Cuikov did not expect that the counterattack he organized would be shattered by the German artillery fire and strict defense in such a short period of time. The troops involved in the counterattack suffered varying degrees of losses, and sacrificed more than a dozen battalion-level commanders and a regiment commander.
"Chief of Staff!" Cuikov asked Krelov with a stern face: "The counterattack against the enemy has failed. What do you think we should do next?"
Krelov stared at the map in front of him, then looked up at Cuikov and said, "Comrade Commander, I think it is necessary to re-adjust some troops so that they can exert stronger combat effectiveness."
"Adjust the deployment?" Cui Kefu asked back with some confusion: "How do you plan to adjust?"
"Comrade Commander, this is how I think about it." Krelov pointed to the map and told Cuikov his adjustment plan: "Transfer Yermolkin's 112th Infantry Division to the Spartanovka area, occupying highlands from 75.9 to 97.7, and along the ditches to the southeast of the Mechetka River;
The 308th Infantry Division of Gurdiev was transferred to the defensive positions on the front line of the ditch from the orchard north of the barricade new village to the silicate factory, Markyevka, and the ditch line;
The 39th Division of Guriyev's Guards, replaced Smekhotvorov's 193rd Division, built defenses along the association, Bible and North Street, so that the 193rd Division could draw some troops into a reserve force."
After hearing Krelov's plan, Cuikov couldn't help but frown: "Comrade Chief of Staff, I would like to remind you that the 39th Guard Division is responsible for the defense of the family area west of the Red October factory. Once they are transferred, it means that the enemy can directly threaten the factory area."
"We have a Guard Division in Mamayev's Gate. Although they were also reduced in the early battles." Krelov grinned at Trikov, "But their division commander is Colonel Sokov. He is a man who is good at creating miracles. I believe he can draw enough troops to fill the gap that appears when the 39th Guard Division is transferred."
Perhaps out of trust in Sokov, after listening to Krelov's words, Cuikov actually agreed to transfer the 39th Guard Division to replace the defense of the 193rd Division. He even dictated the order to Krelov: "Chief of Staff, record my order: After dark, the 112th Infantry Division will be transferred to the Mechetka River west; the 39th Guard Division will send two regiments to replace the defense of the 883rd Regiment of the 193rd Division; after completing the defense transfer work, the 883rd Regiment will transfer northwards, build a new direction behind the 895th Regiment of the 193rd Division, and serve as the second echelon..."
…………
While discussing adjusting the deployment of the troops, Paulus also discussed the capture of Mamayev's post with a group of officers in his command.
He slapped the table and shouted at the generals sitting on both sides of the conference table: "Mamayevgang is a hill with an altitude of more than 100 meters. But we tried every means, but we could not take it from the hands of the Russians. Only when Mamayevgang is still in the hands of the Russians, we cannot advance to the Volga River and cut off their connection with the outside world."
"Mr. Commander," as soon as Paulus finished his words, Major General von der Lebel, the commander of the 297th Infantry Division, stood up and said, "As far as I know, the Russian troops who were standing on Mamayevgang are the 73rd Infantry Brigade commanded by Russian Lieutenant Colonel Sokov. When I was in Kursk, my troops had suffered defeat under his command, which caused the morale of the troops to be depressed. But after several months of fighting, the soldiers regained their confidence after winning a series of victories. I plead for you to hand over the task of attacking Mamayevgang to us, and my soldiers will take advantage of this rare opportunity to avenge and drive the damn Russians out of Mamayevgang."
Seeing Von Derebel volunteering, Paulus smiled on his face, but he did not immediately agree to the other party's request, but instead turned his eyes to the other teachers sitting by the table. However, what he could not imagine was that when his eyes fell on whom, he would look away, and even a panic expression appeared on his face.
Seeing the reactions of these division commanders, Paulus couldn't help but get angry. He pointed his hand at the commander of the 24th Armored Division, Feng Lunsky, and said, "General Feng Lunsky, I think you don't seem to have any confidence in attacking Mamayevgang."
Seeing that Paulus was a little angry, Vonnsky quickly stood up from his seat and explained nervously: "Your Excellency Commander, you have misunderstood. The terrain of Mamayev Hill is complicated and is not suitable for using armored troops. I think it is obviously more appropriate to use our division to attack the Russian factory area."
The commander of the 295th Infantry Division, Dr. Kofes, when he saw Paulus turning his eyes to him, he quickly stood up and replied: "Commander, since General von derrebel wants his troops to fight a turnaround, I think it would be better to hand over the task of attacking Mamayevgang to his troops to complete. I believe that he will not let your expectations down."
As soon as Dr. Kofes said, he immediately echoed several other division commanders. They all said that there was no more suitable unit than the 297th Infantry Division. If they were allowed to attack Mamayev, they would definitely achieve ideal results. The reason why these division commanders tried their best to avoid war was entirely because they were beaten by Sokov's troops. If there was no need, he hoped that he would not fight with Sokov's troops again in his life.
Seeing that except for von derrebel, the rest of his subordinates chose various reasons to avoid the war, Paulus was really amused and crying. In desperation, he could only agree to von derrebel's request and let his troops take on the task of attacking Mamayevgang.
Seeing that Paulus had not announced the order for a long time, Chief of Staff Schmidt interrupted: "Mr. Commander, I think the 297th Infantry Division can allow our allies to test the strength of the defenders before attacking Mamayevgang."
"Are you still using those Romanian troops?" Paulus shook his head and said, "In the battles a few days ago, they did show extra bravery. Then, after the attacks in Mamayevgang were frustrated several times in a row, their morale and morale were both problematic. Many Romanian soldiers became panicked, and deserters appeared in some companies."
"I'm not talking about the Romanian army," Schmidt said, shaking his head. "The 369th Infantry Regiment from Croatia has performed well in recent battles. If they were asked to assist the 297th Infantry Division, I believe it will increase the possibility of taking down Mamayev."
Von derrebel had just spoken quickly and offered to lead his troops to attack Mamayev. However, after saying this, he saw his colleagues evading this offensive task and immediately realized that he might have made a wrong decision. But since the words had been spoken, it was obviously impossible to retract them. Now that Schmidt mentioned that he was attacking the front station by the Croatian troops, he quickly echoed: "Your Excellency Commander, I think the Chief of Staff is very reasonable. Let the Cronian troops consume the Russians' strength first, and then we will launch an attack. We will definitely completely eliminate all the Russians who are standing in Mamayev."
Neither Paulus, Schmidt nor the following division commanders realized that the information they had was outdated. Sokov was no longer a lieutenant colonel but a colonel, and the troops under his command were no longer infantry brigades, but guard divisions. The combat plan they formulated based on wrong intelligence was destined to have no good results.
"Chief of Staff," Paulus said, looking at Schmidt, "You immediately arrange for the 369th Croatian Infantry Regiment to replace the 276th Regiment's defense and, when appropriate, attack Mamayev's hill."
When Croatian troops changed defense with the 276th German Regiment, Sokov was worried about Cuikov's order. Cuikov said briefly in the order: In order to strengthen the defense of friendly neighbors, the 39th Guard Division, which was originally stationed in the west of the Red October factory, would be transferred, and asked Sokov to send troops immediately, but fill the gap left by the 39th Guard Division.
"Comrade Commander, what should we do?" Sidolin looked at Sokov who was walking back and forth in the house and asked anxiously: "Although we now have four regiments of troops, once we take over the defense of the Red October factory, our strength will become dispersed, and then there will be a possibility of being defeated by the Germans."
"Not possible, but certain." Ivanov said with a wry smile: "Although there are perfect fortifications in Mamayev's hill, if there is not enough manpower to defend it, it is a decoration. Now we have four regiments. Although each regiment has been weakened to varying degrees, they are still a force that cannot be underestimated. But if they are dispersed to different areas, the combat effectiveness of the troops will be weakened. Once they encounter powerful enemies, they will have to be defeated one by one."
"Report!" Selyosha, who walked in from outside the door, interrupted the conversation between the three people. He replied with some excitement: "The political commissar and the soldiers of the third row are all back."
Political Commissar Anisimov, who was ordered by Sokov, escorted a tank soldier lieutenant back to the Army Command. Sokov thought he could return that day, but he stayed for two days before returning. Seeing him returning safely, Sokov showed a knowing smile on his face. He came up and hugged Annisimov with a warm hug, and then said friendly: "Comrade Political Commissar, welcome you to the command center."
After hugging each other, Anisimov and the three of them looked at the map spread on the table and asked curiously: "Comrade Commander, I want to ask, what are you discussing before I entered the door?"
"That's right, comrade of the political commissar." Sokov felt a headache when he mentioned this: "According to the order of his superiors, after dark, the 39th Guards Division, which was originally stationed in the west of the Red October factory, was about to be transferred north, and the commander of the vacant defensive position was ordered to send troops to replace the defense."
"This is indeed a headache." As a political cadre, Anisimov spoke naturally with reasonable grounds: "But the superiors must have a coordinated arrangement. Since they have issued such an order, they believe that with our strength, we can fully defend Mamayev's hill and the Red October factory."
"Comrade Political Commissar, I just don't say it, and you should understand it very well in your heart." Sokov said bitterly: "If you use your existing troops to defend Mamayev's side with all your strength, then it is almost impossible for the enemy to seize our position no matter how many troops we deploy. But once we draw our strength to strengthen the defense at the Red October factory, the defense at the Mamayev's side will be weakened..."
"You are too worried, comrade of the division commander." After hearing Sokov's words, Anisimov said with a smile: "If you want to defend the Red October factory, it is far from enough to rely on a guard regiment alone. But have you forgotten the working class in the factory? In order to defend the factory they love, they will fight bravely in the cruel battle."
Anisimov's words reminded Sokov that some time ago he had set up defenses in the Red October factory and repelled the German attacks again and again. He began to think in his mind that if all the workers in the factory could be used, the power used for defense in the factory and the family areas would be greatly enhanced.
Thinking of this, Sokov nodded and said, "Since everyone's opinions have reached an agreement, what group we need to consider next is to send to the Red October factory to take over the defense?"
"I think it's the 124th Regiment of the Stalkza," Sidolin suggested to Sokov: "The commanders and fighters of the regiment have fought many tough battles. Send them to the Red October factory to establish them. I believe they will definitely be able to block the enemy's attack."
"No, we can't send Lieutenant Colonel Starcha's 124th Regiment to perform such an important task." Sokov said to Cydolin: "You know, their regiment is now the main force that sticks to the South Gate. Once transferred, our defensive power will be greatly weakened."
Seeing Sokov rejecting his proposal, Sidolin was not angry, but instead asked respectfully: "Which group do you think should be sent?"
"I think, just send Lieutenant Colonel Papchinko's 122nd Regiment," Sokov replied without hesitation: "I believe that with their combat effectiveness, there should be no problem in defending the family area of the Red October factory."
"But this regiment has severely reduced its troops in the battle two days ago." Sidolin reminded Sokov: "I am worried that they don't have enough strength to defend against such a large area."
"Replenish the Marine Battalion of Shamrich." Sokov said with a serious expression: "If Lieutenant Colonel Papuchinko was unable to achieve greater results after he was strengthened by the sailors, then I would consider re-dividing the Marine Battalion of Shamrich."
"Don't worry, comrade in the division commander." Ivanov interrupted and said, "They are all my old subordinates. I know very well how capable they are. I believe they will not let you down."