179B - Stalingrad: Endgame - WW2 - January 31, 1943

by Panzer
January 31, 1943
The Battle of Stalingrad has been nearing its conclusion, with the Soviets tightening
the noose around the surrounded Axis forces in the city.
Will the Germans and their auxiliaries surrender?
Or will they fight to the last?
Everything depends on the most wanted man in the city: German Commander Friedrich Paulus.
I'm Indy Neidell; this is an extra regular episode for the week of February 5, 1943.
A lot to cover.
Okay, January 30th, 1943 and the week begins.
Political functionaries of the Nazi Party are preparing festivities all over Germany,
coordinating rallies and official gatherings.
It is the tenth anniversary of Adolf Hitler's ascent to power as chancellor and eventual
dictator of the German Reich.
From all theatres of the war, commanders of the Wehrmacht send their congratulations to
the Führer, as is expected of them.
One single telegram, though, reaches Hitler's headquarters from the banks of the River Volga.
"The swastika flag still flies above Stalingrad.
May our fight be an example to the living and coming generations, to never surrender,
not even in the most hopeless of situations, so that Germany may be victorious.
Heil mein Führer!", it is signed, Friedrich Paulus.
It isn't long until a respone is sent.
"My Generaloberst Paulus.
To date, the whole German people are deeply moved by its heroes inside this city.
Like it has always been in the world's history, your sacrifice as well, will not be in vain.
In thoughts with you and your soldiers.
Your Adolf Hitler."
The message is received and read aloud deep within the underground cellar rooms of the "Univermag".
The bombed out ruins of the former departement store now serve as the last command bunker
of the German 6th Army.
Paulus and his staff withdrew their remaining forces into the city once their defensive
lines outside of it were broken.
Pursued by strong contingents of the 21st, 62nd, and 64th Soviet Armies, their city cauldron
has been split into two main parts.
One located in the south, around the city center, and one in the north, inside the industrial
area.
There is no longer coordinated defense and no longer centralised leadership.
Each cauldron is basically led and defended by its own commanding General.
Fighting however, continues, and Axis soldiers desperately resist the Soviet attacks, street
by street, house by house.