Perhaps Chuikov had long planned to replenish the six thousand recruits to my division, and after listening to my words, he said almost without thinking: "Well, Oshanina, since you are willing to receive these recruits, then I will do my best to let Chief of Staff Raskin take them to you to report." ”

"Thank you, thank you, Comrade Commander." I said gratefully, "With this group of recruits, I am more confident about holding on to my existing positions." ”

"Next, let me give you a brief introduction to the situation of our army group and friendly forces." Chuikov did not answer my words, and said to himself: "In this week's fighting, the Gothic 4th Tank Army, after paying a great price, captured the Abuganerovo station, the Jinguta station and the 55-kilometer Huirang station, and forced the left flank of our 64th Army to the area of Kasharé, fifteen kilometers northwest of the 174th Heights, Zete and Abuganerovo stations. In addition, the Germans occupied the town of Tondutovo, southeast of the Abganerovo station. But they were never able to break through the frontal line of our 64th Army and 57th Army. "When I heard the name of the commander of the German 4th Tank Army, I first noticed that Chuikov spoke with a strong local accent, so much so that he called Hoth's name Gothic, but it was a trivial matter, as long as everyone understood who he was talking about.

I patted Sederikov next to me, pointed to the map on the table, and motioned for him to help me bring it over. Immediately understood, Shedelikov ran over and took the map and carefully laid it out in front of me.

"Yes, understood, Comrade Commander." I replied to Chuikov. While looking down at the map in front of him. After watching it for a minute. I asked tentatively, "From the map." Our division is currently in the Kasharé area, the left flank should be the troops of the 57th Army, and the right flank should be which unit of our army? ”

"It's your old acquaintances, the 70th Guards Division of Colonel Lyudnikov and the 157th Infantry Division of Colonel Kuropatenko. With them on the right flank of your division, you can rest easy on this defense. ”

"Great, so that I can concentrate my forces on the main defensive direction." I looked at the map and said, "Our defense area, or rather." The defensive zone is fifteen kilometers on the front and twenty kilometers in depth. ”

"Now that you know, that's fine." Chuikov continued: "I would like to remind you in particular that the town of Tondutovo, which was occupied by the Germans, is very important geographically. It is located close to the ground of an important section of decisive importance for the entire Stalingrad theater of operations - near the riverside heights between the Red Army City and Bektovka. If you stand on the Primorsky Heights, you can overlook the entire Volga Bay together with Sarpinsky Island. Suffice it to say that if the Germans wanted to break through our defenses at Stalingrad, this was the best place to carry out the assault. He paused, perhaps because he was worried that I couldn't figure out the importance of these areas. It was added: "The Red Army City was a key point in the defensive positions south of Stalingrad and the focal point of the only line of communication connecting the west bank of the Volga with Astrakhan by land." So wherever the Germans appeared. It's not as much of a threat to us as it is here. ”

I looked at the map and nodded, took over the topic of Chuikov and said: "Comrade commander, I understand what you mean. Judging from the map, as long as the Red Army City and Bektovka are still in the hands of our army, it will be very difficult for the German army to attack or to defend. Because this plateau is higher than the Volga River, it provides very favorable conditions for observing the Kalmyk steppe. Our army could use this as a staging point for troops and use it as a springboard to carry out a counter-assault on the southern flank of the German army attacking Stalingrad or defending there. After saying my opinion, I also pretended to be modest and asked: "Comrade commander, do you think I am right?" ”

"Exactly, Comrade Oshanina." Cui Kefu said happily: "I didn't expect you to be able to accurately analyze the accurate situation just by listening to a few simple introductions from me, it's really not easy." Work hard, and when this battle is over, I promise you that you will become a general. ”

After listening to Chuikov's words, I did not care about being complacent, but continued to ask a question that I was interested in: "Comrade commander, are you familiar with the commander of the 57th Army, can you tell me what kind of commander he is?" "I have dealt with almost all the units of the 64th Army, and I have some understanding of their combat effectiveness. But the 57th Army, which was on the right flank of our division, I don't know much about it. The only thing that makes a slight impression is that some time ago, the Germans bypassed the defensive strips of the 214th and 229th divisions, routed the units of the 57th Army, wedged the junction of the 64th Army and the 7th Army, and cut off the connection between the two armies. It was because of this incident that I was worried about the combat effectiveness of the friendly forces, and if they could not stop the German flanks, our flanks would be exposed to the Germans.

Chuikov, who apparently knew the commander of the 57th Army, said carefully after a short silence: "The commander of the 57th Army, Fedor. Ivanovich. Tolbukhin, in everyone's mind, was loyal to his duty, brave and good at fighting, and had outstanding command talents. He accumulated a wealth of combat experience as early as the time of the Civil War. Later, he also studied at the Frunze Military Academy, commanded a division after graduation, and also served as the chief of staff of a military district. After the outbreak of the Great Patriotic War, he served as chief of staff of the Transcaucasian Front, the Caucasian Front, and the Crimean Front, and in late July this year he became the commander of the 57th Army. He was characterized by his ability to organize a strong defense while at the same time carrying out a bold counter-assault on the enemy, and he also had the distinguishing characteristic of being very concerned about his subordinates. ”

After listening to Chuikov's evaluation of Tolbukhin, my heart was much more steady, and it seemed that the defense of the left flank could also be relieved, and then I could concentrate my forces to arrange the defense to the south and continue to block the advance of the 4th Hort Tank Army towards Stalingrad.

"Anything else to ask?" Chuikov asked.

When I saw the military flag leaning against the corner, I suddenly remembered what happened to the new commander of the guard battalion, Basmanov, and asked curiously: "Comrade commander." I heard that in the units that carried out a counter-assault on the German 6th Army. There was the 24th Infantry Division. "When I said this. Intentionally, he glanced at Basmanov, and when he heard the number of his old unit, his eyes couldn't help but lighten.

"Yes, among the participating troops, there is indeed the 24th Infantry Division. What's wrong, why are you asking about this troop? ”

My eyes looked at Basmanov, the former junior commander of the 24th Division, and replied: "I heard that the division was surrounded by German troops in Kiev, after highlighting the German encirclement. The flags were disbanded, the division commanders were brought before military tribunals for trial, and the overwhelming majority of the junior commanders were sent to the correctional camps. ”

"It is true that the 24th Division was disbanded after losing its flag. According to the regulations of our army, if a unit loses its flag, it means that the unit has been defeated. Therefore, the division must be disbanded, and all divisional commanders must be brought before a military court for trial. Chuikov also seemed to know a thing or two about it, so he continued, "Two months ago. There was a partisan detachment that returned to Moscow, bringing back a coffin. The coffin contained the remains of a commander. The body was wrapped in a flag. After inspection and confirmation by the personnel of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, it was found that the flag was the missing military flag of the 24th Division, and it was immediately sent for restoration. Soon after, the Supreme Commander himself came down and reorganized the 24th Division. ”

"Great, now that the troops have been reorganized, can the original commanders go back to their own troops?" I can't help but rejoice for the fact that Basmanov, who had been tortured in the punishment camp, had the opportunity to return to his unit.

Unexpectedly, Chuikov sighed and said, "Oshanina, you really think about the problem too simply. Because the division had lost its military flag, the original commander would not be recognized by his superiors, and at the same time, the newly formed unit would also reassign new commanders at all levels, so even if the division had distinguished itself in future operations, it would not have the opportunity to become a guards division. Then he deliberately emphasized: "Since you mentioned the matter of the military flag, I think it is necessary for me to remind you that you must protect the glorious banner of the independent division as if you were protecting your own life, otherwise what will happen to you, I won't say, you also know in your heart." ”

"I understand, Comrade Commander." I knew very well in my heart the importance of not losing the military flag, so I took this opportunity to express to Chuikov: "I will definitely protect this glorious banner as if I cherished my own life." ”

"If the independent division replenishes a few thousand recruits, the combat effectiveness will definitely be diluted, how do you plan to solve this problem?" Chuikov asked with some concern.

"That's how I think so, Comrade Commander. I hope you can send a group of combat backbones from other units to our division, and if you come to a corporal, I will let him command a recruit squad; Come to a sergeant, and I'll give him a platoon of recruits. ”

My advice made Chuikov laugh out loud, and he laughed and said, "Oshanina, how dare you think about it." Now that the battle is fought so hard, the casualties of all units are not small, and the veterans and combat backbones have suffered great losses, you still dare to mention such conditions. Not to mention the squad leader and platoon commander, even if the positions of company commander and battalion commander are placed there, the commanders of other units will not be willing to transfer even one combat backbone to you. No, your method will definitely not work, and then think of other ways to improve the combat effectiveness of the troops. ”

I was prepared for a wall here in Chuikov. Since he couldn't count on it here, he could only wait for the arrival of Meretskov's ensign training team while digging up potential within the independent division. Of course, it is not enough to wait, although Vasilevsky and Zhukov both promised to mention this matter to Meretskov, but I was afraid that they would have too many nobles and would forget about it as soon as they got busy, so I wanted Chuikov to help me urge this matter, so I said straight to the point: "Comrade commander, I have one more thing to ask for your help. When I was still in the Volkhov Front, Senior General Meretskov offered to put his second lieutenant training team under my command, and if this unit was transferred and these grassroots commanders were added to the troops, it would not be long before the combat effectiveness of the independent division would be enhanced. ”

"Is this possible?" Chuikov said uncertainly: "As far as I know, the second lieutenant training team is the treasure of General Meretskov, is he willing to hand it over to you to command casually?" ”

"I have already mentioned this matter to General Zhukov and the Chief of the General Staff, Colonel-General Vasilevsky, and they have promised to help me with this matter. I just ask you to mention this to both of them again when the time is right. lest they forget because they are busy with military affairs.

"Okay. I'll take care of that. Wait for the news. I'll keep you informed. When Chuikov heard that he was just a messenger, he readily agreed.

"Well, then trouble Comrade Commander. Is there anything else you want to tell me? ”

"Haha, you're already so capable, why don't you use me to teach! One last word, good luck! Immediately, Chuikov cut off contact with me.

I took off my headphones and put down the microphone and looked at Basmanov, who was standing across from me. Although I saw the disappointed expression on his face, I could only say to the newly promoted captain with regret: "Captain Basmanov, it is a pity that although the 24th Division was rebuilt after recovering the flag, the commanders at all levels were reassigned by their superiors. It seems that you can only remain in the independent division as my guard battalion commander. ”

Basmanov raised his hand and saluted me, and said gratefully: "Comrade division commander, thank you for the good news that although I cannot return to the 24th Division, the glorious unit has been rebuilt. Those sacrificed comrades-in-arms can also be blinded. ”

I beckoned everyone to come back to their tables, put the map on the table, and announced, "Because the situation has changed." The deployment just now needs to be readjusted. I pointed to the map with a red and blue pencil and said: "According to General Chuikov's briefing, on the right flank of our division are the 70th Guards Infantry Division and the 157th Infantry Division, while on the left flank are the troops of the 57th Army. In this way, the center of gravity of our defense will be concentrated in the direction of due south. ”

"What is the mission of our regiment?" The head of the regiment, Sedjerikov, asked first.

"The 1st Regiment will be five kilometers from the division headquarters, using hills and hollows to build the first line of defense." Speaking of this, I turned my head to look at the commander of the third regiment, Kosgaard, and continued: "And the third regiment should be two to three kilometers behind the first regiment to form the second line of defense of our division. The tasks of the 2nd and 4th regiments were inconvenient, so they remained in the rear to serve as the reserve of the division and seized the time to train the newly replenished recruits. ”

"Comrade division commander, I can speak." Pugachev said suddenly.

"Say," I have always paid attention to promoting military democracy, so when I heard that Pugachev, the acting commander of the 2nd Regiment, had something to say, I nodded and asked him to speak freely: "Comrade Pugachev, if you have anything to say, just say it." ”

"The 6,000 recruits that the group army has replenished to us, I don't know how Comrade Division Commander plans to distribute them?"

"The 2nd and 4th regiments fought hard in the blocking battle and suffered heavy casualties. Therefore, I intend to distribute the newly replenished troops as follows: 1,000 men each in the 1st and 3rd regiments, and 2,000 men in the 2nd and 4th regiments respectively. ”

"Comrade division commander," Sederikov suddenly interjected, "although the army group has replenished us with so many new recruits, it is only a matter of numbers for us. Their participation will not only fail to improve our combat effectiveness, but may even dilute the combat effectiveness of our troops. ……”

"Lieutenant Colonel Shederikov," I interrupted impatiently, defending the approaching recruits, "remember that although they were prisoners from the Gulag, among them were the best intellectuals, the most skilled workers, the most brilliant engineers, although they had no military training and no combat experience. But I believe that with their ingenuity, in the tempering of the flames of war, they will sooner or later become the mainstay of our independent division. ”

My words, so embarrassed that Sederikov did not know how to answer, he opened his mouth, but in the end he did not say anything, and just sat down in his place in silence.

After watching Shedelikov sit down, I continued: "Although our division has not been formed for a long time and there are not enough veterans, after several battles in the near future, it can be seen that the commanders and fighters have grown very rapidly, and some companies have even trained a group of combat backbones. Facts have proved that our method of training troops by fighting on behalf of others is still very effective. As for the affairs of the backbone combat cadres and grassroots commanders after the new recruits are replenished, everyone should not worry about it. General Zhukov promised to transfer a few militia battalions from Stalingrad to replenish us, and although these militiamen had not been taking up arms for a long time, they had also experienced a lot of battles and had a certain amount of combat experience, so they could be added to the grassroots combat units. As for the commanders, there is the commander of the Volkhov Front, General Meretskov, and the second lieutenant training team provided for us, and every member of the team is an experienced commander, and when they come, the company commanders of each company of our division, and even the battalion commanders, will have suitable candidates. ”

After talking about the formation issue, I continued to arrange the distribution of the defensive strength of the independent division: "At present, there are only five tanks left in the tank detachment of our division, and it is obviously unrealistic to let them go to the powerful tank forces of the German army. Captain Persjian, what are your plans? ”

Pelsjian, whose name I had called, got up from his seat and replied respectfully: "Comrade division commander, not only is the tank detachment insufficient in number of tanks, but now it is almost out of fuel, and there is no way to launch an offensive war against the Germans. So I'd like to mention burying these tanks behind the positions of a regiment and using them as makeshift batteries to provide the necessary fire cover for the infantry. I don't know what you mean, Teacher? ”

I shook my head and said, "I have no opinion. Then I looked at Shederikov and asked, "Lieutenant Colonel Sederikov, do you have any problem with Captain Perstian's suggestion?" ”

Shederikov did not speak, but simply shook his head, indicating that there was no objection.

So I nodded at Captain Perstian and said, "Since there is no objection from everyone, let's do as you think, and bury the tank and use it as a fixed battery." ”

Then I called the names of Jegonovich and Morozov, and when they stood up, I asked in turn: "Captain Jegonovich, where are you going to deploy your howitzer battalion?" ”

Yegonovich hurriedly replied: "Report to Comrade Colonel, I have observed the terrain, there is nothing near here, only a small number of hills, so I intend to deploy artillery positions on the hills." When the battle began, I would send artillery observers to provide us with a number of shots to deliver a fire strike at the Germans attacking our troops from a distance. ”

"Good. What about you, Captain Morozov? "After complimenting Jegonovich, I asked Captain Morozov that his cannon battery had been lost in the interdiction and that the surviving gunners were now using captured 81mm mortars.

"Report to the division commander," Morozov replied dryly, "because the cannons were completely destroyed in the battle by German tank fire and enemy aircraft bombardment, and we are now using captured German 81 mm, so we can only build mortar fire points on the positions of a regiment and use artillery fire to destroy the attacking German infantry." ”

After listening to him, I nodded and instructed him: "Well, since this is the case, from now on, your artillery battery will be assigned to the command of the regiment of Lieutenant Colonel Sedelikov." I hope that you will use the German shells to beat the German soldiers who are attacking a position and send them all to God. ”

My words caused a chuckle from the commanders present. Seeing that the originally dull atmosphere in the headquarters had eased, I continued: "I would like to draw the attention of all commanders here to the fact that although we are fighting a defensive war, we cannot blindly defend for the sake of defense. You can't hide in the trenches and secretly rejoice just because the Germans don't attack for a day. When the Germans attacked, we had to fight them; When the Germans don't attack, we have to fight them, and since they don't come to fight us, then we go and fight them. Although our combat effectiveness and weaponry are not as good as theirs, we can reverse this disadvantage by sneak attacks and ambushes and firmly grasp the initiative on the battlefield in our own hands. ”

My words won a round of applause from everyone. As soon as the applause stopped, Pugachev asked loudly: "Comrade division commander, what should I do if the newly replenished soldiers have no weapons?" Will the higher authorities replenish us with weapons and equipment? ”

Pugachev's question made the otherwise relaxed atmosphere solemn again, and everyone's eyes were on me, waiting for my answer. (To be continued......)

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