Noel Botham - Catch That Tiger--Churchills Secret Order That Launched the Most Astounding and Dangerous Mission of World War II

A t eleven oclock on Monday morning, the most hated man in the world woke alone and naked in his pristine, almost sterile bedroom in Wolfs Lair, East Prussia.

Adolf Hitler, the megalomaniac, who in 1942 ruled most of Europe with an iron will that he believed would one day determine the fate of the entire world, reached for his spectacles and screamed for his valet.

Sturmbannfhrer Heinz Linge, who had been waiting outside the door for several minutes, knocked once and entered carrying a tray on which was laid the Fuhrers regular frugal breakfast of tea, biscuits and an apple. A square white envelope was tucked against the teapot. Heinz stopped by the bedside, snapped the heels of his boots together and flung his right arm forward in the Nazi salute favoured by his master.

Hitler waved his hand languidly as he fixed Heinz with a stare of eye-bulging expectancy.

Did he do it?

Sir?

Did Rommel get me my birthday present?

Heinz placed the tray on the table by the bedside and gave an uncertain glance through the window. He had no intention of spoiling his Fuhrers birthday surprise.

Rain spattered against the windows and a harsh wind rattled their frames. Hitler slammed his hand down on the bed covers.

Tobruk, you imbecile. Rommel promised me he would take Tobruk by my birthday. Whats the news?

Im afraid there has been no news as yet, Mein Fuhrer, said Heinz, Field Marshal Rommel said last night his men are at the gates of the city. They have advanced 300 miles from Benghazi taking everything in their path. The Field Marshal is anxious to fly back to Libya to take personal charge. He is here for your birthday, Mein Fuhrer.

But he promised, Hitler began petulantly. Then he stopped himself. No matter. He can give me the news himself later. Now what is this?

He picked up the envelope and took out a card with an intricately decorated swastika on its cover.

Heinz clicked his heels again.

Happy Birthday, Mein Fuhrer.

The ghost of a smile flickered across Hitlers usually impassive face. Well, not everyone forgot. How old are you, Heinz?

I was 29 last month, sir, said Heinz, pouring the tea.

Im ahead of you by nearly a quarter of a century, Hitler sighed.

There was a knock at the door. Hitler barked a harsh come in.

The door opened and the voice of an untrained contralto started to sing Happy Birthday, and finished with Happy Birthday, dear Fuhrer, Happy Birthday to you.

The singer was a woman of average height with sturdy thighs and an ornament pinned into her freshly permed, light-brown hair that was cut just short of shoulder length. She carried a small birthday cake on which there were three flickering candles.

Eva! said Hitler, a rare smile broadening his thin lips, When did you get to Wolfsschanze?

This morning, said Eva, giving her lover a coquettish look. Now, my dear Adi, you must make your birthday wish and receive your gift.

Hitler made a great fuss of blowing out the candles, then turned to his aide. Leave us, Heinz.

Heinz gave the slightest acknowledgement and left the room. He closed the door and caught a glimpse of Eva Brauns naked legs as she slipped out of her knickers while clambering on to the bed, where Hitler was already throwing back the bedclothes.

Wolfs Lair was the headquarters of Hitlers Eastern operations. It had been built in 1941 for Operation Barbarossa, Hitlers grand plan for the invasion of the Soviet Union. Over 2,000 people worked at Wolfsschanze, so called because, in Old High German, Adolf translates into noble wolf. Zone One had ten vast bunkers, each protected by two-metre-thick steel-reinforced concrete. Zone Two contained the military barracks and compounds for Hitlers special security troops.