German War Periodical - Division Reich (mot.) vs. MOSCOW, Episode 31

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Episode 214

The defensive zone in front of the Soviet capital meant to hold back the advancing Germans has a depth of 14 km. There are 7 different layers, some quite thin and others that extend for kilometers, are meant to make the defensive network impenetrable. The first layer of defense is made up of automatic Flamethrowers that have been dug into the ground with only their nozzles sticking out. With approaching German soldiers these would be activated to function automatically from a hidden bunker. The second layer is made up of multiple lines of trenches which have been dug in a zig zag pattern. These trenches are heavily mined and meant to stop tanks from passing. Right behind these is the 3rd layer which is made up of extensive barbed fixtures in a swampy area around the Moskva river basin which extends for kilometers. In the 4th layer are additional extra deep and wide trenches meant to hinder tanks. In the 5th layer are endless rows of so-called Spanish Riders which are lengths of rail track that have been welded together in the shape of pyramids. In the 6th layer are densely placed bunkers of every shape and size. Finally in the 7th layer come the normal infantry and artillery positions. This 14 km defensive zone stretches from Kaluga to Kalinin and has a width of about 300 km. At the strongest point, specifically blocking the Smolensk-Moscow highway, after days of fighting the Germans were finally able to break through. The area was systematically de-mined and one defensive layer after the next was overcome. The Soviets believed that their defensive positions were impenetrable but the German soldiers managed to make their way through.