It later proved that the time period of the mechanized army's attack was chosen very well. The attention of the German 3rd Armored Division and the newly transferred 106th Infantry Division were attracted by the attack of Rotmistrov's troops. In order to prevent
The Soviet attack, the main force of these two divisions, was concentrated in the direction the Soviets were trying to break through, thus creating a void in their rear.
For the German troops who had been well prepared for a long time, Rotmistrov's attack at night was just a loss of lives. The Tiger tanks and Panther tanks placed in important blocking positions continued to kill one tank after another.
The Soviet tanks that appeared in the field of view exploded, turning them into piles of burning scrap metal.
After receiving the report from the 42nd Army, Wheeler felt that it would not be a big problem to completely annihilate the Soviet tank force before dawn. Although there was still a long time to complete this goal, he did not feel at all worried about asking Manstein in advance.
Because there is nothing wrong with reporting this good news.
After answering Manstein's call, Weller said excitedly: "Marshal, I have good news for you."
"What good news?" Manstein, who had just been woken up from his sleep, asked absently: "Is the Russian armored force attacking you again?"
"Yes, Marshal, you are right, the Russian tank troops did launch a new attack on us." Weller said proudly: "However, during their march, they were attacked by the 3rd Armored Division.
Due to head-on attacks by tanks and anti-tank guns, Russian tanks are being destroyed one after another and become burning torches on the battlefield."
Manstein was still worried about the Soviet tank army two days ago. After all, this unit rescued the Russian army from the brink of destruction during the Battle of Kursk. But for three days in a row, his own troops destroyed this unit.
The arrogant tank army beat him everywhere, which made him feel a little contempt for Rotmistrov.
After listening to Wheeler's report at this moment, Manstein said with a relaxed expression: "General Wheeler, if your troops can completely wipe out the Russian tank troops attacking tonight, there will probably be no tank troops left in the following days.
It poses a threat to you."
"Your Excellency, Marshal, I am now ordering the troops to speed up the attack." Weller said confidently: "By dawn, we will be able to completely wipe out this invading Russian armored force. Just wait to hear my good news.
."
After ending the call with Weller, Manstein lay back on his bed and continued to sleep. According to his idea, before dawn, Weller should report to him the news of the complete annihilation of the Russian tank troops. He also had
A few hours to sleep.
But less than an hour later, Manstein was woken up from his sleep by his adjutant. Manstein, who was disturbed from his sleep, asked with a straight face: "Is this the news about General Wheeler?"
When the adjutant heard what Manstein said, he couldn't help but be stunned for a moment, and then nodded vigorously and replied: "That's right, Marshal, it's General Wheeler who called to see you."
"Let him wait until daybreak before calling again." Manstein said impatiently, "I want to sleep now."
"I'm sorry, Mr. Marshal." Unexpectedly, the adjutant said reluctantly: "I think you should answer the phone. The situation may be different from what you imagined."
Manstein sat up straight and told his adjutant: "Bring the phone here."
The adjutant agreed and quickly put the phone on the table in front of Manstein.
Manstein reached out and grabbed the microphone and put it to his ear: "Hey, General Wheeler, I know that your troops should have wiped out all the Russian tank troops by now. Although this is good news, can you wait until dawn?
Call me later and don’t disturb my sleep.”
Unexpectedly, after he finished speaking, the receiver was silent for a long time, and then Weller's timid voice came: "Your Excellency, Marshal, the situation may be different from what you imagined."
"Is there any discrepancy?" Manstein asked in confusion: "Did the Russians turn around and run away when they saw that the situation was not good?" Before Weller could answer, he cursed in a low voice, "What a bunch of cowards."
"No, Your Majesty Marshal." Weller on the other end of the phone replied with some lack of confidence: "Our blocking troops were attacked from the rear by the Russians and suffered huge losses. Now the remaining troops are retreating towards the city.
."
Weller's words suddenly made Manstein no longer sleepy. He sat up straight and asked in surprise: "General Weller, why is this happening? How come there are Russians appearing behind us? Did they fall from the sky?
Came down?"
"Your Majesty Marshal, according to my analysis, this Russian force should come from the bridgehead on the east bank of the Oude River."
"A bridgehead built by the Russians?" Manstein's forehead veins popped up and his face turned red: "General Wheeler, are you promising me that the bridgehead built by the Russians on your right wing will not pose any threat to you?
."
"Yes, Your Majesty Marshal." Weller said with a sad face: "It stands to reason that the Russians have limited troops in the right-wing bridgehead. In addition, they occupy a lot of land and need to divide their forces for defense. Where can they mobilize troops to rescue them?
friendly forces."
"How many troops do the Russians have?" Manstein still held a sense of luck in his heart. If the Russian troops that attacked were not large in strength, they would only need to mobilize reinforcements from other places to crush their attack.
But Weller's next words poured cold water on him: "Your Excellency, Marshal, according to the report of my subordinates, the Russians have at least two to three tank brigades, and there is a mechanized brigade accompanying them."
"This is impossible, this is absolutely impossible." When Manstein heard this, he jumped out of bed and said excitedly: "You once reported to me that the Russians' strength on the right bridgehead was only two infantrymen at best.
How can a new tank brigade and mechanized brigade emerge if there is a tank brigade outside the division?"
"Really, Marshal, what I said is true." Seeing that Manstein did not believe his words, Weller said excitedly: "The Russians really have two or three tank brigades and a mechanized brigade.
"
"Which troop is holding on there?"
"3rd Armored Division and 106th Infantry Division."
"What troops are nearby?"
"The 167th Infantry Division of the 42nd Army."
"General Weller, you immediately send the 167th Division over for reinforcements. Remember, we must not only rescue our trapped troops, but also resolutely block the Russian attack. Do you understand?"
"Yes, I understand. Marshal, I will do my best."
At the same time, in the headquarters on the west bank of the Ude River, Tsvetayev couldn't help but be overjoyed after receiving the report from his subordinates. As soon as he put down the phone, he said to Sokov repeatedly: "General Sokov, okay
News, good news."
Although Sokov knew in his heart that the other party was talking about the mechanized army achieving good results, out of courtesy, he still asked politely: "What's the good news?"
"The 4th Mechanized Army raided the rear of the German army. Since the enemy's main forces were fighting General Rotmistrov's troops, they successfully occupied the German arsenal without any decent resistance.
and oil depots. The mechanized brigade also severely damaged the returning German tank units and destroyed many German tanks."
"This is really exciting news." Although the other party did not give specific data, Sokov knew in his heart that due to the intervention of the mechanized army, General Rotmistrov's troops would not be able to achieve greater success.
He made progress, but also escaped the fate of being annihilated. He asked casually: "Have the mechanized army and friendly forces joined forces now?"
"Not yet." Tsvetayev replied: "According to reports, there is still a gap of three kilometers between the two armies, and it will take at least half an hour before they can join forces."
Knowing that the two armies were going to join forces soon, Sokov specifically reminded Tsvetayev: "Comrade General, I suggest that you send someone to get in touch with the friendly forces as soon as possible, so as to avoid inconveniences due to the darkness and unclear visibility.
A necessary misunderstanding.”
"Don't worry, General Sokov." Tsvetayev said confidently: "My subordinates have experienced hundreds of battles and naturally know what to do. There will never be any misunderstanding with friendly forces."
Sokov considered that Rotmistrov's men were constantly intercepted by various German firepower during the advance, and they would have been beaten to the point of being turned around. If Tsvetayev's troops had casually attacked
In advance, he might be beaten as an enemy by the other party, so he tactfully reminded the other party: "I think it is better to be cautious. After all, it is too dark at the moment and the visibility is limited. Even if there is a misunderstanding, it will be difficult to distinguish."
Fortunately, Tsvetaev is not a stubborn person. After listening to Sokov's words, he nodded slightly and then said: "You are very reasonable, General Sokov. I will contact my subordinates immediately."
, let them send people to establish contact with General Rotmistrov’s tank troops to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings.”
Fortunately, Sokov's reminder was timely. After receiving Tsvetayev's order, the commander of the mechanized army immediately sent men on motorcycles to establish contact with friendly forces. When these motorcycles appeared in Rotmistrov
When the subordinates came into view, they all thought it was a small German unit and opened fire one after another. Fortunately, the motorcycles moved quickly, and it was night, so the skills of the tank soldiers were greatly compromised. Only two motorcycle riders were unfortunately shot.
He died, and the remaining motorcyclists successfully met the friendly commander.
After the two parties established contact, they quickly joined forces smoothly.
Not long after the two armies joined forces, reinforcements from the German 167th Division appeared in their sights.
Enemies are extremely jealous when they meet each other. In the past few days, Rotmistrov's men's attacks have ended in disastrous defeats. At this moment, seeing the reinforcements of the enemy appear, and they are all infantry, how can they let go of these enemies?
Taking the opportunity to take revenge, immediately continue bombarding the enemy.
After an artillery bombardment, the German officers and soldiers of the 167th Division who had just arrived on the battlefield did not expect to be hit head-on by the Soviet army. They were immediately beaten to pieces, and the remaining ones fled in a hurry. The tank soldiers saw that the German soldiers were beaten.
It collapsed and immediately launched an assault. The machine guns on the vehicle fired continuously, knocking down the soldiers who entered the range one by one.
The German reinforcements came from the 331st Regiment of the 167th Infantry Division. They were defeated by a burst of shelling from the Soviet army before they entered combat. Seeing that their troops had lost control, the German commander knew that no matter how hard he tried to prevent the soldiers from retreating, he could do nothing.
No effect. Therefore, he decisively chose to retreat with the soldiers.
Less than half an hour into the battle, the 331st Infantry Regiment was completely defeated by the Soviet army. The remaining soldiers fled toward the city in a panic, while the Soviet tank troops were chasing after them.
Weiler learned that the reinforcements had also been defeated by the Soviet army. He dared to send more troops to die, so he could only give the 11th Army and the 42nd Army the order to hold their positions. However, due to the fierce fighting, the troops who had just moved to the new place were
The 42nd Army had not yet had time to set up the antenna and was unable to accept Weller's order in time.
The German troops who stood firm saw that their troops were defeated, and the Soviet tanks were still following their comrades. How could they have the courage to continue fighting? The soldiers left the trenches one after another and fled towards the rear. They just wanted to compete.
The faster your companions run, the higher their chance of survival.
Sokov learned that the German army was being defeated and quickly said to Tsvetayev: "Comrade General, order your troops to slow down the attack speed and try to allow more German officers and soldiers to escape from the defensive positions."
"Let more German officers and soldiers escape from the defensive positions?" Tsvetayev asked in confusion: "Why?"
Sokov smiled slightly and said: "If there is no enemy in front to clear the way for our tanks, how can we successfully break through the enemy's defense line?"
When Sokov explained this, Tsvetaev immediately understood what was going on. He said with a smile: "That's right, those enemies running in front of our tanks are just opening the way for us, aren't they?"
After speaking, he called a telegraph operator and told the other party: "Send a telegram to the mechanized army and order their tanks to slow down and drive the fleeing enemies toward the German army. Remember, all tanks are not allowed to cross the route."
soldiers to avoid becoming the target of enemy anti-tank fire."
After the mechanized army and Rotmistrov's troops joined forces, they began to advance towards the city. Sokov felt that he could not stand still and should launch an attack in time before the Germans recovered.
Thinking of this, he ordered someone to call the army headquarters. As soon as he heard Sameko's voice, he casually asked: "Comrade Chief of Staff, did you stay up late again?"
As Sokov's deputy, Samyko naturally knew that the other party was calling like this, and it was definitely not because he was concerned about whether he stayed up late. He quickly asked: "Comrade Commander, are you planning to call me at this time?"
What military action will be taken by our troops on the right?"
"That's right, Comrade Chief of Staff." Sokov replied: "Now that the troops on the left have launched an attack on the city, I think our troops on the right cannot remain silent. Well, you order the troops in the city to launch an attack immediately.
Attack and expand the area occupied by our army. At the same time, transfer another division into the city to strengthen the strength of the troops in the city."
"Comrade Commander, we finally get this day." After listening to Sokov's order, Samyko said excitedly: "The commanders and fighters in the city can only carry out defense these days, but cannot attack.
Holding back my anger, I believe that after your order is issued, the troops will be able to go into battle immediately."
This chapter has been completed!