Burning Moscow

Just as Meletskov picked up the high-frequency phone on the wall table and was about to talk to the Kremlin, a general suddenly said: "Comrade Commander of the Front, please wait a moment." I took a look. The general who prevented Meletskov from calling, immediately recognized him as the chief of staff of the front, Stelimach.

Meletskov held the microphone and asked Stelimach strangely: "Comrade Chief of Staff, is there anything wrong?"

Stelimach glanced at me and lowered his voice to remind Meletskov: "Comrade Commander, I want to remind you that the Germans are about to attack Stalingrad. This is only the personal judgment of Major Oshanina. We. It is not yet possible to confirm whether her speculation is accurate. If she rashly reported unconfirmed information upward, it would mislead the Supreme Commander’s judgment and make him make a decision to put the main force in the wrong direction. Once in the future If something goes wrong, if the above is investigated, you, as the main responsible person, will be sent to a military court."

Hearing what his chief of staff said, Meletskov hesitated. He put down the microphone and walked back and forth in the room with his hands on his back. There was no sound except his footsteps in the room, and everyone's eyes moved with him.

He stopped in front of a political worker, looked up at the other person and asked, "Comrade Zaporozhez, as a member of the Military Committee of the Front Army, what do you think about this matter?"

Zaporozhec looked down for a moment, and then replied: "Comrade Commander, I think the Chief of Staff makes sense. What we have to consider now is the upcoming battle of Signavino Bulge, and the southern part of Moscow Marshal Timusin, the commander of the Southwest Front Army, is in charge of the situation, so we don’t need to be nosy."

I was a little anxious when I heard that the leaders of the two fronts opposed the report of the enemy situation that I analyzed, but all I was present were generals. Without the consent of Meletskov, my slight-spoken major did not speak at all. right. Just as I was jumping anxiously, Feijuninsky spoke: "Comrade General, I think Major Oshanina’s analysis is very correct. Judging from all the signs, the German troops launched such a violent attack near the Don. The offensive is definitely not for exercises, but has a more important strategic intent. Let’s look at the map, where will Stalingrad attract the attention of the Germans more? I think we should report this situation immediately.”

"I agree with General Fejuninsky's opinion." It seems that Fejuninsky, the former commander of the Leningrad Front Army, still weighs a bit. His voice just fell off, and Stariko, commander of the Eighth Army. The husband immediately expressed support. After expressing his opinion, he turned to ask another major general next to him: "Comrade Gagan, what do you think?"

"Comrade Commander of the Group Army, the 4th Guards Infantry Corps will always be consistent with you." Gagan replied with a smile. Only then did I know that this general was Major General Gargan, the commander of the Guards under Starikov.

Meletskov turned his gaze to a lieutenant who had never spoken next to him, and asked, "General Krykov, you, the new commander of the 2nd Assault Army, who do you support?"

I looked at the tall commander of the army group, and said to my heart, Comrade General, I was from your 2nd assault army. You must support me.

Unexpectedly, General Krykov looked around, then pointed to Stelimach with his hand, and said to Meretskov: "Comrade General, I agree with the Chief of Staff of the Group Army. This matter is of great importance. We must Be cautious, and cannot report to the Supreme Command before confirming whether Major Oshanina’s judgment is correct."

Now the number of supporters and opponents is exactly three to three. Only Meretskov has the right to speak in the room. His opinion will ultimately determine whether to report my judgment to the Supreme Command. Everyone was silent, their eyes fixed on Meretskov, waiting for him to make the final decision.

Meletskov walked to the table and sat down, took out a cigarette from his pocket, and drew a stick on his mouth. Stelimach next to him immediately took out a match and lighted him. After lighting the cigarette, he stepped back. Step, like everyone else, quietly awaited Meretskov's decision.

Meletskov dropped his head slightly, and sat motionless, just puffing his cigarette. When he finished smoking, he threw the cigarette **** to the ground, crushed it with his toes, raised his head suddenly, frowned, scanned all the people with his eyes, and said resolutely: "Comrades, although our current chief The task is to implement the deployment of the high command and launch the battle of the Signavino Bulge as soon as possible. But now that we have found that Germany may launch an offensive in the Stalingrad area, we should report to the high command in a timely manner. To put it bluntly Well, if we conceal this information because we are afraid of taking responsibility, once the German army really launches an offensive against Stalingrad, the high command will fall into the city named after the leader because of insufficient advance preparation. We were then What should I do? I have decided, and I will report this matter to the Command Headquarters immediately. I will be responsible for the consequences."

Having said this, he stood up abruptly, picked up the microphone of the high-frequency telephone again, and dialed the number slowly. As he dialed, there was silence in the headquarters, and everyone stood still watching Meretskov quietly.

After the phone call, Meretskov asked: "Is it Comrade Boskrebeshev? I am Meretskov, commander of the Volkhov Front. I have important things to report to Comrade Stalin. "

Then Meretskov stopped talking, just silently pressed the microphone to his ear. After a while, he straightened up suddenly and said loudly: "Hello, Comrade Stalin. Yes, I have returned to the front army headquarters safely." After a simple greeting, Meretskov was straightforward. My judgment was told to Stalin.

Because it was so far away, I couldn't hear what Stalin said on the phone. Anyway, I found that Meretskov's face suddenly became cloudy, as if he was being blamed by Stalin. After a while, he argued: "Comrade Stalin, according to the report we received, Major Oshanina’s judgment was accurate. The Germans’ target was neither Moscow nor the oil fields in the Caucasus, but Stalinger. Le! Yes, Comrade Oshanina analyzed: At least for now, the German army will not launch a large-scale offensive campaign against Moscow or the Caucasus...."

Before he could finish his words, Stalin should have interrupted him rudely. His face flushed flushed, and he bent down slightly, listening to Stalin's instructions.

"Yes, Comrade Stalin, I know that our current task is to launch the Battle of Signavino Bulge as soon as possible, but Stalingrad should not be taken lightly. You must know that it is a city named after you..."

Speaking of this, it is obvious that Meretskov was interrupted by Stalin again, so that he stopped without finishing his words. After a while, he was able to continue to say: "Comrade Stalin, please rest assured that we must launch an offensive against the German troops in the Signavino salient within the specified time." After speaking, he turned the microphone off. Remove the ear and slowly put it back on the phone.

Meretskov returned to the table and stood silently. Like everyone else, I looked at him nervously, waiting for him to repeat the conversation with Stalin just now.

After a long time, he finally spoke and said in a low voice: "Comrade Stalin just ordered us on the phone to launch the Battle of Signavino Bulge no later than July 17."

"July 17?!" Starikov, commander of the 8th Army, said in surprise: "Isn't that the day after tomorrow? Comrade Commander, we must know that our preparations have not yet been completed. The base camp promised to supplement the soldiers and Weapons and ammunition are not yet in place, and the road to the starting point of the attack is still under construction. You know, the current road conditions are impassable for heavy tanks..."

Before Starikov could finish his complaint, Meletskov interrupted his words and said coldly: "This is an order issued by Comrade Stalin himself. Discussions are not allowed and must be implemented unconditionally."

Seeing Meretskov lifted Stalin, Starikov had no choice but to agree: "Okay, Comrade Commander, I understand everything. When I return to the army later, I will deploy personnel to repair the road and do it as soon as possible. Offensive preparation."

"Comrade Commander, what is Stalin's attitude towards the information we reported." Feijuninsky heard the news that Meretskov suddenly announced that the battle was ahead of schedule. Although he was slightly surprised, he still asked his own question.

Meletskov smiled bitterly and said: "Stalin heard me saying that the German army might launch an offensive on Stalingrad in the near future. He was furious and said that I was talking nonsense. It must have been heeded to the rumors of the German spies to make this mess. Report the information to him."

Feijuninsky glanced at me and continued to ask: "What does Comrade Stalin plan to do with Major Oshanina."

Meletskov looked at me and said apologetically: "Major Oshanina, I'm sorry, it seems that you won't be in my Volkhov army for long?"

"Ah? Comrade Commander, can I ask why?" This time I couldn't help but interject, knowing that this is related to my future destiny.

"Comrade Stalin said," Meletskov said helplessly: "Since Major Oshanina believes that the Germans will launch an attack on Stalingrad, when the Battle of the Signavino Bulge is over, Just send her to Stalingrad to defend the city. But you can't let her go empty-handed, and then send her a company to hold Stalingrad's commanding heights, Mamayev Hill, firmly to me."

Although Meretskov said these words in an understatement, I can guess how harsh Stalin’s tone was on the phone just now, otherwise the general who has experienced many battles would not be too much. The face changed drastically. However, I was the one who was most wronged. I wanted to remind Stalin that the next target of the German offensive was not Moscow, but Stalingrad, but was directly reduced to the company commander. I had to know that I was relieved half an hour ago. Relegated to the post of acting commander of the 378th Division and was demoted to the combat staff officer of the Front Army Headquarters.

Seeing my frustrated look, Meletskov comforted me and said, "Major Oshanina, don't worry, when you go to Stalingrad, I will appoint the best soldiers for you." So far, He bowed his head for a moment, and then said very readily: "You have commanded the ensign training team of the front army, let them go to Stalingrad with you then."

Second lieutenant training team, I heard Meretskov mention this unit, my heart is enthusiastic, this is his unit at the bottom of the box, actually willing to take it out for me to go to Stalingrad, this shows that he How important is it to me. The unhappiness in my heart was immediately wiped out. I took a step forward and raised my hand to salute Meretskov, and said gratefully: "Thank you, Comrade Commander of the Front Army."

Meletskov smiled and waved his hand, and then said to the others in the room: "Take advantage of the presence of the military chiefs of the troops participating in the Battle of the Bulge, let's first study how to fight this battle. "After speaking, he waved to me and said, "Major Oshanina, although you will soon be transferred to Stalingrad, you are still the combat staff of my Volkhov Front. Come and listen. ."

I was about to move forward, but I accidentally saw Starikov frown, and seemed unwilling to let me participate in this level of discussion. Seeing his expression, I didn't take it to my heart, saying that I wouldn't be able to stay in Volkhov's army for a few days anyway, and it doesn't matter what you think of me.

We all stood in a circle around the table. Meletskov held the table with both hands and said with some pride: "Before discussing the deployment of the battle, let me tell you good news. This time I will go to Moscow to report to the base camp. During the campaign plan, Comrade Stalin asked me:'To start this campaign, how many submachine guns and rifles do you need from the base camp?'

‘Three thousand to five thousand submachine guns, five thousand rifles. "I thought about the difficulties of the base camp in weapons and equipment in the past, so I only proposed a minimum number.

Unexpectedly, Comrade Stalin said very readily: ‘I will add 20,000 to you. We must know that we not only have enough rifles, but also enough submachine guns. ’

At that time, I was a little worried and asked: ‘Comrade Stalin, will you supply us with so many guns, will it affect the supply plan of other fronts? ’

Comrade Stalin shook his head with a smile, and said: "Comrade Meletkov, you do not know that the work of transferring various sectors of the national economy to wartime tracks has been successfully completed. In this way, the weapons and equipment required by the troops will be able to be completed. Get adequate supplies. ’"

After listening to Meretskov's words, several generals whispered in excitement.

While everyone was discussing the exciting good news, Stelimach, the chief of staff of the front army, walked to the position where the telephone was placed, picked up the microphone and made a call.

In a short while, the voice of a report came from the door. I turned my head and looked at a colonel carrying a briefcase, standing upright in the doorway. As soon as Meletskov saw him, he immediately greeted him: "Comrade Semenov, stop standing at the door, and come here to explain the details of the campaign plan for the commanders." Colonel Semenov agreed. With a sound, he walked quickly to the table and raised his hand to salute the generals.

Meletskov introduced to me: "Major Oshanina, let me introduce to you. This is Colonel Semenov, the Chief of Operations of the Front Army Headquarters, and your immediate superior." Then he thanked him again. Miynov briefly introduced me.

As soon as Meletskov finished introducing, I quickly raised my hand to salute Semenov and said politely: "Hello, Comrade Colonel. Major Oshanina will report to you and wait for your orders."

Before Semenov could speak, Meretskov said, "Well, what do you have to say, wait a while and go back to the combat area to talk. Now, Colonel Semenov, you can tell everyone about it." The details of the battle plan for the Bulge made by you and the Chief of Staff, Comrade Stelimach."

Semenov agreed, opened the briefcase in his hand, pulled out a map from it, and laid it on the table. I took a closer look. It turned out to be a map of the Signavino region. After he put the briefcase under his feet, he began to explain the details of the battle plan to everyone.

"Everyone knows that in this battle, our Volkhov Front was the main offensive task of General Starikov’s 8th Army and General Krykov’s 2nd Assault Army. The Leningrad Front On the one hand, there will be the Battle of Neva cluster, artillery, and aviation to participate in this battle. After the start of the battle, the Battle of Neva cluster will, with the cooperation of the aviation forces, take active actions to contain the enemy forces deployed in the throat of Schlusselburg. , So that they could not be transferred to the direction of the offensive forces of our Volkhov front. Once the time delay for us to go out of the Neva River, the Neva battle group will force off the Neva River by offensive action, actively move closer to our front, and strive to achieve The two armies will join forces to break the siege...."

Meretskov raised his hand to interrupt Semenov’s words, and said with a serious expression: "When I was reporting on the battle plan in Moscow, the part of letting the Leningrad Front forces forcibly cross the Neva River was denied by Comrade Stalin. He said that the Leningrad Front lacks the technical equipment to forcibly cross the Neva River. In the upcoming battle, the Volkhov Front will still play the leading role, while the Leningrad Front will use its own artillery and aviation to support it. Our battle. Go ahead." In the last sentence, he said to Colonel Semenov.

Colonel Semenov said: "After the battle plan was drawn up, we began to prepare for the battle step by step. The most noticeable thing is that under the conditions of limited roads and frenzied enemy aviation operations, the army has changed its deployment in an organized manner. , Concentration and deployment ~www.wuxiaspot.com~ Within half a month, the basic forces of the corps and units used to carry out the campaign were transported along the two low-capacity railways, and a small part of the army moved along the dirt road. of.

Unfortunately, there are not many dirt roads, and the muddy roads make it difficult for transportation vehicles to pass. The railway can only bear all the burden. The widespread implementation of camouflage and counterintelligence measures has played a big role. In order to confuse the enemy, we used various camouflage equipment for the campaign to create the illusion of a large concentration of the army in Visella. This city of glass workers, brick makers and sewing workers is located on the east side of the upper Volkhov River. The result of the camouflage gave the Germans an impression that our army was going to fight in the Novgorod area. In addition, it successfully created the illusion that troops and corps were mobilizing to the southern front. Under this pretext, some troops were transported to the Signavino area. The train started in the direction of Moscow, then turned, via Vologda, Cherepovitz, and bound for Tihvin. All troops are transported in airtight carriages with the words ‘fuel’, ‘grain’ and ‘fodder’ written on them. The tank is camouflaged with straw.

Due to our proper secrecy measures, although the German aviation forces held air superiority and even carried out intensive air raids on railway junctions and unloading areas, they did not prevent our army from changing its deployment. Not only that, because the enemy was deluded by the deliberate illusion made by our army, so far they have not found a transport train, nor have they been able to determine the true direction of the train's increase in traffic. To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to subscribe (this site), rewards, and your support is my biggest motivation.)