Chapter 0161: Armored Troops
In September 1912, Wilhelm II, accompanied by a cadre of army generals, inspected the 8th Army Corps of the German Empire. As the commander of the 8th Corps, Qin Tian naturally accompanied him throughout the visit.
The 8th Corps had undergone a remarkable transformation since its previous state. Although it still comprised only ten infantry divisions, extensive rearmament had tripled its firepower. The incorporation of numerous machine guns and artillery pieces endowed every level of the 8th Corps with formidable firepower. Coupled with prolonged and rigorous training, this corps exhibited a combat prowess that was unparalleled in the entire German army.
While other units within the German army had procured some new weapons from the Deutsche Waffen company, their numbers were limited due to von Moltke's interference. Though these additions enhanced their firepower to some extent, they paled in comparison to that of the 8th Corps.
Wilhelm II and the German generals spent a full two days observing the 8th Corps, expressing great satisfaction with its combat capabilities. Even von Moltke, who was usually at odds with Qin Tian, could find no fault. However, if pressed, he might argue that the overwhelming firepower of the 8th Corps came at the cost of a terrifying ammunition expenditure. Should war erupt, the logistical demands of the 8th Corps would be staggering, a view von Moltke deemed unwise.
Yet, Qin Tian brushed aside von Moltke's criticisms. In the event of conflict, the 8th Corps would face over a million Russian troops with its ten infantry divisions. Without formidable firepower, success would be impossible. Despite the immense logistical burden, the 8th Corps' primary objective would be defensive counterattacks, limiting deep incursions into Russian territory. Thus, while the logistical pressures were considerable, they were not insurmountable.
On the afternoon of September 17, Wilhelm II and the army commanders observed the maneuvers of a secret unit from the 8th Corps—newly equipped equipment that Qin Tian was eager to showcase.
In the demonstration area, Wilhelm II, Qin Tian, and the generals sat before a defensive position composed of trenches, barbed wire, and mud pits.
"Oscar, do you intend for the 8th Corps to dispatch a unit to assault this defensive position?" Wilhelm II inquired with keen interest.
"Yes, Your Majesty. However, I assure you, you will be astonished by the attacking unit of the 8th Corps. It will be a revolutionary force!" Qin Tian responded confidently.
"Oh? Is that so? I shall eagerly anticipate it," Wilhelm II replied, smiling.
Initially, Wilhelm II harbored some concerns about Qin Tian taking command of the 8th Corps, given the formidable challenges it would face in future conflicts. However, it was evident that Qin Tian had developed the corps exceptionally well, alleviating any worries.
Shortly thereafter, General Hindenburg informed Qin Tian that the exercise unit was ready.
Qin Tian promptly signaled for the demonstration to commence.
Soon, the sound of thunderous roars echoed across the field, catching the attention of everyone present, including Wilhelm II.
Then, from one side of the demonstration area, emerged several dark, iron-clad behemoths adorned with Iron Crosses. These machines advanced slowly, their short barrels angled upward, glinting coldly in the sunlight.
Although only forty tanks were present, they created an astonishing spectacle, resembling a torrent of steel charging forward.
"Oscar, what manner of weapon is this?" Wilhelm II inquired.
"This is a new weapon developed by the Deutsche Waffen company. We can call it an armored vehicle, but I prefer to call them tanks!" Qin Tian replied with a smile.
"Tanks, you say?" Wilhelm II nodded thoughtfully.
The tanks surged toward the defensive position, easily overcoming the trenches and barbed wire. Their treads traversed the obstacles with ease, crushing through the defenses. The machine-gun nests posed no real threat to these armored giants, and to demonstrate their resilience, a machine gun was manned to fire at one.
"Rat-a-tat-tat!" A G09 machine gun opened fire, its bullets impacting against the armor of a tank.
"Clang, clang, clang!" The crisp sounds rang out as sparks flew, yet the tank continued its relentless advance, seemingly unaffected.
"My God! This weapon is truly remarkable; it is virtually invulnerable! If our army were equipped with such a weapon, the French defenses would surely crumble before us!" Army Minister von Falkenhayn exclaimed in awe.
Other generals nodded in agreement, equally astounded by the demonstration.
At that moment, one tank targeted an unmanned machine-gun position.
"Boom!" A 37mm shell erupted from the tank's barrel, striking the target instantly and obliterating the machine-gun nest.
"Oscar, splendid! The imperial army must procure this weapon, called a tank," Wilhelm II declared.
Having witnessed the tanks' prowess, even von Moltke could no longer object; to do so would surely invite Wilhelm II's displeasure, the consequences of which could be dire.
"Your Majesty, the 8th Corps has also recently formed an armored battalion. In the future, we plan to expand it into an armored division. This would require approval from the army command," Qin Tian seized the moment.
"That's no problem!" Wilhelm II immediately responded.
No one, including von Moltke, voiced any dissent.
Thus, the forces under the 8th Corps expanded from ten infantry divisions to ten infantry divisions and one armored division.
As the exercise concluded, Wilhelm II and the German generals circled the tanks in the demonstration area, their curiosity piqued, eager to equip their own forces with such weaponry.
"Your Royal Highness, can these tanks withstand enemy artillery fire?" a general asked.
"They cannot withstand direct hits, but they should be impervious to shrapnel," Qin Tian replied.
Though the Deutsche Waffen company had developed the tanks, their rapid production led to certain technical limitations. The performance of these tanks could not compare to those of later generations. Nonetheless, against flesh-and-blood infantry, they posed no issue whatsoever.