"Wrong, wrong, Misha." Yakov realized that Sokov had misunderstood, and quickly explained to him: "You are mistaken. I did not call you to ask about the attack on Cherkasy.
, but I have something else to tell you."
"Something else?" Sokov couldn't help but be slightly startled when he heard what the other party said. What on earth could be the reason for Yakov to make this long-distance call to himself after three o'clock in the morning? He asked tentatively: "
Isn't it related to the unsealing of the hovercraft?"
"You guessed it right." Yakov said with a smile on the other end of the phone: "The call I made to you is indeed related to the unsealing of the hovercraft."
"Great, this is really great." Sokov couldn't help but be overjoyed to learn that the hovercraft could be used again, because this kind of transport can not only transport supplies, but can also be used to carry assault troops during cross-river operations. He has some
He couldn't wait to ask: "Yasha, when can the hovercraft be used?"
"As soon as it gets dark, I will go and arrange this."
"Yasha, this is great." Sokov was so excited that he didn't know what to say for a moment. He could only express his gratitude to Yakov: "On behalf of the commanders and fighters of the entire army, I would like to express my gratitude to you.
!”
"Misha, you and I are both friends, there is no need to be so polite." Yakov said politely: "I called you because I have something more important to inform you."
"What's more important?" Sokov heard this and asked tentatively: "What is it? Is it more important than the unsealing of the hovercraft?" Before Yakov could answer, he automatically thought, "Could it be on his own?
The anti-aircraft gun has been successfully manufactured? But this is impossible. You have only returned to Moscow for a few hours. How could it be possible to successfully manufacture it in such a short period of time?"
"Misha, it's not a matter of self-propelled anti-aircraft guns." Sokov's self-righteousness left Yakov speechless. After the other party finally finished speaking, he said: "It's a matter of weapons and equipment. I have already obtained them.
Clear instructions to provide your troops with any weapons and equipment."
"Any weapons and equipment?" Sokov heard what Yakov said, with a look of astonishment on his face: "Yasha, I don't quite understand what you mean, what do you mean by any weapons? Am I asking you for a new rocket?
Rocket launchers, will you also provide them to me?"
"Not only new rockets and rockets, even if you want to equip all personnel with assault rifles and equip the tank brigade with the latest T-34/85 tanks, we will supply them to you."
However, the promise made by Yakov made Sokov not only unhappy, but also became anxious: "Yasha, you just said that we are friends, right?"
"Yes, we are friends." Yakov added: "We are still friends who share life and death and are as close as brothers."
"Since we are friends, then don't joke about this kind of thing. Okay, Yasha?" Sokov said, somewhat dumbfounded: "Just think of it as me begging you."
"Misha, do you think I'm kidding you?"
"Is not it?"
"of course not."
This time it was Sokov's turn to be puzzled: "Last night when you were still at my headquarters, I asked you about replenishing weapons and equipment, but you said that your capabilities are limited and it is difficult to meet my requirements.
Request. It has just been a few hours, but your attitude has changed 180 degrees, which makes me feel that this matter is quite unreal."
"Misha, I understand how you feel. If it were me, I would probably have doubts if I encountered such a thing." Yakov paused for a moment, and then continued: "I reported your group army to my father.
situation, and specifically mentioned the serious shortage of weapons and equipment on your part.”
"What did Comrade Stalin say?"
"He said, how can we let the troops commanded by our heroes not have enough weapons and equipment? If this is the case, how can we compete with the Germans." Yakov imitated Stalin's tone and said: "So we must try our best to
Provide all conveniences to Xiao Misha, and as long as his demands are not excessive, all can be met. When he was the commander of the 27th Group Army, the Weapons and Equipment Department distributed weapons to him, and now we will handle it according to the same regulations."
After listening to Yakov's words, Sokov finally realized that he was not dreaming. He could really get the weapons and equipment he wanted from the Weapons and Equipment Department as easily as he did when he served as the commander of the 27th Group Army.
Seeing Sokov's delay in speaking, Yakov guessed that the other party was excited and didn't know what to say for a moment, so he coughed heavily, cleared his throat, and continued: "Misha, I haven't said anything yet.
Finished."
"Yasha, if you have anything else to say, just say it."
"That's it." Yakov organized the words in his mind and continued: "Although the 53rd Army under your command achieved good results in the Battle of Cherkasy that ended not long ago, my father
He is not very satisfied with your performance, and feels that you have greatly regressed compared to before. He hopes that your troops will be able to explode into super combat effectiveness after obtaining new weapons and equipment, so don't let him down.
expect."
Sokov knew very well that there were many reasons why his troops performed poorly in the battle that ended not long ago, but the low quality of the soldiers and the serious shortage of weapons and equipment were the main factors. If he could get more
With more weapons and equipment, your troops will be able to exert greater energy in the next battle.
"Yasha, please tell Comrade Stalin." Sokov said decisively: "In the next battle, I will never let him down. In the next battle, I will definitely achieve greater results."
"I will arrange the transportation of weapons and ammunition for you as soon as possible, within a week at most." Yakov assured Sokov: "You will be able to get the weapons and equipment you want."
Next, Sokov and Yakov discussed on the phone what weapons and how many should be transported to his defense area as soon as possible, so as to arm the soldiers as soon as possible and familiarize them with the use of the new equipment.
When Sokov put down the phone, he found that it was already four o'clock in the morning. He looked at the energetic Smirnov across the table and asked: "Comrade Chief of Staff, is there any news from the direction of Cherkasy?"
"Not yet." Smirnov shook his head and said: "Our defense area is too far away from Cherkasy, and the observation post cannot see the situation there at all. In addition, unless the front army headquarters takes the initiative to report it, we will not be able to see it at all.
In the shortest possible time, we learned what was happening in the direction of Cherkasy.”
Now that Smirnov said so, Sokov also temporarily lost interest in Cherkasy, so he waved to him and said: "Comrade Chief of Staff, while there are still a few hours until dawn, you can rest first.
.”
In order to facilitate the command, there were several camp beds placed in the corner of the headquarters. Sokov walked to one of the beds, lay down directly on it, covered it with a blanket, and began to close his eyes and rest.
After an unknown amount of time, Sokov was awakened by the ringing of the phone. He was about to get up and answer the phone, but Smirnov was more agile than him. He rushed to the phone in one swift step and raised his hand to grab the phone.
: "I'm Smirnov, what can I do?"
The next moment, Sokov saw Smirnov straighten his body and said respectfully into the microphone: "I understand, Comrade Marshal, Commander Sokov and I will arrive at your headquarters at ten o'clock in the morning.
.”
"Comrade Chief of Staff," Seeing Smirnov put down the phone, Sokov quickly asked, "Is the call from Marshal Konev?" Seeing Smirnov nod, he continued to ask: "
What did he say on the phone?"
"He asked us to have a meeting at the front headquarters at ten o'clock."
"What else?" Sokov felt that notifying the meeting could be done by any staff officer, but Labor Konev appeared in person and must have said something more important, so he continued to ask: "Besides
, what else did he say?”
"He said that thanks to our early warning, the anti-aircraft artillery units deployed outside Cherkasy successfully shot down most of the German V1 missiles and prevented greater damage to the city, so he called us specifically.
Express thankfulness."
Although Sokov knew that even if air defense positions were deployed outside the city to intercept them, it would be impossible to shoot down all the German V1 missiles. He sighed softly and said: "Although I don't know the casualties in the city,
But it will definitely be far lower than the Germans expected."
"Comrade Marshal did not mention the specific casualties." Smirnov said: "I think this matter may be mentioned specifically during the meeting in the morning."
"Well, it's possible." Sokov felt that what Smirnov said made sense. Since Konev personally called him to express his gratitude, he would definitely announce the matter in public when he went to the meeting later and
Remind all troops to be on guard against German V1 missiles to avoid unnecessary losses.
"Comrade Commander," Smirnov asked with concern after Sokov came to the table and sat down: "Can you analyze the theme of the meeting convened by Comrade Marshal today?"
Sokov chuckled and said: "I guess it may have something to do with the German V1 missile. Although we have just ended the Battle of Cherkasy and are in urgent need of replenishing soldiers and weapons and equipment. The exhausted commanders and soldiers also need to rest during the battle, but
This new enemy weapon poses a great threat to us. If their launch sites are not destroyed as soon as possible, I am afraid no one will be able to sleep peacefully."
Smirnov strongly agreed with Sokov's statement. First, the headquarters once used by Marshal Konev were attacked by V1 missiles; then a few hours ago, the German army used V1 missiles to attack again
Cherkasy. If the German launch positions are not destroyed as soon as possible, then they can freely choose the time to carry out long-range attacks on any target within the range.
Smirnov looked down at the map in front of him. After a while, he picked up the red and blue pencils on the table and tapped on the map. He said: "After we annihilated the enemy in the Cherkasy salient, the next one will
The target is Uman."
"Yes," Sokov nodded and said, "General Ponedelin finally has a chance to take revenge."
"What chance of revenge?" Ponedelin, who had just walked in from the door, happened to hear what Sokov said and couldn't help but ask: "Comrade Commander, what are you talking about?
"
"Lieutenant Colonel Ponedelin," despite the fact that when Sokov and Smirnov were chatting just now, he called Ponedelin a general, this was a formal conversation at this moment, and he was still addressing him by his military rank at the moment: "I am talking to the Chief of Staff.
Comrade, our army's next attack target is Uman. Then you will have the opportunity to take revenge and wash away the shame you suffered here."
Hearing Sokov mention Uman, Ponedelin's expression suddenly became solemn: "Comrade Commander, I wonder when we will launch an attack on Uman?"
"Soon," Sokov didn't know whether Konev would discuss the attack on Uman at today's meeting, so he could only say vaguely: "Lieutenant Colonel Ponedelin, although I don't know the specific details.
The attack date is fixed, but I can tell you that before the end of March, our attack on Uman will definitely be launched."
"Is this true, Comrade Commander?" Ponjelin burst into tears, knowing that his chance for revenge had come.
"Yes, I can assure you that the attack on Uman can be launched by the end of the month at the latest." When Sokov said this, he looked at the agitated Ponyjelin and asked tentatively: "Pony
Lieutenant Colonel Jielin, there is something I would like to ask your opinion on."
"whats the matter?"
"After the Battle of Uman begins, do you want to stay in the headquarters, or do you want to directly command a division like Lieutenant Colonel Kirillov?"
Regarding the question raised by Sokov, Ponedelin thought for a long time, but did not immediately give his answer. Instead, he asked: "Comrade Commander, I am now the leader of the advisory group. I wonder what you want me to do?"
Stay at the headquarters, or let me go out and command the troops?"
In Sokov's mind, Ponedelin is an experienced commander. It is very helpful for him to keep him by his side to make suggestions. However, in this way, the other party loses the opportunity to avenge and wash away his hatred.
A chance of humiliation. He felt that he could not be so selfish and should leave the choice to the other party: "Lieutenant Colonel Ponejelin, I am asking you now, not you asking me. No matter what decision you make,
I will always support you."
"Although I stayed in a prisoner of war camp for two years, my command level should not have deteriorated." After Ponedelin received Sokov's promise, he boldly expressed his thoughts: "I think
Like Lieutenant Colonel Kirillov, go outside and command a division, face to face with the Germans, have a real battle with real swords and guns, and let them taste defeat at my hands."
Hearing what Ponedelin said, Sokov couldn't help but frown slightly: "You want to be a division commander?"
Seeing Sokov frowning, Ponedelin couldn't help being surprised, thinking that the other party felt that he was not worthy of the position of division commander, so he quickly added: "Comrade Commander, if you feel that my ability is not enough to command a division, then let me
I can also be a regiment leader. In short, as long as I can go to the front line, I can hold any position."
"Lieutenant Colonel Ponejelin, you misunderstood." Sokov looked at the other party and said: "You may think that I think you are not capable enough and do not want you to be the division commander. But the fact is exactly the opposite. I think that if you are the division commander, I will not let you be the division commander."
It would be a bit humiliating, so I will consider letting you serve as military commander."