Operation zenith by James Pattinson.
Captain Hans Brant has some large boots to fill…
His father, Peter Brant, had been something of a hero during the Great War between 1914 and 1918. Now that, once again, war had broken out across Europe and indeed, the world, Hans had his chance to fight bravely for his homeland. Hans had lost his parents at the young age of eight when they were swept away by an avalanche on a skiing holiday in Austria.
This traumatic event had affected him greatly, however he was taken in by his loving Aunt and Uncle; Miguel and Gudrun Olmedo who lived in Argentina. Having grown up in Argentina, when the war began Hans faced the possibility of fighting within the comparatively pitiful Argentinian army. However, thanks to the weight his father’s name he managed to pull some strings and fight for his homeland. Although not an ardent Nazi, Hans appreciated what Germany’s new and very excitable leader, Adolf Hitler, was doing for his country. He felt that in Germany’s time of strife, a strong leader was needed, whether he be something of a dictator or not. Hans’ second in command, however, was a firm believer in the Nazi ideology. First Lieutenant Franz Reger was a graduate from the Hitler Youth Movement for whom the Fuehrer was a god who could do no wrong. For Brant during the years since his return to Germany the Nazi regime and all it stood for had presented less and less attraction.
Now, in the middle of the war, he and his team of highly trained elites were to be recruited for a high-profile propaganda mission. They were to infiltrate the Ocean Zenith, a troop and supply ship, and bring it to Germany. His job is made all the harder by the difficult, Lieutenant Reger as well as the British gunners who will to anything to thwart the success of Hans’ mission.
How will he ever live up to his father’s name?
A very good read with good characters. I did enjoy this book. Great story. 4*.