When it was dark, Rokosovsky received a war report sent in Sokov's name. After reading the above content, he put it on the table and asked Zaharov, who was sitting opposite the table: "Comrade Deputy Commander, if you were asked to command the Istrian camp and capture the four villages outside Popkovo, how long would it take?"
Zaharov, who was watching the battle report of the 11th Division of the Guards, heard Rokosovsky's question, quickly put down the battle report, shrugged his shoulders, and said helplessly: "Comrade Commander, although the German army has very limited troops in the outer villages, there are usually barbed wire and minefields outside these villages. Many houses have also built covers with shooting holes underneath, and even tanks are used as fixed turrets in the village. If I command this battle to clear the outer wall, with the support of artillery and tanks, I am sure to take down these four villages within three to five days."
After hearing Zaharov's words, Rokosovsky just smiled faintly, and then handed over the battle report he had read: "Look, comrade, this is the battle report just sent by the Istrian camp. They have successfully seized four villages."
"This is impossible!" Zaharov's first reaction when he heard Rokosovsky say this was that the other party was joking with him, but after carefully observing the other party's face, he found that he didn't seem to be joking with him, and hurriedly looked down at the battle report in his hand.
"Major Sokov's style of play is very interesting." Malining came over and handed the battle report he had just received to Rokosovsky, and said at the same time: "If we were commanding the battle and after seizing the first village, we should seize the other three villages in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. But Sokov used the method of division of troops and attacking, and captured these three villages almost at the same time."
"I think his style of play is too risky." After reading Sokov's battle report, Zakharov began to express his opinion: "The entire battalion launched an attack on three targets at the same time, so it would be easy to be defeated by the Germans because of their weak force."
"Yes, it's very risky, but it's undoubtedly the most successful tactic." Rokosovsky commented on the achievements made by Sokov and others: "Comrade Zakharov, you just said that the German army has not many troops in these villages on the periphery. If they attack clockwise or counterclockwise, those villages that have not been attacked can send troops to reinforce. In this way, our offensive troops will have to fight a tough battle, and even if they capture the village, they will pay a huge price."
After reading the battle report in his hand, Rokosovsky put it on the table and said to Malining: "Chief of Staff, send a report to Major Sokov and let him lead his troops to participate in the attack on the village of Popkovo tomorrow."
"Comrade Commander," Malining heard Rokosovsky say this, and quickly reminded him carefully: "We are not going to transfer the 323rd and 324th Infantry Divisions tomorrow to assist General Chernesov's 11th Guard Division to capture the village of Popkovo. Why did it be replaced by Istria Battalion?"
"Comrade Chief of Staff, the situation has changed now, and our original combat plan must be adjusted accordingly." Rokosovsky picked up the battle report on the table and handed it to Zaharov next to him, and continued: "General Zhukov has just resumed his position as General Popov and allowed him to continue as commander of the 61st Army. They will launch a comprehensive counterattack tomorrow, so I decided to transfer the 323rd and 324th infantry divisions that were originally preparing to attack Popkovo village to the right wing of our army to cooperate with friendly forces to launch a counterattack against the German army."
"Can this work?" Malining said hesitantly about the order issued by Rokosovsky: "There are more than 2,000 German bands in the village of Popkovo, as well as tanks and attack artillery. The 11th Guard Division, which attacked today, paid a heavy price. After paying two-thirds of the price, one of the battalions finally rushed into the village. Unexpectedly, before they gained a foothold, they were driven out by the enemy."
"Tomorrow, the 146th Tank Brigade can also be put into battle. With their assistance, I think the attack of Istria Battalion will be smoother." After Rokosovsky said this, he urged Malinin: "Chief of Staff, send a telegram to Istria Battalion quickly and prepare them to attack Popkovo."
Sokov was calling his company commanders to meet in his command post to comment on the daytime battle today. Suddenly, the communication platoon leader Maxim walked in from outside and reported to Sokov: "Comrade Battalion Commander, the telegram from the headquarters."
Sokov received the telegram from Maxim, quickly browsed the above content, and ordered: "Get the map!"
Belkin, who was sitting next to him, immediately took out the map from the picture bag, expanded it and placed it on the table. Sokov leaned over and looked at the map for a while, and then said to the company commanders of each company: "Comrades, the Group Army Command has just given us a new combat order, so that we can cooperate with the main force of the division to attack Popkovo tomorrow."
He tapped Popkovo twice with his fingers and continued: "Popkovo is located on the high ground overlooking the surroundings, from which the Germans shelled Sucinic. To ensure the safety of the city, we must find a way to occupy this large village."
"Comrade Battalion Commander," as soon as Sokov finished speaking, Vanya, who was standing next to him, asked, "Can you tell us how many Germans are in the villages and towns?"
"According to the headquarters' notice," Sokov glanced at the telegram placed beside him, and said slowly: "There are about two thousand people in the village, as well as tanks and attack artillery, and all preparations for ring defense are made."
I heard that there were two thousand German troops in the village and town, so everyone could not help but breathe. Andrey murmured: "The powerful side is defending, while the weak side is attacking. Isn't this let us die?"
"Captain Andre!" As soon as he finished speaking, Belkin criticized him righteously and said: "Please pay attention to your words. The superiors assigned us tasks. How could we die? Do not let the soldiers hear such remarks, otherwise it will affect our military morale and morale."
Andre, who was criticized by Belkin, realized his mistake and quickly admitted his mistake: "I'm sorry, comrade of the deputy battalion commander. I was wrong, I will pay attention to it in the future."
Chapter completed!