Zhukov did not let Shulka continue speaking, but directly took Shulka out of the headquarters.
"I'll take you to meet someone!" Zhukov said as he got into the jeep in Shulka.
Of course, there is another reason why Zhukov took Shulka away: Although it is inevitable that Kursk will become a battlefield, Sarayev still cannot know the specific combat plan... After all, he is only a division commander, a division commander of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and has no authority.
There is no need to have access to these top secrets.
As for Shulka, he is no ordinary group leader.
The jeep drove on the street for more than ten minutes... Because Voronezh was once occupied by the German army (during the Battle of Stalingrad, the battle that took place here was called the Battle of Voronezh), so the city was full of collapsed houses and bomb craters. Many
People can only live in simple houses made of wooden boards and cardboard, and some people even have to gather in the ruins to huddle up and shiver in the cold wind.
Seemingly seeing Shulka's gaze, Zhukov explained from the side: "Don't worry, the reason why they haven't received enough food and clothing is because during this period we used all the supplies for the war, and now the battle line has stabilized
Come down, they'll get help soon...should get it before it starts snowing!"
The "should" in Zhukov's words is because he is not very sure.
Shulka knew why.
Although Zhukov said there is no problem, as the Soviet Union enters the winter truce between the enemy and ourselves, the Soviet logistics can also breathe a sigh of relief.
However, even so, the army must first be satisfied...especially the construction of fortifications in the Kursk area.
Therefore, people may not necessarily receive assistance in time.
Shulka believed that the Soviet Union would be more willing to let these people earn supplies... that is, go to Kursk to build fortifications, and then they can get what they want.
This approach may be a bit cruel, but it is the reality of the war years, especially when supplies are not abundant, it is a system that has to be implemented.
While Shulka was feeling compassion, the jeep stopped in front of a red brick building. Several guards at the door straightened their bodies immediately when they saw Zhukov getting out of the car.
"This is the headquarters of the Voronezh Front!" Zhukov introduced to Shulka as he walked: "You should know who he is, right?"
"No, I don't know!" Shulka replied.
He really didn't know that Shulka had never been very interested in changes in upper-level commanders, unless it was within the combat range of his own unit or someone he needed to contact.
"Lieutenant General Nikolay Vatutin!" Zhukov replied: "During the Battle of Stalingrad, he was temporarily transferred to the position of commander of the Southwest Front, and he was transferred back not long ago!"
Shulka said "Oh".
Although the Southwest Front was extremely important in the Battle of Stalingrad...the Southwest Front was located behind the German army and directly threatened the German army's logistics supply line, but its performance was asymmetrical to its strength and position. It was firmly blocked by the German army from the beginning to the end.
In addition, apart from containing some German troops and sending fighter planes to harass the German logistics supply lines, there was almost no achievement.
It was even the Southwest Front that mainly pursued the German army. However, because they underestimated the enemy and thought they could drive the German army out of the Soviet Union, Manstein suffered heavy losses in a counterattack in Kharkov.
"You brought me here just to see him?" Shulka asked with some confusion.
Shulka believed that he had no connection with Vatutin, but it would be a different matter if the 11th Infantry Division of the Ministry of Internal Affairs was to be integrated into the Voronezh Front.
But Shulka was wrong.
"Yes!" Zhukov replied: "I hope you can convince him!"
"Convince him?"
"He is a determined counterattacker!" Zhukov turned around and explained.
Then Shulka understood that the so-called "counterattackers" meant launching counterattacks before the German attack.
If it was just Vatutin, it would be easy to solve.
Then, Zhukov added: "There is also Comrade Stalin!"
With that said, Zhukov opened the door and walked in.
An incandescent lamp was lit in the headquarters, and several generals were discussing something around the map on the table.
Zhukov took off his hat and said happily: "Comrades, look who I brought here?"
Several generals raised their heads and looked at Shulka in confusion. Perhaps it was because Shulka was in the dark outside the light, so no one recognized him.
Zhukov pulled Shulka into the light, waved his hat and introduced triumphantly: "My good brother, the 'breakout hero' Comrade Shulka!"
The serious faces of the generals suddenly softened like melting icebergs, and then one by one they stepped forward to shake hands with Shulka:
"Hello, Comrade Shulka!"
"Nice to meet you!"
…
"This is Comrade Vatutin!" Zhukov said to a slightly fat, fair-faced and well-groomed general: "Commander of the Voronezh Front!"
Shulka quickly stood up, saluted, and said: "Shurka, commander of the 8th Infantry Regiment!"
Vatutin nodded and said: "Comrade Shulka, I am very happy to transfer you to the Voronezh Front. This is the main reason why I agreed to transfer the 11th Infantry Division of the Ministry of Internal Affairs to Voronezh! If Comrade Tolbukhin is
If you know this, you will definitely find a fight with me!"
(Note: At this time, the commander of the Southern Front was Lieutenant General Tolbukhin)
Several generals around him couldn't help laughing.
Only then did Shulka know that it was no coincidence that he was transferred here. Of course, it was not because of the 11th Infantry Division of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, but because the 11th Division had benefited from Shulka.
Then Vatutin stretched out his hand and shook Shulka's hand, saying: "Voronezh needs you and your troops, Comrade Shulka! You are excellent soldiers! Welcome to your arrival!"
"Thank you, Comrade Vatutin!"
"Wait!" Zhukov interrupted at this time: "Comrade Vatutin, I think what you call 'need' means that you need Shulka to participate in your offensive plan, right?"
"Is there anything wrong?" Vatutin asked.
"Are you so sure that Comrade Shulka will be on your side?" Zhukov asked.
"Of course!" Vatutin replied confidently: "Because he is a 'breakout hero'!"
Another meaning of this is that a hero will of course choose to attack like a man, instead of retreating or passively defending like a coward.
However, this time Vatutin obviously guessed wrong.
Zhukov smiled, then patted Shulka on the shoulder and said: "Tell us your answer, Comrade Shulka!"
"Sorry, Comrade Vatutin!" Shulka replied: "I think we should defend rather than attack!" (To be continued)