The Iron and Steel Frenzy of the Republic of China

In January 1942, the most terrifying cold wave hit the Leningrad and Moscow theaters. The ultra-low temperature of more than minus 1 degrees made people mistakenly think that they were in the North Pole. Knives, raging on the northern land!

More than 300 million troops from the Soviet Union and Germany gathered around the city of Leningrad on the Baltic coast. On the battlefield with a radius of about [-] kilometers, they fought madly for a whole autumn and half a winter. The fighting spirit of the Soviet Russians was also forced to collapse by the brutal current situation!

The extreme cold was a severe test for both sides. Whether it was the German Army's Northern Group Marshal Loeb or the Soviet Army's Commander Zhukov, the pressure in his heart was as heavy as a mountain. Not only could he not sleep at night, but his energy was more exhausted than in the first half of his life. interest!

Another gloomy morning.Rarely, the snowflakes swept by the gust of wind stopped, and only the cold wind of level four or five blew across the empty battlefield, making a heart-piercing whistling sound.At the front of the encirclement covered by heavy snow, countless German cold-proof nests were opened one after another. The soldiers in thick cotton coats exhaled thick white air, and waded through the deep snow covering their thighs with difficulty.But with their physical strength, they can barely move forward a few dozen steps, and they are too tired to lift their legs.

"What a terrible weather! If we had known earlier, we would rather wait until the snow melts this spring before launching a general attack!"

Manstein, the commander of the 41st Motorized Army of the German Army, came to the ground from under the thick fortifications and along the passage dug out of the snow. The suburban defense line of the bomb crater, sighed.

Beside him, a Chinese soldier responded calmly: "That's it. Maybe it wasn't you who attacked Soviet Russia, but they were raided by them! Moreover, Ukraine's poor soft and wet soil is a swamp no matter in spring or autumn Mire, your armored units are incapable of launching lightning strikes! The result. Could be worse!"

"Who knows?" Manstein obviously didn't intend to spend too much time talking about it, although he didn't think that the Russians had the guts to attack the mighty Germany, but who made Colonel Luo Zhendong in front of him As for the observer from China, although compared with his own military rank, this guy who only leads a reinforced armored regiment for the time being is really far behind.Manstein learned from the side that, in fact, he is more promising and of a higher level than the commander of an armored division!

Luo Zhendong.However, the force that came from Zhu Bin's most direct line, because China does not have the rank of brigadier general, is only a colonel for the time being, otherwise, it is undoubtedly a real major general, and he will lead the most powerful armored force in the world , enough to attract his attention.

In fact, Manstein prefers to come from the most powerful and mysterious team.Wang Zhangtang, the commander-in-chief who defeated the armored forces of Japan, Soviet Russia, the United States and other powers by himself.But that guy is now said to be the commander-in-chief in charge of the offensive forces of the entire North American theater, so it is definitely impossible for him to come out to engage in military exchanges.Can't discuss with him in depth.It's a pity!

Gently inhaling two mouthfuls of cold air, replaced the turbidity that had been suffocating for half a night, and felt that his tired and tired body seemed to be rejuvenated. Manstein changed the subject and asked: "Colonel Luo, I am very curious. You guys How did you solve the problem of severe cold and wet and muddy combat environment? As far as I know, your troops claim to be able to fight all-weather and all-terrain!"

What appeared to be a casual conversation involved perhaps the highest military secret.

Luo Zhendong smiled faintly: "Sufficient battlefield reconnaissance and pre-war preparations are the most effective way to solve problems! Our weapons and equipment designers must go deep into the worst environments to collect data, and according to the front-line soldiers and commanders Opinions will be comprehensively analyzed, and finally targeted design and manufacture will be made. Many actual military drills will also be carried out. In order to attack the Soviet Russian Far East Army, we have made preparations for three years. In short, our equipment and training are all It revolves around winning the war. Although Germany has advanced technology and higher quality workers, there are too many artists in it.”

"Aren't artists bad? I have always believed that only the best professionals can design and manufacture the most sophisticated weapons." Manstein disagreed. The quality of the Germans is unmatched in the world. Why? Has it become a shortcoming in the mouths of you Chinese people?

Luo Zhendong said with a smile: "The works of artists are usually full of personal characteristics, but lack of compatibility with others, and are relatively inefficient. In my opinion, if they are willing to put down some meticulous work, relax a little The pursuit of extreme complexity will at least double the production efficiency of Germany's military industry. That means that there will be no need to worry about the lack of weapons and ammunition supplies on the battlefield. You know, Germany's population is too small after all, and the mobilization force is limited, and yours Women rarely enter factories."

Manstein frowned slightly and was stunned.

He, like most Germans, regards it as an advantage and a normal thing, but is it considered a defect by the Chinese?This made him unwilling to accept it from the bottom of his heart.

But he had to admit that Luo Zhendong was right.The countries that have participated in the war, whether Soviet Russia or the United States, have all mobilized, especially the power of women to the extreme, which is equivalent to at least half or even doubling the overall power.If Germany can also replace men with women workers in production operations, at least several million excellent soldiers can be liberated.

But Germany, like China, has a traditional culture that attaches great importance to the family throughout the society, and it is natural for women to take care of the family and take care of their children.

"There is an old saying in China, 'The lion fights the rabbit with all its strength'. Since Germany intends to conquer the entire Western world, it must be prepared to devote everything."

It's hard for Luo Zhendong to say that the Germans are too arrogant, and they don't care about the enemy too much.Look at the past few years after Hitler launched the war, the overall strategy is completely based on one hammer and one stick, opening up some new battlefields on a whim, with too much appetite and greed, without taking into account their own backbone strength After all, it is limited, and simple victory may be easy. Conquest, occupation, integration and unity, relying on them alone, there is no door!

Just Germans.Refuse to admit it!

He was sent to the front line of Germany to observe the decision-making command of the German commander-in-chief nearby, personally experience the combat mode of the Soviet Union and Russia, and found that there were insufficient supplements.

Manstein paused.Putting this annoying topic aside again, he raised his finger and pointed to the blurry but clearly imminent enemy army in the distance, and asked Luo Zhendong: "If you were to attack Leningrad, what strategy would you adopt to ensure that success?"

Luo Zhendong narrowed his eyes slightly. With his good eyes, he could probably see clearly that there were a large number of black shadows shaking on the horizon far away in the endless snow.It must be a tank from the Soviet Union, and only the mechanical equipment made by Lao Maozi has surprisingly good frost resistance, and has sufficient experience to deal with severe cold damage, ensuring that the performance of the weapon is not affected.Therefore, they must be the first to move.

As for Manstein's question, he also considered and discussed it before coming.To be blunt: "In terms of strategy and tactics, we will not do better than you. However, we will strengthen the fight for air supremacy even more. Especially the devastating blow to the Soviet Navy in the Baltic Sea will be placed first. The second is to do a good job. Prepare to destroy an entire city. For a country with a proud history and a city of special political significance, we usually do not expect to occupy it, and would rather completely destroy it in exchange for strategic initiative and final victory."

The German attack on Soviet Russia was not unexpected.It can't be said that it wasn't swift and decisive, but it was obvious that the old Maozi's determination to mobilize and resist was underestimated for the harsh environment, so it happened that he fell into the quagmire in summer and autumn.Dragging it all the way into winter leads to a series of passive bad situations.

In the war between two powerful countries, the most feared thing is this kind of stalemate in the enemy's territory. The attacker with a longer supply line will pay higher costs, and the pressure of failure will actually be greater.

Manstein was a little conceited at first, but was soon stung by what he said later.No matter how subtle Luo Zhendong said, he could hear the meaning behind the words.Germany's combat seems resolute, but in fact some of the established goals have become constraints.

Hitler hoped to be able to personally inspect the three cities of Leningrad, Moscow, and Stalingrad, and accept the cheers of the citizens, which meant that the bombing should be limited.The German army had traveled a long distance and underestimated the difficulties. As a motorized army, he was supposed to be the main force of the blitzkrieg to quickly break through and beheaded with a knife, but he was fought here and turned into a protracted battle. It was clearly a disadvantage!

As for the attack on the Baltic Sea, it is obvious that the investment force is not enough. This has led to the Soviet navy providing strong support to Leningrad, which contrasts with the shortcomings of the German navy and the extremely poor coordination of the sea, land and air forces!

Modern warfare is a general war, with the three armies split up and fighting on their own. It also caused Goering to be in charge of all aircraft, causing countless troubles for their precise strategic deployment.

On the other hand, China, although it has risen for a very short period of time, no one can deny the glory of its achievements.Manstein, Guderian and others have personally conducted military observations and exchanges, and know that Zhu's army has implemented a so-called "three-dimensional combat" mode from the beginning. within the frame.A senior commander like him must have an air force or navy that he can mobilize, or other strategic forces, including secret missile forces.When going into battle, everything should be flexibly dealt with in real-time with the enemy.

This is indeed an extremely advanced and avant-garde combat idea. Manstein was deeply inspired, but there was no way to implement it in Germany.Although the German Wehrmacht has a long history and high quality, but historical tradition is also synonymous with rigidity and rigidity. The German Army has a bunch of advanced weapons and excellent soldiers, but they cannot be squeezed into a powerful fist to deal with the ever-changing war mode. It is a pity. ah!

He was even extremely envious of Wang Zhangtang's formation of troops.Regardless of the division in name, there are three heavy tank regiments, two artillery regiments, one flight regiment, one army aviation brigade, as well as reconnaissance regiments, special weapons forces, and so on.If you want to go to the sky, you have a brigade of heavy transport aircraft. If you want to go to sea, you have an amphibious assault ship to serve you. No matter where the battlefield is, you can drop it there.

Perhaps, after this war is over, Germany will carry out a revolutionary military change.Now it is unlikely.

Manstein didn't feel that Luo Zhendong was hiding anything, and what he said was true.Germany can do it as a reference, but it is not easy to realize it.

To destroy a city, there must first be the means to destroy all buildings.There are many buildings in Leningrad and other cities.Stone structures are everywhere, and ordinary shells and bombs hit them, at best they collapse. The space below is enough to accommodate hundreds of thousands of enemy troops for more covert attacks and confrontations.With those powerful Chinese bombs, it might work.Germany.Now even the airborne torpedoes have been thrown, but the effect is not very good.

It's not that Hitler didn't think about getting China's super bomb. Needless to say, he was unceremoniously rejected.It’s understandable when you think about it. That thing is too dangerous. If one goes down, a small town will disappear. If the Germans learn to crack and upgrade it, at what point will they start a war with China.Throw it on your own head, do you suffer on your own!

This doesn't work either, what about other ways?Manstein asked suspiciously: "At the beginning of our offensive, we invested thousands of planes and tens of thousands of cannons. Do you think it is still not enough?"

"Not enough!" Luo Zhendong shook his head resolutely, "If we use conventional weapons and tactics to attack, there is no upper limit on the number of aircraft. The benchmark is to seize air supremacy. There must be at least five hundred professional attack aircraft carrying 1000 pounds or more Heavy ground-penetrating attack bombs. Precisely bomb every building and completely blow them down! Then deploy at least 1000 heavy artillery pieces over 150mm, and use armor-piercing shells to destroy any building with more than two floors in front of you. Use more than 500 heavy armored vehicles The main battle tanks are sharp-pointed, with more than one hundred large-caliber assault guns, and the same number of infantry vehicles, and a large number of infantry. Advance at the fastest speed, and there must be no place where they pass A bunker where people can hide is left."

Manstein gasped, how cruel!After this is done, wouldn't there be only rubble left on the ground!Think of the historic city of Leningrad reduced to a ruin no taller than a two-story building.It was the end of the world!

This way of fighting is difficult for the Germans to accept. They generally love art. They have a natural hobby and collection of historical ancient cities and cultural relics and antiques. It is not a last resort and they are reluctant to destroy them.The purpose of their war is also to conquer, not simply destroy.

Of course they didn't think so.War is originally an act of unleashing the desire to destroy. In order to scare the enemy, any excessive destruction is normal.Obviously, the Germans did not implement Clausewitz's theory thoroughly enough!

"What a bunch of lunatics! It seems that they won the war, it was not a fluke!" Manstein complained in his heart, but he would not say it rudely.

At this time, rumbling explosions began to be heard ahead.The besieged Soviet army began to launch a counterattack again.However, the intensity was obviously much lower than last year. On the snow-covered battlefield, it was impossible to see where the enemy was from a distance. This was just a trial.

Leningrad was besieged. The largest industrial city and the second largest transportation hub in Soviet Russia, the location was too dangerous. After Zhukov came, he mobilized various resources to optimize the ratio, and the echelon defense array formed had obvious effects. Not only did it stabilize the morale of the army, it also survived the most difficult time by relying on the frozen Ladoga Bay lake passage.

With the deployment of several German armored groups and part of the air force, Leningrad's frontal pressure has been greatly reduced, and it is possible to make a small-scale counterattack.

Don't look at Hitler yelling "The purpose of our army is to surround this city and level it with shelling and continuous aerial bombardment. Any request to take over this city will not be considered, because the survival of the city's residents and The problem of feeding them cannot and should not be solved by us. In a war for existence we do not want to retain even a fraction of the population of such a great city."

In fact, he and the German army had no way to really destroy this place, let alone realize that the importance of Leningrad is far greater than that of Stalingrad and Moscow!His strategy of rushing to capture Moscow to force Stalin to surrender was wrong!

But no one can bluntly point out his mistakes to him. The generals of the National Defense Forces who are used to carrying out orders obviously have no way to change all this. After entering the winter battle, they have actually shown signs of fatigue.

Manstein recalled Luo Zhendong's words again, and sighed secretly.He could not count on the help of the navy. Under the leadership of Churchill, the British navy gave up protecting the homeland and even the North Sea, but they all devoted themselves to fighting in the Atlantic and Mediterranean Seas. Even Doenitz's sea wolf couldn't escape.

Although the Air Force can withdraw a large part of its strength from the Western Front, it is not so conspicuous on the Eastern Front.The German army urgently needs a force that can break the situation.Aerial bombing is obviously the way, but in the face of Zhukov's iron barrel array, Hitler's clamor seemed so weak.

Manstein and Loeb were obviously also aware of the trouble of procrastination. After careful consideration, they decisively requested that all Chinese-made heavy bombers and attack planes be transferred over, and launched an attack on Leningrad with heavy glide bombs from high altitude. The full-scale bombing!And several e100 giant rats, p1000 super giant rats, and a large number of heavily armored tiger tanks are also called.

But they don’t expect too much for all the acquisitions. Goering’s damn bastard will only move the air force to unnecessary places regardless of the overall situation in order to please Hitler. Hitler only has Moscow in his eyes, and he is too pursuing an unprecedented shock. Victory, while ignoring that Soviet Russia is a powerful country with enough territory, population, military strength, and resources to compete with him. The old Maozi's resilience has long been honed in the long history of fighting against nature, and it is as indestructible as steel bars.

Trying to win by occupying the capital in vain is the same as Japan’s original plan to quickly capture Nanjing, the capital of China, to conquer a huge ancient civilization with a land of more than 5000 million square kilometers and [-] million people. It is ridiculous! (To be continued..)