Manstein had no choice but to give such an order because he had orders, and at this time, the Don Army Group was also an arrow off the string and could only continue to move forward.
However, Manstein never expected that the Russians could launch a counterattack at this time and even use train artillery. Otherwise, he would have added troops to the rear to strengthen the flank defense anyway.
As time goes by, the main force of the Don Army Group is also approaching Karachi.
At this time, Paulus was indeed a little distracted. He looked at the map in surprise and said to Bergman: "They were able to break through to Karachi in such a short period of time? Did I underestimate the Don Army Group, or did I
Do I look down on the Russians?"
"No, none, Your Majesty Marshal!" Colonel Bergmann replied.
"What do you mean?" Paulus asked.
"Because..." Colonel Bergmann handed over a telegram and said, "We received this a few minutes ago!"
Paulus took a look and saw that it was a message from the Russians, saying that they were planning to lure the enemy deeper.
Only then did Paulus react and understand why the Russians had proposed to surrender after three days. Originally, he thought it was to prepare the 6th Army. Now it seems that the Russians had already taken advantage of the truce to send troops and supplies.
They were all transferred to the west of the Don River.
Paulus thought for a moment and picked up the phone...
"What do you want to do, Marshal?" Colonel Bergmann asked.
"Of course, notify the Don River Army!"
"No, you can't do that!"
"Why not?" Paulus asked: "We have not surrendered yet. We cannot watch the Don Army Group walking into the trap step by step..."
"You just can't, Your Excellency Marshal!" Colonel Bergmann held down the phone with one hand and the butt of the gun with the other.
At that moment, Paulus suddenly understood that the subordinate he valued in front of him was not actually in contact with the Russians as he said. He was simply a Russian spy.
However, Paulus didn't know this until it was too late. The guards around him had been replaced by Bergmann's people, and he could be said to have become a puppet.
"When?" Paulus asked.
"You don't need to worry about this, Your Majesty Marshal!" Colonel Bergmann looked at his watch and said: "There are only three hours left before the 'amnesty order'. I think it is time for you to fulfill the agreement and declare surrender!"
Paulus could only nod helplessly. Only then did he realize that he had lost completely. The funny thing was that he thought he was fighting for the initiative and benefits for the 6th Army. Who knew that it was all a Russian trap...
...He had to admit that the Russians were very clever in this series of actions, and the interlocking actions made it difficult for him to guard against them.
The Germans at this time were, to be precise, the German soldiers of the 6th Army. It would be a lie to say that their hearts were firm.
Because of the truce, the so-called "people talk a lot", the soldiers squatted in the trenches and discussed the current situation in a low voice... The reason why they had to keep quiet was because there were Gestapo eyes and ears everywhere. If they were not careful, their discussions would be ruined.
It will become a basis for them to be charged with treason.
German soldiers are divided into two camps.
There is no need to say which two camps they belong to.
One is to believe that the Don Army Group can reach Karachi and rescue them.
The other preferred to surrender before the end of the amnesty order.
However, because Paulus had not announced his decision to surrender at this time, they did not even know that Paulus had discussed it with the Soviet Union. In addition, the Don Army Group was advancing towards Karachi step by step, and they in Stalingrad even
You can hear the Don Army's artillery bombardment of Karachi and the planes swooping down and dropping bombs in the sky.
Therefore, of these two voices, the former must have the upper hand.
But the latter is not to be outdone. This is mainly because the amnesty order will pass in a few hours, and there will be no such opportunity by then. And what if it is discovered that it is impossible to break through?!
Just as the German soldiers were whispering to each other in uneasiness, a harsh noise suddenly came from the loudspeaker of the Propaganda Department, and then Paulus's voice broke into their ears.
"All the soldiers of the 6th Army, and all the warriors who fought in Stalingrad!" Paulus said: "I regret to tell you that we are engaged in a war with no hope of victory. Everything is over, I
Decided to surrender..."
This sentence was like dropping a bomb, which immediately caused a stir among the soldiers.
Some German officers and soldiers who were more inclined to break through were confused. Some of them even shouted unwillingly: "What happened? Isn't the Don Army attacking Karachi?"
"Aren't we winning?"
"We still have hope of breaking out, don't we?"
…
Then Paulus gave the answer.
"Don't think we still have hope!" Paulus said: "The reason why the Don Army Group was able to reach Karachi was because the Russians asked them to reach Karachi. Do you understand? They will soon be in trouble, because Russia
The main force of the people has already moved around to their rear..."
Paulus's intentions are actually very obvious. He used this method at the last moment to try to get the message out... The German army's communication equipment is relatively complete. Not only the group army headquarters has contact with the Don River Army, but also the headquarters of each army.
.
So, if they were smart enough, they should have contacted by radio and warned Army Group Don.
This can be said to be the last thing Paulus did for Germany, because he always believed that he was still an imperial soldier before surrender, so he should consider the interests of Germany.
Colonel Bergmann realized this too late, so he acquiesced to Paulus's approach.
"Believe me!" Paulus finally said: "If there is still a glimmer of hope, I am not willing to do this. But now, I think this is the best choice! Put down your weapons and surrender!"
Almost at that moment gunfire rang out.
This is not surprising at all, since the Gestapo and the Einsatzgruppe and the SS did not allow this.
But none of them expected that Paulus and Colonel Bergmann had already made arrangements. Just when they were about to take action, several troops suddenly surrounded them and launched an attack.
Among them, the SS headquarters was controlled at the first opportunity... As the commander of the 6th Army, it was not difficult for Paulus to arrange a few people in the SS.
Then, everyone understood that surrender was indeed the only way to survive.
This is very depressing, because this is a surrender after all, so all the German soldiers have gloomy faces.
Only the Italian soldiers let out a burst of discordant cheers, as if they had just won a victory. (To be continued)