After saying goodbye to Chuikov and Rodimtsev, Akhromeyev and I took our guards to our own defense area. When they were some distance away from Chuikov, Akhromeyev glanced behind him vigilantly, then approached my side and asked in a low voice: "Division commander, just now General Rodimtsev attacked you again for the sake of military supplies, right?" ”

Rodimtsev specially called me and Chuikov to an empty room to talk about this matter, how could Akhromeyev, who was waiting outside, know about it, could it be that he had been eavesdropping on our conversation outside. Thinking of this, I couldn't help frowning.

Seeing the displeasure on my face, Akhromeyev hurriedly explained: "Division commander, I didn't mean to eavesdrop on your words, but because there was a space in the building, and there was an echo in your speech, and General Rodimtsev's voice was loud, so even from a long distance, you could hear it clearly. ”

I looked behind me weakly, and saw that the figures of Chuikov and Rodimtsev had disappeared without a trace, and after secretly breathing a sigh of relief, I hurriedly raised my hand to stop Akhromeyev, who wanted to continue: "Comrade Chief of Staff, don't talk about it, this matter has passed, don't mention it again in the future." Except for the winter clothes, food, weapons and ammunition distributed to the 42nd Guards Regiment, the rest is at our disposal. ”

"What are we going to do next?"

"It has just been negotiated with General Rodimtsev that the defense of the Soviet Street will be transferred to the 42nd Guards Regiment, and our troops will withdraw to the original defense area. The main task of our division at present is to hold the Mamayev post. "I was expecting Akhromeyev to stay in charge of the defense handover, but I looked up. I happened to see Khrushov, the commander of the 1st Battalion of the 2nd Regiment, and his deputy battalion commander Savchenko, who were walking towards us. I immediately changed my mind. "You and I will immediately return to the division headquarters and hand over the work of defense to Captain Khrushov and Comrade Savchenko."

As he spoke, Khrushov and Savchenko came to me, and although they did not salute, they respectfully saluted: "Comrade division commander, hello, we represent all the commanders and fighters of the 1st Battalion of the 2nd Regiment. Welcome to your arrival. ”

After shaking hands with the two of them in turn, I looked at Khrushov and said: "Comrade Captain, the comrades of the 42nd Guards Regiment will come to take over the defense of Soviet Street, and you will be responsible for the change of defense." ”

After explaining the task to Khrushov, I shook my head at Akhromeyev and said: "Let's go, Comrade Chief of Staff, it's getting late." We're going to hurry up and get back to Command. With that, I lifted my leg and walked forward.

Just walked out of two steps. Akhromeyev stopped me right behind and asked tentatively: "Comrade division commander, are you going to go back to the headquarters like this?" ”

Hearing him say this, I couldn't help but pout, and said in my heart that the jeep that sent me here, but the car of the headquarters, since the commander is not there, others will definitely not take the initiative to send me back, so I can only walk back.

Akhromeyev saw displeasure in my face and hurriedly said: "That's right, comrade division commander, during last night's battle, we captured a German car. I mean, if we want to go back to the division headquarters, we'd better go back by car. ”

When I heard that there was a car for transportation, my mood suddenly improved, and I said in a loud voice: "Chief of Staff, you have also captured the German car, which is amazing!" Where is the car? Hurry up and find someone to drive over. ”

The car came over quickly, and as soon as the car appeared in my field of vision, I realized that it was a truck. It's not as comfortable as a jeep, but it's not bad, at least there are a few more guards in the car.

When I returned to the headquarters, I was surprised to find that Shederikov was actually here, and I had hardly met him since he began to hold the northern heights with a regiment, and I was quite surprised to see him here today.

After shaking hands with Sederikov, I asked him: "Comrade Lieutenant Colonel, why did you remember to come to me today?" ”

Sederikov grinned, then turned his face and said to me sternly: "Comrade division commander, I have come to the division headquarters today to ask you for a combat order. Although our regiment has fewer people, if we want to fight the Germans in real terms, our commanders and fighters are not ambiguous at all. ”

I let go of his hand, walked back to the table and sat down, sighed, and said regretfully: "Lieutenant Colonel Sederikov, do you think I don't want to launch a counterattack against the Germans in front of you?" But not now, the enemy not only has more troops than us, but also has a huge number of tanks and artillery, but also firmly grasps the initiative on the battlefield. If we launch a counterattack against the enemy in front of us at this time, we will undoubtedly hit the stone with an egg, and if we don't do it, we will be completely annihilated. ”

After hearing this, Sedelikov looked at me with a look of surprise, and after a long time he defended himself: "Comrade division commander, I have come to you to ask for an order to fight, not to carry out a counterattack on the enemy. ”

Sederikov's answer, on the contrary, confused me, so I asked puzzled: "Since it is not a counterattack, then what are you going to do?" ”

"Division commander, my regiment has been fighting on the high ground in the north for nearly a month, and although our casualties are a little larger, the enemy has paid a greater price." Sederikov said with a smile: "The main reason why we have been able to repeatedly repel enemy attacks is that our fortifications are strong. ”

I nodded, and said approvingly, "Yes, the strong fortifications have greatly reduced our casualties and become an insurmountable obstacle for the enemy. If the defense system is not perfect, then our commanders and fighters will pay even heavier casualties in the enemy's powerful artillery fire and enemy aircraft bombardment. This can be confirmed by the defense of the 107.5 heights. Just to hold that height, at least two brigades and an equal number of infantry regiments were crushed by enemy artillery fire and bombardment. ”

"You're right, comrade division commander." After patting me on the back, Sederikov continued: "Our fortifications are indeed very strong, but at the same time they bring a shortcoming. Quite a number of commanders and fighters regarded their positions as air-raid shelters and anti-artillery holes. In my opinion, the fortifications we have built on the high ground are nothing more than a defensive support. More important. Or to destroy more enemies. ”

"That's right. Comrade Lieutenant Colonel. Kirillov took over and said with a stern expression: "Judging from the current situation, the commanders of many sections will emphasize the great disparity in the strength of the enemy and the enemy, and try to cover up the mistakes of the passive defense they are carrying out. ”

"Division commander and political commissar, I came to the division headquarters today to tell you that our troops have been a little less active at night recently." Sedelikov also restrained the smile on his face and said: "Since our night harassment operations have completely stopped, the enemy can sleep peacefully. So. During the day, they were able to destroy our fortifications with aircraft artillery, and the infantry, under the cover of tanks, launched wave after wave of attacks on our positions. And after dark, the enemy was not idle, and occasionally sent small detachments to harass us. This phenomenon is not normal, you must know that the best thing for the independent division is to sneak attack at night, and the commander of the 29th Brigade of the German motorized infantry, Major General Leeser, was captured during our night attack. ”

After I listened. Without moving, he asked: "Lieutenant Colonel Sederikov, I want to hear it." What do you think about this abnormal phenomenon? ”

"Division commanders, commissars, chiefs of staff, my opinion," said Sederikov in a categorical tone, "from now on, several detachments will be sent every night to carry out night activities in different sections and carry out raids on the enemy's camps. On Russian soil, it is up to us, and not the aggressor, to take the initiative in the battle. ”

I was so satisfied with Sederikov's words that I couldn't help but look him up and down, nodded with satisfaction, and said to him with a smile: "Okay, well said!" Lieutenant Colonel Sederikov, we are stepping on the land of the Motherland, and we must not allow the German aggressors to do whatever they want. I have agreed to your request, and as soon as it gets dark, you will send your troops to attack the enemy's camp and turn them upside down, so that they do not have the energy to attack the Mamayev Gang tomorrow. ”

After hearing what I said, Sedelikov excitedly grabbed my hand, shook it vigorously, and said: "Great, comrade division commander, this is really good!" As soon as it got dark, I sent a small detachment to the direction of the German camp to attack and harass. ”

After waiting for Sederikov to shake hands with me, Akhromeyev specially emphasized to him: "Comrade Lieutenant Colonel, I recommend that you send a platoon to try it tonight." Wait for the platoon to return and learn the lessons learned, and then consider more troops. ”

After Sederikov left, Kirillov said to me with emotion: "Comrade Oshanina, it is really not easy for your commanders to know how to propose a battle plan to you!" I have also been in other divisions, and those regimental commanders themselves have no opinions at all, and they have to ask the division leaders for instructions on major and minor matters, and only after obtaining permission can they carry out the work one by one. ”

I smiled and said to him teasingly: "Comrade Political Commissar, you are not right. What is my commander, isn't it also your commander? You must know that you are the political commissar of the independent division, and if you say this, the comrades who don't know will listen to it, and they will be transferred because you are going to be transferred. ”

After hearing this, Kirillov slapped his forehead with his hand and said embarrassedly: "Oh, Comrade Oshanina, you see that I actually said the wrong thing. Yes, yes, I am still the political commissar of the independent division, and the command of Lieutenant Colonel Sederikov is not also my subordinate. ”

His words drew a laugh from the command. In the midst of everyone's good-natured laughter, Kirillov also laughed.

When the laughter stopped, I asked Kirillov: "Comrade commissar, how is the situation in the northern heights?" How many times did the enemy attack today? ”

After hearing this, Kirillov shook his head and said: "Except for a short shelling, the enemy did not launch an attack on the positions of the fourth regiment today. In my judgment, in the short term, the enemy will not launch another ground offensive on the Mamayev Heights. ”

"Why?" I couldn't help but ask in surprise about his speculation.

"I went to the position of the Fourth Regiment today." "From the foot of the hill to the north of the heights, two or three kilometers away in the open field, there are the wreckage of nearly two hundred tanks, armored vehicles, and trucks that we have destroyed," Kirillov said slowly. If the enemy does not clear the roads, it will be difficult for their armored forces to get close to our high ground. ”

With nearly 200 tanks, armored vehicles and trucks, I didn't expect that in less than a month, we would have achieved such great results, which greatly exceeded my imagination. I was muttering to myself that if only the tank repair station I had encountered last time was nearby, I could let those mechanics bring back the broken German tanks. Repairs are left to us.

"What are you thinking. Comrade division commander? Akhromeyev spoke suddenly. interrupted my musings.

I hurriedly coughed, calmed down and said, "Political commissar and chief of staff, I'm thinking about such a thing. Since the tanks, armored vehicles, and trucks that were damaged in front of the position have become obstacles in the way of the enemy's armored forces' attack, we should find ways to keep these obstacles alive and pick up the defensive pressure of the forward troops. ”

"What are we supposed to do?" Kirillov asked curiously.

"It's simple." Although this proposal was improvised, I already had a complete plan in mind: "Let the mortar company and the anti-tank rifle company be transferred to the forward position." Cooperate with the 4th Regiment for defense. As soon as they see enemy maintenance units trying to drag away or remove the wreckage in front of the position, they immediately open fire to stop their work. ”

"What about the corpses of the enemy in front of the position?" Akhromeyev then asked: "Although we have cleaned up several times, there are still seven or eight hundred corpses in front of the position. It's a little better if the weather is cold now, but if you don't treat it properly, and wait for the corpses to decompose, it may lead to the spread of the plague. ”

"It's not easy, let the soldiers dig a few big pits and throw these corpses into them and bury them." I said disapprovingly: "Can't you still erect a monument to them?!" ”

"With so many corpses, it's a lot of work." Akhromeyev said with some concern: "If the body is buried by enemy shelling or air strikes." Unnecessary casualties will result. ”

Hearing Akhromeyev's concern, I waved my hand. Impatiently said: "Since the chief of staff thinks it is too troublesome to dig a pit, then send a company of fighters to throw the corpses of these invaders into the Volga." ”

As soon as my words fell, Kirillov jumped to his feet and vigorously opposed my proposal: "Comrade Oshanina, how can you throw the corpses of these filthy fascist invaders into the great river of our Motherland? No, I firmly disagree with your proposal. ”

After Kirillov expressed his opinion, Akhromeyev also euphemistically expressed his thoughts: "Comrade division commander, I think the political commissar is right, in any case, the corpses of the Germans cannot be thrown into the Volga. ”

When I saw that the two of them actually joined forces to oppose me in unison, I became a little impatient: "This is not good, that is not good? How to deal with the hundreds of German corpses in front of the position, should the Germans be asked to collect the corpses themselves? ......" I stopped saying this, and thought to myself, maybe this is really a good idea.

Seeing that I did not speak, Kirillov quickly guessed my thoughts and cautiously asked me: "Comrade Oshanina, do you really want the Germans to send someone to collect the body?" ”

I looked at Kirillov and asked with a grin: "Comrade commissar, do you have a better way?" ”

Kirillov shook his head, smiled wryly and said, "No, I really can't think of a better way." ”

"Division commander, do you have any other plans for the Germans to collect the corpses?" Akhromeyev asked abruptly.

I nodded approvingly at Akhromeyev's sharp thinking, and said affirmatively: "Yes, I intend to send someone to contact the Germans and ask them to send someone to collect the German corpses." And the person in charge of liaison must be proficient in German, and also know how to draw maps, so that he can draw in detail the disposition of the enemy troops as he sees them. ”

"It can be a little difficult to see the deployment of German troops." Akhromeyev considered the problem from a different angle, and he said uneasily: "Even if the people we send can enter the German camp, I estimate that nine times out of ten they will be blindfolded and will not see anything." ”

"Now, it's all but gambling. Even if his eyes are blindfolded, his ears will never be blocked, so that he can hear something valuable. ”

By the time I was talking to Akhromeyev, Kirillov had already taken it upon himself to call Lieutenant Mihayev over. When the lieutenant came in, Kirillov hastened to explain to me: "Comrade Oshanina, I think that for the task you are talking about, Lieutenant Mihayev is the best candidate. ”

To be honest, although there are many people in the division who know German, the best candidate in my mind is still Mihayev alone. Seeing that he was standing in front of me at this moment, I turned my head and ordered Akhromeyev: "Chief of Staff, you can explain the task to Lieutenant Mihayev later." ”

Kirillov walked up to me and asked in a low voice: "Comrade division commander, I think this matter should be reported to the army group headquarters, otherwise, once it is known by ulterior motives, you will be in trouble." ”

I smiled gratefully at Kirillov, then picked up the phone and dialed the headquarters of the army group. At this time, Chuikov had not yet returned to the command, and it was Krylov who answered the phone. As soon as I heard his voice, I immediately reported to him: "Comrade Chief of Staff of the Group Army, I have something important to report to you!" ”

"Say, I'll listen."

"The enemy left seven or eight hundred corpses in front of the heights north of Mamayev Hills. We have three plans for the disposal of these corpses and would like to report to you. First, send people to the German camp and let the Germans send people to collect their fallen officers and soldiers......"

"What, let the enemy collect the corpse?!" When Krylov heard this, he suddenly interrupted me loudly and said in an unquestioning tone: "I cannot agree to this request of yours. ”

Hearing him say so crisply, I smiled bitterly, but continued to say, "...... Second, dig a pit on the spot and bury all these hundreds of corpses. Of course, this is certainly not a small amount of work, and I do not know whether our troops will be shelled or attacked by the enemy when burying the corpses. Third, the most convenient way is to throw all the corpses of the enemy into the Volga. Choose one of these three options. ”

When I said this, Krylov was in a dilemma, and if he resolutely rejected the first option, he would have to choose one of the latter two. The third method, just now Kirillov has not hesitated to veto, I believe that Krylov's choice will be the same as his, absolutely unwilling to let the filthy corpses of the invaders pollute the sacred rivers of the motherland. The second method, which is obviously not a good way, is to bury the enemy's corpse and make our commanders and fighters pay for their precious lives, and I believe that he is unlikely to choose it.

He hesitated for a long time before cautiously asking, "Colonel Oshanina, tell me honestly, you sent someone to contact the Germans, is there anything else...... Intention? Although he said the word "intent," I knew in my heart that he might be trying to say the word "attempt."

I was worried that he had misunderstood, so I said honestly: "Comrade Chief of Staff, I intend to let the person sent to inform the German army to collect the corpse, and by the way, reconnoiter the deployment of the German army, so that I can deploy a counterattack." ”

"Oh, I see, I see." Perhaps it was the counterattack I was talking about that made Krylov change his opinion from opposition to support: "You can do it without worry, and when the commanders and military commissars return, I will report this matter to them." (To be continued......)