After an on-site inspection, Zhukov had more recognition of Rokossovsky's combat plan. When several people returned to the 48th Group Army headquarters, he called Sokov in front of him.
"Misha, I want to ask you." Zhukov asked expressionlessly: "How do we send a behemoth like a tank to the other side of the swamp?"
"This is easy to do." Sokov explained: "We can ask engineers to drive wooden piles in the swamp, and then set up logs on the wooden piles, and the tank can drive to the other side of the swamp through the logs."
"What about the infantry?" Zhukov then asked: "I just took a look and found that it is easy for people to get trapped in some areas. I am worried that when the troops attack, some soldiers will be swallowed by the swamp."
"Comrade Marshal, I have also considered this." Sokov took the special straw sandals from the table nearby and said to Zhukov: "These are galoshes made by the soldiers themselves, also called swamp sleds. On the outside of the boots
Wearing these wide-looking overshoes can prevent you from falling into the mire to the greatest extent after entering the swamp.”
"Also," Sokov said proactively before Zhukov could ask any more questions: "I plan to ask the soldiers to prepare some more door panels or rafts to transport our machine guns, mortars and small-caliber artillery..."
After hearing this, Rokossovsky showed a knowing smile on his face. He turned to Zhukov and said: "Comrade Marshal, although Misha has only been in office for one day, he has considered all the issues that should be considered."
"Yes, Misha is very thoughtful." After agreeing with Rokossovsky's opinion, Zhukov said with a smile: "Koschka, you will appoint Misha as the commander of the 48th Group Army this time.
I think you did the right thing."
After Zhukov and Rokossovsky finished lunch at the headquarters, they praised Sokov a few more words before leaving the 48th Group Army headquarters in a car.
Seeing Zhukov and Rokossovsky leaving, Pugachev raised his hand to wipe the sweat from his forehead and said with relief: "Thank God, they finally left. You know, even if Marshal Zhukov doesn't speak, he just goes there
Just one stop can create a deterrent effect on people."
"Comrades, please go back to the war room." Sokov knew that the combat plan he proposed, whether it was approved by Rokossovsky or today, was approved by Zhukov. Next, he had to carry out various tasks in full swing.
After completing the preparation work, he called everyone back to the headquarters for a meeting: "I think we need to study what work should be done next."
Besides, after Zhukov and Rokossovsky left Sokov's defense area, Rokossovsky tentatively asked Zhukov: "Comrade Marshal, where do you plan to go next?"
Zhukov, who was closing his eyes to rest, opened his eyes after hearing Rokossovsky's question and said: "I originally wanted to go to the First Ukrainian Front to meet Marshal Konev, but now it seems that it is not necessary. I
You need to fly back to Moscow immediately, give your battle plan to Antonov, and discuss with him how to convince the Supreme Commander himself."
Hearing that Zhukov was going to the airport, Rokossovsky immediately told the driver: "Turn around and go to the airport."
The day after sending Zhukov away, Rokossovsky received a call from Zhukov from Moscow. The content of the marshal's call was very simple: "Koschka, immediately hand over the work in your hand to Malinin.
Then rush to Moscow."
When Rokossovsky heard that Zhukov asked him to go to Moscow, he guessed that it was probably related to his own battle plan, so he asked tentatively: "Comrade Marshal, is it related to that plan?"
"That's right." Zhukov said affirmatively: "This combat plan will be discussed at the meeting of the Supreme Command tomorrow. As the planner of the plan, you should appear at the scene and explain the plan to everyone in person."
"Okay, Comrade Marshal." He confirmed that he went to Moscow this time just to lobby the people at the Supreme Command and convince them of his battle plan: "I will take a flight to Moscow in half an hour."
"I will send someone to wait for you at the airport." After Zhukov said that, he hung up the phone.
"Comrade Chief of Staff," Rokossovsky put down the phone, called Malinin in front of him, and said to him: "I just received a call from Marshal Zhukov. He asked me to rush to Moscow immediately. During my absence,
, you will be responsible for the daily affairs in the army. If you can't handle it, call me again."
"Comrade Commander," Malinin heard that Rokossovsky was going to rush to Moscow immediately, and asked nervously: "Is it related to our combat plan?"
"Yes," Rokossovsky nodded and said in a positive tone: "The combat plan will be discussed at the meeting of the Supreme Command tomorrow, and I need to rush to the scene to explain it."
Rokossovsky's plane had just landed at the military airport east of Moscow. A black car parked next to the runway started. After following the plane for a while, it stopped steadily with the propeller still on.
Next to the spinning airplane.
As soon as the car stopped, a major general got out of the car and stood beside the car to watch the plane's door open, the pilot lower the gangway, and then Rokossovsky walked along the gangway and got off the plane.
"Comrade General," the major general walked around the black car and walked towards Rokossovsky with a smile on his face and said, "I was ordered to pick you up."
After Rokossovsky saw the person clearly, he couldn't help being surprised, and then exclaimed: "Yakov, why is it you?"
Yakov, Stalin's eldest son, opened his arms to Rokossovsky: "Comrade General, isn't it me? I heard that you are coming to Moscow today, and Marshal Zhukov specially ordered me to pick you up."
Rokossovsky stepped forward and hugged Yakov, then without saying too many words, he got into the car parked next to him.
After getting in the car, Yakov closed the door and told the driver: "Drive, go to the Kremlin!"
After the car started, Rokossovsky asked curiously: "Yakov, when did you become a general?"
Yakov chuckled and replied: "Of course, not long after returning from Misha's army, I was officially awarded the rank of major general. I can be promoted so quickly, and it is still inseparable from Misha's help."
"By the way, Yakov, aren't you in the weapons and equipment department?" Rokossovsky was a little curious. Why did Yakov, a weapons and equipment man, come out to join in the fun when the Supreme Command was having a meeting?
"Comrade General, I am no longer in the Weapons and Equipment Department." Yakov replied: "I was transferred to the General Staff last week as an assistant to the Chief of Operations, General Shtemenko."
After hearing about Yakov's new position, Rokossovsky immediately understood why Zhukov sent him to pick him up. After a pause, he asked tentatively: "Yakov, so you've seen us
A battle plan?"
"Yes, Comrade General, I have indeed seen it."
"What do you think after reading it?"
Yakov was silent for a moment, and then said: "How should I put it, this combat plan is quite bold. Although the probability of success is high, the probability of it being passed at the meeting is not high."
Rokossovsky couldn't figure out whether this was Yakov's personal opinion or the opinion of the General Staff, so he asked tentatively: "Is this the opinion of the General Staff?"
Yakov heard the implication of Rokossovsky's words. He smiled bitterly and said: "Comrade General, I am just a newcomer in the General Staff. Even if I am the assistant to the Minister of Operations, I can't do anything like this."
I don’t have any say. I can’t explain it, but it must be what the General Staff means.”
After listening to Yakov's words, Rokossovsky immediately realized why Zhukov was rushing him to come to Moscow. When he was feeling emotional, he wanted to personally convince the people at the General Staff to agree to his battle plan.
, and helped him convince Stalin to adopt this plan.
"Is Comrade Antonov in the Kremlin today?"
"Yes," Yakov nodded and replied: "Now the General Staff has offices in the Kremlin. If you want to find someone, you can find them there."
The car arrived at the entrance of the Kremlin. The guard at the door stopped the car. After checking everyone's documents, he said to Rokossovsky: "Comrade General, please hand over your weapons."
Rokossovsky often visited the Kremlin and naturally understood the rules here. After hearing what the guard said, he immediately took out his gun and handed it to the guard without hesitation.
The guard took Rokossovsky's pistol, copied down the gun number, tore half of the recording paper off, and handed it to Rokossovsky: "Comrade General, you can use this piece of paper to collect your name when you come out.
With a gun."
The car stopped outside the building where the General Staff Headquarters is located. After Yakov got out of the car, he came to the back and opened the car door to Rokossovsky, and said politely: "Comrade General, please come with me. I will take you there."
You go see the Chief of General Staff."
Yakov brought Rokossovsky to a room. There was a long conference table in the middle of the room and more than twenty exquisitely crafted chairs. There were more than a dozen generals inside, but none of them were sitting in their respective positions.
, but gathered around one end of the conference table, discussing something in a low voice.
Yakov came to Antonov, raised his hand in salute, and reported: "Comrade Chief of General Staff, I have brought General Rokossovsky!"
"Comrade General," when he heard that Rokossovsky was coming, Antonov immediately stopped what he was doing, stood up straight and stepped forward to shake hands with Rokossovsky: "Welcome to Moscow!
"
Then Shtemenko, Ivanov and others also came forward to shake hands with Rokossovsky and express their welcome.
After a brief exchange of greetings, Rokossovsky began to get down to business. He looked at Antonov and asked: "Comrade Chief of General Staff, have you seen my battle plan?"
"Yes, General Rokossovsky." Antonov nodded, pointed to the generals gathered around the table, and said, "Not only have I seen your battle plan, but everyone present has also
Seen."
From the expressions of everyone, Rokossovsky felt that everyone present might not agree with his bold battle plan. However, out of caution, he still asked cautiously: "So, you all
Don’t you agree with my plan?”
After Antonov glanced at the generals present, he looked at Rokossovsky and said: "Based on the results of our discussion, we feel that the landing site on the Dnieper River controlled by the 3rd Army is the
It is undoubtedly the most appropriate to carry out the assault from the Rogachev area."
"Comrade Chief of General Staff," seeing that the other party rejected his battle plan without hesitation, Rokossovsky was dissatisfied, but he could not get angry casually. He could only patiently explain to Antonov:
"Don't you know that in the direction you envisioned, the German army has a complete defense system and deployed heavy troops for defense. If we attack from this direction, we are likely to suffer huge casualties."
"General Rokossovsky," Deputy Chief of General Staff Ivanov said, "In order to liberate our country, no matter how high the price is, I think it is worth it."
"Comrade Deputy Chief of General Staff," Rokossovsky knew in his heart that the deputy chief of staff speaking in front of him had long been marginalized because he had offended Stalin, but out of politeness, he still patiently said to him
Explanation: "We are not afraid of bloodshed and sacrifice, but while paying the sacrifice, we must also consider whether it is worth it. Knowing clearly that attacking from this direction will cost our army a huge price, and insisting on an unrealistic attack plan is a disservice to the commanders and soldiers.
I am not responsible for my life.”
"The slogan about victory with 'less bloodshed' was criticized by superiors after the arduous and arduous Finnish campaign as an incorrect slogan that led the army to dream of an easy victory." Ivanov said to Luo with a serious expression.
Kossovsky said: "Comrade General, as a front commander, how can you have such a wrong idea?"
After Ivanov finished speaking, before Rokossovsky could refute, Shtemenko opened his mouth to defend him: "Comrade Ivanov, our army did have this kind of formulation before, but it was
Facts have proved that it is wrong. As far as I know, General Sokov, who has achieved great results in battles, often emphasizes achieving the greatest victory with the least casualties. As for whether his formulation is correct or wrong, I think I
Needless to say, everyone can understand."
"The situation of General Sokov is a special case and is not a reference." Antonov said: "If we blindly emphasize the need to reduce unnecessary casualties, I am afraid that commanders will worry about excessive casualties of the troops, but
Passive avoidance of war. Therefore, I believe that launching an attack on the German forces in Belarus from the area controlled by the 3rd Army is undoubtedly the best choice."
Rokossovsky did not expect that his carefully formulated plan would be opposed by the General Staff. If it failed to pass this test, even if it was discussed at a meeting of the Supreme Command, he might not be able to escape being rejected.
The fate of rejection. He took a deep breath and said to Antonov: "Comrade Chief of General Staff, are you really not going to consider my plan carefully?"
"I'm sorry, Comrade General, I don't think it's necessary." Antonov said apologetically to Rokossovsky: "Your plan is too bold. Even if we reluctantly pass it, the Supreme Commander himself may not accept it after reading it.
They will not agree to implement it. Therefore, I will give you a piece of advice. After you go back, it is best to make a new plan and choose the area where the 3rd Army is located as the main direction of our army's attack."
This chapter has been completed!