If Tukhachevsky had known what Zhukov was thinking at this moment, I am afraid that the Red Napoleon would have removed him from office without hesitation. What has been the most annoying thing for Tukhachevsky in the last six months? That is, the people below are disobedient.

Note that Tukhachevsky's desire for control was not originally so strong, but as the campaigns he commanded failed again and again, as Triandafyilov became the commander of the Central Military District in Moscow, the situation on the Western Front was completely out of his control. Tukhachevsky's grip is getting stronger every day.

He began to develop strict battlefield discipline, began to find fault with the battle plan, and was furious at any general who did not fight according to his schedule. Let's put it this way, Tukhachevsky is ready to regain his former authority by exerting authority, and there is no room for those below to dictate his plans and programs.

This led to extreme tensions between him and Triandafilov, as well as to the dissatisfaction of the Red Army group and the generals at the corps level with the various documents and rules and regulations issued by the General Staff. All in all, Tukhachevsky is stepping on the gas pedal further and further down the wrong path.

According to Tukhachevsky's plan, the Red Army was to cut through the German defenses with a short and quick offensive, and then immediately throw the 1st Guards Mechanized Army into a deep assault to restore contact with the defenders of Kiev in one fell swoop, and then?

Then it was to transfer the attacking elites, including the 1st Guards Mechanized Army, to Minsk to rest and reorganize in preparation for the Minsk counterattack in April. As for the remaining work around Kyiv, that's for the Ukrainian Front.

According to Tukhachevsky's plan, before the offensive of the relief troops. The besieged forces, consisting of Zhukov's Separate Mechanized Army, will launch a feint in conjunction with the Ukrainian Front in Glesignka. Divert and disrupt the sight of the German troops. When the attention of the Germans was focused on the line of Grebeenka. The main forces of the Red Army in Nosovka again resolutely threw themselves into it and relieved Kiev in one fell swoop.

The plan looked good, at least to Tukhachevsky's satisfaction, believing that the German Army Group South around Kyiv was not strong and far from the Belorussian Army Group Center. The reason why Army Group South has achieved the greatest results before is that the Ukrainian Front is too wasteful.

If Shaposhnikov had known Tukhachevsky's assessment of the Ukrainian Front, he would probably jump up and scold his mother. Waste wood from the Ukrainian Front? Nima, you bastard transferred all the main forces of the Ukrainian Front. He also ordered the Ukrainian Front not to retreat and harden the top, resulting in a large number of living forces being surrounded and eliminated on the spot, which is the fundamental reason for the erosion of the war situation in Ukraine. I'll take it, as soon as your upper lip touches your lower lip, you will clean up the responsibility, you can't be so undisciplined!

However, Tukhachevsky does not think that there is anything wrong with his discipline, in his opinion, he is always right, and the wrong ones are the executors below. Therefore, he was full of confidence and constantly urged Shaposhnikov to launch a feint attack at the specified time.

So what do people other than Tukhachevsky think about this battle plan? To be honest, the wind reviews are not good. As mentioned in the previous chapter, Triandafilov and Tukhachevsky have sharp differences in the direction of attack. And at this time. There are also differing opinions on how to use the troops within the encirclement.

For example, Shaposhnikov and Timoshenko thought, let's stop feints, it is enough to have Glebenka's troops feint, and a living force like Zhukov should still be placed in Nosovka, and wouldn't it be better to attack head-on from inside and outside?

But Tukhachevsky still didn't listen, why? The reasons are complex, the first of which is that Tukhachevsky did not like Shaposhnikov, Timoshenko, or Zhukov. Especially the latter two, he was disgusted from the bottom of his heart, and Tukhachevsky was eager to drive out the army of Stalin's family who had persecuted him.

So in this siege relief operation, he directly threw Kyiv's troops in a secondary direction, which is a bit out of sight and out of mind.

The second reason is that Tukhachevsky believes that since the siege of Kiev must be carried out, it is necessary to make the most of this siege relief operation. What is the greatest significance? Naturally, it was a comprehensive rehearsal for the Minsk counterattack that he was going to do next.

In any case, Tukhachevsky is using the Kiev siege relief battle as a dress rehearsal, and he is ready to comprehensively experiment and test his military thinking and tactics in this siege relief operation. If it is explained that the counterattack in Kyiv is a college entrance examination, then Kyiv is a mock exam for all operations.

In order to comprehensively and realistically simulate the Minsk counterattack, Tukhachevsky's tactical arrangements for this siege relief operation are naturally how real and how to come, and there are no encircled Red Army troops on the Minsk front, so it is naturally impossible to play anything inside and outside. Therefore, Tukhachevsky immediately passed the plan of internal and external cooperation, which seemed to be more likely to succeed.

"The combined group of arms, led by the 1st Guards Mechanized Army, must demonstrate the ability to break through enemy lines alone," Tukhachevsky wrote in his memo, "and if this can be done in Kyiv, then it should be possible in Minsk." If we don't do the best in Kyiv, then we still have time to find and solve problems. ”

This is what Tukhachevsky really thinks, to put it bluntly, he still does not pay attention to the operation of Kyiv to relieve the siege, or intends to go his own way. It has to be said that this is quite a pity, if Tukhachevsky had not organized the battle in an experimental form, it would have been easier for Kiev to break the siege. And it was his small actions that led to a series of problems.

For example, the main direction of attack, as I said before, chose Nosovka as a breakthrough, to be honest, very reluctant and dangerous. The reason was that the German side was not ready to rest for this winter, and after the defeat in the Battle of Bryansk, the tank attack group led by Guderian and Kleist was forced to retreat to Gomel to rest.

But Hitler was not going to just throw in the towel, the mustache believed in a little and got up from where he fell. Although the 1st and 2nd tank clusters failed once, this defeat was more due to logistical problems, after a period of rest and replenishment. These two tank clusters can fully return to their previous good condition. Taking Bryansk is not a problem at all!

That's what Hitler thought. In doing so, he gave Guderian and Kleist the highest priority to restore the attack power of these two tank clusters as quickly as possible. According to his plan, in March and April at the latest, the two tank clusters would have to go north again, not only to capture Bryansk in one fell swoop, but also to take Moscow in one fell swoop.

So in February, in the area near Gomel. The Germans are mobilizing their troops and have gathered a considerable combat force. Let's look at the map, how far is the Gomel region from Kiev? Truth be told, sincerity is not far away. In particular, it should be noted that the elite armored units of the German army remained in Gomel, and their assault and rush capabilities were much stronger than those of ordinary infantry.

Let's put it this way, as long as the Germans wanted, then Gomel's armored forces could quickly move south and attack the main forces of the Red Army from the flank, which were ready to be used for the Kiev siege operation. That's really not a good state!

So was the Red Army aware of the military deployment of the German troops? Yes, the reconnaissance of the Air Force, as well as Rokossovsky's Bryansk Front, frequently reported. The strength of the German army on the opposite side is rapidly expanding, and we must pay attention to the possibility that two German tank clusters will attack Bryansk again!

So what is the opinion of the General Staff, or rather Tukhachevsky, on this? Tukhachevsky admits that this possibility exists. However, he was more optimistic: "In the Battle of Bryansk, the German 1st and 2nd Panzer Clusters suffered heavy losses, and the most optimistic estimate is that it will take four months to half a year to recover the ability to attack again." According to the preliminary judgment, the German offensive attempt could not have been earlier than May, and according to the performance of the German army during Operation Barbarossa last year, the enemy's offensive time should be in June! ”

Let's put it this way, Tukhachevsky admits that the Germans in this area are a problem, but does not think the problem will erupt immediately, and he is optimistic that the Germans will not attack until June. This did not have much impact on the Red Army's conduct of the Kiev Relief Operation and the Minsk Counterattack.

Tukhachevsky is optimistic: "Even if a small group of German troops went south to harass, it would not have a major impact on the overall situation." The mighty Red Army will crush all their attempts! ”

Tukhachevsky misjudged again, the Germans recovered faster than he expected, and the movement of small German troops south would certainly not have a significant impact, but the large German army was completely different.

On 20 February, according to Tukhachevsky's plan, Zhukov's Separate Mechanized Army first launched an attack in the encirclement, followed by attacks by the Red Army in Grepoenka and Priluki - a feint began.

At first, the progress of the Red Army was relatively smooth, because the Germans did not expect the Red Army to suddenly start a large-scale offensive operation, and according to the judgment of the wolf's den, in the second half of 1941 the Red Army suffered incalculable losses, and the mustache optimistically believed that at least two million Red Army troops had been annihilated. Such a huge gap could not be filled in any way, and according to this, the wolf's den believed that the Red Army could only lick its wounds in this winter, and it would never be possible to take the initiative to attack.

Well, the Germans also misjudged the situation, miscalculated the results of last year, and failed to correctly calculate the war potential of the USSR. It is true that in 1941 the Red Army lost a million troops, but in February 1942 this gap had already been filled, and perhaps the combat effectiveness of the new recruits was not as good as the veterans lost last year, but the number of people was finally filled. And this also determines that the Red Army is capable of launching offensive operations!

The Germans were taken by surprise, and on the first day of the battle, the Red Army easily broke through two lines of defense, which was almost unimaginable in 1941, and in the previous Battle of Bryansk, when Rokossovsky counterattacked, he basically advanced at most five to ten kilometers a day. It is almost a miracle to penetrate two lines of defense in one breath and rush for nearly twenty kilometers!

And the creator of this miracle was none other than Zhukov, the lieutenant general who was holding his breath to prove himself, went to the front line to supervise the battle, and skillfully selected the breakthrough point, and stabbed him in the ribs where the two German armies converged.

This knife is really accurate and ruthless, the unprepared German army naturally can't bear it, Zhukov, who is holding back a ruthless force, immediately chased after it and beat the water dog, that hi skin!

But the most hilarious is not Zhukov, the happiest are Timoshenko and Shaposhnikov, especially Timoshenko, who is sincerely happy for the little brother, he has always felt that Zhukov is a talent. Now it's finally shining. He had a little joy in watching a child grow up.

However, there are many people who feel that the egg hurts. Needless to say, the Germans were on their side. The Red Army's three-plank axe almost chopped them stupid, and it would be absolutely brainless to be happy. There was also someone on the side of the Red Army who was not very happy, and that person was Tukhachevsky.

According to Tukhachevsky's arrangement, Zhukov and the Ukrainian Front are only supporting roles in this battle, and now the supporting roles have just appeared and have been full of praise, with great intentions to steal the show. You said that how can he be embarrassed by the director who has set the protagonist in his heart?

In particular, the choice of the direction of the feint attack is exactly the direction that Trianda Filov insisted on, and now he will give it a try. Sure enough, it was extremely fragile. Isn't this indirectly slapping him in the face with Tukhachevsky, proving that there is something wrong with his choice? What made Tukhachevsky even more uncomfortable was that he not only couldn't be unhappy, but also had to praise Zhukov, what do you call it!

"It can't be delayed any longer, the attack must be launched according to the predetermined schedule, there is no price to speak of!"

What angered Tukhachevsky the most was that while Zhukov's side was advancing aggressively, the direction of the main attack he chose constantly asked to delay the offensive for many reasons: some said that the troops still needed to rest, others said that the weather was too bad, and still others said that the material preparation was seriously inadequate. Even Petrovsky, who Tukhachevsky has always been very optimistic about, reported the need for more preparation time.

This angered Tukhachevsky: "Do you still have a little bit of the big picture? Now that the feints have succeeded in attracting the attention of the Germans, it is the best time for us to attack. How can it be delayed? ”

Tukhachevsky resolutely refused to continue to delay, demanding that the attack must be launched at the stipulated time, and even he lost his temper directly at Triandafilov, who came to advise him to give his troops a little more time: "Don't think I don't know what you are planning! Without that possibility, a feint is a feint, and it can never become the main attack! ”

In this regard, Trian Dafilov is quite contemptuous: "This man has gone crazy and can no longer distinguish between good and bad." ”

As for Shaposhnikov, he said more directly: "If he wants to go crazy, let him go crazy!" ”

This shows how unpopular Tukhachevsky is now, and even his old friend Trotsky was a little worried, and rushed to Bryansk in person.

"Comrade Trotsky, you must believe me, Nosovka is the best way to break through, and as for the victory of Grebenka, it was only the Germans who were caught off guard that allowed Shaposhnikov and Timoshenko to take advantage of it. The enemy will quickly adjust his disposition, and at that time, it will not be possible to make progress with the disposition of the feint troops. And Nosovka is different, there are the most elite units of our army here, and it is very close to Kyiv, when the enemy's attention is distracted by Glebenka, it will be very simple to break the siege! ”

Trotsky did not say anything, and this time he came in person to stand up for Tukhachevsky, not to question him. At the moment, Tukhachevsky seems to be reasonable, so do as he says!

According to Trotsky, after the purpose of standing up and cheering Tukhachevsky has been achieved, he can leave. But what he didn't expect was that just after Tukhachevsky said the above words, a non-"harmonious" voice came out.

"Comrade Mikhail, I think your judgment is overly optimistic."

The green tendons on Tukhachevsky's forehead were jumping, because he never imagined that Vasilevsky, the little newcomer who had been trying so hard to take care of him, would dismantle his benefactor's platform at this time, and at that time, he was almost spurting out a mouthful of old blood.

Trotsky was also attracted to Vasilevsky, who did not know Vasilevsky very well, but only had a slight impression, and this impression was brought by Tukhachevsky. Tukhachevsky had praised Vasilevsky in front of him, believing that he was very talented.

Vasilevsky, whom Tukhachevsky considered very talented, contradicted him, and this aroused the great attention of Trotsky, who wanted to hear his opinion. But before Trotsky could speak, Tukhachevsky exploded!

"Where's the optimism? Are you, like those superficial guys, who think that you can open things up in Grebeenka? Alexander. Comrade Mikhailovich, I must remind you that your ideas are too naïve to withstand any scrutiny! ”

Tukhachevsky, who was angry, was also speechless, and viciously taught Vasilevsky a lesson and was still angry, and at that time he pointed to the door of the office and ordered: "Now you get out of here for me!" ”

Originally, Trotsky wanted to ask Vasilevsky's opinion, but seeing that Tukhachevsky was so excited at this time, he could only give up this idea for the time being. Because now Tukhachevsky is unreasonable, he must be taken care of first, and if he asks Vasilevsky questions now, I am afraid that Tukhachevsky will fly completely and explode.

However, as Vasilevsky walked away, Trotsky whispered to his secretary: "You will tell Alexander in his place. Comrade Mikhailovich apologized, Comrade Mikhail is now under too much pressure, he does not have a heart. Also, you asked him to come to me in the afternoon, and I would like to hear his opinion on this battle......" (to be continued......

PS: Bow and thank you to Meteor EX, SS Guard Flag Team and Comrade Juventus!