Battle of the Third Reich Chapter 77: Visit
? A group of new guests came to the Kummersdorf Weapons Proving Ground today. The security checkpoints were set up on the highway all the way, and armed vehicles equipped with large-caliber automatic weapons were arranged to guard at every intersection.
The Soviet military representatives wore their neat uniforms and their chests were covered with gleaming medals. The German hosts also sent a gorgeous reception lineup, full of elites of the General Staff with red welts on breeches. .
These Soviet soldiers are representatives of the Red Army who visited Germany with the "trade delegation". What's interesting is that the ranks are generally not high. The leader is a 50-year-old Soviet Red Army colonel. In fact, even the Germans know that this is just a look. The real core of this team is Major General Merkulov who is wearing the uniform of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
The Germans can’t understand why these Soviet soldiers willingly accept the personnel management of other systems. The Soviet Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Red Army do not belong to each other. In theory, Merkulov has no right to intervene in the affairs of the Red Army, just like The German Security Directorate cannot interfere in the internal affairs of the Wehrmacht, even if the administrative level of that person is equivalent to that of a major general in the army.
In the final analysis, the root of the problem lies in their "apostle". Because of the deliberate intervention of the German head of state, history has undergone dramatic changes. The history of the Soviet Union came to an abrupt end at the beginning of September 1940 The great counter-revolutionary movement is still continuing in this time and space. Not only has there been no sign of extinguishing, it has also shown an intensifying momentum in the past month.
The Red Army of the Soviet Union is still the hardest hit area. At the end of October, Moscow had just executed a group of middle and high-ranking officers. Now even the senior commanders with the diamond star on the neckline, they still see the blue cornflower military cap The legs trembled. Not to mention the various Soviet party, government and military institutions, even the NKVD itself has been cleaned back and forth several times. Otherwise, how could Beria easily become the National Security Councillor?
As Beria’s confidant, Director of the National Security Agency, and First Deputy People’s Commissar, Merkulov can be said to be in charge of the life and death of everyone in the delegation. In the Soviet Union, Merkulov carried a blank arrest order on his body at all times, and he could arrest any "enemies of the state" he thought of by filling in his name. It's just that the delegation is abroad at this time, and it is impossible for the director to exercise his authority in Germany. If you want to clean up, you must wait until you return to China.
Merkulov is not worried about anyone in the delegation who will escape his palms. These Red Army officers are the same as the secret agents who were called back to the country for execution in the previous two years. There is no other way out except for returning home, unless he is willing Give up all relatives in the Soviet Union.
"Thank you very much for your warm hospitality, Marshal Keitel, let us drink this glass of wine for the friendship between the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and the Greater German Empire." Molotov raised the glass in his hand to the present. The Soviet and German military and political officials toasted loudly.
"Long live friendship!"
"Hi! Reinhardt!" The officers shouted slogans and drank their cups.
"Your Excellency Marshal, I’m very pleased that the German head of state will allow us to visit the Kummersdorf Weapons Proving Ground. I don’t know what tour you have arranged for us today? We hope to see the latest German tanks and artillery. , And what the British call the "green devil"." Molotov put the empty glass on the tray held by the waiter.
"Since the head of state has agreed to open everything to Soviet friends, of course we will meet your request." Keitel took out a handkerchief and wiped his beard on his lips, then raised his wrist to look at his watch.
"It's almost time, everyone follow me to the stands." The field marshal took his stick from the adjutant.
A group of people left the cold meal venue, followed the field marshal, and walked to the shooting range not far away. This is a medium-sized shooting range covering an area of 20 square kilometers. It is usually used for direct-fire artillery and armored vehicles. When the crowd boarded the towering stands on the side of the field, it was discovered that several armored vehicles of various sizes had been parked on the shooting range, and a row of artillery was lined up on the back.
"These are the main tanks and armored vehicles currently equipped by the Wehrmacht, and most of the conventional artillery we have." Keitel said to Molotov.
"It's really elite, worthy of the famous German Wehrmacht." Molotov politely complimented.
Although the Minister of Foreign Affairs was named by the Finns to name a simple anti-tank weapon, he did not have much idea about industrial products such as tanks and airplanes. As a diplomat, he did not need to be a weapon. An expert, he only needs to learn to use the deterrence that weapons bring to others.
"It’s Type I, Type II, Type III tanks, or old tricks. The one next to it should be their latest Type IV tank. It seems to be quite different from the previous German style. If possible, it’s best to go inside the tank and take a look.” A Red Army lieutenant colonel introduced to Merkulov.
"Andrei Valeryevich, you are an expert in tanks. From the outside, what do you think of this tank?" Merkulov is not expert in this, but He can rely on the experts around him.
"Okay, Comrade Vsevorod Nikolayevich, from the outside, it should be a very advanced tank. The armor thickness should exceed most of the existing light and medium tanks of the Red Army. The caliber of the artillery seems to exceed 70mm. Although I don’t know how high the muzzle velocity of the shell is, the caliber should not be small. I think this tank is enough to threaten all of our active tanks, even the latest T34. .
We do not know the specific parameters of this tank at all. If the Germans are willing to fulfill the agreement, it is best to get a few prototypes of this tank and then return to China for detailed testing. But I am worried that they will not let us do what we want, after all, this is the latest type of main equipment they have on hand. "Lieutenant Colonel Andrei Valeryevich Semeniao replied.
"The Germans did not only develop this type of tank. I know that they are developing a more powerful tank. Unfortunately, now we know only one number, but we can’t get any evidence to prove that there is such a tank. Existence.” Speaking of this, Merkulov could not suppress the depression in his heart. The German intelligence agent who provided this information has now disappeared, as if the world has evaporated, which on the contrary confirmed the authenticity of the intelligence from the side.
At this time, the sound of rumbling engines reverberated over the shooting range, and the tanks under the stands began to demonstrate their superb maneuverability to the audience. Especially the No. 3 tank, relying on the newly equipped high-horsepower engine, just walked together All the way to the dust, a few companions are all far behind. The No. 2 tank with the new engine was not to be outdone. Under the skilled operation of the driver, it quickly reached the top speed. If the No. 3 tank is like a galloping horse, then the No. 2 tank is exactly like An excited hunting dog, on the circular cross-country test track surrounding the shooting range, was jumping and chasing his colleagues in front.
"Comrade Vsevorod Nikolayevich, this is nothing remarkable compared to our tanks. We already know these old German tanks well. But it seems that Germany is for them. The No. 3 tank has been replaced with a new type of engine. If possible, we'd better get another one for testing." Lieutenant Colonel Xie Miao whispered.
Hitler generously gifted several No. 3 tanks to the Soviet Union, as a proof of the longevity of Soviet-German friendship. At the same time, there is no shortage of showing off to the Soviets the idea of Germany's "world number one in science and technology". People do not believe that the Soviet Union can produce weapons that surpass Germany. In his opinion, even if they put tanks in front of the Soviets, they would not be able to imitate them.
It can only be said that Hitler was half right. The Soviets had no idea of imitating the No. 3 tank. In their opinion, this tank was too sophisticated, and the Germans too pursued the comfort of the tank crew. All kinds of extravagant internal designs are completely unnecessary waste in the eyes of the Soviet Red Army.
Both the production and maintenance of German tanks require a lot of resources and manpower, especially for the personal qualities of crew members. In addition to requiring the crew to have certain mechanical knowledge, they must also be able to understand various complex Diagrams, manuals and maintenance instructions.
is replaced by those illiterate or semi-illiterate Soviet Red Army soldiers. They generally don’t even know the direction of the valve. In the past, the Red Army tank unit issued a new model of equipment every time. In the first few months, at least Three-quarters will be damaged due to improper operation. There are too many broken, too many repairs, and after a long time, they will become proficient. This is the normal growth trajectory of the Soviet Red Army tankers.
"When the performance is over, Minister Vyacheslav Mikhailovich (Molotov) will request to come and see these army equipment up close. The Germans will not refuse his request. You will A few think of ways to go around the shooting range to see if there are any other discoveries. But be careful and try not to attract the attention of the Germans. You are all veterans. I don't think I need to remind you in particular. "In the corner of the stand, Jekanozov whispered to several suites in suits.
These people claimed to be journalists with the delegation, but in fact they were all agents of the Foreign Affairs Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and GRU. Dekanozov once served as the head of the foreign office, but at that time this one patronized the foreign office to cleanse the inside ~ IndoMTL.com ~ did not invest much in overseas intelligence work, until he was transferred to the diplomatic office. Before the ministry, he didn't have any results to show.
This time he and Merkunov were driven to Liangshan by the Germans alive. If they can’t come up with some results that satisfy Stalin in a short time, he and Merkunov may be because of Bailey. The relationship between Asia will not be over at once, but it will definitely lose the trust of this background.
The two of them have made too many enemies in the country in these ten years. Once Beria's trust and protection are lost, their enemies will send them to the guillotine at all costs.
"Can't let go of any clues, the Germans will not give us this second chance, this area hides many secrets of the Germans, just waiting for us to unearth them." Baku executioner looked on Speaking seriously.
"Yes, Comrade Vladimir Kiraljiyevich, resolutely complete the task, all for the Soviets." A leading agent nodded firmly in response.
PS: Thank you for your understanding. I am very touched by your enthusiasm.
ask for monthly pass, ask for recommendation, ask for click.