Of course, Tukhachevsky did not lose his mind, he did not intend to launch a full-scale counteroffensive that would crush Mannerheim's army in one fell swoop. With the pitiful strength of the Volunteer Army, fighting against the opponent, even if the Volunteer Army can be used as ten, it will be dragged down by others.

Tukhachevsky's idea was that he could not stubbornly stand to be beaten, and while stabilizing his position, he must actively counterattack, disrupt the enemy's position, and reduce the pressure on the defensive operation. Such an idea should be said to be out of line. But how to counterattack, how to disrupt the enemy's position, that's the problem.

Anyway, to attack the Finns' positions from the front, that is to find abuse. Two days of furious attacks by the Finnish White Army and nearly 1,000 casualties have proved that trench warfare is still a meat grinder.

"We must find a way to break through or bypass the enemy's front line, turn the enemy upside down in the direction of depth, and thus crush the enemy's continuous attack on our frontal position!" Tukhachevsky said.

Egorov didn't speak, because Tukhachevsky still didn't say anything, if it was so good to break through or bypass the enemy's lines, he would have done it a long time ago, and there was still a need for someone to be fooling around here?

"Mikhail. Comrade Nikolaevich, what are your plans? Egorov asked patiently.

Tukhachevsky pointed to several points on the map and said: "According to the results of reconnaissance, we can know that the enemy's main force is near Raipo, and the supply is completely dependent on Helsinki. ”

Speaking of this, Tukhachevsky paused. He said confidently: "Our small force can use a few rivers to go north. Turn the Helsinki-Raiba railway line upside down...... We can even use the waterways for an amphibious landing operation. Crossing the Vyborg Bay and attacking the enemy's flank......"

On the map, the terrain near Vyborg is a big gap, because of the ancient glaciers, the nearby fjord, the city of Vyborg is located to the south of the fjord, and on the opposite side of it is an almost undefended open area, and there are several rivers deeply "embedded" in the land. If the Baltic Fleet can provide some support, it can be achieved by attacking the Finns' supply lines or from the flanks.

Egorov thought for a moment and asked: "It is not realistic for us to attack the enemy from the flank, we have too few forces at hand, and the defense of Vyborg is quite tight...... But attacking the enemy's supply lines with small forces, this is not a bad plan! ”

Li Xiaofeng also thought that this plan was good, because he was very keen to find a river and a bridge on the map, which the railway from Helsinki to Vyborg had to pass through if it was destroyed. Then the lines of communication are bound to be greatly affected, to put it mildly. Will be completely paralyzed!

Not only Li Xiaofeng saw it, but it was precisely when Tukhachevsky saw this bridge that he came up with the idea of attacking the railway line, if this bridge can be destroyed, the military significance is too great!

However, Yegorov had doubts about the plan to attack the bridge by boat: "This section is 50 kilometers long, and we don't know anything about the hydrological environment of the river. ”

Tukhachevsky thought for a moment and asked: "But if you go on foot, the possibility of exposure is even greater!" The Finnish White Army is now pulling a net to hunt down the Red Guards, and it is almost impossible for our people to pass through! ”

For a while, the two of them were a little bored, they couldn't take a boat, and the problem of going on foot was too big, which meant that the plan couldn't be implemented at all. However, it was a problem for Egorov and Tukhachevsky, not for a certain immortal.

A certain immortal felt that there was a third option, "We can fly over!" Li Xiaofeng said.

Yegorov and Tukhachevsky stared at someone with wide eyes, their eyes were full of incredulity, and at that moment, they both thought that someone was crazy.

"Seriously, we could have used bombers to transport paratroopers to this area, and then launch a surprise attack to blow up the bridge!"

This plan was quite novel at that time, especially the word paratroopers, which Yegorov and Tukhachevsky had never heard, and Li Xiaofeng had to explain it to them clearly.

"In that case, you can give it a try," said Tukhachevsky with great interest, "and at the speed of the plane, I'm afraid that after our men landed, the Finns would not have reacted!" ”

Yegorov was much more cautious, and quickly found the two most important questions in the plan: "First of all, where do we find so many soldiers with airborne experience?" Secondly, do we have an aircraft suitable for this task? ”

These are indeed two very serious problems, needless to say about paratroopers, certainly not. The words of the plane do not seem to be suitable either. Take Ilya, the only publication that is published. For Muromets, the maximum number of people is seven, and after removing the pilot's co-pilot and navigator, there are only four positions left. One plane can only transport four people, ten planes can transport forty people, and it seems that there is a suspicion that an egg will touch a stone to seize a bridge of great military significance with the strength of a platoon.

Li Xiaofeng, who is not very good at this aspect, and the three of them can only find aviation expert Sukhoi and ask for his opinion.

Sukhoi was quite appreciative of this bold battle plan, and even couldn't wait to give it a try, until Yegorov and Tukhachevsky repeatedly asked about the technical problems, and the goods frowned.

"I'm afraid it's not realistic to let ordinary soldiers learn to parachute in a short period of time!" Sukhoi shook his head, "Unless, of course, put a parachute on them and throw them out of the cabin, leaving them to their fate." ”

Li Xiaofeng pursed his lips and said angrily: "We are going to the enemy's rear to attack a bridge, this is a very important task, no joke!" ”

"I know!" Sukhoi touched the mustache on his lips and pretended to be very serious: "So the paratrooper airdrop is definitely unrealistic!" ”

Li Xiaofeng sighed and said, "In other words, it's no play, right?" ”

"I didn't say that!" Sukhoi smiled and said, "Our purpose is to transport soldiers to the vicinity of the target, right?" ”

Li Xiaofeng and the three nodded together.

Sukhoi added: "Then it is not necessary to fight in the air!" ”

Li Xiaofeng said angrily: "The waterway can't go either!" ”

"I didn't say I was going to go by water!" Sukhoi laughed as he walked over to the map. Double-clicked at a point east of Taveti. "There's an aero club here. There is a small airport, about five to seven kilometers from the bridge...... We could totally land right there! ”

Li Xiaofeng, Yegorov and Tukhachevsky's eyes suddenly lit up, if there was an airfield here, then it would be too convenient, the plane could completely land and then drop the soldiers, there was no need to play any airborne combat at all.

"Now it's just a matter of airplanes!" Tukhachevsky's words were full of excitement, "Do we have other better bombers?" ”

Sukhoi shook his head and said, "No! ”

"Tsk!" Li Xiaofeng thought for a while and said, "If you can't do it, you can only ask Comrade Lenin for more Elijah. Muromets. To complete this attack, you need at least one company, right? ”

Yegorov sighed: "It depends on how many troops of the White Army are stationed at the bridge." ”

At this time, Sukhoi interjected: "Actually, Ilya. Although Muromec has a rated capacity of only seven, it does not mean that it can only carry seven people! ”

Li Xiaofeng was stunned and said, "Why? ”

Sukhoi snorted and smiled, "Ilya. Muromets is a bomber, in addition to the rated capacity, he can carry at least 500 kg of bombs, and the E version can even carry 800 kg of bombs. If you take this part of the weight into account, it is optimistically estimated that an aircraft will have to fly in addition to the necessary flight personnel. At least 8 to 10 heavily armed soldiers can be transported. ”

Li Xiaofeng calculated: "According to this calculation, it will take about 20 Ilya. Muromets. He said excitedly: "10 planes." Comrade Lenin should still be able to take it! ”

Egorov remained cautious and said: "Although the most basic problems can be solved, the most important thing now is to find out whether the enemy's forces near the bridge and the airfield can still be used!" ”

As Yegorov finished saying this, the people present immediately acted nervously, a certain immortal was busy getting planes, Sukhoi hurriedly took off to do aerial reconnaissance, and Yegorov was also busy communicating with Kuusinin to see if he had any information about the bridge.

Three days later, when a new batch of Ten Crosses Elijah. When the Muromets E arrived at Vyborg Airport, the preparatory work was almost over.

"Based on aerial reconnaissance and the efforts of the Finnish comrades, we have basically figured out the disposition of troops near the bridge, and the bridge is guarded by a company of the Finnish White Army, about 150 men, basically without heavy weapons. However, the German intervention force, which had a battalion stationed about five kilometers away from their station, would have unpredictable consequences if we could not end the battle cleanly! ”

After saying this, Yegorov said: "As for the airfield, according to the intelligence of the Finnish comrades, it has been abandoned since October last year, but the situation is not too bad and can meet the needs of flights. ”

Then it was Tukhachevsky's turn to speak: "Judging by this intelligence, the plan is achievable, and now the question is which force to carry out this mission and when to choose to attack." ”

After a pause, he said: "I personally prefer the reconnaissance company of the second division and the first regiment, one-third of this unit is party members, and its combat effectiveness is extremely strong. I believe that as long as I can take advantage of the darkness of the night to attack, I will definitely be able to catch the enemy by surprise......"

Before he could finish speaking, Sukhoi raised his hand in disapproval: "It is completely impossible to fly at night, there is no reference and no navigation, we will not be able to find that airfield at all, and we will get lost even if we just go to the sky!" ”

For Tukhachevsky, this is a real pity, and it would have been ideal if he could have attacked at night and taken the enemy by surprise in his sleep. The pilot is really not good!

Not only Sukhoi objected, but Li Xiaofeng also objected: "The Red Eagle Regiment should be allowed to carry out this mission, whether it is combat effectiveness or firepower, the Red Eagle Regiment is much stronger than ordinary troops." One of their companies was able to crush a battalion of Germans from the front! ”

Tukhachevsky was very upset with these words, and he came up with the battle plan, and he naturally wanted to give this great honor to his troops. Someone, this is a blatant credit grab!

He was about to refute it. Yegorov suddenly spoke: "I also think that the Red Eagle Regiment is more suitable. However, I think it is necessary to have Comrade Kuusinin support of a group of guides, who are not familiar with the situation in Finland. ”

The commander-in-chief has spoken, and Tukhachevsky, the deputy commander-in-chief, naturally can only shut up, no matter what, he still has to respect Yegorov's authority, but he has also made up his mind, next time there is such a great opportunity for meritorious service, then his troops should be in charge!

At this point, it should be said that the meeting can be concluded. Next, everyone performs their duties and takes action, but Li Xiaofeng doesn't think so.

He suddenly said: "We can't think of things so simply, this combat operation will be groundbreaking, and we may encounter many problems that we have never thought of, such as, what to do if we encounter enemy planes?" For example, how to bring our comrades back? Even, if the attack doesn't go well, how can we support them? It's worth taking into account all of these things up front! ”

Tukhachevsky was stunned and said: "Finland doesn't have an air force, right?" As for how to transport our comrades back, wouldn't it be enough to return by plane? ”

"It's that simple!" Sukhoi also reacted. "The Germans have air power in Finland, and we have to send planes to escort them! And after the transport plane landed. By the time the Red Eagle Regiment returns from its mission, what if the enemy attacks the airfield? It's even possible Ilya. Muromets will suddenly be damaged, and then will they just abandon our fighters with their eyes open? ”

Tukhachevsky frowned, and although he was not convinced, he had to admit that these fears were justified.

Yegorov also said: "It seems that it is necessary for us to discuss the battle plan in depth, and we must make different plans!" ”

For a whole day, when Mannerheim's troops continued to launch onslaught against the 1st Regiment of the 2nd Volunteer Division, it was absolutely impossible to imagine that the Russian counterattack would soon hit him in the soft underbelly.

The final battle plan was relatively perfect, and the attack time would be placed after dawn, thanks to the coming summer in the Northern Hemisphere, which greatly extended the daylight hours near the Polar Circle, allowing the Air Force boys to attack while the enemy was sleeping.

Sukhoi will concentrate half of its fighters to escort the attacking force, while the other half will be on standby at the airfield, and once the attacking force has landed, they will fly in the direction of the bridge to provide fire support to the ground forces.

As for the plan of retreat, two plans were also made, in the event of a mechanical failure of the aircraft and the inability to bring back all the troops, the rest would return by water, for which the Baltic Fleet had prepared four torpedo boats on standby near the mouth of the river, and once the order was received, it would move upstream at full speed.

At dawn on May 21, 1918, the Darjeeling, which flew with Sukhoi, took to the skies first, followed by more than 30 planes that followed him. They will first fly west against the coastline and then north along the river, a journey that will last an hour and a half.

The operation went smoothly from the start, not a single plane returned due to mechanical problems, and the Finns were not spotted, and they drifted like a cloud to the target airfield. Answered by the "underground party" of the Finnish Social Democratic Party, it landed smoothly.

Let's open Zhao Yunxia's diary, who participated in this operation, recorded: "This is the second time I have flown on a plane, the first time was the first morning, and that time was simply unbearable, most of us were either stiffened with fright, or we went up and down in a crowded cabin, and we didn't know what was going on...... This time I had bad luck and was assigned a position by the window, and when the cramped cabin was packed, my face was pressed against the window...... I tried not to look down along the way, as long as I looked at it, I felt that the sky was spinning, and I could only try to look at the clouds, and I tried to imagine that maybe I could still see the gods in the sky! ”

"With a violent jolt, our plane fell to the ground like a dance, and when I climbed out of the cabin to breathe the first breath of fresh air, I really felt that it was better to be grounded!"

"We quickly packed our bags, put on our weapons and explosives, and ran as fast as we could in the direction of the bridge. According to the above, we were about six kilometers away from that bridge, and we had to get there in half an hour! ”

"It's not too difficult for us, we've done a lot of 5km cross-country and my best time is a little over 19 minutes...... Running all the way, I didn't realize that I was tired at the time, until Comrade Andrei raised his hand to let us stop, I subconsciously looked at the time, 18 minutes and 45 seconds, and inadvertently we set a great record! ”

"To be honest, I really didn't expect Comrade Andrei to come with us on this mission, he is our General Political Commissar, he can listen to us in the headquarters without taking risks with us...... However, his arrival greatly boosted our morale, and with Comrade Andrei, each of us felt fearless! ”

Why did an immortal participate in this operation? The reason is that this product habitually wants to be in the limelight. And with him, the action will indeed become very smooth, with his fairy power to protect, the plane will not have mechanical failure, Zhao Yunxia, who has completed five kilometers of cross-country running, will feel that he has just done a warm-up exercise, and it is okay to run another five kilometers...... (To be continued......)

PS: Bow and thank hzwangdd, Juventus, and the three comrades who killed potatoes in seconds!