After returning to the Istria camp with a detailed combat plan, Sokov convened a meeting with company and platoon commanders. After introducing the mission, he said to the people here with some concern: "Comrade commanders, this mission is very difficult. After receiving the required ammunition and supplies tomorrow morning, we will march more than 100 kilometers. Rush to the Tim area west of Voronezh to destroy the German lines of communication. Since the battalion has recently added a large number of wounded who have been discharged from the hospital, and our march route is all forests and swamps, they may not be able to adapt to such difficult conditions. , so I plan to keep them. Do you have any different opinions?"
After three days of marching on foot, some of the wounded soldiers were too tired and their injuries recurred. Leaving them here was undoubtedly the most correct decision. All commanders agreed with Sokov's proposal. "No comment."
However, when Sokov asked everyone what they thought about the mission to be carried out, Captain Andrei, the deputy commander of the second company, stood up and asked: "Comrade Major, the task of destroying the German traffic lines is even for ordinary guerrillas." It can be done, so why send our battalion there? You know, we are regular troops."
Andre's words immediately aroused the response of the commanders present. Everyone also had the same idea: Why should the Istria Battalion be responsible for tasks that can be completed by the guerrillas? You know, although it is only more than a hundred kilometers from here to the destination, marching in forests and swamps is different from marching on peaceful ground. The commanders and soldiers have to spend several times more physical energy. It is precisely for this reason that everyone agrees with Sokov's opinion and keeps those weak commanders and fighters.
"That's right, comrades commanders, you are right. Destroying the German lines of communication can be accomplished by any guerrilla group operating behind enemy lines." As soon as Sokov's words came out, the room suddenly became quiet again. The commanders present all turned their attention to Sokov, wanting to hear what he said next. Sokov paused for a moment and then said: "Based on the current situation analysis, the enemy's attack on our army is their long-planned summer offensive, so the consumption of their ammunition and supplies will be very huge. In order to ensure transportation If the line is not destroyed, they will inevitably deploy heavy troops to protect the transportation line. Can you tell me, in this case, will the guerrillas' destruction of the German transportation line be effective?"
When the commanders heard what Sokov said, they all considered his words carefully in their hearts and felt that what he said made sense. Due to factors such as size, equipment and combat effectiveness, it is okay for the guerrillas to ambush one or two small transport convoys, but if they encounter a convoy escorted by armored vehicles sent by the Germans, would you let them try it again? It's too late to hide, so you dare to hit the stone with an egg.
Seeing that everyone seemed to be convinced by him, Sokov continued: "Although our battalion is a regular army, it has experience in attacking fortresses and fighting guerrillas behind enemy lines. The superiors must have carefully considered it and felt that Only our battalion can pose a threat to the German lines of communication, so this important task is entrusted to us."
Sokov's words made all the commanders feel a sense of honor. When they thought that their superiors trusted themselves and entrusted them with such an arduous and glorious task, everyone could not help but raise their chins high. High.
After the meeting, the commanders went back to their respective units. But less than half an hour later, the battalion command post was surrounded by nearly a hundred soldiers. Seeing so many soldiers coming from different directions, Seryosha didn't know what was going on. He quickly ordered the soldiers of the police platoon to be on guard while he rushed into the command post to report to Sokov.
When he learned that the command post was surrounded by soldiers, Belkin was immediately shocked: "What, soldiers surrounded the command post?" His first reaction was that the soldiers in the battalion had rebelled. After all, in the recent additions Among the soldiers, in addition to the wounded who had recovered and been discharged from the hospital, there were also many rescued prisoners of war. There might be German spies among them, who were now inciting them to rebel. Thinking of this, he quickly said to Sokov: "Comrade Major, it seems that the situation is not good. Maybe the soldiers who don't know the truth were bewitched by the German agents and mutinied. You can jump out of the window first. This is by I'll handle it."
Although Sokov didn't know what was going on outside, he would never be able to do such a thing without leaving his comrades in the command post and escaping alone. And even if he escaped alone, losing his troops would be a serious crime that could send him to a military court or even lose his head. Therefore, he must stay and talk to the soldiers gathered outside to find out what happened. So he shook his head and said firmly: "No, Comrade Belkin, I can't leave. I want to go out and talk to the soldiers."
Seeing Sokov preparing to go out, Belkin and Seryosha grabbed him from left to right and tried to persuade him: "You can't go. It's too dangerous outside. If you go out rashly, your life will be in danger."
Sokov turned to look at Belkin and said, "Comrade Belkin, do you think it will be safe if I abandon my troops and run away?"
After hearing what Sokov said, Belkin gradually calmed down and felt that what he had just said in persuading Sokov to escape was inappropriate. Even if he escaped with his life, his superiors could not spare him. Thinking of this, he let go of Sokov's arm, adjusted his military appearance, and said to Sokov: "Comrade Major, I will accompany you out." Then he ordered Seryozha, "Comrade Lieutenant, take the Major open."
Sokov and Belkin walked out of the command post and saw more than a hundred soldiers gathered outside the door, but they were standing outside the cordon set up by the police clearance platoon soldiers. Seeing Sokov coming out, someone immediately shouted: "The major is coming out!"
Various shouts suddenly rang out outside the house: "Batalion Commander!" "Major Sokov!"...
Sokov originally thought that as soon as he went out, he would face countless black holes of gunfire, but now he saw that the soldiers were just calling him, but nothing happened? "
As soon as he finished speaking, the scene became chaotic again. Countless people were talking at the same time, but no one could hear clearly what was said. Sokov could only raise his voice and shout: "Quiet, comrades, please be quiet!" After the soldiers became quiet again, he said, somewhat dumbfounded, "Comrades, if you have any opinions about me, you can tell me one by one, Don't yell like this, I can't hear what you are saying."
"Comrade Battalion Commander." As soon as Sokov finished speaking, a sergeant without a military cap and with a bandage on his head squeezed through the crowd and came to Sokov, and said loudly: "I'm sorry. You have an opinion."
"You are Yegor of the second company. Starting from Khimki, you have participated in many battles with me." Seeing that the soldier who spoke first was the familiar Sergeant Yegor, Sokov felt at ease. Many, he nodded at the other party and said with a smile: "If you have any opinions about me, just promote me. After all, we are old comrades who have been through life and death."
"Comrade Battalion Commander, I heard that the troops are about to carry out important combat missions." Sergeant Yegor still called Sokov his former position: "But why should we be left behind? Are we injured? Are you qualified to participate in the battle?"
After listening to Yegor's question, Sokov immediately realized that something had happened. It was not the mutiny that Belkin was worried about at all. The soldiers surrounding the battalion command post must be those who were left behind. However, to be on the safe side, he still asked tentatively: "Yegor, does your commander arrange for you to stay?" After seeing Yegor nodding in affirmation, he turned his eyes to the other soldiers and asked loudly : "Are you, like Sergeant Yegor, going to be left here?"
"Yes, Comrade Battalion Commander." "Comrade Battalion Commander, please, let us go to the battle, we will not hold back the troops!" "Comrade Battalion Commander..." "Comrade Major..."
When Sokov listened to the soldiers shouting and excitedly expressing their attitude, he suddenly realized that he had made a stupid mistake. He only considered that the bodies of these soldiers were not suitable for long-distance marches, but ignored their contribution to the motherland and the country. The love of the people, in order to defeat the fascist invaders, they would not hesitate to sacrifice their blood and lives. What does a little physical pain mean to them?
Seeing Sokov's silence, Yegor quickly grabbed his arm and said excitedly: "Comrade battalion commander, take us with you. I guarantee you that all of us here can crawl even if we have to. To the destination.”
Belkin, who was standing aside, couldn't help but feel proud of his troops and these brave soldiers after listening to the soldiers' statements. Originally, he had some doubts about fighting deep behind enemy lines, but at this moment, seeing the enthusiasm of the soldiers, he felt a strong sense of self-confidence. He walked up to Sokov, leaned close to his ear, and whispered: "Comrade Major, if you don't revoke the order at the meeting, I don't think these soldiers will leave."
"You are right, Comrade Belkin, we cannot dampen the enthusiasm of the officers and soldiers." After Sokov finished speaking, he raised his right hand high above his head to signal the soldiers present to be quiet. When the soldiers saw Sokov raise his hand, they knew he was about to speak, and they all closed their mouths.
"Comrade soldiers, I considered that your body may not be able to withstand such an intense march." Sokov looked at the soldiers in front of him and said with some excitement: "But seeing your reaction now, I realize that I was wrong. Yes. You are all good, I am proud of you!" After saying that, he raised his hand and saluted the soldiers with a solemn military salute.
