The fact that the troops of the 41st Guards Division broke through the Transnistria defense line and established a landing field on the right bank was soon known to the Romanian 52nd Regiment stationed on the left bank.
After the regiment leader, Colonel Udrea, confirmed the Soviet victory, he immediately left his regiment headquarters and drove to the division headquarters, preparing to report the matter to General Antonetta.
At this time, in the headquarters of the Romanian 18th Division, division commander Antonetta was chatting with chief of staff Dinu.
"Chief of Staff, according to reports from the troops outside the city, the Russians are trying to break through the Dniester River and want to establish a strong landing site on the right bank." Antonetta asked: "Do you think they can achieve this goal? ?"
"Mr. Division Commander, I believe they can break through the German defense line on the Dniester River and establish a wide landing site on the right bank." Dinu said confidently: "But their current strength is not enough. If they want to achieve this This is a strategic goal that requires more troops and equipment to be provided to the above-mentioned areas."
As soon as he finished speaking, an officer pushed the door in and reported to Antonetta: "Mr. Division Commander, Colonel Udrea, the commander of the 52nd Regiment, has arrived and is outside the door at the moment."
Knowing that Udrea was here, Antonetta quickly said: "Hurry up and invite him in!"
The officer turned around half a circle and said to the person standing outside the door: "Colonel Udrea, please come in. Mr. Division Commander is waiting for you."
After Udrea entered the door, he raised his hand and saluted Antonetta and Dinu: "Mr. Commander, I came here because I have something important to report to you."
"What's the matter?" Antonetta said disapprovingly: "You want to report to me about the Russians' forced crossing of the Dniester River, right? I have already received news about this matter. Although I admit that the Russians are good at fighting, But it will probably take a lot of time for them to break through the German defenses and establish a landing site on the right bank."
After Udrea patiently waited for Antonetta to finish speaking, he unexpectedly said: "Mr. Division Commander, I came to the division headquarters today just to tell you that the Russians, no, the Soviet Red Army has successfully broken through Denis." The defense line of the Sturt River severely damaged the defenders on the other side and established a landing site.”
"What, Russians, no, it's the Soviet Army." Dinu's name for the Soviet Army has changed from "Russians" with some contempt to "Soviet Army": "They have really broken through the defense line. And build a landing site?”
"Yes, Mr. Chief of Staff." Udrea nodded and replied truthfully: "The Soviet army's combat effectiveness is far more powerful than we imagined. After the sudden artillery attack, they launched infantry led by tanks. Rushed in. They passed the bridge over the Dniester River and quickly rushed to the other side. Before the Germans had recovered from the shelling, they quickly occupied the position..."
After listening to Udrea's description of the battle, Antonetta was stunned. Before he took up the position of division commander, his unit had fought with the Soviet army. Naturally, he had a good idea of the Soviet army's combat effectiveness. According to his idea, despite the increasing number of Soviet troops stationed in Otac, it would probably take a long time to break through the German defenses on the Dniester River, storm to the other side and establish a landing site.
But what he didn't expect was that it only took such a short time for the Soviet army to successfully rush to the other side, eliminate the defenders and establish a landing site for offensive use.
"Mr. Commander," Dinu had confirmed through Udrea's narration that the strength of the Soviet army had exceeded his imagination, and he took the initiative to propose to Antonetta: "Given that the strength of the Soviet army is so strong, I think The way of cooperation with them should be appropriately adjusted.”
"Appropriate adjustment?" Antonetta asked puzzledly: "What adjustment method?"
"In the cooperation agreement drawn up by both parties, it was clearly stated that the Soviet army was responsible for fighting the Germans, while our army was only responsible for the security of the city and ensuring the safety of their rear."
"Yes, this is the original agreement." Antonetta looked at his chief of staff and asked doubtfully: "Chief of staff, is there anything wrong?"
"Mr. Division Commander, when we signed the agreement with the Soviet army, it was just a temporary measure." Dinu explained to Antonetta: "If they can win the war, we will naturally be their allies; but if they lose, We were forced to withdraw from the city, and since our army did not fight the Germans, we could naturally choose to cooperate with the Germans again.
But judging from the current situation, it is almost impossible for the Germans to capture this city again. Therefore, we must change from passive cooperation with the Soviet army to active cooperation. "
"Chief of Staff, can you explain more clearly how to change from passive cooperation to active cooperation?"
Dinu turned his attention to Udrea who was standing next to him: "Mr. Division Commander, if I am not mistaken, Colonel Udrea is here today just to change the way of cooperation."
"Oh," Antonetta looked up at Udrea and said after hearing what Dinu said, "Colonel, if you have any good ideas, you might as well tell us."
"Mr. Division Commander," Udrea said solemnly: "Our regiment is currently stationed on the bank of the Dniester River. Now that most of the Soviet troops have reached the other bank, the defense on the left bank has become empty. Do you see if Can you propose to General Sokov that our regiment take over the vacated positions?”
He was deeply afraid that his proposal would be rejected by Antonetta, and he specifically added: "That was originally our regiment's defense area, and it is very appropriate for us to take over and protect the rear security of the Soviet army."
"Colonel, you mean to let us fight side by side with the Russians, no, with the Soviet army?" Antonetta looked at Udrea and asked, "Is my understanding correct?"
"Exactly, Mr. Commander." Seeing that Antonetta understood what he wanted to express, Udrea nodded and said, "Actually, there are many things we can do. First, take over the positions they vacated. Next..."
"The next step is to fight side by side with them to attack the German Faxi Temple. Right?" Dinu interjected.
"Yes, Mr. Chief of Staff, you are right." Seeing that the two men did not clearly oppose his proposal, Udrea boldly continued: "If the current trend continues, the Soviet army will enter Romania. It’s just a matter of time. When I think about it, the choice Romania can make is to withdraw from the Axis Powers and join the Soviet army to jointly fight the Germans.”
Udrea's words made Antonetta understand something. Romania will be on the same front as the Soviet army sooner or later, so why doesn't his own force, which is the first to cooperate with the Soviet army, be more proactive and realize the goal with the other party? What about truly fighting side by side?
After figuring this out, Antonetta, who was eager to stand in line, quickly ordered Dinu: "Chief of Staff, help me get through to the Soviet command. I want to talk to General Sokov in person."
Unexpectedly, Dinu sat in his seat and did not move. Just when Antonetta was about to have a seizure, he heard the other party say: "Mr. Commander, I think since we want to change the way of cooperation with the Soviet army, it may not be appropriate to make a phone call. , it is better that we go to the headquarters in person and interview General Sokov, so that we can appear more sincere."
"Mr. Division Commander, I think the Chief of Staff is right." Udrea said from the side: "Since we want to cooperate with the Soviet army in a real sense, it would be more sincere to talk face to face."
Seeing that Dinu and Udrea had the same opinion, Antonetta did not insist on her opinion, but nodded and said: "Okay, let's go to the Soviet headquarters."
When the three of them arrived outside the Soviet headquarters, they were unexpectedly blocked. The officer on duty looked at the three of them with vigilant eyes and asked, "What are you doing with the commander?"
"Mr. Officer!" Udrea, the lowest ranking among the three, said to the officer with a smile: "We are the 18th Infantry Division of Romania. This is our division commander, Major General Antonetta, and next to him is the staff officer. Colonel Changdinu, I am Colonel Udrea, the commander of the 52nd Regiment. We really have something important and need to see General Sokov immediately. Please pass the message on my behalf."
After the officer on duty figured out the other party's identity, he knew that his troops were cooperating with the Romanian army. Now that the other party's three military officers had come to visit, there was really no reason to shut the other party out.
"Just wait, I'll go in and inform you."
After receiving the report from the officer on duty, Sokov showed a confused expression on his face: "You mean, the division commander and chief of staff of the Romanian 18th Infantry Division are outside the door?"
"Yes, Comrade Commander. In addition to the two of them, there is also a commander of the 52nd Regiment who is also with them."
Upon learning that Antonetta, Dinu and others were coming, Sokov quickly ordered the other party: "Hurry up and invite them in."
A few minutes later, the officer on duty led Antonetta and others in.
When Sokov saw them entering the door, he hurriedly greeted them. Still following them from afar, he took the initiative to extend his hand and said in a friendly tone: "General Antonetta, you are welcome to come to my headquarters as a guest."
"Hello, General Sokov." Facing this general who made the Germans frightened, Antonetta showed enough respect: "I didn't expect us to meet again so soon."
After Sokov asked the three of them to sit down, he asked Antonetta directly: "General Antonetta, I wonder if you have anything important to do when you come to my headquarters today?"
"General Sokov, you are right. We are here today because we have very important matters." On the way here, Antonetta had already thought about how to answer the other party's question: "We hope to adjust the agreement. way of cooperation.”
"Adjust the cooperation methods in the agreement?" Smirnov, who had just walked over, happened to hear Dinu's words and said with a straight face: "How do you want to adjust?"
"In our original agreement, it was said that if a battle occurs against the Germans, your army will be fully responsible, and the task of our division is only to maintain order in the city." After Antonetta finished speaking in one breath, he tested He asked: "Am I remembering it correctly?"
"Yes, absolutely correct." Smirnov said, "You remembered correctly."
After Antonetta waited for Smirnov to speak, she said with a smile: "I have been thinking about it for the past two days. Since we have all stood on the same path to fight against the common enemy-the German Faxi Temple invaders, We should fight side by side on the front line. But now, it is your troops who are fighting the German army. And we are only responsible for such small issues as public security in the city, which is obviously inappropriate. "
"Then what do you think about it and what do you plan to do next?" Smirnov asked.
"Since we are allies standing on the same front, there is no reason why you are fighting the Germans at the front while we maintain law and order in the rear." Antonetta continued: "Therefore, we intend to fight side by side with you. "
"Be specific." Sokov interrupted: "That way we can understand your intentions."
"General Sokov," Udrea felt that it was more appropriate for him to speak on this matter. If he was rejected, Antonetta would come forward and there would be room for change: "I saw your army crossing the Dne. Stre River, the position originally vacated by our troops has become empty again. So I think, since we are allies, why can't we take over the position vacated by you to ensure the safety of your rear."
Udrea's words hit Sokov's mind. Now that the main force of the 18th Guards Army has not arrived, he hastily dispatched troops to establish a landing site on the right bank. The defense force on the left bank has become weak. If the Romanian army can really help it defend certain areas, it can also relieve some of its pressure.
Unexpectedly, when Udrea saw Sokov's delay in speaking, he thought that the other party did not recognize his suggestion, and quickly added: "In fact, we also want to attack the Germans with you, but the combat effectiveness of the troops is too poor. , if we really go to the battlefield, I am afraid that not only will we not be able to help you, but we will become a burden to you. Therefore, I think it is okay for us to hold on to the vacated positions. "
To be honest, Sokov looked down upon the combat effectiveness of the Romanian army. The troops that could really fight were transferred to the Soviet Union by the German army to participate in the war as early as the Great Patriotic War, and were gradually used up. Nowadays, the combat effectiveness of these newly formed troops cannot be compared with the earlier troops. If they are allowed to participate in the war rashly, I am afraid that they will really become their own weakness.
Although it is not appropriate for the Romanian army to participate in the attack, it can be considered if it is used to hold the position. If Udrea's 52nd Regiment really takes over the position on the left bank, then he can mobilize more troops to enter the right bank and consolidate the newly established landing site.
Faced with the sincerity expressed by Romania, Sokov naturally would not pour cold water on the other party, so he nodded and agreed to the plan proposed by Udrea: "Okay, Colonel Udrea, let's press The plan you mentioned is to hand over the defensive positions on the left bank to you."
After speaking, Sokov turned to Smirnov and said: "Chief of Staff, please call Lieutenant Colonel Ponedelin immediately and ask him to inform the troops holding the left bank position to immediately send troops to the 3rd Army Corps commanded by Colonel Udrea. The 52nd Regiment was handed over to defense."
Seeing that the originally useless Romanian army actually offered to help his side hold on to their position, Smirnov also seemed very happy. He nodded and said: "Okay, Comrade Commander, I will call Lieutenant Colonel Ponejelin immediately and inform him of the good news."
