Red Moscow

After the fact that the troops were officially awarded the honorary title of the Guards Division was conveyed to the commanders and fighters of the whole division by telephone and telegram, the whole division burst into cheers. So much so that at the beginning of the offensive the next day, the troops on the left and right flanks were so imposing that they beat the German army in front of them into a mess, and it was impossible to organize forces to counterattack themselves.

Since the main force of the German army in the Zhizdra area was pinned down by the newly promoted 31st Guards Division, the infantry army commanded by General Orlov arrived smoothly without a fierce battle. City of Zizdra. According to Rokossovsky's idea, as long as the city is captured, a gap can be opened in the overall German defense line and the road to Bryansk will be opened.

However, there were serious differences of opinion within the army headquarters on whether the 31st Guards Division should capture Zhizdra or whether General Orlov's infantry corps should complete this task. Chief of Staff Ma Linin first stated: "In this offensive, the performance of Major Sokov's 31st Guards Division is obvious to all, and their division contained one-third of the German army in the front of our army. I think it should be captured. The honor of the city rests with them."

"Comrade Chief of Staff, you are right. The 31st Guards Division has indeed performed well, but after a long period of fighting, they have suffered a lot of casualties, and the officers and fighters are exhausted." The artillerymen then spoke Commander Kazakov: "So I suggest that this offensive task be handed over to General Orlov's infantry army to complete."

"I agree with General Kazakov." As soon as Kazakov finished speaking, he immediately got the support of Military Commissar Lobachev: "The infantry army was canceled when the war situation was at its most critical last year. Yes. As the situation changed, the infantry army was rebuilt one after another. This battle is the first battle of General Orlov's infantry army after it was rebuilt. If there is no dazzling record, I am worried that the Supreme Commander Department is not happy."

After listening to the reactions of the three, Rokossovsky did not express his opinion immediately, but asked Orel who was sitting on the side: "Comrade Armored Corps Director, I want to hear your opinion, what do you think about this matter?" ?”

Orel originally wanted to echo Malinin's opinion, but when he heard what Lobachev said, he changed his mind. He felt that what the other party said was very reasonable. , without any dazzling performance and outstanding record, then they may be blamed by the Supreme Command. Although he could not express support for Ma Linin in public, he could not express contrary opinions either. Therefore, after hesitating for a moment, he finally said: "I listen to the commander, and you can do whatever you say, and I firmly support it!"

Orel's answer surprised Rokossovsky, who did not expect the old subordinate to give such an answer that neither side offends. In all fairness, Rokossovsky really wanted to hand over the task of capturing Zhizdra to Sokov's 31st Guards Division. Now the city is like a ripe apple, as long as one He could pick it off with his hand, and let Orlov's troops gain military exploits so easily, he felt very sorry for Sokov.

However, after repeatedly weighing the relationship, he decided to hand over the task of capturing the city to Orlov. Having made up his mind, he stood up and said, "Since everyone has expressed their opinions, I will also share my own. I agree with Comrade Military Commissioner that General Orlov's infantry army has not been rebuilt for long. If If they don't make great achievements, I'm afraid it will be difficult for the Supreme Command to explain. Therefore, I decided to hand over the task of attacking Zhizdra City to Orlov's infantry army."

Seeing that Rokossovsky made the final decision, Ma Linin couldn't help sighing, regretting that the 31st Guards Division had lost such a good opportunity. But Kazakov breathed a sigh of relief. He believed that Orel's infantry army would be able to successfully capture the city of Zhizdra.

Rokossovsky looked at Kazakov and asked: "Comrade Artillery Commander, to attack the city of Zhizdra, we must first capture the German fortifications outside the city. I would like to ask, can you help Orr?" How much artillery support did Love provide?"

Kazakov had memorized these questions for a long time, and when he heard Rokossovsky's question, he immediately replied without hesitation: "Comrade commander, don't worry, I have prepared eight artillery pieces this time." The regiment and two rocket artillery battalions, the artillery support before the battle can last for more than half an hour. After the shelling is over, I believe that General Orlov's troops can easily take these positions from the enemy."

Seeing that Kazakov was so confident, Rokossovsky didn't ask any more questions, but turned his attention to Orel: "Comrade Armored Corps Chief, I want to ask, you plan to transfer the base camp to our tank army, deploy Where is it?"

"Comrade Commander," Orel, hearing Rokossovsky's question, immediately pointed to the map in front of him, and replied: "In order to prevent our attack from being detected by the enemy, the tank army will serve as the second echelon, Placed fifteen kilometers behind the starting point of the attack."

"What, fifteen kilometers behind?" Rokossovsky frowned and asked Orel: "Is it too far away? If the infantry's attack is frustrated, our tanks will not be able to support them in time."

"Don't worry, Comrade Commander." Orel looked at Rokossovsky and said, "From the hidden location of the tank army to the starting point of the infantry army's attack, there is a smooth road. When our infantry attack , the tank army will be able to arrive at the battlefield within half an hour from the assembled area."

Out of trust in Orel, after hearing what he said, Rokossovsky nodded and agreed to his plan without verifying it: "Okay, Comrade Armored Corps Director, since you are so confident, then the tank The army is deployed at the position you said."

Finally, Rokossovsky turned to Malinin again and said to him: "Comrade Chief of Staff, you immediately send General Orlov to the headquarters, and you will assign him the offensive task yourself. Do you understand?"

Seeing that Rokossovsky had made up his mind, Malinin did not contradict him, so he could only reluctantly agree: "Understood, Comrade Commander, I will leave it to General Orlov to call." After waiting for a while, he asked cautiously, "Comrade Commander, do you think we should say hello to Major Sokov about this matter, lest he have bad thoughts."

"It's not necessary." Rokossovsky said without hesitation: "If he still has emotions about the arrangement of his superiors, then he should not be the teacher commander as soon as possible, but go back to be his Istrian teacher." Forget it, the battalion commander. Comrade Chief of Staff, stop dawdling, and get Orlov as soon as possible!"