The news of the victory that followed made everyone in the command excited, and the lack of enough shells in the artillery regiment was directly ignored by everyone. Unexpectedly, it was because of this small negligence that it became the fuse of the fiasco of this battle.

Due to the suddenness of the launch of the campaign, and the blow of the powerful artillery fire of the Volkhov Front, the unprepared Germany was taken by surprise. The fortifications, which had taken months or more to build, were quickly reduced to rubble under heavy artillery fire. After the shelling stopped, when the surviving German officers and soldiers struggled to crawl out of the ruins of the fortifications, they were faced with the crushing of the tank tracks of the 8th Army and the muzzles of death sprayed from the hands of the infantry commanders and fighters. After a little resistance, these German defensive positions were successively captured by the troops of the 8th Army.

In order to let the generals in the command headquarters have a more intuitive understanding of the progress of the campaign, Colonel Semenov, chief of the operations department, specially hung a large map of the Sinianvino region on the wall, and also arranged for two other combat staff officers to mark the movements of the enemy and the enemy on the map according to the battle reports sent from time to time.

As the battle was developing in our favor, the nervous generals in the headquarters relaxed and sat around the rectangular conference table, drinking hot black tea and eating the sumptuous food sent by the cooks, and commenting on the speed of our army's progress as they ate.

After lunch, Zaporozhyets, the military commissar of the Front, who had been silent, looked at his watch, then leaned over to Meretskov's side and whispered to the commander who was reading the battle report: "Comrade Commander of the Front, it's already noon. We should not put the progress of the campaign. Reported to Comrade Stalin? ”

Meretskov nodded. Then he stood up, took a battle report, walked to the high-frequency phone, picked up the microphone and began to dial. The commander of Zhilu Dao was about to call the Supreme Commander, and the people in the room who were still chatting suddenly quieted down, and they all turned their eyes to Meretskov and quietly watched him call.

The call was quickly connected, and Meretskov politely said into the microphone: "Hello. Is it Comrade Pos Krebeshev? I am Meretskov, and I would like to report to Comrade Stalin on the progress of the battle for the Sinavino salient. After a short silence, Meretskov began to speak again: "Hello, Comrade Stalin! I have the honour to report to you that in the battle of the Bulge, which was launched in the early hours of this morning, our army has made tremendous progress. By 12 o'clock at noon, the 8th Army, which was tasked with assault mission, had opened an opening about five kilometers wide in the enemy's defensive area and wedged four kilometers deep into the enemy's defenses. ”

Speaking of which, perhaps, Stalin asked some question. Meretskov stopped the debriefing and waited a few minutes. He continued: "There are many reasons why we have been able to achieve such results. First of all, the German command did not expect the offensive of our troops, of course, this is only a guess on my part. In addition, the first assault of our army was sudden both in terms of campaign and tactics, and the German army, which had no convenience, was taken by surprise by us.

According to our interrogation of the prisoners, it was the 26th Infantry Corps of the German 18th Army that was defending the front of our army, and with the 227th Division on the left flank and the 223rd Infantry Division on the right flank, they were guarding the area on the west bank of the Volkhov River. After the artillery preparation of our troops, the attack launched by four infantry divisions of the 8th Army under the cover of tank brigades hit the junction of the two German divisions. First, the 19th Guards Division occupied the station, then the 24th Guards Infantry Division was on the left, and the 265th Infantry Division was on the right, successfully seizing all the positions of the German front line. ”

After the report, Meretskov returned to the conference table with a smile on his face, leaned forward with his hands on the edge of the table, and said excitedly: "Comrade Stalin is on the phone, and he is very satisfied with the results we have achieved today. He also asked us to make persistent efforts to pursue the victory, to achieve an early rendezvous with the Neva cluster of the Leningrad Front, and to break the siege of the city by the fascist bandits. ”

Although there was a lot of laughter and laughter in the headquarters, I was standing by the wall and watching the excitement all the time I had nothing to do in the headquarters, but I felt a faint sense of unease, and I always felt that something big was going to happen.

The battle continues, and the offensive forces of our army are still progressing well. At noon on the second day of the battle, another phone next to the high-frequency telephone on the wall table suddenly rang, and because I was close, I walked over and picked up the microphone and said politely: "Hello! Here is the headquarters of the Front. ”

Soon, General Starikov's somewhat excited voice came from the microphone: "Is it Major Oshanina?" Please let General Meretskov answer the phone. ”

"Comrade General, please wait! I'll help you call Comrade Commander to answer the phone right away. After that, I covered the microphone and looked up to greet Meretskov, when I found him walking towards me, and it turned out that he had already noticed it when the phone rang just now. He walked up to me, took the microphone and said, "Hello, General Starikov!" I'm Meretskov. ”

I clearly heard Starikov excitedly report: "Comrade commander, I have good news for you, the vanguard battalion of the 19th Guards Infantry Division, which has reached the southern side of the Sinianavino Heights, is engaged in an exchange of fire with the German troops. ”

Hearing that the troops had attacked near the Sinavino Heights, Meretskov was also excited, and he hurriedly instructed Starikov: "I said Comrade Starikov, since there are troops that have already attacked the Siniavino Heights, then what are you still trying to do, immediately transfer the follow-up troops up, and take the heights as soon as possible." ”

After reading so many battle reports, I knew very well that if we could take the Siniavino Heights as soon as possible, our troops would be able to establish artillery positions on them and condescendingly bombard the German defensive positions from the north side of the heights to the Neva River.

Hearing Meretskov's order, Starikov, who should have readily agreed, became slumped. Meretskov soon noticed that something was wrong and hurriedly asked, "What's the matter?" Comrade Starikov, did you encounter any insurmountable difficulties? ”

Starikov was silent for a moment before replying: "Comrade commander." The attacking troops ran out of ammunition. It is no longer possible to launch a large-scale offensive. ”

"What? The troops are out of ammunition? Meretskov slammed the table. "Tell me, what the hell is going on?" ”

"Comrade commander, don't get angry yet, please listen to my explanation." Faced with Meretskov's anger, Starikov defended with some panic: "This is because for the first time there were so many submachine guns at the front. Although before the start of the battle, I also asked the commanders at all levels to remind the troops to conserve ammunition. But it didn't work. As soon as the impact began, the commanders and fighters pulled the bolt and used up all the bullets in one go. Of course. In doing so, they also reflect a certain psychological factor. Because the submachine gun was pressed against the abdomen and the fire was kept shooting, the impact forward was less tense. The commanders and fighters believed that the Red Army fighters were encouraged by the firing of our Degtyalev and Shpakin submachine guns during the attack, and that when a volley of bullets flew over the head of the Deko, they could be overwhelmed with momentum. ”

"What's the use of running out of ammunition and overwhelming the Germans in momentum?" Meretskov shouted this sentence into the microphone almost in a rage. Starikov was so frightened that he didn't even dare to speak. After a while, he slowed down again and asked, "Then the next battle." What are you going to do? ”

Starikov muttered: "Comrade commander, I intend to let the vanguard battalion of the 19th Guards Division continue to maintain contact with the enemy, and the rest of the troops will rest in place and wait for the replenishment of ammunition before launching an attack." ”

Meretskov's breathing became heavy, and I, who was standing next to me, quietly took a step back so as not to suffer from the fish in the pond. However, he did not get angry as I thought, but quickly stabilized his mood and said to Starikov: "Let the troops repair the fortifications in place, seize the time to rest, and I will let the logistics department replenish you with ammunition as soon as possible." After speaking, without waiting for the other party to say anything, he hung up the phone directly.

Meretskov hung up the phone and stood still. Chief of Staff Stepimakh walked up to him and asked with concern: "Comrade commander, what's going on?" Did something happen to the 8th Army? ”

Meretskov snorted from his nose and said in a huff: "General Starikov reported on the phone that their troops had reached the southern side of the Sinianavino Heights. However, the troops ran out of ammunition and could no longer continue the strong offensive against the Germans. ”

"What then? Comrade Commander. After Stelimach figured out what was going on, he couldn't help but get anxious.

"What else can I do?!" Meretskov then instructed Stepakh: "Comrade Chief of Staff, you immediately go and contact the logistics department and ask them to send the ammunition needed by the 8th Army as soon as possible." ”

"Yes!" Stelimach agreed, turned and trotted out of headquarters.

Meretskov stood quietly in place for a while, then resolutely picked up the microphone of the high-frequency telephone and began to dial, apparently trying to report to Stalin on the progress of today's campaign.

The call was quickly answered, and Meretskov cautiously said to the Supreme Commander-in-Chief: "Comrade Stalin, today the 8th Army has advanced another three kilometers, in which the vanguard battalion of the 19th Guards Infantry Division has already reached the southern side of the Sinavino Heights. ”

After listening to this, Stalin said slowly: "Comrade Meretskov, when do you think the troops will be able to conquer the heights?" ”

Such a simple question from Stalin actually made Meretskov nervous, he raised his hand to wipe the sweat from his forehead, and replied: "Comrade Stalin, something is wrong now, and the offensive operation may have to be suspended. ”

Stalin's voice became serious: "What happened? ”

Meretskov said with trepidation: "Because this campaign was launched too hastily, a lot of material was not fully prepared, and the 8th Army had too much ammunition consumption in the offensive battle for two consecutive days, and it was not replenished in time. According to the report of the commander of the army group, General Starikov, now the ammunition carried by the troops has been exhausted, and it is necessary to wait for the replenishment of ammunition before launching another offensive. ”

Stalin asked lightly: "Then when do you think the troops that have replenished ammunition will be able to attack again." ”

Meretskov thought for a moment and replied seriously: "I think that tomorrow morning around six o'clock the offensive can start again." ”

After listening to this, Stalin did not say anything about his words, but suddenly changed the subject: "Is Leda in your command?" ”

I was surprised to hear Stalin mention my name and couldn't help but be stunned. And Meretskov was taken aback. He didn't understand why the Supreme Commander would suddenly ask me about this little person. He looked back at me strangely. And then answered: "Yes, Comrade Stalin, she is right next to me." Are you going to talk to her? ”

"No, just relay my words to her. You ask her, if she were the commander of the front, what would she do at such a time? ”

Meretskov removed the microphone from his ear, afraid that I had not heard what Stalin had said. specially relayed the original words. Almost without thinking, I replied: "Now the troops of General Krykov of the second echelon should be transferred up immediately, since the 2nd Shock Army is being reorganized, only the 327th Division of Colonel Anchufeev and the infantry brigade of Colonel Zhicholiv are slightly weaker." Therefore, after the 2nd Shock Army was transferred to the southern side of the Sinavino Heights, General Gagan's 4th Guards Army would also move forward from its current position, ready to take over the attack of the 8th Army or the 2nd Shock Army at any time. ”

"When do you think the 2nd Shock Army will be able to relaunch its attack if it moves north?" I spoke so loudly that Stalin could hear me without having to paraphrase Meletskov, so he asked directly the questions that interested him.

I took a look at my watch. At one o'clock in the afternoon, I silently calculated in my mind the speed at which the troops were transferred. Only then did he reply in the affirmative: "If the transfer of troops goes well, we should be able to attack again at about eight o'clock tonight." ”

After hearing this, Stalin still did not express his opinion, but asked the commander of the front: "Comrade Meretskov, which German unit is defending the Sinianavino heights now?" ”

Hearing this, Meretskov replied almost without thinking: "Report to Comrade Stalin, according to pre-war reconnaissance, it was two regiments of the German 96th Infantry Division with about five thousand men defending the heights. ”

Stalin was silent for a while before he said slowly: "Since the number of Germans on the heights is not large, then first replenish the ammunition of the 8th Army and wait for tomorrow morning to attack." ”

Hearing Stalin's statement, my heart suddenly cooled down, and I was unwilling to talk to me directly, and even the plan I proposed was rejected without care. Waiting until the ammunition of the troops was replenished and the attack was launched tomorrow morning would give the Germans a full night's respite. The commanders and fighters of our army will inevitably pay a greater price if they want to conquer the fortifications fortified by the Germans.

But since Stalin had already spoken, even Meretskov did not dare to object, let alone me, a small combat staff officer with a soft talk, so I immediately obediently shut up and ran to help Colonel Semyonov to the communication room to get the latest battle report.

The assault on the heights of Sinavino was launched at six o'clock in the morning of the 19th. After the battle began, Meretskov anxiously walked around the headquarters, constantly urging Colonel Semenov to check if there were any latest battle reports.

The battle report of the 8th Army did not come until eight o'clock. Meretskov took the battle report, only glanced at it a few times, then slapped the paper on the table with a bang, and said angrily: "What is this Starikov doing, a whole infantry division, with a tank brigade, launched five charges in a row, and they were actually beaten back by two regiments of Germans. ”

Military Commissar Zaporozhyets picked up the battle report and looked at it, frowned and said: "Comrade commander, it stands to reason that this should not be the case." You must know that the low slopes of the Sinavino Heights are conducive to tank assaults, and we have more troops than the Germans, so we should not be unable to attack. I think I should call General Starikov and ask what is going on? ”

Meretskov nodded and instructed General Stepimak: "Comrade Chief of Staff, you go and call Starikov and ask what is going on?" ”

Stepach got up and went to call the command of the 8th Army, and when he returned, his face was particularly ugly. He walked up to Meretskov and reported with a serious expression: "Comrade commander, I asked General Starikov. He said that after four successive thwarted charges, he raided and interrogated the captured prisoners, and was surprised to find that many of them were from the German 180th Division. ”

"What?" When Meretskov heard this, he immediately jumped up from his position, and he asked in disbelief: "The 180th Infantry Division of the Germans, isn't it in the Crimean region?" When did they enter the Sinavino Heights? ”

Stelimach replied with a sad expression: "It was the high ground that I entered at about ten o'clock last night. Moreover, the captives also said that the troops of the 12th Tank Division would soon come to the high ground to participate in the counterattack against our troops. As a result, the balance between the enemy's forces and ours has changed, and it will be difficult to conquer the heights without committing new troops. ”

"Comrade Chief of Staff," Meretskov decisively ordered Stepakh: "You immediately call General Krykov of the 2nd Shock Army and ask him to quickly lead the second echelon to the Sinianavino Heights and assist the 19th Guards Division in the attack on the heights. Speaking of this, he thought for a moment and added: "Call General Gagan again and ask him to send the 98th Tank Brigade to the high ground as well." ”

Stepach left the command and went to the communications room to call Krekov and Gagan. At this time, Semyonov walked up to Meretskov with several battle reports.

Seeing the newly arrived battle report, Meretskov said with some impatience: "Comrade Colonel, is it possible that in which direction the offensive of our troops has been thwarted again?" ”

Semenov was taken aback by Meretskov's attitude, and hurriedly waved his hand and said: "Comrade commander, you have misunderstood. These reports are all good news. ”

"All good news?" Meretskov took the battle report half-convinced, and after a few glances, the expression on his face became rich. From the change in his expression, I guess that Semenov is telling the truth, and the battle report is really good news.

Meretskov handed the battle report to Zaporozhyets, and the military commissar looked down at the battle report, nodded again and again, and said: "Comrade commander, this is indeed good news. Although our attack on the Signavino Heights was thwarted, the attack of the 24th Guards Infantry Division and the 265th Infantry Division on the right side of the heights was smooth, and they had broken through two lines of defense in succession and advanced another three kilometers into the depth of the German defense. At this point, he counted with his fingers, and then said excitedly: "That is to say, we are now the closest to the Neva River, and there are only five kilometers left in the back." ”

"Yes," Meretskov said confidently, "now let the troops of the 19th Guards Division and the 1st Assault Army, plus two tank brigades, entangle the enemy on the heights, so that they cannot draw forces to support other sectors." At the same time, we transferred the third echelon to strengthen the troops on both sides of the heights, increase the intensity of the attack, and press to the Neva River as soon as possible, so as to realize the campaign intention of joining forces with the Leningrad Front. (To be continued......)