause and knew the answer already, that the conference will end without real results, "will[4] lead to a kind of appeasement. Other things we can discuss should be done as well. This way we are showing our willingness for finding an amicable solution."

He breathed and continued. "Nevertheless, we need to be prepared. Thus we will build three aircraft carriers and each year two heavy and six small cruisers, 12 destroyers and 24 torpedo boats. Furthermore we will build 18 submarines. In the case of war no capital ship will be built, but only cruisers, destroyers and Uboats. As new techniques need to be introduced first, new ship types can only be built at some point in the future. Therefore we need to use the existing plans, at first. The Type 1911 small cruisers will get four further ships. The AG Vulcan Stettin design for destroyers will be used for ours. And the cruisers get 15 cm guns and the torpedo boats 10,5 cm guns. The König class will get 35 cm guns."

He looked at his notes. "The army will get infantry weapons very fast, also these new steel helmets. We will ask Mr. Burstyn to show us his Panzer. New models we can build only after a while as well. Which is true for aircraft as well." He sighed. "Although I would like to see a jet fighter like this Me 262, I know, that this is not possible as of now."

He nodded towards Tirpitz and asked him: "Admiral, how do you want to escort U-234 home?"

"Majestät, I will send the SMS Blücher for a "training shooting" north. She will rendezvous with the submarine and then return home, faking engine problems. At night the boat will enter Wilhelmshaven. Hopefully undetected."

"Your majesty," the chancellor suddenly spoke, "this program will cost us money. And we will need to get more workers. We are low on workers already. That will be even more true in this situation."

"Well, can you make the Reichstag accept this?" the Kaiser wanted to know.

"Yes, but it may cost us something."

The Kaiser sighed. "Well. Tell them, if they agree to these laws, and some others to come, we and Our Highness[5] accept constitutional changes. We will start in Prussia and will make a reform in the Reich as well."

"What kind of reform?"

"We will become a fully parliamentarian monarchy. And with basic laws granted on the Reich level as well. And a court to watch over it. On this way I hope, we can ban extremists."

"And the worker question?"

"Hmm. What options do we have?" the Kaiser asked.

"Well, our colonies are not so densely populated. And the seasonal workers we have are mostly from Italy and Poland. Especially the Poles we don't really trust." Bethmann Hollweg answered.

"Considering the time between the wars I can only concur." Lütjens remarked.

"French are not acceptable. The Austrians and Ottomans will need theirs. And there are too few Swedes and Dutch available." Bethmann Hollweg continued. "Russian Jews, perhaps."

"Chinese and Japanese?" Keßler asked. "What about them?"

"That may be possible, although we can't send them home after a years. Their stay must last longer." Bethmann Hollweg added.

Again the Kaiser sighed. "And what about the women?"

"Well, at least for some kinds of work it may be possible." the chancellor said. "That will be dramatic changes. We must speak to other politicians as well."

"I know. I know." the Kaiser said. "This is only the beginning."


27.04.1912, Berlin, Stadtschloß, 09:00:

Since the arrival of the battleship Bismarck German politicians had asked, where this ship was built and, more importantly, who had paid for it. That was the reason, that Kaiser Wilhelm II had invited several high ranking politicians to his residence. Georg v. Hertling, Zentrum, was the Bavarian minister president, Robert Friedberg, Nationalliberale Partei, Otto Fischbeck, Fortschrittliche Volkspartei, Ernst von Heydebrand und der Lasa, Deutschkonservative Partei, Octavio von Zedlitz-Neukirch, Freikonservative Partei, Friedrich Ebert, SPD, Johannes Kaempf, president of the Reichstag, FVP and Victor von Otto (minister president of Saxony). It had been a surprise for them when they heard the news about the Bismarck and her real origin. Some started to laugh, as they thought at first it was a joke. But it wasn’t. Soon the discussion became very earnest.

"So you want to strengthen the army and navy to cope with the situation of a new war, your majesty?" Ebert asked.

"That's true."

"And you want our factions to accept the payments for this armament?" v. Zedlitz-Neukirch wanted to know.

"That's correct." the Kaiser answered.

"And in return you want to give us more rights?" Friedberg asked.

"Indeed."

"What kind of rights do you want to give the Reichstag?" Kaempf asked.

"I want to form a parliamentarian monarchy." the Kaiser replied. "A true parliamentarian one."

"You can't be serious!" v. d. Heydebrand interjected. "We can't accept this. That will end in the abolishment of the Reich, in a revolution."

Some others nodded, others objected. But before a new discussion could be started, the Kaiser intervened. "Meine Herren, I don't have the intention to start a socialist revolution. Anyone who has some few sense left would not want that. On the other hand I don't want to have some idiot at the helm, who willingly leads the Reich into doom for murdering all Jews."

"That's why the antisemites are missing here." Fischbeck remarked.

"Indeed." The Kaiser nodded.

"I guess, they will say, the Jewish capital bought all of us." Ebert remarked drily.

The Kaiser had to laugh. "I think, it's the biggest irony, that we are here, because they caused so much trouble in the future. Because they will cause? Will have caused? Anyway, they won't see the irony, that their "successes" have lead to this discussion. This whole discussion is caused by them."

"I see." v. Hertling said. "You need to talk to the Bundesrat as well. These questions are needed to be discussed there as well."

"I will need to talk to many people." The Kaiser sighed. "The Bundesrat is the next.

"Yes. Otherwise my king would not agree to it." v. Otto said. "It could be dangerous to ignore them."

"But the more people know, the more can tell something." v. d. Heydebrand said.

"Yes, indeed. We are already telling several different stories about the origin of the Bismarck. Including stories about Martians, Atlantis – or indeed time travellers. The latter story is so unbelievable, that it can be shared. Well, under circumstances." The Kaiser said.
 
Chapter II, Part 2: Flight of a Nazi

Tyr Anazasi

Well-known member
28.04.1912, Wilhelmshaven, 22:04:

The Bismarck finally lay in Wilhelmshaven. The lock personnel managed to get her through the locks without problems. But that had lasted[1] . The preparations for the official commissioning next day were nearly ready. Most seamen and officers were sleeping. But in the brig some were still busy.

"Moin, we're here to transfer your captive. Here are the papers." Two men of the Imperial MP were standing in bureau. As they had the needed papers and it was clear, that judge Nieschling should be transferred, the guarding soldiers agreed to transfer him.

"Yep, everything is fine." the officer of the Bismarck said and nodded. "You can have him. But be aware that he has been completely catatonic since a few days ago. In the first days he had ranted and threatened us, but since a few days ago he's been completely apathic. Our doc isn't sure, if he's really apathetic[2] or only playing."

"Well, that's no longer your problem. Schulz, help me!" the petty officer of the Imperial MP said to his comrade. Both entered the cell, where they found a completely apathetic Nieschling.

"Boy, he stinks." Schulze remarked. It seemed, he hadn't used the toilet for some days. "I think he's completely gaga."

"I'm no expert. I just want to bring him into our cells." the petty officer answered.

Soon they were on the way to the car, which had parked a bit further away, as they were not allowed to approach the battleship too closely. Security reasons. So it took a bit longer, until they were at their parking space, which was in a smaller side street. It was rather dark.

"I could be with my girl right now." Schulz remarked.

"Hrmph." was the only reaction by Stein.

"I am sorry. I forgot, your wife has left you and taken the kids."

"Thanks for reminding me!" Stein said sarcastically. "I need to find a new flat. Until then she is staying with her parents."

"Schulz, take him. I will open the car." Petty officer Stein said, when they arrived at the car.

Schulz grabbed him, while Stein was opening the car. In this moment Nieschling became very active. He had kept a knife hidden in his boots, which had not been detected. He had done so for just this situtation. Nieschling wanted to give Hitler the position he was born for. He had seen it crystal clear, while he was imprisoned by these traitors. It was his destiny to save Germany by giving Hitler his position. That the others couldn't see that! Well, they were traitors. Now he had to act.

Nieschling suddenly started to vomit, so that Schulz was surprised and tried to evade the vomit. Nieschling went down, while Schulz still tried to keep him up. It was enough for Nieschling though to get his knife. He rammed it into the surprised Schulz.

Stein hadn't seen this, as he had opened the car. When he turned, he saw Schulz collapsing. Stein was surprised as well and lost precious seconds, in which Nieschling threw the knife at Stein. He was hit in the breast and collapsed.

Nieschling then took the bodies into the rear of the car. He took money and the weapons as well as the ID cards and the address of Stein. He drove the car to that address but parked a little bit further away. He went to the house, where he took a quick bath, shaved himself and then took some cloths from Stein, who had about his stature, and some money he found in his bedroom, hidden under the bed, about 200 Mark, enough for the moment. Then he went to the next station. He thanked the Lord, he knew this area well. Even in 1941 not so much had changed. Now he needed to find the Führer, Adolf Hitler. He took the first train out of Wilhelmshaven.

In the meantime the car had been expected at the prison. As an hour had passed, the Bismarck was contacted. That took some time. They were told, that the MP (military police) had left the ship with the judge. They also were informed that the car had passed the check points. From then on nobody had seen the car. Thus civilian policemen were sent to look at the flats of the two MPs. They finally found the truck with the two bodies neat to Stein's house. There someone must have taken a bath[3] .

The alarm was given at once, but by then the train had already arrived at Bremen.
 
Chapter II, Part 3: Naval Armament

Tyr Anazasi

Well-known member
29.04.1912, Wilhelmshaven, 09:00:

The Kaiser had punctually started his speech to commission the ship. He stood at the quay, right in front of the battleship. The crew stood on the ship in their best new Imperial parade uniforms.

"Ladies and Gentlemen,

we celebrate today the official commissioning of the Großlinienschiff SMS Bismarck. Although such an event isn't celebrated much in the public, we are doing so today. The Bismarck had been built in outmost secrecy. She is a marvel of German engineering and the mightiest warship afloat. She is a sign of stength, a sign of power. She was built to show the strength of Germany on the Seven Seas. We had planned to surprise the public, but the sinking of the RMS Titanic had stopped all of these considerations. It was much more important to save lives than to keep a secret for only a few days longer.

Don't get me wrong, this ship isn't meant to provoke someone, but to make clear the Germans have also certain rights, rights we want– – and will – defend.

We don't want war. We want peace. You may call her a warship. But indeed it's a ship of peace. Her strength shall to help keep peace and to make war. We're ready to defend ourselves, but we don't threaten anyone.

Because of this, my government and I decided to make the offer of a naval conference in Berlin, to which all important sea powers are invited. In which we will find a modus vivendi without the need of arms races.

You might say, the Bismarck is a curious method of achieving this. That might be. Because of this we decided, too, to limit the building of new Großlinienschiffe. The new novel of the Fleet Law will show you that we won't lay down a second ship of this class until 1916. We will build two Großlinienschiffe this year and next year. Only one will be an addition, the other three replacements of older ships. Then until 1916 no further Großlinienschiff will be laid down.

Only two months ago the British minister of war, Mr. Haldane, was in Berlin for talks. They failed. So I invite him to return, to discuss with us again. But I also invite his colleagues from France, Russia, Japan, USA, Austria-Hungary and Italy to join him.

The name of this mighty ship isn't chosen without reason. Chancellor Bismarck was a man, who indeed tried to mediate between the powers. To keep peace. And he succeeded more than once. In Central and Western Europe we had no war for over 40 years. That is a long time. And so let us build a new world. The naval conference should only be the beginning. Other points can be discussed as well. We can even go further and found a system, in which the states can discuss their problems peacefully, in which a League of Nations is keeping peace.

So, Großlinienschiff SMS Bismarck, may you have ever at least six inches of water under your keel. May you never fire your mighty weapons in anger. But be still aware!"

Three hoorays followed. The reporters sent these data from an official sheet home and published them:

SMS Bismarck

35.000 t as constructed*
8 38 cm guns
12 15 cm guns
26 kn**
8.870 nm @ 16 kn***


*ca. 11.000 t less than in reality
** ca. 5 kn than in reality
*** @ 19 kn


29.04.1912, North Sea, KM Grid AN 2311, 23:52:


Kapitän z.S. Pieper looked out into darkness. He had got strange orders. He was to rendezvous with a German submarine in this area. He got a map with the location. But he should do so at night and avoid the waters at day. He should do some training shooting, but also fake engine problems. His order was to avoid being seen by anyone else while rendezvousing. Last night had passed without any event. Now it was nearly midnight, and still no sign. It was nearly full moon, but clouds were dense, so he couldn't see anything. Only in some moments the moonlight came through. How a submarine would find him, he couldn't imagine.

Suddenly, only about a km at port flashes could be seen. Pieper went to port. The signal officer had already noted the message: "SMS Blücher, this is U-234. We ask you to escort us home."

He let reply: "U-234, this is SMS Blücher, acknowledged. We shall escort you home." He breathed a sigh of relief. Finally he made contact. Soon after the SMS Blücher, U-234 and the six accompanying torpedo boats were heading south.

A British trawler would report later to the Admiralty: "SMS Blücher spotted near Norway. Some shootings made, but apparently problems with the engines. The ship seemed to have tried to repair them, but finally drove home." That message was put ad acta at once.

The next night U-234 would be able to reach Wilhelmshaven without big problems. She would be brought to a part of the naval yard, which was especially guarded. There she would be docked into a screened dock.

Vizeadmiral Lütjens and Großadmiral Tirpitz were already waiting, when Kapitänleutnant Fehler reported: "U-234 reached harbour safely. All documents and the Uranium can be retrieved."


30.04.1912, Thames Iron Works, London, 10:47:

Arnold Hills was working in his office. He had to close the yard, as there had been too few orders. Infact the last ship being built had been HMS Thunderer, a ship, which was being fitted out currently and would likely be commissioned in a few months. He wasn't feeling well doing this job and closing a yard founded in 1837. Suddenly the door knocked. The secretary entered and said, the First Sea Lord was there. Winston Churchill, First Sea Lord entered a moment later. The man, whom he had begged to get new orders last year. With no success.

"First Sea Lord, what can I do for you?"

"Ah, Mr. Hills how are you?"

"Fine." He recognized Churchill immediately. He wasn't a man he wanted to speak with. But there was a tiny chance... He wanted something from Hills. "I'm currently very busy. I need to close the yard..."

"Stop that. You'll soon get new orders. How fast can you start working on ships?"

"Oh, I need to hire new workers, buy some tools we have already sold..." Did he really get a second chance?

"Do so. I will authorize loans for you, if needed. I can give you the order of two battleships. Well, we need to get the money from the parliament, but considering the situation that won't be a big problem."

"I see. The SMS Bismarck."

"Indeed. That ship is a danger to us, a threat. I don't trust Willy in his speech. They are building these ships and we need to be able to cope with them."

"So what type of ships shall we build? A new design?"

"No, that's too early. With the HMS Thunderer of the Orion class we have the last of her class to commission. The King George V class will follow until the end of next year. In 1914 the Iron Duke class will follow. The first Queen Elizabeth class battleships will be laid down this year. Also another class is planned. The QEs will be faster, the other better protected. Until we can build a new design, we will order eight ships of each class."

"That is a lot of ships." Hills remarked.

"Yes. And that's why we need yards. And yours as well. We will need you to build a QE class battleship and one of the other class."

"Well, likely we won't be able to start until the end of the year. At best."

"Well, considering the situation it seems, it wasn't wise to give you no order back then, was it? Anyway, I take, what I can get."

"And the financing?"

"Well, that will be substantial. Perhaps we can get some help from the Canadians. They could pay for some additional ships as well. But that's the future. Right now we need new battleships and battlecruisers. The parliament will give us the means. The shock is too great just now. But I fear, for that we will need to cut some smaller ships as well."

"One of these ships will cost about 3 million £."

"Yes, I guess the costs will be about 25 millions the next three years."

"I don't think the parliament will grant you that much money. Even with the Bismarck."

"I fear, you're right. That’s why we will cut the Arethusa class cruisers and 22 destroyers. Furthermore, there won't be a second group of E class submarines. That will mean, we can free the means for two ships."

"I see."

"I have to go. I can't promise you more ships for the moment, but I will send requests by Allies your way."

Hills smiled. He still smiled, when Churchill was gone. He had just received orders worth about 6 millions. He still had much to do. Rebuilding the yard.


30.04.1912, Elysée Palace, Paris, 11:08:

Charles Armand Fallières sat at the table of his office looking at the paper with the data of the German battleship Bismarck in front of him. Raymond Poincaré entered the room. The French president looked at his minister president and foreign minister.

"Ah, Raymond, come in. I am looking at this data sheet of the new German battleship, the SMS Bismarck. Are the stats true?"

"Unfortunately yes, Monsieur le Président." Poincaré made a small pause. "Well, they are reasonable at least. We still assume, the ship might be even better and not everything was revealed to us."

"Merde!" Fallières cursed. "I had hoped, the data aren't correct."

"In the newspapers the people already cry for a French ship able to cope with the Bismarck."

"Oui. I read them as well. Can we do so?"

"As you know, we don't have so many warships built in the last years. Only in 1910 we have built our first dreadnaught type cuirassés*."

"I know." The president breathed . "For that purpose we have just made this naval law, which shall give us 28 battleships until 1920. That was exactly one month ago. One month!"

"Oui, Monsieur le Président. But that was before we knew, what kind of ship the Germans would build."

"With other words: We need more money."

Poincaré just nodded.

"And from where do you want to take it?"

"Well, we can either cancel some ships..."

"Impossible, we simply have too few. We need all of them."

"That means the army." Poincaré looked at the president, who said nothing at first.

"Weakening the army means, we have less forces to face the Boches."

"That's correct, Monsieur le Président."

"And weakening the army gives us less chances against them."

"To be honest, we couldn't take them out alone. We need help."

"That’s why I have worked to form the Entente Cordiale." Fallières said.

"Yes. But we need to be able trust them."

"You really can't trust the British totally. More so Russia. They are a giant, who will soon surpass the Boches. Soon their strength would be enough."

"I know. Personally I would either stop building some of the ships in favour for a stronger ship. But the crowd demands it."

"Oui." Fallières breathed again. "It seems, we have no choice but to rely on our allies. Did they know anything about where this ship was built?"

"Non. They were surprised, like we were."

"So even they don't have plans to build a ship capable of beating the Bismarck?"

"Non." Poincaré shook his head.

"And they don't know, where it was built. Do we?"

"Non. The story, that she was built in Wilhelmshaven is plausible, but we can't be sure. Our agents came back with a lot of stories. But that are just cover stories from the German secret service. Some of them say the ship came from Atlantis..."

"Atlantis?!?" Fallières looked at him with big eyes, completely surprised.

"Oui, Monsieur le Président. Atlantis. Other stories say something about time travel or Martians."

"I guess, there is a fan of Jules Vernes and H. G. Wells working for the German secret service." The president nearly laughed.

Poincaré just nodded.

"Well, I don't think, we will get any opposition, if we lay down more ships. Any serious opposition I mean." Fallières looked back at the data and then continued. "We need to cope with that ship."

"Oui, but we need time to make such a ship."

"D'accord. But then we need to build more ships in the meantime. This year we should build four battleships. Next year as well. Until 1920!"

"I agree, Monsieur le Président."


*The French term for battleship is cuirassé, armoured ship. The Germans used this term for their Deutschland class Panzerschiffe OTL.
 
Chapter II, Part 4: Of Spies, Boats - and Einstein

Tyr Anazasi

Well-known member
01.05.1912, Eydtkuhnen, East Prussia, Postal Office, 09:09:

Eydtkuhnen could have been a village in the deepest province. Indeed it was very near to the border to Lithuania, Russian Empire. One could expect, the most sensational news from this village would be farmer Huber chasing a "Lorbas"* eating his cherries or grandma Kaludrichkeit's dog biting the postman, again. Could. Eydtkuhnen was far from being such a village. It had been the terminal of the Prussian Ostbahn and also the terminal of the Russian railway, together with the Lithuanian Wirballen only a few km away. As both railways had different tracks, they needed stations, from where the people could change the trains. So Eydtkuhnen became a busy village, which prospered. In a few years it would very likely become a town.

Still, it was no town yet. But there was a postal office. This was frequently used by the Russian Okhrana, the secret service of the Czar, to send mail to agents in the Central Powers. Only a few days ago the German Sektion IIIb had sent some agents to Eydtkuhnen to look for strange letters. On this day someone sent a letter to a certain Nikon Nizetas in Vienna. The letter was opened. In that letter were bank notes worth of 6.000 Austrian Kronen (Crowns). The letter was exchanged with a facsimile, but also with the bank notes. It was then sent to Vienna. Mr. Nizetas would not see this, until it was too late. So it arrived at the post station "Am Fleischmarkt" in Vienna a day later. One had only to wait for the person, who took the letter.


*Lower Prussian for a boy being bold


02.05.1912, Bremen-Vegesack, Lürssen Yard: 10:29:

Otto Lürßen, the son of the founder of the yard, was in charge of the enterprise. His yard was famous for its motor boats. Just last year one of his boats had won a race in Monaco with 27 nmph. Such a speed had not been reached before, at least with a ship or boat. He had contacts to the navy, but there was no contract yet. And then this. Yesterday someone called him when he was still sleeping. Although dozy he got to know, he would be collected by a car and brought to a location, where he would get to know more. He was given blue prints of several boats. Among them was the Linse, a boat filled with explosives to detonate, when hitting a ship. He was sure, he could build it. And make it remote controlled. But the most interesting vessel was a fast attack craft called Schnellboot. He could already see, that the design was perfect for such a strike craft. It would be very fast. And the 42 nm were realistic. Yes, he could build the boat. And if Daimler could build these motors... But where did these blue prints come from? Well, they were copies, that was obvious. But from where? Officially it would be his blue prints. Sure. But in reality? Was there any connection to the Bismarck appearing? It didn't matter. He needed to make a prototype this year, so he had to go to his R&D bureau to give them the necessary orders. Unknown to him these questions were asked silently by other people as well.


05.05.1912, Prague, Flat of Albert Einstein, 11:25:

It was a sunny morning, when Max Planck, Constant Secretary of the Prussian Academy of Sciences, met Albert Einstein in his flat in Prague. There were four such secretaries, who presided over the Academy for four months, until the next one took his place.

"Good morning, Herr Einstein." Planck greeted.

"Good morning Herr Planck, how are you?" Einstein shook his hands and led him inside.

"Fine. Although I only got some sleep."

"Ah, your Hermann. How is he?"

"The little one is healthy. But he still doesn't sleep through the night. However, Marga has most of the work."

"I see. I know these problems same as you." Einstein had to laugh. "Eduard is just out of this phase."

"Well, I didn't come to you to talk about our families."

"I feared that." Einstein said. "Look, I have no intention to go to Germany. I am a pacifist and I am against the monarchy."

"I know. But since I am secretary I can give you another offer. You need to hold lectures here?"

"Yes, of course." Einstein replied.

"And if you would have your own institute, where you don't need to hold lectures? Have all the time for science? I know, you want to leave Prague and want to go back to Zürich."

"No lectures? All time for..." Einstein was surprised.

"And I can give you a personnel staff. Just for your assistance." Planck added.

"That would mean, I would become a Prussian?"

"Yes. As you're a Professor this would be one of the consequences. Like every other official, who is not already a German."

Einstein looked at Planck. "And what kind of Institute will this be?"

"The Kaiser-Wilhelm-Institute for Physics. You will become the director."

"I would have administration tasks..."

"Which would not be as burdensome as the current lectures." Planck countered. "And nobody trying to meddle with your work. Well, if you did no administration work..."

"I got it." Einstein made a pause. "I need some time to think it over."

"I got you." Planck thought. "You need to come with me. There's so much work. With you we might get behind this Bismarck mystery. Well, might. I have no clue, what happened."

Loudly Planck said: "Also I could use a good musician as well."

"I will think about it."

"You can call me Max."

"I am Albert." Both shook hands again. "Do you want to stay for lunch?"

"Sure. Thanks! But before, if you need any help, I could make, or better let someone make, some calculations for you. That would be no problem."

Einstein laughed. "I think, if I accept that offer, I have to come, don’t I?"

"Of course!" Planck answered. "But all fun aside, you can give me some problems, if you want. I might find a solution." He didn't say, that an example of his General Relativity had been found in the library of the SMS Bismarck. He would need to lead Einstein to the real results. And soon. There was much more work to be done.

In October 1912 Albert Einstein would move to Berlin. On November 1st the Kaiser-Wilhelm-Institute for Physics was founded, with Einstein as first director.




08.05.1912, St. Petersburg Navy School, 13:08:

Cadet Alexander Ramius sat in the cafeteria and waited for his comrade Axel Berg. He arrived a little later.

"Sorry, for the delay. But I got news. The Duma gave the money to enlarge the navy." Berg said.

"Finally. We need more ships!" Ramius said with a relief. "But you're not that enthusiastic?"

"I am not. I know, that most of the money shall flow into battleships* and battlecruisers. 24 of them shall be built for the Baltic Fleet alone until 1918." Berg answered.

"What?" Ramius was stunned. "Why they are cutting the smaller vessels?"

"Plainly said, to save money. A Borodino class battlecruiser will cost 45,5 million rubel. The costs of the battleships will be 900 million Rubel, if we exclude the Gangut class ships being built. Or even more." Berg explained.

"But we need a mixed fleet. Especially in the narrow waters of the Baltic!" Ramius was getting furious. "Don't they see that?"

Berg shrugged. "I know. I can see that. You're right. But tell that to the penny pitchers in the Duma. Since the Germans got their Bismarck, all eyes are on the battleships. Smaller ships are to be neglected for the money to get more battleships*. Therefore the fleet will get only 4 cruisers, 22 destroyers and 12 submarines."

"We already lack cruisers." Ramius added. "And also smaller craft."

Berg nodded. "What frightens me is the fact, we have too little economic strength to build all these vessels. It is only four ships per year, I know, but we are already having problems with the Gangut class."

"Not to forget the Imperatriza Mariya class." Ramius interjected.

"Yes. But these ships were just laid down. The Duma didn't provide much money at first."

"It isn't just this. I am writing an essay on the economic situation. The industry doesn't know everything. They need to guess some stats, which will have to be reworked, when the time has come. That means delays. And the armour scheme is IMO problematic. Too thin. And I doubt, they will be able to build the number of armour plates needed."

"You're right. And as I am also writing an essay, I can tell you, that I fear the very same." Berg sighed. "Everyone looks to the Bismarck and forgets about the rest. A battleship is costly. I even think, the costs mentioned above are way too little."

"That's mostly the case, I'm afraid." Ramius commented.

"Indeed. I need to check the figures, but I found a German source about the armed forces budgets of the great powers in Weyer's Flottentaschenbuch. According to this book we spent, per capita, just over 9 Marks last year. Hardly 3 Marks for the navy. The English spent about 40 Marks, 28 of them for the navy. The Germans pay about 20 Marks, like us most of it for the army, only 8 Mark for the navy. On a closer look the French and the British pay even more for their armed forces than the Germans, who could even boost that, if they want. We are nearing the moment, where we can't pay more. Or build more."

"Thus, if I understand you correctly, Axel, we'll have problems in getting the needed material for the ships?"

Berg just nodded.

"I see. I fear you're right. I fear, we will lack the smaller craft, when we need them. We will miss them dearly. And we will have many problems trying to get that many battleships."

"Indeed, Sasha. I think, we won't be able to build all the ships the navy wants. We might import them, or at least parts."

"Axel, who will do so? The British and French are building their own fleets."

Berg shrugged. "Dunno. The Germans?"

"And if there is a war, we might have sponsored them ships to fight us."

"Hey, we already bought ships from them. But you're right. If there is a war, we might find ships we paid for on their side."

Ramius looked at him. "The situation here could become very, well, interesting, if we were to lose that war."

"I see."

Their talk was disrupted by the gong. The curriculum would start soon again.


* The Russian term for battleship was, like in Germany, ship of the line, linieji korabl.
 
Chapter II, Part 5: Führer in distress

Tyr Anazasi

Well-known member
Berlin, Stadtschloß, 09.05.1912, 10:30:

Max Weber and Hugo Preuß were, of course, on time, as the Kaiser wanted to meet them. Only a week ago they had got a first meeting with the Kaiser, in which he had made clear, he wanted to make a new constitution. He gave them the copies of the Paulskirchen constitution of 1848/49, Bismarck's constitution of 1871 and another one. They should have some thoughts about these constitutions, especially the flaws. After a week they would meet again.

"Your Majesty, you called us?" Weber said after the greeting.

"Indeed. What is your opinion about the constitutions?" the Kaiser asked.

"Well. At first, I have to say, a week is very short." Preuß, a renowned Professor for public law, said.

"I know. I don't want a detailed constitution now, but I want to know about the flaws." The Kaiser said.

"Well. The constitution of 1848 was never enforced." Preuß said. "The system is similar to the third one, albeit with some changes. Like in the constitution of 1871 the Kaiser has the power to appoint the government. The government is not responsible to the Reichstag. In the last one the Reichstag is appointing the government."

"And you prefer the latter?" The Kaiser wanted to know.

"Yes, of course." Preuß said. Weber nodded.

"And the Kaiser being just a notary of the Reich?" Wilhelm asked.

"Well, no. Not totally at least. At first the Kaiser could get several emergency powers..."

"We will talk about that later." The Kaiser interrupted.

"Erm, the Kaiser could get a suspensive veto, which could only be overruled by 2/3rd majority of the parliament." Weber added.

"Such a veto would have to be de facto extraordinary." Preuß took over again. "If the power comes from the Reichstag, a veto could only be done by the Kaiser, if the constitution was going to be harmed."

"So the Kaiser can only pass[1] the laws, if they are constitutional?" Wilhelm wanted to know.

"That's a debate we are still having. However, the main opinion is, your Majesty can of course pass them[2] , if a law is within the limits of the constitution, formally and materially." Preuß answered.

"But back to the Kaiser. His position would be indeed a kind of notary and he would represent Germany. However, he is free to tell his opinion."

Preuß was soon interrupted by Weber. "Of course, he would need to inform the government first. The government would have to sign the speech."

"And the Kaiser should have the right, to propose the first candidate to the Reichstag for being chancellor. If he isn't elected, the Reichstag can propose another one in the second round."

The Kaiser was in thoughts but nodded. "I think, we're too far away. These are future points." The Kaiser interrupted again.

"Well, the constitution of 1848 also had a constitutional court. That could overrule the executive and legislative."

"So that could be used to stop illegal actions?"

"Yes, your majesty. However, we need to be precise. If there are emergency actions, the basic laws, even if they are directly applicable, they could be put out of force." Weber explained.

"So one would have to make the core of the human rights not tangible." It wasn't sure, if the Kaiser talked to himself or made an order.

"Well, that can be done." Preuß remarked. "But back to the constitutions. The 1871 constitution is very similar to the one from 1848. However, there are no human rights, as the member states are entitled to define them. And no constitutional court as well."

The Kaiser just nodded.

"Erm, the third one is very interesting. I would take this one." Preuß said.

"And the flaws?" The Kaiser asked.

"Well, there are some. You can destroy the system from within. At first, you can fire a chancellor by the government without electing a new one. You can overrule the parliament by emergency laws. With them you could introduce a dictatorship." Preuß said. It was obvious, that he liked this constitution though.

"So how you could change that?" Wilhelm wanted to know.

"Adding the human rights as directly applicable, adding a constitutional court to rule over them. Adding a constructive vote of no confidence, limiting the powers of the Kaiser's emergency laws." The third constitution was the Weimar constitution, albeit with the Kaiser substituted for the president.

"So a socialistic government could not make Germany into a socialistic republic?" the Kaiser asked.

"Well, if there is a constitutional defence, no. There should be an inland secret service and the possibility to ban parties not playing by the rules." Weber answered.

"Gentlemen, I will soon call for a new constitutional assembly to make a new constitution. However, I want to have a first proposal with some reasoning. I want a parliamentarian monarchy, which is stable and can't be overthrown. I want you to keep an eye on the flaws. Think at first, what could go wrong. And then eliminate that."

"Of course, your Majesty." Weber said. Both wondered, how the Kaiser had changed his mind. Yes, there was pressure to make changes, but he had opposed it. Now he didn't any more. In contrast, he tried to do it on his own.

"I want to have a draft within six months."

"Of course, your Majesty." Preuß said.

Soon after the meeting was over.


Vienna, 11.05.1912, 22:15:

The man wore shabby cloths and was obviously hungry. It was openly visible, that he had not eaten much in the last months. Still, he refused to learn a job. He hated these "bread jobs". He wanted to become a painter, but he was refused from joining the art school. He had no Matura and his abilities were limited. Nevertheless he tried to paint. He had needed some new motives for his work and therefore had been outside of his asylum in the Meldemannstraße, 20th district. Hopefully Josef, Jakob or Samuel had sold a picture of his. He needed the money. He had already spent the inheritance from his mother, about 1.000 Kronen and 924 lent from an aunt. The 25 Kronen he got monthly as an orphan too were spent quickly. He sighed. It had been sticky and soon a thunderstorm would follow. Hopefully he would be in his asylum before it started.

Suddenly he stopped. For the last days he had had the feeling, someone was following him. He thought, he was becoming paranoid, but now he had heard something. Again. "Hello, is anyone there?" he called loudly.

Nothing happened. He went a bit further. Then there was another noise. "Hello, there. Is anyone there?" he asked again.

In this moment a shadow appeared out of the darkness. It was another man of about 50 years.

"Heil, mein Führer!" the man exclaimed. "Finally, I meet you!"

"Erm, I am not your tourist guide*, sorry." Hitler said. He could recognize a Piefke**, but this one was obviously mentally ill.

"No, you're my Führer, the leader of Germany, the greatest commander of all time. You need to come with me!" the man nearly whispered.

"Oh, Lord, that man is completely crazy." Hitler thought. Loudly he said: "Mein Herr, I am not your Führer. You must be mistaken." Hitler looked for someone to help him. He thought, the man could become dangerous.

"Mein Führer, I am Flottenrichter Nieschling. I am here to get you into the position, which is rightfully yours. You must help us to make Germany great again. Getting rid..." He stopped as he saw Hitler looking for an opportunity to escape.

"Mein Führer!" The man's voice broke. "You don't want to help us. You don't want to protect the German people from the Jewish plots against them. You're a traitor as well!"

The man took out a pistol. Hitler thought he would be dead soon after, but suddenly the police appeared. "Stop! Police!" Several men appeared out of the dark. But Nieschling reacted faster. He drew a second pistol and fired. Two policemen were hit and collapsed. Nieschling fled in this direction. By doing so, he fired several times in the direction of Hitler, who took cover in the entrance of a house nearby. He was barely missed. One man accompanying the police reacted fast and fired back. Although hitting this Nieschling it wasn't enough to stop him.

Soon after it was clear, that Nieschling had escaped. The man, who had shot back, cursed. Hitler left his cover cautiously, ready to jump back, if something happened. But nothing happened. "Th... Thank you for your help." Hitler could barely talk.

"That’s what we’re there for." the man answered. He was obvioulsy also a Piefke.

"That man was crazy! Completely!" Hitler became furious.

"Indeed. But we should talk somewhere else." the man said.

"I am Adolf Hitler. And who are you?" Hitler introduced himself.

"I know. I am Fregattenkapitän Paul Ascher from the German navy. That man you saw was a naval judge, who became mentally ill. He somehow believes, you're the dictator of Germany."

"Completely mad, I would never become the dictator of Germany!" Hitler was stunned. "Why me?"

"Obviously he had vacationed here and somehow seen your pictures and then you. He is very interested in art. We don't know why, but he had a nervous breakdown. He said something about you being the dictator of Germany. When he was to be sent into a booby hatch, he killed two policemen and escaped. We had the feeling, he could reappear here, but he escaped again."

"Herr Ascher," a policeman joined them, "he seems to have escaped again. But it seems, you have hit him. There is some blood."

"Then you should look for the trail, before it starts to rain." Just when Ascher said this, it started to rain, which soon became very heavy. Ascher cursed again. He brought Hitler to the safe house he used for this mission. There he would explain the situation a bit better to him.

Nieschling had escaped again. And two more men were dead.

*Führer can also mean tourist guide
**Piefke is an Austrian pejorative for Germans. Originally Johann Gottfried Piefke was a renowned military musician (Preußens Gloria, Königgrätzer Marsch).


Schloß Rosenau, Austria, 13.05.1912, 01:18:

It was after midnight, when the car arrived at the château. Nobody was supposed to see, who was brought to the château of Georg Schönerer, a well known antisemite. The car was driven by Eduard Pichl, a famous mountaineer and close friend of Schönerer, despite the fact, he was 30 years younger. Schönerer already waited to guide the car to a position, where it could not be seen very well.

"Eduard, what happened, that you need to come so late. Or rather early. And why this secrecy?" Schönerer asked.

"Well, a few days ago, this man contacted me. He said, his name was Nieschling and he was a German naval judge." the younger man answered.

"And?"

"Well, he said, he was from a German submarine transported back in time along with the Bismarck. He then came back with the Bismarck. And the Bismarck would be from the future[3] ." Pichl continued.

"Future? He seems to be crazy. Did you do some research?"

"Of course. And because of this I am here. Normally I would have dismissed it, but he seemed to know I was writing your biography. And he said, he had to contact the Führer, a man named Adolf Hitler."

"Hitler? Never heard of him. He's just mad." Schönerer shook his head.

"Well, my sources in Germany tell me, that there is indeed also a new submarine of the German navy, which is much bigger than the others. And there are rumors, they are from another time. And in this time a dictator named Adolf Hitler had led Germany into a war, which was lost. And this Hitler is currently alive, working as a painter in Vienna. An unsuccessful painter I should add." Pichl explained.

"A painter in Vienna?!? Dictator of Germany?!?" Schönerer "That's all Greek to me!"

"It seems we had to fight a world war in the near future. We were able to win against Russia and were winning against the French and British, when the Jews betrayed us. That and the entry of the USA, also orchestrated by the Jews, led to our defeat. Hitler established a new Reich, but lost, too."

"And this man wanted to contact him?"

Pichl nodded. "He did, but Hitler refused. And then the police came. He was injured."

"To me that still sounds like bullshit."

"I found out, that he indeed fled from incarceration in Germany. He killed two policemen. Military policemen, who wanted to bring him into a booby hatch."

"Yes, I just said so. He's crazy!" Schönerer didn't say, he was angry, that he brought another man with him, who was obviously a crazy criminal.

"I know, but my sources say the same, that the anitsemites in Germany are experiencing tough opposition at the moment. What if he was right?" Pichl added. "Also he had this clock with him. It's a Swiss fabricate. But the firm doesn't produce them yet."

"Hmm. It would also explain some things I heard before. But we should take him inside, before we get more information."

"I fear, he lost consciousness on the ride here." Pichl said.

"Well, I think, he lost more than that. He's dead. Likely he lost too much blood." Schönerer remarked, when he wanted to transport him into the château.

"Damn. Dr. Krainer was right, it was too early for him to be transported, but I had to. The police was searching for him. He couldn't stay with me for much longer. What do we do now?"

"You will drop the body into the Danube and then you'll drive home. More we need to think about..."

"And this Hitler?" Pichl wanted to know.

"He had his choice. And he seemed not competent enough, if he lost another war. We need to get someone competent enough."

Pichl nodded. "Nieschling said, he wanted to start a war and then we would lose it. And then Hitler would do everything right this time." Pichl remarked.

"We're Germans, not traitors. We won't do so. But we need to work harder. We need more influence. But now hurry to get rid of this body!"

Pichl nodded and drove away. Schönerer looked at the car. "Is it really treachery, if we let Germany lose a war? This Austro-Hungarian monster would be killed though. It's worth thinking about some other day." Schönerer was tired and went to bed.

A few days after the body of Nieschling was found in the Danube near Vienna.
 

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