Red Moscow

  Chapter 303 Mamayev Gang (2)

   "Mamayev Gang?" Sokov's answer surprised Antonov. He thought Sokov would choose the factory area in the north of the city, or the central area in the south of the city. But unexpectedly, Sokov actually chose the Mamayev Hill connecting the two places. He couldn't help asking curiously: "Lieutenant Colonel Sokov, why did you choose this place?"

   Sokov turned his head to look at Belkin next to him and asked, "Is there a map in the direction of Stalingrad?"

   Facing this question from Sokov, Belkin said in bewilderment: "No, I only have maps of the Bryansk and Kursk regions. Comrade brigade commander, what do you want the map of Stalingrad for?"

   Knowing that Belkin didn't have a map of Stalingrad, Sokov scratched the back of his head a little embarrassed, thinking that if there was no map, how would I introduce the importance of Mamayev Kurgan to Antonov?

"Lieutenant Colonel Sokov, there must be no map of Stalingrad here." Seeing Sokov's embarrassment, Antonov smiled and said to him, "If you have any ideas, just go ahead and Straight up."

  However, Sokov still felt awkward telling others about his defensive intentions without a map. He thought for a while, took out a pen and paper from his satchel, and began to draw a sketch of Stalingrad.

  Antonov stood aside, looked at Sokov's drawing with his head tilted, and asked with a smile: "Lieutenant Colonel Sokov, I didn't expect you to know the terrain of Stalingrad better. Have you been there before?"

"No, I've never been there before." Sokov replied bluntly, "I once saw a map of Stalingrad. The shape of the whole city looks like a pair of glasses placed by the Volga River. You Look, the factory area in the north of the city and the city center in the south of the city are the two rings of the glasses; Mamayev Hill is the bridge of the nose connecting the two rings..."

  Hearing Sokov's vivid metaphor, Antonov nodded with a smile: "Yes, your metaphor is quite appropriate. Let's go on."

Sokov pointed to the location of Mamayev Hill and continued: "Mamayev Hill is divided into two slopes, north and south. The north **** near the factory area has a large number of oil tanks built on it, which store a large amount of fuel oil. The south of the south **** is the Shizhong District and the Central Railway Station, which is an important land transportation for the city to connect to the outside world; and there is a pier on the east of the south slope. Once the whole city is surrounded by the German army, we can only pass through this pier , Bring in the soldiers, weapons, ammunition and various supplies needed in the city, and evacuate the wounded and the civilians in the city..."

After listening to Sokov patiently, Antonov coughed lightly, and then said: "Lieutenant Colonel Sokov, I think you are a bit too pessimistic. Don't look at us now in the direction of Stalingrad, only two One army, but more are being formed and will be marching to Stalingrad one after another. Our army is fully confident that it will keep the enemy away from the city."

"Comrade General, the situation may not be as optimistic as we imagined." Although Sokov knew the German offensive line and troop deployment to a certain extent, he did not tell Antonov. He knew very well. , even if he said it, Antonov would not believe it. So he simply didn't say anything, so as not to cause unnecessary trouble in the future. "Judging from the current situation, the German army rushing towards Stalingrad should be the 6th Army led by Paulus. The troops deployed near Stalingrad cannot stop them. According to my estimation, in another year In two months, the main battlefield will be in the city of Stalingrad..."

   "The battle is starting in Stalingrad?" Antonov couldn't help frowning when he heard this. If he hadn't thought that Sokov's analysis of the situation was quite accurate, he would have already reprimanded the other party. But at this moment, suppressing the dissatisfaction in his heart, he asked with some displeasure: "Lieutenant Colonel Sokov, in your opinion, is it possible for us to start street fighting with the attacking enemy in the city of Stalingrad?"

   "Yes, I think so." Sokov immediately gave Antonov an affirmative answer.

   "Then tell me," Antonov snorted, and continued to ask, "Can we hold Stalingrad?"

Regarding this question from Antonov, Sokov deliberately hesitated for a long time before he said: "Comrade General, I think we should be able to hold on. After all, this is a city named after the Supreme Commander himself. Such a great city will not be allowed to fall into German hands."

   Antonov, who was originally expressionless, smiled again when he heard what Sokov said: "Lieutenant Colonel Sokov, is there anything I can do for you?"

"Comrade General," Sokov wanted to build tunnels on Mamayev Hill, but there was not enough building materials, so he asked cautiously: "I plan to build tunnels on Mamayev Hill. How about the leaders of the Gele City Defense Committee provide us with the necessary building materials?"

   "This is no problem." Regarding Sokov's request, Antonov immediately readily agreed: "I will personally greet the comrades of the City Defense Committee and ask them to provide you with enough building materials."

  After receiving this promise from Antonov, Sokov felt much more at ease in his heart. 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 by the German army. But if the interior can be reinforced with reinforced concrete, then the chances of survival for commanders and fighters hiding inside can be greatly improved.

  The two parties had just reached an agreement, when a voice calling for a report suddenly came from the door. Antonov heard the voice outside, which was from one of his subordinates, and hurriedly said to the door, "Come in!"

As soon as Antonov's words fell, an officer walked in from the outside, straightened his body and reported to him: "Comrade Deputy Minister, I have already contacted the ministry. The railway station has been contacted. The column they have arranged for the 73rd Infantry Brigade will start at four o'clock sharp in the afternoon."

   Hearing the officer's report, Antonov thought to himself: It's not the same as the chief of the general staff, and the matter of the military column is settled in one go. If I changed myself, it would be fast if I could start tomorrow. Thinking of this, he smiled and said to Sokov: "Lieutenant Colonel Sokov, the military train is still three hours away, immediately gather all your people and rush to the Paveletsky Railway Station immediately. If you miss this Going to the military column, I don’t know when I will wait for the next time.”

  (end of this chapter)