ABSTRACT
DATED 13 Dec 43 1. Enemy forces consisting of parts of 31st Infantry Div, 528th Infantry Regt, 299th Infantry Div, Reconnaissance battalion of 45th Infantry Div, Reconnaissance Battalion of 36th Infantry Div and 12th Tank Div (without 5th Infantry Regt) continue their stubborn defense in the area of Mormal, the eastern slope of height 145.4, north of clearing in woods 1.3 kilometers west of Bor and in the settlement and railroad branch point Yashchitsii. The main line of defense (the line of the railway) consists of fully improved trenches, barbed-wire entanglements and partially mined sectors. The enemy's tactical reserves (infantry and tank) are located in the area Plesovichi, Korotkovichi. 2. 1st Don Guards Red Banner Tank Corps will attack in the direction of Voshod, Korotkovichi and Plesovichi, and will reach the area of Shchedrin by evening where the corps will make preparations to continue the attack in the direction of Totovka (east of Bobruisk). The infantry will be overtaken at the railroad line southwest of Mormal. 3. On the right flank 175th Rifle Div will attack in direction Garmovichi, 137th Rifle Div in direction Salushe on the left flank. 4. I have decided to attack in two echelons:
First echelon: Reinforced 15th Reshitsa Guards Tank Brigade will attack on the right flank, reinforced 16th Reshitsa Guards Tank Brigade on the left flank, and 1st Guards Motorized Rifle Brigade in echelon in the center to the rear of the two aforementioned tank brigades. Second echelon: 17th Orel Guards TankBrigade, reserve - in the rear of 17th Orel Guards Tank Brigade.
