As for Kirillov's question, I thought for a moment, and then said decisively: "If the friendly heights are lost, then order the heavy artillery detachment of Second Lieutenant Tiyakonov to shell the heights, suppress the German fire with heavy artillery fire, and cover the counterattack of the 2nd Regiment on the heights." As soon as I said this, I thought of the worst possibility, and hurriedly added, "If the second regiment fails to attack, transfer the third regiment to continue the attack." ”

As for my attitude, Kirillov nodded with great satisfaction and said approvingly: "Yes, comrade division commander, you have thought it all through, if we attack in turn under the cover of artillery fire in such a small position, we can definitely wipe out all the Germans on the position." ”

While the two of us were talking, Pugachev had already come over with his troops, and he raised his hand and saluted and said loudly: "Comrade Division Commander, Comrade Political Commissar, Acting Commander of the Second Regiment, Captain Pugachev, reports to you that the first battalion has been assembled and can be put into battle at any time, please instruct!" ”

I looked at the commanders and fighters standing densely on the hillside, and asked Pugachev: "Comrade Acting Regiment Commander, how many commanders and fighters are there in the 1st Battalion now?" ”

Without looking back, Pugachev replied to me clearly: "Report to the division commander, there are five companies in the first battalion, each company has 7 commanders and 110 soldiers, plus two battalion commanders, the whole battalion has a total of 587 people. ”

When I heard that there were now two battalion commanders in the 1st Battalion, I immediately realized that my decision to let Pugachev personally lead his troops to support friendly forces was a bit too hasty, and I hurriedly said to him: "Comrade Pugachev, you don't have to take part in this battle. Put the troops under the command of a battalion commander. "Finished. Without waiting for him to react in any way. He stepped forward and asked loudly to the commanders standing at the front of the queue, "Which is the commander of the first battalion?" ”

As I asked, a tall, thin, dark-skinned captain took a few steps forward, came up to me, raised his hand and saluted, and replied loudly: "Report to the division commander, Captain Khrushov reports to you that I am the commander of the first battalion." ”

As soon as I heard the captain report himself, I immediately remembered who he was. A smile welled up on my face. Squinting his eyes, he said in a friendly voice: "The last time the Germans shelled the positions of the 2nd Regiment, those newly replenished fighters collapsed under enemy fire, while you and your company continued to stay in the trenches. Isn't that the thing? ”

"Yes, Comrade Division Commander, this is indeed the case." When Khrushov saw that I remembered him, he also said a little excitedly: "At that time, the enemy artillery fire was fierce, and I knew that if I left the position without permission, the troops would be consumed by the German artillery fire in the open field, so the rout began to flee." I stopped the fighters who were shaken by fear in time and kept them in the trenches. What I didn't expect was this. As soon as Commander Pugachev braved artillery fire to the front line, he immediately announced in public the appointment of me as the commander of the first battalion. ”

I smiled, stepped forward to hold his hand and said, "Captain Khrushov, I heard that you once participated in the Battle of Kharkov and have a lot of combat experience. The 107.5 heights of the friendly neighborhood, which are now under heavy attack by the Germans, I have entrusted you with the glorious and arduous task of rescuing the friendly troops. ”

"Please rest assured, I promise to complete the task."

When Kirillov saw that I had asked Khrushov to lead his troops to the heights to reinforce friendly troops, he also stepped forward to my side and asked in a loud voice to the other commanders: "Who is the deputy battalion commander here?" ”

"Report to Comrade Political Commissar, it's me." The political worker who came out of the queue stood beside Khrushov and replied respectfully.

When I looked at it, I saw that the political worker who came out was actually someone I knew, the same Savchenko who had come to the headquarters a few days ago with a soldier who had violated military discipline.

Kirillov saw that the deputy battalion commander who came out was actually Savchenko, and a relieved smile appeared on his face, and then he stretched out his hand to shake his hand, and at the same time told him: "Comrade Savchenko, the division commander and I are very impressed with you, and I hope that your performance in this battle will not disappoint us." ”

Savchenko turned his head and glanced at Khrushov beside him, and then said confidently: "Please rest assured that the division commander and comrade political commissar will assist the battalion commander well and complete this battle to rescue friendly troops." ”

Kirillov smiled and nodded, then turned his head and asked for my opinion in a low voice: "Comrade division commander, the troops are about to leave, can you tell them a few words?" ”

Hearing his advice, I hurriedly waved my hand and pushed this hot potato to him again, if you want to do combat mobilization, it is more suitable for political workers like Kirillov.

Seeing that I was not going to speak, Kirillov did not refrain from refusing, took two more steps, walked closer to the ranks, and began to mobilize everyone for battle: "Comrades, the fascist bandits are attacking the friendly forces on the heights on our western side, and if we do not come to the aid of the friendly forces, the enemy, having seized the heights, will turn it into a starting point for an assault on the city. Therefore, we must do our best, together with our allies, to repel the German attack, to defend the land under our feet, and to defend the city behind us named after the Supreme Commander himself! Although our troops and weapons are far inferior to the fascist bandits, our independent division is a team that is good at creating miracles, we have an indomitable will to fight, and we have a great spirit that is not afraid of sacrifice! I am sure that you will be able to cooperate with the friendly forces and repel the attack of the fascist bandits. ”

Savchenko, who was standing at the front of the queue, heard Kirillov say this, and took the lead in raising his arms and shouting: "Defend Stalingrad to the death and drive out the fascist bandits!" ”

Led by him, all the fighters also raised their arms and chanted the slogan: "Defend Stalingrad to the death and drive out the fascist bandits!" ”

Seeing the fierce emotions of the commanders and fighters, Kirillov nodded with satisfaction again, and then waved his big hand violently and gave the order to the commanders and fighters: "Go!" ”

Khrushov and Savchenko, who were standing at the front of the queue, took two steps back, solemnly raised their right hands, and saluted Kirillov and me.

As soon as Khrushov and a battalion of commanders and fighters left Mamayev Hill, as soon as they entered the open area between the two heights, they were immediately spotted by German tanks. There were several tanks that were shelling the heights and turned their muzzles. Shoot at them.

The shell had just exploded in the open field. Khrushov understood the movement of his troops, which was discovered by the Germans, who immediately dispersed their troops and marched through the enemy's artillery fire in platoons. Seeing that they were skillfully moving forward alternately with the help of the terrain, Kirillov, who was standing with me at the top of the slope, could not help but say with emotion: "Comrade division commander. Although the commanders and fighters of the Second Regiment are all new fighters who have just been recruited, judging from their tactical movements, all of them are well-trained. ”

Looking at the skillful movements of the commanders and fighters, I quickly understood what was going on, and hurriedly explained to Kirillov, who did not know the inside story: "Comrade Political Commissar, although the soldiers of the 2nd Regiment are all newly recruited, they have not undergone military training and have no combat experience. But some time ago, when I and the 5th Regiment were holding the station behind enemy lines, I once supervised Lieutenant Colonel Sederikov, who was in charge of the daily affairs of the division. Let him seize the time to train his troops and make good preparations for a vicious battle. Judging by the appearance of the 2nd Regiment, Comrade Sedjerikov carried out my orders quite thoroughly. ”

Seeing that under the artillery fire of the Germans, the fighters were crawling forward for a while, and at the same time stood up and bent over the artillery to advance. I hurriedly grabbed the phone where I could contact Ensign Tiyakonov directly, and ordered loudly: "Comrade Ensign, use those two heavy guns to fire at the German tanks!" Fire now! ”

Less than two minutes after the order was given, the rumbling of artillery sounded under the hillside, and it was Second Lieutenant Tiyakonov directing his gunners to shell the German tanks in the distance, suppressing their fire and covering the troops of the Khrushov battalion approaching friendly heights.

Heavy artillery is heavy artillery, although there are only two, but it is far more powerful than a dozen tanks of the German army. The first two shells fell, one of which knocked off the turret of one tank, while the other, although it landed in the middle of the two tanks, also blew up five or six infantry hiding near the tanks.

I was looking at the results of the heavy artillery when I suddenly heard a rush of footsteps behind me, and I turned my head to see that it was Godunov, the acting commander of the 3rd regiment, who ran behind us and stood still, panting, and then raised his hand in salute.

Kirillov stepped forward, stretched out his hand and shook hands warmly with him, while asking: "Captain Godunov, how did you come here?" ”

"Comrade Political Commissar, our regiment received an order to assist friendly troops in defending the 107.5 heights. But now that the German invaders are attacking the high ground, and we don't have many regiments in the settlements, the commanders and fighters will have a lot of affection. ”

"The person who has affection, first of all, you are the first person, right?!" The free one Kirillov pointed at Godunov and ruthlessly exposed his petty conspiracy. However, Kirillov was still very satisfied with Godunov's eager attitude towards war, and after he let go of his hand, he raised his hand and patted the other party's shoulder, and said earnestly: "Comrade Godunov, don't worry, you are fighting some battles." The reason why the division commander and I sent the troops of the 2nd Regiment to reinforce the friendly heights is because they are stationed closer to the target than your regiment."

I also walked up to Godunov, shook his hand, and asked, "Captain Godunov, how many people have you brought?" ”

"Three fully equipped infantry companies, all of which are German-style equipment." Godunov replied.

"You've just come from such a distant settlement, and you're going to rush to the high ground to support your allies right away, are you still running?" Kirillov asked with concern.

Godunov replied boldly: "Please rest assured that there is no problem, the division commander and the political commissar." The soldiers were full of enthusiasm for fighting, but during this time, because the regiment commander was wounded, our regiment was resting most of the time, watching other regiments win battles repeatedly, the soldiers couldn't hold back for a long time, and wanted to meet the Germans on the battlefield. I said, division commander and political commissar, we ran so far to the high ground, but we didn't come to see the excitement, you must assign us tasks! ”

I looked at Kirillov, and when I saw that his face was blooming with joy at the moment, I asked him: "Comrade Political Commissar, my opinion is to let Comrade Godunov take these three companies to reinforcements as well. What about your opinion? ”

Kirillov replied with a smile: "Comrade division commander, I have long said that I am only in charge of the political and ideological work of the division, and you have the final say in military affairs. ”

"Okay, then I'll be in charge of this matter." After I said this, I said to Godunov: "Comrade Captain, come and see, Captain Khrushov of the 2nd Regiment. With his battalion braving enemy fire. Rush to the southern slope of the highlands. At present, the heavy artillery of our division is suppressing the German tank artillery fire. Your task is to take your three companies and rush to the foot of the southern slope to stand by. ”

"But Comrade Division Commander," he was a little anxious when he heard the order I gave him, and he actually arrived at the foot of the southern slope of the friendly high ground to stand by, "You also know that the combat effectiveness of our regiment is not worse than that of the second regiment at all. It's even a little stronger, and I've led my troops to hold on to the heights for a while, and I'm familiar with the terrain there. I assure you that as long as the troops of our regiment reach the high ground, they will be able to lead their troops to the defeat of the attacking Germans in five minutes at most. ”

Seeing that he was eager to fight, I hurriedly said: "Captain Godunov, I understand what you are thinking. But since you've been on that high ground, you should know that you can't deploy a large army on the high ground. I have already sent five companies of the second regiment up, if you throw three more of your companies into battle. Coupled with the original defenders on the high ground, the formation of the troops was too dense. A single German shell can kill and wound a dozen or even dozens of us. Huge casualties will seriously affect the morale of our army. Do you understand? ”

When Godunov heard me say this, it suddenly dawned on him, and he happily saluted me and Kirillov: "Understood, division commander, commissar. Permission for me to take the troops on the way? ”

Seeing Kirillov nodding, I said to Godunov: "Let's go, Comrade Captain." When the road is open to guò, let the commanders and fighters pay attention to concealment and minimize unnecessary casualties. ”

When Godunov left, I raised my binoculars again and looked at the open field. On the open ground, more than thirty craters with green smoke appeared, and around the craters, more or less lay a few of our fighters. Some were lying motionless on the ground, while others were clearly wounded and were lying on the ground and rolling around. At this time, Captain Khrushov's troops, which were only a little more than 100 meters away from the high ground, could rush into the dead end of German tank fire with only two more rams.

I picked up the phone again and called Akhromeyev, who was on duty at the division headquarters. As soon as the phone rang, I hurriedly said: "Hey, Comrade Chief of Staff, you immediately call the divisional medical team and ask them to immediately send someone to the open field between the Mamayev post and the 107.5 heights to rescue the wounded." ”

"Is there still a health team in the division?" When I put down the phone, Kirillov asked curiously.

To this question, I shrugged my shoulders and replied with some helplessness: "Comrade Political Commissar, when the independent division was formed, although it had the establishment of a health team, it was always in name only. It wasn't until I returned from behind enemy lines with the Fifth Regiment that I learned that my superiors had sent a lot of medical personnel to the division, making the medical team worthy of its name. ”

I assigned Shederikov the task of preparing for war behind enemy lines, and it seems that he did a good job. The 2nd Regiment, which had previously had the worst combat effectiveness, now rushed to the top of the hill and rushed down the German infantry like a tiger descending the mountain. They smashed the grenade in their heads, and before the smoke cleared, they rushed to the panicked Germans with their weapons in hand and engaged them in a white-knuckle battle.

Seeing the two armies of the enemy and us mixed together, my heart became steady. The German tanks were afraid of injuring their own people by mistake, and they absolutely did not dare to fire lightly. And the soldiers of our division, from the beginning of its formation, I have always put the training of white-knuckle combat in the first place, so that everyone can occupy a little advantage in future street fighting.

Our fighters engaged in hand-to-hand battles with the Germans on the northern slopes of the heights, and the heavy artillery detachment of Second Lieutenant Tiyakonov was not idle, they fired methodically, reimbursing at least half of the German tanks, and the remaining tanks, seeing that they were not opponents, turned around and slipped away.

And Captain Godunov, in the end, did not fully carry out my orders. When he saw that the German tanks were retreating, he took it upon himself to lead his troops to attack from the direction of the northern slope, and formed a flanking attack with the 2nd Regiment from the top down. Seeing Godunov charging into the middle of the German army with a pistol in his hand, he kept shooting at the German soldiers who were close to him with his pistol. Seeing that the Germans were caught in the front and rear of our army, the morale of the commanders and fighters was greatly boosted, and they became more and more courageous.

Seeing that our troops had successfully defeated the attacking German troops, I was also relieved and said to Kirillov: "Let's go, Comrade Commissar, let's go back to the headquarters." ”

The first thing I did when I returned to the command was to call Razumeyeva in and ask her: "Comrade Lieutenant, how do we communicate here with the high ground of our allies?" ”

My question stunned Razumeyeva after a moment. Only then did he say with a blank face: "Comrade division commander." In addition to being able to make contacts within independent divisions. It can also talk directly to the headquarters of the army group, and even send telegrams to higher-level command organs. As for the allies who are holding on to the 107.5 heights, they can't be contacted for the time being. ”

Hearing her say this, I immediately criticized her: "How can this be done, Comrade Lieutenant? You know, our division still has the task of assisting the 125th Infantry Regiment to hold the 107.5 heights, and if we can't communicate with each other, then how can I command the battle? ”

Kirillov's eyes turned red when he saw me talking about Razumeyeva. He walked up to us and said to Razumeyeva in a kind tone: "Comrade Lieutenant, you can think of a way to establish communication between Mamayev and the 107.5 heights, and it is up to you, a professional, to decide whether to use a walkie-talkie or a wired telephone. ”

Razumeeva thought for a moment and replied: "Report to the division commander and political commissar, we do not have many walkie-talkies and walkie-talkies at present, and we can only barely meet the needs of the communication between regiment-level units. Well, I'll send someone to pull a telephone line between the two heights. That way, if anything. You can always call them to get in touch. ”

"That's a good idea." I complimented her and immediately urged her: "Then don't hesitate, send someone to set up a telephone line immediately." ”

After raising her hand and saluting, Razumeyeva was about to leave, but was stopped by Kirillov again, and only listened to his instructions: "Comrade lieutenant, you should let the radio operator Nadya come here with the walkie-talkie later, so that if there are any new instructions from the superiors, we can be contacted immediately." ”

Five minutes later, the operator, Corporal Nadya, and her walkie-talkie were set up in the corner of the headquarters near the door. Once she had set up the machine, I contacted Chuikov and reported to him about the attack on the friendly 107.5th height.

Chuikov was taken aback when he heard this, and asked nervously: "Oshanina, how is the situation now?" Was the German offensive repulsed? ”

"Report to Comrade Commander, after the start of the German offensive, I transferred a battalion of troops from each of the 2nd and 3rd regiments to reinforce it, and now the enemy's attack has been repulsed by us. Only burning tanks and the corpses of German soldiers remained in front of the position. After reassuring Chuikov, I added: "Since our division is unable to communicate with friendly heights, we do not yet know what we have achieved and what we have suffered from casualties. ”

Chuikov pondered and said: "Oshanina, as far as I know, when the tank corps held the high ground, it did not build any fortifications except for digging two trenches. I estimate that in this case, the casualties of the 125th regiment must not be small. ”

"What do you think, Comrade Commander?" I cautiously asked, "Do you need me to send troops to change guards with them?" ”

As soon as my words fell, Chuikov hurriedly said: "Okay, since you took the initiative to say so, then the task of holding the 107.5 heights will be handed over to your division." ”

After listening to Chuikov's words, I can't wait to slap myself, am I not making trouble for myself? Two heights and one settlement in one Mamayev Height, plus the Volga dock, give me a headache, and now with the addition of a 107.5 height, the defense area of our division is also a little too large. In the face of the ferocious attack of the German army, will our division be able to hold back? However, the words were already spoken, like water spilled out, which could not be recovered, so I could only bite the bullet and say: "Okay, Comrade Commander, I will transfer the Third Regiment tonight to officially take over the defense of the 125th Regiment." ”

"Thank you, Colonel Oshanina, thank you!" After listening to my statement, Chuikov actually thanked me uncharacteristically. Just when I was confused, Chuikov continued: "Due to the heavy losses of the 125th Regiment in the early battle, even after the replenishment of the previous two days, the total strength of the whole regiment is only 400 people. Let them have such an incomplete and tired army to guard the 107.5 heights, and my heart is not steady. But now, if I hand over this high ground to your independent division to guard, not only can I rest assured, but even the commander of the front army will be at ease. ”

No sooner had I finished my call with Chuikov than the phone rang on my desk. Akhromeyev, who was sitting at the table, picked up the microphone, fed it only once, and suddenly covered the microphone with his hand, and said excitedly to Kirillov and me: "The division commander and commissar are calling from Captain Khrushov on friendly heights. ”

I rushed to the table and took the microphone from Akhromeyev's hand and put it to my ear. Say loudly, "Hey." Feed. Is it Captain Khrushov? I am the division commander, Colonel Oshanina. ”

Hearing that it was me, Khrushov hurriedly said: "Report to the division commander, we have assisted the friendly forces to eliminate the German troops attacking the high ground, please instruct us on the next task." ”

"Comrade Captain, I now officially announce to you that your battalion and the troops of Captain Godunov will take over the defense of the heights. As for the troops who had been holding the high ground, let them withdraw to the city as soon as they handed over the defense. ”

After listening to my orders. Khrushov whispered something to the person next to him. After a while, he raised his voice and said to me: "Comrade division commander, the commander of the 125th regiment, Captain Sumsky, wants to speak to you. Before I could express my opinion, an unfamiliar voice came from the earphones: "Hello, Comrade Division Commander." I am Captain Sumsky, Chief of Staff of the 125th Regiment, and I would like to make a request to you, can you keep us on the high ground? Our regimental commander and so many excellent commanders and fighters have died here, and we cannot just leave their bodies behind and withdraw to the city. ”

"Captain Sumsky," for his request. I didn't refuse directly, but politely asked, "How many people are left in your group?" ”

Captain Sumsky heard my question. After being stunned for a moment, he replied to me: "Report to the division commander, when the whole regiment went to the position, there were 389 people. In the battle just now, most of our commanders and fighters were lost in the preparation of the enemy's artillery fire. Now there are still 182 people left in the regiment, of which 148 are lightly or seriously wounded. ”

Hearing his report, my heart couldn't help but chuckle, I didn't expect them to suffer such heavy casualties, and there was only one platoon of unwounded soldiers left in the whole regiment. Thinking of this, I no longer have any resistance to the order given by Chuikov, after all, with the strength of the 125th Regiment, even if the German infantry does not have the cover of artillery and tanks, as long as there is another such attack, they will be completely annihilated.

At this time, I did not hesitate to refuse the request made by Captain Sumsky: "Comrade Captain, you better take your men back to the city to rest and recuperate, and hand over all the positions to Captain Khrushov and Captain Godunov." ”

"But......" Captain Sumsky tried to convince me.

"Nothing, Comrade Captain." I interrupted what he was about to say and said in an unquestioning tone: "It is an order from your superiors to let you withdraw to the city, and it is also a love for your regiment. Remember, Comrade Captain, the orders of the superiors are not allowed to be discussed and must be carried out unconditionally. ”

Seeing that my words had already come to this point, Captain Sumsky knew that it would be useless to say anything more, so he could only sigh and say helplessly: "Okay, I will carry out the order and immediately withdraw to the city with the troops." ”

As soon as the phone was returned to Khrushov's hands, I immediately ordered him: "Comrade Captain, you immediately organize the soldiers to build fortifications on the heights, and be ready for a bad battle." ”

"Comrade division commander," Khrushov said with a little hesitation, "the fighters are tired after the battle. Can you let them rest for the night and fix it tomorrow after dawn? ”

"No," I unequivocally refused his request, and said unceremoniously: "Comrade Captain, do you think the Germans will give you time to rest?" Perhaps tomorrow at dawn, the Germans will begin shelling the heights. Are you seven or eight hundred people crammed into unfortified heights, waiting to be shelled by the Germans? ”

Hearing that I was angry, Khrushov had no choice but to honestly agree: "Understand, comrade division commander, I will organize people to build fortifications on the high ground." ”

I knew in my heart that although Khrushov promised to carry out the order, he didn't know how to scold me in his heart, but I didn't care about him at this time, but called Razumeyeva in and asked her curiously: "Comrade lieutenant, is the efficiency of your communications company quite high?" From the time I gave the order to the time the phone was answered, it took a maximum of fifteen minutes. ”

Razumeeva smiled and replied: "That's right, Comrade Division Commander. I asked the soldier in charge of setting up the line to go to the friendly high ground by truck, so that the time on the road was greatly shortened, so I was able to communicate with the friendly high ground in a short time. ”

When Razumeyeva got out, the leaders of our three divisions sat around the table again. Akhromeyev was the first to speak: "Comrade division commander, I think we should ask our superiors to equip us with enough artillery, otherwise we will always be suppressed by German artillery fire in the battle, and we will increase unnecessary casualties in vain. ”

"Comrade Chief of Staff, your idea is good." After Kirillov heard this, he poured cold water on him, "Not to mention that the army group is now artillery, even if we are equipped with artillery, the situation is not optimistic." ”

"Why?" I wanted to ask this question, but I didn't expect to be preempted by Akhromeyev, so I didn't add any more strings, just silently waited for his answer.

"If we are sent a mortar company, the caliber of the guns is too small to pose a threat to the enemy's long-range artillery and tanks. In the case of heavy artillery units, in order to avoid becoming an air target for enemy aircraft, it is necessary to constantly make transfers. But in this case, where do we find so many tractor trucks, and where do we find so much gasoline for trucks? ”

After hearing Kirillov's analysis of the difficulties of actual existence, I couldn't help but feel disappointed, and just as I was about to open my mouth to express my opinion, I suddenly thought of Kirillov's last sentence, and a good idea flashed in my mind. Hurriedly asked Kirillov: "Comrade commissar, although we can't get the gasoline that the trucks need now, can we get empty gasoline barrels?" ”

"Gasoline barrels?!" After listening to my question, not only Kirillov, but even Akhromeyev was stunned. (To be continued......)

PS: Bow and thank the book friends for the valuable monthly ticket support of book thieves, oil paper umbrellas & secular, ocean guards, and Chuxiang water children's shoes!