EAST GERMAN ARMY ACTIVITY AT SCHWEINRICH (ARMORED EXERCISES IN TRAINING AREA)

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80T00246A044800400001-0
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: December 22, 2016
• Document Release Date: June 21, 2010
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: October 6, 1958
• Content Type: REPORT

Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/06/21 : CIA-RDP80T00246A044800400001-0
CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
This material contains information affecting the National Defense of the United States within the meaning of the Espionage Laws, Title
18, U.S.C. Secs. 793 and 794, the transmission or revelation of which in any manner to an unauthorized person is prohibited by law.
COUNTRY Bast Germany REPOR
SUBJECT But German Army Activity DATE DISTR. OCT 1918
at SChWeinrieh
.~-- _ NO. PAGES
DATE OF
INFO.
PLACE &
DATE ACQ.
PROCESSING COPY 25X1
report( (Concerning large-
les in the training area out and south-
25X1
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EAST GERMANY
MILITARY
E.G.A. activity at SCHWEINRICH
(20/21 Aug 58)
MAP REFERENCES:
The E.G.A. armoured units were made up of approximately 12 squadrons,
each of which consisted of 12 tanks, one BTR 6x6, one recovery vehicle with
crane and accompanying soft-skiinned vehicles.
1. Large-scale E.G.A. armoured exercises were in progress on 20/21 Aug 58
in the training area east and south-east of SCHWEINRICH
2. The armoured units of the E.G.A. came from the NEUSTRELITZ area and
were accommodated in tents.
3-
4.
5.
also taking place
eastern bank of the DRANSER SEE
to west.
Amphibious exercises were
1/25000,
from the
from east
The amphibious exercises were carried out by the tanks entering the water,
driving very fast across to the -western bank, where they would quickly
disappear into cover
6. The tanks and the behaviour of the tanks are described as follows:
(a) These amphibious tanks have 5 bogey wheels and are similar in
shape to the T-54.
(b) The tanks appeared to be lightly armoured and to carry a gun
of approximately 76 mm.
(c) Before entering the water pipes were affixed to the exhausts
immediately behind the turret in a vertical position and, '.ihen the
tank was immersed, were approximately 80 cros. above the surface.
(d) The tanks plunged into the water and floated ^ith the turret and
gun alone above water.
(e) Propulsion was achieved by water enterinr; the bows and being
propelled with great force to the stern from two jets. The tanks
did not turn sharply on their axis in the water, but required 20-25
metres to do so. In order to turn one jet of the tank was switched off.
(f) When emerging from the water the forward impetus of the tank would
take it well up the comparatively slight incline of the bank. Propulsion
would then revert to the tracks and the tanks would then rapidly disappear
into cover.
(g) A skirting partly covered the bogey wheels of the tanks. This
skirting sloped sharply outwards.
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7.
(h) The tanks were fast both on land and in the ?rater. Their
movement in the water can be described as similar to that of a speed-
boat, i.e. with the bows slightly raised and the stern down; at
speed a considerable wake was evident.
The E.G.A. troops were well fed, particularly in comparison with the
normal rations of Russian troops.
8. These exercises are due to break up at the end of August, then these
E.G.A. troops gill return to their garrisons in the north.
The whole training area around. SCHWEINRICt is neli gtuarded and no
civilian or unauthorised personnel. may enter it.
10. No Russian troo;?o were taking; part in the exercises held in this area,
both on laid and in the eater. Russian officer observers were, haw7ever,
present.
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