Hoppner was having lunch at the time. He had just returned from Wolf's Den and went to the front line for a walk before returning to the headquarters.
The staff officer beside Hoppner kept talking: "General, we should shrink the right wing, because its flank cannot block the Russian attack, otherwise the Russians will open a gap in our defense line..."
At this time the phone came, and the signal soldier handed the phone to Hoppner.
After Hoppner answered the phone, he heard Hitler's voice: "General, I order you to hand over your command. The Fourth Armored Army will be commanded by Major General Negan!"
Then the call was hung up.
Hoppner couldn't help but be startled. Although this was expected, he didn't expect it to happen at this time, when the battle on the front line was so tense.
What Hoppner didn't expect was that his punishment was not only to be dismissed from his post, but also to have his military rank revoked.
Although Guderian and others were also dismissed from their posts, they all retained their military ranks and may be re-employed after a period of time.
But Hoppner completely became a civilian with nothing and left the army in shame.
Perhaps this is why Hoeppner became a pioneer in assassinating Hitler.
Hoppner acted very calmly at the time. As a professional soldier, he knew not to act impulsively on the battlefield.
Hoppner raised his head to Major General Negan, who also received the call and was looking at him in astonishment, and said, "Leave it to you, I wish you good luck!"
With that said, Hoppner took off his military cap from the wall and walked out of the headquarters.
The officers and soldiers of the Fourth Armored Group were all stunned by the news, because Hoppner was obviously an outstanding commander. He led the troops to make outstanding achievements on the French battlefield and the Soviet battlefield, and at the same time, as a commander.
The general will always command on the front line...so the removal of Hoeppner will undoubtedly have a considerable impact on the Fourth Tank Army, and this is not something that Major General Negan can suppress.
Sure enough, while Hoppner was still on the way to Wolf's Lair, the Fourth Tank Army had already begun to show signs of collapse.
At this time, Shulka was still fighting back and forth with the 6th Armored Division for the Tverskaya Bridge.
In fact, it is meaningless to fight for the bridge at this time, because even if Shulka abandons the Tverskaya Bridge, the German army will not have enough time to resume transportation and transport enough supplies to the Fourth Tank Army...even if the supplies can be transported
There is no way to reverse the defeat.
Shulka just suddenly felt that the roar of German fighter planes above his head was less, and his psychological pressure was also relieved.
Prior to this, the reason why the Soviet army did not dare to fight the enemy on open ground was not because the 1st Guards Tank Brigade could not defeat the enemy's armored division, but because they occupied air superiority.
Just when Shulka was confused, he heard Katukov calling and shouting excitedly: "Well done, Shulka, they failed!"
"What failed?" Although Shulka knew what it was, he wasn't sure.
"The German defense line has collapsed!" Katukov said: "Because we cut off the German supply line, the Kalinin Front has broken through the German defense line, and the Germans have begun to flee on a large scale. We have won!"
The surrounding soldiers also heard the voice on the phone, but like Shulka, they couldn't believe it.
Until the instructor raised his arms and shouted: "Did you hear that, comrades? We have won, we have won!"
Then the cheers started immediately.
Although the 1st Guards Tank Brigade has achieved many victories, this victory is different from usual... This victory is a counterattack victory, which means the failure of the German strategic goal of the Moscow Battle, which means that the Soviet army has held
Moscow achieved a decisive victory.
Now, the question is how far the Soviet army can push the German army.
"Comrade Captain!" the instructor said excitedly: "It's time for us to attack. Give us the order!"
"No, Comrade Instructor!" Shulka replied: "The more we do at this time, the more calm we should be!"
"Calm down?" the instructor said doubtfully: "The enemy's air force has withdrawn, and our morale is high. Isn't this a good time to attack? If we wait like this, the enemy will escape!"
"The Kalinin Front broke through the German defense line from the north!" Shulka said: "They will surround Tver, and then it will be the time to launch an attack!"
The instructor nodded: "Listen to you, Shulka, you are always right!"
After a pause, the instructor sighed again: "It's unbelievable, we really won! Although I believe we can win, when victory really comes..."
The instructor didn't know how to describe what happened next.
But Shulka understood what the instructor was thinking at this time.
In fact, not only the instructor, but also every officer and soldier in the Soviet army from top to bottom will have mixed feelings, and of course the people in the rear will also have mixed feelings.
The reason is that before this, most people believed that the Soviet Union could not withstand the German attack... Many people said "believe that victory belongs to the Soviet Union", but in fact they did not think so in their hearts. They were forced to think so.
Or even if you think so, you are not convinced.
After all, the German army had swept across the entire European continent without a single defeat before, and many people believed that the Soviet Union was no exception, especially since the Soviet Union had suffered such heavy losses since the war began.
But now, the German army actually collapsed, and the Soviet Union actually won... This turning point made many Soviet officers and soldiers feel like they were dreaming.
Hitler also couldn't believe this. After hearing the intelligence of the Fourth Tank Army's retreat in the Wolf's Lair, he would only repeat his previous words hysterically: "No retreat, hold on!"
Marshal Luge called Hitler and reported: "Your Excellency, the Fourth Tank Army's defense line has been breached, which means that we will be surrounded by the enemy. I think we should retreat, shrink the defense line and stabilize our position!"
But Hitler would not listen. He objected without thinking: "No, I will never allow retreat! Everyone must hold on to their position... Don't worry about being surrounded, we will soon be able to block their attack."
Hold your ground!"
This idea is completely unrealistic, just like the Soviet army at that time would rather have millions of Soviet troops surrounded in Kiev than allow them to retreat.
After putting down the phone, Marshal Luger said angrily: "He is simply crazy. This is not fighting, but giving our excellent soldiers to the enemy!"
After walking back and forth in front of the desk several times, Marshal Luger gave the order to the adjutant: "Pass the order and retreat!"
"Your Excellency Marshal..."
"I take full responsibility!" Marshal Luger interrupted the adjutant.