Red Moscow

After the battle near Kochetovka became intense, the 3rd Mechanized Army near Oboyan, under the command of its commander, General Krivoshein, launched an attack on the frontal German 11th Armored Division.

After Vatutin heard the news, his emotions immediately became agitated. He said to Zhukov and Vasilevsky: "Comrade Marshals, now Sokov's troops have occupied Kochetovka and cut off the German army. retreated, and Oboyan's troops also launched a counterattack. Judging from the current situation, we are fully capable of encircling Huot's troops and trying to annihilate them all or part of them."

Zhukov did not speak, but looked down at the map on the table, wondering whether Vatutin's plan was feasible. After watching for a while, he looked up at Vatutin and asked, "The Germans have two armored corps in the Oboyan area. Are you sure our troops can surround them?"

"I think there should be no problem." Vatutin said confidently: "Comrade Marshal, you see, we have deployed General Katukov's First Tank Army and Sixth Guards Army in Oboyan, plus Solskjaer. General Koff's 27th Army is fully capable of encircling the enemy."

"Comrade Vatutin, have you forgotten that in order to ensure a smooth counter-offensive outside Prokhorovka, we transferred two infantry divisions and two independent tank battalions from Sokov." Zhukov put his palm on the map After clapping a few times, he said displeasedly: "The remaining troops of the 27th Army are scattered in a vast area. According to my estimation, there is at most one division of the troops that can be directly put into battle. Do you think they have the ability to block the all-out attack on Berg Are the Germans retreating in the direction of Rhodes?"

"Comrade Marshal, I agree with you." Vasilevsky echoed: "After Sokov's troops are split up, the troops he can use are limited, and it is basically impossible to block Huot's troops. matter."

"Two Marshals," said Apanashenko, who has always had a low sense of existence, "I have heard you say that Sokov's troops could tenaciously block the German army's attack during the most difficult days of Stalingrad. Crazy attack. Since it was able to block the enemy at the beginning, is it impossible to block the enemy now that it can get artillery fire and air support?"

Faced with Apanashenko's doubts, Zhukov organized words in his mind, intending to tell the other party that the reason why Sokov was able to hold Mamayev Post under such a difficult situation was entirely because of the solid preparations in advance and the construction of A solid and perfect tunnel fortification was built to minimize the losses caused by the enemy's shelling and bombing.

But before Zhukov could speak, he heard Vatutin say impatiently: "Comrade Deputy Commander is right. Although Sukov's troops are scattered in strength, as long as they establish a defensive line on the German retreat route and stand firm In three to four hours, our reinforcements will arrive and encircle the German 4th Panzer Army."

"Comrade Vatutin, I would like to ask you, where did the reinforcements you mentioned come from?" Zhukov asked with a sneer: "Do you think that the 6th Guards Army and the 1st Tank Army in the Oboyan area can survive on March 4th?" Are you coming to join Sokov's troops within an hour?"

When Vatutin was questioned, he hesitated and couldn't speak. If the troops in the Oboyan area were capable of counterattacking, with his character, he would have ordered the counterattack long ago, and he would not still be relying on it. Fortifications, the situation of fighting against the German 4th Panzer Army appeared.

But Apanashenko, who likes to run forward all day long, spoke again: "Comrade Marshal, I think that even if the ground troops cannot provide timely reinforcements, Sokov's troops can get support from artillery and air force. I don't think so." Do you believe that the German army can maintain a strong offensive despite being shelled and bombed by our army?"

Apanashenko's words sound somewhat reasonable. In addition, once Hoth's armored army is encircled and the unit is completely wiped out or part of it is wiped out, it will make the liberation of Kharkov and Belgo a reality. Rhodes' battle became easier.

Vasilevsky took this into consideration, and after hesitating for a moment, he said to Zhukov: "Comrade Marshal, how about you ask Sokov for his opinion and see if he is willing to block Huot's troops so that they If you cannot return to Belgorod smoothly, it will reduce the pressure for our army's next attack."

If it was another commander, Vasilevsky would definitely not make such a suggestion to Zhukov. You must know that the duty of a soldier is to obey, and you must unconditionally implement the orders issued by your superiors, whether right or wrong. Only Sokov, Vasilevsky, would prudently ask Zhukov to seek advice from the other party.

"Okay, I'll call and ask him." Zhukov said, grabbed the phone in front of him, and said after hearing a voice from inside: "I'm Zhukov, call me the headquarters of the 27th Army."

After the call was connected, it was answered by a familiar voice: "I am Lunev, the military commissar. Where are you?"

"So it's Comrade Lunev, I'm Zhukov!" When Zhukov figured out that the person answering the phone was Military Commissar Lunev, he couldn't help smiling, and asked politely, "What is Misha doing?"

"Comrade Marshal," Lunev straightened up quickly when he learned that the caller was Zhukov, and replied respectfully, "He is directing the battle."

"Oh, he is directing operations." Zhukov asked: "I have something to discuss with him, can he talk to me?"

"Comrade Marshal, please wait a moment, I will ask him to answer the phone immediately."

Soon, Sokov's voice came from the receiver: "Hello, Comrade Marshal! I'm Sokov, do you have any important instructions?"

"Misha!" Zhukov was about to figure out what Sokov was thinking before asking for his opinion, "I heard that your troops are attacking the German 3rd Armored Division?"

"Yes, after the shelling, the infantry, under the cover of tanks, launched an attack on the defeated 3rd Armored Division." Sokov reported to Zhukov: "In order to prevent the enemy from killing and wounding our attacking troops with artillery fire, I request General Konev sent out his air force to bombard the enemy's artillery positions and armored units, providing us with effective air cover."

"How is the battle going?"

"It's progressing very smoothly. Now the battle has come to an end. It is estimated that in another forty minutes to an hour, all my troops will be able to withdraw from the battle."

Hearing Sokov say that the battle has come to an end, Zhukov still showed a smile on his face, but he couldn't help frowning when he heard that he was about to withdraw from the battle later, "Since you are progressing well, you can take advantage of the victory and continue to pursue the battle." Advance in the direction of Oboyan, join the defenders in that direction, and encircle Huot's armored army, why withdraw from the battle?"

"The reason is very simple. The troops I can use today are still unable to compete with Huot's troops. The battle to annihilate the 3rd Armored Division is just that we caught the enemy by surprise. When they come back to their senses, I am afraid we will not be able to Resist their retaliatory attacks. Therefore, the best way is to withdraw to areas with fortifications and fight step by step to slow down the speed of the German army's retreat to Belgorod."

Zhukov knew very well in his heart that with Sukov's strength, it would be a fantasy to keep Hoth's armored army, but he still took a chance and asked: "Misha, have you never thought about it? Will the troops in the direction of Oboyan take a joint action to encircle Hoth's Panzer Army and try to wipe them all or part of them?"

"No, Comrade Marshal, I have never thought about it that way." Sokov, who has never been in a loss-making business, replied truthfully: "The troops of the 3rd Armored Division that are attacking now, apart from the tank army, are only in Koida. The Colonel's 188th Division, and General Marankin's 81st Guards Division. Using such troops and equipment to stop the enemy trying to withdraw to Belgorod is simply to let them die."

"Then what do you think about it?"

"Comrade Marshal, as I have just said, the method of fighting step by step is used to slow down the speed of the German army's retreat to Belgorod." Sokov explained to Zhukov: "Once the German offensive is too fierce, I will order Troops open the way for the Germans to pass through my sector."

"What, open the passage and let the enemy pass through your defense zone?" Regarding Sokov's tactics, even Zhukov, who is known as a famous World War II general, could not understand: "Why let them pass?"

"My troops are limited. Even if I fight with all my strength, I'm afraid I won't be able to prevent the enemy from breaking through the line of defense." Sokov said with a smile: "Instead of fighting the enemy on the ground and hurting both sides, it is better to open the passage and let the enemy pass through our defense zone. The enemy Seeing that there is no obstacle in front of them, what they are thinking about is how to escape back to Belgorod in the shortest time, and their combat awareness will weaken. At this time, I will order my troops to follow and pursue, and only care about fleeing. enemy, it will be difficult to organize a decent resistance, and we will be able to achieve greater victories with less casualties."

"Misha, Misha." After listening to Sokov's plan, Zhukov shook his head with a wry smile, and said, "You are always so whimsical, you know, it is a mistake to let the enemy pass through your defense zone casually. Once Get the situation out of control and you risk being court-martialed."

Sokov didn't expect Zhukov to disagree with his actions, the muscles on his face twitched violently a few times, and then he asked cautiously, "Comrade Marshal, what do you mean?"

"What do I mean?!" After Zhukov finished speaking, he looked to the left and right, and seeing Vasilevsky, Vatutin and others looking at him with expectant expressions, he sighed secretly in his heart He breathed a sigh of relief and said: "Misha, I hope your troops can establish a defensive line in the middle of the Oboyan-Belgorod road, resolutely block Hoth's armored army, and prevent them from retreating to Belgorod. "

Hearing Zhukov's order, Sokov panicked a little. He asked thousands of his men to stop Huot's armored army. Isn't this a clear death sentence: "Comrade Marshal, I..."

"This is the result of my joint research with Vasilevsky and General Vatutin. As a commander, you should understand in your heart that you can only execute orders from your superiors, not discuss whether it is reasonable. Understand? "

"Understood." The deal was done, and Sukov knew that he was powerless, so he could only agree helplessly.

Zhukov heard the helplessness and loss in Sokov's tone, so he slowed down and said: "Misha, I know this is a bit embarrassing for you, but if you have any requests, just ask, as long as I can help, I will definitely help you." I will do my best to help you.”

"Comrade Marshal, since you want to order me to prevent Huot's armored army from withdrawing southward, I hope that my two infantry divisions can be restored as soon as possible." Since Zhukov asked himself to make a condition, Sokov will naturally not give up such an offer. Good opportunity, said quickly: "With these two divisions, we will be more confident in defending the line of defense."

Zhukov covered the microphone with his hand, turned around and asked Vatutin: "Comrade Vatutin, Misha wants to return his two infantry divisions. How long will it take you to get them back?"

Vatutin thought for a moment, then replied: "How about 48 hours?"

"Nonsense," Zhukov said dissatisfiedly: "If the German army launches a strong attack, Sokov's troops may not be able to hold out for three or four hours. What use will the two divisions be for 48 hours after they return to construction?"

Vatutin, who had been criticized by Zhukov, blushed, and asked with some embarrassment: "Comrade Marshal, tell me, how long is it appropriate to return to construction?"

"It will take about an hour and a half for the troops to assemble," Zhukov began to calculate the time for the troops to return to the building: "and then transported by convoy to Kochetovka, it will take about an hour and a half. Calculated in this way, within three hours, The two divisions that Sokov handed over to you must be returned to the establishment."

"Comrade Marshal, it's very difficult." Vatutin couldn't help crying when he heard Zhukov give him three hours: "Now that Sokov's two divisions are scattered in different places, even if they are assembled, It takes at least five hours. In addition, we simply can't find so many transport vehicles to transport these troops. I think eight hours is already the limit."

"Comrade Vatutin, I remind you again." Zhukov frowned and said, "If Sokov's troops want to prevent Hoth from withdrawing to Belgorod, the assistance of these two divisions is indispensable. Once they cannot If we return to construction in a short period of time, then our plan to encircle the Hoth Armored Army will be completely ruined."

Hearing Zhukov speak to himself in such a stern tone, Vatutin's expression became even more embarrassed: "Comrade Marshal, I will do my best to let Sokov's troops return to construction in a short time."

"Tell me about your specific ideas." Zhukov asked.

"The method is very simple. Order Oboyan's troops to launch a counterattack against Huot's armored army to attract their attention. In this way, the enemy will not be able to deploy more troops to attack the defense line established by Sokov's troops."