Burning Moscow

I heard that all the armored divisions of the German army ran away, and only two and a half infantry divisions were surrounded by us. I couldn't help but feel a little disappointed. After staring at the map for a while, I looked up at Akhromeyev and asked, "Major, if you were a German commander, which route would you choose if you wanted the troops to break through?"

"I need to talk about it, Comrade Commander." Akhromeyev looked at me, shrugged his shoulders, and squashed his mouth and said: "Now the north and east sides of Fastiv are heavily armed; On the west side are our two infantry divisions, a mechanized brigade, and three tank brigades. No matter which of these three directions they break through, they will be blocked by our superior force. Therefore, their breakthrough direction can only be chosen To the south, because they follow this road, they can retreat into their defense zone in the shortest time possible, join other troops, and form a heavy-armed group confronting our army."

"You are very accurate in your analysis, Comrade Major." I nodded in satisfaction with Akhromeyev's analysis, and then asked: "If the German forces concentrate on breaking through the encirclement, then you think it is arranged by our department in the southwest. Are the tank brigades and cavalry divisions capable of blocking the enemy who flees south with all their strength?"

Akhromeyev thought for a while, then shook his head and said, "I don't think I can stop it. The cavalry division is good at offense rather than defense. Moreover, there is no decent fortification in the south of the city. They must be forced to block the Germans. Breaking through the siege will inevitably result in heavy casualties, and even threaten the destruction of the entire army."

Regarding Akhromeyev's views, Bere agreed: "Don't look at the German infantry divisions that are surrounded, but if they do their best to break through the siege, let alone a cavalry division, even if the tank brigade is added, it won't help. "

"Then what should we do?" Povsky also interrupted, "Should we send an infantry division to build fortifications and fight the Germans in a close battle?"

"But where should we send the infantry for reinforcements?" Akhromeyev looked at me and said to the other two: "Although the main force of the group army is in Zhytomyr, they are being attacked by the Germans. Obviously it cannot be mobilized; and the two guard divisions, a mechanized brigade, and three tank brigades participating in the Fastif attack cannot be mobilized."

I heard Akhromeyev say this, and I knew in my heart that he wanted to tell me that although we have a lot of troops under our name, we can't find any troops that can be mobilized at this moment. After reviewing the situation of several divisions in my head, I felt that he had made a very reasonable point. Under the current circumstances, it is really impossible to use these troops. The only force that can be used is Major General Svoboda’s Czech First Brigade, but I have no bottom in asking them to perform such combat missions.

Just when I was hesitant, Kistyakov called me from the headquarters. He first said on the phone: "Comrade Commander, the German attack on Zhytomyr has been smashed by us. The German troops north of the city have withdrawn to their starting point of attack."

"What, the German troops in the north of the city have withdrawn?" Although the German attack from the north of Zhytomyr was repelled by the commanders of the 51st Guards Division without exception, it was always a huge threat to us. , I heard that they had retreated, and I couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief. But I still asked without worry: "Did the enemy really retreat?"

"Yes, Comrade Commander." Kistyakov said affirmatively: "I have sent scouts to verify that the German camp in the north of the city is empty. They also searched the nearby area carefully, but found nothing. With the trail of the Germans, it is absolutely certain that the enemy has retreated from the north of the city."

If it weren't for my birth, then the commander of the Sixth Guards Army would say Kistyakov. As a commander of the Army with a very long term, he is still very capable. He called me at this time, certainly not just to report the German retreat, but more important things. So after a pause, I opened the door and asked, "Comrade Deputy Commander, what do you think of this matter?"

"The large-scale offensive we launched from several directions at the same time must have aroused the vigilance of the Germans," Kistyakov said cautiously: "In order to prevent our encirclement and annihilation, I think they are prepared to shrink their forces."

I agree with Kistyakov’s analysis: “Yes, the Germans may find that our offensive is unprecedentedly strong, so they adjusted their deployment in time to minimize losses.”

When I said this, I stared at the map on the table, thinking in my heart that the tactics Rokosovsky used this time was a magic touch. The 27th and 40th Army launched an offensive against Uman; the 38th and the 40th Army attacked Uman. The 60th Army was in the southwest of Kiev. Through continuous counterattacks, the two German armored divisions were contained there; while the First Guards Army and the Third Guards Tank Army bypassed this battle site and went straight to Fastiv. . By storming the city, they threatened the rear of the German armored division that was attacking Kiev.

"Comrade Commander, I have one more question." After I finished speaking, Kistyakov suddenly said, "I want to ask you for advice."

"Please speak, Comrade Deputy Commander." I said politely: "If you want to ask, please do not hesitate to speak."

Kistyakov was silent for a while, and then slowly asked: "According to the battle report provided by the front command, the main assault group of our front army, after fifty minutes of artillery preparation and bombing, turned into a full-scale offensive, and In a very short period of time, it broke through the German defense and successfully developed in depth. I want to ask, why this full-scale offensive has progressed so victoriously?"

"It's very simple, Comrade Deputy Commander." I heard that he was still struggling with this matter, so I smiled and said to him: "Don't forget, the person in charge of making the battle plan and commanding the battle is Rokosov. General Schi. As the secrecy work has been done well, Manstein obviously does not know that the commander of our front has been temporarily replaced, and he is still using the same set against Vatutin to deal with Rokosovsky, so that he It's strange if you don't suffer a big loss."

"It turned out to be like this." Hearing my explanation, Kistyakov suddenly realized: "It's like two chess players are playing chess. The two have been playing for a long time. One of them suddenly changed players, and the other But I didn’t notice it, and continued following the original steps. It’s weird if I didn’t lose.”

"This analogy is very vivid." After I said this, I turned the topic to the German army that encircled Fastiv: "The first task of the front army is to completely wipe out the German army of Fastiv and eliminate their opposition. The threat of Kiev, so that the main force can quickly be transferred to the direction of Zhitomir and continue to advance in the depths of the German army."

"Since this is the case, do we need to take some action by our troops in Zhytomyr?" Kistyakov asked tentatively: "For example, a small-scale counterattack, restoring some positions occupied by the enemy, and bringing their main force Are you firmly restrained here?"

"Not for the time being." Although Kistyakov's proposal was extremely attractive, I knew in my heart that it was inappropriate to adopt this tactic with the existing strength of our group army. "At present, the artillery's shells are exhausted, and it is unable to provide the necessary fire support for the army when it is attacking. It is very difficult to seize the enemy's position by only relying on limited tanks to guide the infantry to charge."

Hearing what I said, Kistyakov was a little disappointed, but he did not refute me, but said reluctantly: "Well, Comrade Commander, since you said this, then I will let Zhytomyr’s troops continue. Maintain the status quo." After a short pause, he then asked, "I heard that you sent tank brigades and cavalry divisions to cut off the way for the Fastiv German army to flee south?"

"Yes, under the cover of the Air Force, we temporarily cut off the way for the German army to escape south." When I answered his question, I deliberately emphasized that it was under the support of the Air Force, and also told him about the current difficulties: "But it is not enough to have cavalry divisions and tank brigades. Once the Germans break through again with all their strength, I am worried that their defense lines will be broken by the Germans."

"Your concern is right." Kistyakov echoed: "If it comes to offense, that is the strength of the cavalry division and the tank brigade. But when it comes to defense, this is obviously not what they are good at. So I suggest to draw immediately. An infantry unit went over and used the terrain there to build field fortifications to prevent possible breakthrough operations by the Germans."

Regarding his proposal, I complained bitterly: "Our troops are mainly in Titomir and Fastiv. Even in Korostviv, there are only battalion-level formed units on defense. Where else can we draw? Get out of the army, but strengthen the defense of the cavalry division?"

"Comrade Commander, in fact, we still have a force that has not been used." After I finished speaking, Kistyakov reminded me carefully.

Although I guessed that what he was talking about might be Svoboda’s Czech First Brigade, I still asked tentatively: "Comrade Deputy Commander, I don’t know which unit you are talking about?"

"General Svoboda's Czech First Brigade." Kistiakov's answer was as expected.

I said cautiously: "However, they are now in charge of the defense of the base. If they are transferred away, won't the defense of the base become weak?"

"Don't worry, Comrade Commander. I have considered all your concerns." Kistiakov said confidently: "Even if the Czech Republic's first brigade is transferred, we still have the Carmela Middle School here. The school’s Guards Motorized Sixth Regiment, with them, there should be no problem with the security of the base."

Seeing Kistyakov said this, I knew that he must have been well thought out. I agreed to him immediately, but thought that I did not know the situation of the Czech First Brigade, so he asked: "How strong is the Czech First Brigade?"

"The brigade has three infantry regiments and one artillery regiment, as well as some other units. The brigade has a total of 6,000 people." Kistyakov heard my question and immediately reported to me cherishedly: "In their equipment There are two thousand assault rifles, one thousand Bobosha submachine guns, and one hundred light machine guns..."

Hearing the series of data reported by Kistyakov, my heart became more at ease. Since they have such equipment, their combat effectiveness must be about the same, and there will be cooperation between the cavalry division and the tank brigade. There should be no problem in blocking the German breakthrough. Thinking of this, I immediately replied decisively: "Well, Comrade Deputy Commander, since this is the case, then you can speak to General Svoboda and let him immediately lead the troops to the southwest of Fastiv. Join the cavalry divisions and tank brigades that are standing there, and seize the time to build fortifications."

Berei, who was standing by, heard the conversation between me and Kistyakov, with a joyful expression on his face. He waited for me to put down the phone, and immediately said: "Comrade Commander, it is very correct to send the Czech First Brigade to the southwest to stop the German breakthrough. You don’t think they have a large number of them, but they will definitely not be as powerful as ours. A divisional officer, I believe they can resolutely smash the German breakthrough attempts."

Fastif's battle did not stop because of the fall of night, but became more intense. The twelve tank divisions and infantry divisions of our army are engaged in the final battle with the two and a half infantry divisions of the German army.

In the southwest of Fastif, although I only invested in two infantry divisions, one mechanized brigade, and three tank brigades, Xie Liujin, who commanded at the front, had a wealth of experience in street fighting, so the results they achieved far exceeded Friendly forces, at this moment they are advancing towards the city center at an alarming speed.

Xie Liujin called the Annunciation from the front, and he said excitedly: "Comrade Commander, I have good news for you. My vanguard is only less than two blocks away from the church in the city center. In an hour, we can plant the red flag at the highest point of the church."

I heard from his tone ~www.wuxiaspot.com~ that he was a little overwhelmed, and quickly reminded him: "Master Xie Liujin, although you are progressing well now, you can't take it lightly. Although the German armored division has been out of our encirclement. Jumped out, but they still have a lot of tanks and artillery in the city. These technical equipment will cause great casualties to our offensive troops. Therefore, when you attack, you must maintain a high degree of vigilance and try to keep the troops’ The casualties were minimized. Do you understand?"

"Understood, Comrade Commander." Xie Liujin confidently said to me: "It's not the first time I have commanded troops to fight street fighting. The tactic we adopted is to fight steadily. We will consolidate a street every time we occupy a street, and we will definitely not give Germany Opportunity for people to make a comeback."

"Good job, Comrade General, you and your subordinates are good." After complimenting him, I asked, "By the way, how did General Babajanyan's 20th Guards Brigade perform? "

"Although I sent a lot of grassroots commanders to assist him, the advancing speed of the brigade was not ideal." Xie Liujin hated iron and steel and said: "When they attacked the bus station, they injured or killed a multi-battalion force. , And failed to take down the ticket hall of the station. In the end, the 77th Guards Division sent a company and launched two consecutive charges before destroying the enemy inside and successfully taking down the ticket hall." (To be completed. Continued.)

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