Red Moscow

For Sokov, who came from later generations, the tactics of deceiving the sky and crossing the sea are simply old-fashioned. In ancient times, Tai Shici used this trick to successfully rush out of Beihai City, which was besieged by the Yellow Turban Army, and rushed to Liu Bei for help; line of defense".

The effect of deception tactics was exactly as Sokov imagined. The German army on the opposite bank saw that the Soviet army was continuously moving into the front, thinking that they would launch an attack in this direction, so they strengthened the defense of the riverside position to prevent the Soviet army from breaking through the line of defense.

Seeing that the enemy on the other side was continuously increasing their troops, Sokov immediately reported to Rokossovsky. At the end of the report, he put forward his own suggestion: "Comrade commander, it is not a bad thing that the enemy has assembled a large number of troops in our frontal position. According to our reconnaissance, there are no strong fortifications there. If After the battle begins, the artillery of the group army can concentrate its artillery fire, which is bound to cause heavy casualties to the enemy."

Regarding Sokov's proposal, Rokossovsky said with great interest: "I didn't expect your strategy to be so effective, and the Germans put so many troops on the opposite side of you. What is the depth of defense? As long as one of our artillery shells hits it, at least half of their troops can be wiped out."

Sokov knew very well in his heart that maybe when the Soviet bombardment started before the offensive, the German army, except for a small number of observation posts on the first line of defense, withdrew their main force to the second line of defense to avoid the Soviet bombardment. But now the enemies on the other side are crowded into the first line of defense. Even if the intensive artillery fire cannot wipe out half of their troops, it can still cause them great casualties.

After Rokossovsky sighed, he asked Sokov, "Major Sokov, are your attacking troops ready?"

"Yes, Comrade Commander, everything is ready." Sokov replied: "The troops of the 1137th and 1139th regiments have completed their assembly. After dark, they will take advantage of the darkness and the cover of the forest to follow the Up the Zhizdra River, cross the river upstream, and attack the German flank."

Although Rokossovsky already knew that the main force of the division would move to the upper reaches of the Zhizdra River tonight, after hearing Sokov's report at this moment, he still shouted hello, and then said: "Then I will Waiting for your good news at the headquarters."

After finishing the conversation with Rokossovsky, Sokov called Lieutenant Colonel Pavel, the acting head of the 1137th, and asked, "Comrade Lieutenant Colonel, how is the situation there? Are you ready?"

"The two regiments have assembled, and we will set off as soon as it gets dark." Lieutenant Colonel Pavel, who was in charge of commanding the two regiments, took the initiative to say without waiting for Sukov to ask: "Comrade commander, I have already Scouts have been sent to the crossing area for reconnaissance. If there is an enemy there, we will know as soon as possible."

Sokov was also worried about meeting the enemy who had just arrived at the crossing point chosen in advance. Now that Pavel brought it up, Sokov asked casually, "Comrade Lieutenant Colonel, I want to ask you, what should you do if an enemy appears on the other side when you arrive at the crossing point?"

Pavel was stopped by Sokov's words, and he was silent for a long time before he replied: "Comrade commander, the place we chose can be trekked. If the enemy is found on the other side, we can use the method of forced crossing to rush to the other side." Destroy the enemy."

As soon as Pavel finished speaking, Sokov continued: "Comrade Lieutenant Colonel, your approach can be said to be correct or wrong."

"Why?" Pavel asked in surprise.

"The enemy is found on the other side of the crossing point. Whether to continue to cross the river depends on the strength of the German troops on the other side." Sokov patiently explained to Pavel: "If only German infantry appears on the other side, then you will use the method of forced crossing." , There is a chance to cross the Zhizdra River. But if the enemy has not only infantry, but also a considerable number of tanks, if you adopt this tactic, it will only increase unnecessary casualties to the troops.”

"Then what should we do?" Pavel asked.

"It is actually very simple to solve this problem." Sokov said: "When you are close to the crossing point, you have to send out scouts again to find out whether there are enemies on the other side. If not, you can cross the river immediately. If there are enemies, According to the situation of the enemy's forces, forceful crossing can be used respectively, or a part of the force can be used to attract the attention of the enemy, while the main force can choose to cross the river in other areas to cross the Zhizdra River."

"Comrade division commander, please rest assured." Pavel waited for Sokov to finish speaking, and immediately stated: "During the march, we will send scouts at any time to conduct continuous reconnaissance of the road ahead and the crossing point to ensure that the division The main force can successfully cross the Zhizdra River."

Seeing Sokov put down the phone, Potukin asked with some concern: "Comrade Commander, Pavel was only the chief of staff of the 1137th Regiment before. Isn't it a bit risky for him to command two regiments at the same time this time?"

Regarding Potukin's concerns, Sokov really couldn't laugh or cry. When I was formulating the battle plan, Potukin took the initiative to recommend Pavel to me, saying that he is a commander with rich combat experience, and it would be perfect for him to lead two regiments to cross the river and attack the German flank. .

It was because of Potukin's recommendation that Sokov gave up the idea of ​​personally leading the team across the river, and handed over this important task to Pavel. Seeing that the troops were about to leave, Potukin suddenly became hesitant. But things have come to this point, even if Sokov wants to lead the team himself, it is a bit too late. He smiled bitterly and said to Potukin: "Comrade Chief of Staff, I believe in your vision. Since you have recommended Lieutenant Colonel Pavel, I think he will be able to successfully complete the task."

Sokov's words somewhat gave Potukin some confidence. He stood in front of the map, heaved a sigh of relief, and then said, "That's right, Comrade Commander, your words reminded me that it was Pavel I recommended to you." Although he was only a regiment chief of staff before, but his ability is far superior to that of Colonel Bindasov, presumably he will not disappoint our trust."

While the two were talking, Bindasov called and asked Sokov for instructions: "Comrade commander, are you going to withdraw the troops that have been transferred to the front tonight?"

"Comrade Colonel, that's right, it's still the same as the previous two days. After dark, the troops will be quietly withdrawn from the position." It is a little too crowded in such a small position, and if the Germans bombard our position, every shell will cause us a lot of casualties. Do you understand, Comrade Colonel?"