Der Unteroffizier

Sudetenland

After the success of Anschluss, Hitler became more confident and set his sights on Sudetenland, Czechoslovakia, which had many ethnic Germans. Czechoslovakia had a modern army, with LT vz. 35 and LT vz. 38 tanks that were better than the Panzer Is and IIs. However, "appeasement" happened and Czechoslovakian tanks were never used against the Panzers.

After Austria, we were sent back to Weimar for more training. However, soon we were mobilized for the next annexation: Czechoslovakia. More specifically, Sudetenland. Czechoslovakia had been part of the Austria-Hungarian Empire, so many Germans had lived in the Sudetenland area, and Hitler wanted them to be part of the Greater Deutschland.

We were quite nervous as we knew that the Czechoslovakian army had some good tanks that were better than ours. Luckily, our enemies came to our aid. Fearing another war, Britain and France started talks to give the Sudetenland to us without the Czechs fighting. This news was soon broke to us.

"Well, that's great news-" Hans tried to say but was promptly cut off by Peter.

"This would have been a great chance for us to train!" Peter shouted.

"And risk dying? Dude, come on! No one wants war! Neither does our Führer!" Han shouted back, gaining the attention of some Panzer I crewmen around us.

"You son of a--" I cut Peter before he could continue insulting Hans,and dragged him to a corner of the field.

"Peter. You're better than this. Tell me, what the hell is wrong with you these days?" I questioned. After much hesitation, he said, "I just can't stand his unfocused behavior towards work. Look at him! Always talking about not working!"

"I know, but it's not like he actually slacks off right? Just try to tolerate him, he's a nice guy." I patted Peter on the back and returned to my tank. However, Hans had already left.

A tall, older-looking Panzer I Kommandant by the name of Friedrich Ehardt, seeing my confusion, came over. Friedrich had fought in World War I, and was a hardcore Nazi-supporter who believed that the Jews caused our failure in the war.

"Your loader went over to the shelter over there. You might want to go get him back before the time comes." He told me coldly before going back to his Panzer I.

I sighed as he left. Seriously? Must my crewmen get into a fight before we start our mission into Czechoslovakia? I thought to myself as I ran over to the shelter.

"Hans." I called him. He sat under the shelter solemnly, leaning on the wooden wall, arms crossed. He turned his head around and saw me standing there.

"Guten Tag, Brandt. Just taking a break. I best be going back now." Hans spoke before me, standing up and heading back to the Panzers in the fields.

"Hans--" I started but was cut off.

"Brandt. We'll talk about this after Czechoslovakia." Hans said, turning around and leaving. I sighed and followed him back to our Panzer II A.

Soon, the go-sign was given, and we drove into the Sudetenland. Much like Austria, we were all hailed upon by the Germans living there. However, although the atmosphere outside was celebratory and to some extent noisy, it was dead silent in our Panzer.

Peter and Hans spoke no word and sat at there positions, staring into blank space. The only noises were the outside, the engine running and the occasional static burst from the radio.

The Panzer column then came to a stop in the middle of town. Posters in German glorifying the Nazis had already been hung up on two of the brick buildings facing the middle, and swastikas were placed everywhere.

Our neighouring Panzer II A Kommandant von Smitt called over to me and said, "A bit over-the-top, eh?" I smiled at him and looked over at the crowd of Germans piling on the streets.

We pitched camp in the town for the next few days. A friendly elderly German couple let the three of us stay in their house, and helped us make food, all three courses. Despite the generosity of them, my crewmen were still not talking to each other. Maybe something needed to be done...