The account of his dispute with the commissar is interesting. These were always portrayed as sinister figures in the western world. From what I've read of Soviet accounts, admittedly censored ones, they seemed to mix in the role of welfare officer, morale officer along with their political job. Even taking the western interpretation at face value, it was at least shrewd to give the role some positive value in the troops' minds.
Arkhipenko seemed to suffer some discrimination but no other punishment for his clash with the communist party. Of course he was an invaluable asset and it might have been different in peace time, but I'd be interested in the views of people who know about how commissar's were regarded by their fellow officers and the ordinary ranks in their units.
Anyone know much about this?
dduff
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