Early the next morning, Hoffman dressed neatly and came to the headquarters to wait for Lieutenant General Freit's summons.
He was not kept waiting long, and under the guidance of his secretary, he came to Lieutenant General Freit's office.
"Colonel Hoffman, please take a seat."
The Lieutenant General looked up at Hoffman and said something, then handed a document to the secretary who opened the door. "Give this document to the logistics department and ask them to hurry up. The train station is almost full of supplies."
.”
Looking at the busy Lieutenant General Freit, Hoffman sighed inwardly. At the commendation ceremony after the Balkan War, Lieutenant General Freit was already one of the newly promoted military giants, and he was still
He was just a major in charge of transportation. Now Lieutenant General Freit has become famous in this war, but he has not yet been able to show matching military exploits. It is really sad.
Lieutenant General Freit, who had no idea what Hoffman was thinking, picked up the kettle on the side and poured two glasses of water after seeing off his secretary, and handed one to Hoffman. Hoffman quickly stood up and took the water glass. The boss
Pouring himself some water flattered him a little.
Seeing Hoffman's expression, Lieutenant General Freit said with a smile. "It seems you don't know me well enough. In fact, I think it's pretty good to do it yourself."
Hoffman didn't know how to answer the lieutenant general's words.
After Lieutenant General Freit took a sip himself, he put down the water glass and said: "Actually, I have learned a lot about new weapons like tanks, and I have also read the training materials you wrote. It is a very good model. In fact, I personally like it.
We call weapons like tanks modern heavy cavalry, which are responsible for opening a gap for the army, and then the infantry expands the gap until the entire defense line is torn down."
Facing Lieutenant General Freit, Hoffman knew that this was also the correct way to use tanks at present. The main reason was that tanks could only be used this way. But in his ideal situation, he wanted to rush to the rear. This kind of torrent of steel could not be used at present.
No. So he could only reply: "Thank you, Lieutenant General, for your kindness to me."
"It's not a great love, but you still have the ability." After Lieutenant General Freit replied, he picked up a box of cigarettes from the table and handed it to Hoffman and asked, "Do you smoke?"
"No, thank you."
The lieutenant general didn't care about Hoffman's refusal. He took out one and lit it and continued: "Actually, it is my intention to transfer you here this time. Because I know that any new weapons need to be put on the battlefield in order to discover the possibilities.
The problem is. Of course, the use of tanks by Britain and France on the Western Front is also one of the reasons. We cannot lag behind mainstream countries, especially in emerging weapons."
After Lieutenant General Freit chatted with Hoffman for a few words, he walked to the wall where the battle map was hung. Hoffman knew that he was going to tell him the battle plan, so he immediately followed him.
However, His Excellency the Lieutenant General first told him the current situation on the front.
"We are currently facing off against the Austro-Hungarian army on a long border. Austria-Hungary has placed the enemy's 10th Army in the south, with Adela as the fulcrum. However, because the two places are connected by railways and rivers, this is also the focus of the enemy's defense.
Therefore, the enemy's troops deployed on this line are 120,000."
Hoffman looked at the position of Lieutenant General Freit's finger. On the map, Adela and Deva, where he was located, were separated by the remnants of the Carpathian Mountains, and there was a railway and the Murie River connecting the two places.
"To the north of the front is the enemy's Ninth Army, with its fulcrum at Oradea. The main reason here is the lack of railways and rivers as transportation lines, so both we and the enemy want to deploy fewer troops than the southern front, so there are only nine
There are about ten thousand people. In addition, there is an 80,000-strong Sixteenth Army in Bekeschoubao, not far from the enemies in the two places, which can be reinforced at any time."
After Lieutenant General Freit introduced the current battle situation, he suddenly said, "Now where do you think we should make a breakthrough?"
Hoffman, who was shocked by Lieutenant General Freit's words, quickly waved his hand and said: "This should be something that the commander will consider."
"It doesn't matter, just tell me and see."
Facing the enthusiasm of Lieutenant General Freit, Hoffman said without thinking: "I think we should break through from the direction of Adela."
Lieutenant General Freit asked with great interest: "Why, do you want to know that the enemy has deployed heavy troops here?"
"Because only this direction is suitable for us to exert our full strength."
Hoffman first said something affirmative, and then gave the specific reason. "Although there are few enemies on the northern front, it is actually not suitable for us to attack at all, because we are at a great disadvantage in terms of terrain. From Deva to Cluj on the northern front
, and then to Oradea, the enemy’s key point, the road is all mountainous and hilly terrain. And Oradea to Bekesciuba and then to Budapest are all plain areas. This will allow us to transport materials and replenish personnel.
We have all lost to our opponents. In modern times, wars have been fought on morale and supplies, and on the northern front we have an absolute disadvantage in terms of supplies."
"On the other hand, on the southern front, even though the enemy has gathered heavy troops for defense, the railways and rivers can prevent us from being too far behind in this regard. And compared to the enemy, our morale and training are much higher, so the south
Line is the best choice.”
Facing the various reasons given by Hoffman, Lieutenant General Freit nodded and praised: "That's good. It seems that you are well prepared for this battle."
Facing the Lieutenant General's commendation, Hoffman replied: "This is just because everyone can see the difference. And I just described it in more detail."
Lieutenant General Freit ignored Hoffman's modest words and spoke directly. "Since you have guessed our plan, let me tell you the mission of your brigade."
As soon as Hoffman heard about the topic he cared about most, he immediately cheered up.
"As for the mission of your armored brigade, after the 1st Guards Division, the 5th Division and the 19th Division open the gap for you, immediately form an assault group with the 1st, 3rd and 7th Cavalry Divisions to break into the enemy's territory.
Intercept the reinforcements and disrupt the enemy's deployment. I want you to smash the enemy's interior to pieces. Coordinate the main force of the group army to destroy the enemy's resistance and occupy the territory east of the Tisza River."
Lieutenant General Freit's words made Hoffman extremely excited. This was the opportunity he had been waiting for. As long as he could complete this task beautifully, the rumors against him would be wiped away.
"Lieutenant General, please rest assured that the armored brigade will be able to complete this mission with excellence."
"very good."
Faced with Hoffman's answer, Lieutenant General Freit patted him on the shoulder. He was very satisfied with it. Soldiers must have enough confidence in themselves.
At this time, Lieutenant General Freit asked a question he was concerned about. "How many more days will it take for your armored brigade to assemble?"
Hoffman immediately replied: "According to the arrangements of the Traffic Management Office, it will take three days for our brigade to arrive in Deva."
After hearing Hoffman's answer, Lieutenant General Freit said to him directly: "You still have some time, so make more preparations."
After hearing these words from the Lieutenant General, Hoffman knew that he should leave, but when he was leading him away, he couldn't help but ask:
"Can I ask, what is the code name of this operation?"
"Thunder."
It seemed that it was a thunderous blow. After getting the answer, Hoffman left with satisfaction.
After Hoffman left, Lieutenant General Freit said to himself: "My ability is good, no wonder he is favored by His Majesty."
