"This is a way." Smirnov said with a wry smile: "However, after these troops add a large number of new soldiers, their combat effectiveness will inevitably be diluted. In other words, they will not be able to carry out more important operations for a long time.
Task."
"Yes, Comrade Chief of Staff, what you said makes sense." Regarding Smirnov's statement, Sokov agreed: "The areas we just occupied can be defended by these troops."
"Comrade Sokov, replenishing soldiers is always a troublesome thing." Shtemenko interjected: "No matter how strong the combat effectiveness of the army is, once there is a large number of casualties in battle and a large number of new soldiers are added,
This force will transform into a second-class force and will be unable to carry out important combat missions in a short period of time."
"Comrade Deputy Chief of General Staff, I want to ask you a question." Sokov looked at Shtemenko and asked cautiously: "Is it okay?"
"Yes, of course." Shtemenko nodded and said magnanimously: "Comrade Sokov, if you have any questions, just ask them and I will try my best to give you a satisfactory answer."
"It is repeatedly mentioned in the intelligence service's battle reports that the defense of Stalingrad was the turning point of our Great Patriotic War." Sokov said carefully: "When Paulus's troops were in this city named after the Supreme Commander himself,
After the city was destroyed, our army gradually transformed from its original strategic defense into a strategic offensive."
"That's right." Shtemenko nodded in approval of Sokov's statement: "This is indeed the case."
"Since it is a strategic offensive, when we liberated the cities and towns occupied by the Germans, we must have liberated many prisoner of war camps established by the Germans and rescued all the prisoners of war held in them." Sokov said this with a tone of voice.
He asked solemnly: "I would like to ask, where are these rescued prisoners of war now?"
"This, this..." Upon hearing Sokov's question, Shtemenko, who was originally articulate, became hesitant in speaking: "Comrade Sokov, you also know that there must be people lurking among these prisoners of war.
The Germans bribed people, so we have to strictly examine them..."
"What happened after the review was over?" Sokov asked, "Where did they go?"
"You should remember that during the Moscow Defense War, due to the lack of sufficient troops for defense, a large number of troops were transferred from the Far East." Shtemenko replied cautiously: "In view of the weak defense forces in the Far East, these
The rescued prisoners of war were all sent to Siberia to strengthen the defense there."
Although Shtemenko kept saying that the rescued commanders and fighters were sent to the Far East to strengthen the defense there, Sokov did not believe that statement at all. According to his memory, there were many posts on the Internet saying that several
All the rescued commanders and fighters were sent to Siberia to grow potatoes.
But Sokov is skeptical about this statement. Planting potatoes is the easiest job in Russia. You only need to dig the hole, put the cut potato pieces in, cover it with soil and water it, and then it's done.
You can just ignore it and wait until September to harvest. According to his estimation, these commanders and fighters who were sent to Siberia should be building roads or digging coal somewhere.
But there are some things that you just need to understand in your heart. If you say them out, you will be in trouble. Naturally, Sokov will not do such a stupid thing. In response to Shtemenko's statement, he could only spread his hands and shrugged.
, said in a helpless tone: "That's such a pity."
Shtemenko felt that Sokov would not ask about this for no reason, so he asked with concern: "Comrade Sokov, why do you want to ask this?"
"Comrade Deputy Chief of the General Staff," Sokov felt that it was a waste to send hundreds of thousands of rescued prisoners of war to Siberia to work, so he boldly said: "Most of the rescued commanders and fighters have passed through
They have strict military training and a certain amount of combat experience. If they are added to the army, they will quickly form combat effectiveness, which is far better than the new recruits we have added locally."
"You are right, Comrade Sokov. These rescued commanders and fighters are our precious treasures." Although Shtemenko is the deputy chief of general staff, he is powerless on many things: "But...
The decision to send them to Siberia was made by the Supreme Command, and nothing can be changed by my personal ability alone."
"Perhaps you should try to mention this to the Supreme Commander himself." Sokov said cautiously: "Maybe he will change his mind because of this. If this is the case, I think there will be countless commanders and fighters and their relatives who will be disappointed with you.
Thank you so much.”
Thinking that countless commanders and fighters and their families would be grateful to him, Shtemenko couldn't help but feel a little moved. After thinking for a long time, he nodded slowly, and said to Sokov as if he had made up his mind: "
Comrade Sokov, I will give it a try. But I want to say hello to you first. I just don’t know whether this will have any effect."
As long as Shtemenko is willing to try, then there is a chance for things to turn around; but if he is unwilling to try, there is no hope at all. Sokov nodded at the other party and said politely: "Comrade Deputy Chief of General Staff, then
On behalf of the rescued commanders and fighters, I would like to express my gratitude to you in advance."
When Shtemenko heard Sokov thanking him, he suddenly thought of the open-pit mine near Uman, where tens of thousands of prisoners of war were said to be held. If all were rescued, according to regulations, after review, except for a few
They will be sent to a punishment camp and returned to outside the front line, and the rest will be sent to Siberia.
"Comrade Sokov," Shtemenko knew that Sokov sent Ponedelin to rescue the prisoners of war. He asked tentatively: "If the prisoners of war in the open-pit mine are rescued, do you plan to rescue them all?"
Incorporate into your army?"
"Yes, Comrade Deputy Chief of General Staff." Sokov replied in a positive tone: "As long as these commanders and fighters are in good physical condition, I will integrate them into the army. In any case, they have undergone strict military training.
The trained veterans also have rich combat experience. If they are incorporated into the army, they will be able to form combat effectiveness in less than two days."
"If there are really tens of thousands of people, then the review will take a lot of time."
"I don't think there is a need for censorship." Sokov shook his head and said: "These commanders and fighters have been detained by the Germans for two years and still have not surrendered to the enemy, which shows that they are sincere to the motherland. If they are censored according to routine
, will dampen their self-esteem.”
"No, Comrade Sokov." Smirnov waved his hands and said: "No matter how these people performed in the prisoner of war camp, review is a procedure that cannot be omitted. This can effectively avoid the scum bribed by the Germans.
Sneak into our troops."
"Comrade Commander, I think General Shtemenko is right." Smirnov quickly agreed: "After all, there are tens of thousands of people, and no one can guarantee whether there are scum bribed by the Germans among them."
Sokov felt that there was no need to argue with Shtemenko and Smirnov on this matter, so he nodded and said smoothly: "Okay, after the prisoners of war in the open-pit mine are rescued, we will review and screen them."
Let’s leave the work to Comrade Military Commissar.”
It doesn't matter to Shtemenko who is responsible for the review and screening. All he wants is Sokov's attitude. Now seeing that Sokov is also conducting the review and screening, a smile appears on his face again: "Sokov
Comrade Cove, that's right. After they are reviewed and screened, there will be no problem, and then you can integrate them into the army. Even if others want to pick on you, they will have no way to do it."
"Telegram, telegram!" A staff officer ran over from the communication area, waving a telegram in his hand. He stuttered and said, "Yes, it's a telegram from Lieutenant Colonel Ponejelin."
Hearing that the telegram was from Ponejelin, Sokov knew that the other party must have found the location of the mine. Just as he was about to raise his hand to receive the telegram, Smirnov, who was standing next to him, had already taken it first.
Telegram and browse quickly.
"Comrade Commander," Smirnov looked up at Sokov after reading the contents of the telegram and reported excitedly: "Lieutenant Colonel Ponedelin said that they have discovered the location of the mine.
Preparations are being made for rescue."
Upon learning that Ponedelin had found the location of the mine, Sokov couldn't help feeling ecstatic. He quickly asked: "Comrade Chief of Staff, did Lieutenant Colonel Ponedelin tell you how many enemies are guarding the mine?"
"According to his observation, there is about a company of troops. He said that they are completely sure that they will eat this enemy." Smirnov finally added: "In order to prevent the enemy from jumping over the wall and killing the commanders and fighters detained in the open pit,
So they are unable to launch an attack immediately."
Sokov knew very well in his heart that Ponejelin was not being alarmist. There were so many commanders and fighters crowded in the open-pit mine. If the Germans were really desperate and jumped over the wall and threw a bunch of mortar shells or cluster grenades into the mine from above, they would
It can cause devastating damage to commanders and combatants.
Therefore, he solemnly said to Smirnov: "Chief of Staff, send a telegram back to Lieutenant Colonel Ponedelin and ask them to ensure the safety of the prisoners of war in the open pit."
"Okay, Comrade Commander." Smirnov also knew that if the Germans threw artillery shells or explosive packets into the mine before leaving, it would be enough to cause heavy casualties to the officers and soldiers living at the bottom of the pit: "I will take you immediately
Please convey the meaning to Lieutenant Colonel Ponejelin truthfully."
While Smirnov went to the communication area, Shtemenko curiously asked Sokov: "Comrade Sokov, after you rescue these prisoners of war, are you going to integrate them into the army?"
"Comrade Deputy Chief of General Staff, although I really want to do this, there must be a considerable number of prisoners of war who will no longer be able to enter the army." Sokov sighed and said: "I think many commanders and soldiers were captured as prisoners of war.
I have suffered so much abuse from the Germans in the camp that I am afraid that I have become disabled and cannot stay in the army at all, so I have no choice but to retire."
Since Shtemenko mentioned the prisoners of war first, Sokov took the opportunity to say: "Comrade Deputy Chief of General Staff, after you return to Moscow, do not forget to report the situation of the prisoners of war to the Supreme Commander himself, and make sure they receive
deserved treatment.”
When he said this, Sokov was murmuring in his heart: If he asked Zhukov to do this, he would definitely tell him about it without any scruples when reporting on his work. From the outside, Shtemenko seemed to be a good person.
Sir, try not to offend anyone. The suggestions you ask him to make may have a certain adverse impact on his future, and he may back down at a critical moment.
Therefore, he finally added: "Comrade Deputy Chief of General Staff, if what I said embarrasses you, just say it and I will find someone else to handle the matter."
Shtemenko, who was originally hesitant, suddenly became competitive after hearing what Sokov said. He said to Sokov: "Comrade Sokov, don't worry, since I promised you,
Then I will definitely mention this matter to the Supreme Commander himself at the right time and place. If he can change his mind, that would be good. For every prisoner of war camp liberated, we can get thousands or even tens of thousands of prisoners of war.
And add them to the army."
"If that's really the case, that would be great."
Before he finished speaking, the phone on the table rang. Sokov picked up the phone and listened. It turned out that it was Chumakov calling: "Comrade Commander, this is Chumakov."
When Sokov heard Chumakov's voice, he couldn't help but be startled. Is there something wrong with the 57th Army? He quickly asked cautiously: "General Chumakov, is something wrong?"
"Comrade Commander, I have something important to report to you." Chumakov said on the phone: "General Moskalenko, the commander of the 38th Group Army, is in my headquarters at the moment. He thinks of the group army.
The headquarters is going to visit you, I wonder if he is allowed to pass?"
"Needless to say, General Chumakov." Knowing that Moskalenko was about to visit, Sokov had no reason to refuse. He quickly said into the microphone: "You will accompany General Moskalenko in person.
I'm coming here."
Putting down the phone, Sokov said to Smirnov: "Comrade Chief of Staff, I have news to tell you. General Chumakov called me not long ago and told me that Moskalenko, commander of the 38th Group Army, is about to
A visit. Do you think we need to go out to greet you?"
"I don't think it's necessary." Before Smirnov could express his opinion, Shtemenko rushed to say: "Comrade Sokov, I think you should stay in the headquarters and wait for him. After all, your rank is
If you are higher than him, there is no reason for a general to greet a lieutenant general. If you wait for him outside, it will make the other party despise and look down on you."
"Okay, Comrade Deputy Chief of General Staff." Sokov thought about what Shtemenko said and felt that it still made some sense. He nodded and said, "Then I will do what you said.
Stay here and await the arrival of General Moskalenko."
Seeing that Sokov followed his advice and adopted his own suggestions, Shtemenko was quite happy. Thinking that the battle to liberate Uman'e was basically over, the next stage of the battle needed to be discussed: "Comrade Sokov,
Now that the enemies outside Uman have been eliminated, should you consider regrouping them to join the 18th Guards Army to the west and complete the task of forcibly crossing the South Bug River?"
