red moscow

Chapter 3076

The following morning, the Istra River froze over again, forming a new layer of ice. After a detailed reconnaissance by the 11th Guards Division's engineering corps, it was determined that although the ice was not yet thick enough to support heavy vehicles such as tanks and cars, it was safe for infantry units to cross the river.

Upon receiving this report, Chernyshov immediately began deploying his troops to carry out the river crossing mission. At the same time, he reported to Rokossovsky via communications equipment: "Comrade Commander, according to repeated tests by the engineers, the current condition of the ice on the Istra River is that although it is impassable for all types of military vehicles, infantry can cross smoothly. In order to coordinate with friendly forces to encircle and annihilate the retreating enemy, I have formally issued the order to the troops to cross the river immediately."

“I understand,” Rokossovsky replied. “I wish you all the best!”

As soon as the call with Chernyshov ended, Rokossovsky connected to the dedicated line of the infantry brigade command.

Upon hearing Sokov's voice coming through the receiver, he immediately identified himself: "Misha, I am Rokossovsky."

Sokov quickly responded, "Comrade Commander, what are your instructions?"

Rokossovsky said with a slightly joking tone, "I imagine your brigade has been resting in town for quite some time now, and the officers and soldiers are probably itching to get back to the battlefield, aren't they?"

Sokov keenly sensed from Rokossovsky's tone that a combat mission had been assigned, and tentatively asked, "Comrade Commander, are you preparing to assign new combat missions to our brigade?"

“Yes,” Rokossovsky confirmed. “The Istra River has frozen over again, but the engineers of the 11th Guards Division have confirmed that the ice is strong enough for infantry to pass safely. Therefore, I order your unit to organize a crossing as soon as possible and coordinate with friendly forces to pursue the fleeing enemy. Any questions?”

“No problem, Comrade Commander,” Sokov replied immediately. “My brigade is fully prepared for battle and can set off in an hour at most.”

Rokossovsky added, "Are there any difficulties? If so, please let me know, and I will try my best to solve them for you."

Sokov hesitated slightly before saying, “Comrade Commander, as you know, our brigade is attached to an artillery battalion. If the ice on the Istra River cannot support the weight of the artillery-towed vehicles, the battalion will be unable to move with the main infantry force. I am worried that if we leave them alone in the rear…”

Although Sokov didn't finish his sentence, Rokossovsky understood his concerns and said with a smile, "Don't worry, Misha. This time I won't let General Kazakov transfer your artillery battalion again. Just lead the infantry across the river with peace of mind. I will arrange for the artillery battalion to join you as soon as the pontoon bridge is completed."

Having received Rokossovsky's explicit promise, Sokov felt much more at ease. He was truly unwilling for the artillery battalion he had painstakingly built and managed to be assigned to the command of another unit.

"Comrade Chief of Staff, immediately call all battalion commanders and order them to assemble their troops as quickly as possible!" Sokov, hanging up the phone, impatiently issued the order to Karsokov, his tone urgent. "We must cross the Istra River as quickly as possible and pursue the fleeing enemy with all our might. We cannot give them a chance to regroup!" "Understood, I'll get right on it!" Karsokov responded enthusiastically, his eyes gleaming with the desire for battle. "I'll contact every battalion commander immediately and order them to mobilize urgently, ensuring the troops are assembled in the shortest possible time. This way, we can set off as soon as possible, engage in battle promptly, and catch the enemy off guard!"

At this moment, Deputy Brigade Commander Beljin walked into the command post from the cold outdoors. Hearing Karsokov relaying the assembly order over the phone, he approached Karsokov with a puzzled look: "Comrade Brigade Commander, why did you order the Chief of Staff to urgently assemble the troops? Could it be that the higher-ups have assigned us a new combat mission?"

“That’s right, Comrade Deputy Brigade Commander.” Sokov nodded slightly and explained with a serious expression, “I just received a call from the Commander himself. He informed us that the Istra River has frozen over again due to the severe cold. He ordered my brigade to immediately organize a crossing of the river and cooperate with friendly forces to pursue and annihilate the fleeing enemy.”

"This is fantastic!" Belkin exclaimed excitedly, his face beaming with fighting spirit. "Our brigade has finally got its chance to shine! The comrades have been eagerly anticipating contributing their strength to the victory of this campaign!"

However, his joy didn't last long. His brows furrowed, revealing his worry: "Comrade Brigade Commander, although the river has frozen over again, I estimate the ice thickness is probably quite limited. Infantry lightly armed might not have much of a problem crossing, but they certainly can't withstand the weight of the artillery-towed trucks. Does the higher-ups intend for us to leave the entire artillery battalion on the bank?"

After saying this, Belkin carefully observed Sokov's expression and, finding the man still calm, became somewhat anxious: "Comrade Brigade Commander, aren't you worried that if we leave the artillery battalion behind, General Kazakov will seize the opportunity to incorporate them again? You know, we worked so hard to rebuild the artillery battalion..."

Sokov laughed upon hearing this, and calmly reassured him, "Don't worry, Comrade Deputy Brigade Commander. Comrade Commander has personally assured me that once the engineering corps completes the construction of the pontoon bridge, our artillery battalion will be immediately arranged to cross the river and join the main force. Before that, our primary task is to complete the assembly of the troops as soon as possible, and then cross the river to pursue the enemy."

Upon receiving Karsokov's call, the battalion commanders sprang into action. The entire troop camp was instantly a hive of activity, with officers and soldiers rushing out of their warm barracks and quickly lining up at designated locations. Dressed in neat uniforms and carrying weapons, their eyes shone with determination and excitement, as if they couldn't wait to throw themselves into battle.

Sokov led Belkin to the 1st Battalion's encampment. Captain Yefim, who had just finished assembling the troops, immediately ran up to them and reported, "Comrades, the 1st Battalion was supposed to have 800 men, and 800 men are present. All have assembled. Please give instructions!"

Sokov looked at the spirited officers and soldiers of the First Battalion before him, nodded in satisfaction, and then said, "Very good, Comrade Petrov. Your First Battalion is the vanguard of the entire brigade. After crossing the river, if you encounter the enemy, you must attack decisively. Even if you cannot eliminate them, you must hold them off until the reinforcements arrive. Understand?"

"Understood!" Yefim replied loudly. "Please rest assured, Brigade Commander, our First Battalion will absolutely not let you down." After saying that, he turned back to the ranks and led the officers and soldiers of the First Battalion to advance rapidly towards the Istra River.

Subsequently, Sokov and Belkin went to inspect the encampments of the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Battalions respectively. The three battalion commanders reported to Sokov on the troop assembly, and after receiving Sokov's permission, they each led their troops to follow the 1st Battalion and march towards the Istra River.

(End of this chapter)