"The rocket launcher has been successfully developed?!" Hearing this unexpected good news, Sokov was really overjoyed. As a result, he also had a long-range anti-tank weapon. Although the range was not comparable to that of anti-tank guns, it was better than the light weight.
Anti-tank crews can quickly move their launch positions and deliver a thunderous blow to enemy tanks at any time. "This is really great. I wonder when we can deploy troops?"
"The rocket launchers and related ammunition are being loaded on the truck," Yakov paused for a moment and said, "We will reach Stalingrad in about five days. Since this is a new type of weapon, the soldiers will definitely not use it.
Twelve instructors were also specially dispatched to teach the soldiers how to use this weapon."
Although the rocket launcher has officially come out, Sokov still knows nothing about its performance parameters. He waited for Yakov to finish and then asked: "What is its rate of fire and how far is its range? Still
Yes, how thick of tank armor can it penetrate?" This was originally a question Yakov asked himself a few months ago, and now Sokov threw the same question to the other party.
"Based on our many tests," Yakov replied: "The rocket launcher has a firing rate of 5 to 7 rounds per minute, a direct range of 120 meters, an effective range of 180 meters, and an armor penetration thickness of 170 to 200 millimeters. Each
Each performance is slightly higher than the parameters you originally proposed."
Sokov originally thought that the newly developed rocket launcher would be considered very good if its various parameters could reach 80% of the parameters he proposed. But he did not expect that Yakov gave himself an unexpected surprise. Regardless of all the parameters, it reached his own expectations.
The standards have even improved to a certain extent.
Just when Sokov couldn't help himself, Yakov gave him an even bigger surprise: "By the way, among the military aid materials provided to us by the United States, there are eight rocket launchers called 'Bazookas'
.Except for leaving two for dismantling and research, the rest will be given to you for use."
"What, there are bazooka rocket launchers in the American military aid supplies?" Sokov was startled by Yakov's words. He had always thought that the bazooka rockets were only developed and equipped by the US military at the end of World War II.
Unexpectedly, it has now become one of the military aid supplies. He asked tentatively: "Yasha, I want to ask, which rocket launcher do you think is more useful?"
"After receiving the equipment from the Allies, we have conducted thirty tests." Yakov said slowly: "To be honest, compared with the bazooka rocket launcher, our rocket launcher has better range and
The power is slightly superior."
"Yasha, the instructor you sent is probably not familiar with the bazooka rocket launcher." After listening to Yakov's words, Sokov quickly thought of a new question and asked quickly: "You will never give
Shall we send some American instructors over?"
"Misha, you are so awesome." Unexpectedly, Sokov's casual ridicule made Yakov marvel, "How do you know there are American instructors? In order to help you master the use of this weapon as soon as possible
, there are three American instructors accompanying us, and you must ask the soldiers to fully cooperate with them."
"Don't worry, Yasha." Sokov replied with a smile: "I will satisfy the American instructor."
Seeing Sokov put down the phone, Sidorin couldn't wait to ask: "Comrade division commander, has that kind of weapon that can hit tanks at a long distance really been developed?"
"Yes, Comrade Chief of Staff." Thinking that Sidorin was also present when he was drawing Yakov, Sokov hid it from him: "The military industry department has developed a rocket launcher, and its performance is better than my design standards at the time.
Improved. Within a range of 120 meters, no active tank in the German army can escape the fate of being penetrated."
"This is really great." When Sokov said this, Sidorin's eyes couldn't help but turn red: "With such long-range anti-tank weapons, our soldiers no longer need to sacrifice their lives for the enemy.
tanks."
"Yes, that's right." Sokov replied absentmindedly, and he began to think about the Battle of Kursk that will break out in July next year. If the Soviet army can equip a large number of such rockets, it will be a German tank.
nightmare. "Our anti-tank crews can hide in the ruins, shoot from a long distance, and catch the enemy by surprise."
"I wonder when these rocket launchers from the Weapons and Equipment Department will reach Stalingrad?" Sidorin asked tentatively: "If they arrive too late, I'm afraid they won't be of any use."
Sidorin's words aroused Sokov's curiosity, and he asked in surprise: "Comrade Chief of Staff, what do you mean by that?"
"The current situation in the factory area is not optimistic." Sidorin shook his head and said: "Although the 45th Infantry Division has come, they can only block the enemy's attack and try to drive the enemy away from the occupied area.
I want to go, but I still can’t.”
"Comrade Chief of Staff," Sokov discovered that Sidorin was now pessimistic and felt that he might not be able to defend the city. If his emotions were known to the commanders and soldiers below, it would have a negative impact on military morale and morale.
Thinking of this, Sokov said with a serious expression: "Have you ever thought that if, as a commander, you do not have the confidence to defeat the enemy, then the commanders and soldiers at all levels below can continue to fight bravely?
?"
Sidorin, who received Sokov's responsibility, looked around and saw that the staff and communications soldiers were busy with their own affairs in the distance. He probably did not hear the complaint he had just made, so he quickly lowered his voice to Sokov: "Division Commander
Comrade, aren’t I worried as I see the situation in the city becoming increasingly tense?”
"What's wrong with you, Comrade Chief of Staff, didn't you hear the call I just had with Comrade Commander?" Sokov emphasized in order to regain Sidorin's confidence: "He said that the enemy is now targeting the barricade factory.
The intensity of the offensive against the Dzerzhinsky Factory has been greatly weakened. This is certainly due to the fact that Lieutenant Guchakov and others are harassing behind enemy lines, but more importantly, the enemy's effective forces have been continuously weakened by our army during the attack.
, they are no longer able to launch a more violent attack."
"Comrade Commander, you are back." Just as Sokov was cheering for Sidorin, Ivanov, who was inspecting the 122nd Guards Regiment, came back. He saw Sokov chatting with Sidorin.
He quickly said hello, "I plan to call the Third Battalion Commander when I come back and ask you when you can come back."
"Comrade Deputy Division Commander," Sokov asked after Ivanov sat down: "You went to inspect the 122nd Regiment today. What do you think?"
"Judging from the current situation, it should be impossible for the Romanian army to launch a large-scale attack on the Red October Factory." Ivanov said thoughtfully: "The enemy is now focusing its main energy on
If we focus on seizing the barricade factory and the Dzerzhinsky factory, we will not take care of the defense area of our division. The Romanian army has also been hurt by our beatings during this period. If the Germans do not urge them, they will attack them every day.
The offense launched in our defensive zone was nothing more than a formality."
"Comrade Deputy Division Commander, I have good news for you." Sidorin waited for Ivanov to finish and then interrupted: "The superiors are about to provide us with a batch of long-range anti-tank weapons."
"Long-range anti-tank weapon?! Is it a new anti-tank gun?" Ivanov said excitedly: "When I inspected the defense area of the 122nd Regiment today, I saw several 75mm anti-tank guns hidden in the ruins.
The artillery can not only use armor-piercing shells to hit enemy tanks, but also use high-explosive shells to hit enemy infantry. The effect is really good. Unfortunately, there are not many artillery shells now, and they need to replenish them as soon as possible. Otherwise, after a while, these will not be available.
An anti-tank gun with artillery shells will become a pile of scrap metal."
"The anti-tank weapons provided to us by our superiors are not anti-tank guns or anti-tank rifles." When Sokov thought of the drawing, he was still the commander of the 73rd Infantry Brigade. Ivanov had not come yet, so naturally he didn't know
Regarding the rocket launcher, I specifically explained to him: "It is a new anti-tank weapon called a rocket launcher. Soldiers can carry this anti-tank weapon on their shoulders and destroy enemy tanks a hundred meters away."
"Bazooka?!" Hearing this unfamiliar word, Ivanov showed a confused expression on his face. He looked sideways at Sidorin and asked in confusion: "Chief of Staff, what kind of weapon is this? How can I
Never heard of it.”
"You've probably never heard of it," Sidorin said with a smile: "This is a new anti-tank weapon developed by the division commander more than a month ago. The weapons and equipment department has just successfully developed it and will arm us in a short time.
division."
"Is this true? That's great." Ivanov held Sokov's hand and said excitedly: "Comrade division commander, if this weapon is really as powerful as you said, on my behalf
All anti-tank pilots thank you because you rescued them from danger. With this weapon, the casualties of anti-tank pilots on the battlefield will be greatly reduced."
"Comrade Deputy Division Commander, I think so." In order to eliminate the gap and estrangement between the old subordinates and the new subordinates as soon as possible, Sokov solemnly said to Ivanov: "The reason why I did not give you the original subordinates
The reason for distributing new rockets is because they don't know how to use them at all. After the rockets arrive this time, I plan to give two-thirds to the three regiments of the Guards Division. When you have time, give the three regiment commanders a call.
Greet them and let them select suitable candidates to learn how to use this new weapon."
"What, do you still need to learn how to use the rocket launcher?" Ivanov said with a confused face: "Can't you just pick it up and use it?"
"Comrade Deputy Division Commander, even though I designed this weapon, I don't know how to use this weapon." Sokov said with some embarrassment: "So when the instructors sent by the superiors arrive, we must
Soldiers, study hard. Only by mastering this weapon skillfully can the chance of saving one's life on the battlefield be greatly improved. Do you understand?"
"Understood, Comrade Division Commander." Ivanov nodded and said, "I will convey your thoughts to the three regiment commanders so that they can all be aware of it."
"Comrade Commander," Sidorin interrupted again and asked: "Aren't there still a few American instructors? Which regiment do you plan to assign them to?"
"What, there are American instructors?" Ivanov was confused by Sidorin's words. He asked Sokov in confusion: "Comrade division commander, didn't you say that this anti-tank rocket launcher was designed by you?
Why are there still American instructors?"
"Comrade Deputy Division Commander, let me explain this to you." Sidorin quickly added: "The rocket launchers provided to us last time included six bazooka rocket launchers, which were provided by U.S. allies for military purposes.
Supplies. None of our people know how to use the rocket launchers of the Allies, and we can only let the US military instructors teach their experience in using them."
"I think, let's assign the bazooka rocket launchers to Belkin's shrinking regiment." For these instructors sent by his superiors, Sokov wanted to ensure their safety. After thinking about it, he decided to let the American instructors work in the Red Cross
The factory area of the Red October Factory was the safest place to teach the commanders and fighters of the downsized regiment how to use rocket launchers, so he said without hesitation: "The enemy's attack on the Red October Factory has almost completely stopped. Let our soldiers learn there."
The use of rocket launchers is most appropriate."
As soon as Sokov finished speaking, Ivanov asked another question abruptly: "Comrade division commander, I would like to ask from which direction these rocket launchers are going to be transported into the city? Is it from the underwater pontoon or the ferry behind us?
?”
Sokov did not immediately answer Ivanov's question, but asked Sidorin: "Comrade Chief of Staff, how is the weather lately? Are there any ice floes on the river?"
"Although it has started to snow recently, the temperature is not too low." Sidorin understood the purpose of Sokov's question and quickly explained to him: "I estimate that in the next week, the Volga River will
There will be no ice floes on the river, so no matter which way the superiors transport the rocket launcher in, there should be no problem."
"Although we don't know where the rocket launcher will cross the river yet, I will assign the response tasks first." Sokov pointed to the map on the table and said to Sidorin: "Chief of Staff, if you come from the underwater pontoon,
, let the drawdown regiment receive the supplies. If they disembark from the ferry, let Major Tenev's guard battalion receive them."
"Don't worry, Comrade Commander." Regarding Sokov's arrangements, Sidorin nodded and promised: "I will arrange this matter immediately."
"Also, for the sake of confidentiality, don't tell the two commanders the details of the materials you received." To be on the safe side, Sokov specifically emphasized to Sidorin: "Just say that it is military supplies allocated to us by our superiors.
Supplies, do you understand?"
"Understood." Sidorin glanced at Sokov and Ivanov and said solemnly: "I will never tell the fourth person about this before the rocket reaches the hands of the commanders and fighters of our division.
"
Sokov was very satisfied with Sidorin's answer. He turned to look at Ivanov again. Before he could speak, Ivanov solemnly expressed his position and said: "Don't worry, Commander, I won't do it casually."