red moscow

Chapter 3075

Realizing the gravity of the situation, Rokossovsky acted without hesitation, picking up the phone and connecting to the dedicated line of Katukov, commander of the left-wing group. As soon as the call connected, he said gravely, “Comrade Katukov, the enemy has dared to blow up the Istra Dam! A massive flood is rushing down, sweeping away not only the enemy troops fleeing on the ice but also many of our pursuers. The situation is extremely critical. I now order you to immediately dispatch personnel to the riverbank for a full-scale rescue operation. Save as many as you can; do not give up any hope. Do you understand?”

Upon learning that the enemy had destroyed the dam, Katukov's expression changed drastically, a wave of shock washing over him. He immediately realized the gravity of the action and, without hesitation, replied quickly and firmly, "Understood, Comrade Commander. I will immediately dispatch rescue personnel to the Istra River and do everything in my power to rescue our soldiers swept away by the flood. I will not let you down!"

After ending his call with Rokossovsky, Katukov immediately issued an emergency order to the troops stationed near the Istra River: "All units, take note! Rush to the Istra River at all costs to rescue your comrades swept away by the flood. Every minute is crucial!"

With the order swiftly relayed, the two infantry battalions closest to the river immediately sprang into action, quickly gearing up and setting off for the scene to begin rescue operations. The soldiers held only one belief: to save as many of their comrades' lives as possible.

By this time, the floodwaters had gradually weakened after flowing for several kilometers, and many Soviet and German soldiers who had been swept downstream lay sprawled on the ice, creating a shocking scene.

Soviet soldiers and officers involved in the rescue quickly stepped onto the ice and began a tense but orderly rescue operation. However, they soon discovered that although many people had been washed onto the ice, none of them had survived; their cold corpses silently testified to the cruelty of the disaster.

The horrific scene on the ice weighed heavily on the hearts of the Soviet soldiers and commanders involved in the rescue efforts; their grief was beyond words. But they knew this was not the time to wallow in sorrow, for further downstream, there might be comrades swept away by the flood but still clinging to life. Therefore, they quickened their search on the ice, while some ran downstream along the riverbank, continuously expanding the search area. On the ice, they moved cautiously, constantly watching their step, fearing that a single misstep would break the ice and plunge them into the icy water.

After more than an hour of intense search and rescue efforts, rescuers found only three survivors, one of whom was Private Viktor. All three had sustained multiple injuries during the flood and were currently unconscious and in critical condition. Rescuers quickly moved them to safety and immediately transported them to a nearby clinic for emergency treatment.

"Comrade Commander!" Upon learning of the search results, Katukov immediately called Rokossovsky to report: "The rescue operation has ended, but we have only found three survivors."

"How are their physical conditions?"

“They have multiple injuries and are currently unconscious,” Katukov replied. “They have been taken to a nearby clinic for emergency treatment.”

"Make sure they survive!" Rokossovsky instructed Katukov over the phone. "Although the Germans have destroyed the dam, the 9th Guards Division is crossing the river using boats and other equipment. To prevent the enemy from escaping, you must act immediately, outflank them from the left, and try to encircle as many enemies as possible."

"Yes, I will order the troops to attack immediately!"

Meanwhile, in the infantry brigade's temporary command post, Sokov was intently studying the battle map when the door opened, and a travel-worn Belkin and Karsokov strode in. Sokov looked up, a hint of relief on his face, and said, "Comrade Deputy Brigade Commander, Comrade Chief of Staff, you've finally arrived. Was the journey smooth? Did you encounter any trouble?" Belkin dusted off his overcoat and answered crisply, "Very smooth, Comrade Brigade Commander. The roads are clear; we haven't encountered any enemy resistance." He then looked around, his expression turning serious, and asked, "How is the situation here? Is the battle progressing smoothly?"

Upon hearing Belkin's question, Sokov's expression darkened noticeably. He took a deep breath, his voice filled with barely concealed bitterness, and slowly said, "The main attacking force, the 9th Guards Division, has successfully broken through the enemy's defenses on the riverbank and is currently crossing the river on a large scale, preparing to continue its advance into the enemy's defensive depth."

Berkin keenly noticed the unusual expression on Sokov's face. He stared intently at the brigade commander and asked in bewilderment, "Comrade Brigade Commander, our army's ability to break through the enemy's defenses and advance deep into their territory should be good news, a victory worth celebrating. But why do you look so heavy-hearted, even worried, as if our army has suffered some defeat?"

“Comrade Deputy Brigade Commander!” Before Belkin could finish speaking, Karsokov, who was standing to the side, interrupted first. He smiled slightly jokingly, “Perhaps the brigade commander is feeling a bit resentful because friendly units are making a name for themselves on the front lines while our brigade can only stand by here. Am I right, Comrade Brigade Commander?”

Faced with Karsokov's speculation, Sokov shook his head helplessly and explained with a wry smile: "Comrade Chief of Staff, you have completely misunderstood. My heavy heart is not because my brigade is on standby as a reserve force, but because the 9th Guards Division has suffered extremely heavy casualties in the process of breaking through the enemy's river defense positions."

But Belkin, upon hearing this, dismissed it, saying, "Comrade Brigade Commander, how can there be no sacrifices when defeating a powerful enemy? Have you forgotten that just yesterday, our cavalry also suffered heavy casualties and paid a huge price in order to break through the German's strong positions on the other side of the Ruza River?"

"I witnessed the cavalry's valiant fighting and the tragic sacrifice of General Dovator." Sokov nodded, his tone growing increasingly somber. He continued slowly, "But today's situation is entirely different. After successfully breaking through the enemy's lines, the 18th Regiment of the 9th Guards Division pursued the fleeing enemy. As they stepped onto the ice, the ruthless Germans blew up the dam of the Istra Reservoir, and a massive flood swept away all the officers and soldiers on both sides. The enormous casualties I'm referring to are those officers and soldiers who were unfortunately swallowed by the flood."

Berkin and Karsokov were taken aback by what they heard. They exchanged a shocked glance and then asked urgently, "Comrade Brigade Commander, this situation is too sudden! Has the higher command sent anyone to carry out a rescue? Has any measure been taken?"

Sokov nodded slightly and replied in a low voice, "Comrade Commander has already issued emergency rescue orders to the 9th Guards Division and General Katukov of the Left Wing Operational Group. But you all know that water and fire are merciless, especially such a sudden flood. The hope of survival for the officers and soldiers swept away is really slim."

After discussing the German army's brutal act of destroying the dam, Belkin took the initiative to change the subject and asked, "Comrade Brigade Commander, our brigade has now reached its designated position. When will the higher command arrange for us to join the battle? The soldiers are already impatient."

“Comrade Deputy Brigade Commander, I’m afraid we’ll have to wait a while longer.” Sokov turned to Belkin and explained in detail, “According to the overall operational plan of the army group headquarters, the main attack mission will be undertaken by the 9th Guards Division under the command of General Beloborodov. Behind their positions, there is also the 11th Guards Division on standby as follow-up support. In short, the commander will only consider sending our brigade into battle after both of these divisions are fully committed to the fight.”

(End of this chapter)