Since Sokov came to this war-torn era, he has led his troops to disguise themselves as German troops for various tasks and achieved good results. This time he was ordered to pick up Rokosovsky's troops. He instinctively felt that allowing the soldiers to wear German uniforms might avoid unnecessary casualties when passing through the enemy's defense line.
So when he heard Belkin's question, he nodded and said, "That's right, Comrade Political Commissar, that's how I think about it."
Belkin and Sokov had been together for quite some time. When they heard Sokov say this, they quickly took out their notebooks 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, Cidolin said worriedly: "Comrade Brigade Commander, is it a bit too risky to let our troops disguise as Germans? I am worried that I will be noticed when passing through the enemy's defense zone."
"Comrade Chief of Staff, you can rest assured that our brigade has disguised himself as a German army to carry out combat missions several times, and they have achieved good results." In order to dispel Cydolin's concerns, Sokov said to him: "When we crossed the enemy's defense line, not only were the soldiers of the 192nd Battalion all wore German uniforms, but also five real German armored vehicles. Even if they were discovered by the enemy, they would still think they were troops ordered to go somewhere."
"Comrade Brigade Commander, the data has been counted." Berkin said with a frown: "There are only two hundred German uniforms that can be used in the warehouse. In other words, you can only let two hundred soldiers disguise themselves as Germans at most."
Belkin's words made Sokov feel cold. According to his initial plan, he would bring 300 people in this operation. But now there are only 200 sets of German uniforms in the warehouse, which means that one-third of the people will be reduced.
Seeing Sokov's depressed look, Belkin guessed his thoughts and asked tentatively: "Comrade Brigade Commander, why don't we take off the uniforms of the German soldiers who were beaten to death?"
"No, you can't use the military uniforms of dead people." Sokov tried his best to oppose the use of the military uniforms of dead people because there were holes and blood on these uniforms. If the soldiers were allowed to wear them, as long as the Germans were not blind, they would immediately find flaws. "The blood and bullet holes on those military uniforms would expose our soldiers."
Belkin asked with some concern: "Comrade Brigade Commander, then, in the northward operation, you can only take up two hundred soldiers to act together. If you fight with the enemy, can you escape successfully?"
Regarding the problems that Belkin was worried about, Sokov thought for a while, then shook his head and said, "I think even if there is a fire with the enemy, there should be no problem if you want to escape." Seeing that Sokov was so confident, Belkin did not say anything else, but got up and left, and went to the warehouse to check the situation of his military uniform.
"Comrade Brigade Commander, I want to ask." After Belkin left, Cidolin asked curiously: "When will the troops you lead set out?"
"I think it will be two days at the earliest." Sokov said this and saw a puzzled expression on Cidolin's face. Without waiting for him to ask a question, he took the initiative to say: "According to the command's plan, we should choose the right opportunity to cross the enemy's defense line after the main force of the group army launched an attack on the enemy, and then go north to join the Stalingrad Front troops. But the troops participating in the attack are still gathering on the east coast, and it is already very fast to arrive in the city before dawn tomorrow. We have to wait for their attack to start and attract the attention of the Germans, then quietly head north, pass through the enemy's defense, and meet with friendly forces."
…………
Although the sailors of the Volga Fleet had tried their best, after a day and night of hard work, they successfully transported only two of the three infantry divisions involved in the attack across the Volga River.
In his command, Cuikov met with the commanders of the 95th and 112th Infantry Divisions, as well as the 84th Brigade of the Tank Brigade. He first shook hands with the three commanders one by one, and then said in a serious tone: "Comrades, we will launch an attack after dawn according to the combat plan of the Front Command. However, since the 284th Infantry Division failed to cross the Volga River as planned, I have to increase the front of your attack."
Regarding Cui Kov's statement, the two infantry division commanders were very calm. Only Colonel Bere, the commander of the 84th Brigade of Tanks, asked: "Comrade Commander, I want to ask, are there any artillery soldiers preparing for artillery fire before the attack begins?"
When the two infantry division commanders heard Colonel Beilei’s question, they immediately turned their eyes to Cui Kefu and quietly waited for the other party’s answer. You must know that if the troops do not receive support from artillery during the attack, they will inevitably pay a huge price.
"Yes," Cuikov nodded and said, "Although our artillery is all deployed on the left bank of the Volga River, on the Mamayev hill on the right bank, we have our artillery observers who can provide firing parameters for artillery across the river to accurately strike German ground targets."
When the two infantry commanders learned that there was artillery support, they both breathed a sigh of relief. Colonel Gorishne, the commander of the 95th Division, said to Cuikov: "Comrade Commander, although our attack has been expanded head-on, as long as there is artillery support, I believe that my soldiers will be able to complete this counterattack mission successfully."
After Gorishne finished speaking, Colonel Yermokin, the commander of the 112th Division, said, "Comrade Commander, and our division, can also complete this counterattack mission."
Regarding the statements of the two division commanders, Cui Kefu nodded with satisfaction, and then said, "You must be exhausted if you haven't rested overnight. Let's go back to your respective troops to rest first." He raised his hand and looked at his watch, "Our attack will officially start at twelve noon. Before that, your soldiers can seize the time to have a sleep."
The counter-assault carried out by the 62nd Army was about to start at 12 noon. With the order of Cuikov, five artillery regiments deployed on the left bank of the Volga River were fired at the same time towards the German defense zone. For a moment, flames and smoke enveloped the German defensive positions.
Sokov, who was staying in his command, received a report from the observation center at the top of the Shangang and learned that the counterattack in the direction of the factory area had begun. Although Sokov did not understand what kind of troops Cuikov would use to counterattack the German army, he knew very well that as long as the attack began, the German army's attention would be attracted by Cuikov's offensive troops, and the troops he led had an opportunity to take advantage of.
Sokov stared at the map, and repeatedly thought about where the troops he led should go from, pass through the sparse German defense zone, and go north to meet with the Stalingrad Front's southward troops.
Seeing Sokov standing in front of the map, Sidorin knew that he was considering the route of action, he walked over and asked, "Comrade Brigade Commander, where are you going to cross the enemy's defense line?"
"I don't know, Comrade Chief of Staff." Sokov looked up at Cidolin and replied truthfully: "What I can do now is wait."
In response to Sokov's answer, Cidolin asked in confusion: "Comrade Brigade Commander, how can you not know? You must know that 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 defense line?"
Faced with Cydolin's doubts, Sokov replied slowly: "Comrade Chief of Staff, don't think I have accepted the task of leading troops north to join forces with friendly forces. But under the current circumstances, I do not know where the Stalingrad Front troops will go south and where we should join them. Before obtaining the accurate situation, I cannot determine where I should cross the enemy's defense line."
After hearing what Sokov said, Sidorin immediately realized that he had misunderstood Sokov and quickly apologized to him and said, "I'm sorry, comrade comrade, it's because I'm too superficial to consider the problem..."
"Okay, Comrade Chief of Staff, there is no need to say anything later." Sokov said magnanimously: "Our main force on the right wing is about to launch a large-scale counterattack against the enemy, but I am indifferent at this moment. If anyone is, I will have some ideas in my heart."
In order to make up for his mistake, Sidolin took the initiative to ask Sokov: "Comrade Brigade Commander, do you see if I call the headquarters and find out where you are about to go?"
Regarding Sidolin's kindness, Sokov shook his head and refused: "Thank you, Comrade Chief of Staff. But you don't need to call this phone, because judging from all signs, General Rokosovsky's troops have not yet been able to break through the enemy's defense, so we can only hold our troops at the moment."
Since the German army's attention was attracted by Rokosovsky's troops, the blockade encountered in the area where the 62nd Army carried out counterattacks was much weaker than expected. At least the troops were not bombed by the German Air Force during the attack, and were able to successfully break through the German first line of defense.
The German army found that the Soviet army in the city was also taking action, trying to join the Stalingrad front army, which was launching an attack in the north, and quickly dispatched troops to strengthen the defense line facing the city side. In this way, it would be a bit difficult for the Soviet army to advance forward.
Seeing that the troops' attack was blocked, Cui Kev seemed particularly anxious. Seeing that the 95th Infantry Division on the left wing was much further away from the German defense line than the 112th Division, he considered asking Gorishne's troops to increase their offense to support the 112th Division on the right. He asked Gorishne on the phone: "Comrade Colonel, how are you doing there? Can you continue to advance to the enemy in depth?"
"It's very difficult, comrade Commander." Gorishnet complained to Cuikov: "Although our division has been wedged into the German defense line for three kilometers, the enemy's resistance is increasing, and it will be very difficult for us to continue to move forward."
"Comrade Colonel," Choikov directly chose to ignore Gorishne's complaint: "Currently, Colonel Yermokin's 112th Division is repeatedly fighting with the enemy for the first line of defense. You should find a way to help them. Once the enemy recovers the lost position, you will become an isolated army and are at risk of being cut off by the enemy at any time."
Gorish didn't know what Cuikov said. He also wanted to break through the German defense as soon as possible and go north to join friendly forces. However, he was powerless and his troops lacked heavy weapons, which led to limited attack power. It was already a waste of effort to advance to his current position. It was almost impossible to continue attacking forward.
However, Cui Kov's reminder still aroused his vigilance. If the 112th Division on the right wing was really repelled by the German army, the enemy could launch an attack from his side. His main forces were concentrated on the front, and the flanks seemed relatively weak and could not resist the German attack at all. Once they were cut off by the German army in half, the troops would be in danger of being divided and eliminated. Thinking of this, he quickly expressed his confidence to Cui Kov and said, "Don't worry, comrade Commander, I will find a way to support the friendly forces on the right wing."
Krelov saw Trekov put down the phone and quickly reminded him: "Comrade Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Sokov's northbound squad is still on standby. Look, when will they set off?"
"Wait a little longer, Comrade Chief of Staff." After hearing Krelov's words, Cuikov immediately replied: "We are not sure at present where General Rokosovsky's troops will break through the German defense line. We must wait until we understand their specific breakthrough position, and it will be too late to send Sokov's troops to set off."
"Comrade Commander, I think I'd better call the Front Command." Krelov suggested to Trikov: "We ask the Commander to contact General Rokosovsky to find out how they are going there so that they can make corresponding arrangements."
"Good idea," Cui Kefu turned his head and ordered his communications officer: "Col. Yulin, help me connect with the Front Command immediately. I want to talk to the commander immediately."
A few minutes later, the phone call to the Front Command was answered. When Cuikov heard Khrushchev's voice coming from the receiver, he immediately spoke: "Hello, dear Nikita Sergeevich! I am Cuikov, is the commander here?"
"Ltd. Col. Bachik's 284th Infantry Division was gathering by the river. Comrade Commander went to check the preparations for crossing the river." Khrushchev asked on the phone: "Comrade Cuikov, are you doing anything to him?"
"That's right, comrade of the military committee." Cuikov said respectfully: "I want to know the progress of General Rokosovsky and where they intend to break through the German defense in order to arrange troops to join them."
Chapter completed!