"Come here, call Comrade Shaposhnikov!" Joseph ordered.
"Okay, Comrade Joseph." The secretary immediately called.
Ten minutes later, the Russian Chief of General Staff Marshal Shaposhnikov rushed to Joseph's office. Before arriving, he had already learned that Air Force Commander General Novikov and General Air Force Chief of Staff Gromov had been relieved of their duties and exiled Siberia. Shaposhnikov knows that Joseph is currently in a rage. It's best to follow his wishes, otherwise, you will be affected.
"Comrade Shaposhnikov. Novikov and Gromov fought poorly, causing heavy losses to the Air Force and losing air supremacy. I have relieved both of them from their posts. So, who do you think is suitable to take over the positions of Air Force Commander and Chief of Staff?" Joseph asked.
Shaposhnikov thought for a while, and then said, "Comrade Joseph, the current situation of the Air Force is very bad. Even if someone else takes over as the commander and chief of staff of the Air Force, I am afraid it will not be able to reverse the current situation."
Joseph frowned, he understood what Shaposhnikov meant. Obviously, Shaposhnikov is worried that after he changes the leader of the Air Force, he will be replaced again due to the unfavorable operations of the Air Force. In that case, I'm afraid it will make the Air Force people panic.
"I know the situation of the Air Force. With our strength, it is too difficult to defeat the Germany people. However, I hope the Air Force can continue to fight and work hard to defend our airspace. We cannot turn around and run away because of the power of German Air Force. In that case, what is the use of using them?" Joseph looked angry.
"Yes, Comrade Joseph." Shaposhnikov nodded. Since Joseph also understands this meaning, he has nothing to worry about.
"Comrade Joseph, what do you think of Comrade Skripko and Comrade Falaleev?" Shaposhnikov asked.
The former is the deputy commander of Russian Air Force, and the latter is the deputy chief of staff. After General Novikov and General Gromov were dismissed from their posts, it is undoubtedly appropriate for them to advance in order.
Joseph thought for a while, then nodded. "Comrade Shaposhnikov, then let's do this, issue the promotion order in my name."
"Yes, Comrade Joseph!"
"Tell them that our enemies are very powerful, but the great Buru fighters will never be easily defeated. We ask them not to be afraid of sacrifices or difficulties, and to fight resolutely with the Germany people. I will do my best to help them. Over at the factory, I will say hello and ask them to increase the production of Yak-1 fighter jets as much as possible." Joseph said.
Although Joseph still very much hopes that Russian Air Force can regain the disadvantage and defeat German Air Force. But he knew that this was almost impossible. The only thing that can be done is to continue to fight. In that case, there might be a chance.
"Yes, Comrade Joseph."
General Skripko and General Falaleev were appointed as Air Force Commander and Chief of Staff respectively, but they were not happy at all. If they could make the decision themselves, they would definitely not be willing to take over such a position. Because they are worried that General Novikov and General Gromov will become a lesson for them.
No matter how angry Joseph is, it is an indisputable fact that Russia Kong was defeated. On April 15th, Russian Air Force was shot down by German Air Force and more than two thousand planes were blown up at the airport. And all Yak-1 fighters were lost. Although Russian Air Force still has a lot of aircraft left, most of them are old I-16 fighter jets and P-40 fighter jets assisted by United States. Previous air battles have proven that the I-16 fighter jet and the P-40 fighter jet are no match for the German Air Force BF-109 fighter jet. Not to mention facing the more powerful FW-190 fighter jet.
In addition, a large number of Russian Air Force field airports were blown up, and German Air Force has completely seized the air superiority on the battlefield.
That evening, Imperial Air Force Minister Albert Field Marshal Kesselring reported to the Emperor Qin Tian of the Empire the situation of the Air Force.
Knowing that the Air Force had achieved air superiority made Oscar very satisfied. Although the Air Force also suffered a lot of losses during the battle, after seizing air supremacy, it will be very beneficial to the Empire* army's subsequent operations.
"The Air Force has won the victory. Then, it's up to the Army. Field Marshal Manstein, give the order to attack! Early tomorrow morning, the five Army Groups of the Imperial Army will launch an attack, tearing apart Russians's defense line in one fell swoop, eliminating their effective forces, and steadily advancing towards Moscow!" Oscar ordered.
"Yes, Your Majesty!" Field Marshal Manstein replied.
"Field Marshal Kesselring, for the next battle, the Army will need strong support from the Air Force." Oscar continued.
When the army launches an offensive, if it can get support from the air force, casualties will be effectively controlled.
"Yes, Your Majesty, this is our responsibility!" Field Marshal Kesselring replied.
On the morning of April 16, just before dawn, the five Army Groups of German military launched a large-scale artillery bombardment on a front that was thousands of kilometers long. German military plus Puppet Troops, more than 20,000 Howitzer and field artillery, madly poured artillery shells on the Russian defense line. 20 Heavy Artillery Brigade, 1440-door 210mm self-propelled Howitzer, performed very well in the battle. The defense line that the Russian army had painstakingly built was easily destroyed under the fierce bombardment of German military.
Although, the Russian artillery was also fighting back tenaciously. The 203mm self-propelled Howitzer, 152mm Howitzer, 122mm Howitzer, known as Joseph's Hammer, and the 76.2mm field artillery are all fighting back. The Russian army also attaches great importance to the construction of artillery. However, they are just a bit behind the German Army in terms of the number and performance of their artillery.
Not long after the bombardment started, German Air Force fighter planes appeared on the battlefield. The FW-190 fighter jet also carries bombs or rockets and participates in the Russian artillery attack. Not to mention those Dive Bomber carrying bombs and the ground-attack Attacker.
The powerful air strike caused the Russian artillery to suffer even more heavy losses, and it was completely at a disadvantage among Artillery Battle. Under such circumstances, the Russian troops deployed on the front line suffered very heavy losses.
But even so, the Russian officers and soldiers were still fighting back desperately. Under the Political Commissar system, there is no way to escape. In that case, you will only seek your own death. Coupled with their love for the country and Leader, many Russian officers and soldiers knew that the enemy was very powerful, but they still chose to fight to the end.
However, German offensive has just begun.