Stalin , Stalingrad
November 4 1942
How desperate we were in our efforts to slow the German advance into Stalingrad, especially around the Don Bend. Nazi forces have already broke through to the south of Stalingrad and moved deeper into the city as days passed. Installing Zhukov as my direct deputy was imperative if we were to save Stalingrad. Sending him to Kamyshin on Aug 29 was the only way. We have to strike an offensive immediately but Zhukov wanted to hold it off till the 5th of September only to report that our forces were not able to penetrate the Nazi defenses. Nonetheless the wait was worth it as our training of the forces and strategic reserves were close to completion by November.
Our Counteroffensive plans were only known by me, Zhukov and Vasilevsky. The Stalingrad Front would be renamed the Don Front, and the Southeastern Front renamed, the Stalingrad Front, both were effective on 28 September. Despite the German onslaught, my focus remains on the counteroffensive, to drive the bloody Germans out once and for all. 9th November and 10th November for this counteroffensive to begin at the Don and Stalingrad Front respectively. The Germans had better be ready.
Stalin , Stalingrad
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