Time passed by minute by second, and when the scheduled artillery preparation time came, there was no movement at all outside. Although everyone knew that the time had been delayed due to heavy fog, Golikov still picked up the phone and made a call to the front army headquarters to confirm whether the attack had been postponed.
Seeing Golikov put down the phone, Ivanov couldn't wait to ask: "How is it, deputy commander of the front army, have the artillery preparations before the attack been postponed?"
"Yes," Golikov nodded and said, "I have just told you that if the fog cannot disperse before the scheduled attack time, then the artillery preparation time before the attack will be postponed to eight o'clock. ." He raised his hand to look at his watch and added, "I hope that by eight o'clock, the heavy fog outside will have been blown away by the river breeze."
Everyone sat around the table in silence, staring at the map on the table in a daze. Sokov suddenly heard Golikov ask himself in a low voice: "Colonel Sokov, do you know General Volsky?"
Hearing this unfamiliar surname, Sokov mentally recalled all the generals he knew, and found that there was no such person in his memory. He shook his head in confusion and asked: "I'm sorry, deputy commander of the front army." Comrade, I have never heard of this man. If you have no objection, could you tell me his identity?"
"He is the commander of the 4th Mechanized Corps directly under the front army. According to the combat plan, he will join Colonel Tanahishin's 13th Tank Corps to launch a major assault on the enemy from the south side of the city."
After listening to Golikov's introduction to the other party's life experience, Sokov became even more puzzled: "Comrade Deputy Commander of the Front Army, why did you suddenly think of him?"
"At the end of October, when our troops began to gather on the south side of the city, he unexpectedly raised objections." Golikov replied with a wry smile: "He felt that instead of deploying troops on the south side of the city, it would be better to carry out attacks on the enemy. An ineffective counterattack would be better to send troops directly to the city to strengthen the city's defenses and crush the enemy's plot to seize the city."
Golikov's words aroused Sokov's curiosity. There has always been a big disagreement among the Soviet army about whether to send troops directly into the city to strengthen defense, or to deploy them in other areas as counterattack troops. He guessed that Golikov's sudden mention of this matter to him was probably just a prelude to lead to a more important topic later: "How did he change his mind later?"
"Volski raised this point of view at the military meeting of the front army, which caused a lot of controversy. The commanders who participated in the meeting were divided into two groups. Some were in favor of supporting the city, and some were in favor of setting up counterattack reserves outside the city. Yes, the two sides were arguing." Golikov continued: "Commander Yeremenko saw that the two sides had great differences, so he reported the matter to the headquarters of the Supreme Command. After Comrade Stalin learned about the matter, he specially sent Vol Ski summoned him to Moscow and had an in-depth conversation with him."
Sokov was a little surprised to hear that Volsky had been summoned to Moscow for this matter. Thinking that the commanders in the Soviet army are accustomed to obeying, no matter how dissatisfied they are with the orders of their superiors, they usually have to execute them unconditionally in the end. After Volski put forward his opinion, not only was it not dismissed, but he was also supported The reception from the Supreme Commander himself was truly enviable. "Has he changed his views since he came back?"
"Yes." Golikov nodded and said in a positive tone: "Although we don't know what the Supreme Commander himself talked to him, anyway, after he came back from Moscow, he seemed to be a different person and no longer talked to us. Instead of singing the opposite tune, the troops actively prepared for counterattack."
Just when Sokov thought that the matter was over, Golikov suddenly said unexpectedly: "When General Volsky went to Moscow, Comrade Khrushchev once asked whether you should take over." The position of commander of the 4th Mechanized Army? And with the consent of Commander Yereomenko, if Volsky hadn't adjusted his views after returning from Moscow, I'm afraid you would have been the commander of the Mechanized Army at this moment. "
Sokov was shocked by this shocking news. He never dreamed that Khrushchev would actually propose that he serve as army commander. He couldn't help but stuttered and asked: "Comrade Deputy Commander of the Front Army, you are not joking. Right? You know, with my current abilities, being a division commander is quite difficult, so how can I be qualified for the position of army commander."
Before Sokov could finish speaking, he was interrupted by Golikov raising his hand: "Okay, Colonel Sokov, your ability is obvious to all the leaders of our front forces. How many times did the battle to defend Stalingrad go on?" Months, so far, only the area held by your troops is the most complete. No matter how the enemy attacks, they have never been able to occupy Mamayev Heights. This alone is enough to be recorded in the annals of history."
Regarding Golikov's evaluation, Sidorin and others sitting around them all nodded slightly and agreed with Golikov's statement. Sidorin also said: "Comrade Commander, I think it is still unknown whether we can hold Mamayev Heights without you."
"Even if we can defend Mamayev Heights, we will probably pay a huge price." Ivanov added: "Just by having repeated tug-of-wars with the enemy every day, I am afraid that tens of thousands of commanders and combatants will die on the battlefield. On this hill. It is precisely because you built the tunnel fortifications in advance that we were able to survive the enemy's fierce shelling and bombing. I think all the commanders and fighters in the division should be aware of this."
Seeing that his words resonated, Golikov showed a smile on his face, and he continued: "The reason why I appear in your headquarters is not only to supervise your counterattack against the enemy, but also to prepare for the counterattack against the enemy." If necessary, I will ask you to take over General Volsky's duties and command the troops of the 4th Mechanized Army to break through the enemy's defenses and join forces with our army moving south."
The speaker is unintentional and the listener is intentional. As soon as Golikov said this, Sokov suddenly remembered who this Volsky was. A few days later, it was the troops commanded by this heroic commander who successfully captured the Karachi Bridge, joined forces with friendly forces heading south, and surrounded Paulus's 6th Army and 4th Armored Army at Stalinger. Le and surrounding areas.
Although he had the possibility of being promoted to military commander, Sokov was not happy at all. Because the major counterattack has begun, being assigned to an unfamiliar unit and serving as the highest military officer may cause dissatisfaction among the commanders and soldiers. When the time comes for him to act aggressively and secretly, the situation will probably get out of hand.
It was out of this consideration that Sokov shook his head and replied resolutely: "Comrade Deputy Commander of the Front Army, I feel that my ability is completely insufficient for such a position."
"Colonel Sokov, I understand your difficulties." Golikov interpreted Sokov's repeated refusal as his modesty, and comforted him and said: "Don't worry, we have already reported this plan to the Supreme Commander. Me. Even if we were in the middle of a battle and asked you to take over Volski's position, no one would gossip."
"Comrade Deputy Commander of the Front Army, you have misunderstood me." Seeing that Golikov had misunderstood his intentions, Sokov explained to him: "I am not being modest when I say that I am not suitable for the position of army commander. But it’s because of two reasons.”
"tell me the story!"
"First, my abilities are limited, and I have never had any experience in commanding military-level units. Even if I want to serve as military commander, I will probably need to come back from Frunze Military Academy." Sokov told Goli with his fingers crossed. Kove said: "The second is that my command style is different from that of General Volski. If the military commander is replaced at this moment, I am afraid it will cause chaos in the command system of the army. It is for this reason that I cannot At this time he holds the position of military commander.”
"I had already guessed that you would say that." As soon as Sokov finished speaking, Golikov's face showed a smile again: "When we repel the enemies attacking Stalingrad, I will personally intervene Regarding this matter, I will arrange for you to study at the Frunze Military Academy."
Seeing that Golikov did not mention him being the army commander again, Sokov felt a little at ease in his heart. Although promotion was something that everyone looked forward to, if the timing was not right, his promotion might not be possible. It will bring disaster to yourself.
The hour hand pointed to eight o'clock, but the attack still hadn't started. Golikov was worried and made another phone call to Yeremenko to verify the matter. After making the call, he smiled bitterly and said to everyone: "Comrade commanders, I just spoke with Commander Yeremenko. He said that due to the weather, our counterattack will be postponed for at least an hour. Please Be patient and don't be impatient."
Ever since everyone knew about the counterattack plan, they had been calculating in their hearts every day how long it would be until the counterattack. But just as victory was about to come, unexpected changes occurred due to climate changes.
"Comrades, don't be anxious." Seeing that everyone was a little depressed after hearing the news announced by Golikov, Sokov stood up and said with a smile: "Although the counterattack will be delayed due to the weather . But it is only a matter of time before the enemy is completely defeated by us."
"Comrade Division Commander," Anisimov waited for Sokov to finish and then asked tentatively: "Do you really think that the major counterattack carried out by our army can completely crush the enemy's attempt to seize the city and achieve final victory? "As soon as he finished speaking, he suddenly realized that there was also a deputy commander of the front army sitting here. If the other party pursued him, he could use the name of panic and send him to a military court. He quickly said to Golikov, "Comrade Deputy Commander of the Front Army, I was just making an analogy. In fact, I am full of confidence in our army defeating the enemy."
"Comrade Political Commissar." Before speaking, Sokov looked at Golikov's face. Seeing that he was not angry, he said to Anisimov with a relaxed expression: "I think our army, We will definitely destroy the enemies in the Stalingrad area."
In order to ease the awkward atmosphere in the room, Sokov pointed at the radio hanging at the door and continued: "Comrade Political Commissar, I asked you to install the radio in the tunnel to let the soldiers know the situation outside in a timely manner. But since the last time a bomb landed at the door and almost knocked out our division headquarters, this broadcast seems to have never sounded. I think you might as well break through the Romanian army's defenses on the Don River and break through the friendly forces on the Don River. Tell all the commanders and soldiers in the tunnel the good news of inflicting heavy losses on the enemy to boost morale."
"Comrade Division Commander, if you didn't tell me, I would have forgotten that there is a radio in the tunnel. I will arrange for people to tell all the commanders and fighters in the tunnel the results of the friendly forces' battles through the radio." Anisimov Station He stood up, faced Golikov and asked: "Comrade, deputy commander of the front army, do you allow me to go to work?"
"Go on, go on." Golikov nodded to Anisimov and said with a smile: "Hurry up and tell the commanders and soldiers this good news, so that everyone can be happy."
After Anisimov left, Golikov looked at the radio hanging at the door and asked Sokov with some concern: "Colonel Sokov, will the sound of the radio affect your command of the operation?"
"No, Comrade Deputy Commander of the Front Army." Before Sokov could answer, Sidorin rushed to answer: "The volume of the broadcast at the door is specially adjusted. Every time it is broadcast, it can make everyone in the room People can clearly hear what is being said, but the volume will not be too loud to affect our command and operations."
In order to ease the awkward atmosphere in the room, Sokov pointed at the radio hanging at the door and continued: "Comrade Political Commissar, I asked you to install the radio in the tunnel to let the soldiers know the situation outside in a timely manner. But since the last time a bomb landed at the door and almost knocked out our division headquarters, this broadcast seems to have never sounded. I think you might as well break through the Romanian army's defenses on the Don River and break through the friendly forces on the Don River. Tell all the commanders and soldiers in the tunnel the good news of inflicting heavy losses on the enemy to boost morale."
"Comrade Division Commander, if you didn't tell me, I would have forgotten that there is a radio in the tunnel. I will arrange for people to tell all the commanders and fighters in the tunnel the results of the friendly forces' achievements through the radio." Anisimov Station He stood up, faced Golikov and asked: "Comrade, deputy commander of the front army, do you allow me to go to work?"
"Go on, go on." Golikov nodded to Anisimov and said with a smile: "Hurry up and tell the commanders and soldiers this good news, so that everyone can be happy."
After Anisimov left, Golikov looked at the radio hanging at the door and asked Sokov with some concern: "Colonel Sokov, will the sound of the radio affect your command of the operation?"
"No, Comrade Deputy Commander of the Front Army." Before Sokov could answer, Sidorin rushed to answer: "The volume of the door broadcast is specially adjusted. Every time it is broadcast, it can make everyone in the room People can clearly hear what is being said, but the volume will not be too loud to affect our command and operations."
