Steel Soviet Union

The young adjutant brought a soldier whom Guderian had never met before, an SS armorer, a guy who was about the same age as most of the young Germans who joined the military in this era.

"Let me introduce, General, this is a Panther tank commander of the Second Reich Division of the Waffen-SS, named Ernst Backmann. We found different information from excerpts from his witness reports. This Very useful. While the Imperial Division was returning home to rest and replenish, we specially found him, hoping that he could help us solve the current dilemma. "

Guderian had never seen the young man in front of him, and even after hearing the other person's name, the memory search in his mind still found nothing about him.

Guderian was very convinced that he really did not know or have seen this SS armored soldier named Ernst Backmann.

However, this did not prevent Guderian from talking to him next.

The young adjutant was familiar with Guderian's character and knew what his boss would do next.

After whispering a few words and final instructions into Bachman's ear, the young adjutant quickly withdrew and closed the door when leaving the room to avoid any disruption to Guderian's subsequent conversation. Being disturbed.

There were only two of them left in the silent office. What was the young man in front of him thinking?

Guderian stood behind his desk and stared silently for a few seconds. All that could be felt from the young man's eyes was composure and a calm look on his face. It was like going to a street store to buy candy, and it was no big deal since he was a familiar store owner.

If the scene continues to be silent, it will definitely be a bit embarrassing. Guderian, who has never paid attention to the issue of cards and airs, is a very practical pragmatist. He didn't care that the SS armored soldier in front of him seemed a little introverted and dull. He didn't salute or greet him. Guderian felt that as long as he could solve his problem, nothing was more important.

"Take a seat wherever you like, young man. I guess I don't need to introduce myself. You should know who I am."

In order to ease the somewhat cold atmosphere, Guderian made a half-joking opening with a smile on his face. Although his injured and scarred face was not very pretty even when he smiled. .

Guderian's first words were quickly followed by a response, which seemed to surprise the SS armored soldier on the opposite side who was also observing the opponent. The next actions were the real prelude to the opening remarks.

"Hi! Hitler!"

The Waffen SS were accustomed to expressing their loyalty to the Führer. This loyalty could be expressed without scruples in any situation, and they were proud of this loyalty and the honor bestowed by the Führer.

Guderian, who had originally planned to sit down and go back, looked at the young man in front of him with his right arm raised diagonally. His face trembled as if he was touched, and then he slightly raised his right hand and said softly.

"Hi, Hitler."

After the short but expected opening remarks, both Guderian and Bachmann took their seats. Guderian, who could not suppress his strong curiosity, decided to speak first.

"Can you tell me what you discovered about the Russians' new heavy tanks, or is there anything I don't know about? This is very important to me, and to the present and future of our entire German armored force."

Guderian's tone was without any pretense, just like an ordinary conversation between two equal-level soldiers chatting, straight to the point and getting to the point.

Meeting and coming into close contact with the rumored father of the German Panzers for the first time, Bachmann remained as calm as ever, just as he liked to do on the battlefield, quietly observing the man whom the Führer shouted "That's what I need." !" The man who is constantly receiving information that interests him must also respond.

"That happened nearly half a month ago. At first, I didn't think there was anything too concerning about it. I thought the Russians had deployed those terrifying steel monsters everywhere on the battlefield."

"But it was not until the end of the battle that we lost Prokhorovka and were forced to retreat due to the powerful Russian counterattack. Due to heavy losses, we returned to the country to replenish and reorganize. Only then did we know from other people's mouths that it turned out that in This monster has never appeared on the battlefields of other fronts, and we are the only troops who have the misfortune to encounter it. "

Guderian said nothing, and just continued to stare at Bachman on the sofa with expectant and focused eyes, hoping to get more from this young SS man with a strong sense of mystery. useful information.

"That day was the day of the decisive battle. Our Imperial Division, as well as the Guards Division and the Skeleton Division, our three divisions together completed the encirclement of the Prokhorovka pocket the evening before. One division was on the southern front of Kursk The Russian main armored force, which had caused too much trouble, was surrounded by us in an unknown small village. "

"Everything is planned. I heard that we have already prepared for the encirclement and suppression of this group of Russians. Eliminating them is one of the primary goals of setting up the Prokhorovka pocket. This can help us achieve great success in this theater. Advantage."

"The battle that started in the early morning did not go as smoothly as the officers promised us. The Russians used all means and methods to fight us to the end. Their tanks stood at every arterial road and every position of firepower to fight us, and their infantry Treat the dilapidated or even ruined houses and ruined walls in the village as positions."

"Every step forward will cost us a huge price. We are fighting with the Russians repeatedly for every meter of strategic depth in every lane and every broken house in the village."

"They would even take advantage of the fact that when we had just captured a certain point and our footing was unstable, they would gather their forces to fight back and try their best to drive us away. They succeeded many times! This reminded many people of Stalingrad. It’s hard to imagine that such a fierce battle could occur in a village that only covers an area of ​​two square kilometers.”

"But what causes us the most trouble is the new heavy tank of the Russians. We don't know what to call it. Some call it "Super Stalin", and some call it "Heavy T34." The only thing we can reach consensus on is that it It’s really hard to deal with.”

Guderian, who had been an honest listener, realized that the key point was coming, and his eyes were as bright as two lighted light bulbs.

"Go on, Buckman, I'm listening very carefully."

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