Chapter 203: Chapter 281 KV-1 Tank
In the heart of the Red Empire, the Kremlin in Moscow, a group of people discussed the war situation in Europe.
The flames of war had spread throughout Europe, presenting a rare opportunity. This situation not only allowed them to assess the combat capabilities of various European countries but also provided a chance to learn from the experiences and lessons of different battles for their own benefit.
The most crucial aspect was the tactical prowess and combat strength of the Germans. After two decades of patiently biding their time, Germany had become a formidable and fearsome force.
"It seems that France's surrender is only a matter of time." Once France surrendered, and Germany fully integrated the powerful industrial system of France, Germany would undoubtedly become the undisputed ruler of Europe.
However, such a powerful European overlord posed a significant threat to the Soviet Union, not aligning with Soviet interests. If possible, the Soviet Union should eliminate this threat in its infancy.
Unfortunately, the Soviet Union couldn't make a move at this moment, and it had nothing to do with the "Soviet-German Non-Aggression Pact". Soviet citizens considered such agreements and treaties worthless, they could be torn up at any time as long as they served Soviet interests.
The reason the Soviets were cautious was the ongoing purge movement within the country. The deception incident involving Yezhov and Voroshilov during the Polish War had angered Stalin, leading to the rekindling of the recently concluded purge movement. This time, it burned even more fiercely than before, throwing the entire country into chaos. Such a situation would likely persist for several more months, leaving no room for the Soviets to focus on attacking others. If others didn't take advantage of this vulnerability, they would be lucky.
More importantly, Stalin was waiting for a powerful tank.
This matter traces back to the Spanish Civil War several years ago.
In that war, the Soviets sent a newly formed tank division into battle, providing a total of 331 light tanks. The majority were T-26 tanks, with a small number of BT-5 tanks. The T-26 was modeled after the British "Vickers" 7-ton tank, incorporating Soviet-designed turret and 45mm cannons. It was primarily used to support infantry operations. The BT-5, utilizing the American "Christie" suspension system, was a fast tank mainly employed for reconnaissance.
Although these light tanks excelled in mobility, their protective capabilities were abysmal. Faced with field guns, anti-tank guns, and even anti-tank rifles, the armor of these light tanks was easily penetrated.
When the T-26 tanks first saw action in Spain, three of them were destroyed by anti-tank guns and infantry weapons. In another battle, a unit of the International Brigades equipped with 40 tanks suffered heavy losses under artillery fire. A 37mm anti-tank gun hidden in a church destroyed more than 12 T-26 tanks. Approximately 30% to 40% of the International Brigades' tank losses were attributed to anti-tank guns.
After the war, Soviet military advisor and head of the advisory mission, Budyonny, asserted, "Tanks can only achieve good combat results when closely coordinated with infantry. Large-scale tank warfare is theoretically impractical because if tanks lack infantry support, they will be exposed to enemy anti-tank firepower."
Budyonny's views deeply influenced Stalin, leading to the complete rejection of Marshal Tukhachevsky's "Deep Battle" operational theory and the abandonment of the concept of mechanized units centered around tanks. The entire mechanized army formed since 1932 was disbanded, and tanks were allocated to infantry as support weapons. The development of Soviet mechanized forces returned to square one.
It was only with the outbreak of the Polish campaign and the sweeping success of the German armored forces in Europe that Stalin woke up to reality. He hastily reorganized mechanized units and ordered the development of a powerful tank.
"Great Comrade Stalin, your fleet is ready.", announced Stalin's secretary respectfully as she entered the room.
"Alright, let's conclude today's meeting. Everyone, let's go see the latest creation from the Kirov Factory.", said Stalin, standing up and walking out, appearing particularly confident.
He couldn't help but feel excited because he was heading to the Kubinka Tank Training Base near Moscow to inspect the latest production from the Kirov Factory—the KV heavy tank.
As the convoy arrived at the Kubinka Tank Training Base on the outskirts of Moscow, Stalin, upon disembarking, was greeted by the sight of a large and formidable new tank parked not far away.
"Great leader Comrade Stalin, this is our latest heavy tank, codenamed KV-1. It can be considered the epitome of Soviet technology. Its performance is more than enough to crush the German tanks.", enthusiastically introduced Yemelyanov, who was walking beside Stalin. (Originally, the KV-1 was jointly developed by Kotin and Yemelyanov. However, Kotin, who was Voroshilov's son-in-law, got implicated and is currently digging potatoes in Siberia. As for the designation of this tank as KV-1 (Kliment Voroshilov), it remains unchanged to avoid confusion.)
During the design process, they specifically targeted the German tanks. Although the Germans considered these tanks their most secretive equipment, massive usage on the battlefield meant they couldn't keep them entirely confidential. Gathering data from various sources, they conducted further research, leading to the complete suppression of these tanks—the work of the Kirov Design Bureau.
"Its armor-piercing shells can penetrate up to 77mm (at close range), sufficient to penetrate the 55mm frontal armor of the German tanks at medium range.", explained Yemelyanov. Although the frontal armor thickness of the German tanks was 55mm, seemingly vulnerable, the inclination of their armor was 55 degrees. Calculating based on the effective thickness of the sloped armor, the frontal horizontal thickness reached 95mm.
"Its armor is very sturdy, with a frontal armor thickness of 75mm (with a slight angled slope). Standard tank guns cannot penetrate it from medium range. Its side and rear armor can resist various artillery attacks."
In 1940, a Soviet tank platoon equipped with KV-1 tanks participated in the battle to break through Finland's main defensive line. In that battle, not a single KV-1 tank was penetrated. In the early stages of the Soviet-German War in 1941, even the German tanks, including the early models of the Panzer IV, were helpless against it.
In the Battle of Raseiniai shortly after the start of Operation Barbarossa, the KV heavy tanks of the Soviet 2nd Tank Division encountered German armored forces. The 37mm caliber shells of the German tank guns were unexpectedly rebounded by the thick armor of the Soviet tanks, exploding amidst the surrounding German infantry, surprising the German tank crews. The Germans had to change direction and flank the Soviet tanks from behind to have a chance at destroying them.
During this battle, one KV heavy tank quietly infiltrated behind the German lines. On June 24, this tank, disguised to appear abandoned, ambushed the supply line of the German 6th Armored Division. When a German convoy laden with fuel and ammunition passed by, the KV heavy tank suddenly opened fire, consecutively destroying 12 German transport vehicles. The severely damaged German troops were in disarray. Eventually, the Germans brought in 50mm caliber anti-tank guns to attack the KV tank, but it showed no fear. With just one shot, it destroyed the approaching anti-tank gun.
Subsequently, the Germans attempted to use the more powerful 88mm anti-tank gun to strike the Soviet tank from a distance of 700 meters. However, before the gun could be properly positioned, the KV spotted and destroyed it. That night, German soldiers tried to sneak close to the Soviet tank with explosive charges, intending to blow it up. However, a firearm accident occurred as they prepared to act, resulting in a failed operation.
To the astonishment of the Germans, this single Soviet tank resisted the entire advance of the German armored division for a prolonged period of 24 hours. Unable to endure, the Germans organized a joint attack the next morning using infantry and heavy artillery. Finally, the KV tank could no longer hold out. In the end, German soldier Schutzen climbed on top of the tank and threw a hand grenade inside, causing the complete demise of the Soviet KV tank crew.
Watching Stalin nod in satisfaction, Yemelyanov continued respectfully, "Comrade Stalin, we are also designing an even more powerful KV-2 model, which will enter trial production soon."
"That's excellent.", Stalin said with a pleased expression, commending Yemelyanov and the entire workforce of the Kirov Factory. He urged them to quickly start mass production of this tank and equip the army.
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