Although Sokov has not read "The Art of War", he has a thorough understanding of the idiom of "fighting to the death and surviving". In combat, only when the army is deployed in a situation where it is impossible to retreat and can only fight to the death, will the soldiers be brave.
Move forward, kill the enemy and win.
In the Battle of Jingxing, the reason why Han Xin was able to defeat Zhao's 200,000 troops with 30,000 men was because he had his troops line up with their backs to the water, with the enemy in front and the river behind. There was no way to retreat, so the morale of the soldiers was completely destroyed.
Only by stimulating it can we win a battle. If the back was not a river, but an open space, it is estimated that many soldiers would have turned around and fled long ago when they saw that the situation was unfavorable to their own side. Let alone defeating more with less, it would be a matter of whether they could escape intact.
is a problem.
But Zakharov did not know about this ancient Eastern war example. After putting down the phone, he repeated Sokov's words to Konev, and finally said: "Comrade Commander, what do you think we should do about this?"
After listening to this, Konev did not immediately express his opinion. Instead, he asked: "Comrade Chief of Staff, what do you think? Do you think Sokov's proposal is feasible?"
"Comrade Commander, this is what I think." Seeing that Konev did not express his position, Zakharov could not guess whether the other party agreed or objected. However, as the chief of staff of the front army, he still expressed his true thoughts: "
I think it's a bit too risky, and maybe after we get out of the way, the Germans' chances of escaping will increase."
"I don't think so." Konev waited for Zakharov to finish and then began to express his own opinion: "As Sokov said, once the Germans find that their escape channel is opened, they will lose their resistance.
They are bent on escaping from our encirclement as soon as possible. If our army launches an attack from their flanks at this moment, or attacks from behind, they will definitely not be able to organize an organized resistance in their eagerness to escape. By then, we may really be able to use the minimum force to resist
casualties and achieve the greatest victory."
Seeing that Konev actually agreed to Sokov's proposal, Zakharov was somewhat surprised. After a pause, he asked tentatively: "Comrade Commander, then I will inform our troops now to stop attacking Comaro."
"Fka's attack was carried out, and the road was cleared for the German troops who broke out of the encirclement, and then the tactics of flanking or chasing were used to attack the enemy."
Unexpectedly, Konev waved his hand and said: "Comrade Chief of Staff, don't be anxious, let me think about it again."
Konev's words confused Zakharov. He couldn't figure out why Konev agreed with Sokov's proposal but didn't want to adopt it.
"Comrade Chief of Staff," Konev saw Zakharov's doubts and explained to him: "If we get out of the way, the German army will definitely speed up the advance to Hill 239. By then Sokov and the others will
The pressure was great. Once the high ground was lost, the Germans could quickly rush to the Gniloydikich River and join forces coming to meet them."
When Zakharov heard this, it turned out that this was the case. If all the troops were really ordered to make way for the Germans, it would not be long before they could reach the vicinity of Hill 239. Once Sokov's troops could not block the German attack, a breakthrough would be
The German troops on the defensive line can quickly rush to the Gniloydikichi River and join forces there to meet the troops. By that time, the plan to encircle and annihilate the German troops will be completely in vain.
"Then what should we do?" Zakharov didn't know what to do for a while, so he could only ask Konev for instructions: "Should we adopt General Sokov's suggestion and make way for the Germans? Or should we follow the original plan?
Plan to launch a counterattack on Komarovka and take the highlands and villages back from the Germans."
"I think we can make way for the Germans, but we can't do it too obviously." Konev gave instructions to Zakharov: "Order the 5th Guards Airborne Division to attack the occupied area according to the original plan.
The enemy on the Komarovka heights and nearby villages launched a feint attack with a loud force to make the Germans feel the pressure."
"Comrade Commander, the airborne troops are usually not equipped with any heavy weapons due to their type of service. It may be difficult to create momentum during a feint attack." Zakharov asked cautiously: "Look, do you want to order the artillery?"
Provide them with artillery support."
"Yes." Konev readily agreed, and at the same time told Zakharov: "Tell General Fomin that while providing artillery support to the 5th Guards Airborne Division, you cannot stop the artillery bombardment in front of the 239th Hill.
." The reason why he issued this order was because he knew that Highland 239 was the key to this encirclement and annihilation battle, and there must be no mistakes.
After hearing Konev's special order, Zakharov was stunned for a moment, and then said: "Comrade Commander, since the enemies on Highland 239 have been eliminated and new troops have been stationed on the top of the mountain, I don't think there will be any more
It is necessary to continue the bombardment to avoid wasting precious shells."
"Comrade Chief of Staff, you just told me personally that the German troops attacking Hill 239 were the Walloon Assault Brigade and the 105th Grenadier Regiment of the Viking Division." Konev looked at Zakharov and asked expressionlessly.
: "Do you think the 116th Division, whose battle has been greatly diluted, can block the attacks of these two forces?"
"No." Zakharov, as the chief of staff of the front army, still knows very well the combat effectiveness of the 53rd Group Army. Although Sokov is a victorious general, he has just assumed the command of the group army and wants to improve the combat effectiveness of the entire army.
This is obviously unrealistic. Without strong artillery support, the high ground may soon be lost.
After thinking about this, Zakharov said to Konev: "I understand, Comrade Commander, I will convey your intention to General Fomin."
Konev realized the importance of Hill 239, and Sokov also understood this truth. After ending the call with Zakharov, he immediately called the headquarters of the 41st Guards Division and told the division commander Kurishenko
Said: "General Kurishenko, regardless of whether the enemies in October Town send troops or not, Highland 239 will be attacked wildly by the German army in the future..."
When Kurishenko heard what Sokov said, he muttered to himself: I have handed over the defense of the highlands to the 116th Regiment. What is the use of telling me this?
Before he could ask the question in his mind, Sokov continued: "I guess you must be thinking that Highland 239 is currently being defended by troops of the 116th Division. What does it have to do with me? Am I right?
"
When Kurishenko saw that Sokov had guessed what he was thinking, he didn't say anything and just laughed.
From Kurishenko's laughter, Sokov knew that his guess was correct, so he went on to say: "The troops holding the high ground now are all light infantry and do not have any heavy weapons. If they are attacked fiercely by the German army,
, I’m worried that they won’t be able to withstand it, so I need your help.”
"Comrade Commander, what should I do?"
"Deploy part of the artillery of the 89th Guards Artillery Regiment to Hill 239." Sokov said into the microphone: "This way when the enemy launches an attack on the high ground, you will be able to bombard them with artillery fire from a high position."
"Comrade Commander," Kurishenko asked carefully, "how many artillery pieces do you think should be deployed?"
"At least 12 Bofors field guns must be deployed so that a certain scale can be achieved when shelling the enemy." After Sokov said this, he asked: "General Kurishenko, do you have any questions?"
Hearing that half of the Bofors field artillery was to be transferred to friendly forces, Kurishenko still felt heartache. He thought that if the German army in October Town sent troops, I also planned to use the artillery regiment to suppress the enemy with firepower. What if?
If half of the artillery is sent out directly, the effect of the bombardment will be greatly reduced.
When Sokov heard that Kurishenko didn't speak for a long time, he thought the other party had hung up the phone, so he quickly said loudly into the phone: "Hey, hey, hey, General Kurishenko, are you still there?"
"Yes, Comrade Commander, I'm still here."
"Since you are still here," Sokov asked with some displeasure, "Why don't you speak?"
"Comrade Commander," Kurishenko quickly explained, "I am considering deploying those artillery pieces to high ground for defense."
"General Kurishenko, it's going to be dawn soon." Sokov reminded Kurishenko: "The Germans will definitely attack in large numbers during the day. Deploying artillery positions early can reduce the casualties of the defenders. Understand.
?"
"Understood." Kurishenko did not dare to neglect, and replied hurriedly: "I immediately called the commander of the artillery regiment, and tomorrow he will arrange for manpower to transport the artillery to the high ground."
After settling the artillery matter, Sokov called the commander of the 116th Division, Stilitz, to ask him to prepare mentally in advance. "Colonel Stilitz," Sokov said as soon as he heard Stilitz's voice.
, and said with a smile: "The troops you sent performed very well in the battle that ended not long ago. I believe that if they hold on to Highland 239, they will be able to turn it into an insurmountable chasm for the Germans."
Stilitz heard something amiss from Sokov's words, and asked tentatively: "Comrade Commander, why should I listen to your tone? My troops will encounter a very cruel battle next?"
"You guessed it right, Colonel Stilitz." Since the other party had heard what he was implying, Sokov did not beat around the bush, but said bluntly: "According to my analysis, when it gets fully light,
, the Germans will launch a fierce attack on the area held by the 41st Guards Division from two lines of defense at the same time.
The enemies coming from the southwest to October Town are to relieve the Germans in the encirclement. Major General Kurishenko's 41st Guards Division will resolutely block them." Sokov said in a stern tone: "And the encirclement
In order to escape the fate of being annihilated by our army, the enemies here will concentrate their efforts and launch a desperate attack on Highland 239. Whether or not the high ground can be held is the key to annihilating the enemies in the encirclement. Do you understand?"
"Don't worry, Comrade Commander, I won't let you down." Stilitz replied solemnly: "For the sake of safety, I plan to lead the remaining infantry regiment and artillery regiment to strengthen the 239th Highland.
For the defense of China, I wonder if you allow it?”
Although Sokov has deployed nearly four divisions of troops near 239, he still feels that it is not enough. You must know that he is facing the elite of the German army, not to mention others, just the 1st Armored Division and the Flag Guard.
The division launched a strong attack and deployed the entire army group on it. Whether it could block the opponent's attack was still unknown.
At this moment, since Stilitz offered to move the remaining troops to Highland 239, Sokov did not object. Instead, he went along with the situation and said: "Okay, Colonel Stilitz, I will give you three hours."
Make preparations, and then move the entire division to Hill 239 to strengthen the defense there and prevent the Germans from advancing further."
"Understood." Stilitz replied in a loud voice: "We will resolutely defend Hill 239 at all costs and never let the Germans advance even one step."
After waiting for Sokov to finish a series of phone calls, Smirnov said with some concern: "Comrade Commander, from yesterday to now, you have successively transferred three divisions to the vicinity of 239 Hill, and our defense here has become
Weak."
Sokov glanced at the other party and said disapprovingly: "Isn't there an infantry division and troops directly under the group army? I think this kind of strength is enough for defense."
But Smirnov still said with concern: "Comrade Commander, I am worried that the Germans cannot break through the defense of the 41st Guards Division and may change the direction of their attack and rush directly towards us." He reminded Sokov.
, "You must know that the German army is an armored force. Even if their oil depots and ammunition depots are attacked by our detachment behind enemy lines, they will still be able to break through our defenses before their tanks run out of ammunition and food."
Sokov laughed and said confidently: "Comrade Chief of Staff, don't worry. There are many friendly forces nearby. If we encounter danger here, they will definitely come to support us." Seeing Smirnov
Still looking gloomy, he continued, "If we really can't fight, we can still leave. We will take the Germans in circles until the fuel in their tanks is exhausted. Tanks without fuel,
It is a living target. As long as the air force is called for support, the German tanks can be blown into piles of scrap metal."
Seeing that Sokov was so confident, Smirnov could not say anything more. He could only nod his head and pretend to read the battle report, but he was thinking in his heart, if the German tanks really rushed to a place not far from the headquarters,
What should I do? Should I organize people to resist on the spot, or should I follow Sokov's words and abandon this place and start dealing with the German tanks?
While he was thinking wildly, the phone on the table suddenly rang. Smirnov picked up the phone and heard it. It turned out to be Ponejelin calling: "Hello, my old friend, what can I do for you?"
Ponejelin on the other end of the phone said: "Hello, Smirnov! General Fomin asked me to ask you if the shelling of the front of the high ground can be stopped?"
With the recovery of Highland 239, the German troops who originally tried to attack the high ground but were blocked by artillery fire had already retreated to a safe area. The shells that exploded in front of the position hardly caused any harm to them. After Sokov understood
After realizing this situation, they deliberately asked the front artillery to stop firing to avoid wasting artillery shells.
Now that Ponedelin called to inquire, Sokov nodded to Smirnov and said: "Comrade Chief of Staff, please tell General Ponedelin that our bombardment goal has been achieved and the bombardment can be stopped.
