According to Rokossovsky's plan of attack, the battle would begin in the early morning of March 14. However, three hours before the battle began, he received a call from the 2nd Shock Army. Fedyuninsky said excitedly on the phone: "Comrade Marshal, my scouts reported to me that the enemy's troops stationed in the direction of Tsopot, are Goering's 12th Air Force Field Division......"

When Rokossovsky heard Fedyuninsky's report, his heart couldn't help but beat faster, and he asked a little nervously: "Comrade Fedyuningsky, are you really sure that the enemy holding in the direction of Tsopott is Goering's 12th Air Division?" ”

Tsopot is located in the middle of the two fortresses of Danzig and Gdynia, if you occupy this area, it is equivalent to driving a wedge in the middle of the German defense line, the reason why this place was not selected as the main direction of attack in the first place, because the troops that rely on field fortifications to stick here are the German 4th Panzer Division, Rokossovsky felt that with the current strength of the troops, it is very difficult to destroy this force in a short time. In the event of a stalemate, the attacking forces were likely to be killed or wounded by the guns of the forts on both sides and anchored in Danzig Bay.

But now things have taken a turn for the better, don't see that Goering's 12th Air Force Field Division sounds quite loud, but in fact it is a group of air force ground crews, they seriously lack combat training and experience, and there are no officers who have been on the battlefield, and their combat effectiveness is extremely low, even compared with the Italian army.

However, for the sake of safety, Rokossovsky cautiously asked Fedyuninsky: "Comrade Fedyuningsky, your scouts are not mistaken, is there really only the German 12th Air Force Field Division in the Tsopot area?" ”

"Of course, there is more than just an Air Force Field Division," Fedyuninsky continued: "There is also the 337th People's Grenadier Division, an army of armed civilians, which is about the same combat strength as the Air Force Field Division. ”

"Comrade Fedyuninsky, I can't make a decision on this matter for the time being, and I need to convene the heads of the front army for discussion." Rokossovsky did not make any hasty decisions, but looked at his watch, spoke into the microphone and said: "I'll call you again in twenty minutes and tell you the final result." ”

As soon as he put down the phone, Rokossovsky asked Bogolyubov to inform the head of the front for a meeting. After everyone arrived, he told everyone about the situation reported by Fedyuninsky, and then asked: "Comrade commanders, do you think we should transfer troops to attack the Tsopot area?" ”

Deputy Commander General Trubnnikov said: "Comrade Marshal, the offensive battle is about to start in a few hours, and if we adjust our deployment at such a time, will it cause unnecessary confusion?" ”

"That's not a problem, Comrade Deputy Commander." As soon as Bogolyubov and Trubnnikov finished speaking, he immediately interjected: "Although since entering East Prussia, the troops have been seriously reduced due to fighting, and many divisions have only about 40% of the soldiers left. However, as the front moved north, the front of the offensive had been shortened from 240 kilometers at the beginning of the East Pomeranian campaign to 60 kilometers. The reduction of the offensive front allowed the armies to use forces that the Germans could not resist. Anyway, now that there are still a few hours before the start of the offensive, it is better to let Batov and Fedyuninsky draw one or two divisions from their second echelon and attack Tsopot. ”

Although Bogolyubov's plan solved the problem of attacking Tsopot's troops, Trubnikov still said worriedly: "Even if we can mobilize troops to attack Tsopot without causing chaos." But have you ever considered the German ships in Danzig Bay? You know, there are 6 cruisers, 13 destroyers and dozens of smaller ships moored there, and these naval guns are enough to cost us dearly. ”

"Comrade Deputy Commander is right, but the German fleet docked in the Bay of Danze is indeed a great threat to us." Rokossovsky unexpectedly expressed support for Trubnnikov's opinion, and he continued: "We should also consider that even if all the fortifications were breached, and the city itself had to be stormed, the Germans would be able to rely on the warships in Danzig Bay to turn every house in the city into a point of fire and engage our troops in a brutal and protracted street battle." ”

"Comrade Marshal," Su Bojing couldn't help but ask, hearing this, "what about the Red Banner Baltic Fleet that cooperated with us in the battle?" Can't they give us the necessary support? ”

"Comrade Military Commissar," Rokossovsky said with some helplessness, looking at Subotin, "the Red Banner Baltic Fleet must pass through the German-controlled waters in order to reach the Danzig Bay, and in that case, they will suffer huge casualties under the blows of the German coastal defense artillery." ”

Just when everyone was at a loss, the artillery commander Sokolisky stood up and said to everyone: "Regarding the German fleet in Danzig Bay, you don't have to worry, I will organize a long-range artillery group to suppress the German naval artillery fire and cover our troops to attack." ”

After listening to Sokolisky's statement, the faces of the commanders attending the meeting showed relaxed expressions, and Bogolyubov even smiled and said to Rokossovsky: "Comrade Marshal, in fact, in addition to artillery, we can also use the Air Force." I believe that General Vershinin is more than happy to accomplish such a task, after all, they have just replenished a batch of fighters, and they should always create some opportunities for meritorious service. ”

"Now that there is a consensus on the transfer of a part of each of the forces of Batov and Fedyuninsky to attack Tsopot, it was decided. Meeting! Considering that the time was tight, and that there was no need for the meeting to continue, since everyone had reached a consensus, Rokossovsky decisively adjourned the meeting. When they were up to leave, he said to Bogolyubov: "Chief of Staff, call General Vershinin at once, and ask them to send their air forces and bomb the German fleet in Danzig Bay until they are sunk." I was responsible for informing Batov and Fedyuninsky that they should each draw troops and attack Tsopot. ”

After Bogolyubov left, the chief of the engineering corps, General Blagoslavov, walked up to Rokossovsky and said to him: "Comrade Marshal, I have something to report to you. ”

"Comrade Chief of the Engineering Corps, I also have something to look for you, you wait a minute, I'll make a call first." Rokossovsky picked up the phone, dialed a number, and said into the microphone: "I'm Rokossovsky, give me Fedyuninsky's command." ”