Sokov's troops and Malankin's Guards Division defended a narrow area nine kilometers wide and fifteen kilometers deep. The German troops that met outside Prokhorovka had already formed a siege on them.
Sokov knew that the German army would be defeated by the Soviet army with numerical superiority within less than two days outside the city of Prokhorovka, so he was not worried at all. But Malankin did not think so. As soon as it got dark, he
He hurried to Sokov's temporary headquarters.
"General Sokov," Malankin said anxiously as soon as he saw Sokov's face: "Do you understand our current situation?"
"What's the situation?" Sokov asked casually.
Seeing Sokov's confused look, Malankin stamped his feet anxiously. He quickly came to the table, pointed to the map spread out on the table, and said to Sokov: "General Sokov, although we
The German 6th and 19th Armored Divisions were blocked, but the Totenkopf Division, the Flag Guard Division and the 7th Armored Division have already detoured back to our rear. In other words, the troops of our two divisions have been surrounded by the Germans.
among.”
"Yes, our defensive positions are indeed surrounded by the Germans now." Sokov glanced at the map on the table casually and said disapprovingly: "But what does it matter? The Germans are because of their strength.
It's limited, and the encirclement they formed around us is full of loopholes, so it doesn't pose much of a threat to us at all."
"Due to the lack of troops, the German encirclement formed against us is indeed full of loopholes." Malankin said anxiously: "But once they successfully capture the city of Prokhorovka and then turn around to attack us,
I'm afraid we won't last two days."
Sokov did not expect Malankin to be so pessimistic. The troops are now only formally surrounded by the German army. It is not difficult to break this encirclement. He asked tentatively: "General Malankin, I don't know what you mean...
…?”
"Breakout, we must break out immediately." Seeing Sokov asking for his opinion, Malanjin immediately replied without hesitation: "While the German encirclement is not strong enough, we will break out in two groups. You lead the troops to the north.
Break out, retreat to the Pushor River, and join up with the rest of your troops. I will lead my troops to break out south and join the main force of the 69th Group Army."
After listening to Malankin's suggestion, Koida, who was standing aside, couldn't help but his eyes lit up. He felt that the other party's statement was correct. He should take advantage of the fact that the German army was attacking the city of Prokhorovka and had not formed a real attack on his own troops.
Before encircling the enemy, take decisive action to break through the encirclement, so that you can successfully break through the German defense at a very small cost.
However, he glanced at Sokov, who was looking down at the map, and swallowed what he said. Even though he and Malankin were both division commanders, Malankin was from a friendly force and was not under Sokov's jurisdiction.
Even if what he said was wrong, Sokov wouldn't say anything. Therefore, Koida could only cast a look at Malankin for help, and constantly hinted at him with his eyes to persuade Sokov to take a breakout action.
After seeing Koida's expression, Malankin showed a faint smile. He did not continue to persuade Sokov to take a breakout action, but said to Sokov: "General Sokov, about the breakout.
, may I ask Colonel Koida’s opinion?”
Regarding Malankin's request, Sokov felt that it was not excessive at all, so he readily agreed: "Okay."
"Colonel Koida," Malanjin coughed lightly, cleared his throat, and asked, "When do you think we should choose when to break out?"
Koida thought for a while and replied: "I think the time for the breakout should be chosen around three in the morning. That is when people are most tired, and the Germans are no exception. They would never have thought that we would be here
At this time, by taking unexpected breakout actions, I believe we can break out of the enemy's encirclement at the minimum cost."
When Sokov heard the conversation between the two, he couldn't help laughing. He thought Malankin was very smart. When asking Koida for his opinion, he didn't ask whether he should break out, but when he should break out. In this way, the breakthrough
The action becomes a certainty, the only difference is when to choose the time to break out.
After Koida expressed his opinion, seeing that Sokov did not speak, he thought that the other party did not object to the breakout, so he asked enthusiastically: "Comrade Commander, I think you should have the final say when the troops break out. You
Tell me when we should break out."
"Judging from the current distribution of German troops, even if we break through now, it will not be easy for the enemy to keep us." When Sokov said this, he paused for a moment, and then continued: "But...
…”
When Sokov said the word "but", Koida's heart couldn't help but skip a beat. He knew that Sokov might be opposed to the breakout, but he didn't dare to say anything and could only listen quietly.
Kove continued: "I don't think we need to break out at all."
"What, there is no need to break out?" Sokov's words stunned Malanjin and Koida. After a while, Malanjin said cautiously: "General Sokov, if we don't take advantage of the German troops' strength,
Use the favorable opportunity to disperse, quickly break through their encirclement, and return to the main force. When they capture the city of Prokhorovka and then turn back to deal with us, we will be in danger of the entire army being destroyed."
"General Malankin, do you think the Germans can capture the city of Prokhorovka?" Sokov said still disapprovingly: "Since the enemy cannot capture our city, how can they turn around and come back to attack us?"
"General Sokov, it seems that you are full of confidence in the friendly forces to defend the city of Prokhorovka." Malankin continued: "No one can say for sure what will happen on the battlefield. If you really wait until Prokhorovka
If the city of Lovka is lost and we take a breakout action, I'm afraid it will be too late by then."
"General Malankin, I want to remind you. Once our two troops have implemented a breakout operation, the German 6th and 19th Armored Divisions confronting us in the front can quickly rush up and occupy the empty positions.
.Once they occupy the position, they will definitely leave some troops, and then the main force will rush directly to Prokhorovka City. As far as I know, the defensive battle of Prokhorovka City will be very difficult. If the 6th and 6th
If the 19th Armored Division rushes over again, do you think our friendly forces can still defend the city?"
Malanjin was shocked and stunned. He only thought about how to get his troops out of the German encirclement as soon as possible, but he forgot to consider that once he gave up his position, the two German armored divisions confronting him would be able to
Drive straight in and rush directly to the outside of Prokhorovka. Then the balance of victory will tilt towards the German army.
After understanding this truth, Malanjin took a deep breath, and then asked Sokov with a solemn expression: "General Sokov, what do you think we should do?"
"Breaking through can indeed save us from the danger of being wiped out by the enemy. But as long as we break through, the war in Prokhorovka will be disrupted." Sokov replied calmly: "Therefore, I think we should still
Hold the position, as long as we are here the enemy will have to leave two armored divisions to confront us, thereby weakening their ability to attack Prokhorovka."
"I understand, General Sokov." Malanjin had already made up his mind at this moment. He could not break out of the encirclement and must continue to hold on. Only in this way could he contain more enemies and reduce the pressure on the friendly forces holding on to the city of Prokhorovka.
.However, he was cautious and asked Sokov cautiously: "General Sokov, how long do you think we need to hold on?"
"Three days," Sokov held out three fingers and answered clearly: "In three days at most, the enemy who failed to attack Prokhorovka City will definitely choose to retreat. At that time, we can fight with the counterattack troops.
A pincer attack was launched against the German army."
