The fact that the unit was officially awarded the honorary title of the Guards Division was communicated to the commanders and fighters of the entire division via phone calls and telegrams, and the entire division burst into cheers. So much so that at the beginning of the second day's attack, the troops on the left and right wings were so powerful that they overwhelmed the German troops in front of them and were unable to organize forces to counterattack them.
Since the main force of the German army in the Zizdra area was contained by the newly promoted 31st Guards Division, the infantry corps commanded by General Orlov successfully arrived at Zizdra without passing by. Lacheng. According to Rokossovsky's idea, as long as this city is captured, a gap will be opened in the German army's overall 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 Malinin first expressed his position: "In this attack, the performance of Major Sokov's 31st Guards Division is obvious to all, and their division contained one-third of the German troops on the front of our group army. I think we should capture The honor of the city is left to them.”
"Comrade Chief of Staff, you are right. The 31st Guards Division did perform well. However, after a long battle, they suffered a lot of casualties, and the officers and soldiers were also exhausted." The artilleryman spoke next. Commander Kazakov: "Therefore, I suggest that this offensive task be handed over to General Orlov's infantry corps."
"I agree with General Kazakov's opinion." As soon as Kazakov finished speaking, he was immediately supported by Military Commissioner Lobachev: "The establishment of the infantry army was canceled when the war situation was at its most critical last year. As the situation changed, the infantry corps was gradually rebuilt. This battle was the first battle after the reconstruction of General Orlov's infantry corps. If there were no dazzling results, I was worried that it would offend the supreme commander. The Ministry is not happy."
After hearing the three people’s reactions, Rokossovsky did not immediately express his position. Instead, he asked Orel, who was sitting aside: “Comrade Director of Armored Forces, I want to hear your opinion. What do you think about this matter?” ?”
Orel originally wanted to agree with 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. Once Orlov's infantry army was in this offensive battle, , without any dazzling performance and outstanding achievements, then they may be criticized by the Supreme Command. Although he could not express support for Malinin in public, he could not express contrary opinions, so after hesitating for a moment, he finally said: "I listen to the commander, you can do whatever you say, and I firmly support it!"
Orel's answer surprised Rokossovsky. He did not expect that the old subordinate would give such an answer that would not offend both parties. To be honest, Rokossovsky wanted to leave the task of capturing Zizdra to Sokov's 31st Guards Division. Now the city is like a ripe apple. He could pick it off with just his hand and let Orlov's troops gain military exploits so easily. He felt very sorry for Sokov.
However, after repeatedly weighing the powerful relationship, he decided to leave the task of capturing the city to Orlov. Having made up his mind, he stood up and said: "Since everyone has expressed their opinions, let me also express my own opinions. I agree with the opinion of Comrade Military Commissioner. 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 them to explain it to the Supreme Command. Therefore, I decided to hand over the task of attacking Zizdra City to Orlov’s infantry army.”
Seeing Rokossovsky making the final decision, Malinin couldn't help but sigh, 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 Zizdra.
Rokossovsky looked at Kazakov and asked: "Comrade Artillery Commander, in order to attack the city of Zizdra, we must first seize the German defenses outside the city. I would like to ask, what can you do for Orr?" How much artillery support will Love provide?”
Kazakov had already memorized these questions. When Rokossovsky asked, he immediately replied without hesitation: "Comrade Commander, please rest assured that I have prepared eight artillery pieces this time." regiment and two rocket launcher battalions, the pre-battle artillery support can last for more than half an hour. After the artillery bombardment is over, I believe General Orlov’s troops can easily seize these positions from the enemy.”
Seeing that Kazakov was so confident, Rokossovsky did not ask any more questions, but turned his attention to Orel: "Comrade Director of Armored Forces, I would like to ask, do you plan to transfer the base camp to our tank corps and deploy it?" Where is it?"
"Comrade Commander," Orel heard Rokossovsky's question and 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 corps will serve as the second echelon. Place it 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: "There is a flat road from the hiding place of the tank corps to the starting point of the infantry corps' attack. When our infantry launches the attack , the tank army sets off from the assembly area and can reach the battlefield within half an hour."
Out of trust in Orel, after listening to what he said, Rokossovsky nodded and agreed to his plan without verifying it: "Okay, Comrade Director of Armored Forces, since you are so confident, then tanks The army is deployed at the location you mentioned."
Finally, Rokossovsky faced Malinin again and said to him: "Comrade Chief of Staff, please ask General Orlov to come to the headquarters immediately, and you will personally assign him offensive tasks. Do you understand?"
Seeing that Rokossovsky had made up his mind, Malinin did not go against him and could only reluctantly agree: "Understood, Comrade Commander, I will leave it to General Orlov to make a call." After a pause. After a moment, he asked cautiously, "Comrade Commander, do you think you should say hello to Major Sokov about this matter to prevent him from having bad thoughts?"
"It's not necessary." Rokossovsky said without hesitation: "If he has emotions about the arrangements of his superiors, then he should stop being the division commander as soon as possible and go back to being his Istria Forget it, the battalion commander. Comrade Chief of Staff, stop dawdling and find Orlov as soon as possible!"
