Knowing that the night attack of the first group was very successful, I immediately felt relieved. If I hadn't waited for Shederikov to report the results, I would have found a place to sleep.

While waiting for the 1st Regiment to count the results of the battle, the 2nd and 3rd Regiments also called me one after another to report to me the results they had achieved in the battle just now and the casualties of our troops.

The first to report was Lieutenant Colonel Kosgaard, the commander of the third regiment, who said in an excited tone: "Report to the division commander, the results of our regiment have been counted. 5 armored vehicles, 19 motorcycles and 35 trucks of the 94th German Infantry Division were destroyed, 483 enemies were killed and 270 wounded. 14 mortars of 50-mm mortars, 6 81-mm mortars and 200 rounds of shells were captured. 3 heavy machine guns, 15 light machine guns, 27 submachine guns, 609 rifles. The casualties of our troops were two companies. ”

Hearing that the German casualties were several times that of our army in the blocking battle fought by the Third Regiment, I couldn't help but be stunned, and then asked curiously: "Lieutenant Colonel Kosgaard, you fought well." I want to ask, why are your regiments fighting so well, why are the casualties so small? ”

Kosgaard thought for a moment and replied: "Report to the division commander, to achieve such results, first, the fortifications of the original 70th Guards Division have been repaired well; Second, the enemy's vigilance is not high. When they reconnoitred the positions of our regiment during the day, they found no trace of our troops, and our troops retreated along all fronts. Having received the order to reinforce the 29th Division, they hastily completed the assembly and marched with great swagger towards the positions of our troops. When our troops opened fire, the enemy was taken by surprise, and the battlefield was cleaned after the battle. We found that many of the German soldiers who were killed did not even pull the bolt of their guns. ”

"Good job. Lieutenant Colonel Kosgaard. The German 29th Division had already suffered heavy losses from a regiment. The 94th Division in front of you will not do anything more tonight. Let the warriors rest well and prepare for the brutal battle after dawn. ”

The next call came to the commander of the second regiment, Oleg, who had just heard about the results of the Koska's regiment, and it was logical for me to think that a regiment that participated in the battle for the first time could achieve such good results, so the second regiment, which had participated in the daytime battle, would naturally achieve no worse results than the third regiment.

Hearing Oleg's voice, I asked pleasantly and cordially: "Lieutenant Colonel Oleg, I have just heard the results of the three regiments. They have destroyed several times more enemies than them, how about the results of your regiment, it will not be worse than the third regiment, right? ”

Oleg was silent, and after a long time, he said in a slur manner: "Report to the division commander, in the battle just now, our regiment destroyed 2 enemy armored vehicles, 11 motorcycles, 7 trucks, and killed 112 enemy people. 85 people were wounded. 1 heavy machine gun and 5 light machine guns were captured. 6 submachine guns, 124 rifles. Our regiment suffered four companies of casualties, of which 273 were killed. ”

"What?!" I was supposed to be sitting to answer the phone, but when I heard the number he reported, I immediately jumped up from my seat and asked loudly: "Lieutenant Colonel Oleg, what's the matter, why are the casualties of the troops so large?" You know, your regiment turned out to be good in the daytime battles, and the other day you also participated in the battle for the counterattack on the 158 heights, you should know what the combat effectiveness of the German 371 Infantry Division is. Why are there so many casualties in a blocking battle? ”

Oleg replied with a bitter smile: "Report to the division commander, when our regiment entered the position, it was discovered by German scouts. Before the attack, they first launched a rapid artillery attack on our position, and because the fortifications of our regiment were too simple, the troops who entered the position in advance suffered heavy casualties. After the shelling stopped, the enemy, under the cover of armored vehicles, launched a fierce assault on the positions of our regiment, and the fighters, after stubborn fighting, repelled the enemy's attack. ”

After listening to his report, I pondered for a moment, and then instructed him: "Lieutenant Colonel Oleg, although the German 29th Division has been heavily damaged by our troops, I estimate that the German 371st Division, which is in front of your regiment, will launch a new offensive tomorrow. You let the troops fortify overnight and prepare for a protracted battle. ”

I was so excited by the news that a regiment had severely damaged the German 29th Division, and I even had the idea of staying here and continuing to deal with the German 4th Tank Army. But Oleg's report poured cold water on my head and calmed me down from my ecstatic state. I secretly thought to myself that under such a huge disparity in the strength of the enemy and us, our division could still achieve the desired results by attacking in an ambush and a sneak attack. However, if we really put ourselves in position and fight a positional battle face to face with the Germans, how long our troops can support the powerful fire of the enemy's aircraft, tanks, and artillery is really a headache.

I paced back and forth in the cramped observation post with my hands behind my back, figuring out when I would withdraw the whole division to the area designated by Chuikov. As I was walking, Razumeyeva suddenly called out to me: "Comrade division commander." ”

I stopped, turned my head to look at her, and saw her holding a headset and a microphone in her hand, and happily said to me: "It's the phone call from Regiment Commander Shederikov, and he said that there is important information to report to you." ”

Although my mood became a little lost because of Oleg's words, I tried to keep my feelings steady when I spoke to Shederikov. I asked Sederikov in a steady tone: "First regiment commander, have you counted the results of your regiment, do you have any good news to tell me?" ”

"Yes, Comrade Division Commander." Sederikov's voice was filled with uncontrollable joy, and he said excitedly: "While cleaning the battlefield, our fighters found Hans-Georg, the commander of the German 29th Division, who was stunned by shells. Major General Leeser, who was captured alive with him, was his adjutant Major Golawel, the commander of the motorized infantry battalion, Major Best, and the commander of the heavy machine gun company, Captain Eugène. ”

"What? Caught the commander of the 29th Division? "I can hardly believe my ears, since the fight to the present, although I have also commanded the troops to fight a lot of battles, although the German officers have captured a lot, but they are all at the battalion level, most of them are officers at the rank of lieutenant or colonel, and at the level of generals, I dare not think about it. Unexpectedly, tonight's night attack actually captured the commander of the 29th Division of the German motorized infantry, which was really unexpected.

After a brief moment of excitement, I calmed down. Cautiously asked, "Lieutenant Colonel Sederikov." You confirmed this Hans-Georg. Leeser? Was it him himself or a junior officer in his uniform? "That's why I'm asking such a question. This is because when the battle is lost, it often happens that the supreme commander of the unit changes into the uniform of an ordinary soldier, or changes clothes with his own subordinates, and then blends into the chaos and escapes.

Sederikov replied affirmatively: "I first carefully compared the military card I found with him personally, and then I brought some captured officers to identify him. I can tell you all the responsibility that it was Reeser himself who was captured. ”

Knowing that the German general had really been captured, my heart beat faster without arguing. The hand holding the microphone also trembled slightly, I quickly took a few deep breaths, and when my feelings were a little calmer, I hurriedly ordered him: "Bring him to my observation post immediately." ”

"Yes!" Shedelikov resoundingly agreed, and then said solemnly: "I will personally send him to your observation post." ”

Ending the call with Sedjerikov, I walked over to the observation port, holding on to the log wall with both hands, gasping for breath to steady my nervousness.

"Is it true? Comrade division commander. Pugachev's voice sounded beside me, and I turned my head to look. He didn't know when he walked up to me and saw me notice him. He repeated the question: "Is it true?" Teachers. Did we really catch the division commander of the German army? ”

I didn't speak, just nodded vigorously and gave him an affirmative answer.

"It's amazing, it's amazing!" Pugachev also became excited, he shook his fist fiercely, and then tentatively asked me: "Should we report this good news to the army group command immediately?" ”

Pugachev's mention immediately reminded me, and I hurriedly instructed Razumeyeva: "Comrade Second Lieutenant, hurry up and contact the headquarters of the army group, I will report the good news to General Chuikov." ”

When I got in touch with Chuikov, my feelings were still not completely stable, and my voice was a little excited when I spoke: "Hello, Comrade Commander! ”

Chuikov probably sensed my joy and asked me with a smile: "Oshanina, do you have any good news to report to me?" ”

I nodded vigorously and replied, "Yes, Comrade Commander." I have good news for you, when a regiment was cleaning the battlefield, several commanders who were stunned by shells were found in the pile of German corpses, one of whom was the commander of the 29th Division of the German motorized infantry, Hans-Georg. Major General Leeser. ”

As soon as the words ended, I heard the sound of something heavy falling from the earphones, and then Chuikov asked in disbelief: "Oshanina, what did you just say?" Please repeat this again. Because of his excitement, he also used the honorific title of "you" for the first time in his address to me.

At this time, my mood also calmed down, so I repeated what I had just said: "Report to Comrade Commander, I said that my unit had just captured alive the commander of the German 29th Division, Hans Georg. Major General Leeser. ”

"Are you sure? It can't be his subordinates who have changed into his uniform, right? "Chuikov, like me just now, was first to catch not Lesser, but one of his subordinates to change into his military uniform.

"After Capturing Leeser, Lieutenant Colonel Szejerikov not only checked his military ID, but also asked some German officers and soldiers to identify him, and it was completely confirmed that it was Major General Reiser himself who was captured."

"Comrade Oshanina, is what you just said true?" The voice of General Shumilov suddenly came from the headphones, and when I heard the real commander of the army group asking me, I quickly straightened up and replied: "Report to Comrade Commander, this is all true, Leeser and his adjutant were captured by our troops after being stunned by shells. Now the commander of the 1st Regiment of the Independent Division, Lieutenant Colonel Sederikov, is rushing to my observation post with the captured Lezer. When I reconfirm, I will send someone to send him to the headquarters of the army group. ”

"Amazing, great job!" From Shumilov's tone, I could hear that he had a feeling of raising his eyebrows, and he continued: "Colonel Oshanina, I congratulate you. I will do my best to report the achievements of you and your independent division to the front army headquarters and ask for credit for you. ”

The night raid battle of our division can achieve such results, not to mention Chuikov and Shumilov, even I can't imagine it. My original vision. It was to let the artillery battalion and a regiment harass the 29th Division, which was camped. Weaken their combat power. Reduce the stress of daytime battles. Unexpectedly, he unintentionally inserted willows into the shade, and actually caught the German division commander by mistake.

While waiting for Sedelikov to come to the observation post, I was anxious like an ant on a hot pot, walking back and forth in the observation post, constantly raising my hand to look at my watch, wishing that he would immediately appear in front of me with the German general.

Shedelikov did not wait, but unexpectedly waited for an unexpected call. Razumeeva, who was wearing headphones, looked up. He hurriedly said to me: "Comrade Division Commander, Comrade Chief of the General Staff wants to speak to you!" ”

"What? What did you say? "I kind of didn't trust my ears.

"Comrade Chief of the General Staff wants to talk to you." Razumeyeva repeated it again, taking off her headphones and handing them to me along with the microphone.

I put on my headphones and only heard the inside say, "Is it Colonel Oshanina?" I'm Vasilevsky. ”

As soon as I heard it, it was Vasilevsky's voice, and I quickly replied: "It's me." Comrade Chief of the General Staff, it's been a long time, how are you? ”

"I'm fine," Vasilevsky said kindly, "I'll call you today." You're surprised, aren't you? ”

"Yes, Comrade Chief of the General Staff." I replied with sincere trepidation: "I thought you had been in Moscow all along." After saying this, I remembered that the other day I heard Chuikov mention that Vasilevsky was in Stalingrad, and I forgot about it completely because I was so nervous.

"I heard that your independent division played well today. During the day's fighting, three enemy attacks were repulsed, and a regiment of the Germans was also eliminated. The night attack at night was even more brilliant, not only severely damaging the German 29th Motorized Rifle Division, but even capturing the division commander alive. Judging by today's battle, your command skills are quite good. I am very optimistic about you, you have to keep working hard, and one day, you will become a general. ”

When I heard about the rank of general, I did not have the slightest joy in my heart, knowing that I was already a general long before the great counterattack under the city of Moscow began. Even if he becomes a general again, it is only a reinstatement of officials, and there is nothing to rejoice about. But since the Chief of the General Staff has already said this, I can't say anything: "Thank you, Comrade Chief of the General Staff, I will continue to work hard and lead the independent division to make new contributions." ”

"Good, good!" After Vasilevsky said yes twice in a row, he asked with concern: "Do you have any difficulties now?" ”

Although the training of the troops was insufficient, there was a lack of commanders at the grass-roots level, and the weapons and equipment were poor, I still did not dare to raise these difficulties lightly in front of the chief of the General Staff of the Red Army. ”

"Comrade Oshanina, you are lying!" Vasilevsky seemed to guess my thoughts, and said bluntly: "I know that the independent division has been formed for less than half a month, and the fighters in the unit are all prisoners from the Gulag concentration camp, they have neither special military training nor combat experience, the division lacks grassroots commanders, and the weapons and equipment are also very poor. Although you have recently won several battles and captured a few things, it is still far from enough for an independent division of 8,000 men. If you have any difficulties, just ask them, and if they can help you solve them, I will definitely help you solve them. ”

To tell you the truth, I have always been obsessed with Meretskov's ensign training team, and when I kindly reminded the Supreme Commander that the enemy's next target was not Moscow or the Caucasus, but Stalingrad in the Volga Valley, Stalin said that he would send me to Stalingrad to guard the Mamayev post. At that time, Meretskov also offered to assign the second lieutenant training team to me, but I didn't expect that after a long time, there would be no follow-up. Since Vasilevsky asked me to make a request today, I can't be polite, so I said straight to the point: "Comrade Chief of the General Staff, my troops lack a large number of grassroots commanders and combat backbones, so it is not easy for the troops to form a strong combat strength in a short period of time. Previously, Senior General Meretskov had offered to hand over his second lieutenant training team to me to strengthen the troops. However, since I was transferred in too hastily and did not have time to take this training team with me, I wonder if you can remind General Meretskov to send this unit to me? ”

"Comrade Oshanina," Vasilevsky laughed, and only after the laughter had ceased did he say, "how dare you speak, even the troops of General Meretskov dare to think about it." But don't worry, since you have made this request, I will take the opportunity to mention it to Comrade Meretskov. Let them take a picture of the second lieutenant training team for you. ”

"Comrade Chief of the General Staff. It's great. "I heard that Vasilevsky promised to help. I was so overjoyed that I thanked him repeatedly: "Thank you, thank you!" You can rest assured that the independent division, reinforced by the commanders and combat backbones of the grassroots units, will definitely make new achievements under the city of Stalingrad and cripple the German 4th Tank Army in front of it! ”

This conversation between me and Vasilevsky made my heart feel particularly warm and pleasant. After putting down the headphones and microphone, I took off the steel helmet from my head and placed it on the table. Ordered Pugachev: "Comrade Captain, you go out and have a look, Lieutenant Colonel Sederykov are they coming?" ”

"Report to the division commander," before Pugachev walked out of the observation post, a loud voice from Sederikov came from the door, "Lieutenant Colonel Sederikov, commander of the 1st Regiment of the Independent Division, has been ordered to come and wait for your instructions!" ”

"Stop talking nonsense, come in!" As I spoke, I put the steel helmet back on my head, and when I saw that only he and the artillery battalion commander Jegonovich had come in, I hurriedly asked strangely: "The commander of the German 29th Division, Hans-Georg. And what about Major General Leeser? ”

Shederikov smiled at me. Turning his head and shouting outside, "Bring it in." ”

With his shout, a German officer was pushed into the observation post by a fighter. Then the warriors saluted me. Said loudly: "Report to the division commander, the commander of the German division, Hans-Georg. Major General Leeser has been brought, please instruct! ”

I saw that there was only one soldier behind the German general, and I guessed that it might be an interpreter that Sederikov had found, so I let him stay. Then I looked up at the German general standing in front of me, and I saw that he was in his fifties, and he wore a monocle in his right eye socket. So I politely asked, "Mr. General, I am Colonel Oshanina, the commander of the Independent Division. You are the commander of the 29th Division, Hans Georg. Major General Leeser? ”

The German general obviously did not expect that I would be the division commander, and after hearing the soldier's translation, he looked at me with disbelief and asked repeatedly: "You are really the division commander of the Soviet army, that is, you commanded the troops to inflict heavy losses on my division?" ”

After listening to the translation, I didn't speak, just nodded in affirmation of what he said.

After confirming my identity, he snorted heavily and said disdainfully, "Miss Colonel, you are not a real soldier. We will only use nearby and sneak attacks to deal with our formidable Wehrmacht. If you put on a posture to fight us, your troops will not be my opponent at all. ”

"Shut up, you German!" When Shederikov heard Major General Leeser say this, he immediately became angry and raised his hand to hit him, but I raised my hand to stop him.

I saw the elderly German general in front of me and said coldly: "As long as you can defeat the enemy, no matter what tactics you use, you can do it." But you're right, if my troops were to fight a positional battle with your division, they would really not be your opponents. I have seen the results of the 4th Tank Army in the battle report, and your 29th Division alone has set a record of one division defeating two divisions and three brigades of our army. ”

After speaking, I turned to Pugachev behind me and said, "Captain, you take a few people and escort this General Leezer to the headquarters of the army group and hand it over to General Chuikov." Let's do it now. ”

After Pugachev and the interpreter took Lezer away, I looked at the artillery battalion commander Yegonovich and asked: "Hey, I said Comrade Captain, I just asked my guard squad leader Vera to be your guide, why did she disappear without a trace, did you hide her on purpose?" ”

I was saying this jokingly, but I didn't expect the captain's face to turn red at once, and he muttered, "Comrade Colonel, I have a request, I don't know if you can keep Vera in my battalion. ”

"Why?" I was very curious about his sudden mention.

"Because I love her, that's good enough, isn't it?" Unexpectedly, Yegonovich was quite bold, and he immediately said his thoughts in public.

I turned my head to look at Sederikov, and when I saw that he was smiling and nodding, I didn't feel embarrassed Yegonovich, and readily agreed: "Okay, Vera will stay in your camp for the time being." ”

Jegonovich snapped a salute and then thanked me excitedly: "Thank you, thank you, Comrade Colonel!" I will definitely repay your kindness. (To be continued......)

PS: Bow and thank the book friend Pei Bin for voting two votes for support; Thanks to book friends zheng1360, Xiaoice Doudou, Nebula Hunter, 145236632541, Xiao Yi XXX for voting for their support, and thank book friends for the original :-D point reward of 200 coins