While waiting for the line to be repaired, the phones on the table rang non-stop, and it turned out that the commanders of the regiments were alarmed by the sound of artillery and called me one after another to ask for instructions.

The rest of the regimental commanders were fine, but when the commander of the 3rd regiment, Godunov, called, he surprised me, because I always thought that he and Captain Khrushov were on the 107.5 heights, but I did not expect that he actually returned to the settlement without asking for instructions.

After listening to him report his position, I angrily asked him: "Captain Godunov, can you explain to me why you did not stay on the high ground with Captain Khrushov, but went back to the settlement without permission?" ”

Hearing my anger, Godunov replied in a panic: "Report to Comrade Division Commander, the reason why I went back to the settlements was to gather the troops and then take them to the new station overnight. ”

Although his reasons were quite good, I counted him down before finally saying: "Well, Comrade Godunov, since you have gathered the three regiments, then take them to the new station as much as possible." If the high ground is tight, troops will be sent to support immediately. ”

Since the Third Regiment was about to be opened, the vacated position they had could only be filled by the Fourth Regiment, so I made another phone call to Gaidar, the commander of the Fourth Regiment, and told him bluntly: "Lieutenant Colonel Gaidar, I inform you of one thing, the Third Regiment is about to be moved." The defense area they vacated, you immediately send troops to take over the defense. ”

As soon as I put down the phone, Kirillov walked up to Nadya, the operator, with a telegram in his hand, with an unhappy face, and said to me with a stern expression: "Look at it." Comrade division commander. This is a telegram that has just been sent from the command of the army group. ”

I took the newspaper. After quickly skimming through the contents, he was so angry that he slammed the newspaper on the table. Akhromeyev did not know why Kirillov and I reacted so violently after reading the telegram, so he carefully removed the telegram from my face.

While Akhromeyev was reading the telegram, I snorted heavily and complained at Kirillov with dissatisfaction: "Comrade commissar, what the hell do you say is going on? Why did the army group command suddenly issue such an order: From now on, when the divisions and the group army headquarters are in contact. The use of walkie-talkies is prohibited, and only telegraphs or wired telephones are allowed. And in the telegram, it is absolutely not allowed to ask for instructions and discuss the next step of combat operations. Anyone who violates these rules will be removed from office and sent before a military court. ”

Kirillov sat down at the table, lit a cigarette, and after a few puffs, said thoughtfully: "Comrade Oshanina, I think that the sudden issuance of such an inexplicable order by the headquarters of the army group may not be their original intention, but the order of their superiors. ”

"An order from a superior?" I asked tentatively, "Comrade Commissar." Do you mean that this order was given by the commander of the Front himself? ”

Unexpectedly, Kirillov waved his hand directly and denied my speculation: "I think even the commander of the front army himself." There would not have been such a strange order all of a sudden. If I am not mistaken, this order should have been given by the Supreme Commander, and it may even have been instructed by the Supreme Commander himself. ”

"Comrade Political Commissar, you used to work in the Central Committee, can you guess what the reason is?"

"Perhaps the Supreme Command was assembling new troops to prepare for a major counteroffensive, and in order to prevent leaks and arouse the vigilance of the German army, such an order was issued." Kirillov analyzed me with a solemn expression.

Hearing Kirillov's analysis, Akhromeyev, who had just finished reading the telegram, also asked with a stern expression: "Comrade Political Commissar, what about our walkie-talkies and walkie-talkies equipped with various units?" Could it be that from today onwards, commanders and fighters will also be prohibited from using this method of communication? ”

I heard Akhromeyev's question and also stared nervously at Kirillov, waiting for his answer. Kirillov picked up the telegram and read it again, pondered for a moment, and then replied: "The telegram only stipulates that when the divisions are in contact with the army group headquarters, they are not allowed to use the walkie-talkie for plain language calls, but it does not prohibit the use of them within the divisions. In my opinion, within the independent division, the original walkie-talkies and walkie-talkies of subordinate units were used as usual. ”

"I agree with the commissar." As soon as Kirillov finished speaking, I promptly expressed my support.

Seeing that Kirillov and I agreed on the same opinion, Akhromeyev also nodded and said resolutely: "I have no different opinions, and I will act according to the proposal of Comrade Political Commissar." ”

Captain Khrushov's call finally came in again, and I looked up at my watch, which was far beyond a quarter of an hour that Razumeyeva had promised. However, this is not the time to pursue responsibility, and when I heard Khrushov's voice coming from my headphones, I immediately asked impatiently: "Comrade Captain, how is the situation on your side?" ”

"Report to the division commander," Khrushov's relatively steady voice came from the headset, "the German artillery bombardment has subsided, and the observation posts on the hillside report that a large number of German infantry can be faintly seen in the distance, under the cover of tanks, rushing towards the high ground. ”

I listened to the rumbling of artillery outside, and then asked: "Captain Horrushov, I hear that the artillery fire outside is still quite fierce, where are the Germans shelling?" ”

"Our heights were shelled only sporadically, and I had already ordered a company of troops to take positions. At this moment, the enemy's main artillery fire is concentrated on bombarding the open space between here and you, probably because he is afraid of the reinforcements sent from you. ”

"Keep in touch, and remember, your job is to nail your position like a nail, and you are not allowed to retreat a single step." Although I was reluctant to engage in positional warfare with the Germans, in this situation, I could only give Khrushov an order to defend to the death.

Seeing that I had put down the phone, Akhromeyev nervously suggested to me: "Comrade division commander, we can't watch the Germans attack Captain Khrushov and them, we have to think of something to help them. ……”

Before he could finish speaking, I stopped him irritatingly; "Comrade Chief of Staff, don't you see the fierce German artillery fire outside. At this time, send more troops to reinforce. can only be sent to death in vain. I don't want to put the elite troops of the independent division. All died under the fire of the Deko. ”

"I wonder what happened to Morozov's 'Flying Thunder Cannon'?" Kirillov said to himself next to him: "If the Germans attacked, they could hit hard from the side, maybe they could relieve Khrushov of their defensive pressure." ”

Kirillov's words gave me a wake-up call, and I hurriedly asked Akhromeyev to call Morozov and ask him to come to the command headquarters immediately to meet me, and I wanted to learn more about the progress of their development of the flying thunder gun. Although this weapon has a shorter range, it is a rare weapon of great destruction against German tanks and infantry.

Morozov who received the order. It appeared in front of us in a few minutes. From the smile on his face that couldn't be hidden, I was immediately relieved, it seems that this artillery battalion commander is really not simple, and he built the flying thunder cannon in such a short time. Suppressing the joy in my heart, I tried to ask in a calm tone: "Captain Morozov, how is the situation?" How was the development of the 'Flying Thunder Cannon'? ”

Morozov couldn't help but be a little flustered when he saw that several of our division leaders were staring at him intently, but he quickly calmed down and reported to us: "Report to the division commander, political commissar, chief of staff, we follow the division commander's train of thought. After several hours of tinkering, I finally succeeded in getting this 'flying thunder cannon'. Since it was a night test. In order to avoid panicking, the explosives bag used for throwing was filled with dirt instead of gunpowder. We test-fired five times, and each time the explosive package flew at a different distance, the landing point ranged from 100 meters to 300 meters. ”

"Can you put it into actual combat right away?" Kirillov asked nervously.

Morozov nodded vigorously and gave Kirillov an affirmative answer: "No problem, we have made a total of eight launchers and fifty explosive packs, which, if put into battle, can inflict heavy casualties on the German infantry." ”

"Very well, Comrade Captain. Well done. Kirillov excitedly patted Morozov on the shoulder and praised him repeatedly. Then he commanded: "Comrade Captain, I will now give you a task. The Germans are attacking the 107.5 heights guarded by Captain Khrushov, and you immediately take these 'flying thunder cannons' with people and just go over to support them and destroy as many enemies as possible. ”

Hearing Kirillov give orders directly past me and Akhromeyev, I couldn't help frowning slightly, and muttered to myself: I have such a capable artillery commander under me, but you didn't even discuss it with me, and directly ordered him to carry out such a dangerous mission, if he hangs up, where can I find a suitable artillery commander to command the artillery? Thinking of this, I asked Morozov before he saluted and left: "Comrade Captain, how long will it take for the flying thunder cannon to enter the battle?" ”

When Morozov heard me ask, he crossed his fingers and counted silently for a while, and then replied: "Report to the division commander, it will take an hour at the earliest." ”

"Why does it take so long?" Kirillov asked dissatisfied.

"Because our experiments were all in the open field of the blown up oil storage tank, a little far from here. Besides, there are so many big, heavy explosives bags to be moved, and it will take some time. ”

"Alright, Captain Morozov." This time, I rushed ahead of Kirillov and gave an order to Morozov: "You immediately organize people to move all the explosives bags and at the same time prepare for battle." As for you, there are more important things to do, so I won't participate in this battle myself, and find someone else to take your command. ”

After Morozov left, Kirillov asked puzzledly: "Comrade division commander, this 'flying thunder cannon' was developed by Morozov with people, and let him lead people to use it on the battlefield, isn't that a mastery of it?" Why did you suddenly announce that you were going to take command of this battle with someone else? ”

I didn't want to turn the other cheek with Kirillov on the issue of the use of personnel, so I could only say tactfully: "My comrade political commissar, such a battle requires only a company commander or even a platoon commander to complete the task, isn't it a bit of a fuss to send a battalion commander to it?" ”

"But......" Before Kirillov could finish what it was, the phone on the desk rang again.

Khrushov's voice came from the headphones, and I also heard explosions and dense gunfire, and he loudly reported to me: "Comrade division commander, the German infantry, under the cover of tank fire, has rushed to the high ground. Our troops were fighting the enemy in their positions on the top of the hill, and since the first company had suffered heavy casualties, I had just sent another company of the third regiment up. ”

"Captain Khrushov. Don't be in a hurry. Hearing his voice was a little flustered. I comforted him and said, "The Third Regiment has set out from the settlement, ready to rush to the residential area behind your high ground, and can support the high ground at any time. Your task now is to keep the ...... at any cost" I was just halfway through my sentence when the headphones suddenly went silent again, and I raised my voice and shouted continuously: "Hey, hey, Captain Khrushov, can you hear me." Can you hear me? ”

Seeing that I was shouting hoarsely, Razumeyeva hurriedly came over and reminded me with a red face: "Comrade division commander, it may be that the telephone line has been blown up again, and I will immediately send a lineman to check the line." With that, he trotted out of the headquarters.

I threw the phone on the table in a fit of rage and said, "What the hell, this German shell has long eyes?" It only took a long time to blow up our phone lines twice. ”

"The Germans are coming so fast!" Akhromeyev said to himself: "I just heard a report from Captain Khrushov that German ground forces had been spotted in the distance. In just a few minutes, they reached the foot of the high ground. and launched an assault on the heights. ”

"Nothing strange." I looked up at him and said, "The German infantry probably rode in trucks, following behind the tanks, rushing to the high ground." When they reached the foot of the high ground, the infantry dismounted and charged. ”

Contact with the Highlands resumed twenty minutes later. As soon as the call was answered, Khrushov could not wait to report to me: "Report to Comrade Division Commander, the German attack was repulsed by us five minutes ago. ”

"Hurry up and repair the fortifications, treat the wounded, and prepare for the next round of German attacks."

As soon as I finished speaking, I heard another person's voice coming from the headphones: "Report to Comrade Battalion Commander, the Germans are attacking again, and their skirmish line is approaching our position." ”

I heard Khrushov instructing the messenger: "I know, you go back and tell your company commander to get the enemy closer before fighting, so that the German tanks at the foot of the mountain will not dare to open fire casually." Then he reported to me in a low tone: "Comrade division commander, the Germans have begun to attack us again. ”

"Resolutely block them, and absolutely not allow them to occupy the high ground, otherwise the troops at Mamayev Gang will be in danger of being encircled."

"Yes, resolutely block them, and never let them advance......" Khrushov's words had not yet spoken, and the call was interrupted again.

I threw the phone on the table and said sharply to Razumeyeva, who was standing next to Nadya: "Comrade lieutenant, what are you still standing here, didn't you hear that the telephone line was broken by German fire again?" Don't hurry up and send a lineman to check the line. ”

Razumeeva did not speak, turned around and ran out of the command. In less than a minute, she came back in a gloomy manner, followed by a female soldier. She walked up to me and said with a guilty face: "Report to the division commander, even the linemen in the company have been dispatched, and there is not a single lineman, and no one can be sent to restore the communication line that was blown up." ”

At this time, the female soldier standing behind Razumeyeva stepped forward and reported loudly: "Comrade division commander, please allow me to go." ”

As soon as I looked at the female soldier who had volunteered, I found that it was the bloody female guard battalion Vanya, who had not paid attention to her since she had been assigned to the communications company by me. Unexpectedly, at such a moment, she actually stood up bravely.

"No, Vonia." Razumeyeva preemptively vetoed her request before me, and gave her reasons: "You have just arrived at the communications company, and you are not even familiar with these services. ”

"Please allow me to go, I won't be of much use if I stay in the communication room anyway."

"But the enemy's artillery fire was too fierce, otherwise it would not have been possible to blow up the telephone line three times in such a short period of time. I don't think you even get to the broken line. ”

"I can, Comrade Lieutenant, and I promise to complete the mission if you allow me to go." Vonia stubbornly clings to her opinion.

Razumeyeva knew that Vanya had been my guard before, and she didn't dare to make decisions casually, so she could only turn to me for help. I looked at Razumeyeva and then at Vanya, and nodded slowly, agreeing to let Vonia go on a dangerous line-checking mission.

Seeing that I had acquiesced to her request, a smile appeared on Vonia's face, and she reached out and squeezed Razumeyeva's shoulder, then walked up to Nadya, who was sitting in front of the intercom, and also reached out and squeezed her shoulder, and without even saluting us, she ran out of the headquarters at a brisk pace.

With Vonia's departure, Razumeyeva, who has always been strong in my impression, suddenly wiped her tears, whether it was her, even Nadya was wiping tears. I walked over, stretched out my hands to hold Razumeeva's face, wiped the tears from her cheeks with my fingers, and nervously asked: "Lieutenant Lazumeeva, what happened?" ”

Unexpectedly, Razumeyeva was sobbing and speechless, and a long sigh came from behind me, and then I heard Kirillov say regretfully: "Comrade division commander, don't you know? Before leaving, pinching the shoulders of friends means goodbye, which means that this separation may be goodbye. ”

Kirillov's explanation made me understand why Razumeyeva and Nadya behaved so badly after Vonia left. I can't imagine that I have been transformed into Lida for so long, and there are still many customs that I don't understand, and the question just now, fortunately, did not arouse everyone's suspicion, otherwise I really can't explain it clearly. I looked at Razumeyeva, who was crying in front of me, and hurriedly comforted her and said: "Comrade lieutenant, stop crying. The people of Woniaji have their own natural appearance, and she will definitely come back safely. ”

Before Razumeyeva's crying stopped, Morozov ran in from outside, saluted me and reported: "Report to the division commander, political commissar, our flying thunder cannon has been transported to the foot of the mountain, so we can go, do you have any other instructions?" ”

As soon as I heard that the long-admired Flying Thunder Cannon was at the foot of the hillside, I immediately became energetic, and I didn't care about Razumeyeva and Nadya, who were still wiping tears, so I turned around and ran out of the headquarters on my feet, and ran down the hill along the trenches outside. In a panic, Kirillov and Akhromeyev also trotted out of the headquarters, followed me, and ran down the hill.

Unexpectedly, when I ran down the hillside, I saw four trucks parked here, and more than 20 soldiers standing next to the cars.

I turned my head and asked Morozov, who was following closely behind: "Comrade Captain, where is the flying thunder cannon?" ”

Morozov pointed to the car and said, "On the car, two thunder cannons per car with twelve explosives packs." ”

Without waiting for me to express my opinion, Kirillov, who was next to me, preemptively asked: "Comrade Captain, you won't let your fighters drive trucks and rush over and bombard the Germans with flying mines, right?" ”

"That's right, Comrade Commissar." Morozov politely replied: "If I had asked the soldiers to run on foot with flying thunder cannons and explosive packs, it would have taken at least seventy or eighty people, and a lot of time would have been wasted." The use of trucks to carry flying thunder cannons can shorten the time. Our fighters could rush to the vicinity of the Germans in the shortest possible time and hit them with a barrage. After the battle, our fighters can also quickly evacuate the battlefield. ”

"If you shoot directly in the carriage, how are these flying thunder cannons fixed?" I asked worriedly.

Morozov replied confidently: "Please rest assured, the division commander, we have found quite a few tripod brackets in the warehouse near the abandoned oil storage tank, which can be used to fix the flying thunder cannon. ”

"Comrade Oshanina, do you think this is appropriate? Isn't it a little too dangerous to do that? Shall we take the safe approach and shoot more soldiers to help them carry these flying thunder cannons? After listening to Morozov's words, Kirillov was still unsteady in his heart, and cautiously advised me.

I thought about it, waved my hand at Kirillov, and said: "Comrade commissar, you don't have to worry. Captain Morozov is an expert in this area, and he said okay, then there will definitely be no problem. Speaking of which, I turned to Morozov and said: "Comrade Captain, since you have already figured out how to do it, then act immediately. ”

Morozov agreed, and then shouted at the fighters standing next to the car: "Listen to my command, all get on the bus!" (To be continued......)