Hearing Sederikov's shouts, the captains of those support detachments hurriedly restrained their subordinates from shooting blindly, and as the order was given, the gunfire on our positions became sparse.

Although the enemy's tanks were still firing unhurriedly at our positions, their infantry had been so frightened by our fire that they stopped and fell to the ground and fired back. The combat effectiveness of the German soldiers was far stronger than that of our troops, and although they were in a hurry to lie down and fire, the bullets they fired still caused certain casualties to our troops, and from time to time some commanders and fighters were hit by bullets and rolled over on their sides in the trenches.

The enemy's brief pause in the middle of the offensive gave me valuable time to adjust my deployment. Braving the bullets whizzing over my head and beside me, I raised myself and shouted at Sederikov: "Comrade Captain, our fighters are too poor in marksmanship to let them shoot blindly and waste ammunition anymore." When the enemy approaches, let them shoot with a platoon of guns. ”

Sederikov agreed, and then gave an order to the fighters on the left and right: "Pass down, no one is allowed to shoot without my order." When the enemy approached, everyone fired with platoon guns and exploded with grenades. ”

The fighters on his left and right immediately adopted one method after another, conveying his orders to his comrades around him word for word. Soon the gunfire from the trenches stopped, and I saw many commanders and fighters take off their backpacks, take out grenades from them, and place them neatly in front of them.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, I looked around, but I did not see the shadow of our tank detachment. I can't help but be angry, what has Captain Gaidar done, since he left until now. It's been an hour. There is no sign of the tank detachment yet. Could it be that for such a long time, a few tanks could not get around a small settlement? Looking behind me again, I saw smoke billowing from several places in the settlements a few hundred meters away, not to mention the burning of the buildings that had just been bombarded with artillery fire. The exit from the settlement was quiet, not to mention the light cannon battery, and even the commandos led by Oleg did not see a shadow. It seems that we will be alone for a certain period of time.

Seeing that shooting stopped on our positions. The Germans got up tremblingly, rushed forward with their guns in hand, and saw that the soldiers who were running fast were less than thirty meters away from our position, and with a single sprint, they could rush to our position, and at this moment, only Shedelikov could be heard shouting: "Shoot!" Then he raised his pistol and fired first.

The sound of gunfire was an order, and the commanders and fighters on the position opened fire together. Put a neat platoon of guns and rush the German soldiers in the first batch. Suddenly, many people stopped, swayed, and then fell limply to the ground. Then the second platoon of guns rang out again, and the dense bullets knocked down the first few remaining soldiers, and the soldiers of the second platoon, many of whom also suffered with them, fell under the guns of our troops.

Two successive platoon shots had an unexpected effect, and at least thirty German soldiers were killed on the spot, and seven or eight soldiers were lying on the ground groaning in pain. Seeing so many enemies being knocked down in front of our positions, the morale of our troops was greatly boosted, and then the third platoon of guns rang out. After losing five or six more soldiers, the Germans gave up the attack very sensitively, turned around and ran back.

As soon as the Germans retreated, without waiting for Sedjerikov's order, an anxious commander immediately led his subordinates to attack. Who knew that as soon as they rushed out of ten meters, two tank shells fell in the middle of the queue, the commander was killed on the spot, and the fighters were also killed and wounded a dozen people. The leaderless warriors hurriedly lay down on the ground, and after firing a burst of guns at the enemy's back, they had to retreat back to the trenches.

Seeing this scene, I hurriedly instructed Senior Captain Sederikov: "Comrade Captain, go and tell your subordinates that no one is allowed to attack without permission until the enemy's tanks have been destroyed." Do you hear me, hurry up and pass on my order. ”

"No one is allowed to attack without my orders!" Sederikov loudly conveyed to his men the order I had just issued.

Although the Germans retreated, they did not flee, but retreated behind the tanks and readjusted their formation. In less than five minutes, they attacked our position again. The stormtroop formation adopted by the Germans this time was very different from just now, seven or eight of them dragged a machine gun, formed battle groups, under the cover of tank fire.

An attack was launched on the positions of our troops. Perhaps because of the good training, the coordination between the various battle groups was very good, they skillfully used the cover of the terrain, evaded the fire of our troops, alternately covered the advance with each other, and the attack was carried out in an orderly manner.

Although our troops still put their guns in the same way as just now, they could no longer pose much threat to the German army. One of the soldiers who came out of the settlement with me was unfortunately shot while he was putting his gun in platoon, and his head tilted and he lay still on the edge of the trench. I grabbed a grenade from his side, pulled the string and threw it with a wave of my hand.

The smoking grenade, which made a beautiful arc in the air, landed next to one of the German combat groups and exploded. Although the flames and smoke did not kill them, they frightened the German soldiers who wanted to charge forward to the ground. The grenades I threw seemed to give everyone a wake-up call, and the dense grenades roared up from the trenches and smashed into the enemy's attacking ranks. Moments later, grenades exploded in the middle of the German army, and the sound of explosions was deafening, and shrapnel with the smell of death flew everywhere, reaping the lives of the Germans with impunity.

At this moment, Sederikov jumped out of the trench, holding in his hand a rifle he had picked up from the hands of a fallen soldier, and while waving it, he shouted at his men: "Give it to me, brothers." With his shouts, dozens of fighters jumped out of the trenches, overtook Sedelikov and rushed forward.

Not to be outdone, the remaining warriors jumped out of their trenches and rushed forward with their bayonets or shovels and axes. When he saw the German soldier getting up from the ground, he either stepped forward and stabbed a bayonet, or slashed down with a shovel or axe.

Another fighter I brought out. Seeing that the front is in full swing. It's also a bit of a jump. He asked me a little anxiously: "Comrade division commander, will we stay here and watch our commanders and fighters fight the enemy?" ”

I glanced at him with a displeased expression and said dissatisfiedly: "Comrade soldier, you are now my guard, and where I am, you must stay." The duty of the division commander remained in the rear to direct the battle, not to charge into battle like an ordinary soldier. If I had died. Then the troops that have lost their command may be routed or eliminated by the enemy. If that happens, will you still insist that I take you to the charge? ”

After I had taught him a few lessons, the soldier honestly crouched in the trench and continued to carry out his duty to keep me safe. Seeing this temporary cameo guard, I couldn't help but regret it a little in my heart, I knew that I should have brought Vera's guard squad, at least they were my guards, and they knew what their duties were, and they wouldn't give me any random advice.

The German soldiers, who had long been dazed by the grenade, were left with few people at this time. If it weren't for the fact that their tank artillery fire killed and wounded our troops from time to time, they would have been surrounded and annihilated by the superior forces of our army. The army has long been wiped out. Unexpectedly, another German unit emerged from behind the German tanks. Seeing this sudden appearance of this force made my heart tremble, no wonder the German army stopped advancing just now and did not launch an attack on our position, it turned out that they had been waiting for the arrival of this force.

The German soldiers roared and rushed to the battlefield where the enemy and the enemy were entangled, the submachine guns in their hands frantically spewed tongues of fire, and under the heavy firepower, the people who were enveloped by the fire net in the unobstructed area fell one by one.

I was in a hurry, and with this way of playing, it wouldn't be long before all my people died. But in the trenches, only me and one other soldier were left, and even if we both rushed forward, we would die in vain.

Just when I was anxious, one of the German tanks was suddenly enveloped in a puff of black smoke, the black smoke had just dispersed, and then a dark red flame of more than ten meters erupted from the open hatch, and the whole tank burned like a lit torch. As the flames faded, the barrel of the tank drooped.

"Could it be that the German tank was squeezing the barrel when it was firing?" I couldn't help but think.

Before I could figure it out, another explosion occurred between the tank and the German soldiers, lifting several German soldiers who were shooting frantically into the air. Just then, I heard the sound of shells whizzing overhead, followed by a series of explosions in the same area, which blew up the German soldiers to the point of howling wolves.

"Is it the cannon that came up?" I thought so, and when I looked back, as I expected, the ten cannons of the artillery company were lined up at the exit of the settlement, firing one after another. And Captain Oleg was carrying a gun, and with hundreds of fighters bent over to me, he ran quickly towards me.

Seeing my reinforcements coming up, I didn't care about the stray bullets flying on the battlefield, stood out of the trenches, waved the submachine gun in my hand and shouted: "Good job! Oleg, you are good! Hurry up and rush with the fighters! Go ahead, brethren, beat them hard, beat those German bastards! O brethren! ”

The firing of the cannon battery and the arrival of the support troops led by Oleg announced the destruction of this German unit, and when Oleg's fighters and Sederikov's troops converged, the German army no longer had formed resistance, only sporadic soldiers were still resisting. Of course, their stubborn resistance was in vain, and the remnants of the German army were quickly wiped out by them without superiority in strength and firepower.

The remaining tanks and armored vehicles, after our cannon battery began firing, probably realized that the shape was not good for them, and had turned around and fled. The cannon company chased the tanks and fired a few more shots, but unfortunately did not hit the target, and in the end they could only watch them flee the battlefield.

Half an hour later, the battle was over. While the fighters were cleaning up the battlefield, Sederikov, Oleg and the commander of the cannon company came to me.

I didn't bother to ask how the casualties of Sederikov's troops were, but asked Oleg directly with a straight face: "Tell me, Comrade Captain, why did it take so long for your troops to rush to the battlefield to support us?" ”

Oleg straightened his waist and replied: "Report to Comrade Division Commander, clear the remnants of the enemy in the settlements, gather the troops, help the artillery company tow the artillery, and leave the troops on guard." It all takes time. So we're late. ”

Listen to him explain the reason for being late. I know he's telling the truth, and even if I were to handle these things, I wouldn't necessarily be able to do it faster than he did. However, he finally arrived before the collapse of our army, joined the battle to encircle and annihilate the German army, and almost completely annihilated this German army.

I looked at Sederikov, and saw that his face was blackened by gunpowder smoke, and his military uniform was covered with dust and blood, so I asked him with concern: "Comrade Captain." How are you, aren't you hurt? ”

For my concern, a happy smile appeared on Sedelikov's face, he grinned and said: "Thank you Comrade Division Commander for your concern, I am very good, and I haven't even scratched my skin a bit." ”

Next, I walked up to the commander of the artillery company, reached out and shook his hand, and said gratefully: "Thank you." Comrade company commander, if it weren't for the timely arrival of your artillery battery. It is estimated that by this time our troops have been completely annihilated by the Germans. ”

"Comrade Lieutenant Colonel, this is what I should do, and I am ready to obey your orders." The commander of the artillery company said.

After greeting all three of them, I suddenly remembered Gaidar, who had not even seen a figure until now, and I couldn't help but be angry, and I said angrily: "Who of you knows the whereabouts of Captain Gaidar, I asked him to bring a tank detachment to destroy the German tanks here, but now a few hours have passed, and I haven't seen his figure." ”

"Isn't he going to be on the run?" The artillery company commander said tentatively.

"No," Sederikov stopped the artillery company commander in time and said in an affirmative tone: "Although I haven't spent too much time with Captain Gaidar, from what I know about him, he is definitely not a person who is greedy for life and afraid of death. He hasn't shown up until now, there must be some other reason. ”

"Where's the operator?" I am now more and more dissatisfied with my appearance in this battle, first participated in such a battle, and actually left the guard squad at the station; Secondly, from the beginning of the battle, the two operators who followed me, if they had not taken the initiative to find me, I would have almost ignored their deposits. Just like now, when the battle is over, I want to contact Gaidar before I remember to ask where the operator is.

The No. 4 operator came running from not far away, saluted me, and asked politely: "Comrade division commander, I am here, do you have any instructions?" ”

"Contact Captain Gaidar right away and ask him where he is." I finished this sentence through gritting my back molars and returned to Shedelikov's side.

While talking to Shedelikov and them, I was still listening to the call of the No. 4 operator not far away: "Three, three, I'm four, please answer when you hear it!" No. 3, No. 3 ......"

Oleg took the initiative to report to me: "Comrade division commander, the results of the battle in the settlements have been counted. The defenders were killed 147 men, 11 captured, two armored vehicles destroyed, 56 submachine guns and 129 rifles captured. Our troops lost 183 killed and 213 wounded. After interrogating the prisoners, we learned that most of the enemy were still asleep at the beginning of our attack, and they had not yet had time to figure out what was happening, so our progress would go exceptionally well. When the enemy came to his senses, he retreated to the last few buildings and put up a stubborn resistance. However, because the attack in the early stage was too smooth, our army relaxed its vigilance, which led to the appearance of heavy casualties. ”

After listening to Oleg's words, I nodded silently, and prepared to wait for the time to go back to the summary meeting, and then convene everyone to discuss the problems that had arisen in these battles. I looked at Shederikov and asked: "Comrade Captain, what are the casualties of your troops?" ”

Instead of answering my words right away, Shedelikov turned his head and looked in the direction of the battlefield. I also looked in the direction he was looking, and saw a lieutenant running towards us with a big-brimmed hat in his hand, apparently reporting the results of the battle to Sederikov.

The lieutenant came to Shederikov's side and whispered a few words into his ear. After listening to the lieutenant's report, Shedelikov waved his hand, asked the lieutenant to leave, and reported to me in a heavy tone: "Comrade division commander, the results of the battle have been counted. In the battle just now, we killed 311 German soldiers, captured 27 prisoners, destroyed a tank, and captured 114 submachine guns, 21 machine guns, and 138 rifles. Our army suffered more than 500 casualties, of which 377 were killed and 135 were wounded. ”

When I heard the number of casualties in total, I couldn't help but look up to the sky and sigh. I thought there wouldn't be many casualties in a sneak attack. Who knew that a sneak attack turned into a storm. An unexpected blocking battle was also fought, and more than half of the troops participating in the battle were killed or wounded.

Hearing that the No. 4 operator was still calling Gaidar vigorously, I said to him impatiently: "Comrade operator, what is going on, why can't I get in touch with the No. 3 walkie-talkie until now?" ”

Perhaps it was my stern attitude that frightened the operator, and his face suddenly turned red, and he lowered his head and did not dare to reply to my words.

See him like this. I became even more impatient, and asked again: "Tell me, what the hell is going on?" Even if it's wrong, I won't blame you. ”

When the operator heard me say this, he mustered up the courage to reply: "Maybe the No. 3 walkie-talkie was broken during the battle, so I couldn't get in touch." ”

Hearing his reason, I didn't want to blame him anymore, so I waved my hand and said, "Since I can't contact Captain Gaidar, then you can help me contact Colonel Raskin." I would like to report to him on what we have achieved. ”

Raskin was easy to get in touch with, and as soon as he opened his mouth, he asked, "Hello." Comrade Oshanina, is there any good news for me? ”

Ruskin's words made me feel ashamed, and I was a little embarrassed to say: "Comrade Chief of Staff, I may be going to disappoint you......"

Before I could finish speaking, Ruskin cried out in astonishment: "What, Comrade Oshanina, you are not going to sue me that you did not take back the settlements from the Germans, do you?" ”

"Not so, Comrade Chief of Staff." I heard that he was misunderstood, and hurriedly explained: "The settlement has been captured by us, but then we have fought with the enemy's reinforcements. The Germans were killed 458 people, 38 were taken prisoner, and one tank and two armored vehicles were destroyed. Our army suffered nearly 1,000 casualties, which can only be regarded as a small victory. "It's not hypocrisy when I say this, but in all the battles, I have won with small casualties, and this time I paid such a big price to win, I really feel shameless.

"Killed 458 Germans and captured 38?" Ruskin asked rhetorically.

"Yes, Comrade Colonel."

Hearing my categorical answer, Raskin was so excited that his voice changed a little, and he said in a loud voice: "Having recovered the settlements occupied by the enemy and exterminated nearly five hundred Germans, this is a small victory, this is a big victory, this is a great achievement!" Comrade Oshanina, I congratulate you! After a pause, he continued: "I will report the good news to Commander Shumilov immediately. Remember, as far as you can report the list of your meritorious commanders and fighters, I estimate that Comrade Commander may personally go and award them with honors. ”

After finishing the call with Raskin, I smiled and said to Sederikov, Oleg, and the commander of the artillery company in front of me: "Three comrades commanders, I congratulate you. Because of the courage and tenacity of your fighting spirit in today's battle, the commander of the group army may personally award you with the honor. ”

"Comrade Commander personally awarded us the medal." When the three of them heard me say this, they couldn't help but get excited, and asked in disbelief: "Comrade Division Commander, is this true?" Wouldn't it be a joke with us? ”

"Great, that's great." Hearing my affirmative answer, the three of them were excited like children, and hugged each other loudly.

Just when everyone was getting carried away, the operator behind me suddenly pointed to the distance and shouted: "Comrade division commander, look, there is dust rising in that direction, could it be that the German reinforcements are coming again?" "Hearing the operator say this, all of us fell silent and looked nervously in the direction of the dust, and Sedelikov was even looking with my telescope.

After looking at it for a while, the commander of the artillery company shouted: "It's not good, it's a tank." I'll go back to the company and command the artillery to take out all these German tanks that are not afraid of death. ”

He didn't have to go far before he was stopped by Sederikov, and the lieutenant said lightly: "Comrade company commander, don't be nervous, it's our T-34 tank, it's your own people." After a pause, he continued, "There are quite a few infantry in the car, could it be Captain Gaidar?" (To be continued......)