Since Sokov came to this war-torn era, he has led troops disguised as German troops to perform various missions many times, and has achieved good results. This time he was ordered to meet Rokossovsky's troops. He instinctively felt that putting the soldiers in German uniforms might avoid unnecessary casualties when passing through the enemy's defense lines.
So after hearing Belkin's question, he nodded and said, "Yes, Comrade Political Commissar, that's how I think about it."
Belkin and Sokov have been partners for a long time. When Sokov said this, he quickly took out his notebook and checked the number of German uniforms in the warehouse to see if they could meet the needs of the soldiers of the 192nd Battalion.
However, Sidorin said worriedly, "Comrade Brigadier, is it a bit too risky for our troops to disguise themselves as German troops? I'm worried that they will be detected when passing through the enemy's defense zone."
"Comrade Chief of Staff, you can rest assured on this. Our brigade has disguised itself as German troops several times to perform combat missions, and has achieved good results." In order to dispel Sidorin's concerns, Sokov said to him, "We are here When passing through the enemy's defense lines, not only were the soldiers of the 192nd Battalion all wearing German uniforms, but there were also five real German armored vehicles. Even if the enemy discovered them, they would think they were troops ordered to go somewhere."
"Comrade Brigadier, the data has been calculated." Belkin frowned and said, "There are only two hundred sets of German uniforms available in the warehouse. In other words, you can only have a maximum of two hundred soldiers disguised as Germans." .”
Belkin's words made Sokov feel cold. According to his original plan, he would take three hundred people with him in this operation. But now there are only two hundred sets of German uniforms in the warehouse, which means that the number of people will be reduced by one-third.
Seeing Sokov's gloomy look, Belkin guessed what was on his mind and asked tentatively, "Comrade Brigadier, how about we take off the uniforms of those German soldiers who were killed?"
"No, you can't use dead men's uniforms." The reason why Sokov strongly opposed the use of dead men's military uniforms was because there were holes and blood stains on these military uniforms. If soldiers were allowed to wear them, as long as the Germans were not blind, they would be able to wear them immediately. Found flaws. "The blood stains and bullet holes on those uniforms will expose our soldiers."
Belkin asked with some worry, "Comrade Brigade Commander, so to speak, you can only take a maximum of two hundred soldiers with you during the northward operation. If you fight with the enemy, can you escape smoothly?"
Regarding Belkin's concerns, Sokov thought for a while, then shook his head and said, "I think even if there is a firefight with the enemy, there should be no problem in escaping." Seeing Sokov so confident, don't Erjin didn't say anything more, but got up and left, going to the warehouse to check the condition of the military uniforms.
"Comrade Brigadier, I want to ask." After Belkin left, Sidorin asked curiously, "When can the troops you lead set off?"
"I think it will be two days at the earliest." After Sokov said this, he saw a puzzled expression on Sidorin's face. Without waiting for him to ask questions, he took the initiative and said, "According to the headquarters' plan, we should be in the group army." After the main force launches an attack on the enemy, it will choose the right opportunity to pass through the enemy's defense line and go north to join the troops of the Stalingrad Front. But the troops participating in the attack are still gathering on the east coast and will arrive in the city before dawn tomorrow. It is considered very fast. We have to wait for their attack to start and attract the attention of the Germans, and then quietly move northward, pass through the enemy's defenses, and join forces with friendly forces."
…………
Although the sailors of the Volga Fleet had tried every means, after a day and night of hard work, they could only successfully transport two of the three infantry divisions participating in the attack across the Volga River.
At his headquarters, Chuikov met with the commanders of the 95th and 112th Infantry Divisions, as well as the commander of the 84th Tank Brigade. He first shook hands with the three commanders one by one, and then said in a solemn tone, "Comrade commanders, according to the battle plan of the front army headquarters, we will launch an attack after dawn. However, because the 284th Infantry Division failed to survive as planned Volga River, so I have to increase your offensive front."
In response to Chuikov's statement, the two infantry division commanders were very calm. Only the commander of the 84th Tank Brigade, Colonel Bely, asked, "Comrade Commander, I would like to ask if there are artillery preparations for artillery fire before the start of the attack." ?"
When the two infantry division commanders heard Colonel Bely's question, they immediately turned their attention to Chuikov and quietly waited for the other party's answer. You must know that if the troops do not receive artillery support when attacking, they will inevitably pay a huge price.
"Yes," Chuikov nodded and said, "Although our artillery is deployed on the left bank of the Volga River, there are our artillery observers on the Mamayev Ridge on the right bank. They can provide information for the artillery on the other side of the river. firing parameters to accurately hit German ground targets.”
Upon learning that there was artillery support, both infantry division commanders breathed a sigh of relief. Colonel Gorishny, the commander of the 95th Division, said to Chuikov, "Comrade Commander, although our offensive front has expanded, as long as there is artillery support, I believe that my soldiers will successfully complete this counterattack mission."
After Gorishny finished speaking, the commander of the 112th Division, Colonel Yermokin, was not to be outdone and said, "Comrade Commander, as well as our division, can also complete this counterattack mission."
Regarding the statements of the two division commanders, Chuikov nodded with satisfaction, and then said, "You have not rested all night. You must be exhausted. You should go back to your respective units to rest first." He raised his hand and looked at his watch, "Our attack will be in It officially starts at 12 noon. Before then, your soldiers can take the time to get some sleep."
The counterattack carried out by the 62nd Army was ready to start at 12 noon. Following Chuikov's order, the five artillery regiments deployed on the left bank of the Volga River fired at the German defensive positions at the same time. For a time, fire and gunpowder smoke enveloped the German defensive positions.
Sokov, who was staying at his headquarters, received a report from the observation post on the top of the hill and learned that the counterattack in the direction of the factory area had begun. Although Sokov didn't know what kind of troops Chuikov would use to counterattack the German army, he knew very well that as soon as the attack started, the German army's attention would be attracted by Chuikov's offensive troops. This force will have an opportunity.
Sokov's eyes were fixed on the map, repeatedly calculating in his mind where the troops he led should pass through the sparse German defense area and go north to join the southward troops of the Stalingrad Front.
Seeing Sokov standing motionless in front of the map, Sidorin knew that he was considering the route of action, so he walked over and asked, "Comrade Brigadier, where do you plan to pass through the enemy's defense line?"
"I don't know, Comrade Chief of Staff." Sokov looked up at Sidorin and replied truthfully, "All I can do now is wait."
In response to Sokov's answer, Sidorin asked puzzledly, "Comrade Brigade Commander, how could you not know? You know, the counterattack carried out by the group army is about to begin, but you don't know where to lead the troops." Through the enemy's defenses?"
Faced with Sidorin's question, Sokov replied unhurriedly: "Comrade Chief of Staff, don't look at me accepting the task of leading troops north to join friendly forces. But under the current circumstances, I don't know what Stalingrad will be like." From where will the front troops move south, and where should we meet them. Until I get accurate information, I can't determine where I should pass through the enemy's defenses."
After listening to what Sokov said, Sidorin immediately realized that he had misunderstood Sokov, and quickly apologized to him and said, "I'm sorry, Comrade Brigadier, it was my thinking that was too superficial..."
"Okay, Comrade Chief of Staff, there is no need to say anything else." Sokov said magnanimously, "The main force of our right wing is about to launch a large-scale counterattack against the enemy, but I am indifferent at the moment. Anyone else would have some thoughts in their heart. Ideas.”
In order to make up for his mistakes, Sidorin took the initiative to ask Sokov, "Comrade Brigade Commander, do you think it would be best for me to call the headquarters and find out where the place you are about to go is?"
Regarding Sidorin's kindness, Sokov shook his head and refused, "Thank you, Comrade Chief of Staff. But there is no need to make this call, because judging from various signs, General Rokossovsky's troops have not yet been able to break through the enemy." Defense, so we can only stand still for now."
Since the German army's attention was attracted by Rokossovsky's troops, the resistance encountered by the 62nd Army in the area where it counterattacked was much weaker than expected. At least the troops were not bombed by the German air force during the offensive and were able to successfully break through the German first line of defense.
The German army discovered that the Soviet troops in the city were also taking action, trying to join the Stalingrad Front attacking from the north, and quickly transferred troops to strengthen the defense line facing the city. As a result, it would be a bit difficult for the Soviet army to advance forward.
Seeing that the troops' attack was blocked, Chuikov felt particularly anxious. He saw that the 95th Infantry Division on the left was wedged into the German defense line much further than the 112th Division, so he considered asking Gorishny's troops to increase their offensive intensity to cope with the 112th Division on the right. He asked Gorishny on the phone, "Comrade Colonel, what is the situation there at your place? Can you continue to advance deeper into the enemy?"
"It's very difficult, Comrade Commander." Gorishny complained to Chuikov, "Although our division has been wedged into the German defense line for three kilometers, the enemy's resistance is increasing. It is very difficult for us to continue to advance. .”
"Comrade Colonel," Chuikov directly chose to ignore Gorishny's complaints, "Currently Colonel Yermokin's 112th Division is repeatedly competing with the enemy for the first line of defense. You should find a way to help them. Once the enemy regains its lost position, you will become a lone force and be in danger of being cut off by the enemy at any time.”
What Chuikov said was not clear to Gorish in his heart. He also wanted to break through the German defenses as soon as possible and go north to join the friendly forces. However, he was powerless. His troops lacked heavy weapons, resulting in limited attack power and limited ability to advance to The current position has taken a lot of effort. It is almost impossible to continue to attack forward.
However, Chuikov's reminder still aroused his vigilance. If the 112th Division on the right wing was really repelled by the Germans, the enemy could launch an attack from its side. His main strength is concentrated on the front, and his flanks are relatively weak and unable to withstand the German attack. Once intercepted by the German army, the troops are in danger of being divided and eliminated. Thinking of this, he quickly expressed his stance to Chuikov and said, "Don't worry, Comrade Commander, I will find a way to support the friendly forces on the right."
Krylov saw Chuikov put down the phone and quickly reminded him, "Comrade Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Sokov's northbound team is still on standby. When do you want them to set off?"
"Wait a moment, Comrade Chief of Staff." After hearing Krylov's words, Chuikov immediately replied, "We still don't know where General Rokossovsky's troops will break through the German defense line. It must be Once we understand their specific breakthrough location, it will be too late to send Sokov’s troops out.”
"Comrade Commander, I think it's better to call the Front Army Headquarters." Krylov suggested to Chuikov, "We ask the Commander to contact General Rokossovsky to find out how they are progressing there. , so that corresponding deployment can be made.”
"Good idea," Chuikov turned to his communications director, "Colonel Yulin, help me get through to the front army headquarters immediately. I want to speak to comrade commander immediately."
A few minutes later, the call to the front headquarters was connected. When Chuikov heard Khrushchev's voice coming from the receiver, he immediately said, "Hello, dear Nikita Sergeyev." Strange! I am Chuikov, is Comrade Commander here?"
"Lieutenant Colonel Bachuk's 284th Infantry Division is gathering by the river. Comrade Commander has gone to check the preparations for crossing the river." Khrushchev asked on the phone, "Comrade Chuikov, do you have anything to do with him?"
"That's right, Comrade Military Commissar." Chuikov said respectfully, "I want to know the progress on General Rokossovsky's side and where they plan to break through the German defenses so that they can arrange troops to join them. .”
After understanding the purpose of Chuikov's call, Khrushchev said kindly, "Comrade Chuikov, please don't hang up the phone. Give me two minutes. I will ask the Chief of Staff about the situation on the Stalingrad Front, and then Tell you in detail."
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