I was afraid that I had misheard, so I repeated the question again, and added at the end: "Comrade Lieutenant Colonel, can you confirm that the defenders are really retreating without a fight?" You are responsible for saying this, and if it is later found that there is a discrepancy between the information you have reported and the facts, you will be brought to court martial. ”

My words silenced Gaidar, and after a moment he replied decisively: "Yes, Comrade Division Commander. I can vouch for my life that the troops holding on to the 107.5 heights will retreat without a fight. Just before the attack, I met seventy or eighty warriors who had retreated from the high ground.

I and a dozen warriors blocked their way and asked them in a loud voice: 'Who told you to retreat without permission?' ’

The fighters said: 'We retreated only after receiving orders from our superiors. ’

One of the fighters even replied to me: 'Comrade Lieutenant Colonel, our company fought quite well in the morning battle, and repelled three German charges in a row. ’

After listening to this soldier's words, I scanned the queue with my eyes, and found that all the soldiers who were blocked by us were soldiers, except for two or three sergeants and corporals, and there was not even a commander of a slightly higher rank, and the soldier who spoke to me alone was a sergeant, and I quickly asked him: 'What about the company commander and instructor of your company?' ’

The sergeant bowed his head and replied to me with some sadness: 'All sacrificed. ’

Then I asked, 'What about your battalion commanders and regimental commanders?' ’

The fighters present shook their heads and replied neatly: 'I'm sorry, comrade commander, we didn't see it. Maybe they've already retreated first. ’

I see a crisis. Knowing that the independent division had to strike. The troops were ordered to immediately enter the attacking position. Originally, I wanted them to go with us to restore the positions and drive the Germans off our heights. At this time, a herald of the unit came, saying that the commander had personally ordered them to immediately withdraw into the city and build new fortifications. I heard that it was the order given by the top commander of the unit, so I had to let the fighters go. ”

Since I had just learned from Chief of Staff Krylov that the friendly forces stationed at heights 107.5 were units of the Tank Army, since it was their corps commander who ordered the retreat. Not to mention Kosga, Gaidar, even if I were there, I would not be able to stop them from abandoning their positions. In order to prevent our division from being surrounded by the roundabout German troops, the first task at present is to recapture this high ground from the Germans at any cost, so I nervously asked: "Lieutenant Colonel Gaidar, how many Germans are there on the high ground, and is our troops attacking smoothly at present?" ”

"There was a company of German troops on the high ground, and the speed of the fighters' climb was affected by the steepness of the hill on the south side. Our two successive attacks ended in failure. But now Lieutenant Colonel Kosgaard himself went up with his guards. I am sure that we will soon be able to retake the position from the Germans. ”

"What about our artillery, what about the tanks? Captain Jegonovich, Captain Morozov, Captain Perstin, where are they now? "When I heard that two regiments had attacked a German company on the high ground and had not taken it, I couldn't help but be a little impatient and shouted loudly at the microphone.

"Captain Persjian's tanks had been completely lost in the last two days of defense. Captain Morozov's mortar battery, which was suppressing fire from the German heights with artillery fire, covered our fighters for the third charge. And Captain Jegonovich," Gaidar said here, pausing for a moment before he sputtered: "Comrade division commander, don't you know yet? When we retreated, we received an order from the chief of staff of Raskin, saying that the heavy howitzer battalion of Captain Jegonovich belonged to the 64th Army, and since our division had been placed under the command of the 62nd Army, the heavy artillery battalion was reorganized. ”

Hearing Gaidar say this, I was so angry that I slammed my fist on the earthen table, this Colonel Raskin is also true, the heavy artillery battalion will not be built sooner or later, but when I need heavy firepower the most, let the artillery battalion be rebuilt, isn't this the bottom of the kettle, it seems that my troops want to recapture the 107.5 heights, I don't know how much it will cost.

My actions frightened Oleg, Vylor and Razumeeva around me, and all three of them looked at me worriedly, but they did not dare to speak casually, for fear of provoking my thunderous wrath. After taking a deep breath, I said to Gaidar: "Lieutenant Colonel Gaidar, you tell Captain Sù Morozov to concentrate all the mortars and bombard the Germans on the heights, and you must suppress their fire and cover our infantry to rush to the heights. ”

"Please rest assured, we will definitely take the high ground."

"Cowards who are greedy for life and afraid of death," I cursed in a low voice as I cursed the commander of the tank corps who ordered the troops to withdraw from their positions without permission, after putting down the headphones and microphones, "I should put a team of overseers in your headquarters, and when I saw that you wanted to escape, I would shoot you all." ”

After a few curses, I inadvertently lowered my head and found that Razumayeva was staring straight at me, and I said angrily: "Second Lieutenant, what are you watching me do, do you have flowers on my face?" ”

"Comrade division commander, who are you going to contact next?" Razumeyeva asked with some grievances.

"Who else can I contact, of course, with the headquarters of the group army, I want to report to Commander Chuikov about the retreat of the tank army without a fight." Although I am very disgusted with the person who made the small report, but the situation is different at the moment, if Chuikov does not know about the unauthorized retreat of the tank army in time, he will always think that the army is still holding on to the 107.5 heights, covering the flank of the Mamayev post, which will lead him to make wrong decisions in the next command.

When I talked to Chuikov on the phone, I was still trembling with anger at the greed for life and fear of death of the commander of the tank corps. The abnormality of my voice was noticed by Chuikov, who didn't know why I was like this, and laughed and teased me: "Colonel Oshanina, did the German air raids on your position frighten you?" ”

"Comrade Commander," I said sternly, "I have unfortunate news for you!" ”

Chuikov was taken aback by my tone, and he hurriedly asked, "Oshanina, what's wrong?" ”

"The defenders of the 107.5 heights on the left flank of our division. When the Germans attacked again. It has retreated without a fight. A retreat was underway towards Stalingrad, and the heights were already occupied by the Germans. ”

This earth-shattering news made Chuikov silent, and after a long time, he asked tentatively: "Comrade Oshanina, the commander of the tank corps has not reported the retreat to me, and I have not received relevant information here, can you be mistaken?" Or rather, is there a German spy who has infiltrated your division? Deliberately releasing this news just to cause panic in your division? ”

"You can't be wrong, Comrade Commander." I replied solemnly: "This information has been reported by my regimental commander, and at this moment he and his troops are counterattacking the high ground occupied by the Germans, trying to retake this position from the Germans. ”

Hearing me say this, Chuikov hesitated for a moment and then asked: "How is the battle going, have our troops taken back their positions?" ”

"Not for the time being, Comrade Commander. Although our troops launched two charges, the terrain on the southern slope was too steep. The fighters had to slow down when climbing the slope and as a result became targets for the Germans. Although it has paid a lot of casualties, it has not yet recaptured the position. ”

"Colonel Oshanina," Chuikov's stern voice came from the earphones, "please tell your commanders and fighters that the 107.5 heights are very important for the defense of Stalingrad, so let them show their fearless spirit of not being afraid of hardship and death, and take back the heights at any cost." ”

"Comrade commander, I understand, my troops will take back the heights."

After the call, I felt that it was a very difficult task given to me by Chuikov, knowing that my troops were already weak in combat, it was okay to fight defensive battles and sneak attack battles, and to fight a tough battle in a place where the terrain was unfavorable, even if the high ground was recaptured, it would be a disastrous victory.

I was about to order Razumeeva to contact Gaidar and ask about the attack on the high ground, but Gaidar did not expect to contact us first. As soon as he heard my voice, Gaidar hurriedly said: "Comrade division commander, no, the third charge we launched failed again, and Lieutenant Colonel Koskaard was also wounded in the battle. ”

"What?!" I couldn't believe what Gaidar said, two regiments beat someone and a company, that is, they trampled each other to death with their feet, and as a result, the current offensive has been repeatedly frustrated, not to mention, one of the regiment commanders was wounded, I asked angrily: "Gaidar, tell me how Kosgaard was injured?" ”

"When our troops rushed halfway up the mountain, they were overwhelmed by the heavy machine-gun fire of the Germans. After the death of one of our heavy machine-gun crews providing fire cover for the attacking troops, Lieutenant Colonel Kosgaard rushed forward and personally lay down behind the heavy machine guns, maneuvering the machine guns to fire heavily at the Germans. Under his precise blows, the Germans on the hillside fell one after another. As the enemy's fire weakened, our warriors became more courageous and rushed up the hill with a shout.

At that moment, a mortar shell landed next to Kosgaard and exploded, and the heavy machine gun in his hand was dumb in one fell swoop. The Germans on the hillside also relieved themselves, and their strong fire knocked down our fighters who rushed up the hill again. ”

I didn't care how the troops were beaten back, I was only worried about Kosgaard's injuries, so I couldn't wait to ask, "How is Lieutenant Colonel Kosgaard now?" ”

"There were several pieces of shrapnel in the left leg and back, which had been snatched from the hillside by the hygienist. At present, his mind is still very clear, and it is estimated that in less than half a month, his injuries will be healed. ”

Hearing that Kosga's injuries were not too severe, I secretly breathed a sigh of relief, and then ordered Gaidar: "Comrade Lieutenant Colonel, now that the three regiments and the four regiments are under your unified command, you immediately organize the troops to prepare for the fourth charge." Remember not to attack too densely, as that would be tantamount to placing on the hillside as a target for the Germans. ”

"Understood, I immediately arranged a fourth attack, and I must take back the high ground."

Putting down the headphones and microphones, I couldn't help but fall into deep thought, if the frontal attack failed again, it would affect the morale of our army. If we can't get rid of this German army for a long time, when the German reinforcements come up and add heavy weapons, then these two regiments of mine may be completely wiped out. What to do? What am I going to do?

Just when I was anxious, Oleg suddenly asked: "Comrade division commander, I want to ask." Where are the stations of our 5th regiment? ”

When Oleg was heard mentioning the Five Regiments. I had an idea. If we can't attack, we can outwit it. Anyway, there are still quite a few commanders and fighters in the Fifth Regiment wearing German uniforms, which can be used just in handy. Thinking of this, my mood calmed down a lot, and I stood up and asked Oleg: "Comrade Lieutenant Colonel, how many commanders and fighters in your regiment are wearing German uniforms now?" ”

Oleg was stunned by my question. After a long time of muttering, he didn't say why, but Velore replied calmly: "Comrade division commander." There are currently two companies of troops, all in German uniforms, and nearly half of them are real Germans. ”

"Come and see," I called Oleg and Vylor to me, and said to them, "Heights 107.5 are two kilometers west of us, and if you take a force up the northern slopes of the heights, I think you can quietly get rid of them and take the heights back." ”

"But, Comrade Division." Listening to my plan, Oleg said with some embarrassment: "If you march in the open in broad daylight." It is estimated that it was discovered by the Germans on the hillside before it approached the high ground. So. We would have to fight a tough battle, and if German reinforcements had rushed in from behind, we would have been completely annihilated by the enemy's front and rear attacks. ”

"Lieutenant Colonel Oleg," before I could speak, Vylor had already preemptively said, "Have you not understood the division commander's plan?" She wanted us to lead this force, posing as Germans, to sneak up from the direction of the northern slope and then attack the high ground. ”

"Commissar Vellore is absolutely right, that's exactly what I thought." Many of the Soviet women were much smarter than men, or at least they were not as dull as men, and I did not hesitate to compliment Vellor when I heard that I had accurately analyzed my intentions. "Next, who will lead this force?"

"Comrade division commander, this operation is too dangerous, you can't go!" I haven't said who will command this unit, the commander of the guard battalion, Captain Basmanov, has already jumped out against it.

"The captain is right, this operation is too dangerous for the division commander to go." Pugachev, who had just walked into the command, also heard the latter words and promptly expressed his support for Basmanov.

Then Oleg and Vylor also echoed: "Yes, yes, just leave these things to us, comrade division commander, you should stay in the command headquarters and command the troops." ”

I raised my hand and pressed down, and when the command was quiet, I asked, "Who did you hear that I was going to lead the troops to fight back?" I'm just thinking about the importance of this operation, who should be sent to command. ”

Hearing me say this, Basmanov smiled embarrassedly and said: "Comrade division commander, because you used to do such risky things in the past, as soon as you saw that you were thinking about who would lead the team, I habitually thought that you would go on an adventure. Otherwise, I will lead this army, what do you think? ”

"What did you say, Captain Basmanov?" Hearing what the commander of the guard battalion said, Oleg next to him was not happy, and he retorted: "This is my troops, and it is not your turn to command." ”

"Yes, Commander Oleg is right," I don't know how Velore usually gets along with Oleg, anyway, at this time, she is on the same front as Oleg, "Captain Basmanov, although you are the battalion commander, you are the commander of the guard battalion, not a member of the fifth regiment, and the troops of our fifth regiment are not yet your turn to command." ”

Seeing that several people had a tendency to continue bickering, I hurriedly raised my hand to stop them and said, "Don't fight, this small unit will be commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Oleg." However, two companies were too few, and one more company was added, so that the commanders and fighters could hurry up and change into German uniforms and run towards the high ground. I'll give you an hour to get the high ground back. ”

"But, Comrade Division." After listening to my order, Oleg said in embarrassment: "One of the companies is a real German, and they have not surrendered to us for more than a week. ”

I had already thought about this question, but seeing that Oleg was actually stumped by this little problem, I said with some dissatisfaction: "When attacking, you will arrange a squad of overseers behind this German company, and if anyone wants to escape, then ......" I said this, waved my hand down, and continued, "Kill them all." ”

"Understood, Comrade Division Commander." Oleg, who had no worries, replied dryly: "Rest assured, I promise to take back the high ground from the Germans." ”

"To prevent misunderstandings. You bring the flag of the independent division. Once the high ground is occupied. And he planted the flag on the hill. So that Lieutenant Colonel Gaidar, who was on the southern slope, would understand what was going on. ”

"Do you need me to send someone to inform Lieutenant Colonel Gaidar in advance?"

I waved my hand and replied, "No, I'll inform Gaidar personally." It's not too early, so lead your troops and set off. ”

As soon as Oleg left, and before I could get in touch with Gaidar, Razumeyeva hurriedly reported to me: "Comrade division commander, the command of the army group has sent an order for you to rush to the headquarters immediately about the loss of the 107.5 heights by friendly troops. Confront them. ”

After listening to this, I nodded, and instructed Razumeyeva: "Second lieutenant, you immediately contact Lieutenant Colonel Gaidar and tell him that a unit led by Lieutenant Colonel Oleg will attack from the north of the heights under the guise of the Germans, and let him pay attention to identification and avoid misunderstanding." Then I shook my head at Basmanov and said, "Let's go, comrade guard battalion commander, take a few soldiers and go with me to the headquarters of the army group." ”

Half an hour later, I arrived at Chuikov's headquarters.

Since the signal corps and the commander of the army group worked in the same room. It was noisy, with the ringing of telephones and the ticking of telegrams. So much so that when Krylov asked me about it, he had to raise his voice again and again: "Colonel Oshanina, you have just reported to Comrade Commander that the friendly forces on your left have withdrawn their headquarters from the 107.5 heights to the city without the permission of the army group command and left the heights to the Germans, am I right?" ”

When General Krylov asked me to speak, Chuikov sat next to him silently, smoking a cigarette in silence. Seeing that Chuikov did not speak, I understood in my heart that what Krylov asked me, apparently with the approval of Chuikov, and honestly replied: "Yes, Comrade Chief of Staff. In the process of moving the defense, my 3rd and 4th regiments encountered troops withdrawn from the high ground. In order to ensure the security of the left flank of Mamayev Gang, the commander of the 3rd regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Koska, and the commander of the 4th regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Gaidar, after urgent consultations, decisively launched an offensive against the German troops occupying the heights. ”

"How's the battle going, has the high ground been taken?" Chuikov next to him finally couldn't help but ask.

I shook my head and said regretfully: "Because the slopes on the south side of the high ground are too steep and we lack heavy weapons, the three successive charges launched by the troops have ended in failure. And the commander of the third regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Kosgaard, was also wounded in the battle. ”

"How's the injury?" Krylov asked with concern.

"I was hit by several pieces of shrapnel in my left leg and back, but after being treated by the hygienist, I may be able to recover within half a month."

Krylov turned around and said to Chuikov: "Comrade Command, according to the report of Colonel Oshanina, the facts are obvious, the tank corps, without the permission of their superiors, gave the order to let the troops retreat, and the Germans easily captured the 107.5 heights. ”

While he was talking, Military Commissar Gurov walked in from outside, and when he saw that I was also in the headquarters, he was visibly stunned for a moment, and then smiled and said to me in a friendly manner: "Aha, Colonel Oshanina, I didn't expect us to meet again so soon." ”

I hurriedly stood up and saluted him, and said politely: "Hello, Comrade Military Commissar. ”

Gurov walked up to Chuikov and asked in a low voice: "Comrade commander, is the situation confirmed?" ”

Chuikov threw the cigarette butt on the ground, and after stomping it with his foot, he said in an affirmative tone: "There is no doubt that the situation reported by Colonel Oshanina is true, the tank corps retreated without permission, leaving our positions to the Germans. ”

A staff officer walked in and reported to the heads of several army groups: "Report to the commanders, comrades, the commander and commissar of the tank corps have arrived and are waiting outside for your reception. ”

"Let them in." Krylov commanded the staff officer.

After a while, two middle-aged commanders walked into the command headquarters. The general on the left is obviously a soldier, and the political workers around him should be the political commissar of the tank army.

Chuikov stood up, walked up to them, and asked angrily: "Comrade army commander and political commissar, I would like to ask you why you changed the position of your command headquarters without the permission of your superiors. ”

"That's right, Comrade Commander." The general explained, somewhat flusteredly, "I did this because our troops on the heights were bombarded by German mortars, and the casualties were heavy. In addition, the soldiers were tired from continuous fighting, and at the same time, their morale was also affected to a certain extent, so I made the decision to temporarily withdraw the headquarters. ”

"Comrade General, have you asked your superiors for instructions?" As soon as Chuikov finished speaking, Gurov asked unceremoniously.

The tank general shook his head with a flushed face, indicating that he had not asked anyone about the retreat.

Chuikov then questioned him: "You are a Soviet general, the head of a combat section, what will you think if the commander and command of the subordinate units retreat to the rear without your permission?" How should your actions be evaluated by the Order of the People's Commissar of Defense No. 227? What is the problem with you taking your own command post to the rear of the command post of the army group without authorization? ”

The tank general did not answer Chuikov's question, and both he and the commissar were ashamed of themselves. I can see that in their eyes. Only to hear Chuikov sternly warn them, "I think your action is to flee from the battle, if you do not move the command post to 107.5 before dark today, you will be court-martialed." ”

Gurov and Krylov said "yes" together, and Chuikov decided in agreement.

At this moment, a communications soldier walked up to Krylov and handed him a telegraph. After just one glance, he handed the telegram to me, and at the same time said, "Colonel Oshanina, this is a telegram forwarded by your men. ”

I took the telegram, read it at a glance, and then excitedly reported to Chuikov: "Comrade commander, I have good news for you, my troops have recaptured the 107.5 heights from the Germans!" (To be continued......)

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