"No, no retreat!" Hitler's order remained unchanged: "The Russians are just bluffing... I know that their reinforcements from Siberia have arrived. This is the capital of the Russians' counterattack, but I believe their reinforcements are not
These stupid Russians will soon consume these troops in the attack, and we will regain the initiative on the battlefield. All you need to do is persist, persist!"
Hitler seems to be right. If the German army can hold the current defense line and consume the Soviet troops, then the Soviet army will eventually be weak due to an ineffective counterattack.
The problem is that the German army has to deal with two enemies: the Soviet army and the cold.
At this time, the temperature continued to drop, reaching minus 40 degrees Celsius. At any time, the German soldiers had to work hard not to freeze to death while also keeping their rifles warm.
Otherwise, when they face the enemy, they will not even be able to pull the bolt of the gun.
Of course Hitler didn't care about this.
Many generals thought that Hitler did not know how difficult the front line was, so they kept reporting to the Wolf's Lair how difficult the front line was, and how many officers and soldiers froze to death every day... But in fact Hitler knew this, but he thought that as long as he had tenacity
With perseverance, all these difficulties can be overcome.
Hitler and Stalin were somewhat similar in this regard. They both believed that as long as they had tenacious perseverance and gave full play to their fearless spirit, they could defeat the enemy regardless of harsh objective conditions.
Rejected, Kubil could only call Marshal Luge, commander of Army Group Center, for help.
Marshal Luge was silent for a while and then replied: "I know the situation on the front line, General. But you also know that it is impossible for me to agree to the withdrawal of the Fourth Army Group, because as soon as I give the order...the commander of Army Group Center will
It’s time to replace someone!”
"I know, Your Majesty Marshal!" Kubil replied: "But we can't go on like this, otherwise we will all be doomed!"
After thinking for a while, Marshal Luge replied: "I think the way is to stick to Tver!"
"What?" Kubil replied with some despair: "But this is impossible, Marshal! The enemy has already entered the city. They have tanks, air superiority, and many more artillery and troops than us...
…”
"I know!" Marshal Luger interrupted Kubil: "That's why I didn't ask you to guard Tver!"
"I don't understand, Your Majesty Marshal!" Kubile was a little confused.
"We are not fighting the enemy now, General!" Marshal Luge explained: "We are fighting our own people. If we can hold on for a few days, others may not be able to..."
Marshal Luger didn't say anything further, but Kubiler understood.
The reason is actually very simple, "shooting will kill the first bird", Luger and Kubiler just need to stop being the "first bird".
Then, as other parts of the defense line collapsed, other parts of the German army would inevitably retreat. At that time, they would make demands to Hitler or retreat at all costs...Hitler would have to admit this fact.
"Tver is very important, General!" Marshal Luge added: "Because it is a transportation hub and controls a considerable part of the supplies transported to the front line!"
Kubil understood immediately and stood up and responded: "Yes, Your Majesty Marshal!"
This sentence added by Marshal Luge is the key point.
A considerable part of the supplies of the German 4th Tank Group and the main force of the 3rd Armored Division that were attacking north of Moscow were transported through Tver, and only Tver left some of these supplies...
Kubil put down the phone and ordered to his adjutant: "Immediately intercept the supplies destined for the Fourth Tank Group, and we will put them into the defensive battle of Tver!"
"Yes, General!" This is what the adjutant likes to hear the most, because it means that the Fourth Army can get more fuel, clothing and ammunition.
Of course, this had a quick response.
Within an hour, General Hoeppner, commander of the 4th Tank Group, called.
"What's going on?" Hoppner asked Kubile almost angrily: "I heard that you intercepted my supplies? Do you know what you are doing?"
"Yes, Your Majesty General!" Kubil replied: "I think you know that Tver is under heavy attack from the enemy at this time!"
"Yes, I know!" Hoppner replied: "But that doesn't mean you have the right to withhold my supplies, because we are also being attacked by the Russians, and there are many more enemies than you have to face.
many!"
"The question is... Your Excellency, Admiral!" Kubil said: "If I send these supplies to you and Tver falls, what do you think will happen?"
Hoppner was speechless for a moment.
This problem is very simple. If Tver falls, for the Fourth Tank Group, it is not just a problem of not receiving supplies, but also a problem of being cut off from the supply line and surrounded.
"No matter what, Lieutenant General!" Hoppner softened his tone: "You must let these supplies go, otherwise we will be completely ruined!"
"Understood, Your Excellency, General!" Kubil replied: "But, I think... I will intercept part of it and use it for the defense of Tver. You will have no problem, right?"
Hoppner gritted his teeth and said, "Of course!"
Kubiler had a satisfied smile on his face after hanging up the phone.
On the other hand, the Soviet army immediately launched an offensive against Tver.
Street fighting has always been a troublesome battle, especially for tank troops.
Needless to say the reason...the long range and protection of tanks are difficult to play in street fighting. The Germans can use the cover of buildings and broken walls to get close to the tanks, so even anti-tank grenades can only be thrown from a distance of more than 20 meters.
It poses a great threat to tank troops.
This problem was solved after the Soviet army had rocket launchers.
Because when the tank drives forward along the street, the rocket launcher shooters will hit the suspicious buildings or broken walls on both sides. The German troops hiding among them are often killed and injured before they can throw anti-tank grenades.
.
The situation at this time was that the German army did not have rocket launchers but the Soviet army did, so this situation occurred in street fighting.
Otherwise, if the German army has rocket launchers and residential buildings for defense, it will definitely be a nightmare for the tank troops.
The problem is that the Germans are not fools either.
They came up with some very creative and effective tactics: they planted explosives in tall buildings in advance, and then when the tanks drove forward, they blew up the buildings with a bang and blocked them in the middle of the road.
Several Soviet tanks were buried in the rubble and could not move. Fortunately, the tank crews inside were not seriously injured...the tank armor was still very resistant to pressure.