Chapter 5. NEW PLANS
August 8, 1942
Moscow city, Headquarters of the Supreme Command.
In a spacious office, at a long table covered with a green cloth, gathered members of the State Defense Committee and the Headquarters of the Supreme Command, as well as several people who were additionally invited to the meeting. At the head of the table, neatly filling his pipe with tobacco, sat the Supreme Commander himself. Joseph Vissarionovich lit a match and, slowly lighting his pipe, addressed those present.
- Now the commander of the Volkhov front, Comrade Meretskov, will report to us the plan of an offensive operation near Leningrad, which should finally allow our troops to break through to the city, - with a gesture of his hand in which he was holding the receiver, Stalin invited Kirill Afanasyevich to a large map hanging on the wall.
Everyone at the table turned to the speaker. Their faces showed genuine interest in the plans of the command of the Volkhov Front to break the blockade of Leningrad. Meretskov took a long pointer and walked closer to the map.
“We propose to choose the so-called Shlisselburg-Sinyavinsky ledge, which was formed as a result of the withdrawal of German troops to the southern coast of Lake Ladoga in September 1941, as the location for the operation,” he began. “The advantage of choosing this direction is that it will allow our troops to reach the Neva and Leningrad from the southeast by the shortest route,” the front commander pointed out the proposed direction of offensive.
- But after all, the terrain on which you plan to conduct the operation is extremely unsuitable for the deployment of offensive actions, - A. M. Vasilevsky, who recently took over as Chief of the General Staff of the Red Army, immediately objected to him, infantry, will sharply restrict the maneuver of troops and create advantages just for the defending side. In addition, the Sinyavinskiye Heights, from which the enemy has a circular view of several kilometers, are in the path of your planned direction of attack.
“That's right, Comrade Colonel General,” Meretskov admitted. “Moreover, the enemy, in the eleven months that it has occupied, has created strong defensive fortifications here with many nodes of resistance and strongholds. In the center of the centers of resistance are artillery and mortar batteries, and the density of anti-tank guns is seven to eight pieces per kilometer of the front. The enemy covered the front edge with wire and mine-explosive obstacles, and the personnel are accommodated in strong dugouts, - Kirill Afanasyevich stopped, noticing Stalin's gaze on himself. - However, - having gathered, he continued, - we nevertheless decided to choose this direction for our offensive. Firstly, only this direction will give us the opportunity to reach the Neva within two or three days, - the front commander showed on the map the planned rush to the river. - Because for an operation that will last longer than this period, we simply do not have enough strength. And, secondly, and more importantly, by undertaking an offensive where the enemy does not expect him, we will ensure the surprise of the initial strike and seize the initiative. As for the locality - where can we find a locality better than this in our North? Swamps and forests cover the entire space here, from Lake Ladoga to Novgorod …
Those present at the meeting, exchanging glances, finally nodded approvingly, agreeing with the commander of the Volkhov front. Stalin, attentively listening to the speaker, puffed on his pipe and remained silent. Meretskov continued.
- The operation is planned as a joint action of the right wing of the Volkhov front and the Nevsky operational group of the Leningrad front, - Kirill Afanasyevich looked at the commander of the Leningrad front, Lieutenant General L. A. Govorov. He got up from his seat, but, obeying Stalin's gesture, again sat down at the table.
- Leningraders want to force the Neva, but they do not have the strength and means for this. We think that the main burden of the forthcoming operation should again fall on the Volkhov front. The Leningrad Front will render assistance to Volkhovsky with its artillery and aviation. Therefore, I propose now not to dwell separately on the auxiliary operation of the Leningrad Front, - Stalin explained his decision. - Continue, Comrade Meretskov.
- The main attack by the troops of our front will be carried out on a 16-kilometer section, in the direction of Otradny. At the same time, we have to break through the enemy's defenses south of Sinyavino, defeat his MGinsko-Sinyavinsky grouping and, reaching the Neva, unite with units of the Leningrad front, - the commander of the Volkhov front indicated the appropriate directions of action for his troops. - Two armies are involved in the operation: the 8th and the 2nd shock armies. The 8th Army is already on the defensive in the sector of the future offensive and will operate in the first echelon. The units of the 2nd Shock Army that have made their way from the encirclement have so far been withdrawn to the reserve, where they put themselves in order and are replenished with people and equipment.
Despite the fact that throughout the Great Patriotic War the Headquarters of the Supreme Command was located in Moscow, in the city of Kuibyshev (currently - Samara), a special bunker was built as its reserve location. The photo shows one of its meeting rooms. The interior of this hall was made in the most similar style to the one in which the Supreme Command Headquarters meetings were held in the capital.
- Do you know, Comrade Meretskov, that the 8th and 2nd shock armies, according to your plan, will have to move in the same way as the Russian troops, which expelled the Swedes from our land in their time? - Suddenly asked the question of the Supreme.
- That's right, Comrade Stalin - 240 years ago, during the Northern War, this is how the regiments of Peter I marched, - Kirill Afanasyevich answered affirmatively.
“It would be good to remind the soldiers before the offensive of those glorious events that were crowned with victories of Russian weapons,” Stalin remarked.
- I agree with you, Iosif Vissarionovich. We will definitely carry out such work, '' Meretskov assured, and then continued. - Between the 8th Army and the 2nd Shock Army, which developed its actions, we plan to place the 4th Guards Rifle Corps in the second echelon. Thus, the first two echelons will be designed to break through the German defenses to the full depth, and the task of the third will be reduced to routing enemy reserves at the final stage of the operation. This will allow us to avoid the shortcomings of the battles of the winter of 1941/42, when we were unable to ensure the massing of forces and assets in the decisive direction. Now, having a different structure of troops, we expect to break through to the Neva at a high rate before German reinforcements from other sectors arrive there.
- And what forces can the enemy oppose you in this direction? - asked a member of the Headquarters of the Supreme Command, V. M. Molotov.
“According to our calculations, Vyacheslav Mikhailovich, we are opposed by ten enemy divisions,” Meretskov replied. - Our reconnaissance in the area of proposed offensive actions and nearby did not reveal any other enemy formations, as well as a transfer from other sectors of the front.
There was a pause. At that moment, rising from the table, the Supreme Commander-in-Chief said:
- Well then. I think the Headquarters of the Supreme High Command can approve the plan of operation provided by the command of the Volkhov Front.”Stalin motioned for Meretskov to sit down in his place. Joseph Vissarionovich himself slowly moved along the table along the wide red carpet. Taking a couple of puffs from his pipe as he walked, he continued:
- To replenish the weakened formations, we will allocate a sufficient number of marching companies, tanks, guards mortar units, shells and other material and technical means to the Volkhov Front, - after these words, Stalin's hand described the arc, and the movement of the tube, as it were, put an end to this proposal. - This year we have successfully completed the restructuring of all sectors of the national economy on a military basis. The troops, in contrast to the winter campaign of 1941/42, now in many ways will no longer feel the lack.
Pausing, Stalin turned to the commander of the Volkhov front.
- How many machine guns and rifles do you need, comrade Meretskov? - he asked.
Kirill Afanasyevich got up again from his chair, which he had just occupied at the table.
“We ask for three to five thousand submachine guns and five thousand rifles, Comrade Stalin,” Meretskov called, in his opinion, the smallest number.
"We'll give twenty thousand," Stalin replied, and then added. - We now have enough not only rifles, but also machine guns …
In 1942, the troops began to receive more and more new equipment. In the photo - "thirty-four", overcoming the impassable swampy terrain of the Leningrad region (1942).
Leaving Moscow, Kirill Afanasevich noted with satisfaction that, despite the difficult situation at the fronts, the country's leadership confidently holds the levers of its control in its hands. In the rear, mass production of the types of weapons and materiel necessary for the front is being developed, and large reserve formations and large formations are being formed. “Sooner or later, quantity must turn into quality,” he thought.
With this in mind, he hurried to the troops of his front - there was still too much to be done to prepare for the forthcoming offensive …
August 12, 1942
Crimea, headquarters of the 11th German army
Field Marshal Erich von Manstein, who returned from his vacation in Romania to the location of his army, was in excellent spirits. On the shoulder straps of his uniform now flaunted a silver pair of marshal's wands with fine engraving, carefully prepared almost immediately after his promotion to a new rank by Major of the General Staff Eisman, with the help of one Simferopol Tatar - goldsmith. In general, after the won battle for Sevastopol, Manstein received a lot of congratulations and expensive gifts. So, the German crown prince sent him a heavy gold cigarette case, on the lid of which the plan of the Sevastopol fortress with all its defensive structures was skillfully engraved. One Russian priest, who at one time fled from the revolution to France and now lived in Vichy, gave him, in gratitude for the “liberation of the Crimea from the Bolsheviks,” as he himself wrote in an accompanying letter, a cane made of knotted grapevine, into the knob of which topaz was embedded, and on a narrow metal ring there was an inscription in Russian. Among the gifts was even such an exotic edition as the memoirs of a certain General von Manstein, who during the time of Empress Anna, while in the Russian service, fought under the command of Field Marshal Minich on the shores of the Black Sea. Manstein hoped that even greater honors awaited him as soon as his rested 11th Army joined the conquest of the Caucasus, the successfully developing large offensive of the southern wing of the German army.
When the field marshal, drove up to the headquarters building, got out of his car, he was met by the chief of the operational department of the army headquarters, Colonel Busse.
- Heil Hitler, Herr Field Marshal! The colonel threw up his hand, greeting Manstein.
Having answered in the same way and shaking hands with Busse, Manstein immediately inquired about the affairs of the army.
- Colonel, how are preparations going for the crossing of the Kerch Strait, about the preparations for which you so often reported to me during my vacation?
- Mr. General Field Marshal … - Busse began somewhat embarrassed. - The fact is that we have received a new order. In accordance with it, the 11th Army should be urgently transferred to the command of Army Group North. In this regard, our heavy artillery has already been sent to Leningrad.
- Who will force the strait now? - Manstein asked, clearly perplexed by such a sharp change in the plans of the command.
- The task of forcing the Kerch Strait is now assigned to the 42nd corps and the 42nd division, together with the Romanians. - answered the head of the operational department. - We have been ordered to organize the transfer to the north of the remaining formations of the army, upon completion of their replenishment, as well as the headquarters of the 54th and 30th corps.
The Field Marshal pondered. Apparently, after the success in the assault on Sevastopol, now they want to set him the task of taking Leningrad. “But to what extent is it expedient for this purpose to remove the 11th Army from the southern wing of the Eastern Front? He thought. - Regardless of whether the army will participate in the crossing of the Kerch Strait or not, it could become a powerful operational reserve in the south, where decisive battles are now taking place. It is necessary to discuss all this at the Headquarters of the Fuhrer, with the Chief of the General Staff of the Ground Forces."
- Good. Busse, prepare the necessary orders,”Manstein ordered. - Unfortunately, apparently, we all really will soon have to drastically change the climate …
CHAPTER 6. FIRE LIGHT OF THE NORTH
August 24, 1942
Ukraine, 8 kilometers from Vinnitsa.
Hitler's headquarters "Werewolf" (8).
(8) - Werewolf - from the German Werwolf - a werewolf who can turn into a wolf.
The chief of staff of the High Command of the Wehrmacht Ground Forces looked out the window of his office - the dense forest was flooded with the rays of the still warm summer sun. A light breeze, bursting into the half-open window, brought a pleasant smell of pine needles and local forest herbs. Halder was pleased with the premises of the new Headquarters of the Fuehrer, the Werewolf, prepared for him and his headquarters. Unlike Wolf's Lair in East Prussia, here in Ukraine, the main offices of ground forces staff, signalmen and service personnel were housed not in damp bunkers, but in wooden houses hidden by tall pines growing around them. Special bunkers, with multi-meter thick walls and floors made of reinforced concrete, extending several floors in depth, were provided only for Hitler himself, as well as for the highest ranks of the Reich and officers of the General Staff.
Keitel, Hitler, Halder (from left to right in the foreground) on the territory of the headquarters "Werewolf" (July 1942)
The headquarters was transferred here in mid-July 1942 and has already managed to get used to the new location. Some difficulties for guard duty created large intervals between houses, but this was offset by the emerging good opportunities for the work of all departments and the mild Ukrainian climate.
Halder was expecting Field Marshal Manstein. Realizing that Hitler's demand for the transfer of the 11th Army to attack Leningrad, which appeared in the twentieth of July, was extremely unexpected for Manstein, he wanted to personally talk with him before he went to the Fuehrer to receive this new task for him. The chief of the general staff of the ground forces of the Wehrmacht himself was against the further dispersion of the forces of the German troops until the assigned tasks of capturing Stalingrad and the Caucasus were completed. In Manstein, he wanted to acquire an ally that he needed so much, who would help him, if not dissuade Hitler from this venture, then at least make him doubt its timeliness. The telephone on the table rang.
“Mr. Colonel General, the Field Marshal’s plane has landed at our airfield,” the duty officer reported to Halder.
- Good. - he answered and hung up.
Halder looked at his watch. The Fuhrer still had more than an hour before the appointed meeting time. This time should be enough to have time to meet with the arriving commander of the 11th Army and discuss the necessary issues …
Wooden houses of the rate "Werewolf". The total number of such buildings on its territory was about eighty. Among them were a special telephone exchange, a canteen, a gym with a swimming pool, a sauna, a hairdresser and even a casino.
Manstein's plane landed on an airfield near the Werewolf's location. When the car had already finished taxiing and its engines finally stopped, the field marshal who appeared in the doorway saw that a car was already waiting for him almost near the gangway. A line of security guards threw up their hands in a Nazi salute. Their well-trained bearing and perfect appearance were immediately noticeable; on the uniforms one could see the personal sleeve cuff ribbons with the inscription "Großdeutschland" and the monogram "GD" on the shoulder straps (9).
(9) - "Großdeutschland", or "Grossdeutschland" - ("Great Germany" - German)
They were soldiers of one of the most elite formations - the motorized SS division "Great Germany". In the spring of 1942. she was deployed into a division from the motorized infantry regiment of the same name and took part in the summer battles on the southern wing of the German Eastern Front in a new capacity. After heavy fighting and losses incurred near Voronezh and Rostov, in early August, the division was withdrawn to the reserve of the high command of the ground forces for replenishment and rest. From his chief of staff, Manstein knew that after the replenishment, the High Command planned to transfer her to reinforce his 11th Army.
The so-called "Fuehrer escort battalion", to which these soldiers belonged, was separated from the division and was responsible for guarding the first perimeter of Hitler's headquarters.
- Mr. General Field Marshal, - the commander of the security platoon turned to him. - All posts have been notified of your arrival, but I apologize in advance for the inevitable checks along the way - the security measures at the Fuehrer's Headquarters differ from those in the location of our regular units.
- I understand everything, Herr Untersturmfuehrer, do not worry, - answered Manstein, getting into the car.
Driving through the numerous checkpoints, the experienced eye of the field marshal noticed a large number of hidden pillboxes, artillery and anti-aircraft positions that make up the headquarters' lines of defense. On the tall trees, observation posts were equipped and well camouflaged. Finally, the car stopped at one of the wooden buildings. The familiar figure of the Chief of the General Staff of the Ground Forces, Franz Halder, appeared at the door of the building.
“Greetings, Mr. Field Marshal,” he said, shaking hands with Manstein. - I was already waiting when I could have a cup of coffee with you and discuss our current tasks.
“Of course, Mr. Colonel-General,” Manstein replied politely. - I will be glad to take advantage of your hospitality and the opportunity to discuss these issues …
During the construction of the Werewolf's shelters, the relief of the surrounding area was used to the maximum.
The photo shows one of the bunkers of this Headquarters of the Fuhrer.
About half an hour later, after talking and agreeing on some positions before the meeting, Mantschein and Halder entered Hitler's office. In "Werewolf" this room, unlike other residences of the Fuehrer, did not differ in its huge size, but it was quite spacious. Bright sunlight poured into the room from wide windows, reaching almost to the ceiling, if necessary, supplemented by the illumination of a large plafond lamp located in the center of the office. Directly above the cards, lying on a long table, were several hanging lamps with flexible mountings. Another pair of table lamps stood next to where Hitler used to sit.
In the office, in addition to the Fuehrer himself, were the chief of staff of the Supreme High Command of the armed forces of Germany, Field Marshal Wilhelm Keitel and the acting military adjutant of Hitler, General of the Infantry Rudolf Schmundt.
Smiling broadly, Hitler got up from the table and went out to meet the newcomers. The generals threw up their hands almost simultaneously.
- Heil Hitler!
“Greetings, Mr. Field Marshal,” he said, holding out his hand to Manstein. - Well, the conqueror of the southern stronghold of the Russians will now be destined to inflict a crushing blow on them in the north, so that no one else could doubt the power of German weapons! - Hitler patted Manstein on the shoulder and motioned him to the table.
- My Fuhrer, I want to immediately express my doubts, is it advisable now to withdraw my 11th Army from the southern wing of the Eastern Front, when the battles in the Caucasus and in the Stalingrad region have not yet been completed? - Manstein tried to immediately start a discussion about plans for the further use of his army. - After all, now we are looking for a solution to our fate in the south of the Eastern Front, and for this no amount of forces will be superfluous in this direction …
“Let's leave this question for now, Manstein,” Hitler interrupted. - We will discuss it a little later. And now let us listen to Halder's report on the current situation at the fronts.
The chief of the General Staff of the Ground Forces obediently approached the table and laid out on it updated maps of the current situation on the fronts. Hitler stood next to him.
“In the south, near Novorossiysk, our 17th Army has achieved local tactical successes,” Halder began his report. - The 1st Panzer Army, which received the order to deploy the 16th Motorized Division in the direction of Elista, had minor changes in the situation. The 4th Panzer Army defeated the enemy in front of it and is now regrouping for an offensive to the north in order to break through to Stalingrad from the south. The 14th Panzer Corps of the 6th Army, which had broken through to the Volga at Stalingrad, was seriously pressed by the enemy as a result of a counterattack by Russian tanks, but after pulling up fresh forces, the situation was defused there, - Halder showed on the map the direction of the blows inflicted by Soviet troops on the northern flank of German troops, that came out to the Volga. “At the front along the Don, the situation has not changed, apart from a few attacks with limited targets,” Halder paused and looked at Hitler. The Fuhrer was silent, and the Colonel General decided to continue. - On the central front, the Russians dealt serious blows against the positions of the 2nd, 3rd tank and 9th armies, where a slight withdrawal of our troops was again noted in several sectors. Despite the arrival of the 72nd Division, forced by us to withdraw from the troops of the 11th Army being transferred to the north and transferred directly from the wheels to the command of Army Group Center, the situation there remains tense. In this regard, the units of the "Great Germany" division, also previously promised to Field Marshal Mantstein and already sent to Leningrad, were stopped in Smolensk and transferred to Bely as additional reserves - after these words, Halder exchanged glances with Manstein. At the same time, the colonel-general spread his arms to the sides and shook his head, thereby once again showing the field marshal that there was no other way out of the situation that had developed there.
“How long will the Russians violate my plans with impunity, Halder ?! Hitler snapped at the speaker. - Why, instead of destroying 3 Russian armies in the cauldron near Sukhinichi, as was envisaged by the plan for Operation Virbelwind (10), we were forced to send divisions there, which were planned to be transferred to Manstein to take Leningrad?
(10) - Operation "Wilberwind" ("Virbelwind" - "Smerch", German) - an operation of the Germans in the Western direction, with the aim of encircling and destroying the 10th, 16th and 61st Soviet armies of the Western Front in the Sukhinichsky ledge …To participate in this operation, the German command attracted 11 divisions, including 5 tank divisions. During the operation, the beginning of which was scheduled for August 7, the Germans wanted to cut off the Sukhinichi ledge with two counter strikes - Model's 9th Army from the north and Schmidt's 2nd Panzer Army from the south. However, the Pogorelo-Gorodishchenskaya operation of the Soviet troops, which began in August, put the 9th Army of the Germans in an extremely difficult situation, as a result of which it was not able to take part in the operation "Smerch". Then on August 11, the Germans tried to carry out the operation with the forces of only the 2nd Panzer Army. As a result, having met stubborn resistance and soon found themselves under strong counterattacks by the approaching Soviet reserves, the German offensive collapsed, resulting in serious losses for them.
After all, only quite recently, at the end of July, you demanded that the newly replenished 9th and 11th Panzer Divisions be transferred to Army Group Center, from the Stalingrad direction? How long will this last? Did the divisions of Army Group Center sit so long in defense that they completely forgot how to fight? - Hitler's face turned purple.
“My Fuhrer,” Halder tried to explain. - the troops have long been overworked, have suffered significant losses in the officer and non-commissioned officer corps, this cannot but affect their condition and combat effectiveness.
“You might think our troops in the south are less overworked and do not suffer any losses! Hitler shouted again.
Halder paused briefly, hoping that the Fuehrer would calm down a little. Then he again tried to give his arguments to explain the situation at the front of Army Group Center.
“My Fuhrer,” the Colonel-General began as calmly as possible. - As you know, with the aim of misinforming the enemy about the direction of our offensive, we carried out Operation Kremlin, as a result of the successful implementation of which we were able to convince the enemy that we would deliver the main blow of the summer campaign to Moscow.
Hitler, really calming down a little, reluctantly nodded his head in agreement.
“As a result,” Halder continued, “the Soviet command gathered its main reserves in the Moscow direction, thanks to which we were able to launch the main offensive in the south so successfully. Now, realizing their mistake, the Russian command was faced with a choice - either to start transferring reserves accumulated in the western direction to the south, thereby weakening the Moscow direction - with a great risk still not having time to help Stalingrad or the troops in the Caucasus, or try to create for us a serious crisis at the front of Army Group Center, having themselves gone over to the offensive here. As we can see, they chose the second option.
- Tell me, Halder, why do I need a chief of the general staff of the ground forces, who does nothing but punctually outline the course of current events? - Hitler's new outburst of anger was even stronger than the previous one. - Isn't it your task to prevent such situations, especially since for this you and other generals just need to follow my instructions! Because I, unlike you, can judge all this much better, because in the First World War I fought as an infantryman at the front, while you were not even there !!!
“My Fuhrer,” Manstein suddenly intervened in the conversation. “Allow me to leave the meeting until there is a need for my personal presence.” He no longer wanted to listen to such unfair reproaches and threats from Hitler to the chief of the general staff.
“Okay,” Hitler said dully without turning to him. - You will be called at the right time.
The Field Marshal left the office. It was only now that he realized how bad the relationship had been between Hitler and his chief of the general staff. Halder's serious considerations, presented by him in a purely businesslike manner, had absolutely no effect on Hitler. "It is unlikely that they will be able to work together for a long time," he thought.
Only twenty minutes later Manstein was again invited into the office. When the field marshal entered the room, the Fuehrer, already clearly cooled from his fit of anger, again sat at the head of the table.
“Well, it's time for us to move on to the main issue of today's meeting, Mr. Field Marshal,” said Hitler, gesturing to invite him to sit down beside him. When Mantstein took the place offered to him, the Fuhrer continued. - So, Mr. Field Marshal General, you are instructed to carry out one of the main tasks set out in my directive number 41, namely, to take Leningrad and connect with the Finns by land (11).
(11) - Hitler's directive number 41 dated 1942-05-04. was the main general plan of action of the Wehrmacht for the period following the end of the winter battles of 1941-1942. According to this document, the main goal of the upcoming campaign was the final destruction of manpower still at the disposal of the Soviet command and depriving the USSR of as many of the most important military-economic centers as possible. For this, it was ordered to conduct a main offensive, with the aim of destroying Soviet troops west of the river. Don and the subsequent seizure of the oil regions of the Caucasus, as well as passes through the Caucasian ridge. Another main task specified in the directive was to strike in the north, as a result of which it was necessary to achieve the fall of Leningrad and join the Finnish army. Interestingly, according to the plan of operations in the south set out in the document, the seizure of Stalingrad by the Fuhrer was not initially planned - the city was only proposed to "try to reach" or, at least, to subject it to fire to such an extent that it ceased to serve as a military-industrial and transport center.
- But it is precisely in this directive that it is unequivocally stated that the indicated operations in the north should be carried out only after the Russian troops in the south have been destroyed and the oil regions of the Caucasus are seized, - objected Manstein.
“Our successes in the south give reason to believe that here the Russians no longer have sufficient forces to stop our divisions in the foothills of the Caucasus or at Stalingrad,” Hitler said with confidence in his voice. - I think that within the next few weeks we will achieve all the set goals. Halder, do you agree with me that we can do without the 11th Army in the south? - Turning to the colonel-general, asked Hitler.
- Yes, my Fuhrer. I think we can make do with the forces that we have,”Halder replied surprisingly quickly. “As a last resort, we can transfer the necessary forces from France or other calm areas. Moreover, after the unsuccessful landing at Dieppe, the British during the next year are unlikely to organize any attempts to create a "second front" (12).
(12) - On August 19, 1942, British and Canadian troops attempted to amphibious assault on the French coast of the English Channel, in order to capture the port of Dieppe. The operation ended in complete failure - having in its composition about 6,000 soldiers, the landing party lost more than 3,600 people killed, wounded or taken prisoner in several hours of battle, the losses of British aviation amounted to more than 100 aircraft.
- Stalin keeps pushing and pushing on Churchill about the opening of a "second front", - Hitler chuckled, - so the British have to demonstrate in this way at least some kind of "activity" in this matter. There will be no "second front" in Europe this year, it is clear to everyone, even to Stalin. So, Manstein, have we managed to dispel your doubts? - the Fuhrer again turned to the commander of the 11th Army.
- My Fuhrer, I am ready to carry out any order that will serve Germany.
- But these are the words of a real German officer! - Hitler exclaimed approvingly. - Manstein, for more than a year now a whole group of armies, dozens of our divisions - veterans of the Eastern Front, are shackled under this damned northern capital of the Russians! - after these words, Hitler jumped up and with quick steps began to measure the room.- We tried to storm this city in the fall of 1941, to strangle it with hunger in the winter of 1942, to raze it to the ground with aviation and artillery, but so far we have not been able to achieve its fall. Like a bone in our throat, we have this Russian bastion on the Neva, covered by their Baltic fleet, which must also be captured or destroyed at last.”
Then, turning to Mantstein, he said in an imperious tone:
- I instruct you, the conqueror of the fortress of Sevastopol, to end our battle in the north of the Eastern Front. We will call the operation to capture Leningrad "Nordlicht" (13).
(13) - "Nordlicht" - "Northern Lights" (German)
This fiery radiance should pave the way for our troops and lead them to a well-deserved victory, - Hitler exclaimed pathetically, as if speaking in front of a huge audience. - And it is not for me to explain to you, Mr. Field Marshal, - added Hitler, - what prospects will open before us after joining with the Finns on the Karelian Isthmus and releasing dozens of divisions of Army Group North. By inflicting several powerful blows from these divisions in the southeast direction, it is possible to bring down the entire northern flank of the Russian front. Having lost the Caucasus and received the same blow in the north, the Soviets will no longer be able to continue the war - this will be our final victory on the Eastern Front!
Manstein, listening intently to Hitler, rose from his chair.
- My Fuhrer, my headquarters are already on their way to Leningrad. Immediately upon arrival, after assessing the situation, we will immediately begin to develop a detailed plan of the operation.
- I believe in you, Field Marshal, - Hitler put his hand on Manstein's shoulder. - We understand that we were forced to deprive you of several divisions that you need so much. But don't be discouraged. According to our orders, from the beginning of July, a thousand reinforcements have been sent to the Leningrad sector every day to reinforce our troops. For the operation, about two hundred artillery batteries with eight hundred guns will also be concentrated.
- Opportunities for artillery shelling near Leningrad are not as favorable as in Sevastopol, and the infantry forces for an attack on the Karelian Isthmus are not enough, - Manstein noted.
- To help you, we are transferring additional aviation formations to Leningrad - the 8th Air Corps, pupils of your good Crimean friend - Colonel General Baron von Richthofen. Among other things, it has been decided to place a company of our newest Tiger tanks at your disposal. They will help you hack any Russian defense! - said Hitler enthusiastically. - Not a single Soviet anti-tank gun can penetrate their armor even at close range! And their 88-millimeter guns will smash any tanks and enemy fortifications from a distance of more than a kilometer. - But keep in mind - the workers of Leningrad are undoubtedly organized into military detachments and at the beginning of the battle they will immediately rush into the trenches - take this into account in your plans and calculations, - continued Hitler. - You are given complete freedom of action, Mr. Field Marshal. However, remember one thing - after the capture of Leningrad, it must be wiped off the face of the earth! - and he slammed his fist hard on the table.
