Vatutin's order was issued truthfully, and what was left was the problem of "how to implement it" left to Malashenko.
As usual, Vatutin still only issued a basic order, giving Malashenko the general direction of what he must do.
As for how to operate at the specific tactical level, Vatutin did not have too many requirements, which meant that Malashenko could still make his own decisions as usual.
Needless to say, this is not only a reflection of Vatutin’s absolute trust in Malashenko, but also a tacit understanding of cooperation between superiors and subordinates. No need for too many words to prove it. Comrade Lao Ma naturally understands this truth.
"I've said everything I need to say, what about you? What are you going to do?"
It is not only Malashenko who can understand Vatutin’s intentions, but also our political commissar comrades.
Intangible and tacit cooperation exists not only between Malashenko and Vatutin, but also between our comrade and political commissar, an excellent pairing.
"What else can be done? Divide the troops, we can only divide the troops."
"Fortunately, the losses in yesterday's battle were not too heavy, and the battle to encircle and annihilate the Grossdeutschland Division the day before yesterday was not too strenuous. As long as the logistics supply is in place and both ends are reliable enough, it is feasible to divide the troops, but it has to be
There are priorities and the main directions for the deployment of troops, and we cannot just cut the troops in half and divide the troops into equal parts and then be done with it.”
Although the train hijacking and the encirclement and suppression of the northern protrusion belong to the same level of importance, due to the different enemies faced by the two different theaters, Malashenko must decide on a main direction of using troops. It cannot be said that the troops will be sent equally to both sides.
One point and you're done.
Looking at the red circles on the map for the closer train stations, and then at the black arrows for the concentration of German troops farther north, a basically formed plan was already clear in Malashenko's mind.
"Don't underestimate the enemies garrisoned at the train station. Even the half-disabled and exhausted Skeleton Division is definitely not easy to deal with these bastards. In the battle at Prokhorovka, these bastards would have definitely lost without being convinced. If the reinforcements hadn't been timely,
Come here, they will win the battle. They will definitely not give up easily if we encounter us again. These bastards have such madness, they are different from ordinary Germans."
"In addition, as you just said, the main task of this battle is not to annihilate the Skeleton Division. It doesn't matter if we can repel these bastards or take away the treasure. We still have another vicious battle to fight in the north.
."
"So I am going to lead the main force of the division to the southwest. If I personally command it, you can rest assured. I will achieve the mission goal as quickly as possible. If these bastards like the Skeleton Division are not afraid of death and do not know what is good or bad, I will hit them.
Be afraid, tremble, and retreat voluntarily until you can no longer bear the heavy casualties."
"In addition, I don't think it's feasible to snatch the treasure away from under the noses of these lunatics. As long as they still have the strength to fight, they will definitely block the snatching, so decisive forces must be invested in this direction in order to fight quickly.
A quick decision. Then, we can quickly break away from the battle and rush north to support the encirclement and suppression battle at the protrusion. This is the most feasible method in my opinion at present."
Malashenko expressed his true thoughts and conclusions at the moment. After hearing this, the political commissar comrades nodded in agreement.
"My thoughts are basically the same as mine. I also believe that the battle in the southwest requires the main force of our division. After all, the opponent is not ordinary, and we cannot underestimate the enemy."
"Um......"
The best result is that the heroes have the same view, and Malashenko has other battles to arrange next: the encirclement and suppression battle of the salient in the north.
"Let Lavrinenko be responsible for leading the team all the way to the north, with a regiment and corresponding auxiliary forces. The leading troops of the Baltic Front are a little faster than us, but they have just arrived. I judge that they cannot be organized at this stage.
It would be too large a battle to start. Given the organization of our division, it would definitely be enough to dispatch one regiment of tanks to deal with the first phase of the peripheral clearing battle."
"You and Lavrinenko will discuss the specific battle command matters. If you are here, I won't worry about any big problems. Just take the division and follow him north, and let Lavrinenko lead the way.
The first regiment has passed. Since the troops are not sufficient, we will add the main regiment. I will take the second regiment and the third regiment south to rob the train. After the mission is completed, I will immediately go north to join you."
"Oh, by the way, there is one more thing. I guess there won't be many opportunities for artillery to appear in the battle in the south, but you can't use artillery fire coverage at the train station. That's just sitting in your own home and destroying your own treasure. I, Malashenko, don't
Do something stupid like this."
"Katyusha will allocate them to you. I will take two companies of isu-152 to provide necessary fire support, and the remaining isu-152 will also be distributed to you."
"This is the approximate force distribution plan. If you have any opinions, please raise them now. We will work together to resolve this matter, and then we will split up and set off immediately. The sooner the better."
The plan proposed by Malashenko has almost been perfected to the point of perfection, or in the current situation, this is the best that can be achieved.
Comrade Political Commissar did not make too many changes to Malashenko's plan. He only made detailed additions to more specific distribution of troops and tactical equipment, and then finalized it and immediately delegated the order to each regiment and battalion, including
After learning about this incident, Lavrinenko cursed and reluctantly led his troops on the road.
"Why do you want me to lead the team north? Since we are sending a group, wouldn't it be better to let Kulbalov take command? No, I won't do it! Fighting the Skeleton Division, these bastards, you want to kill me in such an exciting battle?
Leave yourself to eat alone? No, no, no, no, no, no! You must take me with you."
"...."
Malashenko was a little surprised, but he didn't expect Lavrinenko's reaction to be so violent. For a moment, he really thought that Lavrinenko had also wanted to kill the skeleton master. In the end, it was the political commissar who was the first to notice.
Something is wrong with the situation.
"Don't give in to him. In Chinese terms, he is a drunkard who is not interested in drinking. He is just pretending to want to beat up the Skeleton Master, but he is worried about your safety. The Skeleton Master is such a difficult opponent.
Comrade the division commander takes the two regiments that lack artillery and cannot fully expand to face it alone. If you can rest assured, we will not be brothers in life and death."
"Am I right? Comrade Deputy Division Commander."
"...."
Lavrinenko's face suddenly became a little strange. He was a little embarrassed and couldn't get off the stage. This is how he behaved when someone revealed his true feelings on the spot. Of course, this scene was also seen by Comrade Ma, who warmed his heart. Among all the great men,
The feelings between each other, especially the brotherhood of life and death on the battlefield, are often difficult to express, and there are not many words.
"I still say the same old saying, these Germans can't make a shell that can kill Malashenko with their current ability. Let's wait for hundreds of years. I led the most elite heavy tank troops of the motherland to fight all the way.
, killed countless so-called Fascist elites, and this time will be no exception. Maybe we can also wipe out the sacrifice flag of the Skeleton Masters, a bunch of bastards, fight your battle well and wait and see!"
Even though he was deeply reluctant and worried, Lavrinenko had a mountain of military orders and it was difficult to disobey them. With Malashenko's firm promise of solemn patting on the shoulder, Lavrinenko could only stick to his good brother's chest in the end.
After a punch, he obeyed the order and set off.
"Don't let anything happen to you. Remember this! Bring all your parts and meet me in the north, otherwise I won't spare you! Is it clear!?"