When Khrushchev and Lopatin went to visit the patient, Vanya also rushed over after handling the checkpoint matters. As soon as he saw Sokov and Belkin, he took the initiative to admit his mistake to them: "
Brigadier, Comrade Political Commissar, I'm sorry, it's all my fault, I caused you trouble."
"Captain Vanya, what mistake did you make?" Sokov looked at Vanya and said: "If you came to apologize to us because of what happened at the checkpoint, I can tell you that there is no need. Soldier
They were performing their duties and they did nothing wrong."
"But, Comrade Brigadier." Vanya said with lingering fear: "That's a general?"
"What about the general? The general has to be reasonable. Besides, this matter is at fault on their side." After Sokov comforted Vanya, he asked curiously: "Comrade Captain, I want to ask, what do you think about our soldiers?"
There was a conflict with General Lopatin’s men. How many of them were at that time?”
"There were eight soldiers on duty at the checkpoint. They asked General Lopatin to show his ID. Unexpectedly, the other party not only ignored them, but also had a very bad attitude. They were arguing, but they didn't know who made the first move, and the two sides started fighting.
." When Vanya heard Sokov asked about the conflict between the soldiers at the checkpoint and General Lopatin's men, he naturally wanted to report in detail: "Even though their number is twice as many, our soldiers have never been defeated.
."
Regarding the conflict at the checkpoint, Sokov also thought that the number of seven guards under Lopatin was roughly equal. After listening to Vanya's explanation, he realized that the number of the other party was much greater than that of his own men.
Sokov thought it was a great thing that his men could still win despite being so outnumbered, which made Lopatin furious.
As soon as Vanya finished speaking, Sokov smiled and said: "That's great, our warriors are so great. It's really amazing to be able to beat the opponent to the point of suffering despite being at a numerical disadvantage."
It’s a pity that I don’t have the right to award medals to them, otherwise for this matter, I would definitely award a medal to each soldier at the checkpoint.”
"Comrade Brigadier," Sokov had just finished expressing his position. Belkin reminded him in a low voice: "If this is not conducive to unity, I think it is better not to say it. Otherwise, it will spread and affect peace and harmony."
Friendly military relations."
Next, Sokov asked Vanya about the troops stationed in the tunnel: "Captain Vanya, which company of yours has stationed in the tunnel?"
"Each company assigned two platoons to go into the tunnel to adapt to the environment." Vanya replied: "Although many soldiers reported that they felt an inexplicable sense of depression when they stayed in it, I believe that as long as they are allowed more
After a few days, they can still adapt to this kind of tunnel life."
"Captain Vanya, I think it is necessary to say hello to you in advance." Sokov said with a serious expression: "If the battle starts near Mamayev Heights, the time our officers and soldiers stay in the tunnel will not be
We must stay in the tunnel for a few days or even a week, but for a month, two months or even longer. Therefore, all officers and soldiers must be mentally prepared, do you understand?"
"Understood, Comrade Brigadier." Vanya nodded in agreement with a troubled face.
"Comrade Captain," Belkin said to Vanya with a smile: "Actually, don't take the matter of staying in the tunnel so seriously. You can tell the soldiers to treat it as if they were staying in the subway.
There will definitely be some discomfort at first, but as time goes by, you will become accustomed to it.”
The three of them were talking outside the tent. Khrushchev and Lopatin, who had visited Chuikov, had already returned with their people. Seeing Chuikov among the crowd, Sokov couldn't help but show a surprised expression on his face.
Khrushchev came to Sokov and said with a smile: "Comrade Lieutenant Colonel, General Chuikov said that he has nothing to do, so when I was going back, I sent him back to the 64th Army Headquarters."
Sokov did not answer his words. He just glanced at Chuikov quickly and saw that his expression was much better than when he came back. Returning to the army at this time should not cause any serious harm to his body.
"Lieutenant Colonel Sokov, I just checked, your brigade is still part of the Bryansk Front." Khrushchev waited for Chuikov and Lopakyo to come to him, and then asked: "I miss you.
Now that we have arrived at Stalingrad, it is only a matter of time before we are incorporated into our front army. Now the commanders of the 62nd and 64th Army are in front of you. Please tell us which group army you want your troops to be incorporated into."
Sokov waited for Khrushchev to finish speaking, and then replied without hesitation: "Comrade Military Commissar, from the analysis of the current war situation, if the war is going on in the city, the location of our brigade will happen to be in the third position.
Within the combat area of the 62nd Army. Therefore, I hope that my troops will be integrated into the Army Group commanded by General Lopatin."
Regarding Sokov's decision, Lopatin showed a surprised expression on his face after hearing it. He did not expect that the other party would actually choose his own troops. When Chuikov heard what Sokov said, his face was filled with surprise.
There was a hint of disappointment. Although he had never seen the combat effectiveness of the 73rd Infantry Brigade, a unit that could be upgraded from a company-level unit to an infantry brigade must have many impressive achievements. He dreamed of transforming this unit into
Therefore, after Khrushchev proposed to send him back to the army headquarters, he specially proposed to come here to meet Sokov.
Khrushchev was equally surprised by Sokov's decision. He turned to look at Chuikov beside him and couldn't help but feel sorry for him. He understood very well that Chuikov was an excellent senior commander, but his
However, he lacked troops capable of fighting. If the 73rd Infantry Brigade could be put under his command, it would definitely shine on the battlefield. Unexpectedly, Sokov chose Lopatin's 62nd Army without hesitation.
, it’s really a pity.
Despite the fact that Lopatin was extremely dissatisfied with Sokov because of the conflict at the checkpoint, it was a good thing to have such an elite force joining his command. Considering this, he temporarily put aside the conflict with Sokov.
Sokov pretended to be magnanimous and asked: "Lieutenant Colonel Sokov, since you and your troops have been assigned to my command of the 62nd Army, if you have any difficulties, just ask them.
, I will solve it for you."
"Comrade Commander," Sokov looked at Lopatin and said respectfully: "The infantry brigade lacks a large number of grassroots commanders. I wonder if you can give us a new batch?" After he said this,
Seeing Lopatin's embarrassed look, he suppressed the smile in his heart and continued, "If you can't add so many commanders at the same time, you can first arrange a brigade chief of staff for our brigade. You know, if
When Political Commissar Belgin and I were outside, there was no one in charge at the brigade headquarters."
When Khrushchev heard this, he turned to face Lopatin and asked: "General Lopatin, Lieutenant Colonel Sokov's request, can you satisfy him?"
"This is very difficult, Comrade Military Commissar." Lopatin said with some laughter and tears: "You can learn more about the situation on the front line from the battle reports every day. Those troops that are fighting bloody battles with the German army not only lack soldiers, but also commanders.
It is also lacking. Many companies suffered heavy casualties, and we even had to temporarily promote a group of combat backbones to serve as military officers of the company to ensure that the troops would not lose their combat effectiveness because they were leaderless."
After Khrushchev waited for Lopatin to finish complaining, he sighed softly and turned to Chuikov: "General Sokov, although the 73rd Infantry Brigade is not under your command, they have rescued them anyway.
Your name. Do you think it is possible to transfer a group of military commanders from your unit to enrich the command system of the infantry brigade?"
Regarding Khrushchev's request, Chuikov only thought about it for a moment, then nodded and said: "No problem, although our current situation is not optimistic, but I can transfer 30 grassroots commanders to Soko
Lieutenant Colonel Husband’s troops will come. Also, Lieutenant Colonel Sidorin, the chief of the group army’s operations department, can come to the 73rd Infantry Brigade to serve as the brigade chief of staff.”
"Lieutenant Colonel Sidorin?" Khrushchev did not raise any objection to the candidate proposed by Chuikov, but asked Chuikov curiously: "Does he have a son who serves as a messenger in your army headquarters?"
"That's right, Lieutenant Colonel Sidorin's son, Little Sidorin, has just turned sixteen this year." Chuikov replied: "I thought he was too thin, so I didn't let him go to the combat troops below, but stayed here.
At the Army Group Headquarters."
"Little Sidorin will continue to stay at your headquarters," Khrushchev waited for Chuikov to finish speaking and immediately ordered him: "Have Lieutenant Colonel Sidorin rush over immediately to report that if the infantry brigade does not have a chief of staff,
It’s really a bit inappropriate.”
After Khrushchev left with Chuikov and Lopatin, Vanya asked anxiously: "Comrade Brigadier, why did you choose the 62nd Army instead of General Chuikov's 64th Army? You know,
Once we become a member of the 62nd Army, those soldiers who have conflicts with the commander may be punished by their superiors."
"Didn't I just say that? Our brigade is located in the combat area designated for the 62nd Army." Naturally, Sokov would not tell the two of them, saying that Lopatin would soon be dismissed and sent to
He went to the military court, and the person who succeeded him was Chuikov, who was rescued by himself. Seeing that Vanya was worried about his subordinates, he patted his chest and promised: "Comrade Captain, don't worry. As long as I am Sokov
As the commander of the 73rd Infantry Brigade, no one can trouble our soldiers."
Early the next morning, the soldier on duty at the checkpoint called Sokov, saying that a truck full of commanders had arrived and asked if he could rest assured. When Sokov heard what the sentry said, he guessed that it might have been sent by Chuikov.
When the military cadres arrived, they quickly ordered the sentry: "Let them go, let them go immediately. In addition, you are sending someone to accompany the car to the brigade headquarters to prevent them from being intercepted again on the road."
After putting down the phone, Sokov smiled and said to Belkin: "Comrade Political Commissar, if I guess correctly, the commander sent to us by Chuikov has arrived. Let's go out to greet them."
Belkin was particularly happy to learn that the commanders at all levels sent by Chuikov to the brigade had arrived. After briefly washing up, he put on his military uniform and followed Sokov outside the tent, waiting for the truck full of commanders.
arrival.
After waiting for a few minutes, a truck came to a stop not far from Sokov and the others. As soon as the truck stopped, the soldier standing on the front pedal jumped out of the truck, raised his hand to salute Sokov, and reported
: "Comrade Brigade Commander, I have been ordered to deliver the vehicle, please give instructions!"
"Thank you, comrade soldier." Sokov nodded to the soldier: "There is nothing for you to do here. You can go back to your post."
When the soldier turned to leave, the door on the passenger side of the car was pushed open from the inside, and a young and seemingly heavy-looking lieutenant colonel got out. He stood next to the car and looked towards where Sokov and Belgin were.
After a while, he walked over, raised his hand and saluted first and said: "Hello, Lieutenant Colonel Sokov. I am Lieutenant Colonel Sidorin, Chief of the Operations Department of the 64th Group Army, and I have been ordered to report to you!"
"Hello, Comrade Chief of Staff." When he learned that the lieutenant colonel in front of him was the Chief of Staff sent to him by Chuikov, Sokov couldn't help but be overjoyed. He held the other person's hand and said excitedly: "On behalf of the infantry brigade, I
All our commanders and fighters welcome you."
After Lieutenant Colonel Sidorin and Belkin finished shaking hands, Sokov continued: "Comrade Chief of Staff, let me briefly introduce to you the situation of the infantry brigade. Our brigade has a four-battalion system, and each battalion has three subordinates.
Companies, each company has three platoons... Since we expanded our troops on a large scale in Kursk when we were upgraded from an infantry battalion to an infantry brigade, the strength of one battalion is equivalent to a regiment of friendly forces."
"The strength of a battalion is equivalent to a regiment of friendly forces?" When Lieutenant Colonel Sidorin heard what Sokov said, he couldn't help but interjected and asked: "Then a company of ours is equivalent to a battalion of others.
Have you?" Seeing Sokov nodding in affirmation, he frowned and added, "The troops are so bloated that I'm worried that it will be difficult to command them during a war."
"Do you have any good suggestions?" Belkin asked with a smile.
"Each company has three platoons, and each platoon has more than a hundred people." Lieutenant Colonel Sidorin said thoughtfully: "I suggest splitting the existing platoon into three platoons, that is to say,
Change the original three platoons in each company to nine platoons. As for the platoon commanders of these new platoons, the commanders I brought here will serve as them."
"No problem." Sokov did not object to Sidorin's proposal. On the contrary, he said cheerfully: "You are the brigade chief of staff. It is up to you to decide how to adjust the organization of the army."