Before Sokov could speak, Cuikov said with a stern face: "Lieutenant Colonel Sokov, if I remember correctly, you are from the 62nd Army, and the defense zone is in Mamayevgang. Why did you suddenly appear here? Could it be that your troops are now assigned to the 64th Army to command?"
"Comrade General," Sokov didn't expect Cui Kov to say this, and replied in a panic: "I heard that you lost contact with the Army Command, so I brought the troops to search for your whereabouts..."
"I heard that?!" Cui Kefu asked coldly: "You are the commander of the 62nd Army. How could you know that I lost contact with your command?"
"Comrade General," Sokov said with fearlessness, "Did you forget that your Director of Operations Lieutenant Colonel Cydolin is now my chief of staff."
What happened next surprised Sokov and the officers and soldiers around him. Cuikov suddenly stepped forward and gave Sokov a bear hug. He leaned close to Sokov's ear and said with a little choked: "Thank you, my friend. I really didn't expect that you would come to save me without hesitation when you heard that I was in danger."
Cuikov let go of Sokov, took a step back, sniffed, and said, "Since you're here, I have something to ask you for help."
"Comrade General," Sokov said without hesitation: "If you have any, just give me instructions?"
"Look, Lieutenant Colonel Sokov." Cuikov returned to his calmness. He pointed to the direction of the Aksai River and said, "According to information, the German vanguard is only a dozen kilometers away from here, and we do not have a decent line of defense, nor do we have troops to defend."
He saw Sokov open his mouth and guess what the other party wanted to say, and quickly added: "Yes, although there are the 138th Infantry Division of Lyudnikov and the 157th Infantry Division of Kropakenko, and some other troops. However, these troops are being transferred and they are not very capable of combat before they are reassembled. Therefore, during the time we are building the fortifications, I hope your troops can take on the alert mission."
After Sokov gave his affirmative answer, Trikov turned to face Lyudnikov and Kuropacinko and said, "Two division commanders, you have retreated far enough. Immediately ordered the troops to stop and build fortifications on the north bank of the Aksai River to prevent the Germans from rushing towards Stalingrad."
Lyudnikov agreed readily to Cuikov's order. But Kuropacinko said hesitantly: "Comrade General, we are affiliated with the 51st Army. I don't think we can accept your order without the permission of our superiors."
When Lyudnikov heard his friend say this, he quickly pulled the corner of his clothes and stopped him from continuing. His little move was seen by Choikov. Choikov smiled faintly and then said to Kuropacinko: "Comrade Colonel, you are right. Under normal circumstances, as the commander of the 64th Army, I have no right to issue orders to friendly forces. But now during the war, I think you and the 51st Army Command have lost contact? In this case, your only choice is to obey my orders and build a line of defense on the Aksai River to prevent the Germans from rushing to Stalingrad. As for your commander Major General Kolomiyetz, I will explain to him personally in the future."
Since Cui Kov's words were all said, Kuropajianko knew that he could only choose to obey the order, so he agreed loudly, and then ordered the commanders around him to start gathering the troops and preparing to start building fortifications by the river.
While the two division commanders were gathering their troops, Cuikov walked to Major General Dmitryev and asked, "Old guy, what do you say? Should I continue to lead the retreat, or stay and beat the Germans with me?"
Major General Dmitryev turned his head and looked at his scattered troops, sighed and said, "Anyway, even if we retreat to Stalingrad, our mission will block the Germans. It would be better to fight with them here. I have decided, General Cuikov, stay and fight side by side with you."
"This is amazing." When Dmitryev made his choice, Cuikov held his hand and said excitedly: "I will form a southern cluster of the 64th Army here. If you don't object, you should serve as the artillery commander of the cluster."
For General Dmitryev, being the deputy commander of the Army Artillery and serving as the Cluster Artillery Command is similar in nature, so he agreed readily: "I am very happy, General Cuikov."
After Trekov appointed Dmitryev as the artillery commander, he came to Sokov again and asked tentatively: "Lieutenant Colonel Sokov, my southern cluster is almost empty now. In addition to two seriously dissatisfied infantry divisions and a few artillery soldiers, there is also a marine brigade that is about to arrive. I need someone to help me integrate these troops. I will let you temporarily serve as the Chief of Staff. Do you have no objection?"
According to Sokov's idea, Cui Kov had already found it anyway. After the two infantry divisions completed the construction on the Aksai River, he brought the commanders and fighters of the third battalion back to Mamayev. However, Cui Kov now proposed to act as the chief of staff. Sokov replied in a panic: "General Cui Kov, this is not suitable. You know, I have never held a similar position, and I think it is difficult for me to be competent for this position."
"I think you are suitable, you are suitable." Unexpectedly, when Cuikov heard him say this, he said in an unquestionable tone: "It's decided that from now on, you will be the acting chief of staff of my southern cluster until there is a suitable candidate to replace you." He seemed to see Sokov's embarrassment and emphasized specifically, "If there is a battle in the direction of Mamayev's hill, I will let you go back to the infantry brigade to continue commanding the troops."
Chapter completed!