When I congratulated Mihayev on his promotion to lieutenant, he did not come to his senses until Kirillov and Akhromeyev, smiling, extended their hands to congratulate him, and it dawned on him that he was not dreaming, but had really been promoted.

When Mihayev had received all our congratulations, I urged him to rush to the 1st and 3rd regiments to supervise and guide them in the construction of new fortifications. Since I still have something to explain to him in private, I personally sent him out of the headquarters.

When I came to the door of the headquarters and walked a little away from the sentry, I guess the sentry couldn't hear us, so I told him with a straight face: "Captain Mihayev, the content you just translated is top secret, and it must not be leaked. Once the leak has bad consequences, not to mention that your future is not guaranteed, and even your life will be lost. ”

Mihayev put his hand on his round-rimmed glasses, nodded his head to show that he knew, and then he lowered his voice and asked me in confusion: "Comrade division commander, I don't understand. Don't our newspapers and news say that these people are traitors to the motherland, why do we spend so much effort to plot against them? ”

I can't answer Mihayev's question the same way I did Zhukov and Chuikov, because it is impossible for him to consider this matter from a strategic perspective, and all he sees in his eyes is that in order to receive these hundreds of people, we may have to pay the price of thousands of people, and I feel that it is not worth it, so he will ask me such a question in person.

I pondered for a moment, and then explained to him: "Comrade Mihayev, it is not possible to consider whether this operation is worth it simply by addition and subtraction. If you don't plot against the Eastern Battalion. Once we meet them on the battlefield. It belongs to the two opposing sides. It's bound to fight to the death. As soon as the gun goes off, people will die, and even if our troops can fight again, they will inevitably suffer casualties. Once this force can turn to us, this senseless sacrifice will be reduced. In addition, they are from prisoner of war camps, just like the soldiers in the Eastern Battalion in other places, and they are inextricably linked to each other, so that more Eastern Battalions will turn their guns one after another. Throw yourself into our camp. These people are all veterans, veterans who have participated in many battles, and if they do their political work well, they will be able to join our ranks and fight immediately, which is much stronger than replenishing new soldiers, and the troops will be able to form a strong combat effectiveness in a very short time. And since they were anyway, there were no prisoners to be handed over to the follow-up troops, which not only reduced the workload, but also did not consume our precious troops for escort. ”

After listening to my words, Mihayev was silent for a long time. Fang Cai said thoughtfully: "I understand, Comrade Division Commander. Is it OK to leave? ”

"Go ahead. Captain Mihayev. "The reason why I took the patience to explain this to him was to change the fixed pattern that had formed in his mind, to understand that even if he was in the enemy's camp, as long as his superiors were willing to give them a chance, there was still a chance to return to our same front.

As I walked towards the headquarters, I suddenly remembered a series of numbers I had given to Kirillov and Akhromeyev about the Vostok Battalion, and neither of them had asked me how they had been counted. When I walked into the headquarters with questions, I was suddenly relieved, and they all knew that I had a good relationship with the commanders of the armies such as Chuikov and Shumilov, and even the deputy commander-in-chief, General Zhukov.

After I returned to the table and sat down, I asked Akhromeyev: "Chief of Staff, did the Germans attack our positions today?" ”

Akhromeyev shook his head and said in a strange tone: "Recently, the enemy has somehow done it, and there have been fewer attacks on the positions of the 4th Regiment, and even the number of artillery shells has decreased. ”

"Could it be that there is a problem with the enemy's logistics, so that weapons and ammunition are not available?" Kirillov heard the conversation between the two of us and couldn't help but interject. "After all, they have hundreds of thousands of troops, and the ammunition and supplies consumed every day are a terrifying astronomical amount."

Hearing Kirillov say this, I secretly replied in my heart: the consumption of the German army is large, and our consumption is not small, if the Volga transmission line is cut off, in a few days, our troops will face a miserable situation of running out of guns and lack of food in their stomachs.

In the midst of the casual conversation, I remembered the company that was still holding on to the Soviet Street, and because of the heavy losses of the troops, as soon as new reinforcements arrived, everyone tried to replenish their troops as much as possible. Not to mention veterans who have participated in battles, even recruits are in high demand, and if you don't hurry up and take this company back, you may be cheaper for others. Thinking of this, I hurriedly ordered Akhromeyev: "By the way, Comrade Chief of Staff, I suddenly remembered something, there is still a company of our 2nd Regiment on Soviet Street. At that time, they stayed there because the 42nd Guards Regiment was short of troops, and I temporarily lent them for use, and now that there are new troops to take over, let them be transferred back. ”

Akhromeyev had no doubts about my order, and agreed very readily, saying that one more person would give him more strength, and besides, more than a hundred. He immediately called Oleg and asked him to arrange for men to inform the company on Soviet Street to withdraw.

Hearing that Akhromeyev's phone call was about to run out, I hurriedly ordered again: "Chief of Staff, tell Comrade Sù Oleg that when the company commander, Lieutenant Serebryanny, returns, let him come to the division headquarters." ”

Although Akhromeyev could not understand why I gave this order, he carried it out to the letter. Kirillov asked curiously next to him: "Comrade Oshanina, what did you call this company commander to the division headquarters?" ”

"That's right, Comrade Commissar. I have been in contact with this company commander and feel that he has a lot of combat experience, and we are in need of such a talent at the moment. ”

"Where are you going to send him?" Kirillov asked.

"Lieutenant Colonel Shederikov's regiment, due to the fact that a large number of personnel has just been replenished, there is a great shortage of commanders. He also wanted me to send a commander yesterday. Go to his regiment and take up the position of battalion commander. I think this company commander Serebryanny is very suitable for this position. That's right. When his company was stationed on Soviet Street, I promised them that if they could hold on to the fifth, they would be promoted to the first rank. ”

"Are you planning to send this company commander to a regiment to be a battalion commander?" Kirillov asked tentatively, and before I could answer, a look of abrupt realization suddenly appeared on his face, and he lowered his voice and asked me carefully: "Do you want to put a group in charge of this dangerous task?" ”

"Yes, Comrade Commissar." Now that he's guessed what I'm thinking. I didn't hide my opinion: "At present, the strength of the first regiment is the largest in the whole division, and judging from their battle yesterday, the combat effectiveness is not weak, so I think it is very appropriate for the Shedelikov regiment to be responsible for receiving the Eastern Battalion." ”

"I'm okay with that." Kirillov expressed his opinion bluntly: "At present, the 2nd and 4th regiments will definitely not be able to draw sufficient troops to hold the Mamayev post; When the three regiments were withdrawn from the heights to the north, they were reduced by two-thirds, and they were not fit for this task until they were replenished. All that's left is a lump. From what I know about Lieutenant Colonel Sederikov, their regiment will be able to successfully complete the tasks assigned to them by the division headquarters. ”

An hour later. Lieutenant Sherebryanny, who had returned from Soviet Street, came to the headquarters in the dust. After he saluted the three of us. I solemnly announced to him: "Comrade Serebryanny, in view of the bravery and tenacity you showed in the battle for the defense of the Soviet Street, you are now officially promoted to the rank of captain and to the commander of the second battalion of the 1st regiment. ”

Serebryanny, whose face was flushed with excitement, once again stood up and saluted us, and said loudly: "Serve the Soviet Fatherland!" ”

As soon as Captain Sherebryanny had left, Kirillov reported to me on the progress of the transfer of personnel from Oberstan, the commissar of the regiment. I waved my hand casually, interrupted his later words, and said disapprehantly: "Comrade Political Commissar, I believe that under your leadership, Comrade Oberstein, you will be able to form the necessary contingent of political cadres before the new regiment joins our division. This matter will be left to you in full charge from now on, and you can make your own decisions about anything, and you don't have to ask me for instructions. ”

"Since you say so, I will directly arrange this work in the future."

After nightfall, Savchenko and Grams, led the fake German detachment, and quietly set off in the night, preparing to sneak behind enemy lines to contact Captain Karpov.

Akhromeyev put down the phone and told me and Kirillov: "Division commander, commissar, according to the forward observation post of the 4th regiment, the detachment has cleared their defense area and is advancing along the embankment in the direction of the enemy's camp. ”

Although judging from the current feedback, the detachment is very smooth, Kirillov, who is concerned about the chaos, still nervously asked me: "Comrade division commander, do you say that the detachment can successfully enter the camp of the Karpov battalion tonight?" ”

"No problem," I said lightly, "that they had successfully crossed the enemy's zone during reconnaissance the night before; And last night Comrade Savchenko not only passed through the enemy's defense zone, but also cleanly broke into the command post of Captain Karpov and established contact with him. In this case, the enemy did not even detect our squad, is there anything else you have to worry about? ”

"Yes, Comrade Political Commissar, the division commander is right." Akhromeyev said to the side: "Besides, Captain Grams, who led the team to cover Comrade Savchenko tonight, was a real Wehrmacht officer in the past, and when he put that uniform on his body, he was a German officer who was like a fake, and it was not a piece of cake to fool those Germans." ”

When Kirillov heard that we both spoke so easily, he breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Well, I hope they will come back safely, so that my heart will be at ease." ”

At dawn, Savchenko, dressed in a German uniform, appeared in front of us. As soon as he appeared, Kirillov, who was sitting at the table and napping, immediately jumped up, rushed to him with an arrow, and asked with concern: "Comrade Savchenko, are you back?" ”

"Yes, Comrade Commissar, we are all back." Perhaps because it was too cold outside, Savchenko's voice was a little hoarse, "We also brought back a message from Captain Karpov. ”

When I heard that Karpov had given us an answer, I secretly said in my heart that there was hope for the success of the rebellion. Hurriedly smiled and beckoned Savchenko to come to the table and sit down. Only then did he ask him unhurriedly: "Comrade Savchenko." I wonder what Karpov asked you to send back? ”

Savchenko wanted to stand up and answer. But Kirillov, who was standing next to him, put a hand on his shoulder, pressed him down, and said: "Don't stand up, just sit and talk." ”

Savchenko looked up at Kirillov and smiled, so he did not insist on standing up, but sat down and reported to us: "Division commander, political commissar, after I met Captain Karpov last night, I told him the reason why we could not agree to the third condition. With a disappointed look on his face, he made a request after thinking about it for a long time. At this point, Savchenko paused, just staring at me intently.

"What request, Comrade Savchenko?" When Kirillov saw that Savchenko was halfway through his words, he suddenly stopped abruptly, and couldn't help but be a little anxious, urging him again and again: "Go on, what kind of request did Captain Karpov make?" ”

I saw that Savchenko's gaze stayed on me. Estimating that Karpov's request had nothing to do with me, he encouraged Savchenko and said, "Say it. Comrade Savchenko, what exactly did Karpov request? ”

Although Savchenko received my encouragement, perhaps because of the importance of the matter, he still seemed hesitant to speak: "Captain Karpov said that those of us who negotiated with him were too low-ranked, and that he wanted to be assigned to a higher-ranking commander. It is better if the division commander himself can go. ”

"What?" Akhromeyev's eyes widened when he heard this, and he asked angrily: "What kind of thing is Karpov, who actually wants our division commander to negotiate with him in person?" ”

Kirilov's face also showed anger, but he was obviously much calmer than Akhromeyev, and he asked lightly: "Comrade Savchenko, is Karpov making such a request?" ”

Savchenko nodded vigorously and replied affirmatively: "Yes, he said that only if the division commander personally went to negotiate with him, he could believe in the sincerity of our army." ”

After he finished speaking, all eyes were on me. I did not speak, but walked up and down the room with my hands behind my back, thinking to myself that although a face-to-face negotiation with Karpov would show the sincerity of our army to the greatest extent, what worried me was the danger I might face if I got through the enemy's defensive area.

After thinking about it, I felt that since the matter of the rebellion had already been reported to the headquarters of the group army and Zhukov, if I temporarily changed my mind at such a time, it would be tantamount to cutting off my future in disguise. After weighing the stakes between my future and my own life, I made up my mind. So I stopped, turned to them, and said, "I've decided, I'll follow Savchenko and them to meet Karpov tonight." ”

As soon as my words came out, Kirillov and Akhromeyev were immediately frightened, and they persuaded me in unison: "No, comrade division commander, it's too dangerous. ”

I waved my hand and said calmly: "Political commissar and chief of staff, in order to fully dispel Karpov's scruples and win his further trust in us, I must go on this trip myself. Speaking of this, seeing that the two of them still had panicked expressions on their faces, he hurriedly comforted them, "Don't worry, there won't be any danger, I don't have Captain Grams's troops to protect me along the way." ”

Although I had already said this, Kirillov still refused to let go, and he said resolutely: "Comrade division commander, you are going deep behind enemy lines, it is really too dangerous, why don't you go with another person?" ”

"No way!" I had calmed down at the moment, and I denied Kirillov's proposal without thinking, "Since Karpov wants to meet with me, the division commander, by name, whoever I want to go to will not have the desired effect." ”

"Is it necessary to report to the command of the army group?" Worried about my personal safety, Akhromeyev asked cautiously.

"Not yet." I was deeply afraid that Akhromeyev would impulsively report that I was going to meet with Karpov, so that the situation would get out of control, so I hurriedly stopped him, "If this matter is reported to the command now, the commander they will definitely stop me and prevent me from meeting with Karpov." In this case, our plans may be ruined. ”

At my insistence, Kirillov and Akhromeyev reluctantly agreed that I would follow Savchenko and Grams, disguised as Germans, and quietly infiltrate the rear of the German army after dark. Go and meet Karpov.

Then. Savchenko put forward another suggestion: "Comrade division commander. The presence of a female soldier in the ranks of the German army on the march was easy to arouse suspicion, so I thought it was appropriate to get a German covered truck. If we go by car, we will not only reduce the time spent on the round-trip journey, but also reduce the chance of exposure. ”

"Comrade Savchenko, this is a good idea of yours." Kirillov attached great importance to his opinion and specifically asked: "Do you have a way to get the enemy's truck?" ”

Savchenko thought for a moment, and then replied decisively: "Comrade commissar." Rest assured, I'll be able to get the enemy's truck before it gets dark. ”

Kirillov nodded with satisfaction: "Okay, then, you will be responsible for finding the truck." ”

When it was dark, I followed Savchenko to the bottom of the mountain, and I found a German truck with a covered roof parked here, which made me impressed by Savchenko's ability.

Grams, who was standing around the truck, and when he saw me coming, he hurriedly saluted me and said in broken Russian: "Comrade division commander." You're here, please get in the car. He said. He turned and opened the door on the passenger side.

I hurriedly waved my hand at him and said, "No, Captain Grams, you should sit here, Comrade Savchenko and I will sit in the carriage." After saying that, he raised his legs and wanted to go.

Grams, who stopped my way, muttered a few words. I couldn't understand what he was saying, so I turned my head to look at Savchenko beside me and instinctively asked, "Do you know what he's talking about?" ”

Savchenko leaned in and whispered something in German, and Grimes replied. Savchenko, who understood what Grams was saying, translated to me: "Comrade division commander, Captain Grams, said that it is uncomfortable to sit in the carriage, let you still be the bridge, it is spacious here, and it is no problem to seat three people." ”

With Guò Savchenko's translation, I understood what Grams meant, but I rejected his kindness. I smiled and introduced to him: "Captain Grams, we may have to encounter the enemy patrol later, or go through the enemy checkpoint, if they find a female soldier sitting in the bridge, it will arouse their alarm and cause us a lot of inconvenience, so I better sit in the carriage." ”

After listening to Savchenko's translation, Grahms shrugged his shoulders and said helplessly: "Well, since that's the case, do as you say." ”

Our itinerary was much smoother than expected. The truck drove for more than half an hour before we were stopped by a patrol. Listening to the chatter of the German soldiers under the car, I couldn't help but clench the submachine gun in my hand, intending that once the enemy discovered the flaw, I would not hesitate to stand up and shoot at the German soldiers under the car.

Fortunately, Grahms coped with it properly, and it didn't take long to send the German patrol away, and the car continued to move on. Savchenko, who was sitting next to me, said lightly: "Division commander, the enemy patrol is gone. Don't worry, it's okay, we've been fighting a few times behind enemy lines, and every time we encounter an enemy patrol or checkpoint, they, the original Germans, can easily get through. After I heard him say it, I just hummed softly.

"What are you thinking?" Savchenko asked respectfully.

I replied worriedly: "Comrade Savchenko, I feel that we should intensify reconnaissance work in the rear of the enemy. If you think about it, the enemy currently has air supremacy over Stalingrad, they can use guò reconnaissance aircraft to understand the state of our defenses, while our reconnaissance units cannot go deep into their rear to reconnoitre. In such a blind situation, what do you think are the chances of victory in the battle plan that has been formulated? ”

Before Savchenko could express his opinion, the truck suddenly stopped again. I couldn't help but curse in a low voice: "Hell, what's going on, did you encounter an enemy patrol or checkpoint again?" ”

Savchenko stood up, carefully lifted a corner of the tarpaulin, looked outside, and then replied: "Divisional commander, we have arrived at the camp of the Vostok battalion. We were stopped by the soldiers of the battalion, and it would not be long before we could see Captain Karpov. "When I heard that I would be able to meet Karpov soon, my heart beat faster.

After restarting, the truck staggered forward for dozens of meters before finally stopping. Savchenko stood up again, bent down and said to me: "Comrade division commander. We've got to the place. It's time to get off. ”

"I see." With that, I stood up with my hand on the baffle of the carriage. Stumbling to the back of the car, he got out of the car with the help of the soldiers.

As soon as I got out of the car, Gramms walked around the front of the car, walked up to me, and said briefly to a tent with lights not far away, "Over there!" ”

I nodded, and when Savchenko got out of the car, the three of us walked towards the lighted tent.

Lifted the curtain of the tent and walked in. I saw a young man without a hat and in a German uniform sitting in front of us at a wooden table, looking down at a map spread out in front of us. Hearing footsteps, he instinctively raised his head and looked over at us.

Savchenko took the initiative to greet him: "Hello, Captain Karpov, here we are again." ”

The young soldier, known as Karpov, smiled and stood up and walked around the table to us. When he walked in front of us. I was surprised to find a stranger, and a smile immediately froze on my face. He asked vigilantly: "Comrade Savchenko, who is this?" ”

Savchenko was just about to make an introduction, but I raised my hand to stop him. I took the initiative to extend my hand to Karpov and said with a smile on my face: "Hello, Captain Karpov. Let me introduce myself, I am Colonel Oshanina, the commander of the Independent Division, and I am here to negotiate with you. Aren't you welcome? ”

Hearing that I had identified myself, Karl panicked, hurriedly reached out to take my hand, shook it vigorously, and said, "Hello, hello, Comrade Colonel, I have heard of it a long time ago, but I did not expect you to come to me in person. Then he let go of a hand and swung it back, letting me inside, "Don't stand at the door, come in and sit." ”

After I sat down with him, Savchenko took the initiative to say to me: "Comrade division commander, you can talk, Captain Grams and I are waiting for you outside, and we will casually monitor the German troops in the soldiers' inspection group." ”

I nodded and commanded in a low voice, "Let Captain Grams take a few fighters and take surveillance action against them, and if you find that the situation is abnormal, decisively dispose of them all." ”

After Savchenko and Grams left, I smiled and said to Karpov: "Captain Karpov, I have come here according to your request, and then we can talk about the troops anyway?" ”

Karpov smiled bitterly and said: "Colonel Oshanina, as far as I know, Stalin himself once declared that all Soviet prisoners of war are traitors to the motherland, and even if they escape from the enemy's prisoner of war camp and return to their own units, they will face the fate of censorship and even exile and execution, and those of us who joined the German army are even more heinous. I'm afraid that even if we get back there, we will have an even more tragic fate waiting for us. ”

Seeing Karpov's concerns, I could only comfort him as much as I could: "Captain Karpov, don't worry, since I can be in front of you and discuss with you about the affairs of the army anyway, it must be with the permission of the top brass of the army, otherwise with my small division commander, would I dare to make a claim?" What you are worried about, I can assure you with my personality that as long as your troops are in my independent division, they will never be counted by the queen of autumn. ”

Karpov listened to my words and was silent for a long time. I knew he was weighing the pros and cons, so I didn't bother him and sat quietly watching him.

After a long while, he finally sighed and said: "Colonel Oshanina, your ability to come to my camp today is enough to prove your sincerity, I believe in you, and I am willing to lead the whole battalion of officers and soldiers to join your independent division." ”

Hearing his statement, the stone hanging in my heart fell to the ground, and the next thing to discuss was how to pull the troops out. However, before discussing this plan, I first had to understand the strength and equipment of his troops, so I asked: "Captain Karpov, I would like to know the strength and armament of your battalion, so that I can formulate a targeted response plan." ”

"The battalion consisted of 578 people, including an artillery company with four 150mm howitzers, and the remaining three companies were infantry companies, each with four light machine guns and one heavy machine gun. Due to the recent supply difficulties, the howitzers have run out of shells, and if they want to stand out, the artillery will not be of any help. ”

"If you do it anyway, can you be sure to pull everyone away?" After listening to the strength and equipment of the Dongfang Battalion, I then asked a question that I was concerned about, "What are you going to do with those officers and soldiers who are unwilling to follow us?" ”

Karpov smiled bitterly and replied: "Colonel, if you kill the Germans in the battalion who are in the soldier monitoring group, you should be able to pull all the troops away." But what worries me now is, in the middle of the three German divisions, how can we get out of the way? ”

I glanced down at the map in front of me, and then pointed to the map and explained to him: "If you want to leave smoothly, I now have two plans: First, your whole battalion will quietly move eastward at night, pass through the defense area of the German 113th Division, and come to the Volga River, where I will arrange for troops to meet you. After you and the receiving troops have converged, they will go up the river along the embankment and enter our defense zone from the high ground to the north. Second, when the Germans are attacking our positions during the day, you will quietly approach the battlefield, and after the German attack has been frustrated, you will decisively launch an offensive, join up with our troops rushing head-on, and then return to our positions together. ”

Although I said it with confidence, after listening to it, Karpov still cautiously asked: "Colonel, can you really jump out of the German encirclement with your two plans?" You know, if we fail, what awaits us is the end of total annihilation. ”

In order to dispel his concerns, I said to him bluntly: "Captain Karpov, rest assured, even if our receiving troops are all gone, we must ensure that your troops are not lost or that losses are minimized. (To be continued......)