"Remember, the most important thing about armoured warfare is to always keep an eye on your surroundings, no tank is invincible any any tank can be destroyed in one hit if it is hit correctly. And make sure that, whenever you can, you get the first shot in, and make it count."
Maho paced back and forth in front of the men, "Armoured warfare is amongst the toughest warfare known, it is also some of the most dangerous. A tank is a coffin for the unprepared. Always be on guard."
The men stood silently, they had been training under various girls for almost a year now. At the beginning there had been a few dissenters, but they had quickly been put in their place.
Erika spoke from where she stood beside her tank, "Remember, you are a tank, not an infantryman. Your main focus should be to engage enemy vehicles, leave the infantry for the infantryman. Provide fire support when necessary or when asked, but if an enemy tank joins the battle, focus on taking it out."
The men of the newly formed 12th Armoured Division knew most of this by now, but they knew better than to say anything, the last man who had had been ordered to run thirty laps around the Plains. That was eight months ago, but the lesson was never forgotten. Despite their silence each man wished that someone else was doing this final briefing, someone like Darjeeling, or Kay, or even Miho who, despite her nervousness, was their best instructor. But those girls were elsewhere today.
Maho continued the briefing, "A tank must be in motion as much as possible, a stationary tank is a dead tank, to that end always keep your treads intact. If the treads are destroyed, fix them as soon as possible."
Erika spoke next, "Always angle your armour, many parts of the armour of your tanks are flat, angle the vehicle to decrease the likelihood of penetration."
"Avoid towns and cities as much as you can. Tight streets and blind corners are death traps for a tank, leave them to the infantry unless absolutely necessary."
Before the briefing could get any further however, Maho's driver ran up to them, "Nishizumi-dono, Itsumi-dono, Darjeeling-dono has asked that you report to the command centre. Apparently the Prime Minister is on his way, the way she said it seems to mean that we may soon have a mission."
Maho nodded, "Understood," she turned to the parade, "Parade dismissed."
Maho and Erika followed the driver towards the command tower in the centre of the base.
#
The past year had been educational for many of the girls. The girls from Saunders, Kuromorimine, Anglerfish team, and Hippo team had spent much of their time teaching the new recruits armoured warfare. The girls of Turtle team had focused on the logistical side of things, making production of the new tank designs that Leopon team had created efficient, and deploying those tanks to the divisions that needed them most. Anzu had spent a lot of time with Winston Churchill, reporting on the training and production. The girls of St Gloriana had spent much of their time with the Royal Family, and helping those displaced by the German bombing and working with the Red Cross.
Many of the girls had changed over the year; Miho had grown more confident, losing a lot of the nervousness she had; Saori had made friends amongst the younger recruits but was no longer focused on getting a boyfriend and was satisfied with friendships; Mako no longer had problems waking up early, the military routine helping her blood pressure massively; Yukari was still much them same, if not more enthusiastic about tanks given the input she had had in the new designs; Hana was the only one that hadn't changed much of Anglerfish team.
Hippo team had changed a lot as well, proving themselves capable commanders and teachers they, quickly found themselves put in charge of teaching strategy. Caesar found herself teaching the importance of team work and unit cohesion, often running team building exercises; Saemonza found herself teaching archery to the recruits in an attempt to teach them accuracy and rate of fire, whilst also making every shot count, and how accurate fire can win a battle; Oryou taught the importance of quick thinking and discipline, and how that translated into driving a tank. But the biggest change was in Erwin, having proved herself in the test against General Brooke she soon found herself a common attendee to meetings between the school commanders where they would run through the historical timeline and when and where they could possibly be deployed, and how they would change things from there. She often found herself consulted by the commanders in how to counter specific German generals if they met them. But the time where she would prove herself to the British people as a whole was soon coming. The war would proceed very differently following her intervention, and not necessarily always for the better.
#
Erwin had awoken that day expecting the same routine, but when she looked at the calendar on her wall she realised the importance of the date, the 10th of April 1941, Rommel had reached, and besieged, Tobruk. As a result it came as little shock to her when she was called away during her morning class.
Entering the command tower she was met by Miho and Darjeeling, both of whom had been present when the call came through from Anzu that the Prime Minister was on his way. They were soon joined by Kay, and then Maho and Erika.
With all the commanders present, Darjeeling began, "An hour ago, we received a telephone call from Anzu in London. In it she said the the British forces are having trouble in North Africa, Erwin Rommel has lived up to, and received the moniker, the Desert Fox. Within the past week Rommel has driven his forces over 300 miles to the Libya city of Tobruk. Now begins the war for North Africa in earnest."
Miho picked up the thread, "According to Anzu, Churchill has decided that if we are willing, now is the time for us to be deployed. None of us have to go, both he and the King have made that clear, but those who wish to go will be allowed. Anzu has already told him that she and the student council will remain in Britain, they gave their reason as being better at the logistical side of things. To that end they will be coordinating our deployment, and the usage of the new tanks. Darjeeling has also voted to remain behind."
Darjeeling drew looks from the girls so she explained, "I have a lot of work to do with the Red Cross, and I am close to the Royal Family so I will be a liason with them. Also someone needs to stay behind to continue teaching new recruits."
Accepting the explanation, they turned back to Miho, "We have also spoken with Leopon team, who were here when the call came through, and as much as they wish to stay and continue designing tanks, they also want to see the tanks already built in action."
With Miho finished, Darjeeling addressed them, "Now, take the time to decide what you wish to do. Discuss it with your crews and teams as well, this involves all of us."
Signalling their agreement each of the girls left, the silence thick as they contemplated their decisions.
#
Erwin and Miho left together to find their teams, as they would inevitably be in the same place at this time. Entering the tank garage where the Panzer IV.H and the Stug III were held they came across the other members of Anglerfish and Hippo teams. Mako lay on the engine block of the Panzer IV, Hana sat next to her. Yukari, Saori, Caesar, Saemonza and Oryou all sat on the Stug III playing a card game. All of them looked up as their commanders entered.
"Miporin," called Saori, waving her over.
Miho smiled at Saori's enthusiasm, she had been less enthusiastic at the beginning of their time here, given when and where they were, but over the year she had returned to her old self, with only her attitudes towards boys changing slightly. Spending so much time around boys and men had blunted her enthusiasm towards getting a boyfriend.
"Hana-san, please wake Mako-san up, we need to speak to all of you," Miho asked Hana
"I'm awake," came the tired voice of Mako as she sat up before jumping off the Panzer.
"Mako-san, be careful," said Hana, when Mako jumped straight down.
Mako waved Hana off as she walked over to Miho, quickly followed by everyone else.
Soon, all the girls were gathered, Miho handed over to Erwin to make the announcement, which Erwin took in her stride, "It's finally time. An hour ago we received a call from the student council, Prime Minister Churchill is on his way to ask for our help. We all know of the legned of Erwin Rommel, the man from whom I took my soul name, and even despite our presence in this time, he has lived up to history. He has lived up to the name the Desert Fox, at this very moment, his armies are besieging Tobruk. Churchill has decided that enough is enough, and that if we are willing, we are to be deployed. Now none of you have to say yes, it's fine if you don't want to join the war, we are still only high school girls after all, but I for one have already made my decision."
The speech by Erwin was unexpected, but Miho was smiling, she knew that Erwin had it in her to be a great leader. And if she had indeed decided to join the war, as Miho herself had and believed she had, then Erwin would prove herself as one of the greatest commanders in the war.
Roused by the speech, the girls of Anglerfish and Hippo cheered.
"We'll join you Erwin," cried Caesar, "Where you go, we go." Agreements were voiced by Saemonza and Oryou.
Even without Miho saying anything, Anglerfish team proved they were great friends that knew her well when they also quickly agreed to go, "You cannot go without us Miporin. We've been with you since the beginning" said Saori.
Miho's smiled widened and tears filled her eyes, "Thank you Saori-san. Thank you Hana-san. Thank you Mako-san. Thank you Yukari-san."
Similar events were happening with the girls from other schools.
The Saunders girls were all in favour of joining the war, buoyed by Kay's enthusiasm.
The girls from Kuromorimine were also all in favour, having been trained by the greatest Senshado team in Japan, and in the military style regime of Shiho Nishizumi, the girls were the most prepared for war. Most of them having joined the shool with the aim of joining the military afterwards.
The girls from St Gloriana were different, with Darjeeling opting to remain in Britain, many of the girls debated staying behind as well. However, Rosehip was very eager to join the war, just for the adrenaline and speed rush, her crew were much the same. Of Darjeeling's Churchill, only Orange Pekoe wished to join the war. Assam wanted to stay behind and work with MI6. This created a bit of a problem for them as Orange Pekoe couldn't command a tank on her own. But that was solved by Rosehip who said that she didn't want to take her Crusader to North Africa and would rather use one of the newer tanks. Darjeeling agreed and said that if it was OK with Churchill, she could use one of the new Cromwell tanks, which she had put a lot of effort into. Rosehip had thanked Darjeeling profusely before running off to find one.
By the time Churchill arrived with the student council, the girls were all assembled at the landing strip to meet him.
#
The transport plane slowly rolled to a stop, a door on the side opened and a set of stairs dropped out. The form of Winston Churchill appeared in the doorway, customary cigar in mouth, quickly followed by that of Anzu, then Momo, then Yuzu.
Churchill smiled at the waiting group, "How wonderful to see you all again. I thank you very much for the advise you have given me over the past year."
"It's good to see you as well Mr Prime Minister," said Darjeeling.
"How many times Darjeeling, do I have to say that it's just Winston. Even Elizabeth has asked you to call her by her name."
"At least once more Mr Prime Minister."
Churchill sighed, before turning to the others, "And how are you young ladies?"
Several voices responded positively, making Churchill smile, "Now I'm very sorry to have to be here girls, but I don't see any other options. As much as I don't want to ask high school girls to go to war, you are still the most qualified people I have available."
"It's no worry Mr Churchill, we knew this was a possibility when we realised where we were. And we have already had this discussion multiple times over the past year, and the events of the year have just reinforced our decision," said Maho, speaking for the girls.
"I know you have, the girls with me have had the same discussion. But I still wish I didn't have to ask."
"We offered Mr Churchill,"
"I know, I know. Well, shall we get on with business, let's go to the command room."
The walk was silent, no one wanting to say anything until they were ready.
Gathered around a table, the girls waited for Churchill to speak.
"Now," he said, "You say you have discussed joining the war. And to what decision have you come?"
"Most of us have decided to join the war. The only ones who haven't seem to the student council, Darjeeling, and Assam."
Turning to Darjeeling and Assam, Churchill asked, "And why have you decided to remain behind?" There was no judgement in his voice, only curiosity.
Assam answered first, "I wish to work with MI6, our intervention in this war will cause a lot of trouble and will change things. I wish to ensure that we know exactly what is happening."
Churchill nodded, "A good point, if your presence changes things from the timeline you know, then having intelligence on German actions would be a good idea."
Darjeeling spoke next, "And I wish to work with the Red Cross, and act as a Royal Liason for the group."
"Another good idea, and I know that Princess Elizabeth will be very glad to hear of it. However, what about you miss?" Churchill asked Orange Pekoe, "Your commander and gunner seem to be staying behind."
"I wish to go, there's nothing for me to do if I stay behind."
"And how will you go? You can't command a tank on your own."
"We've thought of that Mr Churchill. And if you are agreeable, I'll join Rosehip's crew and we'll take one of the new Cromwell tanks."
"That is agreeable, and what about the rest of you girls? What tanks will you take?"
The girls had previously agreed that they would all take their own tanks. In preparation all of their Senshado tanks have been reinforced in various ways, and munitions for each of the guns had been procured. Each tank now had a compliment of live shells, both armour piercing and high explosive. As these shells were now practically standard, they could safely use their own tanks in battle.
"We will take our own tanks Mr Prime Minister, we are attached to them and have the most experience with them."
Churchill's face grew sombre, "Some of those tanks are very obviously German, especially the Tigers and the Panzer IV."
"We could repaint them," said Saori, "Make them look like British tanks."
Churchill pondered that, "It could work, but you run the risk of drawing friendly fire from long range."
The crews of the German tanks spoke up, "We'll take that risk, Mr Churchill. We know those tanks very intimately, and would feel the most comfortable using them."
"I can see I won't be able to change your minds, in that case let's move on to the actual forces you'll be with."
Churchill produced a set of papers from a briefcase he had brought with him, "The force you will be attached to will consist of 30,000 men and 3,000 tanks, tank destroyers and self propelled guns. Thanks to the training by you girls, the tanks will be organised into brigades with motorised infantry. You have warned about the weaknesses of pure armour divisions so we have followed your advise and gone for a mixture of armour and infantry," He handed the papers around the table, "This paper details the forces you will be with and the Order of Battle."
Each of the girls took the time to study the paper. It read as below
Order of Battle 12th Armoured Division
Commander in Chief - Major General Nigel Somerset
Sub Commanders -
Brigadier Maho Nishizumi
Brigadier Miho Nishizumi
Brigadier Erika Itsumi
Brigadier Riko 'Erwin' Matsumoto
Brigadier Kay
Brigades -
24th Hussars - Commander - Brigadier Kay
31st Motorised - Commander - Brigadier Miho Nishizumi
4th Armoured Brigade - Commander - Brigadier Erika Itsumi
12th Armoured Brigade - Commander - Brigadier Maho Nishizumi
7th Tank Brigade - Commander - Brigadier Riko 'Erwin' Matsumoto
Brigade Strength :-
24th Hussars -
8,000 Motorised Infantry
400 Brudenell Light Tanks
150 Comet Medium tanks
31st Motorised -
8,000 Mechanised Infantry
400 Cromwell Medium Tanks
200 Comet Medium Tanks
4th Armoured Brigade -
4,000 Motorised Infantry
400 Kitchener Heavy Tanks
200 Victoria Tank Destroyers
12th Armoured Brigade -
4,000 Motorised Infantry
400 Kitchener Heavy Tanks
20 Glyndwr Medium Tanks
180 Victoria Tank Destroyers
7th Tank Brigade -
6,000 Mechanised Infantry
300 Comet and Cromwell Medium Tanks
200 Kitchener Heavy Tanks
150 Victoria Tank Destroyers
Needless to say, the girls were shocked, "Is this right Mr Prime Minister?" asked Kay, her usual enthusiasm absent from her voice.
"It is Brigadier Kay," there was pride in his voice, "You girls have done a lot for my country. Even though I told you not to tell me anything about the future, you've still given the people of Britain a brighter tomorrow. The improvements to our aircraft thanks to you tanks and your automobile club gave us a significant advantage against the Luftwaffe. And I don't really need to say anything about the new tanks. You girls have given us a fighting hope. And I hope that you continue that and give hope to the soldiers on the front line. To that end I am giving you command of most of the British Army, and almost all of its tanks."
Erika brought up an interesting question, "Mr Churchill, these papers have to be at least a few days if not a few weeks old. How did you know we would agree to help you?"
Churchill smiled slyly, "I had hope, and faith in you. You've never hidden your wish to join the war effort, and the student council were always on about how good each of you were and how good you would be as commanders. Now that I think about it they were probably influencing me to choose you as the relief force for North Africa, amongst other things."
Anzu grinned from behind Churchill.
"I know you are grinning Miss Kadatoni,"
Anzu's grin grew wider.
"What now then?" asked Miho, coming over her shock.
"Now, we evidently prepare for war," said Maho, placing a comforting hand on her sister's shoulder.