The refinery was inevitably subjected to a violent bombardment. After all, the refinery was there and the target was quite large. If the Soviet army decided to blow it up, it would be impossible to avoid it.

However, due to the emergency preparations made by the German army before, the damage that the Soviet bombing could cause was very limited... In fact, this is mainly because the Soviet Baku oil refinery itself has protection against bombing, such as the factory building of important components is located underground and covered by reinforced concrete with a thickness of more than 500 millimeters.

This surprised the German officers and soldiers at one point.

"What are the Soviets worried about?" Kuhn asked in confusion when he saw these protective facilities: "Are you worried about the bombing of the Baku refinery?"

Kuhn's doubts make sense, because Baku was in the heart of the Soviet Union for Germany, and Germany had no bombers to reach Baku and drop bombs before the war... In other words, Baku did not have the demand for air defense at the beginning.

"You forgot the Soviet-Finn War!" Eberhard reminded Kuhn: "The British and France were not friendly to the Soviet Union before this!"

This made the German officers and soldiers say "Oh".

Eberhard is right.

In fact, when the Soviet-German War broke out, the former Soviet Union and Germany were friendly countries...

Germany suffered a lot under the restrictions of the Treaty of Versailles, while the Soviet Union was regarded as an alien by Western countries because of ideological problems.

As the saying goes, the enemy is a friend, so the Soviet Union signed the Treaty of Rapallo and entered the secret period of bilateral relations, which is one of the reasons why Soviet Union and Germany were able to divide Poland.

Then, the Soviet Union launched the Soviet-Finnish War in 1940.

The most important opinion on this war is undoubtedly Western countries, but Britain, France and other countries do not really turn against the Soviet Union for a small country, Finland, and at the same time they have to make some gestures. So Britain and France jointly planned to bomb the Baku oil field and even sent troops to occupy and support Finland...

These plans may be true, because occupying the Baku oil field also has huge benefits for Britain and France. No one would have been salivating about oil in the industrial era.

But it may also be fake, but it is just a kind of intimidation from Britain and France against the Soviet Union.

In any case, the Soviet Union still provided some necessary protections to the refinery to avoid bombing.

But what Stalin didn't expect was that these protections would play a role in the hands of the Germans.

At this time, Qin Chuan was in Manstein's command with several officers.

This time, they were not discussing how to deal with the Soviet army, but preparing to celebrate the victory.

The reason is obvious. Another meaning of the Soviet army's all-round bombing of the oil refinery was to admit defeat.

"Look!" Manstein said, listening to the explosion of shells in the distance and the whistling of the planes: "They hope to run faster and throw the shells and bombs on our heads as much as possible!"

"Not surprising at all!" Colonel Slain answered: "We have experienced this many times in Africa, the only difference is that the other party is British and American!"

"Oh?" Manstein looked at Colonel Slein, then nodded and said, "Yes, I have heard of General Rommel's record on the African battlefield!"

"In fact!" Colonel Slain raised his glass to Qin Chuan, saying, "I mean, a considerable portion of our victory on the African battlefield was given by the major. Of course, I do not deny General Rommel's achievements!"

"I understand completely!" Manstein replied with a smile: "Just like we can seize the Baku oil field this time, it is the major's suggestion. Of course, I do not deny Marshal Manstein's achievements!"

The officers were amused by Manstein's humorous self-deprecation.

Then Manstein raised his cup and said, "Let us respect the warriors who sacrificed their lives in this battle, the heroes who fought bravely on the front line and never retreated, and... let us successfully take down the majors of the Baku oil field!"

"Cheers!" The officers raised their glasses and drank them all.

At this moment, the explosion in the direction of the refinery gradually weakened, and then the staff walked into the command center and reported: "Marson Marshal, the Soviets have retreated!"

"Hmm!" Manstein nodded calmly, and then replied lukewarmly: "We know, don't you see us celebrating? You can join us!"

"My honor, Your Excellency Marshal!" As he said that, the staff officer also poured a cup for himself.

This is a common manifestation of German nobles. They often remain calm when encountering major events, whether it is good or bad. Just like the saying in China, "Taishan collapses before his face will not change."

If this was a grassroots general like Rommel, he would probably cheer loudly with his subordinates and hug each other.

For some reason, Qin Chuan prefers the latter.

At this time, a correspondent reported: "His Excellency Marshal, the head of state, said to all of us!"

Manstein nodded, and the correspondent placed the phone in front of a special loudspeaker, then turned the volume up a little, and reported: "His Excellency, we are listening!"

Hitler's voice came from the loudspeaker: "Generals, I'm glad to hear the news of your victory. Nothing is more exciting than being in Berlin but being able to hear the news of occupying Baku from the front line. I salute you!

I said that Germany is not a war-loving country, it is a heroic country. I mean, Germany does not want to fight, but if war chooses us, then we have to face it, not only that, we have to hold its throat and force it to surrender.

This is the path Germany should take, and it is the only one.

Today, you have been my generals, I am proud of you, and Germany and the German people are proud of you!

I saw your confidence, your courage, and the timidity and cowardice that evil forces showed in front of you!

Cheer for your success, generals!

I really hope to celebrate with you on the battlefield at this time, long live Germany and the German people!”

The generals responded in unison: "Long live Germany and the people of Germany!"

A very touching speech, but unfortunately it was just a phone call. If Hitler was in front of him, his movements and expressions would definitely add a lot of color.

But Qin Chuan was not moved at all, because he knew that if the 11th Army failed to win today but ended in failure, the direction of these words would have completely changed.

Marshal Manstein seemed to have realized this too. He raised his glass and clashed with Qin Chuan, whispering: "The argument about whether to cross the Kerch Strait...you are right, Major!"

This sounds like a war on the surface, but Qin Chuan knows what Manstein means.
Chapter completed!