USSR 1941

"You have finally thought of a defense plan!" Stalin said sarcastically on the phone.

"Yes, Comrade Stalin!" Golikov admitted his mistake: "I underestimated my own strength, the strength of the people, so I thought that we had no hope of victory and kept adopting a negative attitude. This is wrong, I Think we still have a chance, hold on to Stalingrad's chance!"

Golikov's words made Stalin very happy, but he still corrected him: "It is not a chance, Comrade Golikov, it is a must! We must defend Stalingrad, otherwise we will lose the whole war!"

"Yes, Comrade Stalin, I agree!" Golikov replied: "So I decided to defend Stalingrad at all costs!"

Stalin nodded: "I'm glad you have such awareness, then, tell me about your defense plan!"

"I need time to integrate the resources and strength of Stalingrad!" Golikov said: "Only in this way can it be possible to block the enemy's attack and defend Stalingrad!"

"So, how do you think we're going to buy time?"

"Stalingrad Front Army!" Golikov said: "I think they should turn to the counterattack to attract the enemy's attention, which can reduce the pressure on Stalingrad. At the same time, I need reinforcements, equipment and supplies!"

After thinking for a while, Stalin replied: "You will get reinforcements and supplies, but I think the counterattack of the Stalingrad Front needs to be considered!"

"Of course, Comrade Stalin!"

Of course, Golikov knew that Stalin could not agree immediately, because the counterattack of the Stalingrad Front was not a trivial matter, and it required a complete plan and contact with Yeremenko, the commander of the Stalingrad Front.

"I have a question, Comrade Golikov!" Stalin finally asked: "What changed your mind and made you believe that Stalingrad can be held!"

"It's a man, Comrade Stalin!" Golikov said: "I believe you know this man, he is the breakout hero we know!"

Stalin said "hmm" and hung up the phone.

Hearing the name "Breakout Hero" again made Stalin a little surprised, but it seemed to be expected, because Stalin knew that the "Breakout Hero" had been transferred from the original army. It should have been transferred to near Stalingrad.

"Who is this breakout hero!" Stalin said to himself: "A low-ranking officer,

Why can it play a pivotal role in every place and every battle? "

However, Stalin did not think too much about this issue. For the national leader, he should focus on the overall situation rather than a low-level officer.

Then, he quickly realized that Golikov's suggestion was correct, and the Stalingrad Front Army should switch to a counter-offensive, otherwise the Stalingrad Battle would fall into complete passiveness.

At this time, he couldn't help thinking about whether the strategic plan of "Breakout Hero" came from that "Breakout Hero" again? Just like before he advised Mehlis?

After thinking for a while, Stalin made a decision. Stalin appointed Zhukov an unprecedented position: the supreme deputy commander. Its duty is to assist in commanding the Stalingrad Front Army and the Southeastern Front Army, and defend Stalingrad at all costs.

Of course, this is mainly to command the Stalingrad Front Army to launch a counterattack to relieve the pressure on Stalingrad.

In Stalingrad, Golikov implemented a series of measures proposed by Shulka in a hurry:

"First of all, we must make one thing clear: we have no possibility of retreating. Although we have a way to retreat and time to retreat to the east bank of the Volga River, this will never be our option. We will fight the enemy in Stalingrad to the end! "

This is "put it to death and live later".

Stalingrad's back to the Volga River is an advantage, but also a disadvantage.

It is an advantage because it makes it impossible for the Germans to encircle Stalingrad and completely cut off its connection with the outside world unless the Germans reach the east bank of the Volga River, which is almost impossible.

It is said to be a shortcoming because it always gives the defenders of Stalingrad a hope, a hope that they can retreat to the east bank to escape.

This kind of hope is very terrifying to the defenders. It is like the tactic of "surrounding the three corners". When the Mongolian cavalry surrounds the enemy, they always deliberately leave one side to let the enemy escape.

This tactic first of all shakes the enemy's will to fight desperately against the trapped beast.

Both Golikov and Krylov agree.

"That's right, Comrade Shulka!" Golikov said: "We want to fight the enemy with our backs, we want to cut off this retreat, or we should cut off everyone's idea of ​​retreating!"

"We need to let everyone know!" Krylov said: "Either defend the city, or die here, there is no third possibility!"

Soon, Golikov drafted an appeal to the army and civilians and broadcast it on the radio in Stalingrad:

"Dear comrades, all citizens of Stalingrad:

A violent enemy has approached the city we live in. Just like 24 years ago, our city is going through a difficult time again. Bloody invaders are about to break into our sunny and vibrant Stalingrad and pollute our great Russian river, the Volga.

Citizens of Stalingrad, comrades!

This time, we will not compromise, we will not let the enemy take over our dear city, we will not let the enemy destroy our homes and our families. We shall erect insurmountable barricades in all streets, and make every house, every block, every street an impregnable fortress to the enemy"

It should be said that Golikov's remarks are still very good, especially when they mention 24 years ago.

24 years ago was the First World War.

The German army also attacked Russia in the First World War. That time it ended with the collapse of the Russian army and the cession of the Brest Peace Treaty of more than 3 million square kilometers.

Of course, these lands did not fall into Germany's pocket in the end. With Germany's defeat, this peace treaty became a dead letter.

But this experience has become a pain in the hearts of all Soviet soldiers and civilians, especially the German army that invaded and fought against the Soviet Union is still the German army that left them with shame.

Therefore, Golikov told them in this way: the time has come to wash away the shame, either drive the Germans out, or die in Stalingrad!