"Mamayev's hill?" Antonov was surprised by Sokov's answer. He thought Sokov would choose the factory area in the north of the city or the Shizhong District in the south of the city. But unexpectedly, Sokov actually chose the Mamayev's hill that connects the two places. He couldn't help but ask curiously: "Lieutenant Colonel Sokov, why did you choose this location?"
Sokov turned his head and looked at Belkin next to him and asked, "Is there a map in the direction of Stalingrad?"
Faced with Sokov's problem, Belkin said in confusion: "No, I only have a map of Bryansk and Kursk region. Comrade Brigade Commander, what do you want the map of Stalingrad to do?"
When Sokov learned that Berkin did not have a map of Stalingrad, he scratched the back of his head in embarrassment, thinking that if there was no map, how could I introduce the importance of Mamayev to Antonov?
"Lieutenant Colonel Sokov, you must not find the map of Stalingrad here." Antonov saw Sokov's embarrassment and smiled and said to him: "If you have any ideas, just say it."
However, when there was no map, Sokov still felt awkward to tell others about his defensive intentions. He thought about it, took out paper and pen from his bag, and began to draw a simple picture of Stalingrad.
Antonov stood aside, tilted his head to look at Sokov's drawings, and asked with a smile: "Lieutenant Colonel Sokov, I didn't expect that you still know the terrain of Stalingrad. Where have you been before?"
"No, I've never been there." Sokov replied simply: "I have seen the map of Stalingrad. The shape of the whole city looks like a pair of glasses placed by the Volga River. Look, the factory area in the north of the city and the Shizhong District in the south of the city are the two circles of glasses; and Mamayev hill is the nose bridge connecting the two circles..."
Hearing Sokov's metaphor in such a vivid image, Antonov nodded with a smile: "Yes, your metaphor is quite appropriate. Let's continue."
Sokov pointed to the location of Mamayevgang and continued: "Mamayevgang is divided into two slopes, north and south, close to the northern slope of the factory area, with a large amount of oil tanks built on it, and a large amount of fuel is stored in it. To the south of the south slope are Shizhong District and the Central Railway Station, which is an important land transportation connecting the outside world. And to the east of the south slope there is a wharf. Once the whole city is surrounded by the German army, we can only transport the soldiers, weapons, ammunition and various materials needed in the city through this wharf, and evacuate the wounded and civilians in the city..."
After listening patiently to Sokov, Antonov coughed softly, and then said, "Lieutenant Colonel Sokov, I think you are a little too pessimistic. Although we are in the direction of Stalingrad, there are only two armies, but more armies are being formed and will be heading towards Stalingrad one after another. Our army is fully confident to keep the enemy far away from the city."
"Comrade General, the situation may not be as optimistic as we imagined." Although Sokov had a certain understanding of the German offensive route and military deployment in his heart, he did not tell Antonov. He knew very well that even if he said it, Antonov would not believe it. Therefore, he simply did not say it, so as not to cause unnecessary trouble in the future. "From the current situation, the German army that rushed towards Stalingrad should be the 6th Army led by Paulus. The troops deployed near Stalingrad cannot stop them. According to my estimate, in another month or two, the main battlefield will be launched in the city of Stalingrad..."
"The battle begins in Stalingrad City?" Antonov couldn't help frowning when he heard this. If it weren't for the fact that Sokov's analysis of the situation was quite accurate, he had already scolded the other party. But at this moment, he suppressed the dissatisfaction in his heart and asked with some displeasure: "Lieutenant Colonel Sokov, in your opinion, is it possible for us to engage in street battles with the attacking enemies in Stalingrad City?"
"Yes, that's what I think." Sokov immediately gave Antonov a positive answer.
"Then tell me," Antonov snorted and continued to ask, "Can we defend Stalingrad?"
Sokov deliberately hesitated for a long time before speaking: "Comrade General, I think we should be able to defend it. After all, this is a city named after the Supreme Commander himself. Our commanders and soldiers will never allow such a great city to fall into the hands of the Germans."
Antonov, who had no expression on his face, smiled again when he heard what Sokov said: "Lieutenant Colonel Sokov, is there anything I can serve you?"
"Comrade General," Sokov wanted to build tunnel fortifications on Mamayev's hill, but there was still a lack of sufficient building materials, so he asked carefully: "I plan to build fortifications in Mamayev's hill. I wonder if the leaders of the Stalingrad City Defense Committee can provide us with the necessary building materials?"
"This is no problem." Antonov immediately agreed readily to Sokov's request: "I will personally say hello to the comrades of the City Defense Committee and let them provide you with enough building materials."
After receiving Antonov's promise, Sokov felt much more at ease. Although he had never been to Stalingrad, he knew very well that if he just dug a few tunnels on the Mamayev hill, it would collapse sooner or later under the bombardment of heavy artillery and aircraft from the German army. But if the interior could be reinforced with reinforced concrete, the chances of the commanders and fighters hiding inside would be greatly improved.
As soon as the two sides reached an agreement, a sound of shouting for a report suddenly came from the door. Antonov heard the sound outside, which was made by one of his subordinates, and hurriedly said to the outside: "Come in!"
As soon as Antonov finished speaking, an officer walked in from outside and straightened his body to report to him: "Comrade Deputy Minister, I have contacted the Ministry. The comrade on duty said that he had already contacted the Bavelets Railway Station. The troops they arranged for the 73rd Infantry Brigade will set off at 4:00 pm."
Chapter completed!