I suspect the events at Stalingrad on 14-15 October 1942 will never be fully known. But yes, Chuikov's life was on the line - his predecessor, Lopatin, was arrested on 6 September for making an unauthorised retreat, placed under the authority of a military tribunal and probably shot. Crucially, Stalin seems to have supported Chuikov and decided that Yeremenko - the Front commander - was at fault for holding back reinforcements Stavka had earmarked for the city.

Thanks all of you for your interest and support!