Chapter 257: railway

Chapter 257 Railway

To save or not to save.

Real and difficult issues were before everyone, and the officers in the headquarters fell silent for a while.

Everyone knew what was going on. From the perspective of combat effectiveness, only the 4th Tank Brigade could save the 32nd Army. In addition, it was not without reason that Rokossovsky rushed to the 4th Tank Brigade to hold a meeting.

"Comrade Rokossovsky!" Major Zakhakovic complained: "After these few battles, our tanks have not been replenished. In addition, some tanks are being repaired due to malfunctions. Now we can use them normally. There are only 37 tanks left..."

"We can add some tanks to you!" Rokossovsky interrupted Major Zakhakovic, 15 tanks, just shipped from Stalingrad! "

"That's only 52!"

"If necessary, we can also add some T26 or KV tanks for you!" Rokossovsky replied.

Major Zakhakovic shook his head: "Their speed and firepower are difficult to coordinate with the T34. We would rather not have these tanks!"

"Does this mean that we are going to rescue the 32nd Army?" Major Gavrilov heard what Rokossovsky said.

"With all due respect, Comrade Major General!" Major Zakhakovic said, "There is anti-aircraft fire in the area controlled by our army, and the enemy's air power has some scruples, but even so, our tanks can usually only attack at night. But during the day, you can only hide, if you go out to the enemy-controlled area..."

Needless to say, the next words are basically used as targets for German fighter planes.

Rokossovsky pointed to the map and said: "Tver is thirty-five kilometers away from Volokolamsk. If we act quickly, it is entirely possible for us to launch a surprise attack at night to open a gap in the German encirclement and then return. ...that way we don't need to face enemy airpower!"

"It's almost impossible to do, Comrade Major General!" Major Zakhakovic retorted, "These thirty-five kilometers are not thirty-five kilometers without a smooth road. What we have to face may be the enemy's anti-tank trenches and defense lines. , landmines, barbed wire, and even artillery blockade... It’s a fantasy to go back and forth in less than twelve hours!"

"What's more!" Major Gavrilov also raised objections: "Even if we can do it, it is impossible to retreat completely. 52 T34s, this may be our last mobile force..."

As he spoke, Major Gavrilov turned his attention to Rokossovsky.

Rokossovsky nodded and replied: "Everything else is in Tver!"

"If we rescued the 32nd Army at a great cost, I don't think it's worth it!" Major Gavrilov said: "Although I hope to rescue them, because many of them are ours. comrades, and even Comrade Katukov. But... I think that in the overall situation, we should not act rashly!"

"I think so too!" Major Zahakavic nodded and said, "The Germans will be ready and waiting for us!"

Rokossovsky didn't speak, he just turned his eyes to Shulka.

Others also turned their attention to Shulka.

Shulka frowned, this is a tricky question... At the same time, the analysis of Major Gavrilov and Major Zakhakovic is also very reasonable: 35 kilometers, even if the Soviet army has the advantage of T34, it is difficult to pass at night Back and forth, not to mention that this battle must be a complete victory, otherwise it is better not to save.

After thinking about it, Shulka said: "I agree with Comrade Zakhakovic's idea. The Germans surrounded the 32nd Army at this time. The 4th Brigade is annihilating on the way to Tver. So, there is no doubt that they will lay a lot of obstacles and mines on the way to Tver!"

Rokossovsky showed some disappointment on his face.

But at this time Shulka changed the subject and said, "I want to know how far is Tver from Klin?"

Rokossovsky's eyes lit up when he heard the words, and then he replied: "20 kilometers!"

"No, this won't work!" Major Zahakavic said: "Our army attacked Tver from south to north. There is a swamp between Klin and the 32nd Army station, and tanks cannot pass through!"

"We probably don't need to go through that swamp!" Shulka said.

"This is impossible!" Zaha Kavic said: "We have nowhere to go except that swamp!"

Shulka pointed to a point on the map and said, "Tver!"

"But..." Major Zakhakovic looked at Shulka in surprise: "You mean, we occupy Tver?"

"Yes!" Shulka replied: "Why not?"

The officers in the headquarters couldn't help being dumbfounded, even Rokossovsky was no exception.

Everyone, including Shulka, was against attacking Tver from the very beginning, but now... in the most unlikely of circumstances, Shulka proposes to attack Tver.

"This attack is not the same as before!" Shulka explained: "Our purpose is to rescue the 32nd Army, which means that Tver is a gap we opened from the German encirclement. retreat…"

"It is unlikely that we will withdraw such a large army and equipment from Tver!" Major Gavrilov said: "It may indeed be easier to break through in the direction of Klin, but the German army in Tver will be on guard. We still have the problem of running out of time, because we need time to occupy Tver!"

"Yes!" Shulka replied: "So we need trains!"

"train?"

Shulka pointed to the map and said: "There are railways connecting Klin and Tver, and the German army needs to use these railway lines for transportation, so I believe they will not destroy these railways!"

As Shulka said, he looked at Rokossovsky, who knew more about this information.

"That's right!" Rokossovsky replied: "The Germans are even repairing these railways. As you know, the Germans have air supremacy, so they can safely use the railways to transport troops and equipment!"

This seems to be an irony, on the land of the Soviet Union, the Soviet side destroyed the railway, while the Germans repaired the railway.

"So!" Shulka continued: "In fact, we only need to repair a few railways, and then attack and repair all the way... When we occupy Tver, the railway from Klin to Tver will almost be smooth!"

"Just do it before dawn!" Major Gavrilov said: "We can use the train to retreat!"

(end of this chapter)