Hertzmann, commander of the German 707th Division, is very happy to welcome an old friend.
This so-called old friend was the one who was beaten to the point of being basically wiped out by the Soviet army. Koch, who was originally stationed at the local field airport, and the reorganized aviation brigade!
It was a defeat that brought great humiliation to Koch. The expensive dive bombers that could have killed everyone were blown up by highly effective guerrillas at the airport. Many excellent pilots were even killed by enemies who broke into the airport at night.
On the bed.
These outstanding "eagles" died in their nests, and the tragedy of their loss was greater than the aircraft itself. As captain of the aviation group, Koch was not ultimately responsible for this failure, but after all, he brought shame to the Third Reich. He and his subordinates
You have to take a vacation.
The battle on the front line was in full swing, and the remaining pilots quickly ended their vacations. Only Koch stayed in Babruisk, drinking beer and soaking up the sun every day.
These comfortable and boring days finally broke in April. The Soviet army's large-scale airborne landings over the swamps and subsequent offensive operations against the surrounding German troops once again made the Germans realize that they actually had an area of air superiority.
The failure of the German army gave Koch a new life, and he, the captain of the aviation group, had another opportunity to lead his troops in combat.
Just north of Gomel, the German army built another field airport, which served as the air base for Koch's troops.
His old subordinates were also transferred back one after another. Only a few pilots who made great contributions in the battle remained on the front line, such as Adler. Of course, not all of Koch's subordinates were new recruits. Several of them had more than 10 flying hours.
Pilots who have served 200 hours have become the backbone of their air force.
There was even a pilot named Paul who bravely entered the swamp to conduct reconnaissance and survived.
Koch's unit belongs to the 4th Air Force. Today, the German army only retains two aviation groups in Belarus. In southern Belarus, only Koch's group is left.
The aviation group in the German Air Force was not a large organization. Koch owned 41 combat aircraft of various types, including only 10 dive bombers. He owned more high-quality improved FW190 fighter jets that could carry bombs. The air combat of the entire group
The capabilities have been improved. The reason why the troops are organized in this way is precisely because the 707th Division suffered a heavy loss in early April. When the Soviet Lager 3 army appears again, the German army can use the FW190 to beat them!
In addition to these combat aircraft, Koch also has five new reconnaissance aircraft - Stork reconnaissance aircraft.
In that plane in 1943, due to a radio failure, Skorzeny, who was responsible for rescuing Mussolini, temporarily summoned a Stork reconnaissance plane to conduct nearby reconnaissance, and took himself and Mussolini away from this place.
Danger.
In this aspect, the Stork Fi156 reconnaissance aircraft began to be equipped with troops in 1942. Compared with other types of reconnaissance aircraft, this model is small, exquisite and lightweight, which is very popular with Koch, and his pilot Paul couldn't put it down even more.
Now that good equipment has been brought to the hangar, they won't always lie in their nests.
The disastrous defeat of the 734th Division and the Romanian Sixth Division almost happened within thirty days, as if the Soviet army in the swamp began an offensive frenzy. The 707th Division and the 722nd Division stationed on the road entered first-level combat readiness, and Koch also received orders.
That is to say, be ready for airborne combat at any time.
Soon, this aviation group received their first military mission after their comeback - reconnaissance.
The German army has reason to carry out a round of retaliation. Since it is unrealistic to send ground troops for a large-scale attack, let the air force participate in the war! If a Soviet weapons factory is found and a critical attack is carried out, this is the best revenge against the enemy. Before bombing,
First, find the enemy's hiding place.
Paul will never forget the embarrassment of his frantic escape. This was a major shame in his life. After the investigation mission was over, he was first called to Koch's office.
Today, Koch is full of confidence in the future of the group. He held the order document in his hand and read out the document strongly to the five pilots present.
He continued to say enthusiastically: "Gentlemen, our biggest enemies are the Russians in the swamps! Now our airport has stronger defenses, and friendly forces have deployed a narrow minefield in the south. The enemy can no longer
After attacking us, the next step is our chance to take revenge. You all understand the mission, now tell me, which one of you is willing to go deep into the swamp?!"
To be honest, these pilots are not fools. In previous reconnaissance operations, five reconnaissance planes went to the swamp and indeed discovered an important enemy target, a field airport. The reconnaissance planes also paid a heavy price to determine its location. The only one who survived at that time was
It's Paul standing in this office.
Everyone looked at each other and it was obvious that they didn't want to participate.
What they were thinking, Koch could tell at a glance. He slammed the table: "Okay! You pilots who claim to make meritorious service to the Third Reich now have the opportunity to make meritorious service in front of you! What? One by one?
Are you scared? I know that the enemy has certain air defense capabilities, but can this alone be used as a reason to retreat?!"
"Then let me do it!" Paul took a step forward and stood up.
"Oh?! It's you! You are much braver than your compatriots."
He looked around and sighed slightly: "It's not their fault. The enemy's anti-aircraft firepower is not weak. If we entrust the reconnaissance mission to these new recruits, I am worried that our excellent new reconnaissance aircraft will be easily damaged. Regarding the swamp, I have
Experience, I will work hard this time.”
Koch frowned: "Of course you will work hard. You will report the enemy's valuable targets after you find them. Your reconnaissance will guide our army to conduct tactical bombing. But after all, you will still go out alone, which is not appropriate! You need wingmen!"
"
"No! It's better for me to go out alone! My comrades who know nothing about the swamp can't help me. On the contrary, the target will become bigger, which may bring unnecessary losses to our army!"
Listening to what he said, Koch felt that there was some truth. Yes, this Koch was also very lucky. At that time, he was still able to fly to the sky above Chernoby with a reconnaissance plane riddled with holes, and was calmly parachuted by friendly forces.
Just start, this shows that his ability is extraordinary. Maybe this person should not be a reconnaissance pilot, he can fly a fighter jet across the sky.
According to the order, this air force group was to start reconnaissance operations in the early morning of May 28.
Because this was the brigade's first operation after its comeback, on the night of May 27, the brigade also held a small cocktail party for Paul, a brave man who braved the swamp.
Drinking some dark beer will not make you drunk. Paul understood the kindness of his comrades, and he was full of confidence in tomorrow's action.
After all, the car has been changed. The new Stork reconnaissance aircraft is not only lightweight, but its speed and fuel capacity have been greatly improved. It can even fly to an altitude of four thousand meters! What does this mean? Although such a high altitude
It is difficult to distinguish the important facilities of the Soviet army in the forest with the naked eye, but he is completely immune to enemy bullets. He can fly high for a long time, and I believe that as long as he observes for a longer time, he can always find valuable targets.