In the next two days, the situation on the battlefield developed in favor of the Soviet army.
Due to the defection of the 20th Infantry Division, when General Korodeev's 52nd Army launched an attack on the German army in front, the 116th and 130th Infantry Divisions hidden in the Romanian military defense area unexpectedly launched from the rear of the German army.
After more than five hours of fierce fighting, the German army was completely annihilated by the Soviet army with superior strength and equipment. The 52nd Army, which was blocking the Lutheran army, was annihilated and finally joined forces with Sokov's combat group.
When the commanders and fighters of both sides celebrated the victory and the rendezvous on the battlefield, Korodeev called Sokov and prepared to express his gratitude to him: "General Sokov, my troops have joined up with your troops.
Already."
Sokov was also very happy to learn that Korodeev's troops broke through the German defenses and joined forces with his own troops. This meant that he did not have to worry about being attacked by the German troops in the rear, and could rest assured and be bold.
The main force was transferred to Romania.
Facing Korodeev's expression of gratitude, Sokov said politely: "General Korodeev, you're welcome. We are friendly forces to begin with, and helping you is helping myself. The enemies in front of you have been eliminated.
, the combat areas of our two armies are connected, so no one has to worry about their rear or flanks being attacked by the enemy. Isn’t that right?”
"That's right, that's right." Korodeev asked politely, "General Sokov, what are your next plans?"
"Now my main force is being mobilized to Romania, and I estimate that the next move will be in that direction." Sokov asked rhetorically: "General Korodeev, what are your plans next?"
"Me," Korodeev said hesitantly: "After such a long period of fighting, my troops are in urgent need of replenishment in terms of soldiers and ammunition. I think my troops may need to rest for a while.
It’s time.”
After learning that the 52nd Army was unable to continue fighting after this period of fighting, Sokov could not help but feel a little disappointed. But he still said in a calm tone: "General Koroteyev, I guess even in Romania
Large-scale military operations within the territory will also need to wait until summer, so that you have enough time to rest and recuperate."
After Sokov put down the phone, Trofimenko asked curiously: "Comrade Commander, what did General Korodeev say on the phone?"
"He said that after the early battles, his troops need to be replenished, both in terms of soldiers and ammunition. I am afraid that they will not be able to engage in new battles for a long time." Sokov said here, see Special
A look of disdain appeared on Rofimenko's face, and he quickly explained: "Comrade Deputy Commander, judging from the current situation, even if General Korodeev's 52nd Army is allowed to enter the battle, the role it can play will be very small.
Not much. It's better to let them rest for a while, so that when they have to fight a new battle in the future, they can join the battlefield as a new force."
At this time, a staff officer called Trofimenko to answer the phone, saying that it was the deployment of the 27th Army. While Trofimenko was answering the phone, Sokov sat at the table, took out his cigarette case and smoked
A cigarette was held in his mouth, but he did not light it, but recalled some gradually forgotten memories in his mind.
He vaguely remembered that the Battle of Bucharest took place in August of this year, but he could not remember the specific details. After all, everyone was focused on the three troops that rushed directly to Berlin: Zhukov's 1st Belorussian Front, Kone
husband's 2nd Ukrainian Front, and Rokossovsky's 2nd Belorussian Front.
Among them, the one that attracted the most attention was naturally Zhukov's First Belarusian Front. In addition to Zhukov being a world-class general, more importantly, this unit was the first Soviet army to enter Berlin.
Next is Konev's 1st Ukrainian Front. Since Konev took over as commander of the front, the combat effectiveness of this unit has skyrocketed and it has achieved a series of impressive achievements.
The most regrettable thing was Rokossovsky. At that time, his troops had already arrived outside Warsaw, but they were transferred to the Second Belarusian Front in the secondary direction by Stalin's order, responsible for the East Prussian area.
Strategy.
By next month, that is, in May, Konev will be officially appointed as the commander of the First Ukrainian Front Army. If he cannot follow him to the new unit, he will have no choice but to stay in the Second Front Army and follow him.
The new front commander liberated some small countries in Eastern Europe, but had no chance of conquering Berlin.
While Sokov was thinking wildly, the phone on the table rang. He picked it up and put it to his ear. Konev's voice came from it: "Comrade Sokov, I heard that your troops are in contact with Koro
General Deev's troops have joined forces?"
Sokov knew in his heart that Konev must have learned about the meeting of the two armies through his channels. He asked just to open up a common topic so that everyone could continue to chat.
"Yes, Comrade Marshal, we have indeed joined forces." Sokov replied: "But..."
"But what?"
"I heard General Koroterev say that after a long battle, his troops are in urgent need of replenishment of soldiers and ammunition, otherwise they will not be able to continue fighting."
"General Koroterev is right." Konev said: "His troops are no longer capable of continuing to fight. They must undergo a period of rest and replenishment before they can carry out the next combat operation."
"What about us?" Sokov vaguely felt that there must be something particularly important when Konev called at this time, so he asked tentatively: "Should we continue fighting, or should we temporarily stop the attack like the 52nd Army?
Switch to defense on the spot and wait until replenishment and rest are completed before taking the next step?"
"Comrade Sokov, I called you just to tell you this." Konev said solemnly: "The purpose of this Uman-Botosani battle has been achieved. What will happen next?"
Carry out some finishing work. A week later, this battle will officially be over."
"Then what should we do with our troops in Romania now?" Hearing that the battle was coming to an end, Sokov asked tentatively: "Should we stay in place or withdraw temporarily?"
"Since we have already occupied the areas, how can we give up so easily?" Konev said on the phone: "Of course we will continue to hold on. When a new campaign is launched, these places can become the starting point for our troops to gather and attack."
"I understand." Sokov heard what Konev meant. He must not give up any ground in the occupied areas. It seems necessary to build permanent fortifications in those areas, so that the attack can be retreated.
But before that, we must ask Konev for instructions. After all, the deployment of many resources would be impossible without his help: "Comrade Marshal, should we build some permanent fortifications in the occupied areas to
What about preventing a German counterattack?"
"This is what it should be." Konev seemed to have guessed that Sokov would ask this question, and said patiently: "When our battle comes to an end, the Germans will definitely not allow our troops to enter Romania. They will definitely
They will mobilize troops from other places and find ways to drive us out. So you must not only build permanent fortifications, but also build more, and it is best to form a complete defense system to resist possible attacks by the German army."
Perhaps because he was worried that Sokov would not take his words to heart, Konev also emphasized: "Comrade Sokov, you must not take the Germans lightly just because they have won many battles. You know
Last year, our army built a large number of fortifications in the Kursk area and deployed heavy troops. However, in the face of the fierce German attack, we were still defeated. If the superiors had not transferred several armies from my army,
If we go to reinforce, it’s really hard to say who can win the final victory.”
If Sokov didn't understand the process of history, Konev's words might have caused him panic. After all, the troops of a front army relied on a solid and complete defense system and were retreating steadily under the fierce German offensive.
He did not believe that his two armies, without strong fortifications and a complete defense system, could withstand the full blow of the German army.
But Sokov knew very well that the Allied forces would land in Normandy in early June. By then the focus of the German defense would shift to France, and Romania would become insignificant. The German army would certainly not organize large-scale operations in places of insignificant importance.
attack, but to establish a solid defense to prevent the Soviet army from expanding the occupied area.
However, even if the German army does not voluntarily give up the offensive, the fortifications that need to be repaired still need to be repaired. Sokov made a request for resources to Konev: "Comrade Marshal, if you want to build permanent fortifications in many places, you may need a lot of resources."
I wonder if you can provide us with resources?"
"Of course." Regarding Sokov's request, Konev agreed readily: "Ask Samyko to make a list of supplies, and I will notify the logistics department to provide you with the full amount."
"That's great, Comrade Marshal! Thank you, thank you so much!"
Just when Sokov thought Konev was about to end the call, he suddenly heard him say hesitantly: "Sokov, there is one more thing I want to tell you."
Sokov felt that Konev's tone of voice was a bit strange, so he asked tentatively: "Comrade Marshal, what do you know?"
"That's it." After a fierce ideological struggle in his heart, Konev decided to tell Sokov the truth: "I may have to be transferred from the First Front Army after a while and serve in other troops...
"
Hearing what Konev said, Sokov couldn't help but secretly rejoice. This meant that the other party was about to take office in the First Ukrainian Front Army. However, he still pretended to be confused and asked: "Ah, Comrade Marshal, you want to be transferred to
Other troops? I don’t know which one it is, can I go with you?"
The purpose of Konev's call to Sokov today was to first communicate with this subordinate who could surprise him repeatedly to see if he had any intention of accompanying him to the new army. At this moment, he heard that the other party had expressed his willingness
The idea of leaving with myself made me feel ecstatic.
But he still said seriously: "Comrade Sokov, I am about to take over the position of Marshal Zhukov and command the troops of the First Ukrainian Front. If you want to go with me, I am afraid you can no longer be a combat group like you are now.
A commander, you can command several army groups at the same time. I can only let you command one army group at most, so you have to think carefully and don’t regret it after I follow you to the new army."
"Comrade Marshal," Sokov knew that this was the best time to express his attitude. He said solemnly: "It is an honor for me to accept the command of such an excellent commander like you. If I can follow you to Ukraine's first
Front Army, not to mention being a group army commander, even if I am just a corps commander or even a division commander, I would be very happy."
"Pull him down." After listening to Sokov's statement, Konev felt relaxed and even joked with him: "If you become the division commander, the commanders of other fronts will not eat me alive. You know
, the highest rank of a division commander in our army is major general. If you, a general, become the division commander, people who don’t know the inside story would think you have made a mistake.”
Sokov didn't say anything, just giggled.
After a while, Konev sighed softly, and then asked: "Comrade Sokov, I want to ask you, if you go to the First Ukrainian Front with me, who will take your current position?"
Are you here to take over?"
"Needless to say," Sokov said casually: "General Trofimenko can be appointed. He is the deputy commander of the combat group. It is natural to take over my position."
Konev did not comment on Sokov's recommendation, but continued: "In order for you to start work as soon as possible after arriving in the new army, I allow you to take a group of people to the First Front Army."
"That's great." Sokov was also worried that he would become a mere commander after going directly to the First Front Army. But since Konev said this, he could justifiably transfer his cronies and
Some capable commanders were taken away and sent to new units to assist them in their work.
However, Konev may have guessed Sokov's intention and specifically reminded him: "Comrade Sokov, you can bring people you think you can trust to the new unit. However, the transfer of these people will not affect the current situation."
There is the operation of the army. Do you understand?"
"Understood." Sokov originally wanted to bring division commanders such as Muzichenko and Kirillov to the new unit, but since Konev was vaccinated, he could only lure him
People push their thoughts out of their minds and start thinking about taking those people away again.
"After the battle is over, there will be a period of rest and recuperation." Konev said: "I will leave at about that time, so you have to think about it recently and prepare to take those people with you to the new unit to avoid leaving temporarily.
, it will be bad if you make a mistake."
"Comrade Marshal, I have already thought about it." Sokov felt that since officers holding important positions such as Ponedelin, Muzichenko and Kirillov could not be taken away, then he would take away the officers from the Frunze Military Academy.
Although those students did not hold any important positions during this period, after training on the battlefield, they are fully qualified to take up new positions in the new army: "I plan to bring all the students from the Frunze Military Academy to
