The Battle of Britain Five Months That Changed History, May—October 1940 by James Holland (z-lib.org).epub

of Fighter Command; indeed, he did not even know of Fighter Command’s
existence. Both were therefore wrong in their appreciations. The difference
was that while one of those incorrect assessments would ultimately prove to
have been an advantage, the other most categorically would not.
Hitler’s speech, when it was finally delivered, was not what was expected.
It went on for two and a quarter hours, the Führer speaking less
dramatically than was usual; there was no ranting and raving, or as much
gesticulating and spittle flying as usual. Sitting in the front rows were his
commanders and senior Nazis, many of whom had been promoted. William
Shirer, who was watching, had never seen so many gold-braided generals
massed under one roof. There were twelve new field marshals announced,
of whom Milch, Kesselring and Sperrle were three. Watching from the dais
beside Hitler was Göring, elevated to Reichsmarschall, a six-star general.
There was now no higher-ranking officer in the world. Thrilled with this
latest promotion, he had had a new uniform designed specifically, one that
would show he was a commander of all three services rather than just the
Luftwaffe. A soft light grey was the colour of choice. When his valet
suggested it was a woman’s fabric, Göring replied, ‘If I wear it, then it’s for
men.’
The Reichsmarschall beamed as Hitler saluted him then handed him the
title deeds in a specially designed box encrusted with diamonds and
emeralds. ‘His boyish pride and satisfaction was almost touching,’ observed
William Shirer. He wondered why Göring should remain so popular, and
concluded that it was because on occasions such as this he seemed so
human, ‘so completely the big, good natured boy’.
Finally, having extolled their great victories and spoken of Germany’s
new strength, and having announced the string of promotions, the Führer
turned to Britain. Churchill was the object of his scorn, the man he blamed
for continuing the war and for starting the bombing offensive. He then
made one of his most prescient comments. ‘I only know clearly,’ he
predicted, ‘that the continuation of this struggle can end only with the entire
destruction of one of the two opponents.’
He went on to add that it would be England. ‘I feel obliged, in this hour,
by my conscience, to direct one more appeal of reason to England,’ he
continued. ‘I believe I can do this not as someone who has been defeated,
but as a victor…I see no compelling reason for the continuation of this