After talking for a while with Kirillov about the work of the political department of the group army, he said politely: "Comrade Kirillov, please give the headphones to Colonel Oshanina, I still have something to explain to her." ”

I didn't expect that after talking with Kirillov for a long time, there would be something to ask me for. After receiving the headset and microphone from Kirillov's hand, I respectfully asked: "Hey, Comrade Commander, I'm Oshanina, what instructions do you have?" ”

"Colonel Oshanina," Chuikov said to me in a stern tone, "because of the shortage of troops in Stalingrad, I have ordered the tank corps holding the 107.5 heights to withdraw to the city, and I feel that it is a waste to use the tank corps as ordinary infantry. If they were all gone, and when the newly replenished tanks arrived, they would not be able to find suitable personnel to drive them, and the tanks would become a pile of scrap metal, so after research, it was decided to withdraw them all into the city. They were replaced by the 125th Infantry Regiment, which had suffered heavy losses in the early battles, and the new recruits were militiamen from tractor factories. At present, the combat effectiveness of the troops is relatively weak, so you must not only focus on the Mamayev Heights, but also pay more attention to the defense areas of your neighbors, and send troops to support them in time if they are in a critical situation. ”

"Understood, Comrade Commander." I didn't dare to slack off on Chuikov's orders, so I hurriedly agreed. In order to reassure him, I also deliberately added: "The 3rd and 4th regiments have participated in the battle to regain the 107.5 heights, and they are more familiar with the terrain there. Therefore, I plan to transfer the 3rd Regiment to the residential area behind Heights 107.5, so that we can send out reinforcements in time when the shape of the heights is unfavorable. ”

"Very well, you have a very thoughtful arrangement." After complimenting me, Chuikov continued: "Your defensive battle is very good today, but you can't just defend, you have to take advantage of the opportunity to counterattack. Our current tactic is to attack, to use a counteroffensive to disrupt the enemy's offensive preparations. ”

I couldn't help but be stunned for a moment when he mentioned that he couldn't just defend and had to fight back constantly. Then he asked curiously: "Comrade Commander." Did the base camp send us a reserve? ”

"Reserves, what reserves?" Chuikov also seemed to be confused by me, and then said angrily: "We can only use the existing forces of the group army to counterattack." ”

"Is there a fully staffed division in the army group now?" I asked tentatively.

"No, there is not a single division with a full force." Chuikov replied crisply. He did not hide anything from me the current state of the army group. "Colonel Travnikov's 399th Infantry Division. There are only 140 people left. ”

Hearing Chuikov's words, I couldn't help but gasp, this army from the Far East turned out to be tens of thousands of people. As a result, after only a little more than a month of being put on the battlefield, it was already completely lost, and the division commander became a company commander. I took a deep breath and cautiously asked, "So will they retreat to the east bank of the Volga River in the near future to rest and replenish?" ”

Unexpectedly, Chuikov gave me a negative answer: "We need troops now, even if there is one more person, it can give us an extra strength when protecting the city." ”

After listening to my words, Chuikov sighed and said helplessly: "No, there is no one." At present, in the formation of the group army, your independent division has the largest number of troops. ”

When I heard him say this, I couldn't help but chuckle in my heart, and I said that he wouldn't want to draw troops from me to strengthen the crippled infantry divisions in the city, would he? Thinking about it like this, my heart became more and more unsteady, and I said with some humility: "Comrade commander, although our division has a large number of troops, you also know that most of the soldiers have not undergone special military training, and their combat effectiveness is estimated to be inferior to that of ordinary militia battalions. And from the analysis of the current shape, Mamayev Gang will become the focus of the German offensive, I think ......"

"Alright, Colonel Oshanina, don't complain in front of me. Don't worry, no matter how difficult the situation in the city is, I will not send a single soldier from the Mamayev Gang. ”

Hearing him say this, the stone hanging in my heart finally fell to the ground, as long as I didn't draw my troops. Although the strength of the independent division seems to be quite large now, there are as many as 7,000 people, but according to the current intensity of fighting, it can support about a month at most.

Chuikov then said earnestly: "Yesterday Comrade Stalin personally called me and said: Losing Stalingrad is equivalent to giving the enemy an advantage. Defending it is like being trapped in the hands of an enemy, posing a threat to its lines of communication. There is no doubt that the capture of Stalingrad in this campaign was an important part of the strategic plan of the German General Command. We don't know all the details of their plans, but I think it's riskier than what they wanted to do to take Moscow last year. The well-known tactics of armoured troops, followed by motorized infantry flanks, and finally encircling our troops, have become less and less of a threat to us after more than a year of fighting. ”

Although Chuikov was relaying Stalin's exact words, I was smiling bitterly in my heart, saying that the enemy's tactics were becoming less and less of a threat to us, but at the end of June, after the crushing defeat in the Kharkiv region, the Germans had captured 250,000 people. However, I can only hide these slanderous words in my heart, and I can't show them on my face at all.

"Comrade commander, if the three armies under the command of General Zhukov can successfully break through the siege, then our forces defending the city will be greatly strengthened." That being said, in my memory, the 62nd Army did not receive assistance from the 57th and 64th armies south of the city, except for the occasional reinforcement from the east bank of the Volga River in the battle to hold Stalingrad, so I did not have any confidence in my heart when I said this.

"Colonel Oshanina, you are so optimistic." Originally, I thought that the remnants of these three armies could be a straw to save Stalingrad, but Chuikov's words shattered my dreams. He said lightly: "Although General Zhukov is nominally in command of three group armies. Only seven divisions actually entered the battle. To stop their counterattack, the Germans used twelve elite divisions, all German divisions, without the troops of the client state, but also two armored divisions and five motorized infantry. ”

I sighed again and said regretfully: "Comrade commander, it seems that we can only hold on to Stalingrad by our own strength. ”

"Colonel Oshanina." Chuikov could tell I was a little discouraged. He hurriedly encouraged me and said, "Although the current situation is dangerous, it is not hopeless. Tell the warriors: Everyone must be a brick to defend the city. Only if we have confidence in victory can we finally defeat the German attack on the city. ”

Chuikov's words made my love after a short period of loss. Restore normalcy. Thinking of the battle that became a turning point in the war against fascism. I also confidently said: "Comrade Commander. I assure you, the commanders and fighters of my independent division"

Not only did my statement shake Chuikov, but even Kirillov, who was standing next to him, became emotional. He couldn't help but repeat my words: "Comrade Division Commander, you really said it too well. The commanders and fighters of our independent divisions will become living concrete, pouring together the bricks and tiles of this city, inspired by the spirit of Stalin, and turning the Mamayev Gang into an impassable floodgate for the enemy. ”

After talking to Chuikov, Kirillov and I returned to the division headquarters. The first thing I did when I entered the door was to order the commander of the guard battalion who came in with me, Basmanov: "Comrade Captain, go and invite Grahms, Beckman, and Gretka to the headquarters, I have something important to tell them." ”

When Basmanov left, Kirillov looked at his back and said with some displeasure: "Comrade division commander, what are you doing by calling these three Germans here at such a time?" ”

"Yes, Comrade Division Commander." Akhromeyev also spoke for Kirillov: "In this extraordinary period, we can't take risks, I should send these Germans to prisoner of war camps, otherwise, once they defect, the consequences will be unimaginable." ”

I didn't answer the two of them right away, but after beckoning them to sit down, I asked unhurriedly: "Political commissar and chief of staff, I want to ask you, have you ever heard of the 'Red Choir'?" ”

Is it another name for Aleksandrov's" Red Banner Song and Dance Troupe? Akhromeyev asked tentatively.

I saw Kirillov shake his head, indicating that he had not heard of it, and then said to the two: "You can't imagine, this 'red choir' has nothing to do with music, this is an anti-fascist organization organized by the Germans themselves. The members of the organization, including officers and soldiers, workers and artists, used their identities to obtain valuable information that was relayed to our intelligence services via Guò radio. In the information they provided, they pointed out many new combat locations and accurately reported the next strategic deployment of the German army, which made an immeasurable contribution to our better fight against the German fascists. ”

After saying this, I stared nervously at the expressions on the faces of the two of them, because what I said should be top secret at this moment, not to mention Kirillov, even the commander of the front command, Yeremenko, and the military commissar Khrushchev. I was afraid that Kirillov from the Central Committee would get to the bottom of it, and I didn't know how to answer it then.

Fortunately, Kirillov listened to my words and did not speak but kept pondering. Instead, Akhromeyev asked curiously: "Comrade division commander, where did you get this news from?" ”

To his question, I replied vaguely: "Please forgive me for not being able to tell you about this source of information, because it is confidential. And what I just said, please keep it secret from both of you, once it is leaked, the consequences will be unimaginable. ”

After listening to what I said, Kirillov did not dwell on it but changed the subject: "Comrade division commander, you called three German officers over, how do you plan to arrange them?" ”

I was relieved to hear Kirillov say that, at least he wasn't so resistant to Grams. I hurriedly replied: "Judging from the current situation, Mamayev Hill will soon become the focus of the German offensive. For the sake of safety, I don't think Grams's two companies should be on high ground, and I'm going to help them move to the settlement. Let them be grouped together with Oleg's five regiments. ”

"Is this appropriate?" After listening to this, Kirillov asked a little hesitantly.

"Nothing inappropriate, my Comrade Commissar." I said confidently: "Grahms, they are quite familiar with Lieutenant Colonel Oleg, as well as Commissar Vylol. Besides, I'm waiting for Grams, when they get there, to help me train a bunch of snipers. ”

"Sniper?" When Akhromeyev heard this word, he asked very curiously: "We are now fighting positional warfare, what do we want snipers to do?" ”

"Yes, Comrade Division Commander." Kirillov was also puzzled and asked: "What are you going to use the trained snipers for?" ”

After the two of them finished talking about their questions, I smiled and said to them, "Political commissar, chief of staff." Look a little bigger. Although now the battle is only taking place outside the city. But I estimate that the Germans will storm the city soon,......"

"What did you say, Comrade Division Commander?" Didn't wait for me to finish. Akhromeyev was surprised and asked: "Do you think Stalingrad will be lost?" ”

"Chief of Staff Akhromeyev." For his flusteredness. I said in a dissatisfied, "I'm talking about the Germans storming Stalingrad, not about the loss of the city." With our current strength, we will not be able to stop the Germans. I estimate that in half a month at most, they will storm the city and occupy a considerable part of the city. In such a situation, tanks, artillery and even airplanes are of little use, and it is machine guns, submachine guns, rifles, grenades and even hand-to-hand combat that determines the outcome of the battle. Once the street fighting begins, this group of snipers we have trained will come in handy. At this point, I couldn't help but get a little excited, and began to tell them about the scenes I had seen in later films: "Think about it, the Germans were searching the streets full of bricks and rubble, and suddenly bullets flew from all directions, knocking down the soldiers walking in the streets. Before the remaining Germans came to their senses, our snipers had quickly moved to new hiding spots, lurking there like hunters, patiently waiting for the appearance of new prey......"

"Comrade division commander, this is really wonderful." Akhromeyev was amazed by my words, and when he saw that even Kirillov was smiling and nodded, he continued: "If the situation is really as the division commander said, then the training of snipers needs to be started immediately." Not to mention half a month, I think it only takes a week for us to train a group of qualified snipers. ”

"Comrade Oshanina, I agree with you." For the first time, Kirillov and I agreed on the issue of Grams, "When Captain Grams and they come, I will immediately send them to the settlement." At this point, he paused for a moment, frowned and thought for a moment, and then added, "And their military uniforms, all of them should be changed into the uniforms of our army, so as not to have unnecessary misunderstandings with friendly soldiers." ”

I had no objection to Kirillov's suggestion, nodded and said, "That's no problem, I'll let Grams and them change their clothes and go to the settlement." As for the German uniforms they took off, don't destroy them, keep them, maybe they will be used when we attack the German camp one day. ”

As we spoke, Basmanov had already arrived at the headquarters with Grahms, Beckman, and Gretka. As soon as they entered the door, Kirillov stood up for the first time and beckoned the three of them to sit down. Faced with the sudden 180-degree turn in his attitude, the three of them were really a little unaccustomed. But I whispered to Basmanov, who was still standing straight in front of me: "Comrade Captain, you immediately go out and arrange for manpower, find the uniforms of our army for Grams and Beckman and their troops, and change all the German uniforms on them." ”

Although Basmanov had a surprised look on his face, he didn't ask anything, but after agreeing, he turned and left the headquarters.

When I returned to the table and sat down, I saw that the three of them were still confused, so I hurriedly smiled and said to them, "Two captains, I have called you here, I have a new task to give you." ”

Hearing that I had an assignment, Beckman and Gretka stood up suddenly, while Grhams moved a little slower than the two of them because he had to wait for Gretka to translate.

Seeing that all three of them were standing up, I continued: "Captain Grams, Captain Beckman, the battle on the high ground today. I think you've seen it too. Although today's battle was brutal, I would like to tell you that this is just the beginning. For the sake of your safety, I intend to temporarily transfer the 2nd and 3rd Guard Companies under your command to the 5th Regiment of Lieutenant Colonel Oleg and Political Commissar Vylol. Do you guys have any ideas? "The last sentence, I didn't want to say, but in order to show respect for them, I made a point of asking.

As soon as I finished speaking, Grammers began to speak. Gretka's translator said: "Comrade division commander. I'm going to stay, as the commander of your guard company, and I'll be where you are. ”

After listening to Gretka's translation. I started by expressing my gratitude to Grahms. Then he said, "Captain Grams." I have transferred you and your men to the settlements because I have an even more important task for you. ”

"I'm at your command." This sentence, Grams, did not wait for Greitka to translate. He said it in his own stiff Russian.

"The last time I was at the station, I used to talk to you about snipers, do you remember?" Seeing that Gramms listened to the translation, he nodded without hesitation. "Now I am sending you to the settlement, just so that you can train a group of qualified snipers in the shortest possible time. Are you confident that you can complete this task? ”

"No problem." Grimes continued to taunt his broken Russian, answering me with an oath.

Seeing that he did not have any objections, I also gave a straightforward order to him and Beckman: "Alright, Captain Grams, Captain Beckman, I now formally order you, from now on, you will be assigned to the command of Lieutenant Colonel Oleg's Fifth Regiment. In addition to the fact that Grams, in the shortest possible time, will train a group of qualified snipers for us; Of course, Captain Beckman, you can't be idle. The absolute majority of the fighters in our division have not been trained, so the matter of training them will be left to you. ”

"Please rest assured, we promise to complete the task." The two of them straightened up and replied in Russian in unison.

I saw that Kirillov and Akhromeyev next to me were smiling and nodding, so I said again: "Since this is an extraordinary time, in order to prevent misunderstandings among friendly forces, when you take your troops out of the high ground later, change the original uniforms on your bodies into the uniforms of our army." ”

"Understood!" The two replied in unison.

After they all left, I picked up the phone on the table and shook the five groups. As soon as I heard Velol's familiar voice coming from the earpiece, I immediately said to her, "Commissar Velol, I'm Colonel Oshanina, and I have something to inform you. ”

Velore said politely: "Comrade division commander, I am at your disposal. ”

"I have just sent the second and third companies of the guard battalion to the settlement, and from today onwards, they will be officially placed under your command. The company commanders of these two companies, whom you and Lieutenant Colonel Oleg know, are Captain Grams and Captain Beckman. Their mission after arriving at your regiment is to strengthen the technical and tactical level of all commanders and fighters, and second, to train a group of qualified snipers. As long as it is within reason, you can support them as much as you can. ”

"Understood, Comrade Division Commander. I will report this to Commander Oleg and send someone out to meet them. ”

Verol is a lesbian after all, and considering the problem is comprehensive, I nodded with satisfaction after listening to it, and after chatting with her for a few more words, I hung up the phone.

Putting down the phone, I saw Akhromeyev sitting in front of me, and I told him what Chuikov had explained. After listening to this, he sat in his position and frowned and thought for a while, and then said: "Comrade division commander, I think we should release an observation post in the direction of the 107.5 heights and carry walkie-talkies, so that we can keep abreast of the latest situation on the heights. ”

"What about your opinion, Comrade Commissar?" Although I thought Akhromeyev was considering, I politely turned my head and asked Kirillov.

"I have no opinion." Kirillov briefly stated his attitude.

"Alright then, Comrade Chief of Staff, since that is the case, you should arrange the observation post as much as you can. As for what communications equipment you need, you will go to Lieutenant Razumayeva later. Seeing that Kirillov and Akhromeyev were in the same position, and that I did not have to say anything, I continued: "In addition, draw two more of the five captured German heavy guns, aim them at the 107.5 height, and if the Germans occupy the high ground before our reinforcements arrive, we will bombard them with artillery." "The other day, when the three and four regiments attacked the high ground from the south flank, the terrible price they paid made my heart bleed, and I don't want to repeat the same mistakes, so I have to prepare for a rainy day now.

"And who is in command of these two heavy guns?" Akhromeyev, the chief of staff, thought it quite carefully.

"Let the second lieutenant Tiyakonov, who has just been promoted in the second artillery company, take command, and a few more skilled gunners will be transferred from the third company to strengthen his squad."

A few hours later, it turned out how right we were to plan ahead. In the evening, the Germans suddenly concentrated their forces and launched a fierce attack on the 107.5 heights on the west side of Mamayev Gang.

Although their tactics were still the same as before, first bombarding with artillery, and then covering the infantry charge with tanks. If they had resorted to this tactic against the Mamayev Heights, I can assert that they would have been bloodied in front of the high ground as they had done in the morning, and would have obediently retreated after losing their troops.

But at this moment, guarding the high ground was the 125th Infantry Regiment weakened by Yan Zhan. After the German shelling stopped, the German infantry, under the cover of tanks, quickly rushed to our positions along the northern slope.

According to our observation posts, as most of the fortifications on the hillside were flattened by artillery fire, the remaining commanders and fighters of the friendly forces were either hiding behind rocks, crouching in newly formed craters, or in the remaining trenches or two, firing at the onrushing German infantry.

I walked out of the headquarters, picked up my binoculars and looked at the friendly heights to the west, only to see that on the high ground there, fierce fire continued, mixed with the explosion of tank shells and grenades. The heights were littered with fires and explosions.

At this moment, Pugachev, who had been summoned by me, ran over out of breath and asked loudly: "Comrade division commander, what instructions do you have?" ”

I pointed with my hand to the heights where the fighting was raging to the west and said loudly: "Comrade Pugachev, did you see the battle on the heights over there?" The Germans are attacking friendly forces, and your task is to immediately lead a battalion to reinforce the 107.5 heights. ”

"Comrade Captain," Kirillov, who did not know when he came to me, added deliberately: "The task is clear, you have to assist the 125th Infantry Regiment on the high ground to hold its position, to hold back the Germans to the death, so that they cannot advance a single step." Do you understand? ”

"Understood." A look of embarrassment flashed on Pugachev's face, but he quickly returned to normalcy and replied loudly, "I promise to complete the task." ”

When Pugachev left, Kirillov looked at the heights where fierce battles were being fought in the distance with a telescope, and asked with a little curiosity: "Comrade division commander, didn't you promise the commander to put the three regiments behind the heights so that they could be reinforced at any time?" Why did you send the second regiment out now? ”

In response to his question, I explained to him: "My comrade political commissar, the Third Regiment is too far from the high ground, and by the time they arrive, it is estimated that the high ground has already been lost. From here, the 2nd Regiment would have arrived in about ten minutes, if it had been fast, and by that time the attacking enemy was already a little tired, and perhaps they would have driven the Germans down with a counter-charge. ”

"What if the high ground is lost before they arrive?" Kirillov looked at the high ground in the distance and asked unsteadily. (To be continued......)

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