When I looked back, I saw two political workers standing there not far behind me, one after the other. Standing in front was a middle-aged man of medium stature with some dark skin on his face, and from the insignia of the regimental political commissar on his collar badge, I judged that he was Xia Ping, the political commissar of the tank brigade. The latter one, on the other hand, was much younger, and the badge on the collar badge indicated that he was only a political instructor.

"It's Comrade Xia Ping who is here!" Gurov stood up with a smile and walked over to Xia Ping, who was standing in front. After shaking his hand, he did not let go immediately, but continued to hold his hand and pulled him to the table. And I, who was standing at the table, hurriedly took two steps back to the side to make room for the new commissar.

When Chuikov and Krylov reached out to shake hands with him, Xia Ping took the time to report to Chuikov: "Comrade commander, I have brought the tank corps you wanted, and I have also brought a political instructor. ”

Chuikov nodded, then stretched out his hand and pointed at me, and introduced to Xia Ping: "Political Commissar Xia Ping, let me introduce to you, this is Colonel Oshanina, the commander of the independent division who is holding the Mamayev post!" ”

"Hello, Comrade Political Commissar." As soon as Cui Kefu finished his introduction, I hurriedly took the initiative to greet Political Commissar Xia Ping.

Xia Ping hummed in some surprise, then turned his head to look at me, and looked me up and down with his gaze. When he was looking, I felt that the position where his gaze stayed for the longest was the rank on my collar badge. When Xia Ping turned his gaze back to Chuikov, he unexpectedly rejected: "I'm sorry, comrade commander, if you want to assign the tank corps I brought to this Colonel Oshanina, I can't agree." ”

Xia Ping's words made the air in the room freeze in an instant. It's not just me who is the second monk and I can't figure it out. Even Chuikov, Gurov, and Krylov looked at each other. I don't know why Xia Ping suddenly said that.

"May I ask you why you object?" After a moment of silence. It was Gurov who opened his mouth to resolve the stalemate.

"Report Comrade Military Commissar, tank corps is a technical branch of the armed forces, and in the absence of tanks, they can temporarily play the role of infantry. And the average infantryman cannot become a qualified tank crew without a long period of training. Therefore, I think that in the current situation, it would be a waste to send our tank crews, who are experienced in combat, to serve as ordinary infantry in areas where the fighting is fierce. It is also a crime. ”

After hearing this, Cui Kefu shook his head, looked at Xia Ping with stern and indifferent eyes, and asked, "Comrade political commissar at the regimental level, is the reason why you raised your objection because of what you just said?" ”

"Yes, Comrade Commander."

After Chuikov looked at each other with Gurov and Krylov, he couldn't help laughing: "I said comrade political commissar at the regimental level, you are too worried. As your superiors, don't we know about the current situation of the tank brigade? Although the tank brigade now has not a single tank left, it is only necessary to equip these valiant tank fighters with new horses. Then you can immediately become a steel hero who will terrify the fascist invaders! ”

Gurov looked at Chuikov attentively, waiting for him to finish his sentence. He immediately added: "Comrade Xia Ping, the situation is like this. Colonel Oshanina's troops, in tonight's battle, eliminated a German unit and captured ten tanks. Since she didn't have enough tank crews, she came to us for help. And the commander and I considered that your brigade would be transferred to the east bank tomorrow to replenish it, so we temporarily decided to transfer manpower from your department to replenish the tank units of the independent division. ”

"Comrade Military Commissar, what did you say, the independent division captured ten tanks ?!" When Xia Ping first heard the news, he was still a little incredulous, and when he saw that Cui Kefu also nodded affirmatively, he confirmed that it was true. He turned his head to look at me and asked a little excitedly, "Comrade Colonel, I wonder what tanks you have captured?" ”

Xia Ping asked this, but stopped me. I was not familiar with the German tank models, and since I had never been to the site to inspect the captured tanks, I could only say vaguely: "There are both light and medium tanks." ”

"How many tankers do you have now?"

"Eighteen." I answered this number without hesitation.

"It's only eighteen, the number of people is a little less, and it's good to be able to move half of the tanks." After listening to this, Xia Ping said to himself, and then he looked at Chuikov and said: "Comrade commander, the independent division only has ten tanks, and it doesn't need so many tank troops. So, I'll add thirty to them, and I'll take the rest back? ”

Seeing that the boiled duck was about to fly, I hurriedly turned my attention for help to the nearest military commissar. Seeing the anxious expression on my face, Gurov smiled slightly, and then said to Xia Ping slowly: "Comrade Xia Ping, don't just see that the independent division has only ten tanks at the moment, you should look farther. With the combat effectiveness of the division, I believe that in the near future they will continue to capture a steady stream of enemy weapons and equipment, and tanks are only one of the many trophies. ”

Xia Ping's eyes were fixed on me, but he asked Gurov in an uncertain tone: "Comrade Military Commissar, are you sure that the independent division under the command of Colonel Oshanina will be able to capture a large amount of German weapons and equipment in the next battle?" ”

The conversation between Gurov and Xia Ping made me feel ashamed as I stood next to me. Gurov, in particular, simply trusted me unconditionally, and he seemed to feel that as long as I was there, then I would be able to win.

After hearing Xia Ping's suspicions, Gurov nodded and said to him resolutely: "Comrade political commissar at the regimental level, although I have known Colonel Oshanina for as long as I have dealt with you, I know no less about her than I know about you. From the formation of the independent division to the present, the army group has only equipped them with less than half of the weapons and equipment, and the rest of the weapons have been captured from the enemy by the troops led by Colonel Oshanina. ”

Gurov supported me, which made Xia Ping's originally stiff face soften, he grinned and said to Gurov with a bit of flattery: "Then Comrade Military Commissar, can I make a request?" ”

I hurriedly looked at Gurov, only to see a smile on his broad face: "Yes." Comrade Xia Ping. What are your requests. You can just say it. As long as it is within my ability, I will definitely help you solve it. ”

"That's right, Comrade Military Commissar." "I don't want to leave Stalingrad, especially in this situation, so I intend to stay," Shapin said. ”

"What, stay?!" After hearing this, Chuikov asked in surprise: "Comrade political commissar at the regimental level, you are in the tank brigade. Tomorrow evening you will cross the Volga and go to the east bank to rest and replenish, what are you going to do alone? ”

When I heard Xia Ping's request, I looked at him with great curiosity, trying to figure out why he suddenly thought of staying. Unexpectedly, he tilted his head at me and begged Chuikov and Gurov: "Commander, Comrade Military Commissar, I want to ask you to send me to work in an independent division, even if it is just to command a tank battalion." ”

After Xia Ping's words were finished, I was dumbfounded. Make no mistake, you actually want to come to my division. And even to command only one tank battalion? I looked nervously at Gurov, and then at Chuikov, who was silent, hoping that they would open their mouths to dispel Xia Ping's ridiculous thoughts.

Perhaps sensing my gaze for help, Chuikov opened his mouth to relieve me of the siege and said: "Comrade Xia Ping, you are a regiment-level political commissar, if you want to go to an independent division, according to your rank, you can completely assume the post of division political commissar. It's just that two days ago we sent Comrade Kirillov, the head of the political department of the group army. I don't think it's good to change people at this time. ”

"Yes, yes, Comrade Commander is right." I also didn't want another political worker of the same level as Kirillov in the division, so I quickly echoed Chuikov and pretended to raise difficulties: "Political commissar Kirillov has been in the division for some time, and he has been in harmony with the commanders and fighters in the division. ”

I thought that the words of me and Chuikov could make this Xia Ping political commissar retreat, but I didn't expect him to stubbornly say: "Comrade commander, Colonel Oshanina, I just said that I just wanted to stay and continue to fight, and I never thought of becoming a division political commissar in an independent division at all." As long as you can let me stay, even if I am allowed to be an instructor in Lianli. ”

After Xia Ping's words, Chuikov shut up instead, and just turned his gaze to me, as if asking for my opinion. I was seen by several people as nervous, and my mind was rapidly thinking about how to deal with this matter: the political commissar of the division was Kirillov, and it might not be possible to make room for him, although he said that even if he commanded a battalion, he didn't care, but I couldn't really let him serve in the battalion, and the best choice was to let him serve as the political commissar of the regiment. At present, there are five regiments in the division, the first regiment and the fifth regiment are equipped with regimental political commissars, and the acting commanders of the second and third regiments are all with the rank of captain, so there is no way to restrain him, so there are only four regiments left, anyway, the regiment commander Gaidar is a lieutenant colonel, although the rank is lower than him, but the two partners are barely suitable, and I also plan to assign Perstian's tank detachment to the fourth regiment.

After thinking about it, I walked in front of Xia Ping and said with a smile: "Since Political Commissar Xia Ping insists on working in the Independent Division, then on behalf of all the commanders and fighters of the Independent Division, I welcome your arrival!" As for the position," I deliberately frowned at this, pretending to be thinking, but in fact, I was secretly observing the reactions of Cui Kefu and the three of them and the political commissar Xia Ping, and seeing that the four of them all had such expressions, I continued: "I plan to assign the newly formed tank detachment to the Fourth Regiment, and the Fourth Regiment currently only has a regiment commander, but no political commissar, so I will wronged Comrade Xia Ping and temporarily assume the position of political commissar of the Fourth Regiment." ”

"I think this arrangement of Comrade Oshanina is appropriate." Hearing my arrangement, Gurov first expressed his support, and then specially asked for Chuikov's opinion: "What do you see, Comrade Commander? ”

"I agree!" Chuikov smiled and nodded.

"I'm okay with that." Krylov waited for Chuikov to finish his speech, and then expressed his support.

Seeing that the three giants of the group army had agreed to my arrangement, I suddenly breathed a sigh of relief in my heart, and hurriedly reached out to hold Xia Ping's hand, and said in a friendly manner: "Comrade Political Commissar, I once again extend a warm welcome to you to work in the Independent Division. ”

After shaking hands with me with a smile, Xia Ping gestured to the political instructor standing behind, who hurriedly took a few steps forward and walked in front of us, standing up straight, staring ahead without squinting. Xia Ping specially introduced to me: "Comrade Division Commander, this is Comrade Wajim, the political instructor. ”

"Hello, Comrade Vajim." I greeted the political worker with a smile on my face. At the same time reach out to him.

Vajim raised his hand and saluted me after a military salute. Then he took my hand with both hands. Shook vigorously.

Xia Ping is the political commissar of the Fourth Regiment, so I will determine Wajim's new position in an instant. As soon as I let go, I officially announced to him: "Comrade Vajim, I appoint you as the instructor of the tank detachment of the independent division!" ”

"Willing to serve the Motherland of the USSR!" Vajim replied to me in a loud voice.

After arranging the duties of Xia Ping and Vajim, I asked Chuikov for instructions: "Comrade commander, I can't talk to you on the radio, what should I do if I have something urgent to report to you?" ”

Chuikov heard my question. After calling a staff officer, leaning into the other party's ear, and whispering a few words, the staff officer trotted all the way out of the headquarters.

After the staff officer left, Chuikov said to me with a flat expression: "Comrade Oshanina, I have already asked someone to go to the communications director of the group army and ask him to arrange for all the men to set up a telephone line from the group army to your division. When the wiring is set up, if there is anything, you can call me directly. ”

Since it is necessary to return to the Mamayev post before dawn, the things that need to be done will be done. I said goodbye to Chuikov and them. Outside the headquarters, after assembling the tank crews and the fighters I brought. Lined up in a four-way column, marching out of the city with neat steps.

I was at the front of the team with Shaping, Morozov and Vajim. After giving an introduction to everyone, Xia Ping asked curiously: "Comrade division commander, where do you plan to deploy the tank detachment?" ”

Without hesitation, I replied: "These tanks are the treasure bumps of our division, and they cannot be placed on the high ground, so that the German planes can blow them all into scrap metal as soon as they come." So I'm going to hide all the tanks in the settlements behind the heights. ”

"Settlements?" After hearing this, Xia Ping said thoughtfully: "I have a little impression of the settlement you said. If the tanks attacked from there, they had to go around the heights on the southern side of the Mamayev Heights, so that the distance of the tank troops would be more than five kilometers. On such a long journey, if it was discovered by German aircraft, it would be easy to destroy it all. ”

Although I knew that Xia Ping's words were reasonable, I was unwilling to change my decision lightly. Not to mention that there is no time to build bunkers on the high ground for tanks at the moment, and even if there is, I don't plan to put tanks there. After all, these tanks were captured from the Germans, and they were different from the tanks equipped by our army, and the tankmen had to be familiar with the equipment, and this place had to be the residential area where the Fourth Regiment was stationed.

Although I had only known Political Commissar Xia Ping for a short time, in order to be able to live in peace in the future, I told him in detail what I thought in my heart. After hearing this, he hesitated for a moment, then nodded again and again, and said approvingly, "That's just as well." These German tanks, although they were ready to use as soon as they were captured. But to get the most out of the tank, it does take a run-in time. ”

As we talked, we approached the settlement before we knew it. Due to the large number of our troops, it was clear at a glance that they were heading for the front line, so neither the patrols nor the checkpoints stopped us.

As we were walking, a flashlight shot from the front, followed by a deep voice: "Who, password?" ”

Hearing this abrupt sound, we unconsciously stopped. I turned my head and asked Morozov: "Comrade Captain, do you know the password of the 4th Regiment tonight?" ”

Morozov's head shook like a rattle: "I don't know! ”

The sound of pulling the bolt of a gun rang out in the darkness, and the sentry raised his voice: "Password? Stop, none of you are allowed to move, stay where you are, or I'll shoot!" ”

"Stop, troops, stop!" After listening to the sentry's words, Morozov turned around and shouted at the fighters behind him: "Listen to my command, stop advancing!" ”

Our movements here were obviously also watched by the sentry in the darkness, and he still stubbornly asked, "Password?" If I don't say anything, I'll shoot! ”

"Hey, comrade warrior!" Morozov tentatively took two steps ahead and skillfully blocked in front of me, shouting at the other side: "It's the division commander himself, she just returned from the army group headquarters with us." ”

The sentry did not ask for another password, but asked tentatively: "Is it really the division commander?" ”

I didn't feel any danger from the sentry's voice, so I took two steps forward, gently pulled Morozov aside, and said loudly into the darkness: "I am Colonel Oshanina, commander of the independent division, comrade soldier, which part are you?" Was it the 4th regiment of Lieutenant Colonel Gaidar, or the 5th regiment of Lieutenant Colonel Oleg? ”

As soon as I finished speaking, I heard a rush of footsteps, and then two fighters appeared in front of me, raised their hands to salute me, and reported: "Report to Comrade Division Commander, we are from the Fourth Regiment. ”

I looked at the two young soldiers in front of me, and asked with a flat expression, "Do you know where Captain Perstian is?" ”

One of the fighters hurriedly replied: "Yes, Comrade Division Commander. The captain and his men had just driven a dozen tanks back to the open space in the middle of the settlement. ”

Seeing that the soldier knew where the Pelscan I was looking for was, I instructed him without thinking: "Comrade soldier, please take us to Captain Pelscan." ”

The warrior didn't shirk either, immediately made a gesture of invitation to me, turned around and left. Seeing that I was following closely behind the fighters, Morozov also hurriedly shouted behind him: "All of them, let's go!" ”

We walked around piles of rubble and along a wide dirt road towards the middle of the settlement. I looked up at the bombed-out buildings on both sides of the road and asked the soldier curiously: "Comrade soldier, where are you usually hidden?" "You must know that before daylight today, there were four or five thousand people in the third, fourth, and fifth regiments staying here. I would very much like to know where these thousands of people were hiding during enemy shelling or air raids.

The soldier replied with a grin: "Comrade division commander, do you know that there is a basement under every building here. And under the cemetery in the middle of the settlement, there is a huge anti-aircraft fortification, which can accommodate three or four thousand people without any problem. ”

The little soldier's answer made me feel relieved, it seems that I am worrying about nothing. As he walked, the little soldier suddenly pointed to the front right and said, "Division commander, look, there is a cemetery." ”

I looked in the direction of his finger, and in the darkness of the night, by the light of the distant fire, I could vaguely see that it was a place surrounded by an iron fence, and it covered a considerable area. It is this cemetery that divides this huge settlement into two areas from the middle.

As he walked, the little warrior stopped, stood where he was, and whistled. I was just about to ask him why he was whistling, when a few flashlights came from in the distance, and at the same time, there was a lazy voice, asking impatiently: "Hey, I said, what are you doing here when you are not on duty well in the middle of the night?" ”

Hearing this familiar voice, I immediately knew that the person who spoke was Pelsjian, so I shouted loudly in the direction from which the voice came: "Hey, Captain Pelsjian, come here!" ”

"Ah, it's the division commander who is here. Don't sleep, don't sleep, get up and greet the teacher. "Pelsjian was nervous by my sudden appearance, and after a flurry of noise, there were suddenly dazzling lights around us, needless to say, which were all tank lights. (To be continued......)