As soon as Ponejelin was asked to tell Fomin to stop the shelling of the front of the highlands, Zakharov's phone call came in: "Comrade Sokov, I heard that you asked General Fomin to stop the shelling of the highlands?"
"Yes, Comrade Chief of Staff of the Front Army." Sokov explained to the other party: "The defenders on the highlands have rebuilt their fortifications and adjusted their deployment, which is enough to cope with the German attack, so there is no need to waste any more artillery shells for the time being. .”
After figuring out what was going on, Zaharov said "hmm" and said, "If you need help, just call me. Comrade Commander has already given instructions and can provide you with strong artillery support at any time."
When Sokov was looking at the map, he suddenly had a bold idea. He was trying to find a suitable time to call Zakharov. Since he called Zakharov first, he said in passing: "Comrade Chief of Staff of the Front Army , I have something to ask you."
"what's up?"
"Is there a reservoir on the upper reaches of the Gniloydikich River?"
"Of course there are reservoirs, otherwise the electricity used by surrounding towns would have to be transmitted from farther away."
Learning that there was a reservoir in the upper reaches of the Gniloydikich River, Sokov continued to ask: "Is the reservoir now in the hands of our army or the Germans?"
"Of course it is in the hands of our army. In order to prevent the Germans from destroying it, our army first seized the reservoir after entering this area." Zaharov asked in return: "Why do you ask this?"
"Comrade Chief of Staff of the Front Army," confirmed that the reservoir in the upper reaches of the Gniloydikich River was now controlled by the Soviet army. Sokov felt that he could implement his next step: "I want to ask if the reservoir can be made Close the gates and start storing water?”
"Yes." Zakharov reminded Sokov: "It is the dry season in winter. If the gate is closed to store water, although the water level downstream will drop, the water level in the reservoir will not rise much."
Sokov knew very well that the storage of water in the reservoir in winter was definitely not comparable to that in summer, but as long as the water could be stored, his plan could go ahead: "Comrade Chief of Staff of the Front Army, I implore you to order the troops guarding the reservoir to start from From now on, close the gate and store water, and the water level will rise as much as it can."
Seeing Sokov repeatedly mentioning the reservoir of the Gniloydikichi River, Zakharov became a little confused: "Comrade Sokov, can you tell me what the purpose of filling the gates in winter is? "
"Comrade Chief of Staff of the Front Army, if the Germans are lucky enough to break through the defense line of our army group, if they want to completely jump out of our encirclement, they will inevitably pass through the Gniloydikich River. I plan to open the gate and release the water when they cross the river, and use The water washed away the fleeing Germans."
"This is a good idea. Why didn't I think of it?" Sokov's words made Zakharov's eyes light up. He quickly said: "Comrade Sokov, I will report your suggestion to the commander as soon as possible. Inform the reservoir defenders to close the gate and store water."
As soon as Zakharov put down the phone, he couldn't wait to report Sokov's proposal to Konev.
After listening to this, Konev couldn't help but exclaimed: "That's great. Sokov's idea is really great. When the Germans cross the river, our upstream reservoir will open the gate and release water. The surging water will be able to The Germans who were crossing the river were swept away. At the same time, the rising water level would also cut off their retreat, allowing us to calmly annihilate them all."
After listening to what Konev said, Zakharov immediately realized that the other party agreed with Sokov's proposal, and asked tentatively: "Comrade Commander, since you do not object to Sokov's proposal, then I will immediately notify the reservoir The defenders closed the sluice to store water. After all, it is winter now. If the water is stored earlier, the water level will be higher."
"Comrade Chief of Staff," Konev acquiesced to Zakharov's statement, then added: "In order to prevent the Germans from being aware of it and sending troops to attack the reservoir, you have to transfer troops from other places to strengthen the defense there. Defense, ensuring that the reservoir is always in the hands of our army."
…………
In a small town more than ten kilometers away from Highland 239, William Stemmermann, the top commander of the German army in the encirclement circle and commander of the 11th Army, was listening to a report from his subordinates in the headquarters.
The Walloon Commando Brigade captured the Soviet Komarovka Heights and nearby villages, giving Wilhelm Stemmermann hope of a successful breakout. However, the failure of the attack on Highland 239 made the hope of escape become slim again.
The Walloon Assault Brigade and the 105th Grenadier Regiment that participated in the attack on Highland 239 had a total strength of nearly 4,000 people. By the time they withdrew from the battle at dawn, the total number of the two troops was only more than 1,500, and Lieutenant Colonel Lipt, commander of the Walloon Assault Brigade, was suddenly attacked by the Soviet army while hiding. He was seriously injured by the artillery fire. Not long after he was brought back, he died due to ineffective rescue. He could only temporarily appoint his deputy, Lieutenant Colonel Degrelle, to temporarily take over the command of the assault brigade.
Looking at Lieutenant Colonel Degrelle and Colonel Swift, the commander of the 105th Grenadier Regiment standing in front of him, William Stemmerman asked with a straight face: "Did you all carry out the sneak attack on Hill 239 last night?" They are participants. Please tell me how the Russians became aware of our actions and even carried out violent shelling of our army's latent areas."
"Your Excellency, General," Swift was the first to speak. He said cautiously, "There are many people who know about this operation. I think someone among the officers and soldiers involved in the operation may have leaked information to the Russians."
"This is impossible." Degrelle retorted: "When our brigade was in action, it was always in radio silence. Even if there were Russian spies, they had no quick way to pass on the news."
"So, there is a problem in other aspects." William Stemmerman asked: "Mr. Lieutenant Colonel, where do you think there is a flaw?"
Degrelle thought for a long time, and then said cautiously: "When we were approaching the Russians' 239 Hill, a soldier accidentally stepped on a landmine. Maybe it was the landmine that exposed our intentions."
"How far is that mine from Hill 239?"
"About five or six hundred meters."
"Why would the Russians place mines five or six hundred meters away from their positions?"
"Your Majesty General, I'm not sure about this." Degrelle said: "I think it may be a landmine accidentally left behind by the Russians."
William Stemmerman felt that this possibility was also very high, so he did not pursue the matter further, but said regretfully: "Unfortunately, it was because a landmine exposed our whereabouts, otherwise 239 Highlands would have been occupied by our army at this moment. Occupied.”
"Your Excellency, General," Swift's troops once occupied Highland 239. If the Soviet army had not blocked the road with artillery fire, making it impossible for the follow-up troops to follow up, I am afraid that a gap has been opened in the encirclement by now, and the troops who came to respond The troops merged. When he thought of this, he said reluctantly: "As long as you can provide me with artillery support, my troops will definitely be able to take down Highland 239."
"Colonel Swift, I admire you very much for your fighting spirit." However, his request was rejected by William Stemmerman: "However, after a night of fighting, only the remaining members of your regiment are There are hundreds of people. With such a force, even if it is supported by artillery and tanks, it may be difficult to break through the Russian defenses. I think this offensive task should be completed by other units of the 72nd Infantry Division."
After sending Swift and Degrelle away, William Stemmerman asked his chief of staff: "Chief of Staff, who is the commander of the Russian 53rd Army?"
"Major General Tarasov." The chief of staff immediately replied: "This person's commanding ability is average. He was defeated by us in several confrontations with our army."
"Mr. Chief of Staff, to be precise, it was not us who defeated the 53rd Army, but the Viking Division that was most trusted by the Führer. In front of them, no Russian troops can take advantage. Even the former Sokov was also Suffered the defeat of the Viking Division." When William Stemmermann said this, a terrifying thought suddenly appeared in his mind: "Tell me, it's not Sokov who is commanding the 53rd Army now, right? "
"No, Your Excellency General." Chief of Staff comforted William Stemmermann and said: "According to the information we have, Sokov is still studying at the Frunze Military Academy. Before completing his studies, he is He won’t appear on the battlefield.”
But William Stemmermann looked at his chief of staff and said quietly: "Before we attacked Russia, the Russians also believed that we would not fight on two fronts at the same time, at least until we defeated the British. It was possible to launch a war against them. But as a result, it was precisely because of this kind of thinking that they were caught off guard by us."
The Army Chief of Staff heard what William Stemmermann said and asked tentatively: "General, do you mean that the commander of the Russian 53rd Army has been replaced? It has even been replaced by someone who has caused us the biggest headache. Sokov?”
"Yes, that's how I think about it." William Stemmerman sighed and said: "If he really takes over the command of the 53rd Army, then our plan to break out from the 239th Heights will be completely destroyed. It’s all in vain. Not only will it be impossible to break out of the Russian encirclement, but there is even a possibility of being completely annihilated.”
"This is unlikely." The military chief of staff said with luck: "I think it will take at least half a year or even longer for Sokov to return to the battlefield."
"Immediately send someone to conduct reconnaissance." William Stemmerman said solemnly: "I have read the report of Lieutenant Colonel Degrelle. Their latent force detonated a mine several hundred meters away from the position. According to common sense, , the defenders on the position would send personnel to check. But the actual situation is that the other side did not send people to check, but directly shelled the area where the mine exploded. When did the Russians' artillery reserves become so abundant? "
After hearing what William Stemmerman said, the Army Chief of Staff also realized the seriousness of the problem and said quickly: "Understood, General, I will immediately send personnel to conduct reconnaissance to find out whether the Russian 53rd Group Army has changed its commander. official."
After a brief pause, he asked cautiously: "Your Excellency, General, which troops do you plan to send to capture Highland 239?"
"Let the Viking Division go forward." William Stemmermann said without hesitation: "If you want to break through the Russian encirclement, you must put this kind of powerful combat force into battle. The performance of this division on the battlefield has always been impressive. The Russians have a headache and I hope this performance will not disappoint me."
As the order was issued, the 9th Panzer Grenadier Regiment of the Viking Division, under the cover of the 5th Assault Artillery Battalion, launched an attack towards Highland 239 where the Soviet troops were stationed.
When the defenders on the high ground saw the beginning of the German attack, they immediately used the 12 Bofors field guns that had just been deployed on the position to bombard the German tanks below and the infantry following behind.
The shells landed in the German ranks and exploded. With each explosion, several or even a dozen soldiers would be overturned by the blast of air. The shell hit the tank, sending up a dazzling ball of fire on the armor plate of the tank. The Army Chief of Staff heard what William Stemmermann said and asked tentatively: "General, do you mean that the commander of the Russian 53rd Army has been replaced? It has even been replaced by someone who has caused us the biggest headache. Sokov?”
"Yes, that's how I think about it." William Stemmerman sighed and said: "If he really takes over the command of the 53rd Army, then our plan to break out from the 239th Heights will be completely destroyed. It’s all in vain. Not only will it be impossible to break out of the Russian encirclement, but there is even a possibility of being completely annihilated.”
"This is unlikely." The military chief of staff said with luck: "I think it will take at least half a year or even longer for Sokov to return to the battlefield."
"Immediately send someone to conduct reconnaissance." William Stemmerman said solemnly: "I have read the report of Lieutenant Colonel Degrelle. Their latent force detonated a mine several hundred meters away from the position. According to common sense, , the defenders on the position will send personnel to check. But the actual situation is that the other side did not send people to check, but directly shelled the area where the mine exploded. When did the Russians' artillery reserves become so abundant? "
After hearing what William Stemerman said, the Army Chief of Staff also realized the seriousness of the problem and said quickly: "Understood, General, I will immediately send personnel to conduct reconnaissance to find out whether the Russian 53rd Group Army has changed its commander. official."
After a brief pause, he asked cautiously: "Your Excellency, General, which troops do you plan to send to capture Highland 239?"
"Let the Viking Division go forward." William Stemmermann said without hesitation: "If you want to break through the Russian encirclement, you must put this powerful force into battle. The performance of this division on the battlefield has always made people wonder. The Russians have a headache and I hope this performance will not disappoint me."
As the order was issued, the 9th Panzer Grenadier Regiment of the Viking Division, under the cover of the 5th Assault Artillery Battalion, launched an attack towards Highland 239 where the Soviet troops were stationed.
When the defenders on the high ground saw the beginning of the German attack, they immediately used the 12 Bofors field guns that had just been deployed on the position to bombard the German tanks below and the infantry following behind.
The shells landed in the German ranks and exploded. With each explosion, several or even a dozen soldiers would be overturned by the blast of air. The shell hit the tank, sending up a dazzling ball of fire on the armor plate of the tank.
