Red Moscow

Before Sokov could speak, Chuikov said with a straight face: "Lieutenant Colonel Sokov, if I remember correctly, you are from the 62nd Army, and the defense area is at Mamayev Hill. Why did you suddenly appear here? Could it be that your troops are now under the command of the 64th Army?"

"Comrade General," Sokov didn't expect Chuikov to say that, and replied in a panic, "I heard that you lost contact with the army headquarters, so I brought the troops here to search for your whereabouts..."

"I heard?!" Cuikov asked coldly: "You, the commander of the 62nd Army, how did you know that I lost contact with your headquarters?"

"Comrade General," Sokov looked at the other party and said without fear, "Have you forgotten that your chief of operations, Lieutenant Colonel Sidolin, is now my chief of staff."

What happened next surprised Sokov and the commanders around him. Cuikov suddenly stepped forward and gave Sokov a bear hug. He leaned close to Sokov's ear and said with a choked voice, "Thank you, my friend. I really didn't expect that you would bring your troops to rescue me without hesitation when you heard that I was in danger."

Chuikov let go of Sokov, took a step back, sniffed, and said, "Since you're here, I need your help with something."

"Comrade General," Sokov said without hesitation, "If you have anything to do, just ask for it?"

"Look, Lieutenant Colonel Sokov." Chuikov regained his composure, pointed in the direction of the Aksai River, and said, "According to intelligence, the leading edge of the German army is only a dozen kilometers away from here, and we have not yet A decent line of defense, and no troops to defend."

Seeing Sokov open his mouth, he guessed what the other party wanted to say, and quickly added: "Yes, although there are Lyudnikov's 138th Infantry Division and Kuropatenko's 157th Infantry Division here. , and some other troops. But these troops are being transferred, and until they are regrouped, they will not be of much combat effectiveness. Therefore, while we are building the fortifications, I hope that your troops will take on the vigilance Task."

After Sokov gave himself an affirmative answer, Chuikov turned to Lyudnikov and Kuropatenko and said, "Two division commanders, you have retreated far enough, immediately order the troops to stop. Build fortifications on the northern bank of the Aksai River to prevent the German advance to Stalingrad."

For Chuikov's order, Lyudnikov readily agreed. But Kuropatenko said hesitantly: "Comrade General, we belong to the 51st Army. I don't think I can accept your order without the permission of the superior."

Lyudnikov heard his friend say this, and quickly tugged at the corner of his clothes to stop him from continuing. His little move was seen by Chuikov. Chuikov smiled lightly, and then said to Kuropatenko: "Comrade Colonel, you are right. Under normal circumstances, as the commander of the 64th Army, I have no right to ask Friendly forces are calling the shots. But now is the war period, I think you have lost contact with the 51st Army headquarters? In this case, your only choice is to obey my order and build a line to prevent the Germans from rushing towards Stalingrad. As for your commander, Major General Kolomiets, I will explain to him personally in the future."

Now that Chuikov’s words were all on this point, Kuropatenko knew that he could only choose to obey the order, so he agreed loudly, and then ordered the commanders around him to start gathering troops and prepare to start building fortifications by the river.

While the two division commanders were gathering their troops, Chuikov walked up to Major General Dmitriev and asked, "Old man, what do you say? Do you want to continue to lead the retreat, or stay and join me in beating the Germans?" people?"

Major General Dmitriev turned his head and glanced at his scattered troops, sighed and said: "Even if we withdraw to Stalingrad, our task is to stop the Germans, so we might as well fight them here." One battle. I have decided, General Chuikov, to stay and fight with you."

"This is really great." When Dmitriev made his choice, Chuikov shook his hand and said excitedly: "I will form a southern group of the 64th Army here. If you don't If you object, then serve as the artillery commander of the group."

For General Dmitriev, the nature of serving as the deputy commander of the artillery of the group army is similar to that of the group artillery headquarters, so he readily agreed: "I am very happy, General Chuikov."

After Chuikov appointed Dmitriev as the artillery commander, he came to Sokov again and asked tentatively: "Lieutenant Colonel Sokov, my southern group is almost empty now, except for two serious In addition to the understaffed infantry division and a small number of artillery, 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 act as the chief of staff, do you have any objections?"

According to Sokov's idea, Chuikov had already found it anyway, and after the two infantry divisions completed construction by the Aksay River, he would return to Mamayev Post with the commanders and fighters of the third battalion. But now Chuikov actually proposed to let him act as the chief of staff. Sokov replied in a panic: "General Chuikov, this is not suitable. You know, I have never held a similar position, and I think it is very difficult for me to be qualified for this position." .”

"I think you are suitable, and you are suitable." Unexpectedly, when Cuikov heard him say this, he said in an unquestionable tone: "That's it, from now on, you are 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 he specifically emphasized, "If there is a battle in the direction of Mamayev Post, I will let you go back to the infantry brigade to continue commanding the troops. of."

Regarding Chuikov's arrangement, Sokov was a little dumbfounded. He said to himself that I got your chief of operations, Lieutenant Colonel Sidolin, to be the chief of staff of the infantry brigade not long ago. Only a few days later, he became the Chuikov's chief of staff, this retribution must have come too soon. But since Cui Kefu has already arranged this way, it is useless even if he opposes it. Who will let others be generals? The orders he gave can only be carried out unconditionally.