‘For instance, we’ve been able to identify what the different structures and locations are. We now know that this – here – is the power plant; we had no idea that this was the experimental works; and here, at the southern end, this complex of buildings is actually where the slave labourers live. Had we not known that, we might well have destroyed it. So put together,’ his cane tapped the blow-up of the map and a panel of photographs, ‘we now have a pretty damn good idea of what will be below our boys when we come to bomb the place.’

‘If that is what this meeting decides.’

‘Of course, Lord Swalcliffe. Tim, why don’t you take us through some of the plans we have for a possible bombing mission?’

The young wing commander moved one of the large charts to the centre of the wall and removed a cover sheet to reveal a map of northern Europe, including the United Kingdom.

‘We’ve discussed this in detail with Bomber Command, and this is essentially their plan, based on our reconnaissance and the intelligence from Agent Laertes.’

‘Hang on, hang on… you say this is Bomber Command’s plan. Is Arthur aware of it?’

‘Yes, Lord Swalcliffe,’ said Hamilton. ‘Not only is Air Marshal Harris aware of it, but he has personally approved it. I was with him at a meeting of the air staff yesterday and he—’

‘Arthur is committed to the campaign of bombing German cities, Hamilton. He and I and Winston all see eye to eye on this – that is our priority. Operations like this are a distraction from what we see as the primary purpose of Bomber Command.’

‘But surely, Lord Swalcliffe, being committed to a campaign of bombing German cities does not preclude us from also having select strategic bombing operations like this one? Carry on, Tim.’

‘This is the plan: the aircraft take off at different times from bases along the east coast. They fly in small groups in an east-north-east direction over the North Sea. There will be three separate attack waves: each will rendezvous at an agreed point over German Bight, off the west coast of Denmark – round about here. They will then fly in a south-easterly direction across Denmark, over the islands of Jutland, Funen and Lolland – some may also fly over Falster, here. They will avoid going anywhere near the island of Zealand – as you know, that is where Copenhagen is and it’s therefore much more heavily defended.

‘Once they’ve cleared Lolland – approximately here – they’ll be over the Baltic. They’ll keep north of Rostock and Stralsund and head for the island of Rügen. Let me turn to this map – you can see the area in more detail here. They’ll aim for a point in the north-east of Rügen, over Cape Arkona. From there they’ll head due south to Peenemünde, which is approximately thirty-five miles from this point.