For Sokov, who comes from a later generation, the tactic of concealing the truth is simply outdated. 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 tactic to successfully break through the Israeli "Barev" line of defense".
The effect of the deception tactic was just as Sokov imagined. The German troops on the other side saw that the Soviet troops were continuously advancing towards the front and thought that they would launch an attack in this direction, so they strengthened the defenses of the riverside positions to prevent the Soviet troops from breaking through the defense line from here.
Seeing that the enemy on the other side was continuously increasing troops, Sokov immediately reported to Rokossovsky. At the end of the report, he put forward his own suggestion: "Comrade Commander, it is not a bad thing that the enemy has gathered a large number of troops in the position in front of us. According to our reconnaissance, there are no solid defenses there. If After the battle begins, the army's artillery can concentrate its artillery fire, which will inevitably 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 maybe once 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 are crowded in the first line of defense. Even if the intensive artillery fire cannot wipe out half of their troops, it can 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 march along the 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 the acting commander of the 1137th Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Pavel, 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."
Sokov was also worried about encountering the enemy who had just arrived at the pre-selected crossing point. Now that Pavel took the initiative to bring it up, Sokov followed suit and asked: "Comrade Lieutenant Colonel, I want to ask you, what should you do if there are enemies on the other side when you arrive at the crossing point?"
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 Zhizdra 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 troops, we can use forced crossings, or use part of our troops 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 expressed his position: "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 I was formulating the combat plan, it was Potukin who took the initiative to recommend Pavel to me, saying that he was a commander with rich combat experience. It was perfect for him to lead two regiments across the river and attack the German flank. .
It was precisely because of Potukin's recommendation that Sokov gave up the idea of personally leading the team across the river and handed over this important task to Pavel. Seeing that the troops were about to set off, Potukin suddenly became hesitant. But things had reached this point, and even if Sokov wanted to lead the team himself, it was a bit too late. He smiled bitterly and said to Potukin: "Comrade Chief of Staff, I believe in your vision. Since you recommended Lieutenant Colonel Pavel, 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, let out a long 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 the same as the previous two days. After dark, we will quietly withdraw the troops from their positions." In order to dispel Bindasov's doubts, he also specially explained: "The strength of a regiment will be It's a little 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?"
