It wasn't until this noon that Walter Mendel cleared up the situation.
The main attack was a feint launched by General Golikov in several places, and he even deployed the air forces assigned to the Western Front Army to bomb the headquarters of the Ninth Army Group from the air.
Mendel's adjutant was injured in the bombing, and a young staff officer was temporarily appointed as his replacement, who didn't even have the "adjutant's sash" that marked his position.
The nervousness of the young man serving as an adjutant for the first time was evident, and he spoke very quickly when he gave his report.
Mendel, "Don't speak so fast, I can barely hear you. Take it slow. As my adjutant, you always need to appear very composed."
"Yes, General."
The Army Group's Chief of Staff brought over a cup of water, "Have some water, calm your nerves."
The young man took the cup and drank it all in one gulp.
Mendel, "Have the losses from the air raid been tallied?"
