|
|
| "In the early summer of 1943 we wrote a story about the reinforcements for the Germans on the Eastern Front. During the summer the climax came; with countless, massive attacks the Russians tried to break through our defensive lines. During the first four weeks of their offensive more than 7000 enemy armored vehicles were destroyed, while human losses were enormous. Our report will try to give you an impression of the size of this annihilation battle..." |
|
|
|
| "Near Bjelgorod: an enormous attack of the Russians is underway; more
than hundred T-34's have been reported. At this moment our anti-tank guns
have to show what they can do. With or without cover, the guns are deployed,
and not a minute too early. Along the horizon little, dark spots are moving.
The enemy is coming!
The first hit: each anti-tank gun had his own target, and soon the first T-34's are hit. Ammunition and fuel explode, the turret has been blown off, and a mushroom of smoke goes into the air. Another target is chosen, this time a T34 which came much closer. The distance is only a few hundred meters. But after the first few shells the tank is hit and starts burning " |
 |
 |
| "We have to change our position, forwards. Along the burning T-34 goes a motorized anti-tank gun, when suddenly the T-34 explodes, and a nearby farm starts to burn. To the right a new target is chosen, this is what a battlefield looks like for a single anti-tank gun after a battle of 15 minutes. The tank destroyer is looking for new targets, the last of the more then 100 T-34's, who are now retreating in all directions." |
 |
 |
| " Prior to the Russian tank attack, heavy artillery fire has landed on the German lines. While the anti-tank guns has stopped the assault of the T-34's, the german infantry has waited in trenches and is waiting for her turn. Then soldiers start to appear, following the ani-tank guns, resulting in a counter-attack. Soon the soldiers walk over the T34 graveyard, passing the sturmgeschutze and tank-destroyers, who are waiting for new ammunition." |
 |
 |
| They will inspect the wrecks of the enemy tanks, looking for Russian infantry who was supporting the attack. They regroup, and soon machineguns will fire and handgrenades will be thrown; the Russian attack will be blocked by their counter-attack" |
 |