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Since our attacking troops had already ascended the heights from three directions, all that remained was to clear out the remnants of the enemy, and I had no interest in continuing to look at it, so I put down my binoculars, turned my head and asked Bantaireev: "Comrade Deputy Division Commander, the battle will soon be over, shall we go back to the headquarters?" ”

When Pantai Leyev, who was looking at me with great energy, heard my words, he removed the telescope from his eyes in surprise and asked me strangely: "Comrade division commander, why are you leaving now?" You know, the battle on the high ground isn't over yet. ”

I waved my hand and said disapprerovingly, "The few remaining enemies on the high ground can't make it to anything, so let's hurry up and go back to the headquarters, maybe there are still a bunch of things waiting for us to deal with." ”

I said that casually, but I didn't expect to find that there were a lot of people in it when I returned to the headquarters. In addition to Kirillov and Akhromeyev, there were also Sergeikov, Deputy Regiment Commander Ilya, Second Battalion Commander Captain Sherebryanny, Company Commander of the Third Battalion, Captain Grakov, and several commanders of the rank of lieutenant whose names I cannot name.

I was taken aback by the sudden sight of so many people crowded into the headquarters, but I quickly came to my senses and realized that it was the army group command that agreed to our request and let the regiment be rebuilt. Looking at the commanders with their backs to me, covered in gunsmoke, my nose couldn't help but sour, and I thought to myself that if I hadn't insisted that they come back, maybe tomorrow, or even tonight. They will all be like a group of 3,000 soldiers who have died. Sacrifice your precious life to defend this great city. Although I feel sorry for the commanders and fighters who died. But seeing that there were still so many commanders in the regiment who had survived, I still felt a little glad in my heart.

"Lieutenant Colonel Sedjerikov!" I raised my voice and shouted, and walked briskly towards the other person. The commanders, who had been facing away from me, heard my voice, turned to the sides, and raised their hands to salute me. I came to Sederikov, raised my hand and grabbed his arm, shaking it vigorously. "I'm happy, really happy," he said excitedly. I'm glad to see you, and your commanders, still alive in front of me. ”

"Comrade Division Commander." After Shederikov shouted at me, he didn't say any more, the corners of his mouth twitching violently, as if his language was affected by the fact that he was too excited. I didn't rush him, just looked at him quietly, waiting for him to regain his calm.

After a while, he spoke again. At this time, the tone had become calm and clear: "Comrade division commander, I'm sorry. It's my bad job that I have exhausted all the troops. ”

In order not to put him with the burden of thought, I comforted him and said: "Comrade Sedjerikov, do not blame yourself. I can see very well what is going on in the factory area, the fortifications there have long been destroyed by the bombardment of German aircraft and artillery as a result of the long fighting, and it is already a remarkable thing that you were able to hold out for two days and destroy an enemy about the same number as yourself. Speaking of this, I turned to look at the commanders standing behind me and said in a loud voice: "Comrade commander, although the first regiment has been wiped out in these two days of fighting, please don't worry, as long as the commanders in the regiment are still there, then we will do our best to replenish you." I believe that under your leadership, this unit will soon be able to form combat effectiveness and become the main force of our division. ”

My words immediately drew cheers from the commanders, and the room full of people shouted "Ula!" at the top of their voices. Ulla!! The shouts were full of blood, and the grief and frustration caused by the loss of the troops were wiped out in this cheer.

Finally, when the room was quiet, I said to the commanders: "Okay, comrades, you are also tired for a few days, so go out and find a place to rest first, I still have something to discuss with your regimental commander." ”

When the commanders of the 1st regiment left one after another, Kirillov immediately asked me: "Comrade Oshanina, how is the situation with the attack on the 107.5 heights, have the positions been taken?" ”

Although the battle on the high ground had not yet ended before I left Bandereev, I thought that our army would win this small battle, so I replied confidently: "Yes, Comrade Commissar, although there is still some sporadic resistance on the high ground, it no longer poses any threat to us. ”

Hearing what I said, Bantai Leev hurriedly walked a few steps to my side, stood beside me and lowered his voice and said: "Comrade division commander, don't be so sure of your words, after all, when we left, the battle continued. Although the scale of victory has fallen to our side, no one can predict what will happen on the battlefield, and it is impossible to say what accidents will happen. ”

I smiled at him, and just as I was about to comfort him, the phone on the desk rang just in time. Akhromeyev raised his hand and grabbed the microphone and said loudly: "I am Chief of Staff Akhromeyev, where are you?" ”

After listening to two sentences, he covered the microphone with his hand and asked me for instructions: "Comrade division commander, the call is from the political commissar of the Second Regiment, Velol, and she reports that the high ground has been completely occupied by our army. Next, what to do with the captured captives, and which troops should defend the high ground? ”

"Political commissar and deputy division commander, which army do you think is more appropriate to hold the high ground?" I did not say it directly, but asked Kirillov and Bandereev.

When Kirillov heard my question, he didn't answer immediately, but turned his head to look at Pandereev and asked: "Hey, old man, you have more say than me in military matters, which army do you think should be left to hold the 10.5 heights?" ”

"Judging by the table Xiàn in the battle just now, the strongest combat effectiveness is the Khrushov battalion of the 2nd Regiment and the company of Captain Glitsenko." Bandelyev said with a solemn expression: "But Glitsenko's troops have just come over anyway, and let them guard a high ground independently, which is not reassuring. I think it's better for the Khrushov battalion to guard the heights. ”

"Okay, just do as you say." After I said this, I then instructed Akhromeyev: "Comrade Chief of Staff. Please tell the political commissar of Vellol. Let the 1st battalion of Khrushov be tasked with guarding the 107.5 heights. And also. In order to strengthen the leadership of the battalion, let the deputy commander, Major Yaming, also go to the high ground. ”

Akhimeyev couldn't help but be stunned for a moment when he heard this inexplicable order from behind me, he didn't immediately let go of the hand covering the microphone, but asked strangely: "Comrade division commander, I think Captain Khrushov is fully capable of holding the heavy responsibility of the high ground, so there is no need to send other commanders, right?" ”

Seeing that Akhromeyev did not carry out my orders in a hurry. I said with some dissatisfaction: "First convey my words to Commissar Vellol, and as for the reason, I will tell you later." ”

Seeing that I was showing signs of anger, Akhromeyev had no choice but to nod his head and convey my order to Vylor with a helpless face: "Commissar Vylore, the division commander ordered: 107.5 Heights will be defended by the 1st battalion of Captain Horushov, and in order to strengthen the command of the heights, let the deputy regiment commander, Major Yaming, also go to the heights." After conveying the order, he changed his tone and asked Velore with a pleasant face. Comrade Vellol, you should hurry up and count the results. And escalate it to me immediately. ”

As soon as Akhromeyev put down the phone, Kirillov couldn't wait to ask me: "Comrade Oshanina, why did you send Yamin to the 107.5 heights?" You must know that if there are two commanders in a position, if there is a battle, the soldiers below will not know who to listen to. ”

It seems that there is a contradiction between the leaders of the 2nd Regiment, and Kirillov and Akhromeyev do not know about it, so I can only explain to them simply: "Political commissar and chief of staff, after my observation, I found that Major Yaming is actually a good commander, but because of his sensitive identity, the regimental leaders of the 2nd Regiment have always guarded against him. I put him on the 107.5 heights, just hoping that he can make more meritorious achievements in the next brutal battles and change other people's impressions of him. ”

Hearing my very far-fetched reason, Kirillov and the others nodded as if they suddenly understood, agreeing with my analysis. Then Kirillov asked me again: "Now that we have regained the 107.5 heights, should we immediately report this good news to the army group command?" ”

"It's natural, Comrade Commissar. However, in order to prevent leaks, I think you should report to your superiors in writing, anyway, the commander's adjutant and herald are still with us, so let them bring the report back. After I finished talking to Kirillov, I turned to Pandereev and said, "Comrade Deputy Division Commander, you have also seen the battle just now, so please also write a detailed report and send it to the headquarters later." ”

After explaining the results of the battle, I lowered my head and thought about it again, and then instructed Akhromeyev: "Chief of Staff, call the commander of the third regiment, Major Godunov, and say that I will go to him with Lieutenant Colonel Sederikov later, and ask him to gather all the commanders from the prisoner of war camp, and I will meet with them later." ”

Seeing that Akhromeyev, who had received my order, was on the phone, Sederikov asked curiously: "Comrade division commander, what is the commander from the prisoner of war camp?" What the hell are you talking about, it's confusing me. ”

"That's right, Comrade Sedjerikov." Pantai Leyev, who was preparing pen and paper, looked up and explained to Sederikov: "You have been in the factory area for the past two days, and you don't know the situation on the Mamayev side. When Comrade Savchenko went on a reconnaissance mission last night, he mistakenly rebelled against a unit of the Eastern Battalion and rescued all the commanders and fighters of our army in the prisoner of war camp under the care of the battalion. ”

"Oh, I see." After listening to Bandeleyev's explanation, Shedelikov turned his head to look at me and asked in a flattering tone: "Comrade division commander, if you asked me to accompany you to the defense area of the Third Regiment, do you plan to replenish all the rescued commanders and fighters to our regiment?" ”

"All for your regiment?" Seeing his lion's open expression, I rolled my eyes at him and retorted dissatisfiedly: "If I add these two thousand commanders and fighters to you, then the commanders of the other three regiments will not come to my headquarters to make trouble?!" Then he patted him on the shoulder and said loudly, "Okay, don't stand here stupidly, come with me." ”

As soon as I walked out of the headquarters, I noticed Captain Nikolai pacing back and forth outside, and from his tightly knit brow, I guessed that he was worried about the tank company and the infantry company of Glitsenko. Seeing this, I hurriedly shouted at him: "Captain Nikolai, come to me." ”

Sederikov saw Captain Nikolai coming towards us. Raise your eyebrows. Then he asked vigilantly: "Comrade division commander." This is the commander of the Eastern Battalion who has just been rebelled, right? ”

I nodded and said in an appreciative tone: "Comrade Lieutenant Colonel, it's not easy, I actually guessed the identity of Captain Nikolai at a glance." ”

Sederikov smiled and hurriedly explained to me: "Comrade division commander, I didn't guess it, but I saw it. As he spoke, his chin lifted forward. Don't look at our uniforms, but you can still wear German steel helmets. ”

After Captain Nikolai came up and raised his hand to salute us, I first introduced him and Shederikov to each other, and then asked unhurriedly: "Comrade Captain, what is on your mind?" I see you've been walking around here all the time, as if you're restless. ”

Nikolai replied to me with a wry smile: "Comrade division commander, don't you know what I am worried about? I've heard that the high ground on the other side has been taken by us, but Captain Glitsenko's troops haven't returned yet, and I'm worried about them. ”

"Captain Glitsenko's troops suffered few casualties, and the battle was over. They will be back soon, you don't have to worry too much. He said. I shook my head at him and said, "Let's go, Comrade Captain, come with us to the garrison of the Third Regiment and visit the commanders and fighters who have been rescued by you." ”

While on the road, from time to time Sederikov looked back at Nikolai, who was following us. After noticing this little action of his, I whispered to him: "Comrade Lieutenant Colonel, I intend to integrate his troops into your regiment, and if you have any questions, you can ask them directly." Don't wait for him to arrive in your group, and then you make it difficult for him, and I won't be able to speak for you then. ”

Sederikov, who had my permission, slowed down and slowly approached Nikolai. As the two walked side by side, I heard Sederikov asking: "Captain Nikolai, I want to ask you a question. ”

Nikolai didn't expect Sederikov to suddenly talk to him, so he couldn't help but panic for a moment, and then tried to remain calm and said: "Excuse me, Comrade Lieutenant Colonel, as long as I can answer, I will definitely give you an accurate answer." ”

"First of all, I would like to ask you, Comrade Captain," Shederikov asked in the same tone as usual, "which unit were you in before you were captured?" ”

"Do you report as ordered?" Instead of answering the question right away, Nikolai asked a question that sounded like a big deal.

"Yes," replied Sederikov affirmatively, "as ordered." ”

"Comrade Colonel Report," Nikolai replied respectfully, "before I was captured, I was a subordinate of General Petrovsky, the commander of the 63rd Infantry Corps. ”

Hearing Nikolai talk about General Petrovsky, the expression on Sederikov's face softened, and he then asked: "Since you are a subordinate of General Petrovsky, why did you join the side of the Germans?" "Sederikov's question, which I also want to know, slowed down and tilted my head sideways to try to hear Nikolai's answer clearly.

Nikolai sighed first, and then said: "Comrade Lieutenant Colonel, if I say that I was forced to join the side of the Germans because I was greedy for life and afraid of death, would you believe it?" ”

"I believe it." "I once talked to Captain Karpov, and he told me frankly that the Germans had gathered all the prisoners of war and announced in public that those who wished to join the German annexes could be freed immediately, or they would all be shot." ”

"Captain Karpov is right, I joined the Vostok Battalion under the same circumstances." Nikolai had a painful expression on his face, and he gritted his teeth and said: "I still remember that day the Germans gathered all the people in the prisoner of war camp to the open field, and more than 2,000 prisoners of war stood in a neat phalanx in units of hundreds. A German officer who knew Russian led several German soldiers to a phalanx and asked aloud if anyone would join them, and those who did were out of the ranks.

In front of the first phalanx, he shouted several times, but all the prisoners dressed as prisoners bowed their heads and no one paid any attention to him. Seeing that no one responded to him, the German officer immediately became angry, turned his head and yelled at the soldiers behind him. With his shout, the soldiers rushed into the ranks, grabbed the fighters of the first platoon of the phalanx, and ordered them to lie down with their faces on the ground. When the fighters had followed their orders to lie down, they shot them in the back of the head. Then he rushed into the line again, grabbed the fighters in the second row, made them lie on the dead man's body, and then opened fire.

There were not only male prisoners of war in the camps, but also many female prisoners of war. We all thought that the Germans were cruel to male prisoners of war, and that they might be open to female prisoners of war, but we didn't expect that these brutes, even female prisoners of war, still grabbed them out of the queue and let them lie on the ground. When the female prisoners of war lay tamely on the ground, they shot the women in the back of the head without hesitation, as they had done in the slaughter of male prisoners of war. ”

Hearing Nikolai speak of female prisoners of war struck me. I think I was captured in Lyuban at the beginning, and if it wasn't for the coincidence of Colonel Thomas's appearance, I would have been shot by the Germans like the other captured commanders. Thinking of this, my hands trembled slightly with excitement, and if a German appeared in front of me at this moment, I might have jumped forward and strangled him directly.

“…… There were a bunch of female prisoners of war and a bunch of male prisoners of war who were killed. The Germans, according to their morals, believed that men and women should not be mixed together, because that would be too unconventional. And when they slaughtered the prisoners of war, they also strictly observed the time, and every half hour, these Germans, exhausted by the killing, would come to the shade by the walls of the prisoner of war camp with unmistakable accuracy, eat something and drink something, so that they would have enough body to continue killing.

At that time, I was shocked by the fact that why did these comrades of mine choose to lie down and wait for death? Is it because they are exhausted by the torment, or is it because they have been abandoned by their homeland and hope for an early end to their painful ordeal? All over again, innocent people are waiting to die, while people on the other side are eating and drinking as if no one else is around......"

Nikolai's experience made Shederikov sigh, so his tone became more and more friendly: "So you chose to join the Germans when they asked you?" ”

"Yes, Comrade Lieutenant Colonel." Nikolai continued: "When asked about the ninth phalanx, the prisoners of war were already frightened by the massacre ahead, but upon hearing the question of the German officer, one man immediately stood up from the queue and asked to join the ranks of the German army. One person took the lead, and the rest of the people who had already wavered were even more unable to stand, and they also came forward. The German officer had a few soldiers take the prisoners aside, and then killed all the remaining prisoners in the phalanx. (The novel "Burning Moscow" will have more fresh content on the official WeChat platform, and there will also be a 100% lucky draw gift for everyone!) Open WeChat now, click on the "+" sign in the upper right corner to "add friends", search for the official account "qdread" and follow, hurry up! (To be continued......)