"Mamaev Hill?" Sokov's answer surprised Antonov. He thought Sokov would choose the factory area in the north of the city, or the downtown area in the south of the city. But unexpectedly, Sokov actually chose Mamayev Hill, which connects the two places. He couldn't help but curiously asked: "Lieutenant Colonel Sokov, why did you choose this location?"
Sokov turned to look at Belkin beside him and asked: "Do you have a map in the direction of Stalingrad?"
Faced with Sokov's question, Bergin said in confusion: "No, I only have maps of the Bryansk and Kursk areas. Comrade Brigade Commander, what do you want the map of Stalingrad for?"
Learning that Belgin did not have a map of Stalingrad, Sokov scratched the back of his head in embarrassment, thinking how could I introduce the importance of Mamaev Hill to Antonov without a map?
"Lieutenant Colonel Sokov, there must be no map of Stalingrad here." Antonov saw Sokov's difficulty and said to him with a smile: "If you have any ideas, just feel free to ask Just say it."
However, Sokov still felt quite awkward telling others about his defensive intentions without a map. He thought for a moment, took out a pen and paper from his satchel, and began to draw a simplified map of Stalingrad.
Antonov stood aside, tilted his head and looked at Sokov's drawing, and asked with a smile: "Lieutenant Colonel Sokov, I didn't expect you to know the terrain of Stalingrad quite well. Have you been there before?"
"No, I have never been there." Sokov replied simply: "I once saw a map of Stalingrad. The shape of the entire city looks like a pair of glasses placed by the Volga River. You Look, the factory area in the north of the city and the downtown area in the south are the two frames of glasses; and Mamaev Hill is the bridge of the nose connecting the two frames..."
Hearing Sokov's vivid metaphor, Antonov smiled and nodded: "Yes, your metaphor is quite appropriate. Go on."
Sokov pointed to the location of Mamayev Hill and continued: "Mamayev Hill is divided into two slopes, the north and the south. The north slope is close to the factory area. There are a large number of oil tanks built on it, which store a large amount of fuel. To the south of the south slope is the downtown area and the central railway station, which is an important land transportation link between the city and the outside world; and to the east of the south slope is a pier. Once the entire city is surrounded by the German army, we can only pass through this pier. , transport the soldiers, weapons, ammunition and various materials needed in the city, and evacuate the wounded and civilians in the city..."
After Antonov patiently listened to Sokov's words, he coughed lightly, and then said: "Lieutenant Colonel Sokov, I think you are a bit too pessimistic. Don't look at the fact that we are in the direction of Stalingrad now, there are only two There are three armies, but more armies are being formed and will move towards Stalingrad one after another. Our army is fully confident in keeping the enemy away from the city."
"Comrade General, the situation may not be as optimistic as we imagined." Although Sokov had a certain understanding of the German offensive route and troop deployment, he did not tell Antonov that he knew very well. , even if he said it, Antonov would not believe it. Therefore, he simply did not say anything to avoid unnecessary trouble in the future. "Judging from the current situation, the German troops rushing towards Stalingrad should be the 6th Army led by Paulus. The troops deployed near Stalingrad cannot stop them. In my estimation, after another one In two months, the main battlefield will begin in Stalingrad..."
"The battle started in Stalingrad?" Antonov couldn't help but frowned when he heard this. If he hadn't thought that Sokov's assessment of the situation was quite accurate, he would have already rebuked the other party. But at this moment, he suppressed the dissatisfaction in his heart and asked with some displeasure: "Lieutenant Colonel Sokov, in your opinion, is it possible for us to start a street battle with the attacking enemy in Stalingrad?"
"Yes, I think so." Sokov immediately gave Antonov a positive answer.
"Then tell me," Antonov snorted and continued, "Can we hold Stalingrad?"
Regarding Antonov's question, Sokov deliberately hesitated for a long time before he said: "Comrade General, I think we should be able to defend it. After all, this is a city named after the Supreme Commander himself. Our commanders and soldiers are absolutely We will not allow such a great city to fall into German hands."
Antonov, who was originally expressionless, smiled again when he heard what Sokov said: "Lieutenant Colonel Sokov, is there anything I can do for you?"
"Comrade General," Sokov wanted to build tunnel fortifications on Mamayev Hill, but he still lacked enough building materials, so he asked cautiously: "I plan to build fortifications on Mamayev Hill. I wonder if I can let Stalin Will the leaders of the Gullah City Defense Committee provide us with the necessary building materials?"
"That's no problem." Antonov immediately agreed to Sokov's request: "I will personally greet the comrades of the City Defense Committee and ask them to provide you with enough building materials."
After receiving this promise from Antonov, Sokov suddenly felt much more at ease. Even though he had never been to Stalingrad, he knew very well that if he just dug a few tunnels on Mamayev Hill, they would collapse sooner or later under the heavy bombardment of German artillery and aircraft. But if the interior can be reinforced with reinforced concrete, the survival probability of the commanders and fighters hiding inside can be greatly improved.
The two sides had just reached an agreement when a voice shouting a report suddenly came from the door. Antonov heard the sound outside, which was made by one of his subordinates, and quickly rushed to the door and said: "Come in!"
As soon as Antonov finished speaking, an officer came in from outside, straightened his body and reported to him: "Comrade Deputy Minister, I have contacted the ministry. The comrade on duty said that it was necessary to communicate with Baveletz The train station has been contacted. The military column they have arranged for the 73rd Infantry Brigade will set off at four o'clock in the afternoon."
After hearing the officer's report, Antonov thought to himself: There is something different about the chief of general staff taking action, and he has settled the military affairs in one go. If it were me, it would be quick to set off tomorrow. Thinking of this, he smiled and said to Sokov: "Lieutenant Colonel Sokov, the military train leaves in three hours. Gather all your people immediately and rush to the Bavelets train station. If you miss this I don’t know when I’ll wait until the next time I go to the military column.”
