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墨書 Inktalez
Berlin
The First Infantry Division stationed
Rommel and Gudauri are standing on the drill ground watching the training of Armored soldier.
Only saw the Armored soldiers skillfully driving tanks, quickly passing through obstacles and stopping, then adjusting the gun barrel, aiming at the target position, followed by a "boom," and white smoke emerged from the distant hillside.
What satisfied Rommel was that all the Armored soldiers had destroyed their target positions.
After several months of intense training, the abilities of these Armored soldiers have improved rapidly.
In early 1926, the number of soldiers who could drive tanks was probably no more than a handful. But now, there are already hundreds of soldiers who have learned to drive tanks to overcome obstacles and to shoot accurately while stationary, which is far ahead of the level in Europe at the moment. "They are truly elite soldiers. I believe that once all the soldiers of The Second Armored Division have received sufficient training, they will become the most powerful armored force in Europe."
Gudauri can't help but admire. For him, it's a very happy thing to see so many tanks in his own army.
The sharp appearance, the tall and mighty figure, the strong and domineering physique, the cold and resolute face, the large cannon with a black hole-like muzzle, the rock-solid armor, it is still a Model of the beauty of violent iron and blood.
The large tracks seem to be telling people: Don't stand in front of me, or I will crush you!
Like an indestructible mobile fortress, its steel body solidifies the core of elite soldiers, still as a maiden, swift as a hare.
The artillery strikes with pinpoint accuracy, machine guns unleash a deadly rain of bullets, lasers blind with instant strikes, and flares are launched like a chaotic dance of demons.
This is what Gudauri wrote in his diary after seeing a tank for the first time.
So, when Gudauri arrived at The First Infantry Division, he made this place his home. He has been immersed in the military camp, studying the combat methods of the Armored soldier, with no intention of taking leave to go home. The results have been remarkable, with the first armor battalion already taking shape under Gudauri's guidance.
"This is natural. We have assigned the most elite soldiers of The First Infantry Division to the newly established The Second Armored Division, so naturally the trained troops are also the most elite."
Rommel is also in high spirits. Not long ago, he was promoted by the General Staff of the Army to the rank of lieutenant colonel, and rightfully assumed the position of regimental commander of The Second Armored Division and The Second Infantry Division.
Being promoted two ranks within a year is something Rommel never dared to imagine before.
It is important to note that after he was promoted to Captain in 1917, he advanced one rank in just seven years. When he was transferred to the First Infantry Division, not only did his military rank soar, but he also had the opportunity to serve as an officer in the Armored Troops, which he loved the most. Rommel increasingly felt that following Strasser was the best decision of his life, and at one point, he even considered joining the National Socialist Party.
"Colonel Strasser is not an ordinary person; he has many advanced ideas about armored troops operations. I learned a lot from my conversations with him. Although he has not attended any military academies, I believe he is far superior to the generals of the General Staff of the Army."
Gudauri is now completely convinced by Strasser. In his view, the only person in the General Staff of the Army who recognizes the importance of armored soldiers for future warfare and is capable of building armored troops is Strasser; no one else can achieve this level.
"Yes," Rommel nodded, fully agreeing with Gudauri's statement. After all, it was Strasser who had introduced the concept of armored warfare to Rommel, opening a new world for him. In a way, Strasser could be considered Rommel's mentor.
"I believe that only under Strasser's leadership can the National Defense Forces stand tall at the pinnacle of Europe," Rommel implied.
"Unfortunately, he is not yet the Commander-in-Chief of the General Staff of the Army."
Gudauri feels a bit regretful. If Strasser could take that position, the National Defense Forces could begin mechanization sooner. The earlier the Military reform happens, the sooner the National Defense Forces can become a strong military, and Gudauri can't wait any longer.
"It's a pity that General Siket has two years left in his term. With Strasser's qualifications, it would be quite difficult for him to take over that position in two years."
Rommel also expressed deep regret about this. In his opinion, those old folks at Supreme Command should have stepped down a long time ago.
"You can't say that in public."
Gudauri quickly stopped Rommel from making sarcastic comments, even though he was also a critical writer, he still knew what could be said and what couldn't.
"You two are really diligent and responsible."
The voice from behind caught the attention of Gudauri and Rommel, it was Colonel Rundstedt.
"Colonel Rundstedt, weren't you inspecting the training of The First Infantry Division? Why are you here?"
Rommel frowned, unimpressed by the noble air of Juncker before him. In the year or so they had worked together, Rommel found Colonel Bock to be tolerable, but Rundstedt exuded an overwhelming aristocratic air, behaving as if he were above everyone else. This did not sit well with the lower-class Rommel and Student. Privately, Student referred to Rundstedt as "Your Majesty" to mock his aristocratic manner.
"I have something important to discuss with you two," Rundstedt politely invited.
"Is there something that can't be said here, Colonel Rundstedt?" Gudauri was somewhat puzzled.
"It's about your future, so I think it's better to discuss it privately."
Rundstedt Mysteriously beckoned, indicating for the two to follow him.
"I want to see what trick you're playing."
Rommel Coldly chuckled and followed along.
Gudauri After hesitating for a moment, I decided to follow them up. They followed Rundstedt into the innermost war conference room of The First Division Division, which was empty. After Rundstedt, Rommel, and Gudauri entered, he closed the door behind them. "Speak up, what's the matter?" Rommel was already impatient.
Rundstedt was not in a hurry; he slowly took out a telegram from the pocket of his uniform jacket. The paper was brand new, and he opened it and began to read calmly.
"Today, General Ludendorff issued an order for all officers and soldiers of The First Division to start following my commands. The day after this autumn military review concludes, we are to seal off the entire city of Berlin, mobilizing all personnel of The First Infantry Division, and then arrest Colonel Strasser."
After Rundstedt finished reading, he noticed that the two in front of him did not display the shock he had anticipated. Gudauri's expression was calm as if he had heard nothing, while Rommel looked at him as if he were an idiot.
"Do you have nothing to say?"
Rundstedt was a bit puzzled, this was not what he had imagined.
"Are you done? If you're done, I'll go back."
Rommel yawned and turned to leave.
"Hey, hey, hey!" Rundstedt hurriedly grabbed Rommel.
"General Ludendorff said that once you complete this task, you will all be heroes of the National Defense Forces and will be promoted by one military rank."
Rommel disdainfully shook off Rundstedt's hand. "I don't care; everyone knows what kind of person Ludendorff is. I spent seven years under him just to get one promotion, but after following Strasser for a year, I got two. Anyone can see who is worth following." Rommel opened the door and walked out, leaving behind one last remark.
"Don't even think about trying to persuade Student, his answer will definitely be the same as mine. As for Bock, I believe he also wouldn't deign to associate with someone like you."
Rundstedt looked a bit dumbfounded as he turned to Gudauri.
"Gudauri, Major..."
"I will not carry out this order. If General Ludendorff's command is effective for the First Division, you should announce this order directly to all the officers and soldiers. I believe you know very well who they will follow."
Gudauri said meaningfully. He was not a die-hard loyalist of Strasser, but he could see the situation clearly.
"Moreover, following Strasser isn't such a bad idea. He has shared with me his plans for the future of the National Defense Forces. Germany will inevitably expand its military, and I don't need to explain the purpose of that expansion."
In comparison, those old fogeys of the General Staff of the Army are only good at power struggles and nothing else. The European war has already exhausted all their courage, and they don't have the guts to fight France again. How good can your future be if you follow them?" Gudauri patted Rundstedt's shoulder forcefully, "Colonel, war is the fastest way for a soldier to advance. Even for your own sake, you should know which side to stand on. It's better to give timely help than to add flowers to brocade. Why not take a chance?"
Rundstedt looked at Gudauri and closed the door, leaving himself alone in the room. He stood in front of the table with a sandbox on it, looking at various Model s of modern weapons, lost in thought. After a while, Rundstedt muttered to himself.
"Perhaps I should also plan for a good future for myself."
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