Although the German army launched a strong attack on Stalingrad for three consecutive days, although they occupied many parts of the city and greatly reduced the defensive depth of the defenders, their attack, under the stubborn defense of our commanders and fighters, was finally blocked. Their attempts to advance a few dozen meters further into the existing area have come to naught.

In the next ten days of fighting, Mamayev was also under unprecedented pressure. Although the German attacks were repulsed by us every time, the intensity of their attacks did not diminish in the slightest. At first I was puzzled by this phenomenon, and it was not until I interrogated a group of newly captured prisoners that I learned about the German 44th Division, which had suffered heavy losses in front of our division. Deboy had made a request to Paulus, and had been moved to the rear to rest and replace Heinrich in their attack. Feng. Major General Arnim formed the relatively complete infantry division of the 113th Division, so it is no wonder that the enemy's offensive has always been so ferocious.

The 1st and 3rd regiments of the troops, which had been holding on to the heights to the north, were also forced to retreat to the residential areas behind the heights to rest and recuperate, and the 4th Regiment of Lieutenant Colonel Gaidar took over their defense. At this point, the original independent division of more than 10,000 people was reduced to 3,000 people, and Kirillov and I were equivalent to changing from division commanders and division political commissars to regimental commanders and regimental political commissars.

On the evening of 25 September, Akhromeyev, who had returned from an inspection at the front line, said to me with a sad face: "Comrade division commander, it seems that it is almost October, but the absolute majority of the soldiers are still wearing single clothes, and if it suddenly snows and cools down, many of them may suffer frostbite." I still ask the logistics department at the higher level to see when you can send the winter clothes to my division. ”

Akhromeyev's words have also been on my mind lately. Originally, the strength of the division was insufficient. If there is a large number of non-combat attrition caused by frostbite. Then this battle will not be fought.

I was going to call Chuikov or Krylov and tell them about the lack of winter clothing for my troops, but I didn't want my troops to be like the Germans who had been under Moscow last year, so cold that they were incapacitated. At this time, the phone rang first.

I picked up the phone, and before I could speak, Rodimtsev's voice came from the receiver: "I'm General Rodimtsev, commander of the 13th Guards Division, find me Colonel Oshanina." ”

Let's be honest. I was really a little frightened by this Rodimtsev, every time I called, I was asked to send troops to assist him in the counteroffensive, but I don't know how he commanded, so far, his troops have not only lost the 107.5 heights, but also lost the Soviet Street behind the heights, including the family quarters of the State Consumer Cooperatives and the flour mills, to the Germans, and finally the remnants of the 42nd Regiment were forced to retreat to the adjacent Lenin Street to continue the defense.

Although his ability to command troops was somewhat lacking. But as a top boss with me, I still have to maintain respect for him. So I politely said: "Hello, Comrade General, I am Oshanina, do you have any instructions?" ”

"Comrade Colonel, that's right." Rodimtsev had obviously adapted to his superior role, so he did not speak politely to me, and went straight to the order; "My 42nd Guards Regiment is ready to strike tonight from Lenin Avenue to Soviet Street, striving to drive out the enemy who occupies there. ……”

When I heard this, I muttered in my heart, I knew that it was not good for you to call, and nine times out of ten you wanted me to send troops to assist you. So he couldn't help but interject: "Comrade General, you called me, does it have anything to do with the counterattack that will be carried out tonight?" ”

"I hope that you will send at least two or three companies of troops to attack the enemy from the east side of Soviet-Avenue, and cooperate with my 42nd Regiment to retake Soviet-Avenue-Soviet-Avenue." Hearing that he would ask for two or three companies as soon as he opened his mouth, I secretly complained to myself, according to his way of fighting, even if I doubled my troops, it would not be enough for him to squander. I was thinking about how to perfunctory him to get me to agree to send two platoons or a company to cooperate symbolically, when he added coldly: "There is a warehouse of military supplies near the flour mill, which contains 8,000 military coats. According to the scouts, although the enemy found the military supplies, the overcoats were still in storage, neither transported nor burned, and I suspect that the enemy intended to wait until the weather was cold to use them himself. When we recaptured the military overcoats, we could transport them away, and if we couldn't, we burned them all in one go, and the Germans must not be allowed to use them for the winter. ”

Originally, when I was still at a loss for the winter clothes of the troops, I heard that in the counterattack plan implemented by Rodimtsev, there was actually a side task of recapturing a military material warehouse full of military coats, and I immediately became interested in tonight's operation, and hurriedly expressed my determination to Rodimtsev: "Please rest assured, Comrade General, I will definitely send the most elite troops to cooperate with your counterattack battle tonight." By the way, the commander of the 42nd Guards Regiment died in the battles of the previous two days, and I don't know who will command this unit. ”

"Speaking of the new head of the regiment, you should know. Since both the 39th and 42nd regiments were reduced to Yan zhòng, I had merged the two regiments and made the former commander of the 39th regiment, Colonel Ye Lin, the commander of the newly formed 42nd regiment. ”

When I heard that I knew the commander, I felt a lot more at ease, and hurriedly said to Rodimtsev: "I understand, Comrade General, I will send the troops with the strongest combat effectiveness to cooperate with the counterattack of the 42nd Regiment." ”

After hanging up, Kirillov muttered quietly: "Hell, why is this General Rodimtsev going to fight back again." Isn't the loss he suffered in the first two times? According to his style of play, even if there are 100,000 people in a division, it will not take long to run out. ”

Regarding Kirillov's assessment of Rodimtsev, I just smiled and did not express my opinion, but in my heart I very much agreed with the opinion of the commissar. Although Rodimtsev became a general by virtue of his military exploits, judging by the style of play of the troops under his command, he was still too dull. I heard Major Pugachev, who had gone to fight with him, come back and say that the Guards Division was facing heavily defended German positions in the counterattack on Heights 107.5. I don't know how to attack head-on and detour on both sides. Instead, the commanders and fighters rushed upwards without hesitation in the face of the enemy's bullets. Although the position was recaptured several times, due to the heavy casualties of the troops, they were unable to resist the German counterattack, and they were defeated again. His troops are always attacking and defending, and they don't know how to switch between offense and defense. No matter how brave the commanders and fighters are, their flesh and blood cannot stop the enemy's bullets, even in such battles again and again. The troops of the Guards Division were quickly depleted.

I picked up the phone and made a phone call to Pugachev and ordered him: "Comrade Major, tonight we will cooperate with the Guards Division in the counterattack on Soviet Street, you take out the battalion of Khrushov, replenish the troops, weapons and ammunition, and prepare for battle." ”

Pugachev apparently had long since adapted to my battle order, and did not issue any objections, but honestly agreed: "Yes, understood." ”

When I put down the phone again, Akhromeyev asked curiously: "Commander." Since it was General Rodimtsev who asked you to send troops to assist them in their counterattack, why did you send the most combat-ready troops? ”

Others heard Akhromeyev say this. Maybe I don't understand what he means, but Kirillov and I both know in our hearts that he doesn't want me to hand over the elite troops to Rodimtsev to spend in vain.

I glanced at Razumeyeva and Nadya, who were sitting next to the intercom, and then lowered my voice and said to them: "Commissar and Chief of Staff, when I first heard the order of General Rodimtsev, I was going to refuse him, but suddenly I heard him say that there was a warehouse of military supplies near the flour mill, which contained 8,000 military coats. ”

"Eight thousand military coats?!" Akhromeyev's eyes were about to drop to the ground in astonishment.

I nodded, and then said to the two: "It was because I heard that there was a warehouse full of military coats that I changed my mind and asked Pugachev to send out the most combat-ready battalion of the 2nd Regiment. In tonight's battle, even if we can't completely recover the Avenue of Vieuis, as long as we can recapture this warehouse and move some of the military overcoats inside, we can solve the problem of the lack of winter clothes in the division. ”

"In tonight's battle, the 42nd Guards Regiment is under the command of Colonel Ye Lin, right?" After listening to my painting of the flatbread, Kirillov couldn't help but ask. Seeing that I nodded in affirmation, he hurriedly rushed to recommend himself to me: "Since the opposite side is Colonel Yelin, even if we send Pugachev to lead the troops to attack, we must accept the command of the other party." In this way, in the evening operation, the second regiment and the first battalion will be led by me personally. ”

"No way!" As soon as Kirillov's words fell, Akhromeyev and I objected in unison. What is the reason for Akhromeyev's opposition, I don't know. But I objected because I wanted to lead the team on this mission myself.

Kirillov glanced at me, and said with a sneer on the corner of his mouth: "Comrade Oshanina, I understand why you oppose me personally leading the team, probably because you want to lead the team personally, right?" ”

Seeing that my attempt was seen through by Kirillov, I smiled embarrassedly, and then began to think about what Kirillov had said, if Pugachev or Khrushov were to lead the team, then our troops would have to be under the command of Colonel Yelin. But if neither Kirilov nor I go, who would be the right one to go?

"Division commander and political commissar, one of you is the commander of a division, and the other is the political commissar of the division, such a dangerous thing is not what a commander of your level should do. I'll lead the night action, right? ”

Hearing that Akhromeyev volunteered, I think it is very appropriate, although his military rank is low, but after all, the rank is there, I believe that even if Colonel Yelin sees him, he will be embarrassed to let him bring the troops under his command. Thinking of this, he turned his head to look at Kirillov and wanted to ask him what his opinion was. Seeing that he nodded and said that he had no objection, I said along the way: "Okay, since Comrade Chief of Staff is willing to accept this combat mission, then tonight's battle will be commanded by you." ”

The counterattack of the Guards Division was launched at 10 p.m., and the 2nd Regiment and 1st Battalion led by Akhromeyev attacked from the flank of the German army at the same time.

Since the independent division was formed, each soldier has undergone special training in urban street warfare, and has also mastered the use of various weapons, so it is particularly handy to fight with the enemy from floor to floor.

Even Akhromeyev, who reported to us on the progress of the battle on his walkie-talkie, excitedly shouted: "Division commander, the elite detachment we organized. With a sudden and swift assault. Carry out an attack on the enemy. Now they are retaking from the hands of the enemy the buildings and lots they have occupied. The warriors were very brave, and they launched a fierce attack on the enemy, and they also managed to penetrate the enemy's rear. ”

"Very well, Comrade Chief of Staff." When I heard the succession of good news he had reported, my mood became cheerful. However, he was worried that he would underestimate the enemy because of the smooth progress of his troops, so he specifically emphasized to him: "Remember. Steady and steady, even if you slow down your attack. After capturing a building, clean up all the enemies inside and leave enough troops to defend it. ”

"Understood!" Akhromeyev replied loudly.

I put down my headphones and microphone and was about to call Rodimtsev and report to him on the progress of our ministry. At this moment, Kirillov asked with some doubts: "Comrade Oshanina, since the battle is going well, why did you let the troops slow down the attack?" ”

I smiled and explained to my commissar, "If you let the troops move forward regardless of it." Even if you occupy a lot of buildings, but you have to cut them off by the enemy. There is a possibility that they will be wiped out. At this point, I leaned close to Kirillov's ear and whispered to him, "I am not at ease with the troops of the Guards Division, in the event that their attack is thwarted and forced to retreat, the flanks of the 1st battalion will be completely exposed to the Germans, in which case what I have just said may become a reality." ”

I dialed Rodimtsev's phone and, having heard his voice, politely asked: "Hello, Comrade General. ”

"Colonel Oshanina, you called me at this time, is there anything wrong?" Rodimtsev's voice coming out of the earpiece seemed a little unfriendly, and it was estimated that he had just gone too far.

"That's right, Comrade General." Although I heard that he was in a bad mood, I still had to report to him truthfully on the progress of our side: "Comrade Akhromeyev, chief of staff who actually commanded the troops, reported that after the beginning of the battle, our troops have made smooth progress, and have now succeeded in occupying more than a dozen buildings and eliminating the German troops in them, and are advancing towards the middle section of Soviet Street. I wonder where Colonel Yelin's troops have hit? ”

After listening to my report, Rodimtsev first paused for a moment, then sighed and replied: "Colonel Oshanina, the current situation of the 42nd regiment is very bad. According to Colonel Yelin, the regiment attacked the Soviet Avenue from three directions at once, in three directions. The attacks of the 1st and 2nd battalions had already been repulsed by the Germans. The 3rd Battalion currently occupies two buildings around the '9 January' square between Lenin Avenue and Soviet Street. The troops of Captain Nau Yingfu, the commander of the 7th Company, had approached the flour mill after a stubborn battle. ”

When Rodimtsev talked about the flour mill, I immediately thought that there was a warehouse of military supplies nearby, and I could leave it alone anywhere else, but this warehouse had to be taken by Akhromeyev's troops, because there were still a large number of military coats that were urgently needed by the troops. In order not to make Akhromeyev's actions seem abrupt, I first gave Rodimtsev a preventive shot: "Comrade General, I will immediately order the troops to move forward, please inform the troops below to identify, and do not fight with your own people." ”

My call with Rodimtsev was overheard by Kirillov, who, without waiting for the end of our call, went straight to the walkie-talkie and made contact with Akhromeyev. From a distance, I heard him instructing the other side: "Comrade Chief of Staff, you immediately send a company to quickly seize the military supply warehouse, and you must hold on to the supplies inside." ”

When I put down the phone, Kirillov also ended the call with Akhromeyev. Listening to the faint sound of gunfire outside, I couldn't help but feel a little worried, the 42nd Regiment currently has only one battalion left to keep in touch with the enemy, and the second regiment and the first battalion commanded by Akhromeyev seem to be a bit weak, if they don't send them reinforcements, even if they seize the warehouse, they will not be able to transport the contents back.

Thinking of this, I said to Kirillov: "Comrade Political Commissar, I believe you also heard the phone call I had with General Rodimtsev just now. At present, in addition to the first battalion of the second regiment commanded by Akhromeyev, only one battalion of the 42nd Guards Regiment is fighting with the Germans on the streets of Soviets. You and I both know in our hearts that the attrition of the Guards Division in the recent battles has been very severe. I think the strength of their battalion is only about 200 people at most, so our strength is too weak. I was worried that even if I seized the warehouse, I wouldn't be able to get it back. ”

"Comrade Oshanina, what do you think?" Kirillov asked.

I carefully said what was on my mind: "I plan to send another battalion to reinforce them." ”

"From which unit should this battalion be drawn from? The four regiments, which are currently on the high ground to the north, must not be mobilized; After the second regiment transferred a battalion, the current strength of the regiment is also somewhat weak. ”

"Call Lieutenant Colonel Sederikov and ask him and Major Godunov to draw a part of their forces and form a mixed battalion, led by Godunov, and immediately rush to the Soviet Street, but reinforce Akhromeyev them."

As soon as I exited this construction, Kirillov hurriedly nodded in agreement: "Comrade Oshanina, I agree with your construction. Then he told me, "And we have more than 20 trucks hidden in the settlement, so let's let the mixed battalion drive over." After seizing the enemy's warehouse, you can also use trucks to transport the military coats from the warehouse. (To be continued......)

PS: I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the book friends for the round golden eggs and the valuable monthly pass support of *Little Crab* children's shoes!