Realistic and difficult problems were placed in front of everyone, and the officers in the headquarters were silent for a while.
Everyone knew what was going on. In terms of combat effectiveness, the only one that could save the 32nd Army was the 4th Tank Brigade. In addition, it was not without reason that Rokossovsky rushed to the 4th Tank Brigade to hold the meeting.
"Comrade Rokossovsky!" Major Zahakavich complained: "After these few battles, our tanks have not been replenished. In addition, some tanks are under repair due to malfunctions. Now we can use them normally.
There are only 37 tanks left..."
"We can replenish some tanks for you!" Rokossovsky interrupted Major Zahakavich, 15 tanks, just arrived from Stalingrad!"
"That's only 52 cars!"
"If necessary, we can also add some T26 or KV tanks for you!" Rokossovsky replied.
Major Zahakavich shook his head: "Their speed and firepower are difficult to coordinate with the T34. We would rather not have these tanks!"
"Does this mean we are going to rescue the 32nd Army?" Major Gavrilov heard the underlying meaning of Rokossovsky's words.
"With all due respect, Comrade Major General!" Major Zahakawicz said: "There is anti-aircraft firepower in the area controlled by our army, and the enemy's air power is still scrupulous. But even so, our tanks can usually only attack at night.
But during the day, we can only hide. If we go out to the enemy-controlled area..."
Needless to say what follows, it was basically used as a target for German fighter planes.
Rokossovsky pointed to the map and said: "Tver is thirty-five kilometers away from Volokolamsk. If we move quickly, it is entirely possible for us to launch a surprise attack at night to open a gap in the German encirclement and then return."
…That way we don’t have to deal with enemy air power!”
"This is almost impossible, Comrade Major General!" Major Zahakawicz retorted: "These thirty-five kilometers are not a smooth thirty-five kilometers. What we have to face may be the enemy's anti-tank trenches and defense lines.
, mines, barbed wire, and even artillery fire blockades... to go back and forth in less than twelve hours is a fantasy!"
"What's more!" Major Gavrilov also raised objections: "Even if we can do it, we can't escape unscathed. 52 T34s, this may be our last mobile force..."
As he spoke, Major Gavrilov turned his attention to Rokossovsky.
Rokossovsky nodded and replied: "The rest are in Tver!"
"If we rescue the 32nd Army at a great cost, I don't think it makes sense!" Major Gavrilov said: "Although I really hope to rescue them, because many of them are ours."
Comrade-in-arms, and even Comrade Katukov. But... I think considering the overall situation, we should not act rashly!"
"I think so too!" Major Zahakawicz nodded: "The Germans will be ready and waiting for us!"
Rokossovsky did not speak, he just turned his eyes to Shulka.
Others also turned their attention to Shulka.
Shulka frowned, this is a difficult question... At the same time, the analysis of Major Gavrilov and Major Zahakavich is also very reasonable: 35 kilometers, even if the Soviet army has the advantage of T34, it will be difficult to
Going back and forth at night, not to mention that this battle must be completely won, otherwise it is better not to save him.
After thinking about it, Shulka said: "I agree with Comrade Zahakavich's idea. The purpose of the Germans surrounding the 32nd Army at this time is to allow us to go out to the defense line to rescue Tver, so that we can easily move the tanks into the second tank.
The fourth brigade was wiped out on the way to Tver. So, there is no doubt that they will deploy a large number of obstacles and mines on the way to Tver!"
Rokossovsky showed some disappointment on his face.
But then Shulka changed the topic and said: "I want to know how far away from Tver is Klin?"
Rokossovsky's eyes couldn't help but light up when he heard this, and then replied: "20 kilometers!"
"No, this won't work!" Major Zahakavich said: "Our army is attacking Tver from south to north. There is a swamp between Klin and the 32nd Army station, and tanks cannot pass!"
"Maybe we don't need to go through that swamp!" Shulka said.
"This is impossible!" Zahakawicz said: "We have nowhere to go but that swamp!"
Shulka pointed to a point on the map and said: "Tver!"
"But..." Major Zahakavich looked at Shulka in surprise: "You mean, we occupy Tver?"
"Yes!" Shulka replied: "Why not?"
The officers in the headquarters could not help but be stunned, even Rokossovsky was no exception.
Everyone, including Shulka, had opposed the attack on Tver from the beginning, but now...in the most unlikely circumstances, Shulka proposed to attack Tver.
"This attack is different from the previous one!" Shulka explained: "Our purpose is to rescue the 32nd Army. In other words, Tver is a gap we opened from the German encirclement. After success, we will immediately escape from Tver.
retreat……"
"It is unlikely that we will withdraw such a large army and equipment from Tver!" Major Gavrilov said: "It may be easier to break through in the direction of Klin, but the German troops in Tver will be prepared.
We still have the problem of not enough time, because we need time to capture Tver!”
"Yes!" Shulka replied: "That's why we need trains!"
"train?"
Shulka pointed to the map and said: "There are railways connecting Klin and Tver, and the German army needs to use these railway lines for transportation, so I believe they will not destroy these railways!"
As he spoke, Shulka looked at Rokossovsky, who knew more about this information.
"That's right!" Rokossovsky replied: "The Germans are even repairing these railways. As you know, the Germans have air supremacy, so they can safely use railways to transport troops and equipment!"
It seems ironic that in Soviet soil, the Soviet side was destroying the railways, while the Germans were repairing the railways.
"So!" Shulka continued: "We actually only need to repair a few railways, and then attack and repair all the way... By the time we occupy Tver, the railway from Klin to Tver will almost be open!"
"As long as we do this before daybreak!" Major Gavrilov said, "We can use the train to retreat!"