199 199
Episode 199: Toward Victory (12)
Turkish President Ismet Iñönü drew from his memory what Mustafa Kemal said about the leaders of neighboring Europe when he was prime minister.
Kemal described Mussolini, who enjoyed considerable popularity in Italy and Europe, as a man who would die at the hands of his own people.
Stalin was described as a very conniving and mysterious person.
However, he left a different evaluation of Hitler than the previous two. Kemal evaluated Hitler as a person on a different level from ordinary politicians and dictators.
Of all the things Kemal said about Hitler, Inönü most remembered the following:
I guarantee you that Hitler will be either a second Bismarck or a second Kaiser.
'Hitler will start a war within 5 years at the earliest, or 10 years at the latest. 'I predict Hitler's first target will be Poland.'
'But didn't Hitler have a non-aggression pact with Poland?'
'That's right. However, the reason he signed a non-aggression pact with Poland was to buy time to prepare for war. Nowadays there is no one among Germans who does not hate Poland. Everyone hates Poland, from nobles to ordinary peasants and even communists. It's no different from Hitler.
If Hitler invades Poland, Britain and France will naturally intervene in the war, and ultimately what happened in 1914 will be repeated. Depending on the outcome of the war, Hitler will either become Bismarck in 1871 or Wilhelm II in 1918. 'Heed my words.'
Kemal closed his eyes forever on November 10, 1938.
And less than a year after he came to rest, Hitler's Germany annexed the Czech Republic and invaded Poland.
Mussolini was overthrown during the war and is now forgotten in everyone's memory, and Stalin is following in the same footsteps as Mussolini's Italy, having started a war by stabbing Germany, with whom he was close.
But Hitler was different from these two.
From 1939 until now, Hitler's Germany has won one victory after another.
Hitler wiped Poland off the map, conquered Paris, and is now targeting Moscow.
As he watched Hitler's Wehrmacht sweep across Europe, one thing became certain.
This man may truly become the second Bismarck, as Kemal said.
No, maybe it's more than that.
The countries that Hitler had already conquered and the territory that Germany had acquired were incomparably greater than those of Bismarck.
Rather than comparing Hitler to Bismarck, Bismarck should have been compared to Hitler.
Now he is shaking his hand with a friendly smile.
Although not as strong as Germany, Turkey was also one of the most anti-communist countries in the world, and ironically, its president, Inönü, was actually a socialist.
At the same time, he was also a devout Muslim who always carried the Islamic scripture, the Koran, with him.
However, considering Turkey's future, he stayed away from the communist Soviet Union, was friendly with anti-communist Germany and other European countries, and was wary of Islamic extremism, leading Turkey to become a secular state.
Hitler also had many similarities with Inönü.
Although he advocated for a greater Germany and greater Germanism, he actually hated racists and cried out that all those who were loyal to Germany, regardless of race, could become Germans.
In addition, communists, social democratic party members, and labor union members were oppressed and sent to concentration camps, and various policies were pursued to improve the welfare of workers.
Inönü decided that staying attached to Germany would be beneficial to Türkiye's development.
He exported Turkish minerals to Germany and sought to develop the Turkish military by importing German weapons and building factories in exchange for permission to build a German air force base on Turkish territory.
It is safe to say that the relationship between Turkey and Germany today is closer than it was in 1914.
"Turkey has long been an important ally of Germany. "Isn't that right?"
"Of course."
Inönü listened to what Hitler was saying while drinking chai, a Turkish black tea specially prepared for him, who had come from Turkey.
"Thanks to Turkey's cooperation, Germany was able to gain the upper hand in the war against the Soviet Union. "On behalf of the German people, I thank you."
"It was nothing. Wasn't the Turkish military able to make great strides thanks to Germany's help? If you receive something, you should also get something, hahaha."
"Mr. President, how far do you think the Soviet Union will go?"
"I don't know, but the future doesn't look that bright."
Now that we've had enough good words, it's time to get to the point.
"Now the Soviet Union has fulfilled its duty. The Wehrmacht has advanced right up to the capital, Moscow, and unless something goes wrong, they will take control of Moscow before the end of 1942."
There was only one thing Hitler wanted from Inönü.
Türkiye's participation in the war.
Turkey is already cooperating with Germany militarily and economically, and although it has not joined the Axis Alliance, it also serves as an observer.
"Now the Soviet Union is drawing troops from all over the country to defend Moscow. "If Turkey enters the war now and attacks the Caucasus, it will soon be able to take control of Tbilisi and Yerevan."
"Hmm."
"If Turkey helps Germany in the war, Germany will actively help Turkey recreate the glory of the Ottoman Empire."
Hitler promised Innönu the Caucasus and British Cyprus if Turkey entered the war.
The Soviet army was so intent on defending Moscow that the border area was full of holes, and Britain's Dieppe landing operation also failed, with its army, navy, and air force suffering even blows.
Even if the Turkish army crossed the border to attack the Caucasus and landed on the island of Cyprus, the Soviet Union and Britain would not be able to stop it.
There were already claims within Türkiye that it should follow Germany's lead in the war and reap the benefits.
Admittedly, Hitler's offer was very appetizing, but Inönü was a realist who was far from a gambler who was blinded by the temptation of winning a fortune.
"It's not that I'm not interested in His Excellency the President's proposal, but realistically speaking, I think it will be difficult right now."
Inönü was careful to choose his words so as not to offend Hitler, but he clearly expressed his refusal.
"Turkey suffered great damage during World War I and the War of Independence, and has not yet fully recovered from that damage. And Islamists who oppose reform are still rampaging everywhere.
Therefore, despite what is known to the public, Türkiye's military power has many loopholes in many ways. To be honest, Turkey's limitations are that it can barely defend its borders even if Britain or the Soviet Union invades."
Thanks to Germany's support, the Turkish military made surprising progress compared to three years ago, but when assessed objectively, Turkey's military power was inferior to that of neighboring Bulgaria.
The Soviet Union and Britain, which Germany claimed were in a moribund state, were still difficult for Turkey to deal with.
Even during the Ottoman Empire, didn't they suffer the humiliation of hastily declaring participation in the war, only to have the country become a battlefield and the empire eventually disintegrate?
However, it was a gamble with too many risks for Turkey, which had become weaker than the Ottoman Empire but could never be said to be strong, to go to war again against the two great powers, Britain and the Soviet Union.
"Well sir. "If that is what Mr. President wants, there is nothing we can do."
Hitler's plan to tie up the Soviet and British troops by involving Turkey in the war came to nothing.
However, although Hitler was disappointed by Inönü's euphemistic refusal, he did not capture him.
"Thank you for your understanding."
It was Inönü who was rather taken aback when Hitler gave up unexpectedly easily.
I thought he would try to persuade me somehow, but he backs down so easily?
"In return, I have a favor to ask."
Well then. There's no way Hitler would step down this easily. Hearing Hitler's words, Nönnü nodded his head.
Now that I had avoided participating in the war, I was fully willing to listen to what Hitler's next demands were.
"Can you move the Turkish army right to the Soviet border?"
"You mean near the Soviet border?"
"yes. There is no need to deploy troops right on the Soviet border. Just enough to get the Soviet Union's attention. Of course, if the Soviet Union reacts, it doesn't matter if they withdraw their troops right away."
"Ummmm..."
***
"I didn't expect that much, but it's still disappointing."
Goering regretted that Türkiye's participation in the war was aborted and quenched his appetite.
"Me too. "I heard that guy's stubbornness isn't normal, and that's true."
I do not believe that Turkey's participation in the war will be a counterpunch to the Soviet Union.
However, Turkey's participation in the war meant that a new front would be created in the Southern Caucasus of the Soviet Union, and the formation of a new front would be a huge burden on the Soviet Union, which was already busy defending Moscow.
Even from the British perspective, which has not yet been able to suppress the uprisings in Iraq and Palestine, Turkey's participation in the war is by no means welcome.
We must also consider the assumption that Cyprus, our own colony, will become dangerous, and that Turkish troops will invade Palestine and Jordan via French Syria.
Therefore, just because Turkey declares its participation in the war, Churchill and Stalin will have to tighten their belts to make up for their already meager living expenses.
Even though Turkey's military power was poor, its physical strength was not going anywhere, so the Soviet Union and Britain would have no choice but to plant at least several divisions on the Turkish border to keep Turkey in check, which would be of considerable help to the friendly forces aiming to attack Moscow.
However, Inönü chose complacency over adventure, and Turkey's participation in the war ultimately ended in failure.
It's unfortunate, but I also didn't have high expectations for Türkiye's participation in the war.
Even in actual history, Turkey was constantly courted by Germany, Britain, and the Soviet Union, but it steadfastly maintained its neutrality.
Turkey gave up its neutrality and decided to enter the war in February 1945. At this time, the battlefield had already moved to mainland Germany, and the end of Nazi Germany was counting down.
Although it only declared war in words and did not actually engage in combat with Germany, thanks to its good standing in line, Turkey succeeded in establishing friendly relations with Western countries such as the United States and Britain after the war, received economic support from the United States, and even joined NATO during the Cold War. I enjoyed many benefits throughout.
Turkey's participation in the war did not take place, but Turkey's absence did not put the Defense Forces at a disadvantage, and it did not mean that there were no benefits from the talks.
Inönü refused to participate in the war, but instead accepted a request to concentrate troops near the Soviet border.
Stalin could not help but feel anxious just because the Turkish army was gathered around the border.
Even if it doesn't work out, three or four divisions that were scheduled to be deployed to defend Moscow will be tied up in the Caucasus.
In return, I promised to provide one company's worth of Panthers and Tigers to Inönü for free, and even approved additional sales.
It opened the way for negotiations not only on tanks, but also on fighter bombers, destroyers, and U-boats. The Turkish military is serious about expanding its military power, and for Inonnu, who receives strong support from the military, this must have been a temptation he could not refuse.
***
October 2, 1942
soviet mosaisk
German troops broke through the defense line and entered the city of Mozhaisk.
The Soviet army put all its effort into defending Mozhaisk, but at this point, Mozhaisk was virtually captured.
Now that their defense had failed, the Soviets did not have much of a choice. Only surrender and escape, or fight against imprisonment.
"I ask all Cossacks to accept this war not as a war with Russia, but as a war against the communists and their henchmen who are selling Russian blood. We earnestly pray to God that He will help the German soldiers and Hitler, and help them achieve the success that Emperor Alexander I had in Prussia in 1813. "Please help the good people of Russia regain their freedom."
After Captain Pyotr Krasnov's speech, the Cossacks of the 1st Cossack Division simultaneously drew out their cavalry swords called Shashka (шашка). They once crossed the German border as Soviet soldiers, but now they have returned to the battlefield wearing Free Russian Army uniforms to fight their former Red Army counterparts.
"I tell you guys! Never show mercy to the communists who ruined our lives and drove our beloved country into the abyss of destruction! Wipe out all the sinners who stand in your way!
The moment of liberation was not far away. charge!"
-Cow!
"Are you okay, comrade?"
"I'm fine. "Nothing to worry about."
Konev chose resistance. Considering his position, he could easily have fled to Moscow, but Konev did not.
Even if he had failed his mission and fled to Moscow, there was no way the outcome would have changed. It's just a little bit late.
Therefore, Konev decided to face an honorable end on the battlefield instead of an ignominious end on the firing squad.
At least if he dies here, his family will be safe.
No matter how bloodless and tearless the Secretary General is, he will not even touch the families of the defeated soldiers who died on the battlefield.
At least Konev wanted to believe that.
The PPS-42 submachine gun in Konev's hands was cheaper than the PPSh-41, had better productivity, and was a luxury submachine gun that improved on many of the PPSh-41's shortcomings, but it did not receive much attention for a while because it was overshadowed by the PPSh-41.
However, as the war intensified and the Soviet Union was on the defensive, the PPS-42 received attention belatedly and only recently entered mass production.
Another shell landed nearby, but Konev did not even move, watching the enemy lines with his blazing eyes.
German infantry charged with the support of tanks.
"Shoot, shoot!"
As Konev gave the order, the Red Army soldiers who followed him pulled the trigger.
Five or six German soldiers fell to the ground, and the soldiers who escaped the bullets fell to the ground and returned fire.
When the Germans began returning fire, the soldier firing the DP-28 machine gun fell backwards. Fresh blood spurted out from the hole between the eyebrows.
The T-34-76 fired and hit the Panther's gun mantlet, but the bullet ricocheted, leaving only a long mark on the armor surface.
When the Panther fired, the T-34's turret split in half, sending burning steel fragments flying everywhere.
"retreat! "Step back!"
Konev judged that defense would be difficult here and ordered his soldiers to retreat.
The soldiers gathered their weapons and ammunition boxes and retreated, leaving behind the dead and seriously wounded.
The few remaining T-34s charged and covered the retreat of our troops.
As five T-34s rushed forward firing their guns, the Panthers also stopped maneuvering and returned fire. The assault began and two T-34s burst into flames one after another.
"······What are those?"
"Are you an ally?"
The Soviet soldiers, who were running frantically using the tank's charge as a shield, faced the Cossack cavalry running towards them while shouting.
The Soviet soldiers were impressed at first, thinking that the cavalry was charging to cover their retreat. But their excitement did not last long.
"Those guys are not our allies! "They are fascists!"
After seeing the eagle mark and the laurel tree wrapped around the cockade attached to the Kubanka (кубанка), the fur hat worn by the Cossack cavalry, the Soviet troops realized that these were enemies, not allies, and quickly opened fire.
Several Cossacks who were charging with their shashkas tumbled from their horses.
However, the Cossacks were not afraid of Soviet fire. They did not slow down the reins and instead ran at full speed.
"ha!"
The Cossack lieutenant in the lead swung his shashka and hit the neck of the Soviet soldier who was aiming his gun at him.
There were five times more Soviet troops than the number of Cossack cavalry that charged, but the Cossacks, who were outnumbered, trampled the ranks of the Soviet troops, which were five times more numerous.
Konev knocked down the young officer, who was swinging his PPS-42 and blood-stained Shashka, from his horse.
But soon a clicking sound was heard and the bullet did not come out. After all, we're out of bullets now.
Since he didn't even have time to leisurely change the magazine, Konev threw the submachine gun on the ground and pulled out Tokarev.
The moment he pulled Tokarev out of his holster, the soldier in front of him raised his hands in surrender.
However, without hesitation, the Cossack swung his shashka and cut off the soldier's hands and neck.
Konev, seeing the Cossack's blade pointed at him, raised his hand to shoot.
But before he could pull the trigger, the blade first hit his neck.
I felt the strength leaving my body with a crackling sound.
Soon, I saw a sky covered in dark clouds, and then an extremely ominous darkness came.
***
On October 2, Army Group Center Commander Bork reported the complete capture of Mozhaisk.
There were now no obstacles remaining between Moscow and the Germans except a few poor defensive positions.
That same evening, the Luftwaffe bombed Moscow, engulfing Red Square in flames.
The fire continued throughout the night and was extinguished only around sunrise.
The streets of Moscow were filled with the dead and dying, leaving nothing but ashes.
But the citizens did not cry.
They did not shed tears even when they saw their loved one's body turned to coal and their house turned into a pile of bricks.
The disaster has just begun.
