Chapter 2206

The fact that Ponegerin, a general who had been captured by the Germans, was actually appointed by Rokossovsky as the commander of the 50th Army under the recommendation of Sokov, just a few hours later, the whole The commanders above the division level of the front army all know it.

  Before Ponedelin left Sokov's headquarters, he received a call from Kirillov. An old comrade who had been in the same prisoner-of-war camp as Ponegerin for several years said emotionally: "General Pornegerin, I heard that you have been appointed as the commander of the 50th Army. congratulations."

"Kirilov, thank you, thank you!" Ponejielin said; "I really didn't expect that I would be able to become the commander of the army again one day." He glanced at Suokov who was sitting not far away, He continued: "If it wasn't for the recommendation of Comrade Commander, I'm afraid I would never have such an opportunity."

Kirilov also agreed with Ponedelin's statement: "You are right. Without the help of Comrade Commander, you and I and the sacrificed Muzichenko would not be digging in Siberia at this moment." Potato, who is in the prison in Lubyanka. It is because of his continuous voice for us that we can be where we are today." After a pause, he continued, "Now you go to the new army alone. , I’m afraid a lot of work will be difficult to carry out. Do you think I need to go to assist you? If necessary, I will immediately apply to the commander and ask him to transfer me to the 50th Army to serve as your subordinate and assist you in opening up the situation there. "

"No need, Kirilov." Regarding Kirilov's kindness, Ponegerin politely declined: "Now you are doing well as a division commander in the 3rd Infantry Division, and you really followed me to the 50th Army Group , I’m afraid I won’t be able to provide you with the same position, and it will affect your future.”

   "It doesn't matter, even if it's just being a team leader, I'm content."

  Knowing that Kirillov was showing kindness to him, Ponejielin still refused: "Thank you for your kindness, there is really no need."

Sokov vaguely overheard the conversation between Ponegerin and Kirilov, and he knew very well that there must be difficulties in the early work for Ponegerin to serve as the commander of the army group in a new unit, otherwise Kiri Love would not forcefully ask to go with him. However, I also lack talents like Kirillov in my hands. If he really leaves, I still need to choose a suitable man to replace the commander of the 3rd Infantry Division.

Thinking of this, he stood up and walked to Ponejielin's side, took the phone from him, and said into the microphone: "General Kirillov, I'm Sokov. I understand what you mean, but I'm here I can’t be without you, you can’t leave. As for your worry that Comrade Deputy Commander has gone there, the work will not be easy to carry out if there is only one person, you can rest assured that I will send someone to take up the post with him.”

  Kililov heard Sokov say this, and asked a little curiously: "I wonder who you plan to send to the new army with General Ponejielin?"

"Who else, of course, are my old classmates at the Frunze Military Academy." Sukov actually felt guilty for these classmates, and asked them to follow him to the 48th Army, but only a few people served For these military commanders who have come down from the battlefield, it is simply a waste. Now that Ponegerin is about to take office in the new army, Sokov plans to transfer some students to go with him, so that not only Ponegerin will have assistants, but those old classmates will also have the opportunity to display their talents.

   "Comrade Commander," Kirillov felt more at ease after hearing Sokov's words. He knows those trainees well and knows their abilities. If they can really go to the new army with Ponegerin, Ponegerin will have a group of capable assistants. If he wants to quickly open up the situation in the new army, he will not Another discomfort: "You are so thoughtful, and I would like to express my thanks to you on behalf of Bornegeline."

   "General Kirillov, you are welcome." Sokov said with a smile: "You are all my subordinates, and thinking about you is what I should do. You don't need to thank me."

After finishing the call with Kirillov, Artillery Director Potapov called Ponedelin again: "Old man, I heard that you have been appointed as the commander of the 50th Army. Is this true? ?”

"It's true, Misha." Hearing that it was Potapov's call, Ponedelin said with a smile: "The letter of appointment issued by Marshal Rokossovsky himself is on my coat right now." In the pocket, this matter must not be fake. After I finish handling the matter here, I will rush to take office immediately. "

  While the two old friends were still chatting on the phone, Rokossovsky's call came in: "Misha, is General Pornedelin leaving?"

  Hearing Rokossovsky's question, Sokov couldn't help but thump in his heart, secretly saying that there will be no accidents, right? If this is really the case, Ponegerin will not be able to step down. He hurriedly asked: "Comrade Marshal, what's the matter?"

"It's like this, Misha." Rokossovsky said on the phone: "Although I appointed Ponegerin as the commander of the 50th Army, I now find that my consideration seems to be a little improper, and I didn't give him an appointment. Arrange a deputy, so that after he arrives in the new army, it may be difficult to open the situation in a short time."

   After figuring out what was going on, Sokov breathed a sigh of relief, and then said: "Comrade Marshal, don't worry about this, I have already considered it."

   "Have you considered it?!" Rokossovsky asked curiously, "How did you think about it?"

"Ponegerin will face a lot of new problems when he goes to the new army alone. Those members of the headquarters may need to work with him for a period of time before they can really cooperate." Sukov said: "So I plan to change from the original Some of the cadets were transferred to follow him to the new unit. These cadets who graduated from the Frunze Military Academy are not only capable, but also have a good relationship with Ponegerin. With their assistance, I believe it will be impossible. How long will it take for Ponejelin to completely open up the situation."

"Well, you are very thoughtful." After hearing what Sokov said, Rokossovsky nodded and said, "Since you have made a decision, then do as you said and send a group of students to follow General Pornegelin is going to the new unit, trying to open up the situation there as soon as possible."

  Seeing that Rokossovsky agreed to his proposal, Sokov was naturally overjoyed. But he quickly thought of Bolkin who had been dismissed, and asked tentatively: "Comrade Marshal, how do you plan to deal with General Bolkin?"

"Misha, this is not something you should consider." Upon hearing this question, Rokossovsky immediately said in a stern tone: "He has been sent to Moscow overnight. As for how to deal with him, it is up to the military to deal with it." Court matters."

  As soon as he heard the word court-martial, Sokov's heartbeat suddenly accelerated. He wondered if Bolkin would be sentenced to death for delaying the warplane? If that's the case, it's not worth it. But after thinking about it, what kind of punishment he received has nothing to do with his half a kopeck. Who made him drink too much during the war and delay the opportunity of the war? If it was at the beginning of the war, he would definitely have the same ending as General Pavlov.

   "Misha, I called you because I wanted to ask for your opinion on something." Rokossovsky said, "If you don't agree, I will reply to the other party."

  Hearing that Rokossovsky said that he had something to discuss with himself, Sokov said respectfully: "Comrade Marshal, if you have anything to do, please ask."

"It's like this. I just received a call from Yakov. He said that he wanted to return to the front line with his father's permission." Rokossovsky said cautiously: "Although I object to him returning to the battlefield , but since the Supreme Commander himself has agreed to this matter, I can't object to it. Therefore, after thinking twice, I think it is most appropriate to place him in your army. Not only because you are friends, but more importantly, you have Sufficient capacity to ensure his personal safety."

  Hearing that Yakov wanted to return to the front line, Sokov couldn't help being a little dumbfounded. If it was just like before, sending some weapons and equipment to the front line, I would definitely welcome it. But if you want to go back to the front line, it's a different matter. Regardless of the current situation on the battlefield, it is more and more beneficial to the Soviet army, but even as an important commander, there is still the possibility of encountering danger. For example, General Cherniakhovsky, in half a month, will die because of the shelling of the German army. Yakov would not be safe anywhere except at Rokossovsky's headquarters if he returned to the front.

   Rokossovsky heard Sokov's delay in speaking, so he asked curiously: "Misha, why don't you speak?"

"Comrade Marshal, I'm thinking, why does Yasha want to go back to the front?" Sokov said cautiously: "Could it be that he wants to use this last opportunity to make contributions on the battlefield? So he did not hesitate to give up his position in the General Staff , but also to return to the frontier.”

"Misha, what you said makes a lot of sense." Rokossovsky also agreed with Sokov: "After all, he stays in the General Staff, and it is very inappropriate for him to make contributions. It's easy, that is to say, if you continue to stay, I'm afraid you won't have any chance of promotion. Instead of staying there to dawdle, it's better to go back to the front line and have a try, maybe you can build some credit and get a chance for promotion."

"Comrade Marshal," Sokov said to Rokossovsky what was in his mind: "How about you arrange Yasha in your headquarters so that the danger can be minimized. If there is any Opportunity, what merits can he build up."

"No, no." Unexpectedly, Rokossovsky shook his head and said, "I think it would be better for him to stay in the general staff than to let him stay in my headquarters all day. Misha, now there are two choices. , One is to let Yakov go to you to serve as a division commander or brigade commander or something; or, reject his request and let him stay in the General Staff."

   "Then let him stay in the General Staff." Sokov said: "I think the risk on the front line is too great. If he really wants to come, I'm afraid he will be in danger."

Rokossovsky originally thought that as long as he told Sokov that Yakov wanted to come to the front, the other party would not hesitate to ask Yakov to go to his 48th Army and arrange for him in advance. What kind of job. Unexpectedly, after he finished speaking, he realized that the other party did not want to accept Yakov at all, and even wanted to place Yakov in his own front army headquarters. This made things difficult.

"Misha, your proposal makes it very difficult for me." Rokossovsky said with a wry smile, "Someone from above has already greeted me. It is a certainty that Yakov will return to the front line. A fact that no one can change. Do you understand?"

"Understood, Comrade Marshal." Sokov smiled wryly and said to Rokossovsky: "Actually, I'm not safe here. If Yakov really comes, if something happens, I can't afford it." responsibility."

Rokossovsky sighed after hearing this, and continued: "Misha, this is the first time I have discovered that you are such a stubborn person. Forget it, since you are not willing to accept Yakov, then I will not force you , I will tell the higher-ups and let them find a way to keep Yakov in the General Staff."

"That's right, Comrade Marshal." Sokov hurriedly said: "I think it is undoubtedly the best choice for Yasha to stay in the General Staff. You must discuss it with the higher-ups, and don't let Yasha go to the headquarters. Come to the front line to take risks."

When Rokossovsky put down the phone, Subbotin who was sitting next to him immediately came over and asked Rokossovsky curiously: "Comrade Marshal, why did General Sokov refuse to accept Yakov? You know, they are good brothers who once shared weal and woe.”

Rokossovsky stared at Subbotin and said: "Comrade Military Commissar, I think Misha did this because he and Yasha are good friends who are better than brothers, and they don't want each other to take risks on the front line, so That’s why I tried my best to keep Yasha in the General Staff.”

   "But the superior asked about this matter, how should we answer?" Su Bojing said awkwardly: "You must find a good way to come out."

Rokossovsky frowned and thought for a while, and then said: "The superior just said that Yasha wanted to return to the front line, but did not say that he must return to our army. See if this works, let him cut Erniakhovsky's Third Front."

   "To General Cherniakhovsky's Third Front?" Subbotin couldn't help frowning after hearing this: "Is this possible?"

"How do you know if you don't try?" Rokossovsky said with a smile: "The two of us jointly reported to our superiors, explaining that the current situation of our front army is indeed not suitable for Yasha to settle down, it is better to let him go to other troops. In addition to General Cherniakhovsky's Third Front, Marshal Zhukov's First Front, and Marshal Konev's Ukrainian First Front, etc., can all be Yasha's choice."

"That's right, that's right." Rokossovsky's words made Subbotin's vision suddenly clear: "I will get in touch with the higher-ups, tell them our decision, and let them inform Yasha that he can choose to go to other troops. .”

  (end of this chapter)