When I came to Oleg's regimental command post, while Grahms and the militia battalion commander had not yet come, I turned around and asked Oleg: "Comrade Lieutenant Colonel, can you talk directly to the army group headquarters on your phone here?" "The reason why I ask this is because the headquarters was located in this area in the early stage, and in addition to many shelters, bomb shelters and other fortifications, the communication and liaison system is also ready-made, which is much better than the communication situation at the Mamayev post.

"Yes, Comrade Division Commander." Oleg led me to the wall, pointed to a telephone on the desk and said, "This phone can talk to the headquarters." ”

A strange and indifferent voice came from the earpiece: "Hey, this is the headquarters of the army group, where are you?" ”

I was afraid that the other party would hang up the phone, so I hurriedly identified myself: "I am Colonel Oshanina, the commander of the independent division, and I have something important to report to the commander immediately." ”

Hearing that I had identified myself, the other party's tone became enthusiastic and took the initiative to explain the situation to me: "Hello, Colonel Oshanina. The commander and the military commissar are not here now, I asked Comrade Chief of Staff to answer the phone, okay? ”

Although Chuikov was not in the command, it was the same to inform Sù Krylov of my intentions, so I politely said to the communications officer: "Okay, comrade soldier, please give the phone to Comrade Chief of Staff." ”

A moment later, Krylov's low and hoarse voice came from the earpiece: "Colonel Oshanina, I'm Krylov, you called at this time, is there anything wrong?" ”

Although, as the commander of a division, I can completely decide which of my troops will be in battle. What tactics to use to deal with the enemy. But the urban guerrilla warfare that I am about to employ this time will conflict with the tactics prescribed by my superiors for every inch of land, if I do not first communicate with the leaders of the army group and obtain their consent. If I had adopted this method of warfare without authorization, even if I had achieved great results, I would still be in danger of being punished, so I couldn't wait to call the headquarters to report it.

Instead of answering Krylov's question directly, I asked tentatively: "Comrade Chief of Staff, Commander and Military Commissar, are not there?" I asked. It was to figure out guò that he knew where Chuikov was going.

Sure enough, he said to me unsuspectingly: "Half an hour ago, the 35th Guards Division suddenly lost contact with us. The commander and military commissar rushed to the division with the guards. After a pause, he asked again: "Comrade Oshanina, you called the headquarters, is there anything wrong?" ”

"That's right. Comrade Chief of Staff. "Anyway, I have to report my new battle plan. Chuikov was not there, and it was the same to report to the chief of staff, Krylov, "I plan to send the fifth regiment into the city and engage in street battles with the Germans?" ”

"What, you want to fight in the streets with the Germans?" Krylov was taken aback when he heard this: "What kind of play?" ”

"I intend to divide the five regiments that entered the city into pieces, in squads, in platoons, with our familiarity with the terrain, in fortified buildings, on main streets, on high grounds, etc. Attack the German troops who have entered the city. With this tactic, our troops could strangle with the Germans. In this way, the Germans will be confused with each other, and the German army will lose the advantage of aircraft and artillery on which they depend. They had to engage us in hand-to-hand combat. ”

After waiting for me to finish, Krylov was silent for a moment, and then said worriedly: "Colonel Oshanina, have you ever thought that although the enemy cannot be supported by aircraft artillery, you also cannot be supported by our artillery. You can only fight this dangerous battle with the enemy in your own strength. To be honest, I personally do not agree with your adoption of this method of warfare, you must know that the German army has a higher individual quality than us, and in terms of troops, they also occupy an absolute advantage. ”

Hearing Krylov say this, I couldn't help but wonder how to dispel his concerns. Just when he was in a dilemma, he inadvertently saw Grams, Greekka, and Beckman walk into the command post, and suddenly had an idea, and hurriedly said to Krylov: "Comrade Chief of Staff, in addition to the small units fighting guerrillas in the city, we have also trained a group of snipers, who can use their specialties to snipe those enemy commanders from the commanding heights in the city and plunge their command system into chaos. ”

Krylov was also moved by this reason, and he asked in an excited tone: "Sniper, there are actually snipers in your division?" Perhaps feeling a little out of his mind, he quickly continued in his usual tone, "If you can get the cooperation of snipers in a small guerrilla unit in the city, then I will agree to let you try." ”

After the end of the call with Krylov, I asked all the people called by Velol, and Oleg, as the host, hurriedly beckoned everyone to take a seat.

When I sat down, I realized that the commanders who were attending the meeting were divided into two distinct factions. The militia battalion commander, Captain Trushin, and the company commander, Captain Iglatov, sat to the left of Kirillov and me, glaring at the three of them who were sitting across from them, and it seemed that they still regarded these former German soldiers who had joined us as their mortal enemies. I'm even wondering if the two sides would have fought if I hadn't been there.

Velol, who was sitting opposite me, saw that all the people in the meeting were complete, and after coughing lightly, he reminded me: "Comrade division commander, the commanders of the meeting have arrived, please give instructions." ”

I stood up, swept my gaze over the commanders present, and found that the attention of the two sides that had been hostile had shifted to me, and then I said unhurriedly: "Comrades, I think you may have known for a long time that the current situation is very unfavorable to our army. The counterattack organized by the headquarters of the army group failed, and now the enemy has rushed into the city from several directions, and is engaged in a difficult tug-of-war with our troops at the central railway station and in several important areas. ”

Without waiting for me to finish, Oleg couldn't wait to ask: "Comrade division commander, what is the task of our regiment?" Seeing that I threw a reproachful glance at him, he quickly explained, "Two days ago, I found that the enemy had passed in front of our defense area, so I led a battalion of troops, with the cooperation of the four tank battalions. Attacked from the rear of the enemy and taught them a hard lesson. ”

"Comrade Lieutenant Colonel," Kirillov stood up. He said to him with a smile: "Because of your decisive attack, timely grasp of the fighter plane, and inflict heavy losses on the Germans, the headquarters of the group army specially commended you for this matter. I hope that your regiment will make persistent efforts in the next battles and continue to carry forward your tenacious fighting spirit. Wage a resolute struggle against the fascist bandits and make new contributions to the motherland and the people......"

The command gave the fifth regiment a commendation, how did I not know about this? But now is not the time to ask those words. So I kept silent with interest, and when Kirillov had finished speaking, I continued: "The commissar and I are here today to assign new combat missions to the Fifth Regiment. Lieutenant Colonel Oleg, Commissar Vylol. ”

The two of them heard my order to call them. Hurriedly stood up. Waiting for my orders.

"You immediately draw out a battalion, break it into pieces, and enter the city, and start an urban guerrilla war with the German troops rushing into the city."

"Street fighting?!" Hearing my order, not only the two people who were standing were stunned, but even the people who were still sitting were stunned. For those of them who were accustomed to regular warfare, they felt that this order was a bit incredible. However, due to the strict hierarchy in the army, although they were full of doubts, they did not dare to ask. can only honestly agree: "Yes!" ”

After the two of them sat down, I turned my head and instructed Trushen: "Captain Trushen." I would like to draw from your militia battalion a number of soldiers who are familiar with the terrain to act as guides for the commanders and fighters of the first battalion, and use their familiarity with the terrain to maneuver around the city and the German army, and in the constant movement, to consume them little by little. ”

"Rest assured, Comrade Colonel," said Captain Trushin, standing up and expressing his determination to me with a resolute expression, "I will certainly send those soldiers who are most familiar with the terrain of the city to serve as guides for the commanders and fighters of the first battalion." To the north of the city is the factory district, where our troops have a lot of room to maneuver. ”

"If you want to win in the street battles in the city, these squads are not enough." At this point, I turned to Grams, "Captain Grams, how are the snipers you trained?" ”

Grams, along with Greitka, stood up and spoke one by one: "Report to the division commander, so far, we have trained a hundred snipers, and they are fully ready for real combat. ”

I couldn't help but be shocked to hear that Gramms had trained so many snipers in such a short period of time. After a while, I tentatively asked, "What is the level of these 100 snipers?" ”

With a look of shame on his face, Grams embarrassedly explained: "Comrade division commander, due to the short time, it is very difficult to make ordinary fighters meet the standard of snipers. The overall shooting level of these 100 snipers is only slightly higher than that of other companies. Seeing the look of disappointment on my face, he quickly added, "But there are seven fighters among them, who meet the standards of true snipers." Without a scope, they have a 70% chance of hitting a target up to 300 meters away. ”

I couldn't help but be a little disappointed to hear that there were only seven qualified snipers, but I still comforted myself in my heart: seven is seven, and it's better than nothing, in case there is an elite sniper like Vasily, he can also achieve a lot of results. Thinking of this, I said to Grams bluntly: "Captain, you go and send twenty snipers to participate in the street fighting of the fifth regiment. Remember, those seven qualified snipers must be on the list. ”

After I finished giving the order, Oleg asked a little uneasily: "Comrade division commander, can we take advantage of the street fighting with the Germans?" ”

Instead of answering his question in the affirmative, I said to myself: "Narrow streets, complex environments, invisible enemies, invisible gunfire, can become a nightmare for those German soldiers in the city." After speaking, I raised my hand to look at my watch, and saw that it was not early, so I directly ordered: "Okay, if there is no problem, go back and prepare." I hope to see the troops enter the city in an hour. ”

After the commanders attending the meeting left one after another, only me, Kirillov, and Oleg were left in the command post. Oleg cautiously asked: "Division commander, political commissar, do you want to stay in the command or leave now?" ”

Kirillov yelled at the phone Nunu on the side of the wall and said, "Lieutenant Colonel Oleg, the division commander and I will stay here." Anyway, the phone here can also be directly connected with the division headquarters, in this case. We can command the battle here. ”

After the departure of the guerrilla troops going to the city, the rumbling of artillery was heard from the Mamayev Gang and the 107.5 heights, and I hurriedly called the division headquarters. Ask Akhromeyev: "Comrade Chief of Staff, how is your situation there?" ”

"Report to the division commander, according to the observation post: the positions of the first regiment and friendly troops are being shelled by the Germans, and it seems that they are planning a major attack today."

"Well, I see. Comrade Chief of Staff, what's the situation. Feel free to report to me and the commissar that we will remain in the command post of the 5th Regiment today. ”

After the end of the German shelling, their infantry was under the cover of tanks. At the same time, a fierce assault was launched on the first regiment and the 107.5 heights.

After learning this information, Kirillov asked me curiously: "Comrade division commander, tell me, what kind of fame does the German army want to make?" Yesterday the friendly high ground was in full swing. And it's calm on our side. Today, they actually launched an attack on two heights at the same time. What exactly do they want to do? ”

"The enemy's purpose is clear," I said lightly, "is to seize these two heights of ours, to open the road to the city, and to control the water transport line of the Volga, and to trap us in the city." ”

"We're not going to let them get away with it."

"That's right, Comrade Commissar. I trust that the commanders and fighters of the regiment will resolutely repel their attack. ”

"Hold the positions of a regiment, I never doubt that, but what about the positions of friendly forces?" Kirillov said suspiciously: "Yesterday's brutal battle. You saw it too. Do you think the new 92nd Infantry Brigade will be able to hold the heights and the Soviet Avenue behind? ”

I glanced at Kirillov strangely. secretly complained in his heart that he was unfounded, but it was still possible to say: "It should be able to hold it." You must know that they are a whole brigade, and the absolute majority of the commanders and fighters are still well-trained Baltic sailors, at least two divisions of the army. ”

"I hope so." After Kirillov said this, he sighed heavily.

By noon, the troops who had entered the city had successively reported back their victories by using walkie-talkies that Guò had carried at all times. Although the results achieved by the various detachments were not large, and only a dozen to thirty German soldiers were killed, after summing up all the numbers, this number was not small.

When Oleg handed the collected information to me and Kirillov, he said excitedly: "Division commander, political commissar, I never knew that the battle could be so big, although each squad did not destroy many enemies, but we had twenty squads, and when we added up all the results, we actually wiped out one and a half companies of German troops. ”

"Comrade Lieutenant Colonel," although Kirillov's face was full of joy, he still deliberately told Oleg: "Tell the soldiers, they are all good, and the division commander and I are still here waiting for them to achieve greater results." ”

Although the results of the troops were good, I was not yet carried away by the victory, and when the political commissar finished speaking, I added: "Also, tell the soldiers, know how to save yourself to destroy the enemy, and do not make unnecessary sacrifices." ”

The Fifth Regiment achieved good results, which put me at ease. Then I called Akhromeyev and asked him how the positions of the regiment that had been attacked by the Germans were doing.

Akhromeyev said loudly on the phone: "Report to the division commander, half an hour ago, the German troops had rushed into the positions of a regiment on the mountainside, but were quickly beaten down by our counterattack. ”

"How's the friendly high ground going?"

Hearing my question, Akhromeyev fell silent. Unable to hear his answer, I was a little anxious, and asked one after another: "Hey, hey, Comrade Chief of Staff, are you still there?" Can you hear me? Speak, speak. ”

Akhromeyev sighed and replied: "Comrade division commander, the situation on the friendly heights is very bad. According to the report of the observation post, the enemy had twice rushed to the top of the hill and engaged in hand-to-hand combat with the 92nd Brigade, which was holding its position. Moreover, a German armored unit bypassed the high ground from the west side, rushed into the Soviet Street, and engaged in a fierce battle with the defenders holding inside. ”

As soon as I put down the phone, Kirillov, who was on the side, asked me nervously: "Comrade Oshanina, what's wrong?" Did something happen to 107.5 Highlands? ”

I nodded instinctively, and suddenly felt that it was easy for Kirillov to misunderstand this, so I quickly shook my head and said to him: "The German troops attacking the 107.5 heights have twice attacked the position on the top of the hillside, but under the stubborn counterattack of our commanders and fighters, their attacks have been repulsed. However, a cunning German armored unit bypassed the heights from the west and stormed into the Soviet Avenue behind the heights, where a fierce battle began with the defenders. ”

As the battle reports of the detachments in the city continued to come in, we quickly forgot about the events of Heights 107.5 and Soviet Street, and only kept looking at the areas where the detachments were fighting on the map and counting the results they had achieved.

In the evening, the phone on the wall rang suddenly. Velol, who was closest to the phone, raised his hand to pick up the phone, listened to it for a while, covered the microphone and handed it to me, and at the same time whispered: "Comrade division commander, your phone. ”

As I walked over to her, I asked, "Is it the call of Chief of Staff Akhromeyev?" "I intuitively think that this call should have something to do with the 92nd Brigade.

Unexpectedly, Velore shook his head and whispered to me: "It's the phone call of Comrade Commander of the Army Group." ”

I rushed over and took the phone from Velol's hand. Thinking that he was not present when I reported on the idea of guerrilla warfare in the city in the morning, I subjectively deduced that he must have come to find out how well the new tactics I had adopted were being implemented, so as soon as I heard his voice coming from the earpiece, I preemptively reported: "Comrade Commander, Oshanina, commander of the Independent Division, reports to you. I sent a battalion of troops into the city in the morning to fight a guerrilla war with the Germans, and so far I have achieved considerable success. Judging from the results reported by the various detachments in the city, we have eliminated ......"

"Okay, don't tell me anything about urban guerrilla warfare." Chuikov interrupted my later words, and he said angrily: "I have lost contact with the 92nd Infantry Brigade now. Before the communication was interrupted, the brigade commander, Colonel Tanasov, reported to me that the enemy had occupied the 107.5 heights and stormed the Soviet Avenue behind the heights. ”

I was taken aback by Chuikov's words, and when Akhromeyev reported to me, he said that the defenders had held the heights and had engaged in a fierce battle with the enemy who had rushed to the Soviet Street. It's only been a few hours, and the high ground has been lost? Seeing that Chuikov was angry, I didn't dare to say anything to make him angry, so I could only ask carefully: "Comrade commander, what can I do?" ”

"Immediately bring people to reinforce them and take back the position." After Chuikov finished speaking, he hung up the phone.

"What's wrong?" Seeing that my face was not good, Kirillov asked with concern.

I didn't bother to talk to him, so I turned to Oleg and asked: "Lieutenant Colonel Oleg, does your regiment have anti-tank equipment?" "After I finished asking, I realized that I was also sick and rushed to the doctor, and I actually asked the wrong person, which should have been asked by the artillery battalion commander Morozov.

Unexpectedly, Oleg actually replied to me: "There are no anti-tank guns, but there is an anti-tank gun company." ”

"Great," I was overjoyed when I heard him say this, and hurriedly ordered him: "Quickly gather the anti-tank company, I will take them to reinforce the 107.5 heights." (To be continued......)

PS: Heartfelt thanks to the book friend Sword God Ranger Children's Shoes for voting two votes for support! Thank you to the book friend Fei Li Ferran and the magic master 001 children's shoes for voting!