For Sokov, who came from a later generation, the tactic of concealing the truth is simply an outdated strategy. In ancient times, Taishi Ci used this tactic to successfully break out of Beihai City, which was besieged by the Yellow Turban Army, and rushed to Liu Bei for help; in modern warfare,
, the Egyptian army used this strategy to successfully break through Israel's "Bar-Lev Line of Defense".
The effect of the deception tactic was just as Sokov imagined. Seeing the Soviet troops continuously moving troops into the front line, the German troops on the other side thought that they would launch an attack in this direction, so they strengthened the defenses of the riverside positions to prevent the Soviets from advancing.
The military troops broke through the defense line from here.
Seeing that the enemies on the other side were continuously increasing their troops, Sokov immediately reported to Rokossovsky. At the end of the report, he put forward his own suggestion: "Comrade Commander, the enemies are gathering in the position in front of us.
A large number of troops is not a bad thing. According to our reconnaissance, there are no strong defenses there. If the army's artillery can concentrate its artillery fire after the battle starts, it will definitely cause heavy casualties to the enemy."
Regarding Sokov's proposal, Rokossovsky said with great interest: "I didn't expect that your strategy was so effective. It actually allowed the Germans to put so many troops opposite you, and they didn't even
What is the depth of defense? As long as one of our artillery shells hits it, at least half of their troops can be wiped out."
Sokov knew very well that probably when the Soviet artillery bombardment started before the attack, except for leaving a few observation posts on the first line of defense, the main force of the German army withdrew to the second line of defense to avoid the Soviet artillery bombardment. But now.
The enemies on the other side were all crowded in the first line of defense. Even if the intensive artillery fire could not wipe out half of their troops, it could still cause them great casualties.
After Rokossovsky sighed with emotion, he then asked Sokov: "Major Sokov, are your attack troops ready?"
"Yes, Comrade Commander, we are all ready." Sokov replied: "The troops of the 1137th and 1139th regiments have completed their assembly. After dark, they will use the cover of night and forest to move along the route.
Go up the Zizdra River, cross the river from the upper reaches, and attack the German flank."
Although Rokossovsky already knew that the main force of the division would move to the upper reaches of the Zizdra River tonight, after listening to Sokov's report, he still shouted "Hello" and then said: "Then I will
I’m waiting for your good news at the headquarters.”
After finishing the call with Rokossovsky, Sokov called Lieutenant Colonel Pavel, the acting commander of the 1137th regiment, and asked: "Comrade Lieutenant Colonel, how is the situation there? Commanders and fighters are doing their best.
Are you ready?"
"The two regiments have been assembled. We will set off immediately as soon as it gets dark." Lieutenant Colonel Pavel, who is responsible for unified command of the two regiments, took the initiative to say before Sokov asked again: "Comrade division commander, I have already
Scouts were sent to conduct reconnaissance at the river crossing area. If enemies appear there, we will know as soon as possible."
Encountering the enemy who had just arrived at the pre-selected crossing point was also what Sokov was worried about. Now that Pavel took the initiative to bring it up, Sokov asked smoothly: "Comrade Lieutenant Colonel, I want to ask you
, what should you do if when you arrive at the crossing point, enemies appear on the other side?"
Sokov's words stopped Pavel. He was silent for a long time before he replied: "Comrade division commander, the place we chose can be walked on foot. If the enemy is found on the other side, we can completely rush to the other side by force."
Destroy the enemy."
As soon as Pavel finished speaking, Sokov continued: "Comrade Lieutenant Colonel, your approach can be said to be correct or wrong."
"Why?" Pavel asked in surprise.
"The enemy is found on the other side of the river crossing point. Whether to continue crossing the river depends on the strength of the German troops on the other side." Sokov patiently explained to Pavel: "If only German infantry appears on the other side, then you use the method of forcible crossing.
, there is a chance to cross the Zizdra River. But if the enemy not only has infantry, but also a considerable number of tanks, if you continue to use this tactic, it will only increase unnecessary casualties to the troops."
"Then what should we do?" Pavel asked.
"To solve this problem, it is actually very simple." Sokov said: "When approaching the crossing point, you have to send out scouts again to find out whether there are enemies on the other side. If not, you can cross the river immediately. If there are enemies,
Depending on the strength of the enemy's forces, we can use forced crossings respectively, or use part of our forces to attract the enemy's attention, while the main force chooses to cross the Zizdra River in other areas."
"Comrade division commander, please rest assured." Pavel waited for Sokov to finish speaking and immediately stated: "During the march, we will send out scouts at any time to conduct uninterrupted reconnaissance of the road ahead and the crossing point to ensure that the division
The main force can successfully cross the Zizdra River."
Seeing Sokov put down the phone, Potukin asked with some worry: "Comrade Division Commander, Pavel was only the chief of staff of the 1137th Regiment before. Isn't it a bit risky to let him command two regiments at the same time this time?"
Regarding Potukin's concerns, Sokov was really dumbfounded. When he was formulating the combat plan, Potukin took the initiative to recommend Pavel to him, saying that he was a commander with rich combat experience, and he led the two men.
It was perfect to cross the river with one regiment and attack the German flank.
It was precisely because of Potukin's recommendation that Sokov gave up the idea of leading the team across the river in person and handed over this important task to Pavel. Seeing that the troops were about to set off, Potukin suddenly became hesitant.
Get up. But things have reached this point. Even if Sokov wants to lead the team himself, it is a bit too late. He smiled bitterly and said to Potukin: "Comrade Chief of Staff, I believe in your vision. Since you recommended Pavel
Lieutenant Colonel, then I think he will be able to complete the mission satisfactorily."
Sokov's words gave Potukin some confidence. He stood in front of the map, took a deep breath, and then said: "That's right, comrade division commander, your words reminded me that I recommended Pavel to you.
.Although he was only a regiment chief of staff before, his ability is far superior to that of Colonel Bindasov. I believe he will not betray our trust."
While the two were talking, Bindasov called and asked Sokov for instructions: "Comrade division commander, will you still withdraw the troops transferred to the front tonight?"
"Comrade Colonel, that's right, it's still the same as the previous two days. After dark, we will quietly withdraw the troops from their positions." In order to eliminate Bindasov's doubts, he also specifically explained: "The strength of a regiment will be
It is too crowded in such a small position. If the Germans shell our position, every shell will cause us a lot of casualties. Do you understand, Comrade Colonel?"