Konev suddenly asked unexpectedly: "Comrade Sokov, do you have mortars?"
"Yes, Comrade Commander of the Front Army." Sokov did not understand the intention of Konev's question and quickly replied: "Each division has a mortar company. I wonder why you ask this?"
"The civilians who are trapped by the enemy are now in the middle of the positions of the two armies, so that you cannot see and cannot hit the enemy." Konev smiled and said to Sokov: "But you can bombard the enemy with mortars.
Position, this will definitely cause chaos to the enemy, and then most civilians will be able to escape into our position."
The words woke up the dreamer. After listening to Konev's words, Sokov slapped his hands on the table and said to himself that ginger is still hotter when old. Konev is indeed very clever and could come up with such a method.
, said repeatedly: "Comrade Commander of the Front Army, this method of yours is really good. I will immediately notify the divisions and let them use this method to deal with the enemy."
"But," although Konev's method was good, Samyko said with concern: "Comrade Commander, if we really use this tactic to deal with the Germans, even if it causes them confusion, once they discover
If civilians flee towards our position, it is still possible to shoot and cause certain casualties to the civilians."
After thinking for a while, Sokov felt that although Konev's method was not perfect, it was worth a try under the current circumstances. As for civilians who might be killed by German firepower when fleeing to their own positions, this was
It was inevitable. Thinking of this, he raised his head and said to Sameko: "Comrade Chief of Staff, immediately convey my order to each division, use mortars to bombard those enemies who are stubbornly resisting, and find ways to rescue our civilians.
"
"Okay, Comrade Commander." Seeing that Sokov had made up his mind, Samyko knew that anything he said would be useless, so he said helplessly: "I will go and issue combat orders to the commanders of each division."
Before Sameko could leave, Sokov warned him from behind: "Chief of Staff, tell the division commanders that when they start shelling the Germans, they must report in time any reaction from the enemy so that we can make decisions."
Correct judgment."
While Samyko was calling the commanders of each division, Konev and Sokov began a frank conversation: "Comrade Sokov, I heard that you plan to go to the Frunze Military Academy after the battle.
Is there such a thing as further education?"
"Yes, Comrade Commander of the Front Army, this is the case." Regarding Konev's question, Sokov answered truthfully: "You know, at the beginning of the war, I was just an ordinary soldier.
In 2000, I served as the commander of the group army. Now I feel more and more that my abilities are limited. It is very difficult to command such a large army. If I can enter the Frunze Military Academy to systematically study some military theories, it will be beneficial to me.
It will be of great help to direct operations in the future."
After listening to Sokov's words, Konev smiled. But he quickly shook his head and said: "Comrade Sokov, you are wrong. If you really enter the Frunze Military Academy, can you learn
I don't know what I got.
But one thing I know very well is that once you leave the 27th Group Army, your superiors will immediately send someone to take your place. Your military management philosophy is inherently different from ordinary people, and only then can you train an elite division. Newcomers
The commander may not necessarily approve of your approach, and will definitely make large-scale adjustments according to his personal preferences. As a result, the combat effectiveness of the 27th Group Army may not advance but retreat. You may want to think carefully."
Sokov did not expect that he wanted to go to the Frunze Military Academy to study charging, but was rejected by Konev. He even wondered whether he could call Zhukov privately if Konev firmly refused to let him go.
, ask him what his opinion is.
Konev said that the 27th Army will make major adjustments with Sokov's departure. Such adjustments may make the unit stronger; it may also cause the unit to gradually lose its combat effectiveness.
Sokov was thinking this when he suddenly heard Konev say: "Comrade Sokov, don't think I'm scaring you. You know, after the new commander takes office, he will definitely bring a group of his cronies.
To replace your subordinates, which will cause instability in the army. Whether this instability will affect the combat effectiveness of the army is temporarily unknown."
When Sokov first proposed that he wanted to go to the Frunze Military Academy, he did not only have the idea of learning military theory, but more importantly, he hoped to study in the military academy, make more connections, and make plans for his future. But
Now that I heard Konev say this, I couldn't help but fall into deep thought.
"Comrade Commander," Samyko finished the call and walked back to report to Sokov, "I have called all the division commanders, and they all said they would immediately launch an artillery bombardment on the Germans."
After confirming that Samyko had passed on the order, Sokov nodded silently, and then he asked Samyko his question: "Comrade Chief of Staff, do you think I should study at the Frunze Military Academy?"
After hearing this, Samek hesitated for a moment and asked tentatively: "Are you telling the truth?"
"Nonsense, of course it's the truth."
"I don't think it's necessary at all." Samyko is used to partnering with Sokov. If he changes to a commander with a different style at this time, he feels that it may take him a long time to adapt. "Your military command
Even many commanders who graduated from military academies cannot compare with your level. If you insist on studying, the position of commander of the group army will definitely be replaced by then. I think the arrival of the new commander will have some impact on our group army.
"Your combat concepts are incomparable to many commanders. There is no doubt about this." Sameko said carelessly: "Also, our group army can still maintain a strong combat effectiveness after so many battles. This is
It has something to do with your bold use of those rescued commanders and fighters. If it were another person, do you think he would still sympathize with these commanders and fighters and integrate them into the army like you?"
"General Samyko is right." As soon as Samyko finished speaking, Konev added: "If there is a new commander, he will not have as much courage as you to dare to kill tens of thousands of rescued commanders and soldiers at once.
Incorporate into your own combat unit. In addition, if you are no longer in the army, the Weapons and Equipment Department will no longer take special care of this unit. This can be seen in the 6th Guards Army that was changed from the 21st Army."
Konev's words reminded Sokov that since he was transferred to the commander of the 27th Army, many advanced weapons that the Weapons and Equipment Department originally supplied to the 21st Army as a priority have been stopped. When the Army was changed to the 21st Guards
After the 6th Army, the assault rifles had to undergo a large-scale replacement due to lack of ammunition. The soldiers' equipment changed to Bobosha submachine guns and Mosin Nagant rifles.
"So, there is no need for me to study at the Frunze Military Academy?"
"It's completely unnecessary." Konev shook his head and said, "I think you can play a greater role if you stay on the battlefield."
"Okay." Seeing that Konev and Samyko had surprisingly unanimous opinions and both firmly opposed him studying at the Frunze Military Academy, Sokov let go of his obsession: "Since you have the same opinion, then
I will follow your advice and no longer consider going to the Frunze Military Academy, but will continue to stay in the army."
Knowing that Sokov was willing to give up the opportunity to study and continue to stay in the army, Konev and Samyko both smiled: "It seems that you have figured it out. Only the battlefield is the most suitable place for you."
After a few people chatted for a while, the phone on the table suddenly rang. Sameko went over and picked up the phone: "I am Chief of Staff Sameko, where are you?"
"I'm Zhukov! Is Sokov here?"
"Yes, yes." Samyko quickly handed the microphone to Sokov and said at the same time: "Comrade Commander, your call is from Marshal Zhukov."
Knowing that the call was from Zhukov, Sokov quickly took the phone with both hands, put it to his ear and said: "Hello, Comrade Marshal, what instructions do you have?"
"Misha," Zhukov said kindly: "I just received a call from the dean of the Frunze Military Academy, saying that he agreed to let you study in the academy. I hope you can report to the school within a week."
"Ah, the dean of the Frunze Military Academy informed me to report to the school?" Sokov asked in surprise: "Comrade Marshal, are you mistaken?" As soon as the words came out of his mouth, Sokov realized his mistake.
Zhukov is such a cautious person, how could he make such a stupid mistake?
"It's not wrong. I also specifically verified it with the other party." After Zhukov briefly explained, he asked: "Misha, how do you think about it? Do you really plan to study at the Frunze Military Academy?"
"Comrade Marshal, what should I say?" Sokov replied hesitantly: "Initially I did want to study at the Frunze Military Academy, but recently I calmed down and thought about it, and felt that what I could learn in school was limited.
It’s better to stay in the army.”
After hearing this, Zhukov burst out laughing and said repeatedly: "Misha, I called you this phone originally because I wanted to persuade you to give up the opportunity to study and continue to stay in the army to command operations. I was thinking about how to persuade you.
, you actually told me that you had decided to stay in the army.
Very good, this is very good. Although you lack some systematic military theory, it does not affect you in any way to become an excellent commander who can scare the enemy. I think if you really go to school, after the Germans know the news,
We will definitely open champagne to celebrate. We can’t give the Germans such an opportunity.”
"Don't worry, Comrade Marshal, I will never give the enemy such a chance."
After chatting for a while, Zhukov asked about the progress of Merefa Fortress. Sokov gave Zhukov a detailed report on the German army using civilians as human shields. After hearing this, Zhukov grabbed a teapot in front of him.
He fell to the ground hard and muttered: "Damn Germans, they actually used such despicable means."
After a pause, he continued to ask: "Have you taken any measures?"
"Yes, Comrade Marshal, we have taken measures." Sokov reported to Zhukov: "I originally wanted to order people to get close to the civilians who were being held hostage, take advantage of the Germans' weakness of not knowing Russian, and let them all lie down.
Our soldiers can then fire at the exposed enemy.
But I didn't expect that the enemy was very cunning. They had already guessed what methods we would use to deal with them. They arranged snipers to hide in the crowd. As soon as they saw our commanders leaving their positions, they would shoot immediately, causing us a lot of damage.
Quite a few casualties." Sokov gritted his teeth and said, "Fortunately, Commander Konev came up with a good way to use mortars to bombard the enemies hiding behind civilians, catching them off guard."
After hearing this, Zhukov was silent for a while, and then asked: "How was the effect? Were the civilians rescued?"
"Comrade Marshal, the order has just been issued. It may take some time to know the effect of this."
"Yes, I know." Zhukov nodded and said, "As soon as the civilians are rescued, call me immediately."
"Understood, Comrade Marshal." Sokov readily agreed: "I will inform you as soon as possible."
When Sokov ended the call with Zhukov and put down the phone, he remembered that ten minutes had passed since the order was issued. He wondered what the current situation of the divisions who had received the order was, so he said to Samyko: "Chief of Staff
, you call the commanders of each division and ask them how the situation is there?"
"Okay, I'll call the division commanders immediately to find out how the battle situation is going."
After Konev waited for Samyko to go away, he sat in front of Sokov and said with a smile: "Did you hear that, Comrade Sokov? It's not just me and your subordinates who don't want you to leave, even Marshal Zhukov,
I don’t want you to leave the army and study among the cadets.”
Sokov laughed dryly and replied: "Comrade Commander of the Front Army, you are absolutely right. It was my lack of careful consideration. I will never have such unrealistic ideas again in the future."
"Comrade Sokov, if you really want to learn systematic military theory, it's not impossible." Konev said to Sokov: "You can wait until we defeat the Germans before entering the Frunze Military Academy.
Not too late."
Konev's words made Sokov dumbfounded. If he really waited until the war was over, what would be the use of entering the Frunze Military Academy? But you can think about these words in your heart, but you can't say them casually, otherwise you will offend.
Konev, he could only say perfunctorily: "Yes, yes, Comrade Commander of the Front Army, you are absolutely right. I'd better wait until the battle is over before studying at the Frunze Military Academy."
"Comrade Commander, good news, good news." At this moment, Sameko, who called the division commanders, suddenly raised a piece of paper, rushed over and said to everyone: "This is Colonel Koida of the 188th Division.
Telegram sent."
Normally, Sokov would have grabbed the telegram without hesitation and read clearly what was written on it. But when he saw that Konev was also waiting for news, he kept saying: "Read it quickly and listen!"
"When the 188th Division used mortars to bombard the German positions, the Germans became panicked. Some ran back to the bastion to hide, and some lay down on the spot." Samek continued to read: "And
The civilians who were trapped took advantage of the enemy's chaos to decisively send people to rush over and lead the civilians back to our army's position."
"Good job." After learning that the civilians trapped in the 188th Division's defense area had fled into our army's positions, Sokov's hanging heart returned to his stomach. He said repeatedly: "Colonel Koida
, after settling the civilians, he ordered the troops to continue attacking the bastion, taking advantage of the enemy's strength being greatly weakened to quickly and decisively capture the bastion."