Der Unteroffizier

Austria

One of Hitler's promises was merger of Deutschland and Österreich, but it wasn't possible due to the Treaty of Versailles. However, due to a shift in policy by the British and French, it could now be done. Austria would be annexed on 12 March 1938.

Hitler had pushed for the Austrian Chancellor Kurt Schuschnigg to hold a referendum for a merger with Deutschland. However, he feared that the Austrians would not agree, and began drawing up plans for an invasion.

We were mobilized to the north of Innsbruck where we waited for our orders for invasion, which Hitler called "maintaining peace in the region".

"Seriously?" Hans lamented while chewing some vegetable stalk.

"C'mon, it's our job anyway," Peter said.

"I need a break, honestly, there's been too much training the last year. Anyone's got any music player or something?" Hans complained.

"Could listen to some Mozart!" I said. Peter sniggered, then said, "We've got a job to do so don't complain."

Then, in the morning of 12 March 1938, we were given the go sign to invade. "Los geht's!" someone called over in the radio and our tanks all moved forward. A whole mess of tanks strewn all over crossed the border into Austria, but then soon we were forced to travel in double file down a road through the mountains.

"The snowy mountains are nice to look at," I gazed at the towering mountains.

"Better than home, that's for sure!" Hans commented.

"Stay focused!" Peter snapped almost immediately after Hans.

"Chill, dude!"

Soon, we reached the town of Seefeld. There was a garrison stationed there, but they did not rush out to counter us. One soldier shouted, "Move along! We won't be engaging!" Villagers, seeing us, ran out and started cheering for us. Waving frantically, they shouted pro-Deutschland phrases and words.

I saw one man pointing at me and shouting at his companions, "Hey, that's the Spain tank destroyer! Good job guys!" I was shocked that he remembered about the incident in Spain.

"He remembered us!" I told my crew in a loud voice so they could hear over the cheering.

"Cool," they said in unison.

In about an hour or two, we had reached Innsbruck. We were once again met with celebrations, instead of gunfire.

"The people really do like us," Peter said. I looked around and saw almost everyone was raising their right hands up high. Peter continues, "Nice scenery as well, could come here more next time."

"Yeah, I agree, if we ever have the time," Hans replied.

Afterwards, we all stopped in Innsbruck and awaited further instructions as the crowd started to disperse. The commander waited by his radio while the rest of us took in some fresh air.

An Austrian man came over and offered us a bunch of cigarettes, but none of us smoked, so we politely rejected the offer by directing him to some men who we knew smoked.

"Cigarettes are the best they can offer," Peter scoffs.

"Well, at least they're trying," Hans interjected. Peter looked about as though he wanted to rebutt, but then the commander called out for all of us.

"Austria has been annexed!" he shouted. All of the Panzer crewmen, including the three of us, cheered. The Austrian folks started cheering as well.

And there ended our little journey into Austria.