Red Moscow

  Chapter 100 The end of the crossbow

The location of the headquarters is the beautiful and imposing building that Sokov led people to occupy. At this moment, many windows of this building also emitted black smoke flames. Dozens of soldiers carrying buckets, The water in the bucket is being used to extinguish the still burning flames.

"Chernyshev, come here." Chernyshev was about to find someone to find out where Rokossovsky was when he suddenly heard someone calling his name. He turned his head and saw Rokossovsky and several other members of the headquarters were standing in an open space outside the building.

   Rokossovsky frowned slightly when he saw Sokov behind Chernyshov. After the two approached, he asked in a stern tone: "Captain Sokov, why don't you stay in the unnamed highland south of the city, what are you doing in the city?"

While Sokov was thinking about how to explain it to Rokossovsky, Chernyshev said first: "Comrade Commander, I sent him here. You know, last night his troops went to He raided the German camp, killed hundreds of German soldiers, and seized five howitzers. He personally led the team to deliver the howitzers to the car today, just in time for you to send someone to call me, so he decided to let me He's here to report to you."

"So that's the case." Rokossovsky smiled and said, "You performed well last night. Not only did you drive away the invading German troops, but you also captured five heavy howitzers. These technical equipment are exactly what we What is needed now. Well, tell us the details of last night's battle."

   Sokov quickly agreed, and then articulately reported last night's battle to several group army chiefs, including Rokossovsky.

"You fought a beautiful battle last night and successfully smashed the German army's attempt to reoccupy the unnamed highland." Rokossovsky waited for Sokov to speak, and immediately said to him: "But the Germans are not reconciled. If they fail, they will definitely attack again. Your task is to resolutely hold the unnamed high ground. Without the order of me or Master Chernyshov, you are not allowed to take a step back; at the same time, you are not allowed to take a step forward. Understand?"

  Although Sokov still had some reservations about Rokossovsky's order, he still replied very simply: "Yes, Comrade Commander."

"Lieutenant Sokov." Kazakov came over and asked nervously: "General Chernyshov just said that you are here to send howitzers to the city. I want to ask you, where are the cannons now?" place?"

  Sokov heard the voice-over from Kazakov's tone. He was worried that the artillery would be destroyed during the shelling. He quickly turned his head to look at Chernyshov, and said to Kazakov: "Comrade General, all the artillery we captured have been handed over to the division headquarters."

"That's right, General Kazakov, all the howitzers surrendered by Captain Sokov are in my hands." Chernyshov explained to Kazakov: "Comrade artillery commander, don't worry. , the guns are now in safe places, and will not be damaged by German bombardment."

   Everyone was talking, and a burly general came from a distance, followed by two soldiers with submachine guns. When there were more than ten or twenty meters away, the general stopped and asked the soldiers to stay where they were, before he walked over alone. He came to Rokossovsky and raised his hand to salute: "Comrade Commander, Major General Kiryukhin, commander of the 324th Infantry Division, is here to report, please give me instructions!"

"Hello, General Kiryukhin." After shaking hands with the opponent, Rokossovsky pointed to Chernyshov next to him and said, "This is Major General Chernyshov, commander of the 11th Guards Division. , I think you should have met each other long ago, right?"

"That's right, Comrade Commander, I met with General Chernyshov yesterday." Kiryukhin said, extending his hand to Chernyshov, and said in a friendly way: "Hello, Chernyshov." General Schoff, good to see you here."

After shaking hands with Chernyshov, Kiryukhin turned to Rokossovsky and said, "Comrade Commander, do you feel that the German artillery fire is very targeted, mainly All levels of headquarters, barracks, etc., I suspect that there are spies sent by the Germans in the city to guide the enemy's artillery. I suggest that a large-scale investigation be carried out in the city immediately, and this damned spy must be caught."

"Let's put it aside for a while about catching spies." Rokossovsky waved his hand at Kiryukhin, and then said: "I called you two here today because when I was shelled, I received A telegram from the Commander of the Front."

  Chernyshov asked: "Comrade commander, what orders did the superiors give us?"

With a serious expression, Rokossovsky read word by word: "Order our 16th Army to hold Susinich firmly, and continue to exhaust the enemy with offensive actions, making them lose their ability to hold on and accumulate strength. After hearing this latest order, Chernyshov and Kiryukhin looked at each other, and both of them saw shock in each other's eyes.

After a short pause, Chernyshev said to Rokossovsky: "With all due respect, Comrade Commander, these demands of the Front are difficult to fulfill. It is one thing to wear out the enemy with defensive operations, Tiring the enemy with offensive action is another matter.

  Weary the enemy with defensive actions in order to achieve a balance of forces. Our army has already done this before turning to the general offensive. However, when our army is weaker than the enemy, and in severe winter conditions, can we "wear out and weaken" the enemy with offensive operations? "

"You are quite right, Comrade Chernyshev." As soon as Chernyshov finished speaking, Rokossovsky nodded and said: "Although the German army has been repulsed by us from Moscow and suffered A huge failure. However, after suffering a series of blows from our army, they are gradually recovering their strength. It is unrealistic to think about eradicating them all.

From what I have learned recently, after a long period of combat, the troops are seriously short of soldiers, and all the divisions of the group army are short of machine guns, mortars, artillery and ammunition, and there are not many tanks left in the tank brigade . The current situation of the army forces made me realize that we cannot win a decisive victory at this stage. ..."

   Sokov, who was listening, learned from Rokossovsky's words about the current difficulties faced by the 16th Army, and even the entire Western Front. Don't see the vigorous counterattack under the city of Moscow, defeating the Germans, but these are all in the past. Today's Soviet army is at the end of its strength, and it has become extremely difficult to move forward.

   Thanks to the book friend Kozlov, the old driver, hopeless and meaningless, and Earth Robber for their support!

   Thank you friends who voted for recommendation, collection and support!

  (end of this chapter)