Chapter 1143: Marshal Promotion

The capture of Ulyanovgrad by German Army Group A heralded the completion of the first phase of the Barbarossa Plan. Before the capture of Ulyanovgrad, the German Army Group C successfully captured Bryansk, Oryol, Lipetsk and Tambov, allowing Army Group C's defense line to advance dozens of kilometers to the north again, which meant that they were one step closer to Moscow.

At the same time, the German Army Group D, having annihilated the Russian Southern Front, entered the territory of the Russian army. The second captured Rostov-on-Don and Volgodontsk all the way east. After that, Army Group D stopped its offensive and moved to the defensive.

As a result, the major army groups of the German army have completed the combat missions of the first stage of the Barbarossa plan. During this phase of combat missions, the Germans eliminated the four fronts of the Russian army and destroyed more than two million enemies.

Although, compared to the Burussia, which has tens of millions of troops, two million people seem to be nothing at all. However, the two million people who were eliminated are the standing army of the Russian army, which can be regarded as the elite troops of the Russian army. Even if the Russian army can further mobilize more troops, there is undoubtedly a certain gap in combat effectiveness between the newly formed troops and the standing army. This will allow the German army to achieve remarkable results in destroying the living forces of the Russian army. The next battle has always been a lot easier.

If it weren't for the terrible winter in Russia, the Germans could have continued to attack, so that Russia would not have had to be given a chance to breathe. But unfortunately, Russia's territory is too vast and its strategic depth is too great. With Germany's current strength, it is not yet possible to eat Russia in one bite. In addition, the German Emperor Qin Tian knew the mistakes made by another head of time and space. Therefore, he must avoid making similar mistakes as much as possible. He didn't want to work hard all his life and still end up failing.

The Germans stopped the offensive and went on the defensive, which also relieved the Russian side. The previous fierce offensive of the German army wiped out more than two million Russian troops in less than a month after the start of the war. This kind of attack power scared everyone up and down the country, and they were worried that the German army would hit Moscow in one go. However, the cautious approach of the German army also disappointed the top of the Russian army. They were also counting on the Russian army to be able to further offensive, thereby lengthening the German army's front and logistical supply lines. In this case, they may have a chance to launch a counterattack and crush the German army.

The German army took the initiative to stop the offensive, which caused a rare calm on the battlefield. Beneath this lull, however, lies a greater crisis. Fools know that the Germans did this in preparation for the next large-scale offensive. Once the Germans had completed their preparations and had survived the winter, their fierce offensive would resume. At that time, it is undoubtedly very difficult to say whether the Russian army will be able to withstand the German attack. After all, previous battles have proven that in the face of the German blitzkrieg, the defense of the Russian army is simply like a joke.

Germany, Berlin, General Staff.

Emperor Qin Tian and a group of high-ranking cabinet officials went to the General Staff Headquarters to listen to a report on the situation.

"Your Majesty, so far, the four army groups of the Empire have completed the first phase of the battle plan. Now, the whole army has moved to defensive operations. Most of the millions of troops of the Imperial Army, with the exception of some deployed in the first line positions, would retreat to the second line positions. The front-line positions will be taken care of by the armies of the Empire's protectorates. By next spring, our large-scale offensive will begin again. In the spring of next year, we plan to capture large cities such as Moscow and Josevgrad. and push the front further east. "said the Chief of the General Staff, Marshal Manstein.

Qin Tian nodded, still very satisfied with the victory of the German army in this stage. At least, all aspects of the plan have been completed.

"Have the supplies for the winter arrived at the front line?" Qin Tian asked.

"Your Majesty, most of the supplies have already arrived at the front line. The remaining troops are also in the process of rushing to transport. Now the temperature in Russia has begun to drop. However, it hasn't started to snow yet, and it's not very cold yet. ”

"Fuel, winter clothing, food, and accessories for weapons and equipment must be delivered on time. I don't want non-combat attrition because our winterization measures are not in place. I don't want our defense line to be broken by the Russians if Russia launches a counterattack! Qin Tian said with a serious face.

"Yes, Your Majesty. Rest assured, that will never happen! Marshal Manstein assured.

"This winter, we will send out elite troops to clear out the Russian guerrillas in the occupied areas. Make sure they don't cause us trouble in next year's war! Qin Tian said.

Tomorrow's war will play a decisive role. Therefore, it is necessary to avoid any unexpected situations. The partisan groups led by the Brucellos would pose a great threat to the occupied areas and supply lines of the German army.

"Your Majesty, our special forces are ready. As soon as the snow starts to fall, they will be dispatched. ”

"Marshal Kesselring! From now on, the Strategic Air Force can act. In the cold winter, the ground forces could not launch a large-scale offensive. However, the Strategic Air Force can be dispatched. We are going to bomb the important cities of Russia, including the important industrial bases. Destroy their industrial power and war potential as much as possible! Qin Tian said.

"Yes, Your Majesty. The Strategic Air Force is combat-ready! "Albert? Marshal Kesselring replied.

"Ladies and gentlemen, now that everything is ready. Well, I'll see. Next, it's up to you to perform. Also, after a week, the promotion ceremony will be held at the Imperial Palace, so let the generals all come back! Qin Tian said.

On the morning of October 15, 1939, the promotion ceremony of the marshal was held in Germany. The generals who excel in this war will be promoted.

On the army side, the commander of the 1st Army, General Bromberg, the commander of the 2nd Army, General Brauchitsch, the commander of the 8th Army, and the commander of the 9th Army, General Rommel, will be promoted to the rank of Field Marshal of the Reich.

On the naval side, Admiral Dönitz, commander of the submarine forces, and Admiral Lütjans, commander of the Home Fleet, were promoted to the rank of Imperial Field Marshal.

On the Air Force, Edward? Admiral Milch, who was also promoted to the rank of Field Marshal of the Imperial Air Force.