Chapter 85 Trip to Moscow (Part 2)

In the closed back seat of the car, which only Zhukov's confidant driver could hear, Zhukov spoke softly and blurted out the kind words of reminder to Rokossovsky beside him.

"You just returned to Moscow and don't know about Pavlov. I don't blame you, Comrade Rokossovsky."

"But I want to remind you here, so that you won't make trouble in the future."

"Pavlov has been summoned back to Moscow to accept the dismissal investigation of the General Staff and the Ministry of Internal Affairs because of his poor command on the front line, the loss of cities and territories, and the destruction of many main forces of the Western Front. Comrade Stalin was very annoyed with his actions on the front line and personally issued an order to dismiss Pavlov from the position of commander of the Western Front."

After finishing his words, he paused for a moment, and Zhukov's words when he spoke again were filled with a soft sigh.

"I have reported the progress of the investigation of the Pavlov case to Comrade Stalin many times in the past few days. Comrade Stalin is extremely disappointed with Pavlov's series of inaction and stupid behavior when he was commanding the front line."

"As expected, Pavlov should not be able to escape death this time. I have only seen Comrade Stalin so angry during the anti-counterrevolutionary period. So during your time in Moscow, you must be careful when talking about the Pavlov case. My old friend, don't call him comrade or comrade-in-arms anymore."

"The Germans launched an invasion Since the operation, the number of MVD special agents roaming around Moscow has increased several times compared to before the war. I don't want to hear that you are being targeted by these people because of your wrong words. Do you understand what I mean? Comrade Rokossovsky. "

After hearing Zhukov's patient and careful advice, he never expected that a front commander who was still famous a month ago would end up like this in the blink of an eye. However, when Rokossovsky, who was extremely shocked, thought of the previous anti-counterrevolutionary incident that almost killed him, he became calm.

In that terrorist incident that swept the entire Soviet Union, Rokossovsky, who was slandered and accused of having private dealings with Polish and Japanese spy agencies, was sentenced to death in an extremely absurd manner after a very short review process.

If it weren't for Marshal Timoshenko, who was once Rokossovsky's old boss, intervening and secretly obstructing, the bullet used in Rokossovsky's execution was replaced with a blank bullet. Rokossovsky, who was a powerful figure and left a name in history on the Soviet-German battlefield during the entire World War II, may have already become a tragedy and an innocent soul under the gun like Marshal Tukhachevsky.

"I understand, Comrade Zhukov, thank you for your kind reminder. Now I want to know if the Supreme Command has any new arrangements for transferring me back this time?"

As the car slowly arrived at the final destination while decelerating at a constant speed, Zhukov, who saw that Rokossovsky beside him had understood what he meant, immediately opened the car door and nodded quietly.

"Come with me, Comrade Rokossovsky, the arrangements for your rules have been drawn up."

When Rokossovsky, who followed Zhukov's lead, came all the way to the meeting room of the Red Army General Staff Headquarters, he stood in front of the huge front-line strategic situation map hanging on the wall. Zhukov, who had already woven relevant words in his mind, immediately spoke first.

"Look here, Comrade Rokossovsky."

"The German Army Group Center is undoubtedly the most powerful of the three German battle groups that launched the invasion. The series of battles it is currently fighting and the direction of its advance also prove that its subsequent intention is very obvious, which is Moscow, the capital of our motherland."

"That is why the city of Smolensk, which guards the gate of Moscow, must not be lost! The Supreme Command has decided to form several battle groups in the direction of Smolensk to launch a counterattack against the German Army Group Center, stop them and repel them at the gate of Smolensk, and crush their subsequent strategic intention to attack Moscow."

After saying this, he turned his head and cast his eyes on Rokossovsky on the side. Zhukov's words, which were spoken again, were obviously full of more firmness and encouragement.

"There is only one purpose for transferring you back to Moscow this time, my old friend. The Supreme Command has ordered that one of the newly formed battle groups will be commanded by you, and the organizational number will be the 16th Army. You will serve as the army commander and directly obey the orders of the commander of the Western Front, Marshal Timoshenko."

"In addition, the initial task of your army is expected to be to form a "vacuum" in the Smolensk direction to prevent the German army from continuing to advance in the direction of Vyazma."

"The overall strategic situation and the battle situation are not optimistic at present, old friend, including the Western Front where you are about to take office, several fronts have suffered heavy losses and their strength has been greatly reduced. Therefore, the size of your army will not be too large, and there may be only a few incomplete divisions that can be handed over to you at the beginning."

"In addition, in order to make up for the lack of strength of your army to a certain extent, when you set out to take office and go to the front line. From Moscow to Yartsev, the troops you encounter along the way, including the remnants and resting troops, will be incorporated by you, and the specific instructions will be received at the Western Front Command."

Speaking of this, I always feel that it is a bit difficult for these troops made up of remnants and stragglers to be handed over to Rokossovsky to fight against the most powerful German Army Group Center. Zhukov, who was full of guilt in his words, raised his head after a little thought and continued to speak.

"You probably have a general idea of ​​the battle situation from the front to Moscow, old friend. Apart from a few staff officers and guards sent by the General Staff, I can't help you with anything else."

"Although I may not be able to help you much with my authority and the current situation, there are some things I have to tell you. Just tell me if there is anything I can do to help you within my power. Old friend, I will not refuse to help you."

After hearing Zhukov, the chief of the General Staff of the Red Army, speak like this, Rokossovsky, who had something to ask for, smiled calmly and turned around to answer.