Chapter 254: Chapter 332 The Winter War (1)
In October, delegations from the Soviet Union and Finland held talks at the Kremlin. The Soviet side issued a final ultimatum, and Finland made conditional and limited concessions. However, the Soviet Union rejected any compromises.
The negotiations subsequently collapsed.
In early November, Molotov announced the Soviet protest against what they claimed were three provocations by Finland on the border, demanding an immediate withdrawal of Finnish forces 20-25 kilometers from the border. While the Finnish government did not refuse, as a condition in exchange, they also requested the Soviet forces to withdraw the same distance from the other side of the border. This condition was utterly unacceptable to the Soviet Union. A few hours later, the Soviet Union annulled the Non-Aggression Treaty with Finland.
Sir Cripps, the British ambassador to the Soviet Union, hurriedly arrived at the Kremlin, but he did not meet Stalin. Instead, Molotov received him. "Mr. Molotov, what does this mean? Weren't you supposed to declare war on Germany?" Could it be that these bears had too much vodka and got confused? It should be noted that they had already ceded a small piece of land from the Indian colonies to the Soviet Union. Did these guys want to go back on their word?
Molotov calmly explained, "Sir Cripps, please don't be impatient. It's precisely because we are going to declare war on Germany that we need to settle the matter with Finland first. As you know, the southern part of Karelia on the Soviet-Finnish border is only 30 kilometers from our Leningrad. Once an enemy attempts to attack the northern regions of our country, going through the Gulf of Finland or through Finnish territory is the best way. It's like inserting a small knife into the heart of our country, which is extremely deadly."
Sir Cripps anxiously asked, "So when will you declare war on Germany?"
Molotov confidently replied, "Sir Cripps, please rest assured; it won't delay anything. It could be as fast as three days or as slow as a week; by then, we will immediately declare war on Germany." Finland's population is only 3.7 million, and the total number of their defense forces is just over thirty thousand. The equipment of the Finnish army is only at the level of World War I. Therefore, some optimistic individuals in the Soviet leadership believed that Finland could be dealt with in three days, and Molotov was one of these optimists.
Although feeling a hint of unease, Sir Cripps also thought that it would be a war without suspense when the vast Soviet Union faced tiny Finland. He went back to report to London.
Although Churchill was equally anxious, he could do nothing but pray for the Soviet Union to quickly settle matters with Finland and then declare war on Germany.
At this moment in the Berlin Imperial Palace, Anna reported to Wilhelm, "Your Highness, the director of the Sniper Training Academy called to inform that Instructor Simo has requested to return to the country."
"Oh? It seems he heard the news of the Soviet invasion? Well, let's go to the academy. I want to personally see off this instructor." Of course, he would agree to Simo's request. He's the formidable man who can single-handedly take down more than 500 Soviet soldiers! Not only would he allow him to return, but he also prepared a generous gift for Finland to host the incoming Soviet invaders.
Simo paced anxiously back and forth. Although life in Germany over the years had been pleasant, now that his homeland was about to be invaded by the detestable Soviets, he had to return to resist the aggressors.
Seeing Director Schwarz hang up the phone, Simo hurriedly asked, "How is it, did His Highness Wilhelm agree to let me return to the country?"
Director Schwarz nodded. "Rest assured, His Highness not only allowed you to return but also intends to come and see you off personally." After saying this, without paying attention to Simo's surprised expression, he picked up the phone and commanded, "Have all personnel gather on the parade ground; His Highness is coming for inspection!"
"Woo—woo." A few seconds later, the piercing sound of the urgent assembly echoed over the academy. In an instant, the frantic shouts of new recruits, the seasoned soldiers conversing confidently, officers reprimanding, the clashing of weapons... turned the entire academy into a boiling pot.
In less than five minutes, the spacious parade ground was filled with countless neatly arranged formations.
When Wilhelm got out of the car and saw so many people, he couldn't help but be surprised. Back then, he only ordered the establishment of the Sniper Training Academy and later sent Simo in. After that, he rarely paid attention to these matters. Unexpectedly, after a few years, the academy had trained so many students?
"Hail, Deutschland!"
"Hail, Deutschland!"
Tens of thousands of soldiers raised their right arms uniformly, shouting this greeting in unison, creating a spectacular scene that stirred the blood.
Director Schwarz, who came forward to greet, saluted with a snap and reported excitedly, "Reporting to Your Highness, there are 18,120 people in the Sniper Academy. Besides the 598 personnel sent abroad, all other students and staff are present. Please give instructions."
Wilhelm returned the salute and, after the ceremony, asked, "How come there are so many people in the academy?"
"Reporting to Your Highness, a few days ago, we received the latest type of walkie-talkies, so we recalled most of the academy to return for learning to use these walkie-talkies."
Wilhelm nodded in realization. This was a regulation he had issued back then. Every student entering the academy had to proficiently master skills such as shooting, infiltration, disguise, target identification, wilderness survival, communication, and more.
Wilhelm also borrowed the sniper group model from future Germany, forming four-person squads: team leader, sniper, observer, and communicator. Each had clear responsibilities and could deeply penetrate enemy lines for sniper and reconnaissance missions. Moreover, they could flexibly split into two two-person teams or individual snipers at any time, making their combat capability extremely formidable. "How many sniper teams among them are ready to go into battle immediately?"
Torvald, chest puffed up, proudly responded, "Reporting to Your Highness, there are 3,425 four-person squads ready to go into battle immediately. If they are split into two-person teams, the number can be doubled."
"Good." Wilhelm nodded in satisfaction. "All instructors, including you, will be promoted by one rank. Work well, and I guarantee that there will be a marshal's baton for you in the future."
A marshal's baton? The director, excited, almost kneeled down. "I pledge allegiance to Your Highness and will work hard!"
Wilhelm deeply understood the importance of snipers in war.
Snipers not only influenced the course of a specific battle but sometimes could change the course of history. In the early days of the American Revolutionary War, the snipers advocated and developed by Colonel Patrick Ferguson in the British army were considered the most dangerous force in the British colonial army by the Continental Army.
Ferguson himself was a renowned sniper, but what made him famous was his infamous "unfired shot." Near German Town, Pennsylvania, he aimed at an American officer from a distance of 125 yards. However, as the officer turned away, Ferguson, perhaps out of gentlemanly demeanor, did not shoot him in the back.
He could have changed the entire course of history because the person he aimed at was none other than George Washington, the leader of the American independence!
Ironically, Ferguson himself was shot dead by Kentucky riflemen from the Continental Army at a distance of 450 yards in October 1780. After his unit surrendered, British General Cornwallis was forced to abandon the attack on North Carolina.
In contrast, on October 7, 1777, a sniper named Murphy from the Kentucky Rifle Team of the Continental Army shot and killed British General Simon Fraser, who was leading a reconnaissance mission, in the Battle of Saratoga. Fraser's death directly impacted the situation, leading to the failure of the British General John Burgoyne's breakout plan. The Battle of Saratoga thus became a turning point in the American Revolutionary War. In a sense, sniper Murphy fired what might be the most weighty bullet in human history.
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