WesWorld

Monday, 21 July 1941

The rain squalls of the previous day had passed by dawn, which heralded a day of excellent flying weather. Von Fischel ordered the task force to assume a racetrack course and commence an accelerated training programme – including a mock torpedo attack by the carrier’s aircraft on the escorting cruiser Graf Spee. The principal reason for the delay in the task force’s forward movement was the tardiness of the chartered tanker Vogtland in making its rendezvous; a fact that did not make von Fischel happy.

-----

In his cabin Konteradmiral Erich Lindemann reviewed the report sent over by Korvettenkapitän Weber, the commander of the German support crew aboard the Vientecinco de Mayo. Thus far the number of defects discovered on the voyage south amounted to less than a dozen, and all of those minor. “That is how we build them in Germany,” he mused.

Weber also reported that the Argentines under the command of Capitan de Navio Lorente were busy preparing the ship for its arrival in Bahia Blanca – furiously polishing the brightwork, attacking any sign of rust with chipping hammer and paintbrush, and holystoning the decks to perfection. At this Lindemann smiled; the Argentine commander was obviously quite proud of his new command, one of the most powerful warships in the Argentine fleet. Lindemann had felt a similar pride when he had taken command of Seydlitz four years before. Lorente had also been diligent in learning all he could about his ship and his crew – according to Weber the Argentine captain had personally investigated engineering spaces and observed gun drills on the spot. This impressed Lindemann – too many captains, some even in his own service – would leave such tasks to subordinates, and robbing themselves of knowledge necessary in a battle at sea. In his own personal estimation, Lorente would go far in the Argentine navy.


[Situation Map]

Tuesday, 22 July 1941

“The Vogtland has made rendezvous,” Lindenau reported.

Von Fischel looked up from the report he was reading. “At last!” he exclaimed. “What excuse did her captain have this time?”

“Vibration in the engine shaft, forcing him to reduce speed,” replied Lindenau.

“Bah! Merchant captains! At least the oilers will quickly drain the Vogtland and we can be on our way.”

“Yes Herr Admiral, we should be able to resume our course southward this afternoon.”

“Good,” von Fischel concluded.

-----

The bow of the Argentine battlecruiser Vientecinco de Mayo now pointed westward; in the direction of her home; so too did the ships of the German warships escorting her. For Erich Lindemann these were familiar waters, having captained the Seydlitz a year ago on her around-the-world voyage. He was looking forward to visiting Bahia Blanca again, recalling the warm welcome he and the German sailors under his command had received. Baring the unexpected they would arrive there in two days.


[Situation Map]

Contra Almirante Honchez was busy walking around his ship, the destroyer Contra Almirante Barbera. His technical eye for detail was searching for any defect. Every chip in the paintwork, every bubble of rust, the merest hint of saltspray on the deck was enough to provoke one line of strong rebuke that would make any sailor wither.
He was walking along the starboard side, the torpedo tubes were carefully wrapped under canvas, the folds not quite neat enough for his tastes. He glanced upward at the funnel, smoke was lazily drifiting upwards, the boilers were stoking up. In a few hours he would be sailing with the destroyer Simon Bolivar to meet the Argentine Navy's newest warship and her German escorts. Already the quayside was being cleaned and stalls erected. The President, the Defence Minister and the Chief of Staff of the Navy would be here to welcome the ship and go aboard for an offical commissioning ceremony. Thousands were likely to come down to the dock to catch a glimpse of this new battlecruiser, all round the city was a buzz of excitement. Rumors of large German naval movements in the Atlantic that has outwitted the NATO powers were doing the rounds too. Some even told tales of a diversion so the de Mayo could sail undectected by the South Africans. Honchez, as he climbed the few steps to the forecastle deck, knew more of the truth. He knew he had a small part to play but his role was to get the new capital ship safely into harbour.

Wednesday, 23 July 1941

Over the last several days the scouting aircraft from the Peter Strasser had been playing “Fuchs und Gänse” with their Atlantean counterparts as the two task forces paralleled one another across the equatorial ocean. This was made all the easier – or more difficult – by the similarity of silhouette between the Fieseler Fi168 Hammerhaie flown by the German pilots and the Accrisius Avenger flown by the Atlanteans. It was all done in the spirit of peaceful competition. However, this day found the aircrew of Trägergruppe 2 found their accustomed opponents nowhere to be found. Directed to extend the search, one pilot at last found the Atlantean task force, retiring to the north – their mission, it seemed, fulfilled.

Apprised of this news Admiral von Fischel breathed a small sigh of relief. He could understand the concern of nations regarding large scale fleet movements, even in time of peace. He was also thankful that the Atlanteans chose to do so discretely.

-----

The Seetakt watch on the Zerstörer 262 was assiduous in its monitoring of the electronic horizon as the Vientecinco de Mayo and her consorts cruised westward toward their destination. In the late afternoon it detected ships ahead, and the plot quickly revealed that they were on a converging course. The ship’s lookouts soon caught visual sight of two approaching vessels – and word was flashed to the Königsberg where the news was brought to Admiral Lindemann on the bridge.

“Two vessels sighted, distance nine kilometers and closing, course one-zero-zero, speed ten knots. Vessels appear to be destroyers, single-funnel, twin turrets forward – Argentine Barbera class.”

“Excellent,” Lindemann exclaimed. Capitan de Navio Lorente had advised that the Armada would be sending out vessels to rendezvous with the squadron, and this was no doubt that welcoming party.

Short minutes later the two groups of vessels met in mid ocean and exchanged salutes and signals. Aboard the Contra-almirante Barbera, Honchez took in the sight of the powerful battlecruiser sailing along at speed, throwing back a white-capped bow wave. He was envious of Lorente and the fine ship at his disposal; if he had the chance Honchez considered that he would give up his admiral’s insignia to captain such a ship.

“But then,” he mused, “when Constellacion is delivered, there will be a pair of such ships – and that is an admiral’s command!”

The necessity of formation change required his attention and forced him to drop his musing. The Vientecinco de Mayo surged ahead and the destroyer Simon Bolivar took station on her port beam; the Contra-almirante Barbera took station on the starboard beam of the battlecruiser. Behind them the German vessels fell into three columns, four cruisers in the centre and four destroyers to port and starboard; the tankers and support ships followed at the rear. Lindemann was content to allow the Argentines the honour of escorting their own ship into Bahia Blanca. The mere presence of the German squadron would accomplish its purpose and there was no need to hog the limelight.


[Situation Map]

Thursday, 24 July 1941

To any observer it looked as though every resident of Bahia Blanca, if not the province, had crowded every space in the harbour to see the battlecruiser Vientecinco de Mayo glide into her new home port accompanied by her escorting destroyers, the Contra-almirante Berbera and Simon Bolivar – powerful and beautiful vessels in their own right. The assembled might of the Argentine navy exchanged salutes with its newest acquisition, and with the columns of German ships which entered the harbour at a respectful delay, vessels that had assured that the Vientecinco de Mayo encountered no misfortune in her voyage.

From the bridge of the cruiser Königsberg Lindemann signaled his captains to repair on board the flagship, preparatory to the official calls to be made upon Argentine authorities. Privately he hoped that the festivities planned by his hosts – and he was certain that there would be festivities – would not unduly impede the refueling and reprovisioning of his vessels. He knew his stay in Bahia Blanca would not be long.

-----

Since joining the carrier task force in the North Atlantic, Fregattenkapitän Karl Schmidt of the Wolfgang Zenker had found himself in the vanguard of its advance, a circumstance in which he took particular pride, as befitted an officer of the First Scouting Group. Of course, he commanded but a part of that formation, the rest of which he had last seen months ago in mouth of the English Channel. Nevertheless, the three heavy destroyers of his command were spread on a wide front, ahead of the task force, alert for merchantmen that might blunder across its course. The German task force was re-entering the main shipping lanes between the River Plate and northern Europe, and they had already sighted several British ‘beef boats’ of the Blue Star and Nelson lines.

“Smoke on the starboard beam,” came the report from a lookout aloft. “Bearing one-zero-zero.”

Schmidt moved to the bridge wing and looked to the west; there he saw the brownish smudge slowly grow larger, followed by the upper works of a warship.

“Signal the flagship,” he ordered, “Report the contact, location, bearing – estimated distance twenty kilometers and closing. Identity as yet unknown.” The signals officer rushed to comply.

“Brazilians?” suggested Hochstetler.

“Perhaps,” considered Schmidt, “we are off their coasts. But something is familiar about them…”

Schmidt continued to watch the ships grow larger in his glasses. At last he could resolve the outline of a German cruiser – followed by smaller destroyers – and the blinker light flashed from the cruiser’s bridge.

“Make to the Admiral Commanding,” Schmidt said formally. “Cruiser Leipzig and First Scouting Group reporting as ordered.”

-----

Aboard the Graf Zeppelin von Fischel received news of the rendezvous of the First Scouting Group with joy.

“We have done it,” he said to Lindenau, his smile wide.

“Yes Herr Admiral; what are your orders for Kommodore von der Marwitz?”

“My complements to the Kommodore on his excellent navigation. Leipzig and the First Scouting Group are to join the Third Division in the vanguard of the task force, which will continue current course and speed,” Von Fischel said with determination.

Soon after the Admiral’s order was flashed to the Leipzig she took up center station in the scouting line, Schmidt’s Third Division still in the van, with Gadow’s First Division to starboard and Pönitz’s Second Division to port. Schmidt was happy to have his commander and fellow captains back, and could not wait to hear the stories of their voyage.

-----

In the late afternoon von Fischel ordered a further signal sent to all ships of the task force. It answered the speculation of many and thrilled the hearts of the officers and the ratings – though for different reasons.

“THIS TASK FORCE IS BOUND FOR GUANABARA BAY”.


[Situation Map]

Friday, 25 July 1941

Following their juncture with von der Marwitz’s squadron, the German carrier force had altered course, intending to pass eastward of Trinidade rather than to its west. Across the fleet – for such it was at this point – there was a sense of great anticipation. In a day or two it would arrive at its destination, and for the German sailors, most of whom had not seen land for weeks, the thought of liberty in a tropical paradise was alluring. Nevertheless a high state of alert was maintained; fighters of the combat air patrol were aloft, prepared to intercept any unknown aircraft approaching the fleet, and scouting aircraft from both aircraft carriers were alert for shipping – whether merchantmen or warships.

At their mid-day conference von Fischel reviewed the situation with Lindenau.

“Fleet Command advises that Admiral Lindemann’s force arrived in Bahia Blanca yesterday,” Lindenau reported.

Von Fischel nodded. “As scheduled. Lindemann is an exacting officer.”

“Yes Herr Admiral. Thus far our scouts have sighted nothing but the occasional merchantman,” added Lindenau.

Von Fischel raised an eyebrow in surprise. “After the reaction of the Canadians, Americans and Atlanteans, I would have expected to have more company at this stage of our voyage.”

“This is so, Herr Admiral,” replied the captain, “but Fleet Command advises that a French task force is also operating in the South Atlantic, to the east of us. Perhaps the attention of the South Africans is directed there?”

“Perhaps,” the admiral said, nodding. “Have our scouts and escorts be particularly alert for submarine contacts.”

-----

For the senior officers of the German squadron in Bahia Blanca, the day was consumed in official functions with their Argentine counterparts. The Vientecinco de Mayo was relieved of the German advisors and technicians who had aided her crew in her voyage southward, and these were transferred to the base ship Coronel; the logistics officers of the squadron worked feverishly with their Argentine counterparts and the officers of the Etappendienst to bunker the cruisers and destroyers and to replenish the oilers that accompanied them. Fresh provisions were stowed aboard the German vessels to prepare them for a homeward voyage.


[Situation Map]

Cruiser MIBN Piqueiro: South of the island of Martin Vas

Capitão Bartolomeu Santiago Melo stood on the stern of his ship, watching her single floatplane preped for launch. The aircraft's pilot stood a short distance away, watching the crewmen in charge of loading the aircraft. Melo approached the pilot and taped him on the shoulder to draw his attention away from the crewmen. After exchanging formalities, Melo spoke. "Let us know when you find them. And for God's sake, let them know it is a friendly aircraft. No stunts like you pulled with those fishermen the other week." The pilot chuckled "Sure got the fishermen didn't it, you really think Im crazy enough to try that on something that can shoot at me?" "Sometimes I wonder" Melo responded "Good luck and god hunting" Melo and the pilot exchanged sautes, then Melo headed forward back to the bridge. Fifteen minutes later, Melo and the bridge crew watched as the floatplane was catapulted of the stern of the ship and climbed lazily into the sky. After completing a circle around the Piqueiro and her attending destroyer, the plane set of on a easterly course, the eyes of the crew trained on the horizon for any sign of any warships which were far from home.

The section leader of the four Bf109T fighters from the Graf Zeppelin had been vectored westward in response to a Seetakt contact indicating the approach of a single aircraft. It did not take long for them to find their target, a single-engined float biplane – what appeared to be a Curtiss Seagull. Its green and gold markings proclaimed it an aircraft of the Brazilian Navy, which maintained outposts and patrols near the islands of Trinidade and Martin Vas – the likely base for this aircraft.

The pilot of the Brazilian craft was obviously intent on discovering the whereabouts of the German task force, and the Bf109Ts were able to use cloud cover to approach the biplane and take up position behind and above it. A brief message sent to the flagship reported the sighting and the flight leader requested instructions.

“Your orders Herr Admiral?” Lindenau asked.

“There is no need to offend our hosts,” replied von Fischel. “Their desire to ascertain our whereabouts is understandable; they may be sending out vessels to rendezvous. Inform the fighters to maintain their escort, making certain that the Brazilian aircraft is aware of their presence.”

Thus was the flight leader advised; he, in turn, gave his machine a bit more throttle and pulled up alongside the Brazilian biplane and wagged his wings in friendly fashion, and then waved to the pilot of the other aircraft.

MIBN Piqueiro's SOC-1 Seagull:

The sudden apperence of the Bf-109T startled the backseat observer, but the pilot took it in stride. He returned the friendly wing wag and wave, the Seagull responding to the maneuvers with all the grace of a brick compared to the sleek fighter. Trundling onward, the pilot eventually sighted the telltale wakes of the German force. Getting close enough for his backseater to begin establishing a course, the pilot maneuvered the plane onto a roughly parallel course. He noted with satisfaction that his escorts seemed content to let him stay were he was, and he was not going to push his luck to try and close the gap further. He heard the observer begin to transmit the coordinates and heading back to the Piqueiro.

MIBN Piqueiro:
Capitão Melo took the message the young, almost boyish, wireless operator's message and read it to himself near the hatch leading to the port observation deck.

-HAVE SIGHTED KM TASKFORCE - HAVE FOUR KM AIRCRAFT AS ESCORTS - HOLDING STEADY COURSE IN PARALLEL WITH TASKFORCE - WILL SHADOW UNTIL REFUELING NEEDED-

The message then gave the location and heading of the taskforce. Melo turned and gave the orders to come onto an intercept course. Minutes later, the Piqueiro and the attending destroyer had surned to the east, more smoke accompanied the increased turbulence off there sterns indicating there growing speed.

It was not long after the interception of the Brazilian scouting aircraft that a patrolling Fieseler Fi168 Hammerhaie from the Peter Strasser sighted in the distance a single vessel heading in the direction of the task force. Using cloud cover to approach the pilot and his observer did their best to identify it.

“Looks the size of a small cruiser,” said the pilot, “three turrets for the main guns. One escorting destroyer”

The observer was quickly thumbing through a book of recognition silhouettes. “I can see that,” he replied. “And four mounts for the secondaries, or so it looks. That’s a problem,” he concluded.

The layout was a common one, two main turrets forward and one aft; four mounts for secondary guns – at their distance it was not clear whether they were twins or singles.

“I’m sending a contact report before we get closer,” said the observer, just in case.

-----

“A contact report,” advised Lindenau. “One of our scouts has sighted two unknown vessels on an intercept course, distance approximately eighty kilometres, speed approximately twenty knots.”

Von Fischel moved to the plot and noted the position, course and speed of the unknown; he frowned.

“It is likely the base vessel for the Brazilian seaplane,” he remarked.

-----

Having sent its initial contact report the scouting Fi168 closed on the unknown in an effort to assure its identity. “I’m going to make a close pass,” said the pilot, as he banked sharply and put his machine into a shallow dive.

The Hammerhaie dove smoothly and the pilot flattened out at an altitude of seven hundred metres parallel to the course of the two unknown vessels. The plane’s observer was intent on the silhouette and identification points – and was relieved to see the Brazilian ensign fluttering from the ships’ masts. He sighed audibly.

“That’s a relief,” he added. “It looks to be a Brazilian cruiser of the Sagiterio class.”

“Relief,” the pilot replied, half in jest. “It would have been more fun if it were a South African ship.”

-----

Von Fischel and Lindenau had remained in the Graf Zeppelin’s plotting room, awaiting further word from the scout aircraft. A signals yeoman brought them the latest report.

“The vessels appear to be Brazilian,” Lindenau reported. “At their current course and speed they will reach us in little less than three hours.”

“Advise Admiral Langsdorff and Kapitän Peters that we expect to make contact with two Brazilian vessels – provide them what we know,” Von Fischel instructed. “Launch additional scouting aircraft as a precaution; this is far further out to sea than I would have expected to encounter a Brazilian vessel, and they may have important news for us.”

MIBN Piqueiro:

Three hours later, Capitão Melo was able to see most of the massive German taskforce though his personal set of binoculars. "There must be close to fifty ships" he muttered to nobody in priticular. "I agree sir" the junior officer standing next to him said. "Will we let the know why we are here?" "Indeed we will" Melo replied. Minutes later, a message went out directed at the German flagship.

THIS IS THE MIBN PIQUERIO, OF THE BRAZILIAN NAVY.- WE HAVE ORDERS TO MAKE CONTACT, OBSERVE THE SIZE OF YOUR TASKFORCE AND CONVEY THE EMPEROR'S REGARDS. - IN ADDITION, WE WOULD BE HONORED TO SAIL WITH YOU FOR HOWEVER LONG YOU WILL HAVE US. - WELCOME BACK TO THE SOUTH ATLANTIC.

Quoted

Originally posted by snip
THIS IS THE MIBN PIQUERIO, OF THE BRAZILIAN NAVY.- WE HAVE ORDERS TO MAKE CONTACT, OBSERVE THE SIZE OF YOUR TASKFORCE AND CONVEY THE EMPEROR'S REGARDS. - IN ADDITION, WE WOULD BE HONORED TO SAIL WITH YOU FOR HOWEVER LONG YOU WILL HAVE US. - WELCOME BACK TO THE SOUTH ATLANTIC.

Von Fischel was on the flag bridge of the Graf Zeppelin when the message from the Brazilian cruiser was brought to him.

“Understandable,” he said upon reading it.

“How shall we reply?” asked Lindenau.

“We are of course honoured by their presence, and we are not about to ask them to go away,” was that admiral’s swift comment. He checked the formation plot of the task force, seeking the least disruptive station for their guests.

“Have them take station abeam of the Leipzig; von der Marwitz is the most familiar with the Brazilian procedures and methods, and the Leipzig is far enough in advance of the aircraft carriers that the presence of the Piqueiro will not impede any emergency movements of them.”

“Yes Herr Admiral,” said Lindenau, and he left to compose the formal reply.

Moments later a message flashed to the Brazilian cruiser.

“FROM GRAF ZEPPELIN TO PIQUEIRO. WE ARE HONOURED BY HIS MAJESTY’S SOLICITUDE AND WARM GREETINGS, AND BY YOUR PRESENCE. PLEASE TAKE STATION ON PORT BEAM OF CRUISER LEIPZIG.”

Friday 25 July

The ship's company was lined up on the qaurterdeck. The midwinter wind threatened to lift the caps off the sailors heads as they stood to attention. The wind also played tricks with the words of Capitan de Navio Lorente, some of men caught snatches of his speech as the wind snatched the words into the wind. Beside him was Chief of Staff of the Navy Almirante Dominguez and the President Juan Ramon Mugnolo. The grey skies opened a little and the sun shone through as Almirante Dominguez took the podium and began his short speach. At the end all hands were ordered to smartly turn astern, the band struck up the national anthem and they saluted as the Ensign was run up and the Veinticinco de Mayo was offically a vessel in the Argentine Navy.

As the Chief of Staff and President followed behind the Captain they inspected the foremost row of officers and NCOs. They each saluted smartly in turn and at various points Lorente would introduce an officer of merit. Eventually as the band finally wound down another martial tune the offical party headed below to the Captain's Qaurters to sign the offical paperwork. Then the two VIP visitors would adjourn for lunch before undertaking an in-depth tour of the ship.

Saturday, 26 July 1941

Contrary to the expectations of many, the Graf Zeppelin and her squadron continued on a south-southwesterly course, rather than turning due west for the Brazilian coast. This necessitated another round of refueling from the task force’s oilers and the transfer of more supplies from the chartered store ships Coburg and Marburg. Fortunately the task force was still in tropical waters, despite the fact that it was, officially, mid-winter – and few difficulties were encountered.

Admiral von Fischel ordered the continued maintenance of a strengthened combat air patrol as well as inner and outer antisubmarine patrols. So far they, and a steady watch on Seetakt, had found nothing other than the occasional merchantman bound for the River Plate or the Cape of Good Hope.

-----

Far too many Argentines were recovering from the festivities that attended the formal commissioning of the battlecruiser Vientecinco de Mayo to witness the quiet departure of Admiral Lindemann’s squadron. The four cruisers, their escorting destroyers and supporting supply ships dropped down the channel from the mooring in Bahia Blanca as the sun was rising. Salutes were exchanged with the Argentine guard ships and honours rendered.

Once clear of the channel exit the squadron assumed a box formation, with the destroyers of the Fifth Destroyer Flotilla in an outer circle, alert for any surface contact. At first they steered an eastward course, reciprocal to the one on which they had arrived. However, in the early afternoon Lindemann ordered a course change to the northeast, bringing them parallel to the trend of the South American coastline.

This was the first intimation to the German sailors that their mission was not yet complete.


[Situation Map]

Sunday, 27 July 1941

Not long after dawn Admiral von Fischel ordered the task force to change course to the west.

“Presuming nothing unexpected,” commented Lindenau, “we should rendezvous with Force Rosario some time early tomorrow.”

“Yes,” replied von Fischel. “Unfortunately, we will need to top off the destroyers before continuing on to Rio de Janeiro.”

“We could just make it Admiral,” Lindenau replied.

Von Fischel shook his head. “If this were a combat operation I would risk it; there is no reason to do so in this instance. We are on schedule.”

-----

On the bridge of the cruiser Königsberg Lindemann observed the sunrise with anticipation. His ships sorted out their positions for the day while the cruiser Wien launched a scouting aircraft to reconnoiter their immediate area. The squadron’s northward course would bring them across busy shipping lanes, and Lindemann wanted no untoward incidents to delay his progress.

A signal officer approached and saluted; he had a message flimsy which he handed to Lindemann. Reading it, he smiled.

“Von Fischel needs my oilers,” he thought. “I don’t blame him.” He walked to the chart table and checked the grid square reference of the specified rendezvous.


[Situation Map]

Monday, 28 July 1941

Konteradmiral Erich Lindemann smiled with he saw the patrolling Fieseler Fi168 Hammerhaie – at last he was under the air umbrella of the carrier task force, and his rendezvous was only a few hours away.

“Fleet Command was correct in their assessment,” he mused. Personally, he had expected to encounter a squadron of the Royal South African Navy somewhere on his voyage, despite Berlin’s opinion that there would be no reaction to the delivery of the Vientecinco de Mayo. Events had proved him wrong, and in a way he was relieved.

Scanning the horizon with his glasses he could just see the upper works of large warships to his north-northeast. His squadron’s course was bringing him parallel with that of Admiral von Fischel’s task force; they would soon complete their rendezvous.

-----

It took some time for the German vessels to assume their new formation. The aircraft carriers remained in the center, with Langsdorff’s heavy cruisers close up and Lindemann’s light cruisers further out yet within supporting distance of each other. The destroyers of the Fourth and Fifth Flotillas would take station on the perimeter of the great ships, but for the moment they were busy taking on fuel – for with Lindemann had come two additional oilers laden to their plimsoll marks with fuel oil. The Fifth Escort Group shepherded the supply ships and oilers at the rear of the task force, while ahead the First Scouting Group of Kommodore von der Marwitz continued to screen the advance of the task force on a new northwesterly course.

-----

Capitão Bartolomeu Melo of the Brazilian cruiser Piqueiro had never before witnessed a refueling-at-sea operation, and he now had a front-row seat as one-by-one the slim destroyers of Kommodore von der Marwitz’s scouting group came alongside the huge tanker Altmark, the sea roiling between the tanker and the destroyer. Lines were smartly passed from one ship to the other and fuel hoses pulsed with bunker oil. After a few moments, the lines were parted and the destroyer broke smartly away; only to return again in a few moments to repeat and complete the process.

Once one German destroyer had filled its bunkers, the process would continue to the next, until after several hours, the entire scouting group had filled its fuel tanks and the Altmark rode noticeably higher in the water.


[Situation Map]

MIBN Imperial, Rio de Janeiro harbor.

"Come on men, get those patches painted over" Ernesto Silveira barked to his deck crew. "The Germans will be here soon" Not much work had been done to modernize the old Royal Soveren, and it showed. Silveira's work crew was one of many busily making the ship look presentable. The other ships of the Second Coastal Defence Group were busily doing the same sort of work. Comprising or mostly pre-Great War ships and cast-offs from more prominent navies, the Coastal defense forces were widely considered the lesser force of the Marinha Imperial. This made the men who crewed those ships no less prowd of them, and besides, the Imperial had the biggest guns in the fleet. Across the harbor, the newer cruisers of the Third Scouting Group minus the Piqueiro and her escorting DD, which one Silveira could not tell, were also hives of activity. No way the coastal forces were going to show them up. With the addition of the two massive German-made battlecruisers, the fast forces would grab more of the glory and attention.

Just coming into the harbor was the only carrier in the Marinha Imperial, the MIBN Brazil, and two escorting destroyers. "Seems like the Admiralty wants to show off a little bit" one of the deckhands cracked. "Yes of course the do" Silveria replied "because kids like you refuse to make the other ships look good. Get back to work and quit gawking." That line got a chuckle out of some of the other deckhands. Silveria's eye caught movement of to his right, and he turned to see what was going on. Almost all in unison, the ships moored around the Imperial and the Imperial herself had begun to hoist some of the largest flags Silveria had seen. "See," he said to his deck crew,"they are not the only ones who can show off."

Aboard the Brazil, all the crewmen on deck saw the signal that the Imperial flashed to the carrier; " You may have the newer ship, but we have bigger flags." On reading the message, the captain of the Brazil shook his head with a grin on his face. "Those coastal sailors have some spirt, that is for sure. Estandarte Belo, would you go and find the largest flag we have aboard, we can't be the only ones without one when our guests arrive."

Tuesday, 29 July 1941

The mid-afternoon sun shone bright over Guanabara Bay that was rapidly filling with warships. Bartolomeu Melo would remember this day for the rest of his life; in his entire career to date he had never seen such a collection of naval vessels in one place, and his ship, the Piqueiro, had the honor of leading the visiting German squadron into the harbour of Rio de Janeiro. He felt the same sense of pride that a fisherman feels when he lands a big catch, for behind the Piqueiro were double columns of German cruisers, followed by the great aircraft carriers, then more cruisers and destroyers and the supply ships that had made the voyage possible.

Melo noted that his own service had done itself proud as well. He noted that the Third Scouting Group was in its accustomed anchorage, the place of his own ship left vacant for her eventual anchorage. The Imperial, flagship of the Second Coast Defence Group, flew one of the largest flags he had ever seen – and flags and bunting flew from the masts and halyards of every ship at anchor. And he saw the aircraft carrier Brasil, though dwarfed by the German giants, was making a good show too with her escorts.

The German ships were a sea of white as sailors manned the sides both port and starboard, standing silently at attention, rock solid. The leading cruisers, Graf Spee and Prinz Eugen, began the exchange of salutes with the assembled Brazilian warships, a rolling cannonade each of the German warships responded in turn. Across the waters Melo could hear the roar of cheers from the Brazilian vessels, and further in the distance the echo of the sirens and whistles of merchant ships in the inner harbour; and he wondered why the German crews were still silent.

Turning his glasses on the Graf Spee he looked carefully at the sailors assembled on the foredeck, standing at attention; and then he noticed that each sailor and petty officer wore a black arm band of mourning. He then understood their silence.

“A sign of respect for his late Majesty,” Melo reflected. The pride of hosting the German fleet had nearly driven the sorrow from the hearts of the Brazilian people.

“Silence!” he ordered, quelling the throats of his own crew. Aboard the other Brazilian warships his brother officers had noted the same unexpected quiet aboard the German squadron, and slowly they too fell silent, their crews coming to attention to honor the late emperor.

While guns continued to exchange salutes the first of the German vessels found their designated place of anchorage and came to rest; soon the harbour was filled with the visiting warships, the afternoon sun glinting on their brightwork. The crews were dismissed from the rails, and set about their duties to prepare their ships. Soon the rounds of formal calls would begin, and visits no doubt. Melo looked forward to the chance to see the German vessels close up; yet he was also determined to assure that his own Piqueiro was ready to receive visitors he had no doubt would call.


[Situation Map]

Wednesday, 30 July 1941

The imperial ensign flew from the main mast of the destroyer Para, marking her as the temporary yacht bearing His Majesty, Dom Pedro IV, emperor of Brazil, as he formally reviewed the Brazilian and German squadrons arrayed in Guanabara Bay. He stood on the open bridge and gravely accepted the salute of each anchored ship as the Para threaded her way among them. The fact that the mantle of leadership of the nation felt heavy on his shoulders, and the sight of the assembled strength of his own navy, together with the gesture of friendship on the part of Germany, was a welcome reassurance. The attempt on his own life and that of his ministers, coupled with the recent death of his father, only reinforced his resolve to strengthen Brazil in the face of the threat posed by her neighbor to the south.

When the Para had finished receiving the salute of the last of the assembled vessels, she made her way back across the bay to take station alongside the great bulk of the aircraft carrier Graf Zeppelin, flagship of the visiting German task force. Transferring to the destroyer’s gig, His Majesty and his immediate entourage made their way to the landing stage hung at the side of the aircraft carrier to begin a formal inspection of the Graf Zeppelin. White-gloved sideboys stood at attention while boatswain’s pipes announced his arrival on the aircraft carrier, while the nearby cruiser Graf Spee fired a salute of twenty-one guns.

For Admiral von Fischel this marked the high point of his task force’s cruise. He had demonstrated that the Kriegsmarine could sustain a force at sea for an extended period, and that it could signal its willingness to support a friendly nation. During his official calls on the Brazilian naval authorities the evening before he had heard of the very favourable impression his squadron’s arrival had made. To receive an emperor on board was a fitting climax to these accomplishments.

“Attention!” cried the master at arms as Dom Pedro appeared at the sally port. Dozens of heels clicked in unison as the assembled German officers came to attention.

Dom Pedro paused and gravely returned the salute; he then smiled approvingly.

“Your Majesty,” began von Fischel, “welcome aboard the Graf Zeppelin. It is our honour to be graced by your visit.”

“Admiral,” replied Dom Pedro, “we are honoured by your visit to our country. We are certain that you will find our people welcoming and grateful for the support your Government has shown to the development of Brazil. We are most pleased.”

The exchange of pleasantries continued for a few seconds more, and then von Fischel introduced the other senior officers of his task force. Formal introductions completed, Dom Pedro continued with a brief inspection of the Graf Zeppelin, paying particular attention to the aircraft arranged on his flight deck and the massive batteries of antiaircraft guns that protected her. Soon his own navy would take delivery of the Sao Paulo, newly complete in German shipyards, and the Rio de Janeiro, her sister. He knew that they were fine ships, but he wished that his navy might have a vessel as impressive as the Graf Zeppelin. The light aircraft carrier Brasil, anchored nearby, was a step towards such. “One day,” Dom Pedro thought, “one day…”

With the formalities of arrival and inspection behind them, the officers and men of the visiting German squadron were afforded liberty to go ashore and enjoy the warm welcome of the citizens of Rio de Janeiro. Soon parties of German sailors were making the pilgrimage to the great statue atop the mountain of Corcovado, while others rode the cable car to the summit of Pão de Açúcar, the famous Sugarloaf, at the entrance of Guanabara Bay. There were few eating and drinking establishments in the city that were without a knot of Germans – most of whom gravitated to the beer gardens maintained by the Luso-Aleman segment of Rio de Janeiro’s business community.

Others took the opportunity to visit the white-sand beaches of Copacabana or Ipanema, experiencing the life of the fashionable tourist in a day or two of leisure. Of course, for the more historical-minded, there were the many museums of the city; for those with excess energy to expend, there were football matches – including one between the Kriegsmarine and the Brazilian Navy, as well as an opportunity for the Germans to witness an exciting match between Botafogo and Fluminense, Brazil’s two finest football clubs. For the officers of the visiting warships there were nightly receptions hosted by various civic organisations, the grandest of which was that hosted by the exclusive Rio Yacht Club. Everywhere the air was infused with the sound of samba, Brazil’s eclectic and rhythmic style of music.

There were regular visits by officers and men of the Brazilian Navy to a number of the German warships, and reciprocal visits by delegations from the Kriegsmarine to the latest vessels in the Brazilian fleet. Several German vessels – including the aircraft carrier Peter Strasser and the cruiser Graf Spee – were opened for viewing by the Brazilian public, who took the opportunity to inspect close up the huge warships that had come so far to visit their city.